CENTRAL VALLEY COMMUNITY BANCORP - Quarter Report: 2009 March (Form 10-Q)

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UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C.  20549

 

FORM 10-Q

 

 

COMMISSION FILE NUMBER: 000—31977

 

CENTRAL VALLEY COMMUNITY BANCORP

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

Registrant’s telephone number (559) 298-1775

 

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 past 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 x No o

 

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 (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).  Yes o No o

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

 

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).  Yes o No x

 

As of May 11, 2009 there were 7,642,280 shares of the registrant’s common stock outstanding

 

 

Table of Contents

 

CENTRAL VALLEY COMMUNITY BANCORP

 

2009 QUARTERLY REPORT ON FORM 10-Q

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

PART 1: FINANCIAL INFORMATION	3
ITEM 1: FINANCIAL STATEMENTS	3
ITEM 2: MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS	14
ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK	31
ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES	32
PART II OTHER INFORMATION	32
ITEM 1 LEGAL PROCEEDINGS	32
ITEM 1A RISK FACTORS	32
ITEM 2 CHANGES IN SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS	32
ITEM 3 DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES	32
ITEM 4 SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS	32
ITEM 5 OTHER INFORMATION	32
ITEM 6 EXHIBITS	32
SIGNATURES	33

 

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PART 1: FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

ITEM 1: FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

CENTRAL VALLEY COMMUNITY BANCORP

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(Unaudited)

 

(In thousands, except share amounts)		March 31, 2009			December 31, 2008
ASSETS
Cash and due from banks		$	13,660		$	18,061
Federal funds sold		25,734			1,457
Total cash and cash equivalents		39,394			19,518
Available-for-sale investment securities (Amortized cost of $176,171 at March 31, 2009 and $185,405 at December 31, 2008)		173,767			185,718
Held-to-maturity investment securities, at amortized cost		6,314			7,040
Loans, less allowance for credit losses of $7,666 at March 31, 2009 and $7,223 at December 31, 2008		479,944			477,015
Bank premises and equipment, net		6,673			6,900
Other real estate owned		2,550			—
Bank owned life insurance		10,905			10,808
Federal Home Loan Bank stock		3,140			3,140
Goodwill		23,773			23,773
Core deposit intangibles		1,923			2,026
Accrued interest receivable, intangibles and other assets		18,578			16,775
Total assets		$	766,961		$	752,713
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Deposits:
Non-interest bearing		$	151,470		$	162,106
Interest bearing		487,606			472,952
Total deposits		639,076			635,058
Short-term borrowings		15,000			6,368
Long-term borrowings		14,000			19,000
Junior subordinated deferrable interest debentures		5,155			5,155
Accrued interest payable and other liabilities		11,683			11,757
Total liabilities		684,914			677,338
Commitments and contingencies
Shareholders’ equity:
Preferred stock, no par value, $1,000 per share liquidation preference authorized - 10,000,000 shares; Issued and outstanding - 7,000 shares and none at March 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008		6,555			—
Common stock, no par value; 80,000,000 authorized; Issued and outstanding - 7,642,280 at March 31, 2009 and December 31,2008		31,016			30,479
Retained earnings		45,918			44,708
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax		(1,442		)	188
Total shareholders’ equity		82,047			75,375
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity		$	766,961		$	752,713

 

See notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

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CENTRAL VALLEY COMMUNITY BANCORP

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

(Unaudited)

 

		For the Three Months
		Ended March 31,
(In thousands except per share amounts)		2009			2008
INTEREST INCOME:
Interest and fees on loans		$	7,540		$	6,485
Interest on Federal funds sold		11			71
Interest and dividends on investment securities:
Taxable		2,211			904
Exempt from Federal income taxes		707			229
Total interest income		10,469			7,689
INTEREST EXPENSE:
Interest on deposits		1,782			1,676
Interest on junior subordinated deferrable interest debentures		41			—
Other		161			164
Total interest expense		1,984			1,840
Net interest income before provision for credit losses		8,485			5,849
PROVISION FOR CREDIT LOSSES		1,917			135
Net interest income after provision for credit losses		6,568			5,714
NON-INTEREST INCOME:
Service charges		820			803
Appreciation in cash surrender value of bank owned life insurance		98			62
Loan placement fees		46			33
Federal Home Loan Bank stock dividends		—			27
Net realized gains on sales and calls of investment securities		449			—
Other income		325			313
Total non-interest income		1,738			1,238
NON-INTEREST EXPENSES:
Salaries and employee benefits		3,688			2,869
Occupancy and equipment		945			635
Other expense		2,207			1,468
Total non-interest expenses		6,840			4,972
Income before provision for income taxes		1,466			1,980
PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES		207			675
Net income		$	1,259		$	1,305
Preferred stock dividends and accretion		$	(49	)	$	—
Net income available to common shareholders		$	1,210		$	1,305
Net income per common share:
Basic earnings per share		$	0.16		$	0.22
Diluted earnings per share		$	0.16		$	0.21
Cash dividends per share		$	—		$	0.10

 

See notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

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CENTRAL VALLEY COMMUNITY BANCORP

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2008

AND THE THREE MONTH PERIOD ENDED MARCH 31, 2009

(Unaudited)

 

(In thousands except share and per share		Preferred Stock					Common Stock					Retained			Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)			Total Shareholders’			Total Comprehensive
amounts)		Shares		Amount			Shares		Amount			Earnings			(Net of Taxes)			Equity			Income
Balance, January 1, 2008		—		$	—		5,975,316		$	13,571		$	40,483		$	140		$	54,194
Comprehensive income:
Net income												5,139						5,139			$	5,139
Other comprehensive income, net of tax:
Net change in unrealized gains on available-for-sale investment securities															48			48			48
Total comprehensive income																					$	5,187
Cash dividend - $.10 per share												(598		)				(598		)
Repurchase and retirement of common stock							(5,436	)	(56		)	—						(56		)
Stock issued for acquisition							1,628,397		16,600									16,600
Stock-based compensation expense							—		100									100
Stock options exercised and related tax benefit							44,003		264									264
Cumulative effect of adopting Emerging																		—
Issues Task Force (EITF) 06-04												(316		)				(316		)
Balance, December 31, 2008		—			—		7,642,280		30,479			44,708			188			75,375
Comprehensive loss:
Net income												1,259						1,259			$	1,259
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax:
Net change in unrealized gains on available-for-sale investment securities															(1,630		)	(1,630		)	(1,630		)
Total comprehensive loss																					$	(371	)
Issuance of preferred stock		7,000		6,540														6,540
Issuance of common stock warrants									460									460
Stock-based compensation, options									77									77
Preferred stock accretion and dividend				15								(49		)				(34		)
Balance, March 31, 2009		7,000		$	6,555		7,642,280		$	31,016		$	45,918		$	(1,442	)	$	82,047

 

See notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

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CENTRAL VALLEY COMMUNITY BANCORP

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2009 AND 2008

(Unaudited)

 

(In thousands)		2009			2008
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income		$	1,259		$	1,305
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Net increase (decrease) in deferred loan fees		36			(131		)
Depreciation, accretion and amortization, net		(92		)	274
Stock-based compensation		77			63
Tax benefit from exercise of stock options		—			(8		)
Provision for loan losses		1,917			135
Net realized gains on sales and calls of available-for-sale investment securities		(449		)	—
Increase in bank owned life insurance, net of expenses		(97		)	(62		)
FHLB stock dividends		—			(27		)
Net increase in accrued interest receivable and other assets		(843		)	(61		)
Net decrease in accrued interest payable and other liabilities		(508		)	(586		)
Provision for deferred income taxes		(17		)	(11		)
Net cash provided by operating activities		1,283			891
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Purchases of available-for-sale investment securities		(15,256		)	(24,200		)
Purchases of held-to-maturity investment securities		(3		)	—
Proceeds from sales or calls of available-for-sale investment securities		15,156			—
Proceeds from maturity of available-for-sale investment securities		2,501			3,500
Proceeds from principal repayments of available-for-sale investment securities		7,735			3,758
Proceeds from principal repayments of held-to-maturity investment securities		818			—
Net increase in loans		(7,033		)	(7,430		)
Proceeds from bank owned life insurance		143			—
Purchases of premises and equipment		(118		)	(206		)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities		3,943			(24,578		)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Net increase in demand, interest bearing and savings deposits		4,920			6,802
Net (decrease) increase in time deposits		(902		)	903
Proceeds from issuance of preferred stock		7,000
Proceeds from short-term borrowings from Federal Home Loan Bank		10,000			61,000
Proceeds from long-term borrowings from Federal Home Loan Bank		—			19,000
Repayments of short-term borrowings to Federal Home Loan Bank		—			(76,000		)
Repayments of borrowings from other financial institutions		(6,368		)	—
Share repurchase and retirement		—			—
Proceeds from exercise of stock options		—			47
Tax benefit from exercise of stock options		—			8
Cash paid for dividends		—			(598		)
Net cash provided by financing activities		14,650			11,162
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents		19,876			(12,525		)
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF PERIOD		19,518			31,644
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD		$	39,394		$	19,119
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION:
Cash paid during the period for:
Interest expense		$	2,197		$	1,912
Income taxes		$	50		$	180
Non-Cash Investing Activities:
Net pre-tax change in unrealized (losses) gains on available-for-sale investment securities		$	2,716		$	(102	)
Non-Cash Financing Activities:
Tax benefit from stock options exercised		$	—		$	8

 

See notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

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CENTRAL VALLEY COMMUNITY BANCORP

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

 

Note 1.  Basis of Presentation

 

The interim unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements of Central Valley Community Bancorp and subsidiary have been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC). These interim condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Central Valley Community Bancorp and its wholly owned subsidiary Central Valley Community Bank (the Bank) (collectively, the Company). All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.  Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in the annual consolidated financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America have been omitted. The Company believes that the disclosures are adequate to make the information presented not misleading. These interim condensed -consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company’s 2008 Annual Report to Shareholders on Form 10-K. In the opinion of management, all adjustments, consisting of only normal recurring adjustments, necessary to present fairly the Company’s financial position and shareholders’ equity at March 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008, and its cash flows for the three month interim periods ended March 31, 2009 and March 31, 2008 have been included. Certain reclassifications have been made to prior year amounts to conform to the 2009 presentation. The results of operations for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of results for the full year.

 

The preparation of these condensed consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP) requires management to make estimates and assumptions. These estimates and assumptions affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

 

Management has determined that since all of the banking products and services offered by the Company are available in each branch of the Bank, all branches are located within the same economic environment and management does not allocate resources based on the performance of different lending or transaction activities, it is appropriate to aggregate the Bank branches and report them as a single operating segment. No customer accounts are for more than 10 percent of revenues for the Company or the Bank.

 

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

 

In April 2009, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued the following three FASB Staff Positions (FSPs) intended to provide additional guidance and enhance disclosures regarding fair value measurements and impairment of securities:

 

FSP FAS 157-4, Determining Fair Value When the Volume and Level of Activity for the Asset or Liability Have Significantly Decreased and Identifying Transactions That Are Not Orderly, provides additional guidance for estimating fair value in accordance with SFAS No. 157 when the volume and level of activity for the asset or liability have decreased significantly.  FSP FAS 157-4 also provides guidance on identifying circumstances that indicate a transaction is not orderly.  The provisions of FSP FAS 157-4 were adopted by the Company on January 1, 2009 and did not have a significant effect on the Company’s financial position or results of operations.

 

FSP FAS 107-1 and APB 28-1, Interim Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial Instruments, requires disclosures about fair value of financial instruments in interim reporting periods of publicly traded companies that were previously only required to be disclosed in annual financial statements.  The provisions of FSP FAS 107-1 and APB 28-1 are effective for the Company’s interim period ending on June 30, 2009.  As FSP FAS 107-1 and APB 28-1 amends only the disclosure requirements about fair value of financial instruments in interim periods, the adoption of FSP FAS 107-1 and APB 28-1 is not expected to affect the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

FSP FAS 115-2 and FAS 124-2, Recognition and Presentation of Other-Than-Temporary Impairments, amends current other-than-temporary impairment guidance in GAAP for debt securities to make the guidance more operational and to improve the presentation and disclosure of other-than-temporary impairments on debt and equity securities in the financial statements.  This FSP does not amend existing recognition and measurement guidance related to other-than-temporary impairments of equity securities.  The provisions of FSP FAS 115-2 and FAS 124-2 were adopted by the Company on January 1, 2009.  Management has determined that there was no material effect on the Company’s financial position or results of operations from the adoption of the standards.

 

Note 2.  Stock-Based Compensation

 

The Company has three stock-based compensation plans which are described as follows:

 

During 1992, the Bank established a Stock Option Plan for which shares are reserved for issuance to employees and directors under incentive and nonstatutory agreements.  The Company assumed all obligations under this plan as of November 15, 2000, and options to purchase shares of the Company’s common stock were substituted for options to purchase shares of common stock of the Bank.  Outstanding options under this plan are exercisable until their expiration, however, no new options will be granted under this plan.

 

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On November 15, 2000, the Company adopted, and subsequently amended on December 20, 2000, the Central Valley Community Bancorp 2000 Stock Option Plan for which 793,881 shares remain reserved for issuance for options already granted to employees and directors under incentive and nonstatutory agreements and 10,936 remain reserved for future grants.  The plan requires that the option price may not be less than the fair market value of the stock at the date the option is granted, and that the option price must be paid in full at the time it is exercised.  The options under the plan expire on dates determined by the Board of Directors, but not later than ten years from the date of grant.  The vesting period is determined by the Board of Directors and is generally over five years.

 

In May 2005, the Company adopted the Central Valley Community Bancorp 2005 Omnibus Incentive Plan (2005 Plan).  The plan provides for awards in the form of incentive stock options, non-statutory stock options, stock appreciation rights, and restricted stock.  The plan also allows for performance awards that may be in the form of cash or shares of the Company, including restricted stock.  The maximum number of shares that can be issued with respect to all awards under the plan is 476,000.  Currently under the 2005 Plan, there are 43,500 shares reserved for issuance for options already granted to employees and 432,500 remain reserved for future grants as of March 31, 2009.   The plan requires that the exercise price may not be less than 100% of the fair market value of the stock at the date the option is granted, and that the option price must be paid in full at the time it is exercised.  The options and awards under the plan expire on dates determined by the Board of Directors, but not later than 10 years from the date of grant.  The vesting period for the options and option related stock appreciation rights is determined by the Board of Directors and is generally over five years.

 

Stock Option Compensation

 

For the three month periods ended March 31, 2009 and 2008, the compensation cost recognized for stock option compensation was $77,000 and $63,000, respectively.  The recognized tax benefit for stock option compensation expense was $6,000 and $11,000, for the three month periods ended March 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively.  As of March 31, 2009, there was $657,000 of total unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested share-based compensation arrangements granted under all Plans.  The cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 2.8 years.

 

The Company bases the fair value of the options granted on the date of grant using a Black-Scholes option pricing model that uses assumptions based on expected option life and the level of estimated forfeitures, expected stock volatility, risk free interest rate, and dividend yield.  The “simplified” method described in SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 110 was used to determine the expected term of the Company’s options in 2009 and 2008.  Stock volatility is based on the historical volatility of the Company’s stock.  The risk-free rate is based on the U. S. Treasury yield curve for the periods within the contractual life of the options in effect at the time of grant.  The compensation cost for options granted is based on the weighted average grant date fair value per share.

 

In 2009, options to purchase 13,500 shares of the Company’s common stock were issued from the 2005 Plan at an exercise price equal to the fair market value at the grant date.

 

Stock Option Activity

 

A summary of the combined activity of the plans follows:

 

		Three months ended March 31, 2009
				Weighted			Weighted		Average
				Average			Average Remaining		Intrinsic
				Exercise			Contractual		Value
		Shares		Price			Term		(In thousands)
Options outstanding, December 31, 2008		823,881		$	6.60
Options granted		13,500		$	5.21
Options outstanding, March 31, 2009		837,381		$	6.58		3.88		$	382
Options vested or expected to vest at March 31, 2009		815,492		$	6.48		5.10		$	382
Options exercisable, March 31, 2009		673,381		$	6.03		2.94		$	382

 

There were no options exercised in the three months ended March 31, 2009 and the total intrinsic value of options exercised in the three months ended March 31, 2008 was $20,000.

 

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Note 3. Earnings per share

 

Basic earnings per share (EPS), which excludes dilution, is computed by dividing income available to common shareholders by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding for the period.  Diluted EPS reflects the potential dilution that could occur if securities or other contracts to issue common stock, such as stock options, stock appreciation rights settled in stock or restricted stock awards, result in the issuance of common stock which shares in the earnings of the Company. There was no difference in the net income used in the calculation of basic earnings per share and diluted earnings per share.

 

A reconciliation of the numerators and denominators of the basic and diluted EPS computations is as follows:

 

 

 

Note 4.  Investments

 

Our investment portfolio consists primarily of agency securities, mortgage backed securities, and municipal securities and are classified as either available-for-sale or held to maturity.  As of March 31, 2009, $99,397,000 was held as collateral for borrowing arrangements, public funds, and for other purposes.  Total investments were $180,081,000 at March 31, 2009 compared to $192,758,000 at December 31, 2008, a decrease of $12,677,000 or 6.6%.

 

The fair value of the available-for-sale investment portfolio reflected an unrealized loss of $2,403,000 at March 31, 2009 compared to an unrealized gain of $313,000 at December 31, 2008.

 

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The following table sets forth the carrying values and estimated fair values of our investment securities portfolio at the dates indicated:

 

					Gross			Gross
March 31, 2009		Amortized			Unrealized			Unrealized			Market
Investment Type - Available-for-Sale		Cost			Gains			(Losses)			Value
U.S. Government agencies		$	7,965		$	65		$	(12	)	$	8,018
Obligations of states and political subdivisions		65,354			1,931			(1,472		)	65,813
U.S. Government agencies collateralized by mortgage obligations		41,898			753			(74		)	42,577
Other securities		60,953			2,738			(6,332		)	57,359
		$	176,170		$	5,487		$	(7,890	)	$	173,767

 

March 31, 2009 Investment Type – Held to Maturity		Amortized Cost			Gross Unrealized Gains			Gross Unrealized (Losses)			Market Value
Other securities		$	6,314		$	—		$	(304	)	$	6,010

 

December 31, 2008 Investment Type - Available-for-Sale		Amortized Cost			Gross Unrealized Gains			Gross Unrealized (Losses)			Market Value
U.S. Government agencies		$	12,745		$	116		$	(1	)	$	12,860
Obligations of states and political Subdivisions		56,961			2,469			(808		)	58,622
U.S. Government agencies collateralized by mortgage obligations		44,967			813			(23		)	45,757
Other securities		70,732			4,069			(6,322		)	68,479
		$	185,405		$	7,467		$	(7,154	)	$	185,718

 

December 31, 2008 Investment Type – Held-to-Maturity		Amortized Cost			Gross Unrealized Gains			Gross Unrealized (Losses)			Market Value
Other debt securities		$	7,040		$	—		$	(340	)	$	6,700

 

Management periodically evaluates each investment security for other than temporary impairment, relying primarily on industry analyst reports, observation of market conditions and interest rate fluctuations.  Management has the ability and intent to hold securities with established maturity dates until recovery of fair value, which may be maturity, and believes it will be able to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms for all of the underlying investment securities; therefore, management does not consider these investments to be other-than-temporarily-impaired.  We have evaluated the credit ratings of our investment securities and, based on our evaluation, management does not consider any investments to be other-than-temporarily-impaired.  However, no assurance can be made that the credit quality of certain securities will not deteriorate in the future which may necessitate future loss provisions.

 

Note 5.  Fair Value of Assets and Liabilities

 

On January 1, 2008, the Company adopted Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Statement No. 157 (SFAS 157), Fair Value Measurements.  SFAS 157 defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value under accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP) and expands disclosures about fair value measurements.  There was no cumulative effect adjustment to beginning retained earnings recorded upon adoption and no impact on the financial statements in the three month period ended March 31, 2009.

 

The following table presents information about the Company’s assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring and non recurring basis as of March 31, 2009, and indicates the fair value hierarchy of the valuation techniques utilized by the Company to determine such fair value. In general, fair values determined by Level 1 inputs utilize quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the Company has the ability to access. Fair values determined by Level 2 inputs utilize inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. Level 2 inputs include quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, and inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability, such as interest rates and yield curves that are observable at commonly quoted intervals. Level 3 inputs are unobservable inputs for the asset or liability, and include situations where there is little, if any, market activity for the asset or liability. In certain cases, the inputs used to measure fair value may fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy. In such cases, the level in the fair value hierarchy within which the fair value measurement in its entirety falls has been determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety. The Company’s assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement in its entirety requires judgment, and considers factors specific to the asset or liability.

 

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					Fair Value Measurements
					at March 31, 2009, Using
(In thousands)		Fair Value March 31, 2009			Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)			Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)			Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Financial assets and liabilities measured on a recurring basis:
Available-for-sale investment securities		$	173,767		$	160		$	159,690		$	13,917
Assets and liabilities measured on a non-recurring basis:
Impaired loans		$	14,086		$	—		$	14,086		$	—
Other real estate owned		$	2,550		$	—		$	2,550		$	—
Total assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis		$	16,636		$	—		$	16,636		$	—

 

The fair value of available-for-sale investment securities is based on actual market price determinations from an independent pricing service.  The fair value of impaired loans categorized as level 2 is based on the fair value of the collateral for all collateral dependent loans  as determined by property appraisals, and for other impaired loans categorized as level 3 the fair value is estimated using a discounted cash flow model.

 

Fair Value Measurements Using Significant Unobservable Inputs

(Level 3)

 

 

The amount of total gains for the three month period ended March 31, 2009 is reported as part of unrealized gains or losses included in other comprehensive income on the statement of changes in shareholders equity.

 

Note 6. Comprehensive (Loss) Income

 

Total comprehensive income is comprised of net earnings and net unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale investment securities, which is the Company’s only source of other comprehensive income.  Total comprehensive (loss) income for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2009 and 2008 was ($317,000) and $1,244,000, respectively.

 

Note 7.  Merger of Service 1st Bancorp into Central Valley Community Bancorp

 

After the close of business on November 12, 2008, the Company and Service 1st completed their previously announced merger and Service 1st was merged into the Company, and the Service 1st subsidiary, S1 Bank merged into the Bank.  The Company acquired 100% of the outstanding common shares of Service 1st and the results of Service 1st’s operations have been included in the consolidated financial statements beginning November 13, 2008.  Management believes that the merger will allow the Bank to further accommodate a growing customer base in San Joaquin County and provide Service 1st customers with more convenient locations in the Central Valley, as well as offer new advancement and geographic opportunities for their employees.  As a result of the above factors, management believes that the potential for the combined performance exceeds what each entity could accomplish independently and the goodwill in this transaction arose from the synergies associated with the merger.  The acquisition is part of the Company’s long-term strategy to increase its presence from Sacramento to Bakersfield along the Highway 99 corridor and the surrounding foothills.

 

As of the date of acquisition, Service 1st had total assets of $224,000,000, including loans totaling $116,028,000 (net of allowance for credit losses of $2,786,000) and $193,488,000 in deposits.

 

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The total consideration paid to Service 1st shareholders was approximately $22,728,000.  Under the merger agreement, Service 1st shareholders received in exchange for each share of Service 1st common stock held, cash in the amount of $2.50 and shares of the Company’s common stock based on a exchange ratio of 0.682304, representing an aggregate cash amount of $5,972,000 and an aggregate share amount of 1,628,397 (valued at $16,600,000 for purposes of the merger agreement) subject to a cash holdback of $3,500,000, or approximately $1.36 per share, that was deposited into an escrow account pending the outcome of certain litigation matters.  Total consideration paid to Service 1st shareholders was established under the terms of the merger agreement based on a value of $9.52 per share of Service 1st common stock.

 

The excess of the purchase price over the estimated fair value of the net assets acquired was $14,839,000, which was recorded as goodwill, is not subject to amortization, and is not deductible for tax purposes.  In addition, assets acquired also included a core deposit intangible of $1,400,000 which is being amortized using a straight-line method over a period of seven years with no significant residual value.  Amortization expense recognized in 2009 was $104,000.

 

The results of operations for the quarter ended March 31, 2009 include the operating results of Service 1st for the full quarter.  The following supplemental pro forma information discloses selected financial information for the periods indicated as though the Service 1st  merger had been completed as of the beginning of each of the periods being reported.  Dollars are in thousands except per share data.

 

		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
		2009			2008
Revenue		$	12,207		$	12,713
Net income		$	1,259		$	1,464
Diluted earnings per share		$	0.16		$	0.19

 

Note 8.  Commitments and Contingencies

 

In the normal course of business, the Company is a party to financial instruments with off-balance sheet risk.  These financial instruments include commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit.  These instruments involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit and interest rate risk in excess of the amount recognized in the balance sheets.  The contract or notional amounts of these instruments reflect the extent of involvement the Company has in particular classes of financial instruments.  The Company uses the same credit policies in making commitments and conditional obligations as it does for loans.

 

Commitments to extend credit amounting to $151,684,000 and $160,450,000 were outstanding at March 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008, respectively.  Commitments to extend credit are agreements to lend to a customer as long as there is no violation of any condition established in the contract.  Commitments generally have fixed expiration dates or other termination clauses and may require payment of a fee.

 

Included in commitments to extend credit are undisbursed lines of credit totaling $85,771,000 and $100,491,000 at March 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008, respectively.  Undisbursed lines of credit are revolving lines of credit whereby customers can repay principal and advance principal during the term of the loan at their discretion and most expire between one and twelve months.

 

The Company has undisbursed portions of construction loans totaling $15,290,000 and $14,270,000 as of March 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008, respectively.  These commitments are agreements to lend to a customer, subject to meeting certain construction progress requirements.  The underlying construction loans have fixed expiration dates.

 

Standby letters of credit and financial guarantees amounting to $628,000 and $1,554,000 were outstanding at March 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008, respectively.  Standby letters of credit and financial guarantees are conditional commitments issued by the Company to guarantee the performance of a customer to a third party.  Those guarantees are primarily issued to support private borrowing arrangements.  Most guarantees carry a one year term or less.  The fair value of the liability related to these standby letters of credit, which represents the fees received for issuing the guarantees, was not significant at March 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008.  The Company recognizes these fees as revenue over the term of the commitment or when the commitment is used.

 

The Company generally requires collateral or other security to support financial instruments with credit risk. Management does not anticipate any material loss will result from the outstanding commitments to extend credit, standby letters of credit and financial guarantees.

 

The Company is subject to legal proceedings and claims which arise in the ordinary course of business.  In the opinion of management, the amount of ultimate liability with respect to such actions will not materially affect the consolidated financial position or consolidated results of operations of the Company.

 

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Note 9.  Income Taxes

 

The Company files its income taxes on a consolidated basis with its subsidiaries.  The allocation of income tax expense represents each entity’s proportionate share of the consolidated provision for income taxes.  Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the tax consequences of temporary differences between the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and their tax bases.  Deferred tax assets and liabilities are adjusted for the effects of changes in tax laws and rates on the date of enactment.  On the consolidated balance sheets, net deferred tax assets are included in accrued interest receivable and other assets.

 

Accounting for uncertainty in income taxes:  The benefit of a tax position is recognized in the financial statements in the period during which, based on all available evidence, management believes it is more likely than not that the position will be sustained upon examination, including the resolution of appeals or litigation processes, if any.  Tax positions that meet the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold are measured as the largest amount of tax benefit that is more than 50 percent likely of being realized upon settlement with the applicable taxing authority.  The portion of the benefits associated with tax positions taken that exceeds the amount measured as described above is reflected as a liability for unrecognized tax benefits in the accompanying balance sheet along with any associated interest and penalties that would be payable to the taxing authorities upon examination.  The Company recognizes accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits as a component of tax expense in the consolidated statements of income.  There have been no significant changes to unrecognized tax benefits or accrued interest and penalties for the quarter ended March 31, 2009.

 

Note 10.  Borrowing Arrangements

 

Federal Home Loan Bank Advances:  Advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) of San Francisco consisted of the following:

 

March 31, 2009

(In thousands)

 

Amount			Rate		Maturity Date
$	10,000		0.58	%	July 8, 2009
5,000			2.73	%	February 5, 2010
5,000			3.00	%	February 7, 2011
5,000			3.10	%	February 14, 2011
4,000			3.59	%	February 12, 2013
29,000
(15,000		)	Less short-term portion
$	14,000		Long-term borrowings

 

December 31, 2008

 

Amount			Rate		Maturity Date
$	5,000		2.73	%	February 5, 2010
5,000			3.00	%	February 7, 2011
5,000			3.10	%	February 14, 2011
4,000			3.59	%	February 12, 2013
—
19,000
—			Less short-term portion
$	19,000		Long-term borrowings

 

FHLB advances are secured by investment securities with amortized costs totaling $44,779,000 and $54,350,000 and market values totaling $43,648,000 and $52,783,000 at March 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008, respectively.  The Bank’s credit limit varies according to the amount and composition of the investment and loan portfolios pledged as collateral.

 

Note 11.  Capital Purchase Program - Troubled Asset Relief Program

 

On January 30, 2009, the Company entered into a Letter Agreement (the Purchase Agreement) with the United States Department of the Treasury (the Treasury), pursuant to which the Company issued and sold (i) 7,000 shares of the Company’s Series A Fixed Rate Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock (the Series A Preferred Stock) and (ii) a warrant (the Warrant) to purchase 158,133 shares of the Company’s common stock, no par value, (the Common Stock) for an aggregate purchase price of $7,000,000 in cash.

 

The Series A Preferred Stock will qualify as Tier 1 capital and will pay cumulative dividends quarterly at a rate of 5% per annum for the first five years, and 9% per annum thereafter.  In accordance with the Purchase Agreement, the Series A Preferred Stock may be redeemed by the Company after three years.  Prior to the end of three years, the Series A Preferred Stock may be redeemed by the Company only with proceeds from the sale of qualifying equity securities of the Company (a Qualified Equity Offering).  Notwithstanding the preceding, pursuant to the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 (the EESA) was amended to add a new Section 111(g), which would allow the Company to redeem the Series A Preferred Stock at any time, subject to the approval of the appropriate federal banking agency, without raising additional cash proceeds from qualified equity offerings or without regard to waiting periods.

 

The Warrant has a 10-year term. Half of the warrants were immediately exercisable upon issuance and the remaining half will be exercisable in one year from issuance. The warrants have an exercise price, subject to antidilution adjustments, equal to $6.64 per share of the Common Stock.

 

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If the Company receives aggregate gross cash proceeds of not less than $7,000,000 from Qualified Equity Offerings on or prior to December 31, 2009, the number of shares of Common Stock issuable pursuant to the Treasury’s exercise of the Warrant will be reduced by one half of the original number of shares, taking into account all adjustments, underlying the Warrant.  Pursuant to the Purchase Agreement, the Treasury has agreed not to exercise voting power with respect to any shares of Common Stock issued upon exercise of the Warrant.

 

The Series A Preferred Stock and the Warrant were issued in a private placement exempt from registration pursuant to Section 4(2) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.  Upon the request of the Treasury at any time, the Company has agreed to promptly enter into a deposit arrangement pursuant to which the Preferred Stock may be deposited and depositary shares (the Depositary Shares) representing fractional shares of the Preferred Stock, may be issued.  The Company has agreed to register the Series A Preferred Stock, the Warrant, the shares of Common Stock underlying the Warrant (the Warrant Shares), and Depository Shares, as soon as practicable after the date of the issuance of the Series A Preferred Stock and the Warrant in accordance with the terms of the Purchase Agreement.  Neither the Series A Preferred Stock nor the Warrant will be subject to any contractual restrictions on transfer, except that the Treasury may only transfer or exercise an aggregate of one-half of the Warrant Shares prior to the earlier of the redemption of 100% of the shares of Series A Preferred Stock or December 31, 2009.

 

The Series A Preferred Stock shall be non-voting, other than class voting rights on (i) any authorization or issuance of shares ranking senior to the Series A Preferred Stock, (ii) any amendment to the rights of the Series A Preferred Stock, or (iii) any merger, exchange or similar transaction which would adversely affect the rights of the Series A Preferred Stock.

 

If dividends on the Series A Preferred Stock are not paid in full for six dividend periods, whether or not consecutive, the holders of the Series A Preferred Stock will have the right to elect two directors.  The right to elect directors will end when full dividends have been paid for four consecutive dividend periods.

 

In the Purchase Agreement, the Company agreed that, until such time as the Treasury ceases to own any debt or equity securities of the Company acquired pursuant to the Purchase Agreement, the Company will take all necessary action to ensure that its benefit plans with respect to its senior executive officers comply with Section 111(b) of the EESA as implemented by any guidance or regulation under the EESA that has been issued and is in effect as of the date of issuance of the Series A Preferred Stock and the Warrant, and has agreed to not adopt any benefit plans with respect to, or which cover, its senior executive officers that do not comply with the EESA, and the applicable executives have consented to the foregoing.  Furthermore, the Purchase Agreement allows the Treasury to unilaterally amend the terms of the agreement.

 

With respect to dividends on the Company’s common stock, the Treasury’s consent shall be required for any increase in common dividends per share until the third anniversary of the date of its investment unless prior to such third anniversary the Series A Preferred Stock is redeemed in whole or the Treasury has transferred all of the Series A Preferred Stock to third parties.  Furthermore, for as long as any Series A Preferred Stock is outstanding, no dividends may be declared or paid on junior preferred shares, preferred shares ranking pari passu with the Series A Preferred Stock, or common shares (other than in the case of pari passu preferred shares, dividends on a pro rata basis with the Series A Preferred Stock), nor may the Company repurchase or redeem any junior preferred shares, preferred shares ranking pari passu with the Series A Preferred Stock or common shares, unless all accrued and unpaid dividends for all past dividend periods on the Series A Preferred Stock are fully paid.

 

The Company allocated the proceeds received between the Series A Preferred Stock and the Warrant based on the estimated relative fair value of each.  The fair value of the Warrant was estimated based on a Black-Scholes-Merton model and totaled $460,000.  The discount recorded on the Series A Preferred Stock will be amortized using the level-yield method over five years.

 

ITEM 2: MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

Certain matters discussed in this report constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.  All statements contained herein that are not historical facts, such as statements regarding the Company’s current business strategy and the Company’s plans for future development and operations, are based upon current expectations.  These statements are forward-looking in nature and involve a number of risks and uncertainties.  Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to (1) significant increases in competitive pressure in the banking industry; (2) the impact of changes in interest rates, a decline in economic conditions at the international, national or local level on the Company’s results of operations, the Company’s ability to continue its internal growth at historical rates, the Company’s ability to maintain its net interest margin, and the quality of the Company’s earning assets; (3) changes in the regulatory environment; (4) fluctuations in the real estate market; (5) changes in business conditions and inflation; (6) changes in securities markets; and (7) risks associated with acquisitions, relating to difficulty in integrating combined operations and related negative impact on earnings, and incurrence of substantial expenses.  Therefore, the information set forth in such forward-looking statements should be carefully considered when evaluating the business prospects of the Company.

 

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When the Company uses in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q the words “anticipate,” “estimate,” “expect,” “project,” “intend,” “commit,” “believe” and similar expressions, the Company intends to identify forward-looking statements.  Such statements are not guarantees of performance and are subject to certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions, including those described in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.  Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those anticipated, estimated, expected, projected, intended, committed or believed.  The future results and shareholder values of the Company may differ materially from those expressed in these forward-looking statements.  Many of the factors that will determine these results and values are beyond the Company’s ability to control or predict.  For those statements, the Company claims the protection of the safe harbor for forward-looking statements contained in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.

 

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES

 

In December 2007, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 141 (revised 2007), Business Combinations (SFAS No. 141(R)).  SFAS No. 141(R), among other things, establishes principles and requirements for how the acquirer in a business combination (i) recognizes and measures in its financial statements the identifiable assets acquired, the liabilities assumed, and any non-controlling interest in the acquired business, (ii) recognizes and measures the goodwill acquired in the business combination or a gain from a bargain purchase, and (iii) determines what information to disclose to enable users of the financial statements to evaluate the nature and financial effects of the business combination.  The Company adopted No. 141(R) There have been no other changes to the Company’s critical accounting policies from those discussed in the Company’s 2008 Annual Report to Shareholders on Form 10-K.

 

This discussion should be read in conjunction with our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements, including the notes thereto, appearing elsewhere in this report.

 

OVERVIEW

 

First Three Months of 2009

 

On November 12, 2008, the Company completed its acquisition of Service 1st Bancorp with total assets of $224 million (the “Service 1st  merger”).  The Company paid cash of $5,972,000 inclusive of a $3,500,000 escrow amount related to litigation on one Service 1st loan and issued 1,628,397 new shares of common stock in conjunction with this acquisition, adding full-service branches in Stockton, Lodi and Tracy, $192 million in deposits and $123 million in loans.  In connection with the transaction, Service 1st Bank was merged with and into Central Valley Community Bank.  The results of operations for the quarter ended March 31, 2009 include the operating results of Service 1st for the full quarter.

 

For the three months ended March 31, 2009, our consolidated net income was $1,259,000 compared to net income of $1,305,000 for the same period in 2008.  Diluted EPS was $0.16 for the first three months of 2009 compared to $0.21 for the first three months of 2008.  The decrease in net income was primarily due to an increase in the provision for loan losses.  The decrease in interest rates reflective of the 500 basis points decline in rates by the Federal Reserve Bank since September 2007was also a factor.  Generally, our interest earning assets tend to reprice faster than our interest bearing liabilities and as a result the decline in the interest rates compressed our net interest margin.  Net interest income increased $2,636,000.  Non-interest income also increased $500,000, however the provision for credit losses increased $1,782,000 and non-interest expense increased $1,868,000 in the first three months of 2009 compared to 2008.

 

Annualized return on average equity (ROE) for the first three months of 2009 was 6.13%, compared to 9.55% for the same period in 2008.  Annualized return on average assets (ROA) was 0.66% for the first three months of 2009, compared to 1.08% for the same period in 2008.  Total average equity was $82,101,000 for the first three months of 2009 compared to $54,665,000 for the first three months 2008.  Equity increased as a result of the Service 1st merger, issuance of preferred stock and common stock warrants to the US Treasury and our net income included in retained earnings.

 

In comparing the first three months of 2009 to the same period in 2008, our balance sheet increased as a result of the Service 1st merger.  Average total assets increased $278,920,000 or 57.5%.  Average total loans increased $146,155,000 or 42.9% and average total interest earning assets increased $233,034,000 or 52.5%.  Average interest bearing liabilities increased $214,071,000 or 72.2% while total deposits increased $237,518,000 or 58.8%.  Our net interest margin for the first three months of 2009 was 5.23% compared to 5.40% for the same period in 2008.  The margin decreased principally due to the decrease in yield on loans which is the largest component of earning assets. For the quarter ended March 31, 2009, the effective yield on loans decreased 116 basis points reflecting the declining interest rates in 2008.  The effective yield on interest earning assets decreased 66 basis points to 6.40% compared to 7.06% for the same period in 2008 and the cost of total interest-bearing liabilities decreased 91 basis points to 1.58% compared to 2.49% for the same period in 2008.  Net interest income for the quarter ended March 31, 2009 was $8,485,000, compared to $5,849,000 for the same period in 2008, an increase of $2,636,000 or 45.1%.  Net interest income increased as a result of the increased levels of earning assets offset by the increased levels of interest bearing liabilities.  The increases were primarily from the Service 1st acquisition and also from our organic growth.

 

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We participated in the U. S. Treasury Capital Purchase Program (CPP) under the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act.  The Company issued preferred stock and warrants to issue common stock and received $7,000,000 in cash under this program.  The Company agreed to restrict dividend payments on common stock to no more than historic levels while our preferred stock is owned by the U. S. Treasury.  See Note 11 to the unaudited Financial Statements for a more detailed discussion.

 

Central Valley Community Bancorp (Company)

 

We are a central California-based bank holding company for a one-bank subsidiary, Central Valley Community Bank (Bank).  We provide traditional commercial banking services to small and medium-sized businesses and individuals in the communities along the Highway 99 corridor in the Fresno, Madera and San Joaquin Counties of central California.  Additionally, we have a private banking office in Sacramento County and a loan production office in Stanislaus County.  As a bank holding company, the Company is subject to supervision, examination and regulation by the Federal Reserve Bank.

 

At March 31, 2009, we had total loans of $487,610,000, total assets of $766,961,000, total deposits of $639,076,000, and shareholders’ equity of $82,047,000.

 

Central Valley Community Bank (Bank)

 

The Bank commenced operations in January 1980 as a state-chartered bank.  As a state-chartered bank, the Bank is subject to primary supervision, examination and regulation by the Department of Financial Institutions.  The Bank’s deposits are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation up to the applicable limits thereof, and the Bank is subject to supervision, examination and regulations of the FDIC.

 

The Bank operates 15 branches which serve the communities of Fresno, Clovis, Kerman, Prather, Oakhurst, Madera, Stockton, Tracy, Lodi, and Sacramento; and a loan production office which serves the Modesto community.  Additionally the Bank operates Real Estate, Agribusiness and SBA departments that originate loans in California.  According to the June 30, 2008 FDIC data, the Bank’s branches in Fresno, Madera and San Joaquin Counties had a 2.40% combined deposit market share of all depositories including credit unions, thrifts, and savings banks.

 

Key Factors in Evaluating Financial Condition and Operating Performance

 

As a publicly traded community bank holding company, we focus on several key factors including:

 

· Return to our stockholders;

· Return on average assets;

· Development of core revenue streams, including net interest income and non-interest income;

· Asset quality;

· Asset growth;

· Operating efficiency; and

· Liquidity

 

Return to Our Stockholders

 

Our return to our stockholders is measured in the form of return on average equity (ROE).  Our annualized ROE was 6.13% for the three months ended March 31, 2009 compared to 9.55% for the three months ended March 31, 2008.  Trailing 12 month ROE for the period ended March 31, 2009 was 7.82% compared to 8.82% for the year ended December 31, 2008 and 11.61% for the trailing 12 months ended March 31, 2008.  The decrease in ROE is primarily due to the decrease in net income coupled with the overall increase in the level of capital due to net income and proceeds from the CPP program.

 

Our net income for the three months ended March 31, 2009 decreased $46,000 or 3.5% to $1,259,000 compared to $1,305,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2008.  Net income decreased primarily due to increases in non-interest expenses and the provision for credit losses that were greater than the increases in net interest income and non-interest income.  Net interest margin (NIM) decreased 17 basis points comparing the three month periods ended March 31, 2009 and 2008.  Diluted earnings per common share was $0.16 for the three months ended March 31, 2009 compared to $0.21 for the same period in 2008.  The decrease in NIM is attributed to the 500 basis points decline in Fed funds interest rates since September 2007 and mirrored by a 500 basis point decline in our Prime rate.

 

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Return on Average Assets

 

Our return on average assets (ROA) is a measure we use to compare our performance with other banks and bank holding companies.  Our annualized ROA for the three months ended March 31, 2009 was 0.66% compared to 1.08% for the three months ended March 31, 2008.  Trailing 12 month ROA for the period ended March 31, 2009 was 0.83% compared to 0.95% for the year ended December 31, 2008 and 1.28% for the trailing 12 months ended March 31, 2008.  The decrease in ROA compared to December 2008 is due to the decrease in net income relative to our increase in average assets.  Average assets for the three months ended March 31, 2009 were $763,729,000 compared to $541,789,000 for the year ended December 31, 2008 and $484,809,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2008.  ROA for our peer group was 0.28% for the twelve months ended December 31, 2008.  Peer group data from SNL Financial includes certain bank holding companies in central California with assets from $400 million to $1 billion.

 

Development of Core Earnings

 

Over the past several years, we have focused on not only improving net income, but improving the consistency of our revenue streams in order to create more predictable future earnings and reduce the effect of changes in our operating environment on our net income.  Specifically, we have focused on net interest income through a variety of processes, including increases in average interest earning assets as a result of loan generation and retention, and minimizing the effects of the recent interest rate decline on our net interest margin by focusing on core deposits and managing the cost of funds.  The Company’s annualized net interest margin for the first three months of 2009 (fully tax equivalent basis) was 5.23%, compared to 5.40% for the same period in 2008.  The decrease is a reflection of the 500 basis points decline in rates by the Federal Reserve Bank (FRB) since September 2007 coupled with competition for deposits and liquidity that continue to challenge most financial institutions.  The decline in rates put pressure on our net interest margin due to our asset sensitivity with loans re-pricing faster than interest bearing deposits.  In comparing the two periods, the effective yield on total earning assets decreased 66 basis points. The cost of total interest bearing liabilities decreased 91 basis points.  Net interest income for the first three months of 2009 was $8,485,000 compared to $5,849,000 for the same period in 2008 reflecting growth in interest earning assets and a drop in the cost of funds, partially offset by lower loan yields in the declining rate environment in 2008.

 

On a trailing 12-month basis, NIM was 5.11% for the period ended March 31, 2009, compared to 5.13% for the year ended December 31, 2008 and 5.68% for the trailing 12 months ended March 31, 2008.  The decrease is principally due to the decline in rates by the FRB as mentioned above.

 

Our non-interest income is generally made up of service charges and fees on deposit accounts, fee income from loan placements, and appreciation in cash surrender value of bank owned life insurance and other income.  Non-interest income for the first three months of 2009 increased $500,000 or 40.4% to $1,738,000 compared to $1,238,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2008 mainly due to an increase in net realized gains on sales and calls of investment securities.  Further detail of non-interest income is provided below.

 

Asset Quality

 

For all banks and bank holding companies, asset quality has a significant impact on the overall financial condition and results of operations.  Asset quality is measured in terms of percentage of total loans and total assets, and is a key element in estimating the future earnings of a company.  The Company had non-performing loans totaling $14,086,000 as of March 31, 2009, $15,750,000 at December 31, 2008, and $109,000 as of March 31, 2008.  Management maintains certain loans that have been brought current by the borrower (less than 30 days delinquent) on non-accrual status until such time as management has determined that the loans are likely to remain current in future periods.  The Company had other real estate owned at March 31, 2009 of $2,550,000, and none as of December 31, 2008, or March 31, 2008.

 

Asset Growth

 

As revenues from both net interest income and non-interest income are a function of asset size, the continued growth in assets has a direct impact on increasing net income and therefore ROE and ROA.  The majority of our assets are loans and investment securities, and the majority of our liabilities are deposits, and therefore the ability to generate deposits as a funding source for loans and investments is fundamental to our asset growth.  Total assets increased 1.9% during the first three months of 2009 to $766,961,000 as of March 31, 2009 compared to $752,713,000 as of December 31, 2008. Total gross loans increased 0.7% to $487,610,000 as of March 31, 2009 compared to $484,238,000 as of December 31, 2008.  Total deposits increased 0.6% to $639,076,000 as of March 31, 2009 compared to $635,058,000 as of December 31, 2008.  Our loan to deposit ratio remained consistent at 76.3% at both March 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008.  The loan to deposit ratio of our peers was 97.0% at December 31, 2008.  Further discussion of loans and deposits is below.

 

Operating Efficiency

 

Operating efficiency is the measure of how efficiently earnings before taxes are generated as a percentage of revenue.  The Company’s efficiency ratio (operating expenses, excluding amortization of intangibles, divided by net interest income plus non-interest income, excluding gains from sales of securities) was 68.9% for the first three months of 2009 compared to 69.4% for the three months ended March 31, 2008.  The slight improvement in the efficiency ratio is due to the increase in revenues exceeding the increase in operating expenses.  The Company’s net interest income before provision for credit losses plus non-interest income, excluding gains from sales of securities, increased 37.9% to $9,774,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2009 compared to $7,087,000 for the same period in 2008, while non-interest expenses less amortization of intangibles increased 37.0% to $6,736,000 from $4,918,000 for the same period in 2008.

 

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