Umpqua Bank Analysis

Umpqua Bank is a private financial holding company based in Portland, Oregon, United States. Its headquarters are located at Umpqua Bank Plaza in Portland. The bank engages in the commercial as well as retail banking. It also engages in the business of retail brokerage services.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Umpqua Bank Analysis specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The bank’s client services division offers financial services as well as products to individual customers. It has several holdings where it offers its customers personal checking as well as saving accounts, various insurance policies, unit investment trusts plus mutual funds. It also offers business checking as well as saving accounts. In addition the bank offers certificates of deposits as market accounts. Umpqua Bank is a subsidiary of Umpqua Holdings Corporation which has existed since 1953 (Umpqua Bank, 2011). It was first established in Canyo nville, Oregon, by a group of people who engaged in the timber-logging business whose aim was to create an institution where they could cash their payroll checks. It was then named as South Umpqua State Bank and located at the Masonic Lodge. In 1972, the bank moved its headquarters to Roseburg, Oregon. The bank continued to expand; however, it took a major turn a major turn in 1994 when Ray Davis took over as President and CEO. Davis launched a new strategy as well as direction for the company (Umpqua Bank, 2011). He shortened the name to Umpqua Bank. By then, the company had total assets worth $150 million (Umpqua Bank, 2011). In 1995, the company launched its first retail-oriented flagship store at its headquarters in Roseburg. A year later, the bank established four new stores in Lane County to offer unique customer experience. In 1998, Umpqua Bank went public through initial public offering and was listed at NASDAQ OMX Stock Exchange. The following year, the bank became Umpqua H oldings Corporation and acquired Strand Atkinson Williams York brokerage firm.Advertising Looking for essay on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More In 2000, the bank company formed its first merger with Valley of the Rogue Bank. In 2003, it opened up a store in Portland’s Pearl District and World Greatest Bank University to offer bank-related courses. In 2004, the Bank expanded into California by acquiring Humboldt Bank Holding Company subsidiaries. In 2006, Umpqua opens a new store in Portland and also acquires Western Sierra Bancorp to become the largest community Bank in Sacramento region (Umpqua Bank, 2011). It opened a state-of-the-art technology in Portland’s Southwest waterfront in 2007 to offer new customer experience. It also acquired Vintage Bank in Napa, CA, the same year. In 2008, the company partnered with Energy Trust Oregon to establish GreenStreet Lending to small business at low -interest rates. In 2009, its eco-banking division began ways to make the company environmentally friendly (Umpqua Bank, 2011). In January 2009, Umpqua took over the deposits of Vancouver Bank from the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (Kish, 2011). A year later, January 2010, the bank also took control of deposits of Seattle Evergreen Bank which had been closed by the Washington Department of Financial Institutions. In February the same year, the bank took over the deposits of Tacoma Bank from the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC). Two months later, it reached an agreement with its owner, Rainier Pacific Bank, to purchase it from the FDIC (Kish, 2011). The company has three Board of Directors; Peggy Fowler, Luis Machuca and Hilliard Terry. Umpqua Bank is headed by Ray Davis, who is the President And CEO. Under him are Duff Greg, Vice President, Ken Vogt, Vice President, Craig Fair, Vice President Finance, Beth Fox, Vice President Technical Systems, Joe Plummer, V ice President, Network Engineer and Security, Angela Machado, Vice President, Business Development Officer, Dave Nelson, Vice President, Commercial Loan Officer, Ron Piatt, Vice President and Commercial Loan Officer, Donna Huntsman, Senior Vice President-Private, Rick Calero, Executive Vice President of Community Banking, Kelly Johnson, Executive Vice President-Asset Management, Sheryl Stanley, Assistant Vice President Accounting, Ross Blanchard Assistant Vice President Systems, Ric Carey, Executive Vice President of Store experience and Sales and Rich Sauter, Director Ebanking.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Umpqua Bank Analysis specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The next level executives are branch and division managers, system and credit analysts as well as auditors. Umpqua Holdings Corporations has an asset value of $8,324.6 million. The bank’s total trading assets as per the second quarter of 2010-11 fiscal year remained constant at $3 million while intangible assets also remained at $696 million during the whole period. Other assets were valued at $1179 million at the end of the second quarter having increased from $1624 million. Thus, at the close of the second quarter of the trading period, the bank’s asset value was $11460 million. Umpqua Bank’s return on assets over the last trailing twelve months was valued at 0.4% while asset turnover was 0.04% (Morningstar Equity Research, 2011). Umpqua Bank’s total deposits at the end of the second quarter were $9146 million as compared to last year’s total which was $9434 million at the close of that period (Morningstar Equity Research, 2011). Its short-term debts were $257 million at the close of the second quarter while its long-term debts stood at $184 million. At the same time, its net loans were $6397 millions. The bank’s total liabilities were $9785 million as compared to what was registered at the end of last trading period which was $10026 millions while its total equity increased from $1643 million to $1674 million ((Morningstar Equity Research, 2011). At the end of the second quarter, the company had acquired a net margin of 9.5% in the trailing 12 months with a financial leverage of 6.8%. Its return on equity in the trailing 12 months was 2.9% (Morningstar Equity Research, 2011). For more than 3 years, Umpqua Bank has faced non-stop credit quality problem which resulted from the recently experienced global recession. This has created losses in the previous financial years, 2007-2009. The bank is almost overcoming the loan problems.Advertising Looking for essay on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More It had to increase its lending rates to help it reduce its loan losses. However, the major problem that the bank faces now is how to maintain its credit quality as well as how to improve its declining loans. The bank’s Chief Executive reports that the company’s total loans decreased from $1.7 billion in 2009 to $1.6 billion in 2010 (Manning, 2011). The second quarter financial statement also show that the net loans declined from USD 6419 million in December 2010 to USD 6397 million in June 2011 (Morningstar Equity Research, 2011). The increase in the number of banks applying for bankruptcy in the region presents a great opportunity for expansion to the bank in already established markets. Umpqua has remained stronger in the region in the face of the bad loans as well as losses. The bank’s Chief Executive, Ray Davies, reports that FDIC has approached them thrice to buy deposits of failed banks (Manning, 2011). It has already purchased Tacoma Bank while Vancouver Bank plus Seattle Evergreen Bank still remain under its control though not yet purchased. Besides, with the introduction of Bassel III, several other banks may fail to meet the capital requirements. This will also present an opportunity to make acquisitions and to expand. The Commercial industry trends bound to affect Umpqua Bank The adoption of Bassel III is likely to affect the bank’s future business. Umpqua Bank may face problems in meeting Bassel III’s capital requirements. According to the Morningstar Equity Research (2011) Bassel III is an international agreement whose aim is to standardize certain banking safety requirements throughout the world. Bassel III will require banks to hold additional capital. It will place standards on the quality as well as quantity of capital required on banks. This means that banks will have to preserve Tier 1 common capital ratios so as to be able to absorb loan losses. Tier 1 capital will rise from the current 6% to 10.5% (Mornin gstar Equity Research, 2011). Bassel III will also eliminate some items like deferred tax assets from the core capital. Again the minimum common equity will increase from the current 2% to 7% (Morningstar Equity Research, 2011). Again, the Bassel III is yet to announce the definition of Systematically Important Financial Institution (SIFI). Companies classified as SIFI will be expected to hold additional not-yet-determined capital. This will have a significant impact on individual financial institution’s competitive advantage as they will have to acquire additional capital. Such move is likely to have a significant impact on Umpqua Bank should it fall under the SIFIs as it may affect the bank’s competitive position in the US. Since the banks merger with Valley of the Rogue Bank in 2000, the bank has expanded its market share to lead other financial institutions in Jackson County. By the end of June this year, the company’s deposits were measured at $456.5million which translated into 16.7% of the nation’s banking deposits (Stiles, 2011). The bank has been able to edge out other companies which were ahead of it in the market such as Wells Fargo and JPMorgan Chase. Umpqua Bank has grown over the years to accumulate more than $8 billion in assets. When Ray Davies took over in 1994 as the company’s CEO and President, the bank had only $150 million in assets (Tweel, 2008), however, it has grown over the years to reach $8.325 billion. In addition, Umpqua Bank has made significant expansions across Oregon, San Francisco, and Seattle among other regions. Currently, the bank boasts of over 180 branches (Davis, 2010). In May this year, Umpqua Bank was ranked top by the 2011 US Retail Banking Satisfaction Study for offering the best customer services (satisfaction). It was ranked highest in customer satisfaction (J. D. Power and Associates, 2011). Umpqua Bank’s attempts to leverage its credit quality and loan losses by increasing the lending rates have not worked well for the bank. Although it came up with the GreenStreet Lending program for small business, it did not implement other mechanisms which would encourage large businesses to acquire loans from the bank, and this has been the reason behind its falling loans. Umpqua Bank has been able to achieve stability and growth in the market and still continues to expand through acquisitions. However, it has to implement strategies which will allow it maintain its strength in the market as regards loans. Reference List Davis, R. (2010). Umpqua notes. Web. J. D. Power and Associates. (2011). Umpqua Bank ranked highest in the Northwest for customers satisfaction. Web. Kish, M. (2011). Umpqua profits climb, beat estimates. Portland Business Journal. Web. Manning, J. (2011). Umpqua Bank back in the black, says problem in the past. Web. Morningstar Equity Research. (2011). Umpqua Holdings Corporation UMPQ. Portland: Morningstar. Stiles, G. (2011). Umpqua Bank is ag ain no. 1 in local deposits. Web. Tweel, C. A. (2008). Leading for growth: Assessing the growth impact of Umpqua Bank’s cultural makeover. North Carolina Banking Institute, 12: 307-419. Umpqua Bank. (2011). Our roots: An interactive history timeline. Web. This essay on Umpqua Bank Analysis was written and submitted by user Otto Skinner to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

Men vs. Women essays

Men vs. Women essays Women are obviously very different from men. The opposite sexes attract to eachother, but do they really understand I think that men and women can come to an understanding over time. If two people are really connected and are willing to make their relationship work, then they can begin to learn eachother's habits as well as their wants and desires without even asking. Still, there's always those little tricks that we women do to our men, hoping that they'll get the hint as to what we're asking without shouting out the real thing behind the hint. Men seem to like people to be frank with the points or questions a person is trying to make or ask. They don't like to beat around the bush to get the big picture, they just want to know it. to avoid confusion. Women like to tell their stories entirely and like to involve details when they're speaking. Men don't really care about those details that women appreciate. (they need to learn!) Women have very different explanatory styles than men, but I think that some men are able to come around and adapt to a woman's way of speaking and thinking. Women are very deep. Men don't understand why women are so emotional at times, and I don't understand myself some at times. (I'm later able to figure out why, though) For instance: My boyfriend and I have been going out for almost two years :) and I love him to pieces. Over this time, we have argued plenty of times and come to understandings of eachother. When we fight, of course, we argue and yell sometimes, but then after the venting is over, we think about went on, and talk about our feelings until we both understand eachother's views. Now that we know what sets eachother off, life is easier and sweeter for both of us. I know all of his little hints and gnats, and he knows most of mine. (too mysterious, I guess)Women are complicated to men as men are to women. I think we're weirded out by eachother somet...

Chapter 8 : A Single Man With A Dog Essay -- Dog, Pet, A Great Way to Ca

THESE MOMENTS WHERE HE ACTUALLY LOOKS RELAXED People wear masks most of the time, meaning that they would rather play pretend or have a straight face in front of the world, instead of being themselves. So, you can agree with us, that it is most of the time difficult to give an honest judgment about these people. On the other hand, for dog owners (again), their dogs make them look like the â€Å"Kings of cool†, because, well, a dog doesn’t need to impress anyone, and by being his loyal companion, this kind of attitude will contaminate his owner. So, dog owners are more relaxed. And why shouldn’t they be? When you walk a dog, you are going to end up running, petting him, talking to him etc. Now, who has a straight face while doing all that? Nobody. And as said, most of the time, pet owners look so relaxed that it’s easy to approach them and talk to them. Another thing that you should remember is that a dog is his owner’s pride (just like a son or a daughter can be), so for the sake of this special bonding this owner has no choices but to look relaxed. We’ve explained why dog owners are so relaxed, contrary to others, we will now focus on what we see when they are around their dogs. So, how are these single guys behaving, when they are around their pets in public, or around the house. The first words that come to mind are â€Å"silly† and â€Å"happy†. Pet lovers play, cheer, burst into laughter when they are around their dogs. It’s almost like seeing a little boy playing with his best friend. And it’s not surprising, dogs are amazing and they do amazing things. They can wake you up in the morning when you are late (considering that they know your routine), they can pick up your mail at the door or the nes on his head and of course a big smile. Most people who have been dog owners for a long time would tell you that expressions are important in your day to day life for dogs. They feel your pain, joys, moodiness, but still, they remain loyal. So, not only does the dog’s attitude puts them in a good mood instantly (so they smile more often). Dogs are almost like mood meters, one look at them and they remind you that life is more than these silly arguments with your peers. Don’t they say that smiling is a great way to fight depression, and in turn, live a happier life? Knowing that you have a better attitude outside of your home thanks to your dog, you will attract more people, like friends and of course people who would love to go on a date with you. And like most people say, smiles and great moods are contagious, so single men along with their dogs, win it again.

Researching Tourism and Hospitality Operations Essay

Researching Tourism and Hospitality Operations - Essay Example In 2007, Isadore Sharp sought an exit from this long-term investment, selling the multi-national Four Seasons properties to Kingdom Holding, owned by Al-Waleed bin Talal from Saudi Arabia and Cascade Investments, controlled by the software and technology guru Bill Gates. Upon taking this business private, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts were able to internalise international expansion efforts, redevelop the business model, and restructure financial governance of the business without undo pressures from international investors in the stock market. However, this acquisition of Four Seasons in 2007 came at a time just prior to the global recession occurring between 2008 and 2010, which radically changed the predictability and revenue growth opportunities for this luxury hospitality business. The business’ long-term profitability has been impacted by a series of government-imposed austerity packages in European nations, reforms in the banking sector in Asian and North American cou ntries, and changes to consumer sentiment about luxury travel and tourism and its correlation to their personal finance availability. Hence, the economic and social conditions in the luxury tourism sector suddenly changed, creating a new set of pressures on Four Seasons to sustain its existing business model whilst still considering redevelopment of its long-standing brand to better service the contemporary consumer in the post-20th Century tourism sector. This report examines the macro- and micro-level factors impacting many dimensions of the Four Seasons value chain, its strategic focus for long-term sustainable growth, and marketing in a very saturated and dynamically competitive international hospitality sector. The report further examines the marketing prowess of Four Seasons, the business’ current and long-term operational strategies, and the characteristics of consumer behaviour that impact Four Seasons’ service ideology, and cost structures impacting profitabil ity with this business. 2.0 Macro and Micro Analysis of the Industry To better understand the performance and productivity of the current Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts business model, it is necessary to examine the macro- and micro-level factors that impact sustainability of competitive advantage influenced by industry conditions. 2.1 PESTLE Analysis POLITICAL The influence of political factors for Four Seasons is disparate, due to the dynamics of being a multi-national business with presence in North America, Asia, Europe and Australia. In Asia, the hospitality sector has significant difficulties sustaining hospitality-centric operations without the direct support of government. For instance, in India, the government imposes substantial taxation on luxury hotels, which raises the costs of operations and increases prices along local supply chain networks. It is even difficult to establish strategic alliances or joint ventures with major tourism airline carriers in many Asian count ries where Four Seasons operates, thus impacting co-branding strategy opportunities and the ability to create periodic promotional incentives to entice more consumer interest in bookings due to the government influence and government-imposed costs. However, in some countries, such as Canada (Four Seasons is headquartered in Ontario, Canada) and Europe, governments provide incentives for consumers to engage in shopping with guarantees that they can reclaim the

APPLICATION PAPER Term Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2750 words

APPLICATION - Term Paper Example As a tradition, the two leading political parties; the Democratic and the Republican Parties select the best candidate to represent their party (4- Impression Management, Haun 50). In the primaries of each of the political parties, potential candidates file for nomination and they canvass for votes by telling leaders of the party why they are capable of winning power in the national elections (5- Compliance Gaining Strategies, Haun 64). In order to ensure the best results in the general presidential elections, the parties select the best candidate to represent them (6- Uncertainty Reduction, Haun 23). In doing this, a lot of checks are done on each candidate to verify and validate his or her claims of eligibility for the Presidency as well as acceptability to the voters (7- Fidelity Checks, Haun 69). After successfully convincing the leaders of the respective parties (8- Evidence Test, Haun 69), they are chosen as the Presidential aspirants to represent the two major political parties in America. The Presidential candidates are presented to the American electorates by the parties. The candidates are required to present a positive image about themselves and their parties (9- Impression Management Theory, Haun 50). In order to examine the promises made by each of the candidates, most presidential elections are marked by various presidential debates. In these debates, the presidential candidates tell the American people what they would do if they are voted into power. This provides a platform for informing electorates about the kind of leader who will fill the White House over the next four years. Presidential debates provide a strong insight into the policies that either parties have for the people and influences the way people think about the candidates (10- Perception, Haun 68). This year, the two contenders for the US Presidency, President Barack Obama and Senator Mitt Romney

Zen Buddhism Essay Example for Free

Zen Buddhism Essay Buddhism has grown from the flowing of a single man in his path to nirvana to a religion that spans the globe and has shaped many cultures. This paper will first present the history of Buddhism and the life of the man known as Buddha. Then, the fundamental teachings of Buddhism will be discussed. Finally, the unique aspects of Zen Buddhism will be examined. History of Buddhism and Life of Buddha Although the truths are ultimately unknown, Michael Molloy, in Experiencing the World’s Religions (2013), presented the details of the life of Siddhartha Gautama, the man who would come to be known as Buddha. Around 500 B.C.E., Siddhartha was born to a prince of the Shakya tribe in modern day Nepal. Siddhartha’s mother died a week after childbirth, leaving him in the care of a father whom, on the advice of a sage, ensured Siddhartha would leave an extremely sheltered but pleasant life. Upon Siddhartha’s first excursion into the world, he witnessed suffering and was so moved by it that he left home and went in search of a path to enlightenment. After attempting to gain insight through asceticism, Siddhartha rejected this way as inadequate and sought a path based on moderation instead. Legend speaks of Siddhartha meditating under a tree now knows as a Bodhi tree, resolved to not leave until he had reached the understanding that he sought. At dawn, Siddhartha achieved nirvana or enlightenment and became known as Buddha. Buddhism is a rejection of the Hindu gods, Vedic priesthood, and rituals. Fundamental Teachings of Buddhism Among Buddha’s teachings are three primary concepts: The Three Marks of Reality, The Four Noble Truths, and The Noble Eightfold Path. The Three Marks of Reality   Buddha taught that all reality bore three characteristics; Change, No Permanent Identity, and Suffering (Molloy, 2013). Change is the idea that all of reality, every facet and as a whole, is in constant flux, and turmoil. No permanent identity is the belief that all of reality, both living and non-living, has a permanent aspect; that no soul or spirit exists that resists the changes of time. The last mark of reality is suffering, the concept that, because reality is ever changing, all contentment most pass and bring misery in its wake. The Four Noble Truths The first truth is that to live is to suffer, meaning that in every stage of life, change will occur and that change will bring suffering and discontent. The second truth is that suffering comes from desire. This truth states that desire, in all of its aspects, binds mankind to illusions that reality will disprove and replace with suffering. The third truth is that to end suffering, one must end desire; that suffering will not cease when all desires are met, only when all desires are extinguished. Lastly, the fourth truth taught by Buddha is that release from suffering is possible and can be attained by following the noble eightfold path (Molloy, 2013). T he Noble Eightfold Path According to Molloy (2013), the Noble Eightfold Path is a set of eight practices, taught by Buddha, to allow the follower to â€Å"to face life objectively, to live kindly, and to cultivate inner peace† (pg. 134). The first part of the Path is Right Understanding, to recognize and understand the 3 marks of reality. The second part is Right Intention, maintaining a purity of thought and motives, untainted by desires and emotions. The third part of the path is Right Speech, the understanding that what if said can cause harm and that lies, exaggerations, and harsh words must be avoided. The fourth, Right Action, is to remember that there is already enough suffering in the world and that the actions of the follow should not contribute to that pain, even to animals. The fifth part is Right Work that one’s work does not cause additional suffering, even to one’s self. The sixth, Right Effort, is the understanding that, while maintaining moderation in one’s life, steps to improve should be taken when they can. The seventh step is Right Meditation that the follower uses meditation to examine the  depths of reality. Finally, the last part is the Right Contemplation, actively striving to obtain states of blissful inner peace in one’s life. Buddha did not teach that the eight steps were like a ladder, taken one after another, but all at the same times, to lead his followers closer to the state of nirvana. Zen Buddhism As the school of Mahayana developed, and traveled to China, it experienced pushback from its complex rituals and ceremonies. This pushback led to the forming of the school of Chan, with a simplification of Buddhist life and focus on singular meditation. As the school of Chan traveled to Japan, it further blended and developed into Zen Buddhism. Zen Buddhism developed it simplicity by examining the meditation and enlightenment of Buddha directly, and the teaching if Buddha that ritual does not directly lead to enlightenment. Zen has blended with Japanese society, and culture, influencing thought, art, and expression. Because of the influence of Zen Buddhism, Japanese arts have developed around the ideals of simplicity, practicality, and emptiness. An example of the ideals of Zen Buddhism can be found in the practice of the koan. A koan is a question that cannot be easily answered with logic, meditated on and answered in a way that demonstrated the understanding of the principle lesson of the koan, rather than explaining it (Molloy, 2013). Conclusion The paper has examined the life of Siddhartha Gautama, the man known as Buddha. Also, the Buddha’s teachings concerning reality and achieving inner peace have been described. Finally, the uniqueness of the school of Zen Buddhism has been explained. Reference Molloy, M. (2013). Experiencing the world’s religions: Tradition, challenge, and change (6th ed.). New York, NY: McGraw-Hill Inc..

Megachurches and Theologies of Consumption :: Religion Christian

Last weekend, while attending Lexington, KY’s Southland Christian Church, I received an invitation to attend a â€Å"Poor Man’s After-Tax Dinner.† Located on a 115-acre plot that occupies a stretch of the rapidly disappearing farmland between Lexington and Jessamine County, Southland will host the gala, which includes a catered meal and a performance by the Dale Adams Band. On the church’s website, an announcement for the event asks, â€Å"Did you have to pay when you filed taxes? This month’s Gathering is designed to help you to forget your IRS woes.†[1] The After-Tax Dinner will minister to those still reeling from the April 15th deadline, and, with any luck, it will foster solidarity among Southland’s flock, the majority of whom are members of the tax bracket whose wallets ache most severely after just having rendered unto Caesar the money that belongs to him. Southland Christian Church, one of several worship centers in the United States that has earned the moniker â€Å"Six Flags over Jesus,† is Lexington’s largest megachurch. With a weekly attendance of 8,000 people and an operating budget that supports a staff of over eighty members, Southland far exceeds most U.S. congregations in terms of financial resources and social clout. In recent years, popular and scholarly studies have attempted to situate the megachurch movement within a broad cultural context. Although the majority of these analyses dispute the precise definition of a megachurch, most distinguish these multiplex sanctuaries from smaller worship communities by using the same criteria—i.e. weekly attendance, campus acreage, annual budget, etc.—that megachurches themselves draw on to represent their own success. [2] However, the essence of a megachurch is not its large buildings, but rather the theology of consumption that informs it s programming.[3] In this way, a megachurch ethos has infiltrated even the smallest congregations in the United States and has helped to solidify Christianity’s inextricable connection to consumer capitalism. To those who see megachurches as symptomatic of a flawed Christianity, market-minded church growth confounds one of the faith’s oldest dualities, the contradiction of living in the world without conforming to its ways, as Paul puts it in Romans 12. Megachurches at once reject â€Å"the world† and participate in it by seeking to win the lost and wow the consumer at the same time.