SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

FORM 10-Q

 

QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15 (d) OF THE SECURITIES

EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED JUNE 30, 2012

 

Commission file number: 000-33063

 

Sierra Bancorp

(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

 

California 33-0937517
(State of Incorporation) (IRS Employer Identification No)

 

86 North Main Street, Porterville, California 93257

(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)

 

(559) 782-4900

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 

Not Applicable

(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)

 

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15 (d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was required to file such reports) and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.

Yes R No £

 

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).

Yes R No £

 

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company.

Large accelerated filer £ Accelerated filer R
Non-accelerated filer £ (Do not check if a smaller reporting company) Smaller Reporting Company £

 

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

Yes £ No R

 

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.

 

Common stock, no par value, 14,103,209 shares outstanding as of July 31, 2012

 

 
 

 

FORM 10-Q

 

Table of Contents

 

    Page
Part I - Financial Information   1
Item 1. Financial Statements (Unaudited)   1
Consolidated Balance Sheets   1
Consolidated Statements of Income   2
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income   3
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows   4
Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements   5
     
Item 2. Management’s Discussion & Analysis of Financial Condition & Results of Operations   28
Forward-Looking Statements   28
Critical Accounting Policies   28
Overview of the Results of Operations and Financial Condition   29
Earnings Performance   31
Net Interest Income and Net Interest Margin   31
Provision for Loan and Lease Losses   35
Non-interest Revenue and Operating Expense   36
Provision for Income Taxes   39
Balance Sheet Analysis   40
Earning Assets   40
Investments   40
Loan Portfolio   41
Nonperforming Assets   42
Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses   44
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements   46
Other Assets   46
Deposits and Interest-Bearing Liabilities   47
Deposits   47
Other Interest-Bearing Liabilities   48
Non-Interest Bearing Liabilities   49
Liquidity and Market Risk Management   49
Capital Resources   51
     
Item 3. Qualitative & Quantitative Disclosures about Market Risk   53
     
Item 4. Controls and Procedures   53
     
Part II - Other Information   54
Item 1. - Legal Proceedings   54
Item 1A. - Risk Factors   54
Item 2. - Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds   54
Item 3. - Defaults upon Senior Securities   54
Item 4. - (Removed and Reserved)   54
Item 5. - Other Information   54
Item 6. - Exhibits   55
     
Signatures   56

 

 
 

 

PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1 – Financial Statements

 

SIERRA BANCORP

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(dollars in thousands)

 

   June 30, 2012   December 31, 2011 
ASSETS  (unaudited)   (audited) 
Cash and due from banks  $39,832   $42,805 
Interest-bearing deposits in banks   9,094    20,231 
         Total Cash & Cash Equivalents   48,926    63,036 
Investment securities available for sale   422,196    406,471 
Loans held for sale   250    1,354 
Loans and leases:          
    Gross loans and leases   817,600    757,591 
    Allowance for loan and lease losses   (13,863)   (17,283)
    Deferred loan and lease fees, net   887    621 
         Net Loans and Leases   804,624    740,929 
Premises and equipment, net   22,090    20,721 
Operating leases, net   306    384 
Foreclosed assets   14,423    15,364 
Goodwill   5,544    5,544 
Other assets   81,333    81,602 
                                                          TOTAL ASSETS  $1,399,692   $1,335,405 
           
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY          
LIABILITIES          
Deposits:          
    Non-interest bearing  $327,224   $300,045 
    Interest bearing   822,310    786,223 
         Total Deposits   1,149,534    1,086,268 
Federal funds purchased and repurchase agreements   2,890    3,037 
Short-term borrowings   24,640    17,120 
Long-term borrowings   5,000    15,000 
Junior subordinated debentures   30,928    30,928 
Other liabilities   14,163    14,488 
                                                   TOTAL LIABILITIES   1,227,155    1,166,841 
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY          
    Common stock, no par value; 24,000,000 shares          
      authorized; 14,103,209 and 14,101,609 shares issued          
      and outstanding at June 30, 2012 and          
      December 31, 2011, respectively   64,338    64,321 
    Additional paid in capital   2,304    2,221 
    Retained earnings   101,087    98,174 
    Accumulated other comprehensive income   4,808    3,848 
                            TOTAL SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY   172,537    168,564 
           
                            TOTAL LIABILITIES AND          
                            SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY  $1,399,692   $1,335,405 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements

 

1
 

 

SIERRA BANCORP

CONSOLIDATED  STATEMENTS OF INCOME 

(dollars in thousands, except per share data, unaudited)

 

   Three Months-Ended June 30,   Six Months-Ended June 30, 
Interest income:  2012   2011   2012   2011 
  Interest and fees on loans  $11,154   $11,918   $22,297   $23,700 
  Interest on investment securities:                    
    Taxable   1,751    2,285    3,635    4,201 
    Tax-exempt   685    721    1,352    1,437 
  Interest on federal funds sold and interest-bearing deposits   22    25    37    33 
         Total interest income   13,612    14,949    27,321    29,371 
                     
Interest expense:                    
  Interest on deposits   809    1,125    1,694    2,216 
  Interest on short-term borrowings   13    5    18    39 
  Interest on long-term borrowings   49    142    180    282 
Interest on mandatorily redeemable trust preferred securities   193    180    393    361 
         Total interest expense   1,064    1,452    2,285    2,898 
                     
        Net Interest Income   12,548    13,497    25,036    26,473 
                     
Provision for loan losses   3,160    3,000    5,910    6,600 
                     
        Net Interest Income after Provision for Loan Losses   9,388    10,497    19,126    19,873 
                     
Non-interest revenue:                    
  Service charges on deposit accounts   2,417    2,446    4,704    4,701 
  Gains on investment securities available-for-sale   1    -    71    - 
  Other income, net   1,862    1,027    3,550    2,348 
         Total other operating income   4,280    3,473    8,325    7,049 
                     
Other operating expense:                    
  Salaries and employee benefits   4,911    5,201    10,576    10,911 
  Occupancy expense   1,563    1,625    3,052    3,200 
  Other   4,167    4,729    8,996    9,146 
        Total other operating expenses   10,641    11,555    22,624    23,257 
                     
         Income before income taxes   3,027    2,415    4,827    3,665 
                     
Provision for income taxes   454    231    375    (48)
                     
Net Income  $2,573   $2,184   $4,452   $3,713 
                     
PER SHARE DATA                    
Book value  $12.23   $11.78   $12.23   $11.78 
Cash dividends  $0.06   $0.06   $0.12   $0.12 
Earnings per share basic  $0.18   $0.16   $0.32   $0.27 
Earnings per share diluted  $0.18   $0.16   $0.32   $0.26 
Average shares outstanding, basic   14,103,209    14,012,574    14,102,544    13,997,264 
Average shares outstanding, diluted   14,107,640    14,084,997    14,107,416    14,072,974 
                     
Total shareholder Equity (in thousands)  $172,537   $165,412   $172,537   $165,412 
Shares outstanding   14,103,209    14,046,666    14,103,209    14,046,666 
Dividends Paid  $846,193   $840,226   $1,692,289   $1,678,843 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements

 

2
 

 

SIERRA BANCORP

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(dollars in thousands, unaudited)

 

   Three Months-Ended June 30,   Six Months-Ended June 30, 
   2012   2011   2012   2011 
                 
Net Income  $2,573   $2,184   $4,452   $3,713 
Other comprehensive income, before tax:                    
  Unrealized gains on securities:                    
        Unrealized holding gains arising during period   604    3,450    1,709    5,289 
        Less: reclassification adjustment for gains included in net income   (1)   -    (71)   - 
Other comprehensive income, before tax   603    3,450    1,638    5,289 
  Income tax expense related to items of other                    
        comprehensive income, net of tax   (246)   (1,450)   (678)   (2,223)
Other comprehensive income   357    2,000    960    3,066 
                     
Comprehensive income  $2,930   $4,184   $5,412   $6,779 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements

 

3
 

 

SIERRA BANCORP

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(dollars in thousands, unaudited)

 

   Six Months-Ended June 30, 
   2012   2011 
Cash flows from operating activities:          
    Net income  $4,452   $3,713 
    Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash          
       provided by operating activities:          
   Gain on investment of securities   (71)   - 
   Gain on sales of loans   (94)   (53)
   Gain on disposal of fixed assets   -    (12)
   Loss on sale on foreclosed assets   177    296 
   Writedowns on foreclosed assets   1,395    1,305 
   Share-based compensation expense   122    118 
   Provision for loan losses   5,910    6,600 
   Depreciation and amortization   1,190    1,257 
   Net amortization on securities premiums and discounts   4,019    2,660 
   Increase in unearned net loan fees   (324)   (117)
   Increase in cash surrender value of life insurance policies   (861)   (707)
   Proceeds from sales of loans portfolio   3,954    1,725 
   Net (Increase) Decrease in loans held-for-sale   (3,007)   914 
   (Increase) Decrease in interest receivable and other assets   (314)   1,765 
   Decrease in other liabilities   (172)   (1,361)
   Net Decrease in FHLB Stock   634    670 
   Deferred Income Tax Provision (Benefit)   88    (6)
   Excess tax (provision) benefit from equity based compensation   (36)   10 
         Net cash provided by operating activities   17,062    18,777 
           
Cash flows from investing activities:          
   Maturities of securities available for sale   135    408 
   Proceeds from sales/calls of securities available for sale   7,000    1,275 
   Purchases of securities available for sale   (73,752)   (104,699)
   Principal pay downs on securities available for sale   48,591    34,638 
   Net (Increase) Decrease in loans receivable, net   (80,230)   20,543 
   Purchases of premises and equipment, net   (2,481)   (734)
   Proceeds from sales of foreclosed assets   10,569    3,434 
         Net cash used in investing activities   (90,168)   (45,135)
           
Cash flows from financing activities:          
   Increase in deposits   63,265    63,892 
   Decrease in borrowed funds   (2,480)   (14,650)
   Decrease in repurchase agreements   (147)   - 
   Increase in Fed funds purchased   -    3,980 
   Cash dividends paid   (1,692)   (1,679)
   Repurchases of common stock   -    (23)
   Stock options exercised   14    570 
   Excess tax provision (benefit) from equity based compensation   36    (10)
         Net cash provided by financing activities   58,996    52,080 
           
      (Decrease) Increase in cash and due from banks   (14,110)   25,722 
           
Cash and Cash Equivalents          
    Beginning of period   63,036    42,645 
    End of period  $48,926   $68,367 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements

 

4
 

 

Sierra Bancorp

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

June 30, 2012

 

Note 1 – The Business of Sierra Bancorp

 

Sierra Bancorp (the “Company”) is a California corporation headquartered in Porterville, California, and is a registered bank holding company under federal banking laws. The Company was formed to serve as the holding company for Bank of the Sierra (the “Bank”), and has been the Bank’s sole shareholder since August 2001. The Company exists primarily for the purpose of holding the stock of the Bank and of such other subsidiaries it may acquire or establish. At the present time, the Company’s only other direct subsidiaries are Sierra Statutory Trust II and Sierra Capital Trust III, which were formed in March 2004 and June 2006, respectively, solely to facilitate the issuance of capital trust pass-through securities (TRUPS). Pursuant to the Financial Accounting Standards Board’s (FASB’s) standard on the consolidation of variable interest entities, these trusts are not reflected on a consolidated basis in the financial statements of the Company. References herein to the “Company” include Sierra Bancorp and its consolidated subsidiary, the Bank, unless the context indicates otherwise.

 

The Bank is a California state-chartered bank headquartered in Porterville, California, that offers a full range of retail and commercial banking services to communities in the central and southern sections of the San Joaquin Valley. Our branch footprint stretches from Fresno on the north to Bakersfield on the south, and on the southern end extends east through the Tehachapi plateau and into the northwestern tip of the Mojave Desert. The Bank was incorporated in September 1977 and opened for business in January 1978, and in the ensuing years has grown to be the largest independent bank headquartered in the South San Joaquin Valley. Our growth has primarily been organic, but includes the acquisition of Sierra National Bank in 2000. We currently operate 25 full service branch offices throughout our geographic footprint, as well as an internet branch which provides the ability to open deposit accounts online. The Bank’s newest brick and mortar branch opened for business in the city of Selma in February 2011. In addition to our full-service branches, the Bank has an agricultural credit division with lending staff domiciled in Porterville, Bakersfield and Visalia, an SBA lending unit located at our corporate headquarters, and offsite ATM’s at six different non-branch locations. The Bank’s deposit accounts are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) up to maximum insurable amounts.

 

Note 2 – Basis of Presentation

 

The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared in a condensed format, and therefore do not include all of the information and footnotes required by U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) for complete financial statements. The information furnished in these interim statements reflects all adjustments that are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair statement of the results for such period. Such adjustments are of a normal recurring nature, unless otherwise disclosed in this Form 10-Q. In preparing the accompanying consolidated financial statements, management has taken subsequent events into consideration and recognized them where appropriate. The results of operations in the interim statements are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for any other quarter, or for the full year. Certain amounts reported for 2011 have been reclassified to be consistent with the reporting for 2012. The interim financial information should be read in conjunction with the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

Note 3 – Current Accounting Developments

 

In September 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2011-08, Intangibles—Goodwill and Other (Topic 350) - Testing Goodwill for Impairment. The objective of ASU 2011-08 is to simplify how entities test goodwill for impairment. Topic 350 requires an entity to test goodwill for impairment on at least an annual basis, by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount, including goodwill (step one). If the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, then the second step of the test must be performed to measure the amount of the impairment loss, if any. Pursuant to ASU 2011-08, an entity will not be required to calculate the fair value of a reporting unit and perform step one unless, after assessing qualitative factors, the entity determines that it is more likely than not that its fair value is less than its carrying amount. The more-likely-than-not threshold is defined as having a likelihood of more than 50 percent. This update is effective for annual and interim goodwill impairment tests performed for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2011. The adoption of ASU 2011-08 did not have an impact on the Company’s financial statements, as the Company has not been required to perform the second step of the goodwill impairment test since the first step has, to date, determined that the fair value of the reporting unit, Bank of the Sierra, is greater than its carrying amount.

 

5
 

 

In June 2011, the FASB issued ASU 2011-05, Comprehensive Income (Topic 220) - Presentation of Comprehensive Income. Current U.S. generally accepted accounting principles allow reporting entities several alternatives for displaying other comprehensive income and its components in financial statements, and ASU 2011-05 is intended to improve the consistency of this reporting issue. The amendments in this ASU require all non-owner changes in stockholders’ equity to be presented either in a single continuous statement of comprehensive income, or in two separate but consecutive statements. In a single continuous statement, the entity is required to present the components of net income and total net income, the components of other comprehensive income and a total for other comprehensive income, along with the total of comprehensive income in that statement. In the two-statement approach, an entity is required to present components of net income and total net income in the statement of net income. The statement of other comprehensive income should immediately follow the statement of net income and include the components of other comprehensive income and a total for other comprehensive income, along with a total for comprehensive income. Furthermore, the entity is required to present, on the face of the financial statements, adjustments for items that are reclassified from other comprehensive income to net income in the statements, where the components of net income and the components of other comprehensive income are presented. The amendments in the ASU do not change the following: 1) items that must be reported in other comprehensive income; 2) when an item of other comprehensive income must be reclassified to net income; 3) the option to present components of other comprehensive income either net of related tax effects or before related tax effects; or, 4) how earnings per share is calculated or presented. The amendments in ASU 2011-05 should be applied retrospectively. For public entities, such as the Company, the amendments are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2011. The Company’s adoption of this ASU impacted our presentation of comprehensive income, but not the calculation of such.

 

In May 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-04, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Amendments to Achieve Common Fair Value Measurement and Disclosure Requirements in U.S. GAAP and IFRSs, to substantially converge the fair value measurement and disclosure guidance in U.S. GAAP with International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”). The amended guidance changes several aspects of current fair value measurement guidance, including the following provisions: 1) the application of the concepts of “highest and best use” and “valuation premise”; 2) the introduction of an option to measure groups of offsetting assets and liabilities on a net basis; 3) the incorporation of certain premiums and discounts in fair value measurements; and, 4) the measurement of the fair value of certain instruments classified in shareholders’ equity. In addition, the amended guidance includes several new fair value disclosure requirements, including, among other things, information about valuation techniques and unobservable inputs used in Level 3 fair value measurements and a narrative description of Level 3 measurements’ sensitivity to changes in unobservable inputs. For public entities such as the Company, the provisions of ASU 2011-04 are effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2011, and are to be applied prospectively. The implementation of ASU 2011-04 enhanced our footnote disclosures, but did not change fair value measurements for any of the Company’s assets or liabilities carried at fair value and thus did not impact the Company’s statements of income and condition.

 

Note 4 – Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information

 

During the six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011, cash paid for interest due on interest-bearing liabilities was $2.117 million and $2.942 million, respectively. There was no cash paid for income taxes during the six months ended June 30, 2012, and $1.643 million for the same time frame in 2011. Assets totaling $11.206 million and $2.948 million were acquired in settlement of loans for the six months ended June 30, 2012 and June 30, 2011, respectively. We received $6.886 million in cash from the sale of foreclosed assets during the first half of 2012 relative to $1.887 million during the first half of 2011, which represents sales proceeds less loans extended to finance such sales totaling $3.684 million for the first half of 2012 and $1.381 million for the first half of 2011.

 

Note 5 – Share Based Compensation

 

The 2007 Stock Incentive Plan (the “2007 Plan”) was adopted by the Company in 2007. Our 1998 Stock Option Plan (the “1998 Plan”) was concurrently terminated, although options to purchase 174,950 shares that were granted prior to the termination of the 1998 Plan were still outstanding as of June 30, 2012 and remain unaffected by the termination. The 2007 Plan provides for the issuance of both “incentive” and “nonqualified” stock options to officers and employees, and of “nonqualified” stock options to non-employee directors of the Company. The 2007 Plan also provides for the potential issuance of restricted stock awards to these same classes of eligible participants, on such terms and conditions as are established at the discretion of the Board of Directors or the Compensation Committee. The total number of shares of the Company’s authorized but unissued stock reserved for issuance pursuant to awards under the 2007 Plan was initially 1,500,000 shares, although options have been granted since the inception of the plan and the number remaining available for grant as of June 30, 2012 was 897,580. The dilutive impact of stock options outstanding is discussed below in Note 6, Earnings per Share. No restricted stock awards have been issued by the Company.

 

6
 

 

Pursuant to FASB’s standards on stock compensation, the value of each option granted is reflected in our income statement as share-based compensation expense or directors’ expense, by amortizing it over the vesting period of such option or by expensing it as of the grant date for immediately vested options. The Company is utilizing the Black-Scholes model to value stock options, and the “multiple option” approach is used to allocate the resulting valuation to actual expense. Under the multiple option approach, an employee’s options for each vesting period are separately valued and amortized. This appears to be the preferred method for option grants with multiple vesting periods, which is the case for most options granted by the Company. A pre-tax charge of $55,000 was reflected in the Company’s income statement during the second quarter of 2012 and $53,000 was charged during the second quarter of 2011, as expense related to stock options. For the first half, the charges amounted to $122,000 in 2012 and $118,000 in 2011.

 

Note 6 – Earnings per Share

 

The computation of earnings per share, as presented in the Consolidated Statements of Income, is based on the weighted average number of shares outstanding during each period. There were 14,103,209 weighted average shares outstanding during the second quarter of 2012, and 14,012,574 during the second quarter of 2011. There were 14,102,544 weighted average shares outstanding during the first six months of 2012, and 13,997,264 during the first six months of 2011.

 

Diluted earnings per share include the effect of the potential issuance of common shares, which for the Company is limited to shares that would be issued on the exercise of “in-the-money” stock options. The dilutive effect of options outstanding was calculated using the treasury stock method, excluding anti-dilutive shares and adjusting for unamortized expense and windfall tax benefits. For the second quarter and first six months of 2012, the dilutive effect of options outstanding calculated under the treasury stock method totaled 4,431 and 4,872, respectively, which were added to basic weighted average shares outstanding for purposes of calculating diluted earnings per share. Likewise, for the second quarter and first six months of 2011 shares totaling 72,423 and 75,710, respectively, were added to basic weighted average shares outstanding in order to calculate diluted earnings per share.

 

Note 7 – Comprehensive Income

 

Comprehensive income, as presented in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income, includes net income and other comprehensive income. The Company’s only source of other comprehensive income is unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale investment securities. Gains or losses on investment securities that were realized and included in net income of the current period, which had previously been included in other comprehensive income as unrealized holding gains or losses in the period in which they arose, are considered to be reclassification adjustments that are excluded from comprehensive income of the current period.

 

Note 8 – Financial Instruments with Off-Balance-Sheet Risk

 

The Company is a party to financial instruments with off-balance-sheet risk in the normal course of business, in order to meet the financing needs of its customers. Those financial instruments consist of commitments to extend credit, and standby letters of credit. They involve, to varying degrees, elements of risk in excess of the amount recognized in the balance sheet. The Company’s exposure to credit loss in the event of nonperformance by counterparties for commitments to extend credit and letters of credit is represented by the contractual amount of those instruments. The Company uses the same credit policies in making commitments and issuing letters of credit as it does for originating loans included on the balance sheet. The following financial instruments represent off-balance-sheet credit risk (dollars in thousands):

 

7
 

 

   June 30, 2012   December 31, 2011 
Commitments to extend credit  $194,916   $154,323 
Standby letters of credit  $11,321   $11,113 
Commercial letters of credit  $8,982   $8,991 

 

Commitments to extend credit consist primarily of the following: Unfunded home equity lines of credit; commercial real estate construction loans, which are established under standard underwriting guidelines and policies and are secured by deeds of trust, with disbursements made over the course of construction; commercial revolving lines of credit, which have a high degree of industry diversification; and the unused portions of mortgage warehouse lines of credit. Commitments generally have fixed expiration dates or other termination clauses and may require payment of a fee. Since many commitments are expected to expire without being drawn upon, the total commitment amounts do not necessarily represent future cash requirements. Standby letters of credit are generally unsecured and are issued by the Company to guarantee the performance of a customer to a third party, while commercial letters of credit represent the Company’s commitment to pay a third party on behalf of a customer upon fulfillment of contractual requirements. The credit risk involved in issuing letters of credit is essentially the same as that involved in extending loans to customers.

 

The Company is also utilizing a $74 million letter of credit issued by the Federal Home Loan Bank on the Company’s behalf as security for certain deposits. The letter of credit is backed by specific loans which are pledged to the Federal Home Loan Bank by the Company.

 

Note 9 – Fair Value Disclosures and Reporting, the Fair Value Option and Fair Value Measurements

 

FASB’s standards on financial instruments, and on fair value measurements and disclosures, require all entities to disclose the estimated fair value of all financial instruments for which it is practicable to estimate fair values. In addition to those footnote disclosure requirements, FASB’s standard on investments requires that our debt securities, which are classified as available for sale, and our equity securities that have readily determinable fair values, be measured and reported at fair value in our statement of financial position. Certain impaired loans are also reported at fair value, as explained in greater detail below, and foreclosed assets are carried at the lower of cost or fair value. While the fair value option outlined under FASB’s standard on financial instruments permits companies to report certain other financial assets and liabilities at fair value, we have not elected the fair value option for any additional financial assets or liabilities.

 

Fair value measurements and disclosure standards also establish a framework for measuring fair value. Fair value is defined as the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability, in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. Further, they establish a fair value hierarchy that requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. The standards describe three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value:

 

·Level 1: Quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities in active markets that the entity has the ability to access as of the measurement date.

 

·Level 2: Significant observable inputs other than Level 1 prices, such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities, quoted prices in markets that are not active, and other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data.

 

·Level 3: Significant unobservable inputs that reflect a company’s own assumptions about the factors that market participants would likely consider in pricing an asset or liability.

 

Fair value estimates are made at a specific point in time based on relevant market data and information about the financial instruments. The estimates do not reflect any premium or discount that could result from offering the Company’s entire holdings of a particular financial instrument for sale at one time, nor do they attempt to estimate the value of anticipated future business related to the instruments. In addition, the tax ramifications related to realized gains and losses could have a significant effect on fair value estimates but have not been considered in any estimates. Because no market exists for a significant portion of the Company’s financial instruments, fair value disclosures are based on judgments regarding current economic conditions, risk characteristics of various financial instruments and other factors. The estimates are subjective and involve uncertainties and matters of significant judgment, and therefore cannot be determined with precision. Changes in assumptions could significantly affect the fair values presented. The following methods and assumptions were used by the Company to estimate the fair value of its financial instruments disclosed at June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011:

 

8
 

 

·Cash and cash equivalents and short-term borrowings: For cash and cash equivalents and short-term borrowings, the carrying amount is estimated to be fair value.

 

·Investment securities: The fair values of investment securities are determined by obtaining quoted prices on nationally recognized securities exchanges or by matrix pricing, which is a mathematical technique used widely in the industry to value debt securities by relying on their relationship to other benchmark quoted securities when quoted prices for specific securities are not readily available.

 

·Loans and leases: For variable-rate loans and leases that re-price frequently with no significant change in credit risk or interest rate spread, fair values are based on carrying values. Fair values for other loans and leases are estimated by discounting projected cash flows at interest rates being offered at each reporting date for loans and leases with similar terms, to borrowers of comparable creditworthiness. The carrying amount of accrued interest receivable approximates its fair value.

 

·Loans held for sale: Since loans designated by the Company as available-for-sale are typically sold shortly after making the decision to sell them, realized gains or losses are usually recognized within the same period and fluctuations in fair values are thus not relevant for reporting purposes. If available-for-sale loans stay on our books for an extended period of time, the fair value of those loans is determined using quoted secondary-market prices.

 

·Collateral dependent impaired loans: Impaired loans carried at fair value are those for which it is probable that the bank will be unable to collect all amounts due (including both interest and principal) according to the contractual terms of the original loan agreement, and the carrying value has been written down to the fair value of the loan. The carrying value is equivalent to the fair value of the collateral, net of expected disposition costs where applicable, for collateral-dependent loans.

 

·Cash surrender value of life insurance policies: The fair values are based on net cash surrender values at each reporting date.

 

·Investments in, and capital commitments to, limited partnerships: The fair values of our investments in WNC Institutional Tax Credit Fund Limited Partnerships and any other limited partnerships are estimated using quarterly indications of value provided by the general partner. The fair values of undisbursed capital commitments are assumed to be the same as their book values.

 

·Other investments: Certain long-term investments for which no secondary market exists are carried at cost, and the carrying amount for those investments approximates their estimated fair value.

 

·Deposits: Fair values for demand deposits and other non-maturity deposits are equal to the amount payable on demand at the reporting date, which is the carrying amount. Fair values for fixed-rate certificates of deposit are estimated using a cash flow analysis, discounted at interest rates being offered at each reporting date by the Bank for certificates with similar remaining maturities. The carrying amount of accrued interest payable approximates its fair value.

 

·Short-term borrowings: The carrying amounts approximate fair values for federal funds purchased, overnight FHLB advances, borrowings under repurchase agreements, and other short-term borrowings maturing within ninety days of the reporting dates. Fair values of other short-term borrowings are estimated by discounting projected cash flows at the Company’s current incremental borrowing rates for similar types of borrowing arrangements.

 

·Long-term borrowings: The fair values of the Company’s long-term borrowings are estimated using projected cash flows discounted at the Company’s current incremental borrowing rates for similar types of borrowing arrangements.

 

9
 

 

·Subordinated debentures: The fair values of subordinated debentures are determined based on the current market value for like instruments of a similar maturity and structure.

 

·Commitments to extend credit and letters of credit: If funded, the carrying amounts for currently unused commitments would approximate fair values for the newly created financial assets at the funding date. However, because of the high degree of uncertainty with regard to whether or not those commitments will ultimately be funded, fair values for loan commitments and letters of credit in their current undisbursed state cannot reasonably be estimated, and only notional values are disclosed in the table below.

 

Estimated fair values for the Company’s financial instruments at the periods noted are as follows:

 

10
 

 

Fair Value of Financial Instruments    
(dollars in thousands, unaudited)  June 30, 2012 
       Estimated Fair Value 
   Carrying
Amount
   Quoted Prices in
Active Markets for
Identical Assets
(Level 1)
   Significant
Observable Inputs
(Level 2)
   Significant
Unobservable Inputs
(Level 3)
   Total 
Financial Assets:      (Dollars in thousands) 
Cash and cash equivalents  $48,926   $48,926   $-   $-   $48,926 
Investment securities available for sale   422,196    1,809    420,387    -    422,196 
Loans and leases, net   784,644    -    829,825    -    829,825 
Collateral dependent impaired loans   19,980    -    15,212    307    15,519 
Loans held-for-sale   250    250    -    -    250 
Cash surrender value of life insurance policies   38,518    -    38,518    -    38,518 
Other investments   6,406    -    6,406    -    6,406 
Investment in limited partnership   10,622    -    10,622    -    10,622 
Accrued interest receivable   5,177    -    5,177    -    5,177 
                          
Financial Liabilities:                         
Deposits:                         
  Noninterest-bearing  $327,224   $327,224   $-   $-   $327,224 
  Interest-bearing   822,311    -    822,756    -    822,756 
Fed funds purchased and
   repurchase agreements
   2,890    -    2,890    -    2,890 
Short-term borrowings   24,640    -    24,640    -    24,640 
Long-term borrowings   5,000    -    5,000    -    5,000 
Subordinated debentures   30,928    -    12,229    -    12,229 
Limited partnership capital commitment   1,185    -    1,185    -    1,185 
Accrued interest payable   346    -    346    -    346 
                          
    Notional Amount                     
Off-balance-sheet financial instruments:                         
Commitments to extend credit  $194,916                     
Standby letters of credit   11,321                     
Commercial lines of credit   8,982                     

 

   December 31, 2011 
       Estimated Fair Value 
   Carrying
Amount
   Quoted Prices in
Active Markets for
Identical Assets
(Level 1)
   Significant
Observable Inputs
(Level 2)
   Significant
Unobservable Inputs
(Level 3)
   Total 
Financial Assets:      (Dollars in thousands) 
Cash and cash equivalents  $63,036   $63,036   $-   $-   $63,036 
Investment securities available for sale   406,471    1,347    405,124    -    406,471 
Loans and leases, net   726,302    -    771,192    -    771,192 
Collateral dependent impaired loans   14,627    -    11,016    285    11,301 
Loans held-for-sale   1,354    1,354    -    -    1,354 
Cash surrender value of life insurance policies   37,657    -    37,657    -    37,657 
Other investments   7,040    -    7,040    -    7,040 
Investment in limited partnership   9,927    -    9,927    -    9,927 
Accrued interest receivable   5,368    -    5,368    -    5,368 
                          
Financial Liabilities:                         
Deposits:                         
  Noninterest-bearing  $300,045   $300,045   $-   $-   $300,045 
  Interest-bearing   786,223    -    702,270    -    702,270 
Fed funds purchased and
   repurchase agreements
   3,037    -    3,037    -    3,037 
Short-term borrowings   17,120    -    17,120    -    17,120 
Long-term borrowings   15,000    -    15,000    -    15,000 
Subordinated debentures   30,928    -    12,262    -    12,262 
Limited partnership capital commitment   353    -    353    -    353 
Accrued interest payable   514    -    514    -    514 
                          
    Notional Amount                     
Off-balance-sheet financial instruments:                         
Commitments to extend credit  $154,323                     
Standby letters of credit   11,113                     
Commercial lines of credit   8,991                     

 

11
 

 

For each financial asset category that was actually reported at fair value at June 30, 2012, the Company used the following methods and significant assumptions:

 

·Investment Securities: The fair values of securities available for sale are determined by obtaining quoted prices on nationally recognized securities exchanges or by matrix pricing, which is a mathematical technique used widely in the industry to value debt securities by relying on the their relationship to other benchmark quoted securities.

 

·Loans held for sale: Since loans designated by the Company as available-for-sale are typically sold shortly after making the decision to sell them, realized gains or losses are usually recognized within the same period and fluctuations in fair values are thus not relevant for reporting purposes. If available-for-sale loans stay on our books for an extended period of time, the fair value of those loans is determined using quoted secondary-market prices.

 

·Impaired loans: Impaired loans carried at fair value are those for which it is probable that the bank will be unable to collect all amounts due (including both interest and principal) according to the contractual terms of the original loan agreement, and the carrying value has been written down to the fair value of the loan. The carrying value is equivalent to the fair value of the collateral, net of expected disposition costs where applicable, for collateral-dependent loans.

 

·Foreclosed assets: Repossessed real estate (OREO) and other assets are carried at the lower of cost or fair value. Fair value is the appraised value less expected selling costs for OREO and some other assets such as mobile homes, and for all other assets fair value is represented by the estimated sales proceeds as determined using reasonably available sources. Foreclosed assets for which appraisals can be feasibly obtained are periodically measured for impairment using updated appraisals. Fair values for other foreclosed assets are adjusted as necessary, subsequent to a periodic re-evaluation of expected cash flows and the timing of resolution. If impairment is determined to exist, the book value of a foreclosed asset is immediately written down to its estimated impaired value through the income statement, thus the carrying amount is equal to the fair value and there is no valuation allowance.

 

Assets reported at fair value on a recurring basis are summarized below:

 

Fair Value Measurements - Recurring                    
(dollars in thousands, unaudited)                    
   Fair Value Measurements at June 30, 2012, Using 
                     
   Quoted Prices in
Active Markets for
Identical Assets
(Level 1)
   Significant
Observable Inputs
(Level 2)
   Significant
Unobservable Inputs
(Level 3)
   Total   Realized
Gain/(Loss)
 
Investment Securities                         
   U.S. Government agencies  $-   $1,288   $-   $1,288   $- 
   Obligations of states and                         
      political subdivisions   -    80,769    -    80,769    - 
   U.S. Government agencies                         
      collateralized by mortgage                         
      obligations   -    338,330    -    338,330    - 
   Other Securities   1,809    -    -    1,809    - 
                          
Total available-for-sale securities  $1,809   $420,387   $-   $422,196   $- 

 

   Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2011, Using 
                     
   Quoted Prices in
Active Markets for
Identical Assets
(Level 1)
   Significant
Observable Inputs
(Level 2)
   Significant
Unobservable Inputs
(Level 3)
   Total   Realized
Gain/(Loss)
 
Investment Securities                         
   U.S. Government agencies  $-   $2,026   $-   $2,026   $- 
   Obligations of states and                  -      
      political subdivisions   -    71,340    -    71,340    - 
   U.S. Government agencies                         
      collateralized by mortgage                         
      obligations   -    331,758    -    331,758    - 
   Other Securities   1,347    -    -    1,347    (1,370)
                          
Total available-for-sale securities  $1,347   $405,124   $-   $406,471   $(1,370)

 

12
 

 

Assets reported at fair value on a nonrecurring basis are summarized below:

 

Fair Value Measurements - Nonrecurring            
(dollars in thousands, unaudited)                
   Fair Value Measurements at June 30, 2012, Using 
                 
   Quoted Prices in
Active Markets for
Identical Assets
(Level 1)
   Significant
Observable Inputs
(Level 2)
   Significant
Unobservable Inputs
(Level 3)
   Total 
Collateral dependent impaired loans  $-   $15,212   $307   $15,519 
Foreclosed assets  $-   $14,423   $-   $14,423 

 

   Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2011, Using 
                 
   Quoted Prices in
Active Markets for
Identical Assets
(Level 1)
   Significant
Observable Inputs
(Level 2)
   Significant
Unobservable Inputs
(Level 3)
   Total 
Collateral dependent impaired loans  $-   $11,016   $285   $11,301 
Foreclosed assets  $-   $14,777   $587   $15,364 

 

The table above only includes impaired loan balances for which a specific reserve has been established or on which a write-down has been taken. Information on the Company’s total impaired loan balances, and specific loss reserves associated with those balances, is included in Note 11 below, and in Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation in the “Nonperforming Assets” and “Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses” sections.

 

The table below presents additional valuation information for impaired loan balances which are measured within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy, as of June 30, 2012:

 

Quantitative Information about Level 3 Fair Value measurements
(dollars in thousands, unaudited)

 

Asset   Fair Value
Amount
  Valuation
Technique
  Unobservable
Input
  Range
(Wtd Ave.)
                 
Real Estate Secured loans     $          307   Adjusted Appraised Value   Selling Costs (1)   15.00% - 25.00% (15.14%)

 

(1) Represents the range of estimated selling and closing costs that might be incurred through escrow at the time of sale.

 

The unobservable inputs are based on management’s best estimates of appropriate discounts in arriving at fair market value. Significant increases or decreases in any of those inputs could result in a significantly lower or higher fair value measurement. For example, a change in either direction of actual loss rates would have a directionally opposite change in the calculation of the fair value of impaired unsecured loans.

 

 

Note 10 – Investments

 

Although the Company currently has the intent and the ability to hold the securities in its investment portfolio to maturity, the securities are all marketable and are classified as “available for sale” to allow maximum flexibility with regard to interest rate risk and liquidity management. Pursuant to FASB’s guidance on accounting for debt and equity securities, available for sale securities are carried on the Company’s financial statements at their estimated fair market values, with monthly tax-effected “mark-to-market” adjustments made vis-à-vis accumulated other comprehensive income in shareholders’ equity. The Company’s available-for-sale investment securities totaled $422 million at June 30, 2012, and $406 million at December 31, 2011.

 

13
 

 

Amortized Cost And Estimated Fair Value

               

The amortized cost and estimated fair value of investment securities available-for-sale are as follows

(Dollars in thousands):              

 

   June 30, 2012 
   Amortized Cost   Gross Unrealized Gains   Gross Unrealized Losses   Estimated Fair Value 
                 
U.S. Government agencies  $1,294   $-   $(6)  $1,288 
Obligations of state and                    
 political subdivisions   76,749    4,166    (146)   80,769 
U.S. Government agencies                    
 collateralized by mortgage                    
 obligations   334,645    4,470    (785)   338,330 
Equity Securities   1,336    473    -    1,809 
   $414,024   $9,109   $(937)  $422,196 

 

   December 31, 2011 
   Amortized Cost   Gross Unrealized Gains   Gross Unrealized Losses   Estimated Fair Value 
                 
U.S. Government agencies  $2,008   $18   $-   $2,026 
Obligations of state and                    
 political subdivisions   67,851    3,634    (145)   71,340 
U.S. Government agencies                    
 collateralized by mortgage                    
 obligations   328,751    4,467    (1,460)   331,758 
Equity Securities   1,336    11    -    1,347 
   $399,946   $8,130   $(1,605)  $406,471 

 

At June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, the Company had 79 securities and 80 securities, respectively, with unrealized losses. Management has evaluated those securities as of the respective dates, and does not believe that any of the associated unrealized losses are other than temporary. Information pertaining to our investment securities with unrealized losses, aggregated by investment category and length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous loss position, is disclosed in the table below.

 

14
 

 

Investment Portfolio - Unrealized Losses                
(dollars in thousands, unaudited)  June 30, 2012 
   Less than Twelve Months   Over Twelve Months 
   Gross Unrealized Losses   Fair Value   Gross Unrealized Losses   Fair Value 
                 
U.S. Government Agencies  $(6)  $1,288   $-   $- 
Obligations of State and Political Subdivisions   (107)   9,085    (40)   1,060 
U.S. Government agencies collateralized by mortgage                    
        obligations   (784)   100,197    -    - 
   TOTAL  $(897)  $110,570   $(40)  $1,060 

 

   December 31, 2011 
   Less than Twelve Months   Over Twelve Months 
   Gross Unrealized Losses   Fair Value   Gross Unrealized Losses   Fair Value 
                 
Obligations of State and Political Subdivisions  $(26)  $1,735   $(119)  $1,978 
U.S. Government agencies collateralized by mortgage                    
        obligations   (1,432)   144,953    (28)   949 
   TOTAL  $(1,458)  $146,688   $(147)  $2,927 

 

Note 11 – Credit Quality and Nonperforming Assets

 

Credit Quality Classifications

 

The Company monitors the credit quality of loans on a continuous basis using the regulatory and accounting classifications of pass, special mention, substandard and impaired to characterize the associated credit risk. Balances classified as “loss” are immediately charged off. The Company uses the following definitions of risk classifications:

 

·Pass: Loans listed as pass include larger non-homogeneous loans not meeting the risk rating definitions below and smaller, homogeneous loans that are not assessed on an individual basis.

 

·Special Mention: Loans classified as special mention have potential issues that deserve the close attention of management. If left uncorrected, those potential weaknesses could eventually diminish the prospects for full repayment of principal and interest according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement, or could result in deterioration of the Company’s credit position at some future date.

 

·Substandard: Loans classified as substandard have at least one clear and well-defined weakness which could jeopardize the ultimate recoverability of all principal and interest, such as a borrower displaying a highly leveraged position, unfavorable financial operating results and/or trends, uncertain repayment sources or a deteriorated financial condition.

 

·Impaired: A loan is considered impaired, when, based on current information and events, it is probable that the Company will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. Impaired loans include all nonperforming loans, loans classified as restructured troubled debt, and certain other loans that are still being maintained on accrual status. If the Bank grants a concession to a borrower in financial difficulty, the loan falls into the category of a troubled debt restructuring (TDR). A TDR may be nonperforming or performing, depending on its accrual status and the demonstrated ability of the borrower to comply with restructured terms.

 

15
 

 

Credit quality classifications for the Company’s loan balances were as follows, as of the dates indicated:

 

Credit Quality Classifications
(dollars in thousands, unaudited)

 

   June 30, 2012 
   Pass   Special Mention   Substandard   Impaired   Total 
Real Estate:                         
    1-4 Family residential construction  $3,303   $3,523   $-   $1,974   $8,800 
    Other construction/Land   19,247    6,439    961    11,175    37,822 
    1-4 Family - closed end   70,650    7,412    1,279    19,612    98,953 
    Equity Lines   58,387    437    2,440    770    62,034 
    Multi-family residential   4,825    614    -    1,780    7,219 
    Commercial real estate - owner occupied   142,068    20,718    9,137    9,298    181,221 
    Commercial real estate - non-owner occupied   67,319    5,937    2,306    23,961    99,523 
    Farmland   53,216    176    3,575    1,953    58,920 
            Total Real Estate   419,015    45,256    19,698    70,523    554,492 
                          
Agricultural   17,486    45    25    1,676    19,232 
Commercial and Industrial   175,332    5,525    2,504    2,805    186,166 
Small Business Administration   14,683    1,957    328    3,699    20,667 
Direct finance leases   4,847    75    -    322    5,244 
Consumer loans   26,661    747    213    4,178    31,799 
Total Gross Loans and Leases  $658,024   $53,605   $22,768   $83,203   $817,600 

 

   December 31, 2011 
   Pass   Special Mention   Substandard   Impaired   Total 
Real Estate:                         
    1-4 Family residential construction  $4,240   $2,004   $-   $2,244   $8,488 
    Other construction/Land   18,185    8,873    1,015    11,987    40,060 
    1-4 Family - closed end   75,765    7,574    1,354    20,260    104,953 
    Equity Lines   62,867    456    1,795    1,379    66,497 
    Multi-family residential   4,620    618    -    2,941    8,179 
    Commercial real estate - owner occupied   141,245    23,289    8,878    9,658    183,070 
    Commercial real estate - non-owner occupied   64,746    7,463    4,514    29,120    105,843 
    Farmland   47,719    1,878    3,626    6,919    60,142 
            Total Real Estate   419,387    52,155    21,182    84,508    577,232 
                          
Agricultural   15,477    1,574    27    -    17,078 
Commercial and Industrial   83,780    7,529    3,078    5,021    99,408 
Small Business Administration   16,251    -    852    3,903    21,006 
Direct finance leases   6,089    63    -    591    6,743 
Consumer loans   30,004    1,006    808    4,306    36,124 
Total Gross Loans and Leases  $570,988   $62,327   $25,947   $98,329   $757,591 

 

Past Due and Nonperforming Assets

 

Nonperforming assets are comprised of loans for which the Company is no longer accruing interest, and foreclosed assets, including mobile homes and other real estate owned (“OREO”). OREO consists of properties acquired by foreclosure or similar means, which the Company is offering or will offer for sale. Nonperforming loans and leases result when reasonable doubt exists with regard to the ability of the Company to collect all principal and interest on a loan or lease. At that point, we stop accruing interest on the loan or lease in question, and reverse any previously-recognized interest to the extent that it is uncollected or associated with interest-reserve loans. Any asset for which principal or interest has been in default for 90 days or more is also placed on non-accrual status, even if interest is still being received, unless the asset is both well secured and in the process of collection. An aging of the Company’s loan balances, by number of days past due as of the indicated dates, is presented in the following tables:

 

16
 

 

Loan Portfolio Aging
(dollars in thousands, unaudited)

 

   June 30, 2012 
   30-59 Days Past Due   60-89 Days Past Due   90 Days Or More Past Due   Total Past Due   Current   Total Financing Receivables   Non-Accrual Loans(1) 
Real Estate:                                   
    1-4 Family residential construction  $-   $-   $352   $352   $8,448   $8,800   $1,974 
    Other construction/Land   1,101    345    3,474    4,920    32,902    37,822    4,055 
    1-4 Family - closed end   1,446    138    1,626    3,210    95,743    98,953    5,985 
    Equity Lines   673    144    66    883    61,151    62,034    488 
    Multi-family residential   -    -    1,780    1,780    5,439    7,219    1,780 
    Commercial real estate - owner occupied   653    547    4,807    6,007    175,214    181,221    5,537 
    Commercial real estate - non-owner occupied   877    -    6,375    7,252    92,271    99,523    10,262 
    Farmland   -    -    -    -    58,920    58,920    269 
            Total Real Estate   4,750    1,174    18,480    24,404    530,088    554,492    30,350 
                                    
Agricultural   75    -    99    174    19,058    19,232    99 
Commercial and Industrial   279    1,111    938    2,328    183,838    186,166    1,848 
Small Business Administration   1,203    582    2,054    3,839    16,828    20,667    2,793 
Direct finance leases   75    -    322    397    4,847    5,244    322 
Consumer loans   383    93    156    632    31,167    31,799    1,303 
Total Gross Loans and Leases  $6,765   $2,960   $22,049   $31,774   $785,826   $817,600   $36,715 

 

(1) Included in Total Financing Receivables

 

   December 31, 2011 
   30-59 Days Past Due   60-89 Days Past Due   90 Days Or More Past Due(2)   Total Past Due   Current   Total Financing Receivables   Non-Accrual Loans(1) 
Real Estate:                                   
    1-4 Family residential construction  $-   $-   $-   $-   $8,488   $8,488   $2,244 
    Other construction/Land   1,354    -    1,417    2,771    37,289    40,060    4,083 
    1-4 Family - closed end   1,777    1,835    1,661    5,273    99,680    104,953    7,605 
    Equity Lines   253    511    640    1,404    65,093    66,497    1,309 
    Multi-family residential   -    -    2,941    2,941    5,238    8,179    2,941 
    Commercial real estate - owner occupied   3,070    1,038    5,581    9,689    173,381    183,070    7,086 
    Commercial real estate - non-owner occupied   1,031    577    7,128    8,736    97,107    105,843    13,958 
    Farmland   6,436    -    188    6,624    53,518    60,142    6,919 
            Total Real Estate   13,921    3,961    19,556    37,438    539,794    577,232    46,145 
                                    
Agricultural   -    -    -    -    17,078    17,078    - 
Commercial and Industrial   701    386    3,160    4,247    95,161    99,408    3,778 
Small Business Administration   828    917    2,715    4,460    16,546    21,006    3,452 
Direct finance leases   63    -    591    654    6,089    6,743    591 
Consumer loans   520    619    838    1,977    34,147    36,124    2,144 
Total Gross Loans and Leases  $16,033   $5,883   $26,860   $48,776   $708,815   $757,591   $56,110 

 

(1) Included in Total Financing Receivables
(2) Includes Small Business Administration loans over 90 days past due and still accruing in the amount of $48,000.

 

Troubled Debt Restructurings

 

A loan that is modified for a borrower who is experiencing financial difficulty is classified as a troubled debt restructuring (“TDR”), if the modification constitutes a concession. At June 30, 2012, the Company had a total of $56.7 million in TDR’s, including $20.7 million in TDR’s that were on non-accrual status. Generally, a non-accrual loan that has been modified as a TDR remains on non-accrual status for a period of at least six months to demonstrate the borrower’s ability to comply with the modified terms. However, performance prior to the modification, or significant events that coincide with the modification, could result in a loan’s return to accrual status after a shorter performance period or even at the time of loan modification. TDR’s may have the TDR designation removed in the calendar year following the restructuring, if the loan is in compliance with all modified terms and is yielding a market rate of interest. Regardless of the period of time that has elapsed, if the borrower’s ability to meet the revised payment schedule is uncertain then the loan will be kept on non-accrual status. Moreover, a TDR is generally considered to be in default when it appears that the customer will not likely be able to repay all principal and interest pursuant to the terms of the restructured agreement.

 

17
 

 

The Company may agree to different types of concessions when modifying a loan or lease. The table below summarizes TDR’s which were modified during the noted period, by type of concession:

 

Troubled Debt Restructurings, by Type of Loan Modification
(dollars in thousands, unaudited)

 

   For the Six Months-Ended June 30, 2012 
   Rate Modification   Term Modification   Interest Only Modification   Rate & Term Modification   Rate & Interest Only Modification   Term & Interest Only Modification   Rate, Term & Interest Only Modification   Total 
Trouble Debt Restructurings                                        
Real Estate:                                        
    Other construction/Land  $-   $59   $-   $53   $-   $-   $-   $112 
    1-4 family - closed-end   -    109    -    -    -    222    -    331 
    Equity Lines   -    29    -    -    -    -    -    29 
    Commercial RE - owner occupied   -    2,305    -    295    -    -    -    2,600 
    Commercial RE - non owner occupied   -    329    -    -    -    -    -    329 
           Total Real Estate Loans   -    2,831    -    348    -    222    -    3,401 
 Agricultural Products   -    -    -    -    -    -    -    - 
 Commercial and Industrial   -    173    -    228    -    -    -    401 
 Consumer loans   -    662    -    149    -    -    47    858 
 Small Business Administration Loans   -    -    -    475    -    -    -    475 
   $-   $3,666   $-   $1,200   $-   $222   $47   $5,135 

 

 

   For the Year-Ended December 31, 2011 
   Rate Modification   Term Modification   Interest Only Modification   Rate & Term Modification   Rate & Interest Only Modification   Term & Interest Only Modification   Rate, Term & Interest Only Modification   Total 
Trouble Debt Restructurings                                        
Real Estate:                                        
    Other construction/Land  $-   $555   $-   $754   $-   $6,188   $-   $7,497 
    1-4 family - closed-end   -    6,419    -    151    561    48    421    7,600 
    Equity Lines   -    71    426    -    78    -    -    575 
    Commercial RE - owner occupied   -    1,893    1,231    297    542    -    -    3,963 
    Commercial RE - non owner occupied   7,400    -    -    1,069    6,420    -    -    14,889 
           Total Real Estate Loans   7,400    8,938    1,657    2,271    7,601    6,236    421    34,524 
 Agricultural Products   -    -    -    -    -    -    12    12 
 Commercial and Industrial   19    342    23    1,188    -    384    -    1,956 
 Consumer loans   278    495    -    2,069    282    -    85    3,209 
 Small Business Administration Loans   -    621    106    46    -    -    -    773 
   $7,697   $10,396   $1,786   $5,574   $7,883   $6,620   $518   $40,474 

 

18
 

 

The following tables present, by class, additional details related to loans classified as TDR’s during the three and six months ended June 30, 2012, including the recorded investment in the loan both before and after modification and balances that were modified during the period:

 

Troubled Debt Restructurings
(dollars in thousands, unaudited)

 

   For the Three Months-Ended June 30, 2012 
       Pre-Modification   Post-Modification         
   Number of Loans   Outstanding Recorded Investment   Outstanding Recorded Investment   Reserve
Difference(1)
   Reserve 
Real Estate:                         
     Other Construction/Land   1   $59   $59   $10   $12 
     1-4 family - closed-end   1    233    222    20    39 
     Equity Lines   1    29    29    13    29 
     Commercial RE- owner occupied   1    227    227    5    5 
     Commercial RE- non-owner occupied   0    -    -    -    - 
           Total Real Estate Loans        548    537    48    85 
                          
Agricultural products   0    -    -    -    - 
Commercial and Industrial   5    376    375    (16)   45 
Consumer loans   9    633    631    (193)   129 
Small Business Administration Loans   0    -    -    -    - 
        $1,557   $1,543   $(161)  $259 

 

(1) This represents the change in the ALL reserve for these credits measured as the difference between the specific post-modification impairment reserve and the pre-modification reserve calculated under our general allowance for loan loss methodology.

 

 

   For the Six Months-Ended June 30, 2012 
       Pre-Modification   Post-Modification         
   Number of Loans   Outstanding Recorded Investment   Outstanding Recorded Investment    Reserve Difference(1)   Reserve 
Real Estate:                         
     Other Construction/Land   2   $112   $112   $11   $12 
     1-4 family - closed-end   3    344    331    27    47 
     Equity Lines   1    29    29    13    29 
     Commercial RE- owner occupied   3    2,600    2,600    (71)   97 
     Commercial RE- non-owner occupied   2    330    329    (45)   6 
           Total Real Estate Loans        3,415    3,401    (65)   191 
                          
Agricultural products   0    -    -    -    - 
Commercial and Industrial   7    407    401    (28)   49 
Consumer loans   13    861    858    (207)   141 
Small Business Administration Loans   1    468    475    2    119 
        $5,151   $5,135   $(298)  $500 

 

(1) This represents the change in the ALLL reserve for these credits measured as the difference between the specific post-modification impairment reserve and the pre-modification reserve calculated under our general allowance for loan loss methodology.

 

19
 

 

The table below summarizes TDR’s that defaulted during the period noted, and any charge-offs on those TDR’s resulting from such default. 

 

Troubled Debt Restructurings(1)
(dollars in thousands, unaudited)

 

   Subsequent default three months-ended June 30, 2012 
   Number of Loans   Recorded
Investment
   Charge-Offs 
Real Estate:               
     Other Construction/Land   1   $69   $- 
     1-4 family - closed-end   0    -    - 
     Equity Lines   0    -    - 
     Commercial RE- owner occupied   0    -    - 
     Commercial RE- non owner occupied   0    -    - 
           Total Real Estate Loans        69    - 
                
Agricultural products   0    -    - 
Commercial and Industrial   1    108    108 
Consumer loans   0    -    - 
Small Business Administration Loans   1    106    - 
        $283   $108 

 

   Subsequent default six months-ended June 30, 2012 
   Number of Loans   Recorded
Investment
   Charge-Offs 
Real Estate:               
     Other Construction/Land   1   $69   $- 
     1-4 family - closed-end   1    95    95 
     Equity Lines   0    -    - 
     Commercial RE- owner occupied   0    -    - 
     Commercial RE- non owner occupied   0    -    - 
           Total Real Estate Loans        164    95 
                
Agricultural products   0    -    - 
Commercial and Industrial   1    108    108 
Consumer Loans   1    192    192 
Small Business Administration Loans   1    106    - 
        $570   $395 

 

(1) Troubled Debt Restructurings within the previous 12 months for which there was a payment default in the periods noted.

 

20
 

 

Note 12 – Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses

 

The allowance for loan and lease losses, a contra-asset, is established through a provision for loan and lease losses. It is maintained at a level that is considered adequate to absorb probable losses on certain specifically identified loans, as well as probable incurred losses inherent in the remaining loan portfolio. Specifically identifiable and quantifiable losses are immediately charged off against the allowance; recoveries are generally recorded only when cash payments are received subsequent to the charge off. We employ a systematic methodology, consistent with FASB guidelines on loss contingencies and impaired loans, for determining the appropriate level of the allowance for loan and lease losses and adjusting it on at least a quarterly basis. Pursuant to that methodology, impaired loans and leases are individually analyzed and a criticized asset action plan is completed specifying the financial status of the borrower and, if applicable, the characteristics and condition of collateral and any associated liquidation plan. A specific loss allowance is created for each impaired loan, if necessary. The following tables disclose the unpaid principal balance, recorded investment (including accrued interest), average recorded investment, and interest income recognized for impaired loans on our books as of the dates indicated. Balances are shown by loan type, and are further broken out by those that required an allowance and those that did not, with the associated allowance disclosed for those that required such. Included in the valuation allowance for impaired loans shown in the tables below are specific reserves allocated to TDR’s, totaling $4.669 million at June 30, 2012 and $3.635 million at December 31, 2011.

 

21
 

 

Impaired Loans  June 30, 2012 
(dollars in thousands, unaudited)  Unpaid Principal Balance(1)   Recorded
Investment(2)
   Related Allowance   Average Recorded Investment   Interest Income Recognized(3) 
With an Allowance Recorded                         
Real Estate:                         
   1-4 family residential construction  $352   $352   $46   $352   $- 
   Other Construction/Land   13,520    10,674    1,702    10,694    169 
   1-4 Family - closed-end   10,862    10,834    880    10,862    158 
   Equity Lines   377    377    131    377    3 
   Multifamily residential   -    -    -    -    - 
   Commercial RE- owner occupied   3,613    3,613    873    3,628    41 
   Commercial RE- non-owner occupied   12,060    12,060    1,941    12,835    173 
   Farmland   -    -    -    -    - 
       Total Real Estate   40,784    37,910    5,573    38,748    544 
Agriculture   -    -    -    -    - 
Commercial and Industrial   2,137    2,137    498    2,199    22 
Small Business Administration   3,472    3,472    1,055    3,472    26 
Direct finance leases   322    322    159    322    - 
Consumer loans   3,425    3,425    386    3,473    69 
    50,140    47,266    7,671    48,214    661 
With no Related Allowance Recorded                         
Real Estate:                         
   1-4 family residential construction  $4,350   $1,622   $-   $1,654   $- 
   Other Construction/Land   785    501    -    625    7 
   1-4 Family - closed-end   9,061    8,778    -    8,807    51 
   Equity Lines   393    393    -    398    1 
   Multifamily residential   2,389    1,780    -    1,780    - 
   Commercial RE- owner occupied   6,141    5,685    -    6,107    60 
   Commercial RE- non-owner occupied   12,052    11,901    -    11,938    333 
   Farmland   1,953    1,953    -    1,963    - 
       Total Real Estate   37,124    32,613    -    33,272    452 
Agriculture   1,676    1,676    -    1,662    - 
Commercial and Industrial   702    668    -    679    1 
Small Business Administration   227    227    -    227    - 
Direct finance leases   -    -    -    -    - 
Consumer loans   753    753    -    773    15 
    40,482    35,937    -    36,613    468 
    Total  $90,622   $83,203   $7,671   $84,827   $1,129 

 

(1)Contractual principal balance due from customer.
(2)Principal balance on Company's books, less any direct charge offs.
(3)Interest income is recognized on performing balances on a regular accrual basis.

 

22
 

 

   December 31, 2011 
   Unpaid Principal Balance(1)   Recorded
Investment(2)
   Related Allowance   Average Recorded Investment   Interest Income Recognized(3) 
With an Allowance Recorded                         
Real Estate:                         
   1-4 family residential construction  $188   $188   $13   $188   $- 
   Other Construction/Land   3,477    2,906    735    2,925    89 
   1-4 Family - closed-end   8,086    8,057    821    8,071    222 
   Equity Lines   1,072    1,072    243    1,069    - 
   Multifamily residential   2,941    2,941    850    2,950    - 
   Commercial RE- owner occupied   3,628    3,628    834    3,645    24 
   Commercial RE- non-owner occupied   17,454    17,454    1,733    17,842    274 
   Farmland   -    -    -    -    - 
       Total Real Estate   36,846    36,246    5,229    36,690    609 
Agriculture   -    -    -    -    - 
Commercial and Industrial   4,135    4,106    1,481    4,197    24 
Small Business Administration   3,902    3,903    1,212    3,903    2 
Direct finance leases   591    591    291    591    - 
Consumer loans   3,896    3,858    541    3,920    56 
    49,370    48,704    8,754    49,301    691 
With no Related Allowance Recorded                         
Real Estate:                         
   1-4 family residential construction  $4,784   $2,056   $-   $2,069   $- 
   Other Construction/Land   11,740    9,081    -    9,326    193 
   1-4 Family - closed-end   12,467    12,203    -    12,250    101 
   Equity Lines   307    307    -    318    - 
   Multifamily residential   -    -    -    -    - 
   Commercial RE- owner occupied   6,049    6,030    -    6,136    17 
   Commercial RE- non-owner occupied   11,818    11,666    -    12,033    190 
   Farmland   7,468    6,919    -    6,956    - 
       Total Real Estate   54,633    48,262    -    49,088    501 
Agriculture   -    -    -    -    - 
Commercial and Industrial   916    915    -    965    11 
Small Business Administration   -    -    -    -    - 
Direct finance leases   -    -    -    -    - 
Consumer loans   448    448    -    462    11 
    55,997    49,625    -    50,515    523 
    Total  $105,367   $98,329   $8,754   $99,816   $1,214 

 

(1)Contractual principal balance due from customer.
(2)Principal balance on Company's books, less any direct charge offs.
(3)Interest income is recognized on performing balances on a regular accrual basis.

 

23
 

 

Similar but condensed information as of the dates noted is provided in the following table:

 

Impaired Loans
(dollars in thousands, unaudited)

 

   June 30, 2012   December 31, 2011 
         
Impaired loans without a valuation allowance  $35,937   $49,625 
Impaired loans with a valuation allowance   47,266    48,704 
Total impaired loans (1)  $83,203   $98,329 
Valuation allowance related to impaired loans  $7,671   $8,754 
Total non-accrual loans  $36,715   $56,110 
Total loans past-due ninety days or more and still accruing  $-   $48 

 

(1) Principal balance on Company's books less any direct charge-off

 

 

The specific loss allowance for an impaired loan represents the difference between the face value of the loan and either its current appraised value less estimated disposition costs, or its net present value as determined by a discounted cash flow analysis. The discounted cash flow approach is used to measure impairment on loans for which it is anticipated that repayment will be provided from cash flows other than those generated solely by the disposition or operation of underlying collateral. Any change in impairment attributable to the passage of time is accommodated by adjusting the loss allowance accordingly.

 

For loans where repayment is expected to be provided by the disposition or operation of the underlying collateral, impairment is measured using the fair value of the collateral. If the collateral value, net of the expected costs of disposition where applicable, is less than the loan balance, then a specific loss reserve is established for the shortfall in collateral coverage. If the discounted collateral value is greater than or equal to the loan balance, no specific loss reserve is established. At the time a collateral-dependent loan is designated as nonperforming, a new appraisal is ordered and typically received within 30 to 60 days if a recent appraisal was not already available. We generally use external appraisals to determine the fair value of the underlying collateral for nonperforming real estate loans, although the Company’s licensed staff appraisers may update older appraisals based on current market conditions and property value trends. Until an updated appraisal is received, the Company uses the existing appraisal to determine the amount of the specific loss allowance that may be required, and adjusts the specific loss allowance, as necessary, once a new appraisal is received. Updated appraisals are generally ordered at least annually for collateral-dependent loans that remain impaired. Current appraisals were available for 76% of the Company’s impaired real estate loan balances at June 30, 2012. Furthermore, the Company analyzes collateral-dependent loans on at least a quarterly basis, to determine if any portion of the recorded investment in such loans can be identified as uncollectible and would therefore constitute a confirmed loss. All amounts deemed to be uncollectible are promptly charged off against the Company’s allowance for loan and lease losses, with the loan then carried at the fair value of the collateral, as appraised, less estimated costs of disposition if applicable. Once a charge-off or write-down is recorded, it will not be restored to the loan balance on the Company’s accounting books.

 

Our methodology also provides that a “general” allowance be established for probable incurred losses inherent in loans and leases that are not impaired. Unimpaired loan balances are segregated by credit quality, and are then evaluated in pools with common characteristics. At the present time, pools are based on the same segmentation of loan types presented in our regulatory filings. While this methodology utilizes historical loss data and other measurable information, the classification of loans and the establishment of the allowance for loan and lease losses are both to some extent based on management’s judgment and experience. Our methodology incorporates a variety of risk considerations, both quantitative and qualitative, in establishing an allowance for loan and lease losses that management believes is appropriate at each reporting date. Quantitative information includes our historical loss experience, delinquency and charge-off trends, and current collateral values. Qualitative factors include the general economic environment in our markets and, in particular, the state of the agricultural industry and other key industries in the Central San Joaquin Valley. Lending policies and procedures (including underwriting standards), the experience and abilities of lending staff, the quality of loan review, credit concentrations (by geography, loan type, industry and collateral type), the rate of loan portfolio growth, and changes in legal or regulatory requirements are additional factors that are considered. The total general reserve established for probable incurred losses on unimpaired loans was $6.2 million at June 30, 2012.

 

24
 

 

During the six months ended June 30, 2012 we adjusted certain qualitative factors used in determining our allowance for loan and lease losses pursuant to our assessment that default risk in non-impaired loans is declining, but there were no material changes made to the methodology used to determine our allowance for loan and lease losses. As we add new products and expand our geographic coverage, and as the economic environment changes, we expect to continue to enhance our methodology to keep pace with the size and complexity of the loan and lease portfolio and respond to pressures created by external forces. We engage outside firms on a regular basis to assess our methodology and perform independent credit reviews of our loan and lease portfolio. In addition, the Company’s external auditors, the FDIC, and the California DFI review the allowance for loan and lease losses as an integral part of their audit and examination processes. Management believes that the current methodology is appropriate given our size and level of complexity. The tables that follow detail the activity in the allowance for loan and lease losses for the periods noted:

 

25
 

 

Allowance for Credit Losses and Recorded Investment in Financing Receivables
(dollars in thousands, unaudited)                            

 

   For the Three Months-Ended June 30, 2012 
   Real Estate   Agricultural Products   Commercial and Industrial   Small Business Administration   Direct Finance Leases   Consumer   Total 
                             
Allowance for credit losses:                                   
Beginning Balance  $9,900   $18   $3,703   $1,397   $174   $2,216   $17,408 
         Charge-offs   (4,446)   -    (1,449)   (332)   -    (722)   (6,949)
         Recoveries   57    -    67    47    -    73    244 
         Provision   2,415    -    598    53    38    56    3,160 
                                    
Ending Balance  $7,926   $18   $2,919   $1,165   $212   $1,623   $13,863 

 

   For the Six Months-Ended June 30, 2012 
   Real Estate   Agricultural Products   Commercial and Industrial   Small Business Administration   Direct Finance Leases   Consumer   Total 
                             
Allowance for credit losses:                                   
Beginning Balance  $8,260   $19   $4,638   $1,447   $311   $2,608   $17,283 
         Charge-offs   (5,400)   -    (2,540)   (418)   (198)   (1,347)   (9,903)
         Recoveries   188    -    192    47    -    146    573 
         Provision   4,878    (1)   629    89    99    216    5,910 
                                    
Ending Balance  $7,926   $18   $2,919   $1,165   $212   $1,623   $13,863 
                                    
Reserves:                                   
         Specific  $5,573   $-   $498   $1,055   $159   $386   $7,671 
         General   2,353    18    2,421    110    53    1,237    6,192 
                                    
Ending Balance  $7,926   $18   $2,919   $1,165   $212   $1,623   $13,863 
                                    
Loans evaluated for impairment:                                   
         Individually  $70,523   $1,676   $2,805   $3,699   $322   $4,178   $83,203 
        Collectively   483,969    17,556    183,361    16,968    4,922    27,621    734,397 
                                    
Ending Balance  $554,492   $19,232   $186,166   $20,667   $5,244   $31,799   $817,600 

 

   For the Year Ended December 31, 2011 
   Real Estate   Agricultural Products   Commercial and Industrial   Small Business Administration   Direct Finance Leases   Consumer   Total 
                             
Allowance for credit losses:                                   
Beginning Balance  $10,143   $62   $6,379   $1,274   $284   $2,996   $21,138 
         Charge-offs   (10,596)   -    (3,407)   (148)   (82)   (2,754)   (16,987)
         Recoveries   418    -    323    71    57    263    1,132 
         Provision   8,295    (43)   1,343    250    52    2,103    12,000 
                                    
Ending Balance  $8,260   $19   $4,638   $1,447   $311   $2,608   $17,283 
                                    
Reserves:                                   
         Specific  $5,229   $-   $1,481   $1,212   $291   $541   $8,754 
         General   3,031    19    3,157    235    20    2,067    8,529 
                                    
Ending Balance  $8,260   $19   $4,638   $1,447   $311   $2,608   $17,283 
                                    
Loans evaluated for impairment:                                   
         Individually  $84,508   $-   $5,021   $3,903   $591   $4,306   $98,329 
        Collectively   492,724    17,078    94,387    17,103    6,152    31,818    659,262 
                                    
Ending Balance  $577,232   $17,078   $99,408   $21,006   $6,743   $36,124   $757,591 

 

 

Note 13 – Recent Developments

 

On June 12, 2012, banking regulators issued a notice of proposed rulemaking outlining potential new regulatory capital guidelines which conform to Basel III requirements. If ultimately adopted, the new rules would, among other things:

1)add a new regulatory capital component referred to as “common equity tier 1 capital”, and establish threshold ratios for this new component (e.g., 6.5% to be “well-capitalized”);

 

26
 

 

   
2)impose a new “capital conservation buffer” of at least 2.5% of risk-weighted assets to be added to common equity tier 1 capital, and limit dividend payments, share buybacks, and certain discretionary bonus payments to executive officers if the capital conservation buffer is not achieved;
3)provide a phase-out period for the inclusion of trust-preferred securities as tier 1 capital (although TRUPS would reportedly still be includible in tier 2 capital);
4)require us to include accumulated other comprehensive income (AOCI) in tier 1 capital, which could significantly increase capital volatility;
5)impose additional constraints on the inclusion of minority interests, mortgage servicing assets, and deferred tax assets in regulatory capital;
6)adjust risk-weightings for certain assets, such as the assignment of a risk weighting of 150% to certain acquisition/development and construction loans, a risk weighting of 150% for loans that are more than 90-days past due or are on non-accrual status, and risk weightings for residential mortgages based on loan-to-value ratios and certain other loan characteristics; and
7)increase minimum required ratios over a phase-in period, and increase the threshold for a “well-capitalized” classification for the Tier 1 Risk-Based Capital Ratio from 6% to 8%.

 

The largest impact on the consolidated Company would likely come from the exclusion of $30 million in TRUPS from tier 1 capital. Bank-only calculations would not be affected, since they don't include TRUPS. Other potential changes that could materially affect us include the additional constraints on the inclusion of deferred tax assets in capital, increased risk weightings for nonperforming loans and acquisition/development loans, and the inclusion of accumulated other comprehensive income in regulatory capital. The inclusion of AOCI would benefit us as long as we have a net unrealized gain on securities, but would lower our regulatory capital ratios if interest rates increase and our unrealized gain becomes an unrealized loss.

 

The aggregate effect of these regulatory changes on Sierra Bancorp and Bank of the Sierra cannot yet be determined with any degree of certainty, but our preliminary estimates indicate that if the changes are implemented and when they become fully phased-in they could have a material impact on our Tier 1 Leverage Ratio and our consolidated Tier 1 Risk-Based Capital Ratio. Nevertheless, given our current level of capital we should be well-positioned to absorb the impact of Basel III without constraining our organic growth plans, although no assurance can be provided in that regard.

 

27
 

 

PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 2

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND

ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION

AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

 

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

 

This Form 10-Q includes forward-looking statements that involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Words such as “expects”, “anticipates”, “believes”, “projects”, and “estimates” or variations of such words and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Therefore, actual outcomes and results may differ materially from what is expressed, forecast in, or implied by such forward-looking statements.

 

A variety of factors could have a material adverse impact on the Company’s financial condition or results of operations, and should be considered when evaluating the potential future financial performance of the Company. They include, but are not limited to, further deterioration in economic conditions in the Company’s service areas; risks associated with fluctuations in interest rates; liquidity risks; increases in nonperforming assets and net credit losses that could occur, particularly in times of weak economic conditions or rising interest rates; the Company’s ability to secure buyers for foreclosed properties; the loss in market value of available-for-sale securities that could result if interest rates change substantially or an issuer has real or perceived financial difficulties; the Company’s ability to attract and retain skilled employees; the Company’s ability to successfully deploy new technology; the success of branch expansion; and risks associated with the multitude of current and prospective laws and regulations to which the Company is and will be subject.

 

 

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

The Company’s financial statements are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. The financial information and disclosures contained within those statements are significantly impacted by Management’s estimates and judgments, which are based on historical experience and various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under current circumstances. Actual results may differ from those estimates under divergent conditions.

 

Critical accounting policies are those that involve the most complex and subjective decisions and assessments, and have the greatest potential impact on the Company’s stated results of operations. In Management’s opinion, the Company’s critical accounting policies deal with the following areas: the establishment of the Company’s allowance for loan and lease losses, as explained in detail in Note 12 to the consolidated financial statements and the “Provision for Loan and Lease Losses” and “Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses” sections of this discussion and analysis; the valuation of impaired loans and foreclosed assets, which is discussed in Note 11 to the consolidated financial statements and in the “Nonperforming Assets” and “Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses” sections of this discussion and analysis; income taxes, especially with regard to the ability of the Company to recover deferred tax assets, as discussed in the “Provision for Income Taxes” and “Other Assets” sections of this discussion and analysis; goodwill, which is evaluated annually for impairment based on the fair value of the Company as discussed in the “Other Assets” section of this discussion and analysis; and equity-based compensation, which is discussed in greater detail in Note 5 to the consolidated financial statements. Critical accounting areas are evaluated on an ongoing basis to ensure that the Company’s financial statements incorporate the most recent expectations with regard to those areas.

 

28
 

 

OVERVIEW OF THE RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

AND FINANCIAL CONDITION

 

results of operations Summary

 

Second Quarter 2012 compared to Second Quarter 2011

Net income for the quarter ended June 30, 2012 was $2.573 million, representing an increase of $389,000, or 18%, relative to net income of $2.184 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2011. Basic and diluted earnings per share for the second quarter of 2012 were $0.18, compared to $0.16 basic and diluted earnings per share for the second quarter of 2011. The Company’s annualized return on average equity was 6.02% and annualized return on average assets was 0.76% for the quarter ended June 30, 2012, compared to a return on equity of 5.36% and return on assets of 0.65% for the quarter ended June 30, 2011. The primary drivers behind the variance in second quarter net income are as follows:

 

·Net interest income was down $949,000, or 7%, due to a 39 basis point drop in the Company’s net interest margin that was partially offset by a $22 million increase in average interest-earning assets. Factors contributing to the negative variance in the net interest margin include a shift from average loan balances into lower-yielding investment balances, lower loan yields resulting from increased competition for quality loans, and net interest recoveries of $97,000 in the second quarter of 2011. However, those factors were partially offset by a reduced reliance on interest-bearing liabilities stemming from increases in the average balances of non-interest bearing demand deposits and equity, a shift in average interest-bearing deposit balances from higher-cost time deposits into lower-cost non-maturity deposits, and a drop in certain deposit rates due to a general lack of competitive pressures.

 

·The Company’s loan loss provision was increased by $160,000, or 5%.

 

·Total non-interest revenue increased by $807,000, or 23%, due in large part to accrual adjustments made in the second quarter of 2012 to low-income housing tax credit investment costs (which are accounted for as a reduction in non-interest income), a net gain on the sale of OREO in the second quarter of 2012 relative to a net loss in the second quarter of 2011, and a favorable variance in debit card interchange fees.

 

·Total operating expense declined by $914,000, or 8%. The largest variances in operating expense include a drop in expenses associated with OREO, lower salaries and benefits, lower occupancy costs resulting in part from the purchase of our headquarters office building in the fourth quarter of 2011, and lower deferred fee costs for directors. The variance in salaries and benefits includes an increase in the level of salaries that are directly related to successful loan originations and are thus deferred and amortized over the life of the related loans, and a drop in deferred compensation expense.

 

·The Company’s provision for income taxes was 15% of pre-tax income in the second quarter of 2012 and 10% in the second quarter of 2011. The higher tax provisioning rate for 2012 is primarily the result of an increase in pre-tax income relative to the Company’s available tax credits, and was further impacted by a drop in tax-exempt income relative to total pre-tax income.

 

First Half 2012 compared to First Half 2011

Net income for the first half of 2012 was $4.452 million, representing an increase of $739,000, or 20%, relative to net income of $3.713 million for the first half of 2011. Basic and diluted earnings per share for the first half of 2012 were $0.32, compared to $0.27 basic earnings per share and $0.26 diluted earnings per share for the first half of 2011. The Company’s annualized return on average equity was 5.23% and annualized return on average assets was 0.66% for the six months ended June 30, 2012, compared to a return on equity of 4.62% and return on assets of 0.57% for the six months ended June 30, 2011. The primary drivers behind the variance in year-to-date net income are as follows:

 

·Net interest income declined $1.437 million, or 5%, due to a 38 basis point drop in the Company’s net interest margin partially offset by a $28 million increase in average interest-earning assets. Factors impacting the Company’s net interest margin were substantially the same as those outlined for the quarterly comparison, except that the Company had net interest recoveries totaling $144,000 for the first half of 2012 versus net interest recoveries of only $71,000 for the first half of 2011.

 

29
 

 

·The Company’s loan loss provision was reduced by $690,000, or 10%.

 

·Total non-interest revenue increased by $1.276 million, or 18%, due primarily to the previously-noted accrual adjustments made in the second quarter of 2012 to low-income housing tax credit investment costs, a drop in OREO losses, larger gains on bank-owned life insurance (BOLI) associated with deferred compensation plans in the first half of 2012, a favorable variance in debit card interchange fees, and investment gains of $71,000 in 2012.

 

·Total operating expense declined by $633,000, or 3%. The variance in operating expense includes lower compensation expense and occupancy costs for the same basic reasons outlined for the quarterly variance, and reduced regulatory assessment accruals. The favorable impact of those items was partially offset by the variance resulting from $181,000 in non-recurring vendor credits received in the first quarter of 2011 for prior-year overcharges.

 

·The Company’s provision for income taxes was 8% of pre-tax income for the first half of 2012, relative to a small tax benefit for the first half of 2011.

 

 

Financial Condition Summary

 

June 30, 2012 relative to December 31, 2011

The most significant characteristics of, and changes in, the Company’s balance sheet during the first six months of 2012 are outlined below:

 

·The Company’s assets totaled $1.400 billion at June 30, 2012, an increase of $64 million, or 5%, relative to total assets of $1.335 billion at December 31, 2011. Total assets increased due mainly to growth in balances outstanding on mortgage warehouse lines that was partially offset by a decline of $19 million, or 35%, in nonperforming loans.

 

·Total nonperforming assets fell to $51 million at June 30, 2012 from $71 million at December 31, 2011, a decline of $20 million, or 29%. In addition to nonperforming assets, the Company had $36 million in performing troubled debt restructurings (TDR’s) as of June 30, 2012, approximately the same as at year-end 2011.

 

·Our allowance for loan and lease losses was $13.9 million as of June 30, 2012, which represents a decline of $3 million, or 20%, relative to the balance at year-end 2011. The drop was due to write-downs on certain impaired collateral-dependent loans against previously-established specific reserves, which did not directly lead to the need for reserve replenishment, as well as a reduction in general reserves consistent with the Company’s improvement in asset quality. Net loans charged off against the allowance totaled $9.330 million in the first half of 2012, in comparison to net charge-offs of $7.027 million in the first half of 2011. The Company’s allowance for loan and lease losses was 1.70% of total loans at June 30, 2012, a drop from the 2.28% ratio at the end of 2011 due to a lower allowance combined with significant growth in total loans.

 

·Total deposits increased by $63 million, or 6%. Core non-maturity deposits increased by $58 million, or 8%, including sizeable increases in non-interest bearing demand deposits, interest-bearing transaction accounts, and savings deposits. Customer time deposits, including reciprocal deposits obtained via the Certificate of Deposit Account Registry Service (CDARS), also increased by $5 million, or 2%. Because of the strong growth in deposits, we were able to reduce non-deposit borrowings by $3 million.

 

·Total capital increased by $4 million, or 2%, to $173 million at June 30, 2012, but risk-based capital ratios declined since capital was leveraged for organic loan growth. Our consolidated total risk-based capital ratio fell to 20.50% at June 30, 2012 from 21.72% at year-end 2011. Further, our tier one risk-based capital ratio was 19.24% and our tier one leverage ratio was 13.85% at June 30, 2012.

 

30
 

 

EARNINGS PERFORMANCE

 

The Company earns income from two primary sources. The first is net interest income, which is interest income generated by earning assets less interest expense on interest-bearing liabilities. The second is non-interest income, which consists mainly of customer service charges and fees but also comes from non-customer sources such as bank-owned life insurance. The majority of the Company’s non-interest expenses are operating costs that relate to providing a full range of banking services to our customers.

 

Net interest income AND NET INTEREST MARGIN

 

For the second quarter of 2012 relative to the second quarter of 2011 net interest income declined by $949,000, or 7%. For the year-to-date comparison, net interest income declined by $1.437 million, or 5%. The level of net interest income depends on several factors in combination, including growth in earning assets, yields on earning assets, the cost of interest-bearing liabilities, the relative volume of earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities, and the mix of products which comprise the Company’s earning assets, deposits, and other interest-bearing liabilities. Net interest income can also be impacted by the reversal of interest for loans placed on non-accrual status during the reporting period, and by the recovery of interest on loans that have been on non-accrual and are either sold or returned to accrual status.

 

The following tables show the average balance of each significant balance sheet category, and the amount of interest income or interest expense associated with each applicable category, for the noted periods. The tables also display the calculated yields on each major component of the Company’s investment and loan portfolio, the average rates paid on each key segment of the Company’s interest-bearing liabilities, and our net interest margin.

 

31
 

 

Average Balances and Rates  For the Quarter   For the Quarter 
(dollars in thousands, except per share data)  Ended June 30, 2012   Ended June 30, 2011 
Assets  Average Balance (1)   Income/ Expense   Average Rate/
Yield (2)(3)
   Average Balance (1)   Income/ Expense   Average Rate/
Yield (2)(3)
 
Investments:                              
Federal funds sold/Due from time  $33,483   $22    0.26%  $36,802   $25    0.27%
Taxable   344,961    1,722    1.97%   312,808    2,285    2.89%
Non-taxable   76,602    685    5.36%   73,396    721    5.89%
Equity   1,773    29    6.47%   1,595    -    0.00%
         Total Investments   456,819    2,458    2.43%   424,601    3,031    3.17%
                               
Loans and Leases:(4)                              
Agricultural   15,848    189    4.80%   13,886    179    5.17%
Commercial   139,161    1,921    5.55%   107,006    1,598    5.99%
Real Estate   526,267    8,348    6.38%   556,509    9,091    6.55%
Consumer   31,527    635    8.10%   41,031    946    9.25%
Direct Financing Leases   4,380    61    5.60%   7,117    104    5.86%
Other   46,288    -    0.00%   48,459    -    0.00%
         Total Loans and Leases   763,471    11,154    5.88%   774,008    11,918    6.18%
Total Interest Earning Assets (5)   1,220,290    13,612    4.60%   1,198,609    14,949    5.13%
Other Earning Assets   6,569              7,882           
Non-Earning Assets   142,796              133,018           
  Total Assets  $1,369,655             $1,339,509           
                               
Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity                              
Interest Bearing Deposits:                              
Demand Deposits  $71,736   $63    0.35%  $-   $-    0.00%
NOW   195,037    140    0.29%   175,621    205    0.47%
Savings Accounts   106,422    60    0.23%   83,492    50    0.24%
Money Market   80,394    32    0.16%   165,083    192    0.47%
CDAR's   18,749    12    0.26%   49,144    71    0.58%
Certificates of Deposit<$100,000   100,530    154    0.62%   158,083    271    0.69%
Certificates of Deposit>$100,000   225,730    298    0.53%   196,870    286    0.58%
Brokered Deposits   15,000    50    1.34%   15,000    50    1.34%
         Total Interest Bearing Deposits   813,598    809    0.40%   843,293    1,125    0.54%
Borrowed Funds:                              
Federal Funds Purchased   1    -    0.00%   3    -    0.00%
Repurchase Agreements   3,578    6    0.67%   1,634    5    1.23%
Short Term Borrowings   12,676    7    0.22%   1    -    0.00%
Long Term Borrowings   5,000    49    3.94%   15,000    142    3.80%
TRUPS   30,928    193    2.51%   30,928    180    2.33%
         Total Borrowed Funds   52,183    255    1.97%   47,566    327    2.76%
         Total Interest Bearing Liabilities   865,781    1,064    0.49%   890,859    1,452    0.65%
Non-interest Bearing Demand Deposits   316,498              269,716           
Other Liabilities   15,589              15,559           
Shareholders' Equity   171,787              163,375           
  Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity  $1,369,655             $1,339,509           
                               
Interest Income/Interest Earning Assets             4.60%             5.13%
Interest Expense/Interest Earning Assets             0.35%             0.49%
Net Interest Income and Margin(6)       $12,548    4.25%       $13,497    4.64%

 

(1) Average balances are obtained from the best available daily or monthly data and are net of deferred fees and related direct costs.
(2) Yields and net interest margin have been computed on a tax equivalent basis utilizing a 34% effective tax rate.
(3) Annualized
(4) Loan costs have been included in the calculation of interest income.  Loan costs were approximately $(9) thousand   
     and $148 thousand for the quarters ended June 30, 2012 and 2011.  
     Loans are gross of the allowance for possible loan losses.
(5) Non-accrual loans have been included in total loans for purposes of total earning assets.
(6) Net interest margin represents net interest income as a percentage of average interest-earning assets.

 

32
 

 

Average Balances and Rates  For the Six Months   For the Six Months 
(dollars in thousands, except per share data)  Ended June 30, 2012   Ended June 30, 2011 
Assets  Average Balance (1)   Income/ Expense   Average Rate/
Yield (2)(3)
   Average Balance (1)   Income/ Expense   Average Rate/
Yield (2)(3)
 
Investments:                              
Federal funds sold/Due from time  $28,633   $37    0.26%  $25,967   $33    0.25%
Taxable   341,841    3,602    2.08%   294,874    4,201    2.83%
Non-taxable   74,935    1,352    5.41%   72,609    1,437    5.96%
Equity   1,625    33    4.02%   1,572    -    0.00%
         Total Investments   447,034    5,024    2.53%   395,022    5,671    3.23%
                               
Loans and Leases:(4)                              
Agricultural   15,015    361    4.83%   12,992    331    5.14%
Commercial   124,516    3,448    5.57%   104,609    3,120    6.01%
Real Estate   528,616    16,924    6.44%   563,054    18,140    6.50%
Consumer   32,399    1,438    8.93%   42,548    1,890    8.96%
Direct Financing Leases   4,635    126    5.47%   7,530    219    5.86%
Other   50,719    -    0.00%   49,091    -    0.00%
         Total Loans and Leases   755,900    22,297    5.93%   779,824    23,700    6.13%
Total Interest Earning Assets (5)   1,202,934    27,321    4.68%   1,174,846    29,371    5.17%
Other Earning Assets   6,782              8,114           
Non-Earning Assets   141,154              133,510           
  Total Assets  $1,350,870             $1,316,470           
                               
Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity                              
Interest Bearing Deposits:                              
Demand Deposits  $68,130   $131    0.39%  $-   $-    0.00%
NOW   193,649    334    0.35%   176,358    420    0.48%
Savings Accounts   102,631    117    0.23%   80,852    96    0.24%
Money Market   80,428    65    0.16%   160,811    382    0.48%
CDAR's   18,489    27    0.29%   40,998    125    0.61%
Certificates of Deposit<$100,000   102,078    325    0.64%   159,727    545    0.69%
Certificates of Deposit>$100,000   223,133    595    0.54%   194,093    573    0.60%
Brokered Deposits   15,000    100    1.34%   10,939    75    1.38%
         Total Interest Bearing Deposits   803,538    1,694    0.42%   823,778    2,216    0.54%
Borrowed Funds:                              
Federal Funds Purchased   -    -    0.00%   3    -    0.00%
Repurchase Agreements   3,266    10    0.62%   821    4    0.98%
Short Term Borrowings   7,236    8    0.22%   2,538    35    2.78%
Long Term Borrowings   8,956    180    4.04%   15,000