Our latest report, current as of October 27, 2025, meticulously evaluates Bank of Hawaii Corporation (BOH) by dissecting its business moat, financial statements, historical performance, growth prospects, and intrinsic value. The analysis further contextualizes BOH's position by benchmarking it against peers such as First Hawaiian (FHB), East West Bancorp (EWBC), and Western Alliance Bancorporation (WAL), all viewed through the proven lens of Warren Buffett and Charlie Munger's investment philosophies.
Mixed outlook for Bank of Hawaii. The bank's main appeal is its strong 4.38% dividend yield and dominant position in its stable island market. However, recent performance has been poor, marked by declining earnings and weak cost management. Future growth prospects are weak, tied to the slow-moving Hawaiian economy. Compared to peers, the stock appears expensive and is less profitable. This makes BOH suitable for income investors, but those seeking growth may find better options.
US: NYSE
Bank of Hawaii Corporation's business model is that of a classic regional bank, but with a unique geographic focus that defines its strategy and competitive moat. The company provides a comprehensive range of financial services to businesses, consumers, and governments primarily in Hawaii, and to a lesser extent in Guam, Saipan, and Palau. Its core operations revolve around the fundamental banking activities of gathering deposits and making loans. The bank earns most of its revenue from net interest income, which is the difference between the interest it earns on its loan portfolio and the interest it pays on deposits and other borrowings. Its main products can be categorized into four key areas: Commercial Lending (including Commercial Real Estate), Residential Mortgages, Consumer Lending, and a suite of services that generate fee income, most notably Trust and Wealth Management.
Commercial lending, encompassing both Commercial & Industrial (C&I) and Commercial Real Estate (CRE) loans, is a cornerstone of BOH's portfolio, representing approximately 49% of total loans. This segment serves a wide range of local businesses, from small family-owned companies to larger corporations central to Hawaii's economy, including those in tourism, retail, and services. The total addressable market for commercial lending is intrinsically tied to the health and growth of Hawaii's GDP, which was approximately $100 billion pre-pandemic and has been recovering steadily. Competition in this space comes primarily from its main local rival, First Hawaiian Bank, as well as American Savings Bank and, to a lesser extent, the commercial lending arms of national banks with a presence on the islands. BOH distinguishes itself from national players through its deep, century-old relationships and localized decision-making, allowing for more flexible and tailored credit solutions. The customers are local businesses that value relationship banking over the slightly better terms a national competitor might offer. Stickiness is very high; switching a complex commercial credit relationship is costly and time-consuming for a business. BOH's competitive moat here is its entrenched market position and information advantage. Having operated in this isolated island economy for over 125 years, the bank possesses unparalleled data and expertise on local credit risk, creating a significant barrier for outside competitors.
Residential mortgage lending is another critical product line, making up around 32% of the bank's loan portfolio. BOH provides mortgages for purchasing and refinancing homes, a vital service in one of the nation's most expensive real estate markets. The Hawaiian residential real estate market is substantial, with total transaction volume often exceeding $10 billion annually, though it is subject to interest rate sensitivity and economic cycles. Competition is intense and fragmented, including other local banks, credit unions, and mainland-based national mortgage originators like Rocket Mortgage and Wells Fargo. Compared to national online lenders, BOH competes by leveraging its branch network for face-to-face service and by cross-selling to its massive existing deposit customer base. The primary consumers are residents of Hawaii seeking to purchase a home. While the loan itself is a long-term product, customer stickiness can be moderate, as homeowners may refinance with another lender for better rates. However, the convenience of banking where you have your primary checking account provides a considerable advantage. BOH's moat in this segment is its powerful local brand and distribution network. For many Hawaiians, Bank of Hawaii is the default, trusted option for a major financial decision like a mortgage, an advantage that digital-only competitors struggle to overcome.
Fee-generating services, particularly Trust and Wealth Management, represent a smaller but vital part of the business, contributing to BOH's noninterest income which accounts for roughly 23% of total revenue. These services include investment management, trust and estate administration, and financial planning for high-net-worth individuals, families, and institutions. The market for wealth management in Hawaii is significant, driven by expensive real estate, successful local business owners, and retirees. Competition includes other bank trust departments (like First Hawaiian's), major wirehouses (Morgan Stanley, Merrill Lynch), and independent registered investment advisors. BOH's trust services are a key differentiator, as it is one of the oldest and largest providers in the state, managing billions in assets. The customers are some of the wealthiest and most influential families and institutions in Hawaii, who often have multi-generational relationships with the bank. Stickiness in this segment is exceptionally high due to deep personal relationships and the enormous complexity and cost of moving trust assets. The moat here is formidable, built on a reputation for stability and trustworthiness cultivated over a century, which is nearly impossible for a new entrant to replicate.
In summary, Bank of Hawaii's business model is fundamentally sound, protected by the geographic isolation of its core market. Its competitive advantages, or moat, are not derived from a proprietary technology or a patent, but from its dominant scale and market share in this contained ecosystem. The bank's dense branch network, number one or two position in nearly every local banking product, and long-standing brand equity create powerful barriers to entry. This allows BOH to generate consistent, albeit modest, returns over the long term. The primary vulnerability of this model is its profound lack of diversification. The bank's fortunes are inextricably linked to the economic health of Hawaii. A significant downturn in tourism, a major natural disaster, or adverse population trends could severely impact the bank's performance. While its moat is deep within its pond, the pond itself is small and susceptible to localized shocks. Therefore, while the business model is resilient within its defined market, it carries a concentration risk that investors must not overlook.
Bank of Hawaii's financial health shows a contrast between balance sheet safety and profitability challenges. On the revenue front, the bank has posted positive growth, with total revenue up 10.8% in the most recent quarter. This was driven by a strong 12.92% increase in net interest income, suggesting the bank is earning more from its loans and investments. However, profitability metrics are less impressive. The return on assets (ROA) is 0.80%, which is below the 1.0% level considered strong for banks, and its efficiency ratio of 62.7% is well above the industry benchmark of 60%, signaling that operating costs are consuming too much revenue.
The bank's balance sheet resilience is a clear strength, primarily due to its conservative liquidity management. With a loan-to-deposit ratio of 66.6%, the bank has substantial capacity to absorb deposit outflows or increase lending without strain. This is significantly better than the typical 80-90% for regional banks. However, this safety is offset by a major red flag: a large unrealized loss in its investment portfolio, reflected in the -$299 million Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (AOCI). This figure represents nearly 22% of the bank's tangible common equity, highlighting a significant sensitivity to interest rate movements that has eroded its capital base on a mark-to-market basis.
From a credit risk perspective, the bank appears well-prepared. It maintains an allowance for credit losses equivalent to 1.06% of its total loans, a healthy level that aligns with industry standards. Provisions for these losses have been modest and stable in recent quarters, suggesting management is not anticipating a major downturn in its loan portfolio's quality. Cash generation from operations has been positive, though it has fluctuated between quarters. The bank continues to pay a consistent dividend, supported by its net income.
In conclusion, Bank of Hawaii's financial foundation is stable but not without risks. Its strong liquidity and adequate credit reserves provide a solid defense against economic stress. However, its profitability is currently hampered by a combination of high operating costs and a balance sheet that is vulnerable to changes in interest rates. Investors should weigh the bank's defensive liquidity position against its ongoing struggles to improve efficiency and margins.
An analysis of Bank of Hawaii's past performance over the last five fiscal years (FY2020–FY2024) reveals a period of significant volatility and recent decline. After recovering from the pandemic-induced lows of 2020, the bank's key metrics like revenue and earnings peaked in 2021 and have been on a downward trend since. Revenue, which reached $717.1 million in 2021, fell to $628.0 million by 2024. More concerning is the sharp decline in profitability. Earnings per share (EPS) followed a similar trajectory, dropping from $6.29 in 2021 to just $3.48 in 2024, resulting in a negative five-year compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -2.6%.
The bank's profitability and efficiency metrics underscore these challenges. Return on Equity (ROE), a key measure of how effectively the bank uses shareholder money, has compressed from a strong 17.0% in 2021 to a mediocre 9.7% in 2024. This was driven by pressure on its Net Interest Margin (the difference between what it earns on loans and pays on deposits) and a deteriorating efficiency ratio. The efficiency ratio, which measures non-interest expenses as a percentage of revenue, worsened from a respectable 54.4% in 2020 to an uncompetitive 67.3% in 2024. This indicates that the bank's cost structure is consuming an increasingly large share of its income compared to more efficient peers like First Hawaiian (58%) and East West Bancorp (42%).
From a capital allocation perspective, Bank of Hawaii has been a reliable dividend payer, but the growth has been nonexistent in recent years. The dividend per share has been flat at $2.80 since 2022. With earnings falling, the dividend payout ratio has swelled to over 83%, raising questions about its future sustainability if profits do not recover. Share buybacks have been minimal and have failed to meaningfully reduce the share count over the five-year period. This has culminated in poor total shareholder returns, which were approximately -15% over five years, starkly underperforming direct competitor First Hawaiian (+5%) and the broader banking sector.
While the bank has managed its balance sheet conservatively, with a stable loan-to-deposit ratio and no major credit issues, its fundamental operating performance has been weak. Loan growth has been modest, and deposits have started to decline in the last two years. Overall, the historical record does not inspire confidence in the bank's execution or its ability to create shareholder value in recent years. The consistent decline in core earnings and efficiency suggests significant operational headwinds.
The U.S. regional banking industry is navigating a period of significant change over the next 3-5 years, shaped by three primary forces: interest rate normalization, technological disruption, and regulatory scrutiny. After a period of near-zero rates, the current higher-rate environment is fundamentally altering bank profitability, pressuring deposit costs and impacting loan demand. For a geographically concentrated institution like Bank of Hawaii, these national trends are filtered through the unique lens of the Hawaiian economy. The state's economic growth is projected to be modest, with GDP growth forecasts in the 1.5% to 2.5% range annually, heavily dependent on the health of the tourism sector. A key catalyst for demand would be a sustained surge in international tourism, particularly from Asia, which could boost local business activity and credit demand. Conversely, a global economic slowdown or a natural disaster represents a significant threat.
Technological shifts are pushing all banks toward digital transformation. Customers increasingly expect seamless online and mobile banking, reducing the historical dominance of physical branches. While BOH's dense branch network remains a key asset in its relationship-based model, the need to invest heavily in digital platforms to retain customers and improve efficiency is paramount. This creates a dual challenge: maintaining a costly physical footprint while funding necessary tech upgrades. Competitive intensity in Hawaii is unlikely to change dramatically; the market is a virtual duopoly between BOH and First Hawaiian Bank, with high barriers to entry for mainland competitors due to the state's unique market dynamics and the incumbents' entrenched relationships. This stable competitive landscape provides a floor for performance but also caps the potential for aggressive market share gains, locking BOH's growth potential firmly to the island's economic fate.
Looking at BOH's commercial lending segment, which includes both commercial real estate (CRE) and business loans, future consumption is expected to be muted. Current usage is driven by local businesses in hospitality, retail, and services. Growth is constrained by the limited number of large corporations in Hawaii and the slow pace of new business formation. Over the next 3-5 years, a modest increase in consumption could come from state-led infrastructure projects or investments in renewable energy. However, the core CRE and C&I loan demand will likely grow in the low single digits, mirroring the state's economy. The commercial loan market in Hawaii is estimated to be around $30-35 billion, with slow growth. BOH's main competitor is First Hawaiian Bank, and businesses often choose a lender based on long-standing relationships and perceived flexibility in underwriting. BOH will outperform by retaining its existing clients but is unlikely to win significant share. A key risk is a sharp downturn in tourism, which would directly impact the credit quality of a large portion of its commercial portfolio. The probability of a moderate tourism slowdown in the next five years is medium, which could lead to a rise in non-performing loans and a freeze in new lending.
Residential mortgage lending faces a challenging outlook. Current consumption is constrained by extremely high property prices in Hawaii (median single-family home price on Oahu often exceeds $900,000) and elevated mortgage rates, which have severely impacted housing affordability. Over the next 3-5 years, loan origination volume is likely to remain below the peaks seen during the low-rate environment. While high property values ensure that new loans are large, the total number of transactions may decrease or stagnate. A potential catalyst would be a significant drop in interest rates, but this is not widely expected. Competition is fierce, with national online lenders like Rocket Mortgage competing on price and speed. BOH competes by leveraging its existing depositor base and local brand trust. Customers seeking in-person service or who value keeping all their finances at one institution will choose BOH. The primary risk is a real estate price correction. Given the market's long-term upward trend, the probability of a major crash is low, but a 5-10% correction is a medium-probability risk that would dampen origination revenue and potentially increase credit risk on home equity lines of credit.
Fee income, particularly from the trust and wealth management division, represents the most promising growth area for BOH. Current consumption is strong among Hawaii's high-net-worth individuals and families, who rely on BOH for sophisticated trust and estate planning services. This segment is less sensitive to economic cycles than lending. Over the next 3-5 years, consumption is expected to increase as wealth in Hawaii continues to grow, driven by appreciating real estate assets and intergenerational wealth transfers. The Hawaii wealth management market is substantial, and BOH is a dominant player. BOH will outperform competitors like Morgan Stanley or independent advisors by leveraging its century-old reputation and deep integration with the local community's most influential families. The stickiness of these relationships is exceptionally high. A potential catalyst for accelerated growth would be the successful rollout of enhanced digital wealth platforms to attract younger, affluent clients. The primary risk is reputational; any service failure or breach of trust could be damaging, though the probability is low. Another risk is a prolonged equity market downturn, which would reduce assets under management and the corresponding fee revenue.
Beyond its core products, BOH's future growth will be heavily influenced by its ability to manage its balance sheet in the prevailing interest rate environment. The bank's profitability has been squeezed by a rapid rise in its cost of deposits, which has outpaced the increase in asset yields, leading to net interest margin (NIM) compression. This trend is likely to persist as depositors continue to seek higher yields and low-cost legacy deposits mature. BOH's strategy will need to focus on disciplined pricing of both loans and deposits and optimizing its securities portfolio. Furthermore, with limited avenues for organic revenue growth, disciplined expense management will become a critical lever for earnings growth. Initiatives to enhance operational efficiency through technology and process optimization, while not headline-grabbing, will be crucial in protecting and modestly growing profitability in a slow-growth environment.
This valuation analysis of Bank of Hawaii Corporation (BOH) assesses whether the stock is a sound investment from a valuation perspective. The analysis triangulates value using three primary methods: multiples, cash flow/yield, and asset-based approaches. This comprehensive view helps determine if the current stock price of $63.90 is justified by the bank's financial health and future prospects, suggesting a fair value range of $60–$68 and indicating that the stock is trading at a reasonable price with limited immediate upside.
The multiples approach shows a mixed signal. BOH's trailing Price-to-Earnings (P/E) ratio of 16.77 is above the regional bank average but close to its own historical standard. More importantly, its forward P/E of 13.25 is more attractive, implying that the market has already priced in significant near-term earnings growth. This suggests that while expensive based on past performance, the valuation becomes more reasonable when future expectations are considered, supporting a value around $64.
From a cash-flow perspective, the dividend yield is a critical anchor for a stable bank like BOH. The company offers a compelling 4.38% yield, which is attractive for income-focused investors. However, a conservative Dividend Discount Model suggests a fair value of around $56, which is below the current market price. This indicates that investors may be accepting a lower required rate of return or expecting higher future growth than the model assumes. The asset-based approach, using the Price-to-Tangible-Book-Value (P/TBV) ratio, shows the stock trading at 1.86x, a premium to the peer average of around 1.5x. This high multiple is only partially justified by its solid 11.05% Return on Equity (ROE), suggesting the market is paying a premium for the stability of BOH's unique Hawaiian market position.
Warren Buffett would view Bank of Hawaii as a classic example of a business with a wonderful moat but mediocre economics. He would be highly attracted to its dominant 35% deposit market share in the isolated Hawaiian market, viewing it as a durable, low-cost funding source. However, he would be deterred by the bank's subpar profitability, specifically its Return on Average Assets of 0.95%, which is below the 1.0%+ threshold of higher-quality peers, and its high efficiency ratio of 64%, indicating operational bloat. Given its premium valuation at 1.8x tangible book value, the stock offers no margin of safety for its average performance. Therefore, Buffett would likely avoid the stock, concluding it's a fair business at an unfair price. If forced to choose top regional banks, he would likely prefer UMB Financial (UMBF) for its high-quality diversified fee income and consistent execution, East West Bancorp (EWBC) for its exceptional 1.8% ROAA at a low 8x P/E multiple, and First Hawaiian (FHB) for being a better operator in the same great market. A significant price drop of 30-40% or a clear path to improving returns on assets would be required for him to reconsider.
Bill Ackman would likely view Bank of Hawaii as a high-quality, simple, and predictable franchise, but ultimately one that does not fit his investment criteria in 2025. He would appreciate its dominant market position in a duopolistic island economy, which provides a strong competitive moat and a stable, low-cost deposit base, reflected in its low loan-to-deposit ratio of 75%. However, Ackman would be deterred by the bank's mediocre profitability metrics, such as a Return on Average Assets (ROAA) of 0.95% and a high efficiency ratio of 64%, which lag significantly behind best-in-class peers. The core issue for Ackman would be the lack of a clear catalyst for value creation; BOH is a slow-growth utility, not an under-earning asset with a fixable problem or a compelling growth story. Given its premium valuation (P/E of 12x) relative to more profitable and faster-growing banks, Ackman would conclude that the risk-reward is unfavorable and would avoid the investment. He would likely favor banks like East West Bancorp (EWBC) for its superior 1.8% ROAA and 8x P/E, UMB Financial (UMBF) for its diversified fee-based model, or Western Alliance (WAL) for its high-growth profile at a discounted 9x P/E. Ackman's decision could change if new management initiated a credible operational turnaround to dramatically improve efficiency or if the stock price were to fall by over 30%, creating a clear valuation opportunity.
Charlie Munger would likely view Bank of Hawaii as a classic example of a good, but not great, business. He would immediately recognize and appreciate its powerful geographic moat—a near-duopoly in the captive Hawaiian market, evidenced by its number one deposit market share of 35%. However, he would quickly become discouraged by its mediocre operational performance, particularly its high efficiency ratio of 64% and a modest Return on Average Assets of 0.95%, which lag stronger competitors. Munger seeks exceptional businesses, and BOH's performance is merely average. Furthermore, the extreme concentration risk, with the bank's fortunes entirely tied to Hawaii's tourism-dependent economy, would be a major red flag, as it violates the principle of avoiding single points of massive failure. While the bank's conservative loan-to-deposit ratio of 75% shows prudence, the valuation at 12 times earnings and 1.8 times tangible book value is not compelling for a business with such limited growth prospects and average returns. The takeaway for retail investors is that while the bank is stable, Munger would avoid it, believing there are far superior banks offering better returns on capital at similar or even cheaper prices. If forced to choose the best regional banks, Munger would likely favor UMB Financial (UMBF) for its high-quality, diversified fee-income streams, East West Bancorp (EWBC) for its world-class profitability (ROAA of 1.8%) and unique niche moat, and First Hawaiian (FHB) as the better-run operator within the same Hawaiian duopoly. His decision on BOH could change if its price fell dramatically, perhaps close to its tangible book value, offering an undeniable margin of safety, but he would still prefer to pay a fair price for a superior business.
Bank of Hawaii Corporation (BOH) presents a unique competitive profile primarily shaped by its geography. As one of the two largest banks in Hawaii, it benefits from a formidable "hometown bank" advantage, deeply integrated into the local economy. This creates a durable competitive advantage, often called a moat, as the island state has high barriers to entry for mainland competitors trying to establish a physical presence. The bank's long history, dating back to 1897, has cultivated a powerful brand and a loyal, low-cost deposit base from generations of local individuals and businesses, which is a key advantage for stable and cheap funding.
However, this geographic fortress is a double-edged sword. BOH's success is inextricably linked to the economic cycles of Hawaii, an economy heavily reliant on tourism and U.S. military spending. An economic shock to these sectors, like the downturn seen during the COVID-19 pandemic, can disproportionately affect the bank's loan portfolio and growth. Unlike mainland competitors who can diversify across various states and industries—from technology in California to energy in Texas—BOH's concentration risk is its most significant vulnerability. This lack of diversification means it may not capture the high-growth opportunities available in more dynamic economic regions.
Financially, BOH is typically a conservative and stable operator. It generally maintains strong capital levels and a healthy balance sheet, prioritizing stability over aggressive expansion. Its key profitability metrics, such as Return on Assets (how efficiently it uses its assets to make money) and Return on Equity (the return generated for shareholders), are often respectable but may trail top-performing mainland peers that operate in faster-growing markets. For investors, BOH represents a trade-off: in exchange for the higher potential growth offered by other regional banks, it provides the perceived safety of a dominant market share in a contained, predictable market. The investment case for BOH is therefore less about rapid growth and more about steady income and long-term stability, contingent on the ongoing health of the Hawaiian economy.
First Hawaiian, Inc. (FHB) is Bank of Hawaii's direct and primary competitor, creating a duopoly in the Hawaiian banking market. Both institutions are of similar size and have nearly identical business models centered on serving the local community, from individual consumers to large businesses. Their fortunes are tied to the same economic drivers, primarily tourism and military spending. The competition between them is intense but rational, with FHB often demonstrating a slight edge in operational efficiency and profitability metrics in recent periods. For an investor, choosing between them means scrutinizing small differences in execution, valuation, and capital return strategies.
In terms of business moat, both banks possess a formidable one rooted in their geographic isolation and brand dominance. BOH has a slight edge with the number one deposit market share in Hawaii at roughly 35%, just ahead of FHB's 33%. This brand strength and high switching costs for deeply embedded local customers are powerful advantages for both. In terms of scale, their total assets are nearly identical, both around $24 billion. Their network effects are also comparable, with extensive branch and ATM networks across the islands. Regulatory barriers are equally high for both. Overall winner for Business & Moat: Bank of Hawaii Corporation, by a very narrow margin, due to its slightly larger market share, which is a key indicator of customer trust and funding advantage.
Financially, First Hawaiian has recently demonstrated stronger performance. FHB's Net Interest Margin (NIM), a key measure of lending profitability, was recently 2.85%, superior to BOH's 2.61%. FHB is also more efficient, with an efficiency ratio (lower is better) of 58% compared to BOH's 64%. This translates to better profitability, where FHB has a Return on Average Assets (ROAA) of 1.10% versus BOH's 0.95% (FHB is better). BOH has a slight advantage in its funding base with a lower loan-to-deposit ratio of 75% versus FHB's 82%, indicating more liquidity (BOH is better). Both are well-capitalized, with similar CET1 ratios. Overall Financials winner: First Hawaiian, Inc., due to its superior margins and profitability.
Looking at past performance, FHB has delivered stronger results over the last five years. FHB achieved a 5-year total shareholder return of approximately 5%, while BOH's was closer to -15% over the same period, reflecting better market sentiment towards FHB's execution. FHB has also shown more consistent earnings per share (EPS) growth, a key driver of stock performance. In terms of risk, both stocks exhibit similar volatility and are subject to the same macroeconomic risks. Given the significant difference in shareholder returns, the winner is clear. Overall Past Performance winner: First Hawaiian, Inc., for its substantially better total shareholder returns and more stable earnings trajectory.
Future growth for both banks is almost entirely dependent on the health of the Hawaiian economy. Both are guiding towards low single-digit loan growth, reflecting a mature market. The edge will come from execution. FHB's better efficiency ratio suggests it has a stronger handle on costs, which could lead to better earnings growth even if revenue growth is similar (FHB edge). Both face the same regulatory and market demand environments (even). FHB's slightly better track record in managing its profit margins gives it a minor advantage in a stable interest rate environment (FHB edge). Overall Growth outlook winner: First Hawaiian, Inc., as its superior operational efficiency provides a clearer path to bottom-line growth.
In terms of valuation, the two banks trade at similar multiples, but FHB appears slightly more attractive given its stronger performance. FHB trades at a Price-to-Tangible Book Value (P/TBV) of 1.7x, while BOH trades at 1.8x. Their Price-to-Earnings (P/E) ratios are also close, with FHB at 11x and BOH at 12x. BOH offers a higher dividend yield of 5.1% compared to FHB's 4.6%, which may appeal to income investors. However, considering FHB's superior profitability and efficiency, its slightly lower valuation multiples suggest it offers better quality at a comparable price. Overall, the better value today is First Hawaiian, Inc., as it provides stronger fundamentals for a slightly lower price.
Winner: First Hawaiian, Inc. over Bank of Hawaii Corporation. The verdict is based on FHB's consistent outperformance on key operational and financial metrics. FHB's key strengths are its superior profitability, evidenced by a higher Return on Assets (1.10% vs. 0.95%), and greater operational efficiency, shown by its lower efficiency ratio (58% vs. 64%). While BOH holds the top spot in deposit market share and offers a slightly higher dividend yield, these advantages do not fully compensate for its weaker profitability and historical shareholder returns. FHB has proven to be a slightly better operator within the same competitive landscape, making it the stronger choice.
East West Bancorp (EWBC) is a unique regional bank with a specialized focus on serving the Chinese-American community and facilitating cross-border business between the U.S. and Greater China. This contrasts sharply with Bank of Hawaii's geographically concentrated, generalist model. With over $70 billion in assets, EWBC is significantly larger than BOH and operates in higher-growth markets like California and Texas. The comparison highlights a trade-off between BOH's stable, island fortress and EWBC's higher-growth, but more economically sensitive, niche strategy.
EWBC's business moat is built on deep cultural and linguistic expertise, creating high switching costs for its niche clientele who rely on its cross-border capabilities. This is a powerful brand advantage within its target demographic, arguably as strong as BOH's brand within Hawaii (EWBC edge). In terms of scale, EWBC's asset base of over $70 billion dwarfs BOH's $24 billion, providing significant operational leverage (EWBC edge). While BOH has a denser network in its small market, EWBC's network spans key economic hubs in the U.S. and Asia. Regulatory barriers are high for both. Overall winner for Business & Moat: East West Bancorp, Inc., due to its larger scale and unique, hard-to-replicate specialization.
Financially, EWBC is a much stronger performer. Its Return on Average Assets (ROAA) is exceptional at 1.8%, double BOH's 0.95%, indicating superior profitability (EWBC is better). EWBC also runs a leaner operation, with an efficiency ratio around 42% compared to BOH's 64% (EWBC is much better). Its Net Interest Margin is also wider at 3.5% versus BOH's 2.61% (EWBC is better). Both banks are well-capitalized, but EWBC's ability to generate high returns on its capital is world-class for a bank its size. BOH maintains a safer liquidity profile with a lower loan-to-deposit ratio, but this comes at the cost of lower returns. Overall Financials winner: East West Bancorp, Inc., due to its vastly superior profitability and efficiency.
Historically, EWBC has been a growth powerhouse compared to BOH. Over the past five years, EWBC has grown its earnings per share at a compound annual rate of over 15%, far outpacing BOH's low-single-digit growth (EWBC winner). This has translated into superior shareholder returns, with EWBC's 5-year total return at over 80% compared to BOH's negative return (EWBC winner). In terms of risk, EWBC's stock is more volatile and its business is more exposed to geopolitical tensions between the U.S. and China, a risk BOH does not share. However, the performance gap is too large to ignore. Overall Past Performance winner: East West Bancorp, Inc., for its stellar growth and shareholder returns.
Looking ahead, EWBC's growth prospects appear brighter, though they carry more risk. The bank is positioned to benefit from wealth creation within the Asian-American community and the continued growth of its U.S. commercial lending business (EWBC edge). BOH's growth is tethered to the mature Hawaiian economy (BOH disadvantage). EWBC has demonstrated strong pricing power, maintaining its high NIM, while BOH faces more margin pressure (EWBC edge). The primary risk for EWBC is a slowdown in its key markets or a flare-up in U.S.-China relations, whereas BOH's main risk is a tourism-led recession. Overall Growth outlook winner: East West Bancorp, Inc., given its exposure to more dynamic markets and proven growth drivers.
From a valuation perspective, EWBC trades at a discount despite its superior performance. Its Price-to-Earnings (P/E) ratio is around 8x, significantly lower than BOH's 12x. It also trades at a lower Price-to-Tangible Book Value (P/TBV) of 1.5x compared to BOH's 1.8x. This discount reflects the market's pricing of the geopolitical risks associated with its business model. BOH offers a higher dividend yield at 5.1% vs. EWBC's 3.0%. Despite the risks, EWBC's combination of high quality and a low valuation is compelling. The better value today is East West Bancorp, Inc., as its valuation does not appear to fully reflect its superior profitability and growth.
Winner: East West Bancorp, Inc. over Bank of Hawaii Corporation. EWBC is a demonstrably stronger bank across nearly every financial and operational metric. Its key strengths are its exceptional profitability (ROAA of 1.8% vs BOH's 0.95%), remarkable efficiency (42% vs 64%), and a proven high-growth business model. BOH's primary advantages are its stable, insulated market and higher dividend yield. However, these are overshadowed by EWBC's superior financial engine and more attractive valuation. While EWBC carries unique geopolitical risks, its overall profile is that of a top-tier regional bank.
Western Alliance Bancorporation (WAL) is a high-growth commercial bank focused on serving specialized business niches across fast-growing markets in the American West, particularly Arizona, California, and Nevada. This strategy is fundamentally different from BOH's stable, consumer-focused approach in a single, slow-growth state. WAL, with assets over $70 billion, is significantly larger and has historically pursued a more aggressive growth strategy, resulting in both higher returns and higher volatility, as seen during the 2023 regional banking crisis. The comparison pits BOH's stability against WAL's dynamic, but riskier, growth model.
WAL's business moat is built on deep expertise in its commercial niches, such as technology lending, mortgage warehouse lines, and homeowners' association (HOA) banking. This creates specialized, relationship-based services that are difficult for generalist banks to replicate (WAL edge). In terms of brand, WAL is highly regarded within its business segments, while BOH has a broader consumer brand in its captive market. WAL's larger scale ($70B+ assets vs. BOH's $24B) provides significant operational advantages (WAL edge). High regulatory barriers exist for both. Overall winner for Business & Moat: Western Alliance Bancorporation, due to its larger scale and specialized moat that allows it to generate higher-than-average returns.
Financially, WAL has historically been a top performer, though with recent volatility. WAL's Net Interest Margin (NIM) is typically much higher than BOH's, recently around 3.6% compared to BOH's 2.61%, reflecting its focus on higher-yielding commercial loans (WAL is better). Its profitability is also superior, with a Return on Average Assets (ROAA) of 1.3%, well above BOH's 0.95% (WAL is better). However, WAL's funding base is less stable, with a higher reliance on wholesale and commercial deposits, leading to a higher loan-to-deposit ratio (around 95%) than BOH's conservative 75% (BOH is better on liquidity). Both are well-capitalized, but WAL's risk profile is higher. Overall Financials winner: Western Alliance Bancorporation, for its superior profitability, though this comes with higher funding risk.
Looking at past performance, WAL has been a growth juggernaut. Over the past five years, prior to the recent turmoil, WAL consistently delivered 20%+ annual earnings growth, dwarfing BOH's low-single-digit performance (WAL winner on growth). This drove massive shareholder returns for much of the last decade, though its stock has experienced significant drawdowns, including a >50% drop during the 2023 crisis. BOH, in contrast, has been much less volatile (BOH winner on risk). Despite the volatility, WAL's long-term total shareholder return has significantly outpaced BOH's. Overall Past Performance winner: Western Alliance Bancorporation, based on its explosive long-term growth, albeit with significantly higher risk.
Future growth prospects favor WAL, given its exposure to faster-growing economies in the Southwest and its nimble business model. WAL is positioned to capitalize on innovation in its niche segments, while BOH's growth is limited by Hawaii's GDP growth (WAL edge). WAL's management has a strong track record of identifying and entering profitable new markets (WAL edge). The key risk for WAL is funding stability and credit quality if its high-growth loan book sours in a recession. BOH faces the risk of a downturn in tourism. Overall Growth outlook winner: Western Alliance Bancorporation, due to its dynamic market position and proven ability to grow.
From a valuation standpoint, WAL trades at a discount to reflect its higher perceived risk. Its Price-to-Earnings (P/E) ratio is around 9x, cheaper than BOH's 12x. It also trades at a lower Price-to-Tangible Book Value (P/TBV) of 1.4x versus BOH's 1.8x. BOH's dividend yield of 5.1% is substantially higher and more secure than WAL's 2.3%. For investors, WAL offers a classic high-risk, high-reward profile. Its valuation is cheap if you believe its business model has successfully navigated the recent turmoil. The better value today is Western Alliance Bancorporation, but only for investors with a higher risk tolerance.
Winner: Western Alliance Bancorporation over Bank of Hawaii Corporation. This verdict comes with the significant caveat that WAL is a higher-risk investment. WAL is superior in nearly every growth and profitability metric, including a ROAA of 1.3% vs BOH's 0.95% and a much stronger growth trajectory. Its specialized business model is a powerful economic engine. BOH is the safer, more stable option, offering a fortress-like market position and a generous dividend. However, for investors seeking capital appreciation, WAL's dynamic business model and lower valuation present a more compelling, albeit more volatile, opportunity.
Zions Bancorporation (ZION) is a diversified regional bank with operations across 11 western and southwestern states, making it much more geographically diverse than Bank of Hawaii. With assets of approximately $87 billion, Zions is substantially larger and operates a more traditional, relationship-based banking model similar to BOH, but on a much broader scale. The comparison highlights the differences between BOH's concentrated, deep market penetration and Zions' diversified, but less dominant, presence across multiple states. Zions' performance is often more sensitive to macroeconomic trends and interest rate changes due to its asset composition.
Zions' business moat is derived from its network of local community banking brands across its footprint, but it lacks the fortress-like dominance BOH enjoys in Hawaii. While Zions is a major player in markets like Utah and Idaho, it faces intense competition in states like California and Texas (BOH has a stronger moat). Zions' larger scale ($87B assets vs. BOH's $24B) gives it an advantage in technology investment and product breadth (Zions edge). Switching costs and regulatory barriers are comparable for both. Overall winner for Business & Moat: Bank of Hawaii Corporation, because its near-duopolistic control of its home market represents a more durable competitive advantage than Zions' more diffuse presence.
Financially, the comparison is mixed. Zions' larger scale allows it to operate more efficiently, with a recent efficiency ratio of 59% compared to BOH's 64% (Zions is better). However, Zions is more asset-sensitive, meaning its Net Interest Margin (NIM) is more volatile; it was recently around 2.9%, higher than BOH's 2.61%, but has been declining. BOH's profitability has been more stable, though Zions' Return on Average Assets of 1.0% is slightly ahead of BOH's 0.95%. BOH has a more conservative balance sheet, with a lower loan-to-deposit ratio of 75% versus Zions' 80% (BOH is better). Both are well-capitalized. Overall Financials winner: Zions Bancorporation, narrowly, due to its better efficiency and slightly higher profitability.
Over the past five years, Zions' performance has been volatile but has generally outpaced BOH in growth. Zions has demonstrated stronger loan and revenue growth, driven by the faster-growing economies in its footprint (Zions winner on growth). However, this has not always translated to superior shareholder returns, as Zions' stock is more cyclical. Its 5-year total shareholder return of -10% is slightly better than BOH's -15%, but both have lagged the broader market. In terms of risk, Zions' stock has a higher beta (~1.4) and experienced a larger drawdown during the 2023 banking scare, making BOH the less risky stock (BOH winner on risk). Overall Past Performance winner: Zions Bancorporation, due to its stronger fundamental growth, despite poor shareholder returns.
Looking forward, Zions' growth is tied to the diverse and generally faster-growing economies of the Intermountain West, giving it a structural advantage over BOH's reliance on Hawaii (Zions edge). However, Zions' earnings are more sensitive to the direction of interest rates, creating more uncertainty in its outlook. BOH's future is more predictable, albeit slower. Consensus estimates project slightly higher long-term earnings growth for Zions, assuming a stable economic environment. Overall Growth outlook winner: Zions Bancorporation, due to its presence in more economically dynamic regions.
From a valuation perspective, Zions appears significantly cheaper. It trades at a Price-to-Earnings (P/E) ratio of 9x and a Price-to-Tangible Book Value (P/TBV) of 1.1x, compared to BOH's 12x P/E and 1.8x P/TBV. This discount reflects its higher volatility and interest rate sensitivity. BOH's dividend yield of 5.1% is more attractive than Zions' 4.0%. Zions offers a classic value proposition: a diversified regional bank at a low valuation, but with higher cyclical risk. The better value today is Zions Bancorporation, as its low valuation provides a significant margin of safety for its risks.
Winner: Zions Bancorporation over Bank of Hawaii Corporation. Although BOH possesses a superior competitive moat in its home market, Zions wins due to its better scale, higher growth potential, and much more attractive valuation. Zions' key strengths are its geographic diversification across high-growth states and its low valuation (P/TBV of 1.1x vs BOH's 1.8x). BOH is a safer, more predictable bank, but its premium valuation does not seem justified given its weaker growth profile. For investors willing to accept more cyclicality, Zions offers a more compelling risk-reward opportunity.
Comerica Incorporated (CMA) is a major regional bank with a strong focus on commercial lending, distinguishing it from the more consumer-oriented Bank of Hawaii. With assets of around $79 billion, Comerica is much larger and operates with a national footprint in its business lines, with key retail markets in Texas, California, and Michigan. Its business model is highly sensitive to the corporate credit cycle and business investment trends, making it a very different type of investment compared to the stable, tourism-dependent BOH.
The moat for Comerica is built on its long-standing relationships in specialized commercial lending sectors like technology, life sciences, and energy. This expertise-driven model creates sticky customer relationships (CMA edge). BOH's moat is geographic. Comerica's scale ($79B in assets vs. BOH's $24B) gives it a significant advantage in serving large corporate clients and investing in technology (CMA edge). Brand strength is high for both within their respective target markets. Regulatory hurdles are high for both. Overall winner for Business & Moat: Comerica Incorporated, as its scale and specialized commercial expertise provide a strong, nationwide platform.
Financially, Comerica has a more volatile but potentially more profitable model. Comerica's Net Interest Margin (NIM) is typically wider than BOH's due to its commercial loan focus, recently standing at 3.2% vs. BOH's 2.61% (Comerica is better). Its profitability is also higher, with a Return on Average Assets (ROAA) of 1.2% compared to BOH's 0.95% (Comerica is better). However, Comerica's deposit base is less stable, with a high concentration of uninsured commercial deposits, which became a point of concern during the 2023 banking crisis. BOH's retail-heavy, insured deposit base is a significant advantage in terms of stability (BOH is better on funding). Overall Financials winner: Comerica Incorporated, based on superior profitability metrics, but with the major caveat of a riskier funding profile.
Historically, Comerica's performance has been more cyclical than BOH's. Its earnings growth is heavily tied to the health of its commercial clients. Over the last five years, Comerica's earnings growth has been higher on average than BOH's, but with much deeper troughs during economic downturns. Its 5-year total shareholder return is around 5%, which is better than BOH's negative return (CMA winner on TSR). In terms of risk, Comerica's stock is more volatile and more exposed to credit risk in a recession. BOH provides a much smoother ride for investors (BOH winner on risk). Overall Past Performance winner: Comerica Incorporated, due to its better long-term shareholder returns despite its cyclicality.
Future growth for Comerica depends on a strong business environment that encourages borrowing and investment. Its presence in high-growth states like Texas and California provides a tailwind (CMA edge). BOH's growth is tied to the much slower Hawaiian economy. Comerica is also executing on cost-cutting initiatives that could boost future profitability. The primary risk for Comerica is a corporate-led recession, which would lead to a spike in credit losses. BOH's risk is a consumer-led travel downturn. Overall Growth outlook winner: Comerica Incorporated, given its exposure to more dynamic industries and economies.
From a valuation perspective, Comerica trades at a significant discount, reflecting its cyclical risks and funding concerns. Its Price-to-Earnings (P/E) ratio is 8x, and its Price-to-Tangible Book Value (P/TBV) is 1.2x. This is substantially cheaper than BOH's 12x P/E and 1.8x P/TBV. Comerica's dividend yield is also higher at 5.8% compared to BOH's 5.1%. Comerica offers a high-yield, deep-value proposition for investors who believe the fears about its deposit base are overblown and that a severe recession will be avoided. The better value today is Comerica Incorporated, as its valuation offers a substantial discount for its higher-quality earnings stream.
Winner: Comerica Incorporated over Bank of Hawaii Corporation. Comerica is the stronger choice due to its superior profitability, higher growth potential, and significantly more attractive valuation. Its key strengths include a higher ROAA (1.2% vs 0.95%) and a very low valuation (P/TBV of 1.2x vs 1.8x). Bank of Hawaii is undeniably the safer and more stable bank, with a much stickier deposit base. However, the premium paid for that stability appears excessive when Comerica offers a higher dividend yield and a more powerful, albeit cyclical, earnings engine at a deep discount. For most investors, Comerica presents a more compelling risk-adjusted opportunity.
UMB Financial Corporation (UMBF) is a diversified financial services company that stands out from traditional regional banks like BOH due to its significant fee-based income streams. Headquartered in Kansas City, UMBF has banking operations across the Midwest and Southwest, but its national businesses in areas like asset servicing, fund administration, and corporate trust services provide a unique revenue mix. With assets of around $45 billion, UMBF is larger than BOH and its diversified model offers a different risk and reward profile, one less dependent on the ups and downs of lending margins.
UMBF's business moat is exceptionally strong, stemming from its entrenched, high-switching-cost businesses in institutional services. For example, its role as a leading custodian for investment funds creates very sticky, long-term relationships that generalist banks cannot easily attack (UMBF edge). This complements its traditional banking moat. BOH's moat is purely geographic. UMBF's larger asset base ($45B vs $24B) and national service lines give it a scale advantage (UMBF edge). Overall winner for Business & Moat: UMB Financial Corporation, due to its powerful, dual moat in both banking and national fee-based services.
Financially, UMBF's model provides more stability. A significant portion (~35-40%) of its revenue comes from non-interest fees, which are less volatile than the Net Interest Margin (NIM) that BOH heavily relies on (UMBF is better on revenue quality). UMBF's profitability is solid, with a Return on Average Assets (ROAA) of 1.1%, superior to BOH's 0.95% (UMBF is better). UMBF also runs a more efficient operation, with an efficiency ratio typically below 60%, better than BOH's 64%. Both banks maintain conservative balance sheets and strong capital ratios. Overall Financials winner: UMB Financial Corporation, due to its higher quality, more diversified revenue stream and superior profitability.
Looking at past performance, UMBF has a long history of steady, consistent growth. It has grown its earnings per share at a high-single-digit rate over the last decade, outpacing BOH's slower growth (UMBF winner on growth). This consistency has led to strong long-term shareholder returns, with a 5-year total return of approximately 30%, far better than BOH's negative return (UMBF winner on TSR). The bank is known for its conservative credit culture, which has helped it avoid major losses during downturns, making it a lower-risk proposition than many peers (UMBF winner on risk). Overall Past Performance winner: UMB Financial Corporation, for its exceptional track record of consistent growth and strong risk management.
Future growth prospects for UMBF are robust, driven by both its banking operations in solid markets and the secular growth in its fee-based businesses. As the asset management industry grows, so too does UMBF's opportunity in fund services (UMBF edge). This provides a layer of growth that BOH, tied to the Hawaiian economy, simply does not have. UMBF management is highly regarded for its prudent, long-term approach to building the business. Overall Growth outlook winner: UMB Financial Corporation, due to its multiple, diversified growth levers.
From a valuation perspective, UMBF trades at a premium, which reflects its high quality and stable growth profile. Its Price-to-Earnings (P/E) ratio is around 11x, slightly lower than BOH's 12x. However, its Price-to-Tangible Book Value (P/TBV) is higher at 1.9x versus BOH's 1.8x. UMBF's dividend yield is lower at 2.0% compared to BOH's 5.1%. This is a classic case of quality versus yield. UMBF is a higher-quality company, and its valuation, while not cheap, is reasonable for its superior profile. BOH is cheaper on a P/E basis and offers more income. The better value today is UMB Financial Corporation, as its premium is justified by its superior business model and growth prospects.
Winner: UMB Financial Corporation over Bank of Hawaii Corporation. UMBF is a superior banking franchise due to its diversified business model, consistent growth, and strong risk management. Its key strengths are the high-quality, recurring revenue from its fee-based businesses and its superior profitability (ROAA of 1.1% vs 0.95%). Bank of Hawaii offers a higher dividend yield and the security of its isolated market. However, UMBF has proven its ability to generate more consistent growth and better long-term shareholder returns, making it the higher-quality investment despite its lower yield.
Based on industry classification and performance score:
Bank of Hawaii possesses a strong and durable moat rooted in its dominant market share within the geographically isolated Hawaiian economy. Its key strengths are a dense branch network that gathers a large, historically loyal deposit base, and deep, long-standing customer relationships in both lending and wealth management. However, the bank faces significant weaknesses, including a high concentration of uninsured deposits and a heavy reliance on the cyclical Hawaiian economy, particularly tourism. The investor takeaway is mixed; BOH offers stability and a protected market position but comes with limited growth prospects and significant geographic concentration risk.
BOH generates a solid stream of noninterest income, anchored by its strong and recurring revenue from trust and wealth management services.
Bank of Hawaii's revenue is reasonably diversified, with noninterest income comprising 22.9% of total revenue in 2023. This level is in line with or slightly above many regional bank peers and reduces the bank's reliance on net interest income, which can be volatile due to interest rate fluctuations. The quality of this fee income is high, with trust and asset management fees contributing a stable $56.8 million for the year. This recurring, high-margin revenue from its entrenched wealth management franchise is a key differentiator and adds a layer of stability to the bank's overall earnings stream, even as other fee lines like mortgage banking income can vary.
BOH maintains a healthy and well-balanced mix of consumer and commercial deposits, reducing its dependency on any single customer segment.
The bank's funding base is well-diversified, providing a stable foundation. As of year-end 2023, BOH's deposit mix was almost perfectly split, with consumer deposits accounting for 52% and commercial deposits making up the remaining 48%. This balance is a significant strength, as consumer deposits tend to be more granular and stable, while commercial deposits are linked to valuable business lending relationships. The bank does not rely heavily on more volatile funding sources like brokered deposits. This diversified and organic deposit-gathering capability from across the Hawaiian economy reduces concentration risk and supports resilient funding through different economic cycles.
The bank's entire franchise acts as a highly effective niche, leveraging deep expertise in the unique real estate-centric economy of Hawaii.
Rather than focusing on a specific product niche like SBA or agriculture loans, Bank of Hawaii's competitive advantage comes from its specialized focus on the Hawaiian market itself. Its loan portfolio is heavily concentrated in assets tied to the local economy, with residential mortgages (32%) and commercial real estate (33%) making up the majority of its book. This deep concentration allows the bank to cultivate unparalleled expertise in underwriting local credit, understanding property values, and navigating the state's unique economic drivers, particularly tourism. This mastery of its home turf serves as a powerful, defensible niche that deters outside competition and allows for disciplined growth within its circle of competence.
The bank's historically sticky and low-cost deposit base has eroded under pressure from rising interest rates, highlighted by a sharp decline in noninterest-bearing accounts and a high level of uninsured deposits.
While BOH benefits from a loyal customer base, its deposit franchise has shown signs of weakness in the current rate environment. Noninterest-bearing deposits fell to 26% of total deposits at the end of 2023, a steep drop from 34% just one year prior, indicating customers are actively moving cash to higher-yielding accounts. Consequently, the bank's total cost of deposits surged to 1.31% in the fourth quarter of 2023 from just 0.11% a year earlier. Furthermore, uninsured deposits stood at 49% of total deposits. While the bank states these are highly granular, this level is elevated and represents a significant funding risk in a stressed environment. This combination of declining zero-cost funds and high uninsured balances warrants a cautious view.
BOH leverages its dense and long-standing branch network across the Hawaiian islands to build a dominant position in local deposit gathering.
Bank of Hawaii's physical presence is a core component of its competitive moat. As of the end of 2023, the bank operated 58 branches, primarily in Hawaii. With approximately $20.7 billion in total deposits, this translates to over $357 million in deposits per branch. This figure is exceptionally high and demonstrates significant operating leverage and market penetration compared to the average mainland regional bank. In a geographically concentrated and isolated market like Hawaii, this density creates a powerful barrier to entry, fosters strong customer relationships, and provides a stable source of low-cost funding that is difficult for national or digital-only banks to replicate.
Bank of Hawaii's recent financial statements present a mixed picture. The bank demonstrates strong liquidity with a very low loan-to-deposit ratio of 66.6% and shows solid growth in its core interest income, which grew 12.92% year-over-year. However, significant weaknesses exist, including a high efficiency ratio of 62.7% indicating poor cost control, and a large negative accumulated other comprehensive income (-$299M) that pressures its tangible equity. For investors, the takeaway is mixed; the bank appears safe from a liquidity standpoint but struggles with profitability and is vulnerable to interest rate changes.
The bank has an exceptionally strong liquidity position due to a very low loan-to-deposit ratio, though its tangible capital level is only average.
Bank of Hawaii's primary strength lies in its liquidity. The loans-to-deposits ratio was 66.6% as of the latest quarter, which is significantly below the industry benchmark of 80-90%. This indicates that the bank is funded by a very stable deposit base and is not overly reliant on wholesale funding, providing a substantial buffer against market stress. However, its capital position is less robust. The tangible common equity to total assets ratio is 5.77%, which is adequate but not particularly strong compared to peers, who often target 7-8% or higher. While key regulatory capital metrics like the CET1 ratio were not provided, the available data shows a mixed picture. The exceptional liquidity provides a strong safety net, but the average capital levels mean there is less room to absorb unexpected large losses. Given the importance of liquidity in banking, the very conservative funding profile justifies a passing grade, but the capital level is a point to monitor.
The bank appears well-prepared for potential loan losses, with a solid reserve level and stable, modest provisions in recent quarters.
Bank of Hawaii demonstrates sound credit discipline. As of the last quarter, its allowance for credit losses stood at 148.54 million, which is 1.06% of its 14,002 million in gross loans. This coverage ratio is in line with the industry average of 1.0% to 1.5%, suggesting the bank has set aside a reasonable amount to cover potential defaults. Furthermore, the provision for credit losses—the amount expensed each quarter to build these reserves—was a consistent 3.25 million in each of the last two quarters. This stability suggests that management does not see widespread credit deterioration in its loan portfolio. While specific data on nonperforming loans and net charge-offs is not available, the adequacy of the existing reserves and the steady provisioning paint a picture of a stable and well-managed loan book.
The bank's balance sheet is highly sensitive to interest rate changes, with large unrealized losses on its securities portfolio significantly reducing its tangible equity.
Bank of Hawaii shows significant vulnerability to interest rate fluctuations. This is most evident in its Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (AOCI), which was a negative -$299.19 million in the latest quarter. This figure represents the unrealized, or "paper," losses on its investment securities portfolio caused by rising interest rates. This negative AOCI is substantial when compared to its tangible common equity of 1,367 million, eroding about 22% of its tangible book value. While these are not realized losses unless the securities are sold, they limit the bank's financial flexibility and ability to reposition its balance sheet without taking a direct hit to earnings. This level of sensitivity is a considerable weakness in the current economic environment. Data on the specific duration of the securities portfolio or the mix of variable-rate loans was not provided, but the AOCI figure alone is a clear red flag.
Despite strong growth in net interest income, the bank's underlying net interest margin appears to be weak and below the industry average.
The bank's core profitability from lending and investing presents a mixed signal. On the positive side, net interest income (NII) grew a strong 12.92% year-over-year to 129.68 million in the latest quarter. This growth is a healthy sign. However, the underlying profitability of its assets, measured by the Net Interest Margin (NIM), appears weak. Based on available data, the NIM is estimated to be around 2.39%. This is substantially below the 3.0-3.5% range that is typical for a healthy regional bank. A low NIM suggests the bank is not earning a wide enough spread between the interest it receives on its assets (like loans) and the interest it pays on its liabilities (like deposits). While the positive NII growth trend is encouraging, the fundamentally low margin is a significant headwind to earnings power.
The bank's profitability is held back by poor cost control, as its efficiency ratio is consistently higher than the industry benchmark for well-run banks.
Bank of Hawaii struggles with cost management. Its efficiency ratio in the most recent quarter was 62.7%, calculated by dividing its noninterest expenses ($109.41 million) by its total revenue ($174.48 million). This figure is noticeably weaker than the industry benchmark, where a ratio below 60% is considered efficient. In the prior quarter, the ratio was even higher at 65.0%. This means that for every dollar of revenue the bank generates, it spends nearly 63 cents on operating costs like salaries, technology, and occupancy. This high cost base directly pressures profitability and leaves less room for error. Until the bank can bring its expenses under better control relative to its revenue, its earnings potential will remain constrained.
Over the past five years, Bank of Hawaii's performance has been disappointing, marked by declining earnings and revenue. After a strong rebound in 2021, earnings per share (EPS) fell from a peak of $6.29 to $3.48 in 2024, and its profitability has weakened considerably. While the bank maintains a stable dividend, its growth has stalled, and its total shareholder return of approximately -15% over five years lags far behind key competitors. The bank's core weakness has been its inability to manage costs and protect its lending margins in a changing interest rate environment. For investors, this track record presents a negative picture of a company struggling for momentum.
While the bank has managed its balance sheet prudently with a low loan-to-deposit ratio, its growth has stalled, with loan growth slowing to below `1%` and deposits declining in the last two years.
Bank of Hawaii's loan and deposit history shows a company operating in a mature, slow-growth market. Over the last five years, gross loans grew from $11.9 billion to $14.1 billion, a modest compound annual growth rate of about 4.2%. However, this growth has decelerated significantly, with year-over-year loan growth slowing to just 0.8% in 2024. An even bigger concern is the trend in deposits, the lifeblood of any bank. Total deposits have declined for two consecutive years, falling from $21.1 billion in 2023 to $20.6 billion in 2024.
The main strength in this area is prudent risk management. The bank's loan-to-deposit ratio has remained stable and conservative, ending 2024 at 68.2%. This is much lower than many peers (e.g., FHB at 82%), indicating the bank has ample liquidity and is not aggressively stretching its balance sheet to chase growth. However, this safety does not compensate for the weak underlying growth trends, which suggest the bank may be losing market share or facing a contracting market.
Both core profitability trends are negative, as the bank's net interest income has fallen while its costs have risen, leading to a severely deteriorating efficiency ratio.
Bank of Hawaii has struggled significantly with its core profitability drivers. Net Interest Income (NII), the bank's main source of revenue, has been under pressure, falling from a peak of $540.6 million in 2022 to $466.6 million in 2024. This suggests the bank has struggled to manage its Net Interest Margin (NIM) in the face of changing interest rates, a critical skill for any bank.
At the same time, the bank's cost control has worsened. The efficiency ratio, which measures costs as a percentage of revenue (where lower is better), has deteriorated dramatically from 54.4% in 2020 to 67.3% in 2024. A ratio approaching 70% is considered inefficient and puts BOH at a competitive disadvantage against leaner peers like First Hawaiian (58%) and Zions Bancorporation (59%). This combination of falling income and rising relative costs is a clear indicator of negative operating trends and poor historical performance in managing the business.
The bank's earnings per share (EPS) track record is poor, characterized by high volatility and a sharp, three-year decline from its 2021 peak.
The earnings history of Bank of Hawaii is a major weakness. After rebounding strongly in 2021 to an EPS of $6.29, earnings have fallen for three consecutive years, landing at $3.48 in 2024. This represents a painful 45% drop from the peak. The year-over-year EPS growth figures tell the story: +61.9% in 2021, followed by -12.3%, -24.5%, and -16.4% in the subsequent years. This is not a record of consistent execution or resilience.
This performance stands in stark contrast to high-performing peers like East West Bancorp, which generated consistent double-digit earnings growth over the same period. BOH's -2.6% five-year EPS CAGR indicates that the company has not created any earnings value for shareholders over this period. The average Return on Equity (ROE) has also suffered, declining from 17.0% in 2021 to just 9.7% in 2024, suggesting profitability is trending in the wrong direction.
The bank has maintained stable credit quality with no signs of significant loan portfolio deterioration, reflecting a history of disciplined underwriting.
Bank of Hawaii's historical credit performance has been a source of stability. The bank has demonstrated a disciplined approach to lending, which is reflected in its credit metrics. After proactively building reserves during the 2020 pandemic by setting aside $117.8 million for potential loan losses, it was able to release some of those reserves in 2021 and 2022 as economic fears subsided. In the last two years, the provision for credit losses has returned to more normal, low levels ($9.0 million in 2023 and $11.2 million in 2024), indicating no major stress in the loan book.
The allowance for loan losses, which is the bank's cushion against future bad loans, has stabilized at around 1.05% of total gross loans. This level appears adequate for a bank with its loan mix and conservative culture. While any increase in provisions should be monitored, the data over the last five years does not show any red flags related to poor underwriting or a brewing credit crisis within the portfolio.
The bank has consistently paid a dividend, but the lack of growth since 2022 and a rising payout ratio above `80%` are significant concerns, while buybacks have had little impact.
Bank of Hawaii's record on capital returns is mixed. Its primary appeal is a consistent quarterly dividend, which has been maintained without cuts. However, the dividend per share has been frozen at $2.80 annually since 2022, showing no growth. This stagnation is concerning for income investors who look for rising payouts over time. More importantly, as net income has fallen, the dividend payout ratio has climbed from a healthy 45% in 2021 to a high 83% in 2024. A payout ratio this high can limit the bank's ability to reinvest in its business or absorb unexpected losses, and it questions the long-term safety of the dividend if earnings don't improve.
On the buyback front, performance has been weak. While the company has spent money repurchasing shares each year, the amounts have been small and largely offset by stock-based compensation and other issuances. The number of diluted shares outstanding has remained flat, moving from 40 million in 2020 to 40 million in 2024, meaning buybacks have not delivered any meaningful value to shareholders by increasing their ownership stake.
Bank of Hawaii's future growth prospects are limited and closely tied to the slow-growing, isolated Hawaiian economy. The bank's primary strength for future earnings is its stable, high-margin fee income from wealth management, which provides a valuable buffer against interest rate volatility. However, significant headwinds include intense pressure on its net interest margin from rising deposit costs and an outlook for sluggish loan growth constrained by the mature local market. Compared to mainland peers in more dynamic regions, BOH is positioned for stability rather than significant expansion. The investor takeaway is negative for those seeking growth, as the bank's path to meaningful earnings expansion over the next 3-5 years appears highly constrained.
The bank's loan growth outlook is weak, directly tied to the slow-growing Hawaiian economy with no clear catalysts for acceleration.
Bank of Hawaii's future loan growth is intrinsically capped by the modest economic prospects of its island market. Management has not provided explicit numerical guidance for loan growth, but commentary suggests a cautious outlook, reflecting a soft real estate market and tempered business investment. Peer banks in faster-growing regions of the U.S. often guide to mid-single-digit loan growth or higher. BOH's growth is expected to be in the low-single-digits at best, closely tracking Hawaii's GDP. Without geographic diversification or a unique, high-growth lending niche, the loan portfolio is set to expand at a sluggish pace, offering minimal contribution to overall earnings growth.
With M&A opportunities being virtually nonexistent, the bank's capital deployment plan relies on dividends and buybacks, which have been paused, limiting a key avenue for shareholder value creation.
As a bank geographically confined to Hawaii, growth through M&A is not a viable strategy. Therefore, returning excess capital to shareholders is critical for driving shareholder returns. While BOH has a consistent dividend, it suspended its share repurchase program in early 2023 amid market uncertainty and has not provided a clear timeline for its resumption. This conservative stance, while prudent for capital preservation, signals a lack of confidence in the near-term earnings outlook and removes a key tool for growing earnings per share. For a mature company with limited reinvestment opportunities, an inactive buyback program is a significant weakness in its growth strategy.
The bank relies on its established branch network for its moat, but it has not articulated a clear or aggressive strategy for optimization to drive future efficiency gains.
Bank of Hawaii's strength is its physical presence, with an impressive deposit base of over $357 million per branch. However, the future growth narrative requires a clear plan for optimizing this footprint and driving digital adoption to lower the cost base. The bank's public commentary focuses on investing in digital capabilities to supplement its branches, but there are no announced targets for branch consolidation or significant cost savings from this strategy. In a slow-growth environment, aggressive efficiency gains are a key way to grow earnings, and the lack of a clear plan suggests that cost structure improvements will be incremental at best, rather than a significant driver of future profitability.
The bank faces significant pressure on its net interest margin as deposit costs continue to rise sharply, with limited ability to offset this through higher asset yields.
The outlook for Bank of Hawaii's net interest margin (NIM) is negative. The bank has experienced severe funding cost pressure, with its cost of deposits soaring from 0.11% to 1.31% in a single year, while its NIM compressed to 2.22% in Q4 2023. Management guidance has indicated that this pressure is likely to continue in the near term. The rapid decline in noninterest-bearing deposits, from 34% to 26% of total deposits, shows a structural shift in its funding base that will be difficult to reverse. This ongoing margin compression is a primary headwind to net interest income and overall earnings growth for the foreseeable future.
The bank's strong and stable fee income from its market-leading trust and wealth management business is a key growth driver that diversifies revenue away from net interest income.
Bank of Hawaii has a clear and durable advantage in its fee-generating businesses, particularly trust and wealth management, which contributed a stable $56.8 million in 2023. This segment provides a consistent, high-margin revenue stream that is less sensitive to interest rate cycles than the core lending business. Noninterest income constituted nearly 23% of total revenue, a healthy ratio for a regional bank. Management consistently highlights this area as a focus for growth, leveraging its century-old reputation. This focus provides a reliable, albeit moderate, engine for earnings growth and partially insulates the bank from the volatility of its net interest margin.
Bank of Hawaii Corporation (BOH) appears to be fairly valued at its current price. The stock presents a mixed picture: its valuation based on earnings (P/E) and tangible book value (P/TBV) is high compared to industry averages. However, this is counterbalanced by a strong forward earnings growth forecast and a robust dividend yield of 4.38%, which provides a solid income stream. The investor takeaway is neutral; while not a clear bargain, the stock offers reasonable value for those seeking income and stability at the current price.
The stock trades at a significant premium to its tangible book value, which is not fully supported by its current level of profitability when compared to industry norms.
A key valuation metric for banks is the Price to Tangible Book Value (P/TBV) ratio, which compares the stock price to the hard assets of the company. Bank of Hawaii's P/TBV ratio is 1.86x, based on the current price of $63.90 and a tangible book value per share of $34.37. While high-quality banks can command a premium, a 1.86x multiple is steep compared to the regional bank average of ~1.5x. This premium valuation should ideally be justified by superior profitability, such as a high Return on Equity (ROE). While BOH's ROE is a solid 11.05%, this level of profitability does not typically warrant a P/TBV approaching 2.0x. Investors are paying $1.86 for every dollar of the bank's tangible net worth, a price that appears to be higher than its fundamental performance justifies, making it fail this check.
The company's Price-to-Book multiple appears misaligned with its Return on Equity, suggesting the market price implies a higher level of profitability than is currently being delivered.
A bank's Price-to-Book (P/B) ratio should ideally be aligned with its Return on Equity (ROE). A higher ROE, which measures profitability, justifies a higher P/B multiple. Bank of Hawaii's P/B ratio is 1.82x, while its ROE is 11.05%. A common rule of thumb suggests that for a bank to be fairly valued, its P/B ratio should be roughly in line with what its ROE can generate above its cost of equity. With a cost of equity for a bank typically falling in the 8-10% range, an 11% ROE is good, but it does not fully justify a P/B multiple of 1.82x. For that multiple, the market would typically expect an ROE in the mid-teens. The premium embedded in its P/B ratio seems excessive for its current profitability level.
The stock's forward P/E ratio appears reasonable when measured against strong forecasted earnings growth, resulting in an attractive PEG ratio that suggests the price is justified.
Bank of Hawaii's trailing P/E ratio (TTM) is 16.77, which is above the industry average of around 11.3x. However, this backward-looking metric doesn't tell the whole story. The forward P/E ratio, which uses earnings estimates for the next year, is a more favorable 13.25. This significant drop from the trailing P/E implies analysts expect strong earnings per share (EPS) growth, forecasted to be around 16.2% per year. This gives the company a PEG ratio of approximately 0.75, which is well below the 1.0 benchmark that often signifies a fairly valued stock. A PEG ratio under 1.0 suggests that the stock's price is potentially low relative to its expected earnings growth, making it an attractive proposition from a 'growth at a reasonable price' perspective.
The company provides a strong and reliable income stream for investors with a dividend yield significantly above the sector average, although capital returns are not supplemented by buybacks.
Bank of Hawaii offers a robust dividend yield of 4.38%, which is an attractive feature for income-focused investors. This yield is considerably higher than the average for the Financial Services sector, which stands around 2.83%. The annual dividend is $2.80 per share, supported by a payout ratio of 73.5%. While this ratio is elevated, it is considered sustainable, and the bank has a long history of consistent dividend payments, stretching over 17 years. However, the company is not currently returning capital through share repurchases; in fact, there has been a slight dilution with a ~0.7% increase in shares outstanding over the year. Despite the lack of buybacks, the strength and reliability of the dividend alone are enough for this factor to pass.
Compared to its peers, Bank of Hawaii trades at a premium on both earnings and book value multiples, suggesting it is relatively expensive.
When benchmarked against its regional banking peers, Bank of Hawaii appears relatively overvalued on key metrics. Its trailing P/E ratio of 16.77 is higher than the industry average, which hovers closer to 11-12x. Similarly, its Price to Tangible Book ratio of 1.86x exceeds the average multiple of ~1.5x for the sector. While its dividend yield of 4.38% is a strong point and is above many peers, it is not enough to offset the premium valuation on other fronts. From a pure relative valuation standpoint, investors can find other regional banks trading at more attractive P/E and P/TBV multiples, leading this factor to fail.
The most significant risk for Bank of Hawaii is its deep geographic concentration. With nearly all of its business in Hawaii, the bank's performance is directly linked to the state's unique economy, which relies heavily on tourism and U.S. government spending. Any future global recession, travel disruption, or reduction in military presence could severely impact local economic activity. This would likely lead to a rise in loan defaults and lower demand for new loans, directly hitting the bank's bottom line. While being the top bank in a specific market provides stability, this lack of diversification means a regional crisis, whether economic or environmental, would affect BOH far more than a nationally diversified competitor.
The bank's balance sheet is also exposed to significant interest rate challenges. Like many peers, BOH holds a large portfolio of bonds that were purchased when interest rates were much lower. As rates have risen, the market value of these bonds has dropped, creating substantial 'unrealized losses' on paper, which at times have exceeded $1 billion. While these aren't cash losses unless the bonds are sold, they restrict the bank's financial flexibility and liquidity. This environment also pressures its Net Interest Margin (NIM), a core measure of profitability. As the cost to hold onto customer deposits rises, the income from its older, lower-rate loans and bonds stays fixed, squeezing the profits it makes from its primary business.
Looking forward, the competitive and regulatory landscape presents long-term hurdles. BOH competes against major national banks like Bank of America, which have far larger budgets for technology and digital innovation, potentially attracting customers who demand better online and mobile experiences. At the same time, local credit unions often offer more attractive rates on loans and deposits, challenging BOH's pricing power. On the regulatory front, the regional banking turmoil of 2023 has led to increased scrutiny of banks of BOH's size. This could result in stricter capital requirements in the coming years, which might increase compliance costs and limit the amount of capital the bank can return to shareholders via dividends or share buybacks.
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