10-Q 1 p75521e10vq.htm 10-Q e10vq
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UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
(Mark One)
     
þ   Quarterly Report Under Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
For the Quarterly Period Ended March 31, 2008 or
     
o   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: 001-32550
 
WESTERN ALLIANCE BANCORPORATION
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)
     
Nevada   88-0365922
(State or Other Jurisdiction
of Incorporation or Organization)
  (I.R.S. Employer I.D. Number)
2700 W. Sahara Avenue, Las Vegas, NV   89102
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)   (Zip Code)
     
(702) 248-4200    
(Registrant’s telephone number,
including area code)
   
 
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 þ No o
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. (Check one):
Large accelerated filer o   Accelerated filer þ   Non-accelerated filero (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)   Smaller reporting company o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act) Yes o No þ
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.
Common Stock Issued and Outstanding: 30,255,760 shares as of April 30, 2008.
 
 

 


 

Table of Contents
         
Index   Page
       
    3  
    4  
    5  
    6  
Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements
    7  
    17  
    34  
    34  
 
       
       
    35  
    35  
    35  
    35  
    35  
    35  
    36  
 
       
Signatures
    37  
    38  
 EX-31.1
 EX-31.2
 EX-32

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Part I. Financial Information
ITEM I. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Western Alliance Bancorporation and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Balance Sheets
March 31, 2008 and December 31, 2007
(Unaudited)
                 
    March 31,     December 31,  
($ in thousands, except per share amounts)   2008     2007  
 
Assets
               
Cash and due from banks
  $ 132,894     $ 104,650  
Federal funds sold and other
    58,967       10,979  
     
Cash and cash equivalents
    191,861       115,629  
     
Securities held to maturity (approximate fair value $8,972 and $9,530, respectively)
    8,790       9,406  
Securities available for sale
    477,095       486,354  
Securities measured at fair value
    245,238       240,440  
 
               
Gross loans, including net deferred loan fees
    3,722,632       3,633,009  
Less: Allowance for loan losses
    (50,839 )     (49,305 )
     
Loans, net
    3,671,793       3,583,704  
     
 
               
Premises and equipment, net
    143,923       143,421  
Other real estate owned
    6,901       3,412  
Bank owned life insurance
    88,861       88,061  
Investment in restricted stock, at cost
    46,351       27,003  
Accrued interest receivable
    20,636       22,344  
Deferred tax assets, net
    35,346       25,900  
Goodwill
    217,810       217,810  
Other intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization of $4,507 and $3,693, respectively
    23,556       24,370  
Other assets
    19,142       28,242  
     
Total assets
  $ 5,197,303     $ 5,016,096  
     
 
               
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
               
Liabilities
               
Non-interest bearing demand deposits
  $ 1,032,229     $ 1,007,642  
Interest bearing deposits:
               
Demand
    276,492       264,586  
Savings and money market
    1,538,319       1,558,867  
Time, $100 and over
    623,767       649,351  
Other time
    159,457       66,476  
     
 
    3,630,264       3,546,922  
Customer repurchase agreements
    224,630       275,016  
Federal Home Loan Bank advances and other borrowings
One year or less
    645,380       489,330  
Over one year ($31,458 and $30,768 measured at fair value, respectively)
    51,029       55,369  
Junior subordinated debt, measured at fair value
    56,022       62,240  
Subordinated debt
    60,000       60,000  
Accrued interest payable and other liabilities
    36,018       25,701  
     
Total liabilities
    4,703,343       4,514,578  
     
 
               
Commitments and Contingencies (Note 7)
               
 
               
Stockholders’ Equity
               
Preferred stock, par value $.0001; shares authorized 20,000,000; no shares issued and outstanding 2008 and 2007
           
Common stock, par value $.0001; shares authorized 100,000,000; shares issued and outstanding 2008: 30,229,840; 2007: 30,157,079
    3       3  
Additional paid-in capital
    380,413       377,973  
Retained earnings
    156,259       152,286  
Accumulated other comprehensive loss — net unrealized loss on available for sale securities
    (42,715 )     (28,744 )
     
Total stockholders’ equity
    493,960       501,518  
     
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
  $ 5,197,303     $ 5,016,096  
     
See Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements.

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Western Alliance Bancorporation and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Income
Three Months Ended March 31, 2008 and 2007
(Unaudited)
                 
($ in thousands, except per share amounts)   2008     2007  
 
Interest income on:
               
Loans, including fees
  $ 65,704     $ 59,020  
Securities — taxable
    9,570       6,895  
Securities — nontaxable
    357       58  
Dividends — taxable
    627       420  
Dividends — nontaxable
    419       387  
Federal funds sold and other
    115       533  
     
Total interest income
    76,792       67,313  
     
Interest expense on:
               
Deposits
    19,514       21,873  
Short-term borrowings
    7,580       2,389  
Long-term borrowings
    715       516  
Junior subordinated debt and subordinated debt
    2,121       1,679  
     
Total interest expense
    29,930       26,457  
     
Net interest income
    46,862       40,856  
Provision for loan losses
    8,059       441  
     
Net interest income after provision for loan losses
    38,803       40,415  
     
Non-interest income:
               
Trust and investment advisory services
    2,796       2,105  
Service charges
    1,427       1,069  
Income from bank owned life insurance
    800       928  
Other
    3,395       1,488  
     
Non-interest income, excluding securities and fair value gains (losses)
    8,418       5,590  
     
Investment securities gains, net
    161       284  
Derivative gains
    43        
Securities impairment charges
    (5,280 )      
Unrealized gain (loss) on assets and liabilities measured at fair value, net
    1,381       (13 )
     
Non-interest income
    4,723       5,861  
     
Other expense:
               
Salaries and employee benefits
    21,934       17,033  
Occupancy
    5,028       4,239  
Advertising and other business development
    2,100       1,462  
Customer service
    1,200       1,323  
Insurance
    972       298  
Legal, professional and director fees
    931       1,044  
Intangible amortization
    789       257  
Data processing
    769       435  
Audits and exams
    648       531  
Telephone
    401       340  
Supplies
    371       509  
Travel and automobile
    338       287  
Correspondent and wire transfer costs
    301       418  
Other
    2,156       745  
     
 
    37,938       28,921  
     
 
               
Income before income taxes
    5,588       17,355  
 
               
Minority interest
    65        
Income tax expense
    1,381       5,952  
     
 
               
Net income
  $ 4,142     $ 11,403  
     
Earnings per share:
               
Basic
  $ 0.14     $ 0.42  
     
Diluted
  $ 0.14     $ 0.39  
     
See Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements.

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Western Alliance Bancorporation and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statement of Stockholders’ Equity
Three Months Ended March 31, 2008 (Unaudited)

($ in thousands, except per share amounts)
                                                         
                                            Accumulated        
                            Additional             Other        
    Comprehensive     Common Stock     Paid-in     Retained     Comprehensive        
Description   Income (loss)     Shares Issued     Amount     Capital     Earnings     (Loss)     Total  
Balance, December 31, 2007
            30,157     $ 3     $ 377,973     $ 152,286     $ (28,744 )   $ 501,518  
 
                                                       
Stock options exercised
            68             553                   553  
Stock-based compensation expense
            25             2,243                   2,243  
Stock repurchases
            (20 )           (356 )                 (356 )
Cumulative effect adjustment related to adoption of EITF No. 06-4
                              (169 )           (169 )
Comprehensive income (loss):
                                                       
Net income
  $ 4,142                         4,142             4,142  
Other comprehensive income (loss)
                                                       
Unrealized holding losses on securities available for sale arising during the period, net of taxes of $10,048
    (17,403 )                                                
Less reclassification adjustment for impairment losses included in net income, net of taxes of $1,848
    3,432                                                  
 
                                                     
Net unrealized holding losses
    (13,971 )                             (13,971 )     (13,971 )
 
                                                     
 
  $ (9,829 )                                                
 
                                                     
 
                                                       
             
 
                                                       
Balance, March 31, 2008
            30,230     $ 3     $ 380,413     $ 156,259     $ (42,715 )   $ 493,960  
             
See Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements.

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Western Alliance Bancorporation and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
Three Months Ended March 31, 2008 and 2007 (Unaudited)

($ in thousands)
                 
    2008     2007  
 
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
               
Net income
  $ 4,142     $ 11,403  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
               
Provision for loan losses
    8,059       441  
Securities impairment charges
    5,280        
Change in fair value of assets and liabilities measured at fair value
    (1,788 )      
Decrease in other assets
    7,976       6,545  
Increase in other liabilities
    7,872       47  
Other, net
    4,204       825  
     
Net cash provided by operating activities
    35,745       19,261  
     
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
               
Proceeds from maturities of securities
    34,006       17,610  
Purchases of securities
    (82,434 )     (52,706 )
Proceeds from the sale of securities
    22,011       8,764  
Net cash received in settlement of acquisition
          46,793  
Net increase in loans made to customers
    (96,148 )     (40,197 )
Purchase of premises and equipment
    (2,893 )     (11,889 )
Proceeds from sale of premises and equipment
          2,628  
(Liquidations) purchases of restricted stock
    (18,901 )     938  
     
Net cash (used in) investing activities
    (144,359 )     (28,059 )
     
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
               
Net increase in deposits
    84,016       46,460  
Net proceeds from (repayments on) borrowings
    100,633       (7,103 )
Proceeds from exercise of stock options and stock warrants
    553       1,018  
Stock repurchases
    (356 )      
     
Net cash provided by financing activities
    184,846       40,375  
     
Increase in cash and cash equivalents
    76,232       31,577  
Cash and Cash Equivalents, beginning of period
    115,629       264,880  
     
Cash and Cash Equivalents, end of period
  $ 191,861     $ 296,457  
     
 
               
Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information
               
Cash payments for interest
  $ 40,595     $ 26,590  
Cash payments for income taxes
  $     $  
Supplemental Disclosure of Noncash Investing and Financing Activities
Stock issued in connection with acquisition
  $     $ 91,304  
Trading securities in the process of settlement
  $ 12,878     $  
Transfers of loans to other real estate owned
  $ 6,901     $  
See Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements.

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Note 1. Nature of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
Nature of business
Western Alliance Bancorporation is a bank holding company providing a full range of banking services to commercial and consumer clientele through its wholly owned subsidiaries: Bank of Nevada and First Independent Bank of Nevada, operating in Nevada; Alliance Bank of Arizona, operating in Arizona; Torrey Pines Bank and Alta Alliance Bank, operating in California; Miller/Russell & Associates, Inc., operating in Nevada, Arizona and Southern California; Premier Trust, Inc., operating in Nevada and Arizona and Shine Investment Advisory Services, Inc., operating in Colorado. These entities are collectively referred to herein as the Company. The accounting and reporting policies of the Company conform to accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America and general industry practices.
Use of estimates in the preparation of financial statements
The preparation of financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Material estimates that are particularly susceptible to significant changes in the near term relate to the determination of the allowance for loan losses; fair value of collateralized debt obligations (CDOs), synthetic CDOs and related embedded derivatives; classification of impaired securities as other than temporary; and impairment of goodwill and other intangible assets.
Principles of consolidation
With the exception of certain trust subsidiaries which do not meet the criteria for consolidation pursuant to Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Interpretation No. 46 (FIN 46), Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities, the consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly owned subsidiaries, Bank of Nevada and its subsidiary BW Real Estate, Inc., Alliance Bank of Arizona, Torrey Pines Bank, Alta Alliance Bank, First Independent Bank of Nevada (collectively referred to herein as the Banks), Miller/Russell & Associates, Inc., Premier Trust, Inc., and Shine Investment Advisory Services, Inc. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
Interim financial information
The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements as of March 31, 2008 and 2007 have been prepared in condensed format, and therefore do not include all of the information and footnotes required by generally accepted accounting principles for complete financial statements. These statements have been prepared on a basis that is substantially consistent with the accounting principles applied to our consolidated financial statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007.
The information furnished in these interim statements reflects all adjustments which are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair statement of the results for each respective period presented. Such adjustments are of a normal recurring nature. The results of operations in the interim statements are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for any other quarter or for the full year. The interim financial information should be read in conjunction with the Company’s audited financial statements.

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Repurchase program
For the quarter ended March 31, 2008, the Company repurchased 20,000 shares of common stock on the open market with a weighted average price of $17.75 per share. The Company has the remaining authority to repurchase shares with an aggregate purchase price of $30.6 million under a share repurchase program authorized by the Board of Directors through December 31, 2008. All repurchased shares are retired as soon as is practicable after settlement.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In September 2007, the FASB ratified the consensus of the Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF) Issue No. 06-4, Accounting for Deferred Compensation and Postretirement Benefit Aspects of Endorsement Split-Dollar Life Insurance Arrangement. EITF 06-4 applies to endorsement split dollar life insurance policies that provide a benefit to an employee that extends to postretirement periods and requires an employer to recognize a liability for future benefits over the service period based on the substantive agreement with the employee. EITF 06-4 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2007, with early adoption permitted. The adoption of EITF 06-4 resulted in a cumulative effect adjustment of $0.2 million, effective January 1, 2008.
In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 141R, Business Combinations (SFAS 141R), and SFAS No. 160, Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements, an amendment of ARB No. 51 (SFAS 160). These new standards significantly change the accounting for and reporting of business combination transactions and noncontrolling interests (previously referred to as minority interests) in consolidated financial statements. These Statements are effective for the Company beginning on January 1, 2009. The Company does not expect SFAS 141R and SFAS 160 to have a material impact on the financial statements. These standards will change the Company’s accounting treatment for business combinations on a prospective basis.
In March 2008, the FASB issued SFAS No. 161, Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities, an amendment of FASB Statement No. 133 (SFAS 161). SFAS 161 amends and expands the disclosure requirements of FASB Statement No. 133, requiring enhanced disclosures about (a) how and why the Company uses derivative instruments, (b) how derivative instruments and related hedge items are accounted for under FASB Statement No. 133 and its related interpretations, and (c) how derivative instruments and related hedged items affect the Company’s financial position, results of operations, and cash flows. SFAS 161 is effective January 1, 2009 on a prospective basis, with comparative disclosures of earlier periods encouraged upon initial adoption.
Derivative financial instruments
All derivatives are recognized on the balance sheet at their fair value, with changes in fair value reported in current-period earnings. These instruments consist primarily of interest rate swaps.
Note 2. Fair Value Accounting
For the three months ended March 31, 2008, gains and losses from fair value changes included in the Consolidated Statement of Income were as follows (in thousands):

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    Changes in Fair Values for the Three-Month Period
Ended March 31, 2008 for Items Measured at Fair
Value Pursuant to Election of the Fair Value Option
                            Total  
    Unrealized                     Changes in  
    Gain (Loss) on             Interest     Fair Values  
    Assets and             Expense on     Included in  
    Liabilities     Interest     Junior     Current-  
    Measured at     Income on     Subordinated     Period  
Description   Fair Value, Net     Securities     Debt     Earnings  
Securities measured at fair value
  $ (4,077 )   $ 337     $     $ (3,740 )
Junior subordinated debt
    6,148             70     $ 6,218  
Fixed-rate term borrowings
    (690 )                 (690 )
 
                       
 
  $ 1,381     $ 337     $ 70     $ 1,788  
 
                       
The difference between the aggregate fair value of $56.0 million and the aggregate unpaid principal balance of $66.5 million of junior subordinated debt was $10.5 million at March 31, 2008.
The difference between the aggregate fair value of $31.5 million and the aggregate unpaid principal balance of $30.0 million of fixed-rate term borrowings measured at fair value was $1.5 million at March 31, 2008.
Interest income on securities measured at fair value are accounted for similarly to those classified as available for sale and held to maturity. As of January 1, 2007, a discount or premium was calculated for each security based upon the difference between the par value and the fair value at that date. These premiums and discounts will generally be recognized in interest income over the term of the securities. For mortgage-backed securities, estimates of prepayments are considered in the constant yield calculations. Interest expense on junior subordinated debt is also determined under a constant yield calculation.
The Company measures certain assets and liabilities at fair value on a recurring basis, including securities available for sale, securities measured at market value and junior subordinated debt. The fair value of these assets and liabilities were determined using the following inputs at March 31, 2008 (in thousands):

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  Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using:
            Quoted Prices              
            in Active     Significant        
            Markets for     Other     Significant  
            Identical     Observable     Unobservable  
            Assets     Inputs     Inputs  
Description   March 31, 2008     (Level 1)     (Level 2)     (Level 3)  
Assets:
                               
Securities available for sale
  $ 477,095     $ 61,198     $ 323,278     $ 92,619  
Securities measured at fair value
    245,238             245,238        
Interest rate swaps
    4,434             4,434        
     
Total
  $ 726,767     $ 61,198     $ 572,950     $ 92,619  
     
 
                               
Liabilities:
                               
Fixed-rate term borrowings
  $ 31,458     $       31,458     $  
Junior subordinated debt
    56,022                   56,022  
Interest rate swaps
    3,233             3,233        
     
Total
  $ 90,713     $     $ 34,691     $ 56,022  
     
Fair Value Measurements Using
Significant Unobservable Inputs
(Level 3)
                         
    Securities Available     Securities Measured     Junior Subordinated  
    For Sale     at Fair Value     Debt  
Beginning balance January 1, 2008
  $ 115,921     $ 2,787     $ (62,240 )
Total gains (losses) (realized/unrealized)
                       
Included in earnings
    (5,671 )     (2,787 )     6,218  
Included in other comprehensive income
    (17,631 )            
Purchases, issuances, and settlements, net
                 
Transfers in and/or out of Level 3
                 
     
Ending balance March 31, 2008
  $ 92,619     $     $ (56,022 )
     
 
                       
The amount of total gains (losses) for the period included in earnings attributable to the change in unrealized gains (losses) relating to assets and liabilities still held at the reporting date
  $ (5,671 )   $ (2,787 )   $ 6,218  
     
Note 3. Earnings Per Share
Diluted earnings per share is based on the weighted average outstanding common shares during each period, including common stock equivalents. Basic earnings per share is based on the weighted average outstanding common shares during the period.
Basic and diluted earnings per share, based on the weighted average outstanding shares, are summarized as follows:

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    Three Months Ended
    March 31,
    2008   2007
    (in thousands, except per share
    amounts)
Basic:
               
 
               
Net income applicable to common stock
  $ 4,142     $ 11,403  
Average common shares outstanding
    29,544       26,950  
     
Earnings per share
  $ 0.14     $ 0.42  
     
 
               
Diluted:
               
Net income applicable to common stock
  $ 4,142     $ 11,403  
     
 
               
Average common shares outstanding
    29,544       26,950  
Stock option adjustment
    435       1,134  
Restricted stock adjustment
          104  
Stock warrant adjustment
    568       993  
     
Average common equivalent shares outstanding
    30,547       29,181  
     
Earnings per share
  $ 0.14     $ 0.39  
     
As of March 31, 2008, approximately 978,000 stock options and 132,000 stock warrants were considered anti-dilutive and excluded for purposes of calculating diluted earnings per share because they were out of the money.
Note 4. Securities
Carrying amounts and fair values of investment securities at March 31, 2008 are summarized as follows (in thousands):

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    March 31, 2008  
            Gross     Gross        
    Amortized     Unrealized     Unrealized     Fair  
Securities held to maturity   Cost     Gains     (Losses)     Value  
     
Municipal obligations
  $ 7,290     $ 182     $     $ 7,472  
Other
    1,500                   1,500  
     
 
  $ 8,790     $ 182     $     $ 8,972  
     
 
                               
Securities available for sale
                               
U.S. Treasury securities
  $ 5,976     $     $ 8     $ 5,984  
U.S. Government-sponsored agencies
    7,975       15       (14 )     7,976  
Municipal obligations
    14,019       233       (36 )     14,216  
Mortgage-backed securities
    284,529       4,182       (1,063 )     287,648  
Adjustable-rate preferred stock
    57,486             (25,520 )     31,966  
Debt obligations and structured securities
    160,161             (44,292 )     115,869  
Other
    13,498             (62 )     13,436  
     
 
  $ 543,644     $ 4,430     $ (70,979 )   $ 477,095  
     
 
                               
Securities measured at fair value
                               
U.S. Government-sponsored agencies
                          $ 2,480  
Municipal obligations
                            111  
Mortgage-backed securities
                            242,647  
 
                             
 
                          $ 245,238  
 
                             
                                 
    December 31, 2007  
            Gross     Gross        
    Amortized     Unrealized     Unrealized     Fair  
Securities held to maturity   Cost     Gains     (Losses)     Value  
     
Municipal obligations
  $ 7,906     $ 124     $     $ 8,030  
Other
    1,500                   1,500  
     
 
  $ 9,406     $ 124     $     $ 9,530  
     
 
                               
Securities available for sale
                               
U.S. Government-sponsored agencies
  $ 14,971     $ 128     $ (20 )   $ 15,079  
Municipal obligations
    14,143       88       (36 )     14,195  
Mortgage-backed securities
    273,368       2,429       (1,507 )     274,290  
Adjustable-rate preferred stock
    51,506             (21,796 )     29,710  
Debt obligations and structured securities
    162,855             (23,515 )     139,340  
Other
    13,890             (150 )     13,740  
     
 
  $ 530,733     $ 2,645     $ (47,024 )   $ 486,354  
     
 
                               
Securities measured at fair value
                               
U.S. Government-sponsored agencies
                          $ 9,049  
Municipal obligations
                            110  
Mortgage-backed securities
                            228,494  
Debt obligations and structured securities
                            2,787  
 
                             
 
                          $ 240,440  
 
                             
At March 31, 2008, the combined unrealized loss on our adjustable rate preferred stock and debt and other structured securities portfolios classified as available for sale was $69.8 million, compared with $45.3 million at December 31, 2007. The increase is unrealized losses is generally due to widening interest spreads which began in the third quarter of 2007. During March 2008, the near insolvency of Bear Stearns caused the debt of almost all financial companies to decline in value. This compounded the lack of liquidity for such securities that existed since late 2007. The Company is actively monitoring these portfolios for declines in fair value that are considered other-than-temporary. These combined unrealized losses were not considered as other than temporary as of March 31, 2008.
During the quarter ended March 31, 2008, the Company recorded impairment charges totaling $5.3 million, including $2.2 million related to a security which suffered a significant downgrade and $3.1 million

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related to an auction-rate leveraged security that was discussed in the Company’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007.
Note 5. Loans
The components of the Company’s loan portfolio as of March 31, 2008 and December 31, 2007 are as follows (in thousands):
                 
    March 31,   December 31,
    2008   2007
     
Construction and land development
  $ 805,464     $ 806,110  
Commercial real estate
    1,550,793       1,514,533  
Residential real estate
    519,614       492,551  
Commercial and industrial
    808,948       784,378  
Consumer
    46,234       43,517  
Less: net deferred loan fees
    (8,421 )     (8,080 )
     
 
    3,722,632       3,633,009  
 
               
Less:
               
Allowance for loan losses
    (50,839 )     (49,305 )
     
 
  $ 3,671,793     $ 3,583,704  
     
Changes in the allowance for loan losses for the three months ended March 31, 2008 and 2007 are as follows (in thousands):
                 
    Three Months Ended
    March 31,
    2008   2007
     
Balance, beginning
  $ 49,305     $ 33,551  
Acquisitions
          3,706  
Provision charged to operating expense
    8,059       441  
Recoveries of amounts charged off
    103       79  
Less amounts charged off
    (6,628 )     (258 )
     
Balance, ending
  $ 50,839     $ 37,519  
     
At March 31, 2008, total impaired and non-accrual loans were $51.3 million and $9.8 million, respectively, compared with $35.1 million and $17.9 million at December 31, 2007, respectively. Included in impaired loans were loans past due 90 days or more and still accruing of $3.2 million at March 31, 2008 and $0.8 million at December 31, 2007.
Note 6. Borrowed funds
The Company has a line of credit available from the Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB). Borrowing capacity is determined based on collateral pledged, generally consisting of securities and loans, at the time of the borrowing. The Company also has borrowings from other sources pledged by securities. A summary of the Company’s borrowings as of March 31, 2008 and December 31, 2007 follows (in thousands):

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    March 31,   December 31,
    2008   2007
     
Short Term
               
FHLB Advances (weighted average rate is 2008: 2.19% and 2007: 3.30%)
  $ 601,000     $ 447,600  
Other short term debt (weighted average rate is 2008: 4.87% and 2007: 4.83%)
    44,380       41,730  
     
Due in one year or less
  $ 645,380     $ 489,330  
     
Long Term
               
FHLB Advances (weighted average rate is 2008: 4.77% and 2007: 4.63%)
  $ 41,458     $ 45,768  
Other long term debt (weighted average rate is 8.79%)
    9,571       9,601  
     
Due in over one year
  $ 51,029     $ 55,369  
     
The Company was not in compliance with a loan covenant with a single lending institution. The lending institution waived this requirement as of March 31, 2008. In consideration for waiving the covenant as of March 31, 2008, the line of credit was decreased from $50 million to $40 million.
Note 7. Income Tax Matters
The reasons for the differences between the statutory federal income tax rate and the effective tax rate are summarized as follows:
                 
    March 31,   March 31,
    2008   2007
     
Computed “expected” tax expense
  $ 1,956     $ 6,075  
Increase (decrease) resulting from:
               
State income taxes, net of federal benefit
  70     179  
Dividends received deductions
  (147 )   (58 )
Bank-owned life insurance
    (280 )   (325 )
Tax-exempt income
    (125 )   (16 )
Nondeductible expenses
    85   84
Other
    (178 )   13
     
 
  $ 1,381   $ 5,952
     
Note 8. Contingencies
In the normal course of business, the Company is involved in various legal proceedings. In the opinion of management, any liability resulting from such proceedings would not have a material adverse effect on the consolidated financial statements.
Financial Instruments with Off-balance Sheet Risk
A summary of the contract amount of the Company’s exposure to off-balance sheet risk is as follows (in thousands):
                 
    March 31,   December 31,
    2008   2007
     
Commitments to extend credit, including unsecured loan commitments of $241,298 in 2008 and $230,677 in 2007
  $ 1,157,695     $ 1,193,522  
Credit card commitments and guarantees
    30,598       26,507  
Standby letters of credit, including unsecured letters of credit of $14,687 in 2008 and $14,543 in 2007
    80,402       80,790  
     
 
  $ 1,268,695     $ 1,300,819  
     
Subsequent to the period ended March 31, 2008, the Company entered into an agreement with the Federal Reserve Bank in which certain assets may be pledged as collateral on a borrowing line.
Note 9. Stock-based Compensation
For the three months ended March 31, 2008, 423,625 stock options with a weighted average exercise price of $15.90 per share were granted to certain key employees and directors. The Company estimates the fair value of each option award on the date of grant using a Black-Scholes valuation model. The weighted average grant date fair value of these options was $5.07 per share. These stock options generally have a vesting period of four years and a contractual life of seven years.

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As of March 31, 2008 and March 31, 2007, there were 2.6 million options outstanding.
For the three months ended March 31, 2008 and March 31, 2007 the company recognized stock-based compensation expense related to all options of $0.5 million and $0.4 million, respectively.
During the three months ended March 31, 2008, 27,150 shares of restricted stock were also issued. The Company estimates the compensation cost for restricted stock grants based upon the grant date fair value. Generally, these restricted stock grants have a three year vesting period. The weighted average grant date fair value was $0.4 million.
There were approximately 625,000 and 399,000 restricted shares outstanding at March 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively. For the three months ended March 31, 2008 and March 31, 2007 the Company recognized stock-based compensation of $1.7 million and $0.9 million related to the Company’s restricted stock plan.
Note 10. Segment Information
The following is a summary of selected operating segment information as of and for the periods ended March 31, 2008 and 2007:
                                                                 
    Bank   Alliance Bank   Torrey Pines   Alta Alliance   First Independent           Intersegment   Consolidated
(in thousands)   of Nevada   of Arizona   Bank   Bank   Bank   Other   Eliminations   Company
 
At March 31, 2008:
                                                               
Assets
  $ 3,098,135     $ 768,970     $ 704,157     $ 102,759     $ 546,486     $ 24,779     $ (47,983 )   $ 5,197,303  
Gross loans and deferred fees
    2,229,694       597,063       555,036       45,627       338,212             (43,000 )     3,722,632  
Less: Allowance for loan losses
    (32,868 )     (7,497 )     (5,829 )     (416 )     (4,229 )                 (50,839 )
     
Net loans
    2,196,826       589,566       549,207       45,211       333,983             (43,000 )     3,671,793  
     
Deposits
    2,017,709       668,922       452,348       81,567       414,208             (4,490 )     3,630,264  
Stockholders’ equity
    313,122       54,066       44,181       21,081       120,702       (59,192 )           493,960  
 
                                                               
Number of branches
    15       11       7       2       5                   40  
Number of full-time employees
    490       135       136       30       109       79             979  
 
                                                               
Three Months Ended March 31, 2008:
                                                               
Net interest income
  $ 27,756     $ 7,297     $ 7,623     $ 817     $ 4,756     $ (1,387 )   $     $ 46,862  
Provision for loan losses
    6,041       725       722       39       532                   8,059  
     
Net interest income after provision for loan losses
    21,715       6,572       6,901       778       4,224       (1,387 )           38,803  
Gain (loss) on sale of securities
          158                   3                   161  
Mark-to-market gains (losses), net
    (9,787 )     (166 )     (122 )                 6,219             (3,856 )
Noninterest income, excluding
                                                             
securities and fair value gains (losses)
    3,313       1,894       592       85       261       2,807       (534 )     8,418  
Noninterest expense
    (15,574 )     (6,465 )     (6,961 )     (1,434 )     (3,671 )     (4,367 )     534       (37,938 )
     
Income (loss) before income taxes
    (333 )     1,993       410       (571 )     817       3,272             5,588  
Minority interest
                                  65             65  
Income tax expense (benefit)
    (522 )     707       171       (236 )     132       1,129             1,381  
     
Net income (loss)
  $ 189     $ 1,286     $ 239     $ (335 )   $ 685     $ 2,078     $     $ 4,142  
     

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    Bank of   Alliance Bank   Torrey Pines   Alta Alliance   First Independent           Intersegment   Consolidated
(in thousands)   Nevada   of Arizona   Bank   Bank   Bank   Other   Eliminations   Company
 
At March 31, 2007:
                                                               
Assets
  $ 2,913,926     $ 706,779     $ 616,526     $ 63,905     $ 530,670     $ 24,425     $ (128,587 )   $ 4,727,644  
Gross loans and deferred fees
    2,122,463       503,777       424,735       12,265       292,797             (20,000 )     3,336,037  
Less: Allowance for loan losses
    (23,296 )     (5,732 )     (4,672 )     (113 )     (3,706 )                 (37,519 )
     
Net loans
    2,099,167       498,045       420,063       12,152       289,091             (20,000 )     3,298,518  
     
Deposits
    2,274,568       618,822       519,382       41,131       402,865             (7,623 )     3,849,145  
Stockholders’ equity
    347,210       52,859       40,609       23,681       122,748       (75,862 )           511,245  
 
                                                               
Number of branches
    15       10       6       2       4                   37  
Number of full-time employees
    538       134       111       30       95       51             959  
 
                                                               
Three Months Ended March 31, 2007:
                                                               
Net interest income
  $ 28,966     $ 6,694     $ 5,856     $ 379     $     $ (1,039 )   $     $ 40,856  
Provision for loan losses
    287             121       33                         441  
     
Net interest income after provision for loan losses
    28,679       6,694       5,735       346             (1,039 )           40,415  
Noninterest income
    2,922       531       448       82             2,353       (475 )     5,861  
Noninterest expense
    (15,053 )     (5,399 )     (4,324 )     (1,323 )           (3,297 )     475       (28,921 )
     
Income before income taxes
    16,548       1,826       1,859       (895 )           (1,983 )           17,355  
Income tax expense
    5,510       711       727       (358 )           (638 )           5,952  
     
Net income
  $ 11,038     $ 1,115     $ 1,132     $ (537 )   $     $ (1,345 )   $     $ 11,403  
     

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ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007 and our unaudited consolidated financial statements and related footnotes in the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. Unless the context requires otherwise, the terms “Company”, “us”, “we”, and “our” refer to Western Alliance Bancorporation on a consolidated basis.
Forward-Looking Information
Certain statements contained in this document, including, without limitation, statements containing the words “believes”, “anticipates”, “intends”, “expects”, “should” and words of similar import, constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Act of 1934. Such forward looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause our actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, among others, the following: general economic and business conditions in those areas in which we operate, demographic changes, competition, fluctuations in interest rates, changes in business strategy or development plans, changes in governmental regulation, credit quality, the availability of capital to fund the expansion of our business, and other factors referenced in this Report. Except as required by law, we disclaim any obligation to update any such factors or to publicly announce the results of any revisions to any of the forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect future events or developments.
Overview
During the first quarter of 2008, our earnings were challenged by difficult economic conditions in our primary markets and the economic downturn generally, causing heavy reserves to our loan portfolio and write-downs in our securities portfolio. We continue to explore and invest in new and expanded business lines and products, including cash management services, credit cards, wealth management and equipment leasing, and we believe the current economic climate presents our Company with the opportunity to differentiate ourselves from our competitors. Loan growth for the quarter ended March 31, 2008 was $89.6 million, or 2.5%, as compared to $40.0 million, or 1.3% for the same period in 2007. Deposit growth was $83.3 million, including $70.1 million of brokered deposits, or 2.3%, for the three months ended March 31, 2008, compared to $45.9 million, or 1.3% for the same period in 2007. We reported net income of $4.1 million, or $0.14 per diluted share, for the quarter ended March 31, 2008, as compared to $11.4 million, or $0.39 per diluted share, for the same period in 2007. The decrease in earnings is primarily due to an increase of $9.0 million in non-interest expenses related to expansion efforts, a $5.3 million impairment charge on securities and a $7.6 million increase in the provision for loan losses from the previous year. Non-interest income, excluding securities impairment charges and increases in fair value of financial instruments measured at fair value, for the quarter ended March 31, 2008 increased 50.6% from the same period in the prior year due to non-recurring income amounts of $1.1 million as well as increases in trust and investment advisory fees and service charges. Non-interest expense for the quarter ended March 31, 2008 increased 31.2% from the same period in 2007, due primarily to increases in salaries and benefits and occupancy costs caused by the acquisitions of First Independent Bank of Nevada and Shine Investment Advisory Services in 2007, the establishment of the PartnersFirst affinity credit card initiative in 2007 and continued branch expansion during 2007. Branch expansion is expected to be nominal in 2008.
Selected financial highlights are presented in the table below.

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Western Alliance Bancorporation and Subsidiaries
Summary Consolidated Financial Data
Unaudited
                         
    At or for the three months  
    ended March 31,  
    2008     2007     Change %  
 
Selected Balance Sheet Data:
                       
($ in millions)
                       
Total assets
  $ 5,197.3     $ 4,727.6       9.9  
Gross loans, including net deferred fees
    3,722.6       3,336.0       11.6  
Securities
    731.1       630.9       15.9  
Federal funds sold and other
    59.0       166.8       (64.6 )
Deposits
    3,630.3       3,849.1       (5.7 )
Borrowings
    696.4       56.7       1,128.2  
Junior subordinated and subordinated debt
    116.0       110.4       5.1  
Stockholders’ equity
    494.0       511.2       (3.4 )
 
                       
Selected Income Statement Data:
                       
($ in thousands)
                       
Interest income
  $ 76,792     $ 67,313       14.1  
Interest expense
    29,930       26,457       13.1  
 
                   
Net interest income
    46,862       40,856       14.7  
Provision for loan losses
    8,059       441       1,727.4  
 
                   
Net interest income after provision for loan losses
    38,803       40,415       (4.0 )
Investment security gains (losses), net
    161       284       (43.3 )
Derivative gains
    43             100.0  
Securities impairment charges
    (5,280 )           100.0  
Unrealized gains (losses) on assets and liabilities measured at fair value, net
    1,381       (13 )     100.0  
Other income, excluding securities and fair value gains (losses)
    8,418       5,590       50.6  
Non-interest expense
    37,938       28,921       31.2  
 
                   
Income before income taxes
    5,588       17,355       (67.8 )
Minority interest
    65                
Income tax expense
    1,381       5,952       (76.8 )
 
                   
Net Income
  $ 4,142     $ 11,403       (63.7 )
 
                   
Memo: Intangible asset amortization expense, net of tax
  $ 513     $ 257       99.6  
 
                   

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Western Alliance Bancorporation and Subsidiaries
Summary Consolidated Financial Data (Continued)
Unaudited
                         
    At or for the three months
    ended March 31,
    2008   2007   Change %
     
Common Share Data:
                       
Diluted net income per share
  $ 0.14     $ 0.39       (65.2 )
Book value per share
    16.34       17.06       (4.2 )
Tangible book value per share (net of tax) (3)
    8.36       9.49       (11.9 )
Average shares outstanding (in thousands):
                       
Basic
    29,544       26,950       9.6  
Diluted
    30,547       29,181       4.7  
Common shares outstanding
    30,230       29,963       0.9  
 
                       
Selected Performance Ratios:
                       
Return on average assets
    0.33 %     1.13 %     (70.8 )
Return on average tangible assets (4)
    0.34       1.16       (70.7 )
Return on average stockholders’ equity
    3.28       11.17       (70.6 )
Return on average tangible stockholders’ equity (5)
    6.25       17.11       (63.5 )
Net interest margin (1)
    4.20       4.58       (8.3 )
Net interest spread
    3.54       3.40       4.1  
Efficiency ratio — tax equivalent basis (2)
    68.19       61.96       10.1  
Loan to deposit ratio
    102.54       86.67       18.3  
 
                       
Selected Capital Ratios:
                       
Tangible Common Equity
    5.1 %     6.3 %     (19.0 )
Tier 1 Leverage ratio
    7.4       9.2       (19.2 )
Tier 1 Risk Based Capital
    7.7       8.9       (13.0 )
Total Risk Based Capital
    10.1       10.8       (6.5 )
 
                       
Selected Asset Quality Ratios:
                       
Net charge-offs to average loans outstanding
    0.70 %     0.02 %     3,400.0  
Non-accrual loans to gross loans
    0.26       0.05       420.0  
Non-accrual loans and OREO to total assets
    0.32       0.04       700.0  
Loans past due 90 days and still accruing to total loans
    0.09       0.08       12.5  
Allowance for loan losses to gross loans
    1.37       1.12       22.3  
Allowance for loan losses to non-accrual loans
    518.13 %     2113.75 %     (75.5 )
 
(1)   Net interest margin represents net interest income as a percentage of average interest-earning assets.
 
(2)   Efficiency ratio represents noninterest expenses as a percentage of the total of net interest income plus noninterest income (tax equivalent basis).
 
(3)   Tangible book value per share (net of tax) represents stockholders’ equity less intangibles, adjusted for deferred taxes related to intangibles, as a percentage of the shares outstanding at the end of the period.
 
(4)   Return on average tangible assets represents net income as a percentage of average total assets less average intangible assets.
 
(5)   Return on average tangible stockholders’ equity represents net income as a percentage of average total stockholders’ equity less average intangible assets.

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Primary Factors in Evaluating Financial Condition and Results of Operations
As a bank holding company, we focus on several factors in evaluating our financial condition and results of operations, including:
    Return on Average Equity (ROE) and Return on Tangible Average Equity (ROTE);
 
    Return on Average Assets (ROA) and Return on Average Tangible Assets (ROTA);
 
    Asset Quality;
 
    Asset and Deposit Growth; and
 
    Operating Efficiency.
Return on Average Equity. Our net income for the three months ended March 31, 2008 decreased 63.7% to $4.1 million compared to $11.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2007. The decrease in net income was due primarily to a $5.3 million securities impairment charge and a $7.6 million increase to the provision for loan losses caused by challenging economic conditions in our primary markets, partially offset by $1.4 million in gains on financial instruments measured at fair value. Basic earnings per share decreased to $0.14 per share for the three months ended March 31, 2008 compared to $0.42 per share for the same period in 2007. Diluted earnings per share was $0.14 per share for the three month period ended March 31, 2008, compared to $0.39 per share for the same period in 2007. Stockholders’ equity decreased $7.6 million from the quarter ended December 31, 2007 due primarily to a $14.0 million increase in net unrealized losses on available for sale securities, offset by $4.1 million in net income for the quarter ended March 31, 2008. The decrease in net income and equity resulted in an ROE of 3.28% for the three months ended March 31, 2008 compared to 11.17% for the three months ended March 31, 2007. ROTE decreased 63.5% to 6.25%.
Return on Average Assets. Our ROA for the three months ended March 31, 2008 decreased to 0.33% compared to 1.13% for the same period in 2007. The decrease in ROA is primarily due to the decreases in net income discussed above. ROTA decreased to 0.34% from 1.16% for the same period in 2007.
Asset Quality. For all banks and bank holding companies, asset quality plays a significant role in the overall financial condition of the institution and results of operations. We measure asset quality in terms of non-accrual and restructured loans and assets as a percentage of gross loans and assets, and net charge-offs as a percentage of average loans. Net charge-offs are calculated as the difference between charged-off loans and recovery payments received on previously charged-off loans. As of March 31, 2008, impaired loans, including non-accrual loans, were $62.7 million compared to $2.6 million at March 31, 2007. Non-accrual loans as a percentage of gross loans as of March 31, 2008 were 0.26% compared to less than 0.05% as of March 31, 2007. For the three months ended March 31, 2008 and March 31, 2007, net charge-offs as a percentage of average loans were 0.70% and 0.02%, respectively.
Asset Growth. The ability to produce loans and generate deposits is fundamental to our asset growth. Our assets and liabilities are comprised primarily of loans and deposits, respectively. Total assets increased 9.9% to $5.2 billion as of March 31, 2008 from $4.7 billion as of March 31, 2007. Gross loans grew 11.6% to $3.7 billion as of March 31, 2008 from $3.3 billion as of March 31, 2007. Total deposits decreased 5.7% to $3.6 billion as of March 31, 2008 from $3.8 billion as of March 31, 2007.
Operating Efficiency. Operating efficiency is measured in terms of how efficiently income before income taxes is generated as a percentage of revenue. Our tax-equivalent efficiency ratio (non-

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interest expenses divided by the sum of net interest income and non interest income, tax adjusted) was 68.2% for the three months ended March 31, 2008, compared to 62.0% for the same period in 2007. The increase was primarily driven by increases in salaries and benefits and occupancy costs associated with the acquisitions of First Independent Bank of Nevada and Shine Investment Advisory Services in 2007, the establishment of the PartnersFirst affinity credit card initiative in 2007 and continued branch expansion during 2007.
Critical Accounting Policies
The Notes to Audited Consolidated Financial Statements for the year ended December 31, 2007 contain a summary of our significant accounting policies, including discussions on recently issued accounting pronouncements, our adoption of them and the related impact of their adoption. We believe that certain of these policies, along with various estimates that we are required to make in recording our financial transactions, are important to have a complete picture of our financial position. In addition, these estimates require us to make complex and subjective judgments, many of which include matters with a high degree of uncertainty. The discussion of these critical accounting policies and significant estimates can be found in Note 1 of the Audited Consolidated Financial Statements filed with the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Results of Operations
Our results of operations depend substantially on net interest income, which is the difference between interest income on interest-earning assets, consisting primarily of loans receivable, securities and other short-term investments, and interest expense on interest-bearing liabilities, consisting primarily of deposits and borrowings. Our results of operations are also dependent upon our generation of non-interest income, consisting primarily of income from trust and investment advisory services and banking service fees. Other factors contributing to our results of operations include our provisions for loan losses, gains or losses on sales of securities and income taxes, as well as the level of our non-interest expenses, such as compensation and benefits, occupancy and equipment and other miscellaneous operating expenses.
The following table sets forth a summary financial overview for the three months ended March 31, 2008 and 2007.

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    Three Months Ended    
    March 31,    
    2008   2007   Increase
    (in thousands, except per share amounts)
Consolidated Statement of Earnings Data:
                       
Interest income
  $ 76,792     $ 67,313     $ 9,479  
Interest expense
    29,930       26,457       3,473  
     
Net interest income
    46,862       40,856       6,006  
Provision for loan losses
    8,059       441       7,618  
     
Net interest income after provision for loan losses
    38,803       40,415       (1,612 )
Investment security gains, net
    161       284       (123 )
Derivative gains
    43             43  
Securities impairment charges
    (5,280 )           (5,280 )
Net unrealized losses on assets and liabilities measured at fair value
    1,381       (13 )     1,394  
Other income, excluding security and fair value gains/(losses)
    8,418       5,590       2,828  
Non-interest expense
    37,938       28,921       9,017  
     
Net income before income taxes
    5,588       17,355       (11,767 )
Minority interest
    65             65  
Income tax expense
    1,381       5,952       (4,571 )
     
Net income
  $ 4,142     $ 11,403     $ (7,261 )
     
Diluted earnings per share
  $ 0.14     $ 0.39     $ (0.25 )
     
The 63.7% decrease in net income was due primarily to a $5.3 million securities impairment charge and a $7.6 million increase to the provision for loan losses caused by challenging economic conditions in our primary markets, partially offset by $1.6 million in realized and unrealized gains on financial instruments. The increase in net interest income for the three months ended March 31, 2008 over the same period 2007 was the result of an increase in the volume of interest-earning assets, primarily loans.
Net Interest Income and Net Interest Margin. The 14.7% increase in net interest income for the three months ended March 31, 2008 compared to the same period in 2007 was due to an increase in interest income of $9.5 million, reflecting the effect of an increase of $891.0 million in average interest-bearing assets which was funded primarily with an increase of $292.0 million in average deposits and $707.1 million in average short-term borrowings.
The average yield on our interest-earning assets was 6.85% for the three months ended March 31, 2008, compared to 7.52% for the same period in 2007. The decrease in the yield on our interest-earning assets is a result of a decrease in market rates, repricing on our adjustable rate loans, and new loans originated with lower interest rates because of the lower interest rate environment.
The cost of our average interest-bearing liabilities decreased to 3.32% in the three months ended March 31, 2008, from 4.12% in the three months ended March 31, 2007, which is a result of lower rates paid on deposit accounts and borrowings due to a lower interest rate environment.
Average Balances and Average Interest Rates. The tables below set forth balance sheet items on a daily average basis for the three months ended March 31, 2008 and 2007 and present the daily average interest rates earned on assets and the daily average interest rates paid on liabilities for

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such periods. Non-accrual loans have been included in the average loan balances. Securities include securities available for sale, securities held to maturity and securities carried at market value pursuant to SFAS 159 elections. Yields on tax-exempt securities and loans are computed on a tax equivalent basis.

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    Three Months Ended March 31,
($ in thousands)   2008   2007
                    Average                
    Average           Yield/Cost   Average           Average
    Balance   Interest   (6)   Balance   Interest   Yield/Cost (6)
Earning Assets                                                
Securities:
                                               
Taxable
  $ 675,320     $ 9,750       5.81 %   $ 519,376     $ 7,050       5.51 %
Tax-exempt (1)
    75,516       776       6.36 %     37,914       445       7.24 %
                 
Total securities
    750,836       10,526       5.86 %     557,290       7,495       5.62 %
Federal funds sold
    16,725       115       2.77 %     39,769       533       5.44 %
Loans (1) (2) (3)
    3,724,195       65,704       7.10 %     3,027,204       59,020       7.91 %
Investment in restricted stock
    40,825       447       4.40 %     17,327       265       6.20 %
                 
Total earnings assets
    4,532,581       76,792       6.85 %     3,641,590       67,313       7.52 %
Non-earning Assets
                                               
Cash and due from banks
    101,319                       99,123                  
Allowance for loan losses
    (50,626 )                     (33,593 )                
Bank-owned life insurance
    88,367                       82,386                  
Other assets
    452,608                       289,636                  
 
                                               
Total assets
  $ 5,124,249                     $ 4,079,142                  
 
                                               
Interest Bearing Liabilities
                                               
Sources of Funds
                                               
Interest-bearing deposits:
                                               
Interest checking
    263,576       1,263       1.93 %     250,219       1,612       2.61 %
Savings and money market
    1,575,957       10,641       2.72 %     1,383,863       12,945       3.79 %
Time deposits
    699,658       7,610       4.37 %     613,084       7,316       4.84 %
                 
Total interest-bearing deposits
    2,539,191       19,514       3.09 %     2,247,166       21,873       3.95 %
Short-term borrowings
    916,553       7,580       3.33 %     209,490       2,389       4.62 %
Long-term debt
    52,263       715       5.50 %     46,257       516       4.52 %
Junior sub. & subordinated debt
    122,167       2,121       6.98 %     102,046       1,679       6.67 %
                 
Total interest-bearing liabilities
    3,630,174       29,930       3.32 %     2,604,959       26,457       4.12 %
Non-interest Bearing Liabilities
                                               
Noninterest-bearing demand deposits
    965,866                       1,037,158                  
Other liabilities
    20,056                       22,990                  
Stockholders’ equity
    508,153                       414,035                  
 
                                               
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
  $ 5,124,249                     $ 4,079,142                  
 
                                               
Net interest income and margin (4)
          $ 46,862       4.20 %           $ 40,856       4.58 %
 
                                               
Net interest spread (5)
                    3.54 %                     3.40 %
 
(1)   Yields, but not interest income, on loans and securities have been adjusted to a tax equivalent basis.
 
(2)   Net loan fees of $1.3 million and $1.2 million are included in the yield computation for March 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively.
 
(3)   Includes average non-accrual loans of approximately $13.8 million in 2008 and $1.3 million in 2007.
 
(4)   Net interest margin is computed by dividing net interest income by total average earning assets.
 
(5)   Net interest spread represents average yield earned on interest-earning assets less the average rate paid on interest-bearing liabilities.
 
(6)   Annualized.

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Net Interest Income. The table below demonstrates the relative impact on net interest income of changes in the volume of earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities and changes in rates earned and paid by us on such assets and liabilities. For purposes of this table, non-accrual loans have been included in the average loan balances.
                         
    Three Months Ended March 31,
    2008 v. 2007
    Increase (Decrease)
    Due to Changes in (1)
    Volume   Rate   Total
    (in thousands)
Interest on securities:
                       
Taxable
  $ 2,251     $ 449     $ 2,700  
Tax-exempt
    386       (55 )     331  
Federal funds sold
    (158 )     (260 )     (418 )
Loans
    12,297       (5,613 )     6,684  
Other investment
    257       (75 )     182  
         
 
                       
Total interest income
    15,033       (5,554 )     9,479  
 
                       
Interest expense:
                       
Interest checking
    64       (413 )     (349 )
Savings and Money market
    1,297       (3,601 )     (2,304 )
Time deposits
    942       (648 )     294  
Short-term borrowings
    5,847       (656 )     5,191  
Long-term debt
    82       117       199  
Junior subordinated debt
    349       93       442  
         
 
                       
Total interest expense
    8,581       (5,108 )     3,473  
         
 
                       
Net increase
  $ 6,452     $ (446 )   $ 6,006  
         
 
(1)   Changes due to both volume and rate have been allocated to volume changes.
 
(2)   Changes due to mark-to-market gains/losses under SFAS 159 have been allocated to volume changes.
     Provision for Loan Losses. The provision for loan losses in each period is reflected as a charge against earnings in that period. The provision is equal to the amount required to maintain the allowance for loan losses at a level that, in our judgment, is adequate to absorb probable loan losses inherent in the loan portfolio.
     Our provision for loan losses was $8.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2008, compared to $0.4 million for the same period in 2007. Factors that impact the provision for loan losses are net charge-offs or recoveries, changes in the size and mix of the loan portfolio, the recognition of changes in current risk factors and specific reserves on impaired loans.

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Non-Interest Income. We earn non-interest income primarily through fees related to:
    Trust and investment advisory services,
 
    Services provided to deposit customers, and
 
    Services provided to current and potential loan customers.
The following tables present, for the periods indicated, the major categories of non-interest income:
                         
    Three Months Ended    
    March 31,   Increase
    2008   2007   (Decrease)
    (in thousands)
Trust and investment advisory services
  $ 2,796     $ 2,105     $ 691  
Service charges
    1,427       1,069       358  
Income from bank owned life insurance
    800       928       (128 )
Other
    3,395       1,488       1,907  
         
Total non-interest income, excluding
                       
securities and fair value gains (losses)
  $ 8,418     $ 5,590     $ 2,828  
         
The $2.8 million, or 50.6%, increase in non-interest income, excluding net investment securities gains and net unrealized gain/loss on assets and liabilities measured at fair value, from the three months ended March 31, 2007 to the same period in 2008 was due to increases in investment advisory revenues, increases in service-related charges and non-recurring income amounts of approximately $1.1 million.
Assets under management at Miller/Russell and Associates were $1.38 billion at March 31, 2008, down 7.7% from $1.49 billion at March 31, 2007. This decline is due primarily to lower market valuations. At Premier Trust, assets under management increased 30.3% from $251 million to $327 million from March 31, 2007 to March 31, 2008. On July 31, 2007, we acquired a majority interest in Shine Investment Advisory Services. Assets under management were $410 million as of the acquisition date and $408 million on March 31, 2008. Overall growth in assets under management resulted in a 32.8% increase in trust and advisory fee revenue for the three month period ending March 31, 2008 as compared to the three month period ending March 31, 2007.
Service charges increased 33.5%, or $0.4 million from 2007 to 2008, due to higher deposit balances and the growth in our customer base.
Other income increased 128.2%, or $1.9 million from 2007 to 2008, due to the growth of the Company and its operations and non-recurring income amounts of approximately $1.1 million, including a gain on the sale of a foreclosed property of approximately $0.4 million.
Unrealized gains/losses on assets and liabilities measured at fair value. During the three month period ended March 31, 2008, we recognized net unrealized gains on assets and liabilities measured at fair value of $1.4 million. These gains and losses are primarily the result of losses

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caused by changes in market yields on securities similar to those in our portfolio, offset by a gain on our trust preferred liabilities due to a widening of interest rate spreads. We view the majority of these gains and losses as temporary in nature since the changes in value on most of our financial instruments were not related to a change in credit profile, but rather such gains and losses were the result of fluctuations in market yields.
     Non-Interest Expense. The following table presents, for the periods indicated, the major categories of non-interest expense:
                         
    Three Months Ended    
    March 31,   Increase
    2008   2007   (Decrease)
    (in thousands)
Salaries and employee benefits
  $ 21,934     $ 17,033     $ 4,901  
Occupancy
    5,028       4,239       789  
Advertising and other business development
    2,100       1,462       638  
Customer service
    1,200       1,323       (123 )
Insurance
    972       298       674  
Legal, professional and director fees
    931       1,044       (113 )
Intangible amortization
    789       257       532  
Data processing
    769       435       334  
Audits and exams
    648       531       117  
Telephone
    401       340       61  
Supplies
    371       509       (138 )
Travel and automobile
    338       287       51  
Correspondent and wire transfer costs
    301       418       (117 )
Other
    2,156       745       1,411  
     
Total non-interest expense
  $ 37,938     $ 28,921     $ 9,017  
         
Non-interest expense grew $9.0 million from the three months ended March 31, 2007 compared to the same period in 2008. This increase is attributable to our overall growth, and specifically to merger and acquisition activity and the opening of new branches. At March 31, 2008, we had 979 full-time equivalent employees compared to 959 at March 31, 2007.
Insurance expense increased $0.7 million from the three months ended March 31, 2007 to the same period in 2008 primarily due to significant FDIC depository insurance rate increases assessed for the 2008 period.
Intangible amortization increased $0.5 million from the three months ended March 31, 2007 to the same period in 2008 as a result of decreases in the estimated amortizable lives of the core deposit intangibles acquired through prior acquisitions.
Other non-interest expense increased, in general, as a result of the growth in assets and operations of our banking subsidiaries, including the acquisitions of First Independent and Shine.

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Financial Condition
Total Assets
On a consolidated basis, our total assets as of March 31, 2008 and December 31, 2007 were $5.2 billion and $5.0 billion, respectively. Assets experienced growth from the period ending March 31, 2007 to the period ending March 31, 2008 of $469.7 million, or 9.9%, including loan growth of $386.6 million, or 11.6%.
Loans
Our gross loans including deferred loan fees on a consolidated basis as of March 31, 2008 and December 31, 2007 were $3.7 billion and $3.6 billion, respectively. Our overall growth in loans from December 31, 2007 to March 31, 2008 is a result of targeting quality credit customers in our markets.
The following table shows the amounts of loans outstanding by type of loan at the end of each of the periods indicated.
                 
    March 31,     December 31,  
    2008   2007  
    (in thousands)  
Construction and land development
  $ 805,464     $ 806,110  
Commercial real estate
    1,550,793       1,514,533  
Residential real estate
    519,614       492,551  
Commercial and industrial
    808,948       784,378  
Consumer
    46,234       43,517  
Less: Net deferred loan fees
    (8,421 )     (8,080 )
 
           
 
               
Gross loans, net of deferred fees
    3,722,632       3,633,009  
Less: Allowance for loan losses
    (50,839 )     (49,305 )
 
           
 
               
 
  $ 3,671,793     $ 3,583,704  
 
           
Non-Performing Assets
Non-performing assets include loans past due 90 days or more and still accruing interest, non-accrual loans, and other real estate owned, or OREO. In general, loans are placed on non-accrual status when we determine timely recognition of interest to be in doubt due to the borrower’s financial condition and collection efforts. Restructured loans have modified terms to reduce either principal or interest due to deterioration in the borrower’s financial condition. OREO results from loans where we have received physical possession of the borrower’s assets that collateralized the loan.
     Impaired loans are loans for which it is probable that the Company will not be able to collect all amounts due according to the original contractual terms of the loan agreement. Other impaired loans include certain loans for which the original terms have been extended or modified, but which are well collateralized and for which no loss is expected.

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     The following table summarizes the loans for which the accrual of interest has been discontinued, loans past due 90 days or more and still accruing interest, restructured loans, other impaired loans and OREO.
                 
    March 31,     December 31,  
    2008     2007  
    ($ in thousands)  
Total non-accrual loans
  $ 9,750     $ 17,873  
Loans past due 90 days or more and still accruing
    3,235       779  
 
           
 
           
Total non-performing loans
    12,985       18,652  
 
Restructured loans
    3,706       3,782  
Impaired loans acquired through merger
    2,720       2,760  
Other impaired loans, excluding restructured loans
    31,862       9,920  
 
           
Total impaired loans, including non-performing loans
  $ 51,273     $ 35,114  
 
           
 
               
Other real estate owned (OREO)
  $ 6,901     $ 3,412  
Non-accrual loans to gross loans
    0.26 %     0.49 %
Loans past due 90 days or more and still accruing to total loans
    0.09       0.02  
Interest income received on nonaccrual loans
  $ 34     $ 30  
Interest income that would have been recorded under the original terms of the loans
  $ 205     $ 765  
As of March 31, 2008 and December 31, 2007, non-accrual loans totaled $9.8 million and $17.9 million, respectively. Non-accrual loans at March 31, 2008 consisted of 49 loans.
Allowance for Loan Losses
Like all financial institutions, we must maintain an adequate allowance for loan losses. The allowance for loan losses is established through a provision for loan losses charged to expense. Loans are charged against the allowance for loan losses when we believe that collectibility of the principal is unlikely. Subsequent recoveries, if any, are credited to the allowance. The allowance is an amount that we believe will be adequate to absorb probable losses on existing loans that may become uncollectible, based on evaluation of the collectibility of loans and prior credit loss experience, together with the other factors noted earlier.
Our allowance for loan loss methodology incorporates several quantitative and qualitative risk factors used to establish the appropriate allowance for loan loss at each reporting date. Quantitative factors include our historical loss experience, peer group experience, delinquency and charge-off trends, collateral values, changes in non-performing loans, other factors, and information about individual loans including the borrower’s sensitivity to interest rate movements. Qualitative factors include the economic condition of our operating markets and the state of certain industries. Specific changes in the risk factors are based on perceived risk of similar groups of loans classified by collateral type, purpose and terms. Statistics on local trends, peers, and an internal five-year loss history are also incorporated into the allowance. Due to the credit concentration of our loan portfolio in real estate secured loans, the value of collateral is heavily dependent on real estate values in Nevada, Arizona and California. While management

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uses the best information available to make its evaluation, future adjustments to the allowance may be necessary if there are significant changes in economic or other conditions. In addition, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, or FDIC, and state banking regulatory agencies, as an integral part of their examination processes, periodically review the Banks allowance for loan losses, and may require us to make additions to the allowance based on their judgment about information available to them at the time of their examinations. Management periodically reviews the assumptions and formulae used in determining the allowance and makes adjustments if required to reflect the current risk profile of the portfolio.
The allowance consists of specific and general components. The specific allowance relates to impaired loans. For such loans that are classified as impaired, an allowance is established when the discounted cash flows (or collateral value or observable market price) of the impaired loan are lower than the carrying value of that loan, pursuant to SFAS 114, Accounting by Creditors for Impairment of a Loan. The general allowance covers non-impaired loans and is based on historical loss experience adjusted for the various qualitative and quantitative factors listed above, pursuant to SFAS 5, Accounting for Contingencies. Loans graded Watch List/Special Mention and below are individually examined closely to determine the appropriate loan loss reserve.
The following table summarizes the activity in our allowance for loan losses for the period indicated.

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    Three months ended
    March 31,
    2008   2007
    ($ in thousands)
Allowance for loan losses:
               
Balance at beginning of period
  $ 49,305     $ 33,551  
Provisions charged to operating expenses
    8,059       441  
Acquisitions
          3,706  
Recoveries of loans previously charged-off:
               
Construction and land development
           
Commercial real estate
           
Residential real estate
           
Commercial and industrial
    95       71  
Consumer
    8       8  
     
Total recoveries
    103       79  
Loans charged-off:
               
Construction and land development
    3,323        
Commercial real estate
    182        
Residential real estate
    970        
Commercial and industrial
    2,084       91  
Consumer
    69       167  
     
Total charged-off
    6,628       258  
Net charge-offs
    6,525       179  
     
Balance at end of period
  $ 50,839     $ 37,519  
     
Net charge-offs to average loans outstanding
    0.70 %     0.02 %
Allowance for loan losses to gross loans
    1.37       1.12  
Net charge-offs totaled $6.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2008, compared to net charge-offs of $0.2 million during the same period in 2007. The provision for loan losses totaled $8.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2008, compared to $0.4 million in the three months ended March 31, 2007. The increase in the provision for loan losses is due to an increase in loan charge-offs, changes in the size and mix of the loan portfolio and specific reserves on impaired loans.
Investments
Securities are identified as either held-to-maturity, available-for-sale, or measured at fair value based upon various factors, including asset/liability management strategies, liquidity and profitability objectives, and regulatory requirements. Held-to-maturity securities are carried at cost, adjusted for amortization of premiums or accretion of discounts. Available-for-sale securities are securities that may be sold prior to maturity based upon asset/liability management decisions. Securities identified as available-for-sale are carried at fair value. Unrealized gains or losses on available-for-sale securities are recorded as accumulated other comprehensive income in stockholders equity. Amortization of premiums or accretion of discounts on mortgage-backed securities is periodically adjusted for estimated prepayments. Securities measured at fair value are reported at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses included in current earnings.

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We use our investment securities portfolio to ensure liquidity for cash requirements, manage interest rate risk, provide a source of income and to manage asset quality. The carrying value of our investment securities as of March 31, 2008 totaled $731.1 million, compared to $736.1 million at December 31, 2007.
In 2007 and 2008 we maintained a high level of investment in mortgage-backed securities while shifting from U.S. Government agency obligations to higher yielding debt obligations (primarily collateralized debt obligations secured by bank and other financial company trust preferred liabilities) and adjustable rate preferred stock of bank and other financial companies.
The carrying value of our portfolio of investment securities at March 31, 2008 and December 31, 2007 was as follows:
                 
    Carrying Value
    At March 31,   At December 31,
    2008   2007
    (in thousands)
U.S. Treasury securities
  $ 5,984     $  
U.S. Government-sponsored agencies
    10,456       24,128  
Mortgage-backed obligations
    530,295       502,496  
State and Municipal obligations
    21,617       22,211  
Adjustable rate preferred stock
    31,966       29,710  
Debt obligations and structured securities
    115,869       142,127  
Other
    14,936       15,528  
     
Total investment securities
  $ 731,123     $ 736,200  
     
At March 31, 2008, the combined unrealized loss on our adjustable rate preferred stock and debt and other structured securities portfolios classified as available for sale was $69.8 million, compared with $45.3 million at December 31, 2007. The increase in unrealized losses is generally due to widening interest spreads which began in the third quarter of 2007. During March 2008, the near insolvency of Bear Stearns caused the debt of almost all financial companies to decline in value. This compounded the lack of liquidity for such securities that existed since late 2007. We are actively monitoring these portfolios for declines in fair value that are considered other-than-temporary. If current market conditions persist, we may have impairment charges against earnings in a future period for declines in securities fair values that are considered other-than-temporary.
During the quarter ended March 31, 2008, we recorded impairment charges totaling $5.3 million, including $2.2 million related to a security which suffered a significant downgrade and $3.1 million related to an auction-rate leveraged security that was discussed in our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007.
Goodwill
The Company recorded $217.8 million of goodwill from its merger-related activities during 2006 and 2007. In accordance with SFAS No. 141, goodwill is not amortized but rather tested for impairment annually on October 1. Impairment testing consists of comparing the fair value of the acquired reporting units with their carrying amounts, including goodwill. An impairment loss

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would be recorded to the extent the carrying value of the goodwill exceeds the fair value of the goodwill. At March 31, 2008, the Company’s market capitalization was less than the total shareholders’ equity, which is one factor that is considered when determining goodwill impairment. If current market conditions persist, it is possible that we will have a goodwill impairment charge against earnings in a future period.
Deposits
Deposits have historically been the primary source for funding our asset growth. As of March 31, 2008, total deposits were $3.6 billion, compared to $3.5 billion as of December 31, 2007. Our deposits related to customer relationships increased approximately $13 million, and we acquired third party brokered certificates of deposit totaling approximately $70 million. We do not anticipate utilizing brokered deposits as a significant source of funding in future periods.
Although we expect deposit growth to continue to be the primary source of funding the asset growth of the Company, we are augmenting our liquidity through the use of alternative sources of funding, including overnight and term advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank, repurchase agreements, subordinated debt and lines of credit.
The following table provides the average balances and weighted average rates paid on deposits for the three months ended March 31, 2008.
                                 
    Three months ended     Three months ended  
    March 31, 2008     March 31, 2007  
    Average Balance/Rate     Average Balance/Rate  
    ($ in thousands)  
Interest checking (NOW)
  $ 263,576       1.93 %   $ 250,219       2.61 %
Savings and money market
    1,575,957       2.72       1,383,863       3.79  
Time
    699,658       4.37       613,084       4.84  
 
                           
 
                               
Total interest-bearing deposits
    2,539,191       3.09       2,247,166       3.95  
Non-interest bearing demand deposits
    965,866             1,037,158        
 
                           
 
                               
Total deposits
  $ 3,505,057       2.24 %   $ 3,284,324       2.70 %
 
                           
Our customer repurchases declined $50.3 million from December 31, 2007 to March 31, 2008 due primarily to the transfer of customer funds to other products offered by our banks.
Capital Resources
Current risk-based regulatory capital standards generally require banks and bank holding companies to maintain three minimum capital ratios. Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio compares Tier 1 or core capital, which consists principally of common equity, and risk-weighted assets for a minimum ratio of at least 4%. Tier 1 capital ratio compares Tier 1 capital to adjusted total assets for a minimum ratio of at least 4%. Total risk-based capital ratio compares total capital, which consists of Tier 1 capital, certain forms of subordinated debt, a portion of the allowance for loan losses, and preferred stock, to risk-weighted assets for a minimum ratio of at least 8%. Risk-weighted assets are calculated by multiplying the balance in each category of assets by a risk

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factor, which ranges from zero for cash assets and certain government obligations to 100% for some types of loans, and adding the products together.
The following table provides a comparison of our risk-based capital ratios and leverage ratios to the minimum regulatory requirements as of March 31, 2008.
                                                 
                    Adequately-   Minimum For
                    Capitalized   Well-Capitalized
    Actual   Requirements   Requirements
    ($ in thousands)
As of March 31, 2008   Amount   Ratio   Amount   Ratio   Amount   Ratio
                                 
Total Capital (to Risk Weighted Assets)     468,249       10.1 %     369,809       8.0 %     462,261       10.0 %
                                                 
Tier I Capital (to Risk Weighted Assets)     357,118       7.7       184,904       4.0       277,356       6.0  
                                                 
Leverage ratio (to Average Assets)     357,118       7.3       195,646       4.0       244,557       5.0  
The Company and each of its banking subsidiaries met the well capitalized guidelines under regulatory requirements as of March 31, 2008. The Company is currently pursuing additional subordinated debt financing in order to increase its total capital ratio, and we expect to raise approximately $50 million.
ITEM 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
Market risk is the risk of loss in a financial instrument arising from adverse changes in market prices and rates, foreign currency exchange rates, commodity prices and equity prices. Our market risk arises primarily from interest rate risk inherent in our lending, investing and deposit taking activities. To that end, management actively monitors and manages our interest rate risk exposure.
There have not been any material changes in the market risk disclosure contained in the Company s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007.
ITEM 4. Controls and Procedures
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls
Based on their evaluation as of the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that the disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) are effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in reports that we file or submit under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in Securities and Exchange Commission rules and forms. Additionally, our disclosure controls and procedures were also effective in ensuring that information required to be disclosed in our Securities Exchange Act reports is accumulated and communicated to our management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosures.

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Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
There have not been any changes in the Company s internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended March 31, 2008, which have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company s internal control over financial reporting.
Part II. Other Information
Item 1. Legal Proceedings
There are no material pending legal proceedings, other than ordinary routine litigation incidental to its business, to which Western Alliance or any of its subsidiaries is a party or of which any of their property is the subject.
Item 1A. Risk Factors
See the discussion of our risk factors in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007, as filed with the SEC.
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
(a)   There were no unregistered sales of equity securities during the period covered by this report.
(b) A summary of our repurchases (in thousands, except average price per share) during the quarter under the $50 million stock repurchase program authorized by our Board of Directors and publicly announced on April 23, 2007, and expiring on December 31, 2008, is as follows:
                                 
                    Total Shares     Approximate Dollar  
                    Repurchased as     Value of Shares  
    Total Shares     Average Price     Part of Publicly     that May Yet  
Period   Repurchased     Per Share     Announced Program     Be Purchased  
 
                          $ 30,960,966  
January 1 - January 31
    20,000     $ 17.7480       20,000       30,606,006  
February 1 - February 29
                      30,606,006  
March 1 - March 31
                      30,606,006  
 
                       
Total
    20,000     $ 17.7480       20,000     $ 30,606,006  
 
                       
(b) None.
Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities
Not applicable.
Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
None.
Item 5. Other Information
Not applicable.

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Item 6. Exhibits
     
 
   
31.1
  CEO Certification Pursuant Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a)
 
   
31.2
  CFO Certification Pursuant Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a)
 
   
32
  CEO and CFO Certification Pursuant 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to section 906 of the Sarbanes Oxley Act of 2002

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Pursuant to the requirements of section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
         
 

WESTERN ALLIANCE BANCORPORATION
 
 
Date: May 12, 2008  By:   /s/ Robert Sarver    
    Robert Sarver   
    President and Chief Executive Officer   
 
     
Date: May 12, 2008  By:   /s/ Dale Gibbons    
    Dale Gibbons   
    Executive Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer 
 
 
     
Date: May 12, 2008  By:   /s/ Terry A. Shirey    
    Terry A. Shirey   
    Controller
Principal Accounting Officer 
 
 
     

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    EXHIBIT INDEX
     
31.1   CEO Certification Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a)
     
31.2   CFO Certification Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a)
     
32   CEO and CFO Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

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