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FARMERS & MERCHANTS BANCORP - Quarter Report: 2007 September (Form 10-Q)

form10q.htm


UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C.  20549

FORM 10-Q


x QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2007
or

o TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(D) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934.
For the transition period from ________ to ________

Commission File Number:  000-26099

FARMERS & MERCHANTS BANCORP
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware
 
94-3327828
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
 
(I.R.S.  Employer Identification No.)

111 W. Pine Street, Lodi, California
 
95240
(Address of principal Executive offices)
 
(Zip Code)

Registrant's telephone number, including area code (209) 367-2300

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 T  No o

Indicate by checkmark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of “accelerated filer and large accelerated filer” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act: (Check one):
 
Large accelerated filer    Accelerated filer   Non-accelerated filer  o
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).  Yes o    No T
 
Number of shares of common stock of the registrant:  Par value $0.01, authorized 20,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding 805,668 as of October 31, 2007.
 




FARMERS & MERCHANTS BANCORP

FORM 10-Q
TABLE OF CONTENTS


PART I. - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
Page
         
     
         
     
3
         
     
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5
         
     
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7
         
     
8
         
   
12
         
   
25
         
   
28
         
PART II. - OTHER INFORMATION
   
         
   
29
         
   
29
         
   
29
         
   
29
         
   
29
         
   
29
         
   
30
         
 
30
         
 
30


PART I. - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1 -  Financial Statements

FARMERS & MERCHANTS BANCORP
 
Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited)
 
(in thousands)
 
Sept. 30,
   
December 31,
   
Sept. 30,
 
Assets
 
2007
   
2006
   
2006
 
Cash and Cash Equivalents:
                 
Cash and Due From Banks
  $
43,406
    $
47,006
    $
41,609
 
Federal Funds Sold
   
700
     
-
     
-
 
Total Cash and Cash Equivalents
   
44,106
     
47,006
     
41,609
 
                         
Investment Securities:
                       
Available-for-Sale
   
135,377
     
132,627
     
150,994
 
Held-to-Maturity
   
108,617
     
111,240
     
113,045
 
Total Investment Securities
   
243,994
     
243,867
     
264,039
 
                         
Loans
   
1,122,515
     
1,046,912
     
1,035,200
 
Less: Allowance for Loan Losses
   
17,842
     
18,099
     
18,300
 
Loans, Net
   
1,104,673
     
1,028,813
     
1,016,900
 
Premises and Equipment, Net
   
19,566
     
20,496
     
19,731
 
Bank Owned Life Insurance
   
39,737
     
38,444
     
38,026
 
Interest Receivable and Other Assets
   
38,406
     
32,607
     
35,508
 
Total Assets
  $
1,490,482
    $
1,411,233
    $
1,415,813
 
                         
Liabilities
                       
Deposits:
                       
Demand
  $
295,066
    $
295,142
    $
269,519
 
Interest Bearing Transaction
   
130,415
     
132,875
     
125,488
 
Savings
   
281,310
     
271,019
     
272,127
 
Time
   
579,243
     
499,492
     
447,258
 
Total Deposits
   
1,286,034
     
1,198,528
     
1,114,392
 
                         
Fed Funds Purchased
   
-
     
-
     
-
 
Federal Home Loan Bank Advances
   
25,966
     
47,532
     
138,844
 
Subordinated Debentures
   
10,310
     
10,310
     
10,310
 
Interest Payable and Other Liabilities
   
25,108
     
22,523
     
21,946
 
Total Liabilities
   
1,347,418
     
1,278,893
     
1,285,492
 
                         
Shareholders' Equity
                       
Common Stock
   
8
     
8
     
8
 
Additional Paid-In Capital
   
86,993
     
89,926
     
90,334
 
Retained Earnings
   
56,605
     
43,126
     
41,759
 
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
    (542 )     (720 )     (1,780 )
Total Shareholders' Equity
   
143,064
     
132,340
     
130,321
 
Total Liabilities & Shareholders' Equity
  $
1,490,482
    $
1,411,233
    $
1,415,813
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited consolidated financial statements
         


FARMERS & MERCHANTS BANCORP
 
Consolidated Statements of Income (Unaudited)
 
(in thousands except per share data)
 
Three Months
   
Nine Months
 
   
Ended Sept 30,
   
Ended Sept 30,
 
 
 
2007
   
2006
   
2007
   
2006
 
Interest Income
                       
Interest and Fees on Loans
  $
21,633
    $
20,015
    $
62,954
    $
56,595
 
Interest on Federal Funds Sold and Securities Purchased
   
53
     
11
     
441
     
48
 
Interest on Investment Securities:
                               
Taxable
   
2,070
     
2,099
     
5,839
     
6,232
 
Tax-Exempt
   
811
     
825
     
2,442
     
2,447
 
Total Interest Income
   
24,567
     
22,950
     
71,676
     
65,322
 
Interest Expense
                               
Deposits
   
7,703
     
5,048
     
22,235
     
12,515
 
Borrowed Funds
   
622
     
1,590
     
1,360
     
4,255
 
Subordinated Debentures
   
217
     
218
     
645
     
613
 
Total Interest Expense
   
8,542
     
6,856
     
24,240
     
17,383
 
                                 
Net Interest Income
   
16,025
     
16,094
     
47,436
     
47,939
 
Provision for Loan Losses
   
-
     
-
     
250
     
275
 
Net Interest Income After Provision for Loan Losses
   
16,025
     
16,094
     
47,186
     
47,664
 
                                 
Non-Interest Income
                               
Service Charges on Deposit Accounts
   
1,890
     
1,754
     
5,424
     
4,326
 
Net Loss on Investment Securities
    (652 )     (664 )     (1,735 )     (1,083 )
Credit Card Merchant Fees
   
575
     
552
     
1,642
     
1,626
 
Increase in Cash Surrender Value of Life Insurance
   
442
     
425
     
1,293
     
1,228
 
ATM Fees
   
348
     
307
     
1,012
     
892
 
Other
   
933
     
740
     
3,783
     
2,228
 
Total Non-Interest Income
   
3,536
     
3,114
     
11,419
     
9,217
 
                                 
Non-Interest Expense
                               
Salaries & Employee Benefits
   
6,427
     
6,919
     
21,074
     
21,527
 
Occupancy
   
655
     
564
     
1,956
     
1,801
 
Equipment
   
839
     
817
     
2,144
     
2,463
 
Credit Card Merchant Expense
   
436
     
416
     
1,233
     
1,203
 
Marketing
   
92
     
311
     
316
     
688
 
Other
   
1,766
     
1,750
     
5,452
     
5,005
 
Total Non-Interest Expense
   
10,215
     
10,777
     
32,175
     
32,687
 
                                 
Income Before Income Taxes
   
9,346
     
8,431
     
26,430
     
24,194
 
Provision for Income Taxes
   
3,471
     
3,098
     
9,420
     
8,830
 
Net Income
  $
5,875
    $
5,333
    $
17,010
    $
15,364
 
Earnings Per Share
  $
7.26
    $
6.54
    $
20.98
    $
18.77
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited consolidated financial statements
                         


FARMERS & MERCHANTS BANCORP
 
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited)
 
(in thousands)
 
Three Months
   
Nine Months
 
   
Ended Sept 30,
   
Ended Sept 30,
 
 
 
2007
   
2006
   
2007
   
2006
 
Net Income
  $
5,875
    $
5,333
    $
17,010
    $
15,364
 
                                 
Other Comprehensive Loss -
                               
                                 
Unrealized Gains on Derivative Instruments:
                               
Reclassification adjustment for realized gains included in net income, net of related income tax effects of $0 and $(3) for the quarters ended September 30, 2007 and 2006, respectively, and $1 and $(2) for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006, respectively.
    (1 )     (5 )    
-
      (3 )
                                 
Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Securities:
                               
Unrealized holding gains (losses) arising during the period, net of income tax provision (benefit) of $729 and $992 for the quarters ended September 30, 2007 and 2006, respectively, and of $(601) and $(521)for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006, respectively.
   
1,006
     
1,365
      (828 )     (720 )
                                 
Reclassification adjustment for realized losses included in net income, net of related income tax effects of $273 and $278for the quarters ended September 30, 2007 and 2006, respectively, and of $729 and $455 for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006, respectively.
   
379
     
386
     
1,006
     
628
 
Total Other Comprehensive Gain (Loss)
   
1,384
     
1,746
     
178
      (95 )
                                 
Comprehensive Income
  $
7,259
    $
7,079
    $
17,188
    $
15,269
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited consolidated financial statements
                 


FARMERS & MERCHANTS BANCORP
 
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders' Equity (Unaudited)
 
(in thousands except share data)
                         
Accumulated
       
   
Common
         
Additional
         
Other
   
Total
 
   
Shares
   
Common
   
Paid-In
   
Retained
   
Comprehensive
   
Shareholders'
 
 
 
Outstanding
   
Stock
   
Capital
   
Earnings
   
Loss
   
Equity
 
Balance, December 31, 2005
   
823,651
    $
8
    $
95,862
    $
29,463
    $ (1,685 )   $
123,648
 
Net Income
           
-
     
-
     
15,364
     
-
     
15,364
 
Cash Dividends Declared on Common Stock
           
-
     
-
      (3,068 )    
-
      (3,068 )
Repurchase of Stock
    (10,918 )    
-
      (5,528 )    
-
     
-
      (5,528 )
Change in Unrealized Loss on Derivative Instruments
                                    (3 )     (3 )
Change in Net Unrealized Loss on Securities Available for Sale
           
-
     
-
     
-
      (92 )     (92 )
Balance, September 30, 2006
   
812,733
    $
8
    $
90,334
    $
41,759
    $ (1,780 )   $
130,321
 
                                                 
Balance, December 31, 2006
   
811,933
    $
8
    $
89,926
    $
43,126
    $ (720 )   $
132,340
 
Net Income
           
-
     
-
     
17,010
     
-
     
17,010
 
Cash Dividends Declared on Common Stock
           
-
     
-
      (3,531 )    
-
      (3,531 )
Repurchase of Stock
    (6,265 )    
-
      (2,933 )    
-
     
-
      (2,933 )
Change in Unrealized Loss on Derivative Instruments
                                   
-
     
-
 
Change in Net Unrealized Loss on Securities Available for Sale
           
-
     
-
     
-
     
178
     
178
 
Balance, September 30, 2007
   
805,668
    $
8
    $
86,993
    $
56,605
    $ (542 )   $
143,064
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited consolidated financial statements
         


FARMERS & MERCHANTS BANCORP
 
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited)
 
Nine Months Ended
 
(in thousands)
 
Sept 30,
   
Sept 30,
 
   
2007
   
2006
 
Operating Activities:
           
Net Income
  $
17,010
    $
15,364
 
Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income to Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities:
               
Provision for Loan Losses
   
250
     
275
 
Depreciation and Amortization
   
1,506
     
1,387
 
Net Amortization (Accretion) of Investment Security Discounts & Premium
   
50
      (73 )
Net Loss on Investment Securities
   
1,735
     
1,083
 
Net Loss on Sale of Property & Equipment
   
-
      (3 )
Net Change in Operating Assets & Liabilities:
               
Net Increase in Interest Receivable and Other Assets
    (7,220 )     (12,010 )
Net Increase in Interest Payable and Other Liabilities
   
2,585
     
5,752
 
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities
   
15,916
     
11,775
 
                 
Investing Activities:
               
Securities Available-for-Sale:
               
Purchased
    (33,409 )     (41,826 )
Sold, Matured or Called
   
29,237
     
47,733
 
Securities Held-to-Maturity:
               
Purchased
    (2,164 )     (7,348 )
Matured or Called
   
4,730
     
4,174
 
Net Loans Originated or Acquired
    (76,322 )     (62,519 )
Principal Collected on Loans Previously Charged Off
   
212
     
741
 
Net Additions to Premises and Equipment
    (576 )     (3,598 )
Proceeds from Sale of Property and Equipment
   
-
     
5
 
Net Cash Used by Investing Activities
    (78,292 )     (62,638 )
                 
Financing Activities:
               
Net Increase (Decrease) in Demand, Interest-Bearing Transaction,and Savings Accounts
   
7,755
      (80,158 )
Increase in Time Deposits
   
79,751
     
91,210
 
Net Decrease in Federal Funds Purchased
   
-
      (650 )
Net (Decrease) Increase in Federal Home Loan Bank Advances
    (21,566 )    
39,997
 
Cash Dividends
    (3,531 )     (3,068 )
Stock Repurchases
    (2,933 )     (5,528 )
Net Cash Provided by Financing Activities
   
59,476
     
41,803
 
                 
Decrease in Cash and Cash Equivalents
    (2,900 )     (9,060 )
                 
Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Year
   
47,006
     
50,669
 
Cash and Cash Equivalents as of Sept. 30, 2007 and Sept. 30, 2006
  $
44,106
    $
41,609
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited consolidated financial statements
         


FARMERS & MERCHANTS BANCORP
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

1. Significant Accounting Policies

Farmers & Merchants Bancorp (the Company) was organized March 10, 1999. Primary operations are related to traditional banking activities through its subsidiary Farmers & Merchants Bank of Central California (the Bank) which was established in 1916. The Bank’s wholly owned subsidiaries include Farmers & Merchants Investment Corporation and Farmers/Merchants Corp. Farmers & Merchants Investment Corporation has been dormant since 1991. Farmers/Merchants Corp. acts as trustee on deeds of trust originated by the Bank.

The Company’s other subsidiaries include F & M Bancorp, Inc. and FMCB Statutory Trust I. F & M Bancorp, Inc. was created in March 2002 to protect the name F & M Bank. During 2002, the Company completed a fictitious name filing in California to begin using the streamlined name, “F & M Bank” as part of a larger effort to enhance the Company’s image and build brand name recognition. In December 2003, the Company formed a wholly owned subsidiary, FMCB Statutory Trust I. FMCB Statutory Trust I is a non-consolidated subsidiary per generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), and was formed for the sole purpose of issuing Trust Preferred Securities. The accounting and reporting policies of the Company conform to accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America and prevailing practice within the banking industry. The following is a summary of the significant accounting and reporting policies used in preparing the consolidated financial statements.

Basis of Presentation
The accompanying consolidated financial statements of the Company have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (which consist solely of normal recurring accruals) considered necessary for a fair presentation of the results for the interim periods presented have been included.  These interim consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and related notes contained in the Company’s 2006 Annual Report to Shareholders on Form 10-K.

The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and the Company’s wholly owned subsidiaries, F & M Bancorp, Inc. and the Bank, along with the Bank’s wholly owned subsidiaries, Farmers & Merchants Investment Corporation and Farmers/Merchants Corp. Significant inter-company transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. The results of operations for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2007 may not necessarily be indicative of the operating results for the full year 2007.

The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America 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 these estimates.

Certain amounts in the prior years' financial statements and related footnote disclosures have been reclassified to conform to the current-year presentation. These reclassifications have no effect on previously reported income.

Cash and Cash Equivalents
For purposes of the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows, the Company has defined cash and cash equivalents as those amounts included in the balance sheet captions Cash and Due from Banks, Federal Funds Sold and Securities Purchased Under Agreements to Resell. Generally, these transactions are for one-day periods. For these instruments, the carrying amount is a reasonable estimate of fair value.


Investment Securities
Investment securities are classified at the time of purchase as held-to-maturity if it is management’s intent and the Company has the ability to hold the securities until maturity. These securities are carried at cost, adjusted for amortization of premium and accretion of discount using a level yield of interest over the estimated remaining period until maturity. Losses, reflecting a decline in value judged by the Company to be other than temporary, are recognized in the period in which they occur.

Securities are classified as available-for-sale if it is management’s intent, at the time of purchase, to hold the securities for an indefinite period of time and/or to use the securities as part of the Company’s asset/liability management strategy. These securities are reported at fair value with aggregate unrealized gains or losses excluded from income and included as a separate component of shareholders’ equity, net of related income taxes. Fair values are based on quoted market prices or broker/dealer price quotations on a specific identification basis. Gains or losses on the sale of these securities are computed using the specific identification method.

Trading securities, if any, are acquired for short-term appreciation and are recorded in a trading portfolio and are carried at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses recorded in non-interest income.

Investment securities are evaluated for impairment on at least a quarterly basis and more frequently when economic or market conditions warrant such an evaluation to determine whether a decline in their value is other than temporary. Management utilizes criteria such as the magnitude and duration of the decline and the intent and ability of the Company to retain its investment in the securities for a period of time sufficient to allow for an anticipated recovery in fair value, in addition to the reasons underlying the decline, to determine whether the loss in value is other than temporary. The term “other than temporary” is not intended to indicate that the decline is permanent, but indicates that the prospects for a near-term recovery of value are not necessarily favorable, or that there is a lack of evidence to support a realizable value equal to or greater than the carrying value of the investment. Once a decline in value is determined to be other than temporary, the value of the security is reduced and a corresponding charge to earnings is recognized.

Loans
Loans are reported at the principal amount outstanding net of unearned discounts and deferred loan fees. Interest income on loans is accrued daily on the outstanding balances using the simple interest method. Loan origination fees are deferred and recognized over the contractual life of the loan as an adjustment to the yield. Loans are placed on non-accrual status when the collection of principal or interest is in doubt or when they become past due for 90 days or more unless they are both well-secured and in the process of collection. For this purpose, a loan is considered well secured if it is collateralized by property having a net realizable value in excess of the amount of the loan or is guaranteed by a financially capable party. When a loan is placed on non-accrual status, the accrued and unpaid interest receivable is reversed and charged against current income; thereafter, interest income is recognized only as it is collected in cash. Loans placed on a non-accrual status are returned to accrual status when the loans are paid current as to principal and interest and future payments are expected to be made in accordance with the contractual terms of the loan.

A loan is 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. When a loan is impaired, the recorded amount of the loan in the Consolidated Balance Sheet is based on the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate, or the observable or estimated market price of the loan or on the fair value of the collateral if the loan is collateral dependent. Impaired loans are placed on non-accrual status with income reported accordingly. Cash payments are first applied as a reduction of the principal balance until collection of the remaining principal and interest can be reasonably assured. Thereafter, interest income is recognized as it is collected in cash.

Allowance for Loan Losses
As a financial institution which assumes lending and credit risks as a principal element in its business, the Company anticipates that credit losses will be experienced in the normal course of business. Accordingly, the allowance for loan losses is maintained at a level considered adequate by management to provide for losses that are inherent in the portfolio. The allowance is reduced by charge-offs and increased by provisions charged to operating expense and by recoveries on loans previously charged off. Management employs a systematic methodology for determining the allowance for loan losses. On a quarterly basis, management reviews the credit quality of the loan portfolio and considers many factors in determining the adequacy of the allowance at the balance sheet date.


The factors evaluated in connection with the allowance may include existing general economic and business conditions affecting the key lending areas of the Company, current levels of problem loans and delinquencies, credit quality trends, collateral values, loan volumes and concentration, seasoning of the loan portfolio, specific industry conditions, recent loss experience, duration of the current business cycle, bank regulatory examination results and findings of the Company’s internal credit examiners.

The allowance also incorporates the results of measuring impaired loans as provided in Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 114, “Accounting by Creditors for Impairment of a Loan” and SFAS No. 118, “Accounting by Creditors for Impairment of a Loan-Income Recognition and Disclosures.” These accounting standards prescribe the measurement methods, income recognition and disclosures related to impaired loans, which are discussed more fully in Note 4 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in the Company’s 2006 Annual Report to Shareholders on Form 10-K.

While the Company utilizes a systematic methodology in determining its allowance, the allowance is based on estimates, and ultimate losses may vary from current estimates. In addition, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation and the California Department of Financial Institutions, as an integral part of their examination process, review the allowance for loan losses. These agencies may require additions to the allowance for loan losses based on their judgment about information available at the time of their examinations.

Premises and Equipment
Premises, equipment and leasehold improvements are stated at cost, less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Depreciation is computed principally by the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets. Estimated useful lives of buildings range from 30 to 40 years, and for furniture and equipment from 3 to 8 years. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the lesser of the terms of the respective leases, or their useful lives, which are generally 5 to 10 years. Remodeling and capital improvements are capitalized while maintenance and repairs are charged directly to occupancy expense.

Other Real Estate
Other real estate, which is included in other assets, is comprised of properties no longer utilized for business operations and property acquired through foreclosure in satisfaction of indebtedness. These properties are recorded at fair value less estimated selling costs upon acquisition. Revised estimates to the fair value less cost to sell are reported as adjustments to the carrying amount of the asset, provided that such adjusted value is not in excess of the carrying amount at acquisition. Initial losses on properties acquired through full or partial satisfaction of debt are treated as credit losses and charged to the Allowance for Loan Losses at the time of acquisition. Subsequent declines in value from the recorded amounts, routine holding costs, and gains or losses upon disposition, if any, are included in non-interest income or expense as incurred.

Income Taxes
The Company uses the liability method of accounting for income taxes. This method results in the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities that are reflected at currently enacted income tax rates applicable to the period in which the deferred tax assets or liabilities are expected to be realized or settled. As changes in tax laws or rates are enacted, deferred tax assets and liabilities are adjusted through the provision for income taxes. The deferred provision for income taxes is the result of the net change in the deferred tax asset and deferred tax liability balances during the year. This amount combined with the current taxes payable or refundable results in the income tax expense for the current year.

Effective January 1, 2007, the Company adopted the provisions of FASB Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes – an Interpretation of FASB Statement 109” (FIN 48). FIN 48 clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in a company’s financial statements in accordance with FASB Statement No. 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes.” FIN 48 prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement standard for the financial statement recognition and measurement of an income tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. In addition, FIN 48 provides guidance on derecognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosure and transition. The provisions of FIN 48 were applied to all tax positions upon initial application of this standard. Only tax positions that met the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold at the effective date were recognized upon adoption. There was no change to our beginning retained earnings in connection with the implementation of FIN 48.


Dividends and Earnings Per Share
Farmers & Merchants Bancorp common stock is not traded on any exchange.  The shares are primarily held by local residents and are not actively traded.
 
Earnings per share amounts are computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period. The weighted average number of shares outstanding for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2007 were 809,244 and 810,878. The weighted average number of shares outstanding for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2006 were 814,887 and 818,719.

Segment Reporting
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 131, “Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information” requires that public companies report certain information about operating segments. It also requires that public companies report certain information about their products and services, the geographic areas in which they operate, and their major customers. The Company is a holding company for a community bank which offers a wide array of products and services to its customers. Pursuant to its banking strategy, emphasis is placed on building relationships with its customers, as opposed to building specific lines of business. As a result, the Company is not organized around discernable lines of business and prefers to work as an integrated unit to customize solutions for its customers, with business line emphasis and product offerings changing over time as needs and demands change. Therefore, the Company only reports one segment.

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards, No. 133, “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Certain Hedging Activities” as amended by the Statement of Financial Accounting Standards, No. 138, establishes accounting and reporting standards for derivative instruments, including certain derivative instruments embedded in other contracts, and for hedging activities. All derivatives, whether designated in hedging relationships or not, are required to be recorded on the balance sheet at fair value. Changes in the fair value of those derivatives are accounted for depending on the intended use of the derivative and the resulting designation under specified criteria. If the derivative is designated as a fair value hedge, the changes in the fair value of the derivative and of the hedged item attributable to the hedged risk are recognized in earnings. If the derivative is designated as a cash flow hedge, designed to minimize interest rate risk, the effective portions of the change in the fair value of the derivative are recorded in other comprehensive income (loss), net of related income taxes. Ineffective portions of changes in the fair value of cash flow hedges are recognized in earnings.

The Company utilizes derivative financial instruments such as interest rate caps, floors, swaps and collars. These instruments are purchased and/or sold to reduce the Company’s exposure to changing interest rates. The Company marks to market the value of its derivative financial instruments and reflects gain or loss in earnings in the period of change or in other comprehensive income (loss). The Company was not utilizing any derivative instruments as of September 30, 2007.

Comprehensive Income
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 130, “Reporting Comprehensive Income” establishes standards for the reporting and display of comprehensive income and its components in the financial statements. Other comprehensive income (loss) refers to revenues, expenses, gains and losses that generally accepted accounting principles recognize as changes in value to an enterprise but are excluded from net income. For the Company, comprehensive income includes net income and changes in fair value of its available-for-sale investment securities, minimum pension liability adjustments and cash flow hedges.


2. Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In September 2006, the FASB issued Statement No. 157 (SFAS 157), “Fair Value Measurements.” SFAS 157 defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. SFAS 157 applies whenever other standards require (or permit) assets or liabilities to be measured at fair value but does not expand the use of fair value in any new circumstances. In this standard, the FASB clarifies the principle that fair value should be based on the assumptions market participants would use when pricing the asset or liability. In support of this principle, SFAS 157 establishes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the information used to develop those assumptions. The provisions of SFAS 157 are effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007 and interim periods within those fiscal years. Management is in the process of evaluating the impact the adoption of SFAS 157 will have on the Company’s financial position and results of operations.

In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159, “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities – Including an Amendment of FASB Statement No. 115.” This Statement permits entities to choose to measure many financial instruments and certain other items at fair value. Unrealized gains and losses on items for which the fair value option has been elected will be reported in earnings. The objective is to improve financial reporting by providing entities with the opportunity to mitigate volatility in reported earnings caused by measuring related assets and liabilities differently without having to apply complex hedge accounting provisions. This Statement is expected to expand the use of fair value measurement, which is consistent with the FASB’s long-term measurement objectives for accounting for financial instruments.  SFAS No. 159 is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. Early adoption is permitted as of the beginning of the previous fiscal year provided that the entity makes that choice in the first 120 days of that fiscal year and also elects to apply the provisions of SFAS No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements.” The Company has not chosen early adoption of SFAS No. 159. Management is in the process of evaluating the impact the adoption of SFAS No. 159 will have on the Company’s financial position and results of operations.

In September 2006, the FASB ratified the consensuses reached by the Task Force on Issue No. 06-4 (EITF 06-4) “Accounting for Deferred Compensation and Postretirement Benefit Aspects of Endorsement Split-Dollar Life Insurance Arrangements.” A question arose when an employer enters into an endorsement split-dollar life insurance arrangement related to whether the employer should recognize a liability for the future benefits or premiums to be provided to the employee. EITF 06-4 indicates that an employer should recognize a liability for future benefits and that a liability for the benefit obligation has not been settled through the purchase of an endorsement type policy. An entity should apply the provisions of EITF 06-4 either through a change in accounting principle through a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings as of the beginning of the year of adoption or a change in accounting principle through retrospective application to all prior periods. The provisions of EITF 06-4 are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2007. Management has completed its evaluation of the adoption of EITF 06-4 and has determined that it will not have a material impact on the Company’s financial position or results of operations.

Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

The following is management’s discussion and analysis of the major factors that influenced our financial performance for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007.  This analysis should be read in conjunction with our 2006 Annual Report to Shareholders on Form 10-K, and with the unaudited financial statements and notes as set forth in this report.

Forward–Looking Statements

This quarterly report contains various forward-looking statements, usually containing the words “estimate,” “project,” “expect,” “objective,” “goal,” or similar expressions and includes assumptions concerning the Company’s operations, future results, and prospects. These forward-looking statements are based upon current expectations and are subject to risk and uncertainties. In connection with the “safe-harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act, the Company provides the following cautionary statement identifying important factors which could cause the actual results of events to differ materially from those set forth in or implied by the forward-looking statements and related assumptions.


Such factors include the following: (i) the effect of changing regional and national economic conditions; (ii) significant changes in interest rates and prepayment speeds; (iii) credit risks of commercial, agricultural, real estate, consumer, and other lending activities; (iv) changes in federal and state banking laws or regulations; (v) competitive pressure in the banking industry; (vi) changes in governmental fiscal or monetary policies; (vii) uncertainty regarding the economic outlook resulting from the continuing war on terrorism, as well as actions taken or to be taken by the U.S. or other governments as a result of further acts or threats of terrorism; and (viii) other factors discussed in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements which speak only as of the date hereof. The Company undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances arising after the date on which they are made.

Introduction

Farmers & Merchants Bancorp, or the Company, is a bank holding company formed March 10, 1999. Its subsidiary, Farmers & Merchants Bank of Central California, or the Bank, is a California state-chartered bank formed in 1916. The Bank serves the northern Central Valley of California with 21 banking offices and 2 free-standing ATM’s. The service area includes Sacramento, San Joaquin, Stanislaus and Merced Counties with branches in Sacramento, Elk Grove, Galt, Lodi, Stockton, Linden, Modesto, Turlock and Hilmar.

Substantially all of the Company’s business activities are conducted within its market area.

As a bank holding company, the Company is subject to regulation and examination by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (“FRB”). As a California, state-chartered, non-fed member bank, the Bank is subject to regulation and examination by the California Department of Financial Institutions and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.

Overview

The Company’s primary service area encompasses the northern Central Valley of California, a region that is impacted by the seasonal needs of the agricultural industry.  Accordingly, discussion of the Company’s Financial Condition and Results of Operations is influenced by the seasonal banking needs of its agricultural customers (e.g., during the spring and summer customers draw down their deposit balances and increase loan borrowing to fund the purchase of equipment and planting of crops. Correspondingly, deposit balances are replenished and loans repaid in fall and winter as crops are harvested and sold).

For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007, Farmers & Merchants Bancorp reported net income of $5,875,000 and $17,010,000, earnings per share of $7.26 and $20.98, return on average assets of 1.60% and 1.57%, respectively.  Return on average shareholders’ equity was 16.79% and 16.44% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007.

For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2006, Farmers & Merchants Bancorp reported net income of $5,333,000 and $15,364,000, earnings per share of $6.54 and $18.77 and return on average assets of 1.54% and 1.51%, respectively.  Return on average shareholders’ equity was 16.81% and 16.23% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2006.

Factors resulting in the Company’s improved earnings performance during the first nine months of 2007 as compared to the same period last year were: (1) a $75.7 million or 6.0% increase in average earning assets which helped mitigate the negative impact on the Company’s net interest margin due to rising deposit costs;  (2) an increase of $1.1 million in deposit service charges related primarily to  the Company’s Overdraft Privilege Service; (3) an $869,000 liquidating dividend from the Company’s partial ownership position in WSBA, a credit card processing company; and (4) a $512,000 or 1.6% decrease in non-interest expense. Factors (2) and (3) helped offset a $652,000 increase in loss on investment securities.


The following is a summary of the financial results for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2007 compared to September 30, 2006.

·
Net income increased 10.7% to $17.0 million from $15.4 million.

·
Earnings per share increased 11.8% to $20.98 from $18.77.

·
Total assets increased 5.3% to $1.5 billion.

·
Total loans increased 8.4% to $1.1 billion.

·
Total deposits increased 15.4% to $1.3 billion.

·
Net interest income decreased 1.0% to $47.4 million from $47.9 million.

·
Net interest margin on a tax-equivalent basis decreased 36 basis points to 4.87% from 5.23%.

Results of Operations

Net Interest Income / Net Interest Margin
The tables on the following pages reflect the Company's average balance sheets and volume and rate analysis for the three and nine month periods ending September 30, 2007 and 2006.

The average yields on earning assets and average rates paid on interest-bearing liabilities have been computed on an annualized basis for purposes of comparability with full year data.  Average balance amounts for assets and liabilities are the computed average of daily balances.

Net interest income is the amount by which the interest and fees on loans and other interest earning assets exceed the interest paid on interest bearing sources of funds.  For the purpose of analysis, the interest earned on tax-exempt investments and municipal loans is adjusted to an amount comparable to interest subject to normal income taxes.  This adjustment is referred to as “taxable equivalent” and is noted wherever applicable.

The Volume and Rate Analysis of Net Interest Income summarizes the changes in interest income and interest expense based on changes in average asset and liability balances (volume) and changes in average rates (rate). For each category of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities, information is provided with respect to changes attributable to: (1) changes in volume (change in volume multiplied by initial rate); (2) changes in rate (change in rate multiplied by initial volume); and (3) changes in rate/volume (allocated in proportion to the respective volume and rate components).

The Company’s earning assets and rate sensitive liabilities are subject to repricing at different times, which exposes the Company to income fluctuations when interest rates change.  In order to minimize income fluctuations, the Company attempts to match asset and liability maturities.  However, some maturity mismatch is inherent in the asset and liability mix. (See Item 3. “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk: Market Risk – Interest Rate Risk”).

 
Farmers & Merchants Bancorp
Quarterly Average Balances and Interest Rates
(Interest and Rates on a Taxable Equivalent Basis)
(in thousands)

   
Three Months Ended Sept 30,   
   
Three Months Ended Sept 30,   
 
         
2007
               
2006
       
Assets
 
Balance
   
Interest
   
Rate
   
Balance
   
Interest
   
Rate
 
Federal Funds Sold
  $
4,209
    $
53
      5.00 %   $
772
    $
11
      5.65 %
Investment Securities Available-for-Sale
                                               
U.S. Agencies
   
-
     
-
      0.00 %    
30,834
     
315
      4.09 %
Municipals - Non-Taxable
   
11,078
     
200
      7.21 %    
15,417
     
251
      6.51 %
Mortgage Backed Securities
   
120,960
     
1,598
      5.28 %    
104,379
     
1,258
      4.82 %
Other
   
5,836
     
67
      4.59 %    
7,516
     
103
      5.48 %
Total Investment Securities Available-for-Sale
   
137,874
     
1,865
      5.41 %    
158,146
     
1,927
      4.87 %
                                                 
Investment Securities Held-to-Maturity
                                               
U.S. Agencies
   
30,477
     
317
      4.16 %    
30,580
     
317
      4.15 %
Municipals - Non-Taxable
   
68,891
     
1,009
      5.86 %    
66,910
     
997
      5.96 %
Mortgage Backed Securities
   
7,411
     
72
      3.89 %    
9,474
     
90
      3.80 %
Other
   
2,107
     
16
      3.04 %    
2,119
     
16
      3.02 %
Total Investment Securities Held-to-Maturity
   
108,886
     
1,414
      5.19 %    
109,083
     
1,420
      5.21 %
                                                 
Loans
                                               
Real Estate
   
631,519
     
11,638
      7.31 %    
575,798
     
10,600
      7.30 %
Home Equity
   
66,278
     
1,330
      7.96 %    
67,695
     
1,392
      8.16 %
Agricultural
   
206,207
     
4,400
      8.47 %    
172,982
     
3,769
      8.64 %
Commercial
   
186,547
     
3,837
      8.16 %    
178,849
     
3,825
      8.48 %
Consumer
   
13,408
     
291
      8.61 %    
13,580
     
285
      8.33 %
Credit Card
   
5,467
     
133
      9.65 %    
5,553
     
133
      9.50 %
Municipal
   
1,140
     
4
      1.39 %    
1,460
     
11
      2.99 %
Total Loans
   
1,110,566
     
21,633
      7.73 %    
1,015,917
     
20,015
      7.82 %
Total Earning Assets
   
1,361,535
    $
24,964
      7.27 %    
1,283,918
    $
23,373
      7.22 %
                                                 
Unrealized Loss on Securities Available-for-Sale
    (2,547 )                     (4,856 )                
Allowance for Loan Losses
    (17,809 )                     (18,421 )                
Cash and Due From Banks
   
38,782
                     
37,797
                 
All Other Assets
   
92,430
                     
83,887
                 
Total Assets
  $
1,472,391
                    $
1,382,325
                 
                                                 
Liabilities & Shareholders' Equity
                                               
Interest Bearing Deposits
                                               
Interest Bearing DDA
  $
129,208
    $
30
      0.09 %   $
126,585
    $
22
      0.07 %
Savings
   
278,224
     
1,076
      1.53 %    
274,822
     
665
      0.96 %
Time Deposits
   
566,183
     
6,597
      4.62 %    
434,155
     
4,361
      3.99 %
Total Interest Bearing Deposits
   
973,615
     
7,703
      3.14 %    
835,562
     
5,048
      2.40 %
Other Borrowed Funds
   
45,835
     
622
      5.38 %    
120,045
     
1,590
      5.25 %
Subordinated Debentures
   
10,310
     
217
      8.35 %    
10,310
     
218
      8.39 %
Total Interest Bearing Liabilities
   
1,029,760
    $
8,542
      3.29 %    
965,917
    $
6,856
      2.82 %
Interest Rate Spread
                    3.98 %                     4.41 %
Demand Deposits (Non-Interest Bearing)
   
278,961
                     
270,111
                 
All Other Liabilities
   
23,704
                     
19,395
                 
Total Liabilities
   
1,332,425
                     
1,255,423
                 
                                                 
Shareholders' Equity
   
139,966
                     
126,902
                 
Total Liabilities & Shareholders' Equity
  $
1,472,391
                    $
1,382,325
                 
Impact of Non-Interest Bearing Deposits and Other Liabilities
                    0.80 %                     0.70 %
Net Interest Income and Margin on Total Earning Assets
           
16,422
      4.79 %            
16,517
      5.10 %
Tax Equivalent Adjustment
            (397 )                     (423 )        
Net Interest Income
          $
16,025
      4.67 %           $
16,094
      4.97 %
Notes:  Yields on municipal securities have been calculated on a fully taxable equivalent basis.  Loan interest income includes fee income and unearned discount in the amount of $641,000 and $596,000 for the quarters ended September 30, 2007 and 2006, respectively. Yields on securities available-for-sale are based on historical cost.


Farmers & Merchants Bancorp
Year-to-Date Average Balances and Interest Rates
(Interest and Rates on a Taxable Equivalent Basis)
(in thousands)

   
Nine Months Ended Sept. 30,   
   
Nine Months Ended Sept. 30,   
 
         
2007
               
2006
       
Assets
 
Balance
   
Interest
   
Rate
   
Balance
   
Interest
   
Rate
 
Federal Funds Sold
  $
11,137
    $
441
      5.29 %   $
1,334
    $
48
      4.81 %
Investment Securities Available-for-Sale
                                               
U.S. Agencies
   
-
     
-
      0.00 %    
30,846
     
939
      4.06 %
Municipals - Non-Taxable
   
11,334
     
602
      7.08 %    
15,652
     
745
      6.34 %
Mortgage Backed Securities
   
112,602
     
4,388
      5.20 %    
106,765
     
3,746
      4.68 %
Other
   
6,954
     
223
      4.28 %    
5,509
     
260
      6.29 %
Total Investment Securities Available-for-Sale
   
130,890
     
5,213
      5.31 %    
158,772
     
5,690
      4.78 %
                                                 
Investment Securities Held-to-Maturity
                                               
U.S. Agencies
   
30,503
     
953
      4.17 %    
30,607
     
952
      4.15 %
Municipals - Non-Taxable
   
69,424
     
3,038
      5.83 %    
66,389
     
2,953
      5.93 %
Mortgage Backed Securities
   
7,942
     
228
      3.83 %    
10,059
     
288
      3.82 %
Other
   
2,110
     
47
      2.97 %    
2,122
     
47
      2.95 %
Total Investment Securities Held-to-Maturity
   
109,979
     
4,266
      5.17 %    
109,177
     
4,240
      5.18 %
                                                 
Loans
                                               
Real Estate
   
624,818
     
34,309
      7.34 %    
558,734
     
29,953
      7.17 %
Home Equity
   
66,140
     
3,939
      7.96 %    
67,002
     
3,973
      7.93 %
Agricultural
   
196,049
     
12,436
      8.48 %    
163,362
     
10,161
      8.32 %
Commercial
   
174,770
     
10,957
      8.38 %    
179,773
     
11,199
      8.33 %
Consumer
   
13,655
     
898
      8.79 %    
13,476
     
877
      8.70 %
Credit Card
   
5,433
     
403
      9.92 %    
5,435
     
400
      9.84 %
Municipal
   
1,075
     
12
      1.49 %    
1,175
     
32
      3.64 %
Total Loans
   
1,081,940
     
62,954
      7.78 %    
988,957
     
56,595
      7.65 %
Total Earning Assets
   
1,333,946
    $
72,874
      7.30 %    
1,258,240
    $
66,572
      7.07 %
                                                 
Unrealized Loss on Securities Available-for-Sale
    (1,611 )                     (4,034 )                
Allowance for Loan Losses
    (17,981 )                     (18,300 )                
Cash and Due From Banks
   
38,563
                     
37,518
                 
All Other Assets
   
90,938
                     
80,373
                 
Total Assets
  $
1,443,855
                    $
1,353,797
                 
                                                 
Liabilities & Shareholders' Equity
                                               
Interest Bearing Deposits
                                               
Interest Bearing DDA
  $
129,895
    $
76
      0.08 %   $
128,382
    $
67
      0.07 %
Savings
   
285,770
     
3,119
      1.46 %    
278,262
     
1,512
      0.73 %
Time Deposits
   
549,823
     
19,040
      4.63 %    
405,998
     
10,936
      3.60 %
Total Interest Bearing Deposits
   
965,488
     
22,235
      3.08 %    
812,642
     
12,515
      2.06 %
Other Borrowed Funds
   
34,280
     
1,360
      5.30 %    
111,024
     
4,255
      5.12 %
Subordinated Debentures
   
10,310
     
645
      8.36 %    
10,310
     
613
      7.95 %
Total Interest Bearing Liabilities
   
1,010,078
    $
24,240
      3.21 %    
933,976
    $
17,383
      2.49 %
Interest Rate Spread
                    4.10 %                     4.59 %
Demand Deposits (Non-Interest Bearing)
   
273,897
                     
277,025
                 
All Other Liabilities
   
21,949
                     
16,588
                 
Total Liabilities
   
1,305,924
                     
1,227,589
                 
                                                 
Shareholders' Equity
   
137,931
                     
126,208
                 
Total Liabilities & Shareholders' Equity
  $
1,443,855
                    $
1,353,797
                 
Impact of Non-Interest Bearing Deposits and Other Liabilities
                    0.78 %                     0.64 %
Net Interest Income and Margin on Total Earning Assets
           
48,634
      4.87 %            
49,189
      5.23 %
Tax Equivalent Adjustment
            (1,198 )                     (1,250 )        
Net Interest Income
          $
47,436
      4.75 %           $
47,939
      5.09 %
Notes:  Yields on municipal securities have been calculated on a fully taxable equivalent basis.  Loan interest income includes fee income and unearned discount in the amount of $1.8 million and $2.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006, respectively. Yields on securities available-for-sale are based on historical cost.


Farmers & Merchants Bancorp
 
Volume and Rate Analysis of Net Interest Revenue
 
(Rates on a Taxable Equivalent Basis)
 
(in thousands)
 
        Three Months Ended
   
        Nine Months Ended
 
   
       Sept. 30, 2007 compared to Sept. 30, 2006
   
       Sept. 30, 2007 compared to Sept. 30, 2006
 
Interest Earning Assets
 
Volume
   
Rate
   
Net Chg.
   
Volume
   
Rate
   
Net Chg.
 
Federal Funds Sold
  $
43
    $ (1 )   $
42
    $
388
    $
5
    $
393
 
Investment Securities Available for Sale
                                               
U.S. Agencies
    (315 )    
-
      (315 )     (939 )    
-
      (939 )
Municipals - Non-Taxable
    (76 )    
25
      (51 )     (222 )    
79
      (143 )
Mortgage Backed Securities
   
212
     
128
     
340
     
212
     
430
     
642
 
Other
    (21 )     (15 )     (36 )    
58
      (95 )     (37 )
Total Investment Securities Available for Sale
    (200 )    
138
      (62 )     (891 )    
414
      (477 )
                                                 
Investment Securities Held to Maturity
                                               
U.S. Agencies
    (1 )    
1
     
-
      (3 )    
4
     
1
 
Municipals - Non-Taxable
   
30
      (18 )    
12
     
134
      (49 )    
85
 
Mortgage Backed Securities
    (20 )    
2
      (18 )     (61 )    
1
      (60 )
Other
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
 
Total Investment Securities Held to Maturity
   
9
      (15 )     (6 )    
70
      (44 )    
26
 
                                                 
Loans:
                                               
Real Estate
   
1,027
     
11
     
1,038
     
3,614
     
742
     
4,356
 
Home Equity
    (29 )     (33 )     (62 )     (51 )    
17
      (34 )
Agricultural
   
709
      (78 )    
631
     
2,070
     
205
     
2,275
 
Commercial
   
160
      (148 )    
12
      (314 )    
72
      (242 )
Consumer
    (4 )    
10
     
6
     
12
     
9
     
21
 
Credit Card
    (2 )    
2
     
-
     
-
     
3
     
3
 
Other
    (2 )     (5 )     (7 )     (3 )     (17 )     (20 )
Total Loans
   
1,859
      (241 )    
1,618
     
5,328
     
1,031
     
6,359
 
Total Earning Assets
   
1,711
      (119 )    
1,592
     
4,895
     
1,406
     
6,301
 
                                                 
Interest Bearing Liabilities
                                               
Interest Bearing Deposits:
                                               
Transaction
   
-
     
8
     
8
     
1
     
8
     
9
 
Savings
   
8
     
403
     
411
     
42
     
1,565
     
1,607
 
Time Deposits
   
1,465
     
771
     
2,236
     
4,487
     
3,617
     
8,104
 
Total Interest Bearing Deposits
   
1,473
     
1,182
     
2,655
     
4,530
     
5,190
     
9,720
 
Other Borrowed Funds
    (1,006 )    
38
      (968 )     (3,040 )    
145
      (2,895 )
Subordinated Debentures
   
-
      (1 )     (1 )    
-
     
32
     
32
 
Total Interest Bearing Liabilities
   
467
     
1,219
     
1,686
     
1,490
     
5,367
     
6,857
 
Total Change
  $
1,244
    $ (1,338 )   $ (94 )   $
3,405
    $ (3,961 )   $ (556 )
Notes:  Rate/volume variance is allocated based on the percentage relationship of changes in volume and changes in rate to the total "net change".  The above figures have been rounded to the nearest whole number.


3rd Quarter 2007 vs. 3rd Quarter 2006
Net interest income for the third quarter of 2007 decreased 0.4% or $69,000 to $16.0 million.  On a fully taxable equivalent basis, net interest income decreased 0.6% and totaled $16.4 million for the third quarter of 2007.  As more fully discussed below, the decrease in net interest income was primarily due to increasing deposit costs.

Net interest income on a taxable equivalent basis, expressed as a percentage of average total earning assets, is referred to as the net interest margin. For the quarter ended September 30, 2007, the Company’s net interest margin was 4.79% compared to 5.10% for the quarter ended September 30, 2006. Recent trends in pricing of both loans and deposits will continue, in management’s opinion, to place pressure on the Company’s net interest margin in future quarters.

Loans, generally the Company’s highest earning assets, increased $87.3 million as of September 30, 2007 compared to September 30, 2006. See “Financial Condition – Loans” for further discussion on this increase. On an average balance basis, loans increased by $94.6 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2007. As a result of this loan growth, the mix of the Company’s earning assets improved as loans increased from 79.1% of average earning assets during the third quarter of 2006 to 81.6% during the third quarter of 2007. The quarter-to-date yield on the loan portfolio decreased 9 basis points to 7.73% for the quarter ended September 30, 2007 compared to 7.82% for the quarter ended September 30, 2006. Even with the decrease in yield, the growth in loan balances resulted in interest revenue from loans increasing 8.1% to $21.6 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2007. The Company has been experiencing aggressive competitor pricing for loans that it may need to continue to respond to in order to retain key customers. This, in conjunction with recent decreases by the FRB in the fed funds rate, could place even greater negative pressure on future loan yields.

The investment portfolio is the other main component of the Company’s earning assets. Management believes the Company’s investment policy is conservative.  The Company invests primarily in Agency mortgage-backed securities, U.S. Government Agencies, and high-grade municipals.  Since the risk factor for these types of investments is significantly lower than that of loans, the yield earned on investments is generally less than that of loans.

Average investment securities were $246.7 million for the third quarter of 2007 compared to $267.2 million for the third quarter of 2006.  The average yield, on a taxable equivalent basis (TE), in the investment portfolio was 5.31% for the third quarter of 2007 compared to 5.01% for the third quarter of 2006. The increase in the yield on investment securities was not enough to offset the decrease in volume and resulted in a decrease in interest income of $68,000, or 2.0%, for the three months ended September 30, 2007.  Net interest income on the Schedule of Year-to-Date Average Balances and Interest Rates is shown on a taxable equivalent basis (TE), which is higher than net interest income on the Consolidated Statements of Income because of adjustments that relate to income on certain securities that are exempt from federal income taxes.

Compared to the third quarter of 2006, the Company has grown average interest-bearing sources of funds by $63.8 million or 6.6%.  Interest bearing deposits grew $138.0 million while all other interest bearing sources of funds (including FHLB Advances) decreased by $74.2 million (see Deposits and Federal Home Loan Bank Advances and Other Borrowings).  Overall, the average interest rate on interest-bearing sources of funds was 3.29% for the three months ended September 30, 2007 and 2.82% for the three months ended September 30, 2006. The increase in the volume and rate on interest-bearing sources of funds resulted in an increase in interest expense of $1.7 million, or 24.6%, for the three months ended September 30, 2007 over the same period in 2006.

Nine months Ending September 30, 2007 vs. Nine months Ending September 30, 2006
During the first nine months of 2007, net interest income decreased 1.0% to $47.4 million, compared to $47.9 million at September 30, 2006.  On a fully taxable equivalent basis, net interest income decreased 1.1% and totaled $48.6 million at September 30, 2007, compared to $49.2 million at September 30, 2006. As more fully discussed below, the decrease in net interest income was primarily due to increasing deposit costs.

For the nine months ended September 30, 2007, the Company’s net interest margin was 4.87% compared to 5.23% for the same period in 2006.


Loans, on an average balance basis, increased by $93.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2006.  The yield on the loan portfolio increased 13 basis points to 7.78% for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 compared to 7.65% for the nine months ended September 30, 2006.  This increase in yield and volume resulted in interest revenue from loans increasing 11.2% or $6.4 million for the first nine months of 2007.

Average investment securities were $240.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 compared to $267.9 million for the same period in 2006.  The average yield (TE) for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 was 5.25% compared to 4.94% for the nine months ended September 30, 2006, partially due to an increase in higher yielding mortgage backed securities.  The increase in the yield on investment securities was not enough to offset the decrease in volume and resulted in a decrease in interest income of $451,000, or 4.5%, for the nine months ended September 30, 2007.

Compared to the first nine months of 2006, the Company has grown average interest-bearing sources of funds by $76.1 million or 8.2%. Interest bearing deposits grew $152.8 million while all other interest bearing sources of funds (including FHLB Advances) decreased by $76.7 million (see Deposits and Federal Home Loan Bank Advances and Other Borrowings).  Overall, the average interest rate on interest-bearing sources of funds was 3.21% for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 and 2.49% for the nine months ended September 30, 2006. The increase in the volume and rate on interest-bearing sources of funds resulted in an increase in interest expense of $6.8 million, or 39.4%, for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 compared to the same period in 2006.

Allowance and Provision for Loan Losses
As a financial institution that assumes lending and credit risks as a principal element of its business, credit losses will be experienced in the normal course of business.  The allowance for loan losses is established to absorb losses inherent in the loan portfolio.  The allowance for loan losses is maintained at a level considered by management to be adequate to provide for risks inherent in the loan portfolio.  The allowance is increased by provisions charged to operating expense and reduced by net charge-offs.  In determining the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses, management takes into consideration examinations by the Company’s supervisory authorities, results of internal credit reviews, financial condition of borrowers, loan concentrations, prior loan loss experience, and general economic conditions.  The allowance is based on estimates and ultimate losses may vary from the current estimates.  Management reviews these estimates periodically and, when adjustments are necessary, they are reported in the period in which they become known.

The Company has established credit management policies and procedures that govern both the approval of new loans and the monitoring of the existing portfolio.  The Company manages and controls credit risk through comprehensive underwriting and approval standards, dollar limits on loans to one borrower and by restricting loans made primarily to its principal market area where management believes it is better able to assess the applicable risk.  Additionally, management has established guidelines to ensure the diversification of the Company’s credit portfolio such that even within key portfolio sectors such as real estate or agriculture, the portfolio is diversified across factors such as location, building type, crop type, etc.  Management reports regularly to the Board of Directors regarding trends and conditions in the loan portfolio and regularly conducts credit reviews of individual loans. Loans that are performing but have shown some signs of weakness are subjected to more stringent reporting and oversight.

Provision for loan losses for the first nine months of 2007 was $250,000 compared to $275,000 for the first nine months of 2006.  Changes in the provision, and the resulting impact on the allowance for loan losses, between the first nine months of 2007 and 2006 were the result of management’s evaluation of the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses relative to factors such as the credit quality of the loan portfolio, loan growth, current loan losses and the prevailing economic climate and its effect on borrowers’ ability to repay loans in accordance with the terms of the notes (see “Note 1. Significant Accounting Policies – Allowance for Loan Losses” and “Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk-Credit Risk”).

The allowance for loan losses was $17.8 million or 1.58% of the total loan balance and $18.3 million or 1.76% of the total loan balance at September 30, 2007 and September 30, 2006, respectively. As of December 31, 2006, the allowance for loan losses was $18.1 million, which represented 1.72% of the total loan balance. After reviewing all factors above, management concluded that the allowance for loan losses as of September 30, 2007 was adequate (see “Note 1. Significant Accounting Policies – Allowance for Loan Losses” and “Financial Condition – Loans and Non-Performing Assets” for additional discussion regarding the Company’s process for establishing an adequate level of allowance). See the table below for allowance for loan loss activity for the periods indicated.


   
Three Months Ended
   
Nine months Ended
 
   
September 30,
   
September 30,
 
(in thousands)
 
2007
   
2006
   
2007
   
2006
 
Balance at Beginning of Period
  $
17,930
    $
18,531
    $
18,099
    $
17,860
 
Provision Charged to Expense
   
-
     
-
     
250
     
275
 
Recoveries of Loans Previously Charged Off
   
65
     
70
     
212
     
735
 
Loans Charged Off
    (153 )     (301 )     (719 )     (570 )
Balance at End of Period
  $
17,842
    $
18,300
    $
17,842
    $
18,300
 

Non-Interest Income
Non-interest income includes: (1) service charges and fees from deposit accounts; (2) net gains and losses from investment securities; (3) credit card merchant fees; (4) ATM fees; (5) increases in the cash surrender value of bank owned life insurance; (6) net investment gains and losses on non-qualified deferred compensation plan balances; and (7) fees from other miscellaneous business services.

3rd Quarter 2007 vs. 3rd Quarter 2006
Overall, non-interest income increased $422,000 or 13.6% for the three months ended September 30, 2007 compared to the same period of 2006.

One reason for this increase was fees related to our Overdraft Privilege Service, which was offered to eligible customers with deposit accounts in good standing beginning May 1, 2006.  These fees increased approximately $155,000  or 11.8% for the three months ending September 30, 2007 compared to the same period in 2006.

A second factor affecting non-interest income was an increase of $243,000 in investment gains on non-qualified deferred compensation plan balances (see Note 11. to the Company’s 2006 Annual Report to Shareholders on Form 10-K for a description of these plans). Gain/loss on these plans fluctuates depending on the type of investments held and market trends in interest rates and stock prices.

Nine months Ending September 30, 2007 vs. Nine months Ending September 30, 2006
Non-interest income increased $2.2 million or 23.9% for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 compared to the same period of 2006.

As discussed above, one reason for this increase was fees related to our Overdraft Privilege Service, which increased approximately $1.1 million or 36.8% for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 compared to the same period of 2006.

Also impacting non-interest income during the first nine months of 2007 was the receipt of an $870,000 liquidating dividend from the Company’s partial ownership in WSBA, a credit card processing company whose operating assets were sold during 2006 and the company was subsequently liquidated in 2007.

Another factor affecting non-interest income for the nine-month period ending September 30, 2007 was an increase of $687,000 in investment gains on non-qualified deferred compensation plan balances.

The preceding increases were partially offset by impairment losses on investment securities of $1.7 million through the first nine months of 2007 as compared to losses of $1.1 million from sales of available-for-sale investment securities for the first nine months of 2006 (see “Investment Securities”).


Non-Interest Expense
Non-interest expense for the Company includes expenses for salaries and employee benefits, occupancy, equipment, supplies, legal fees, professional services, data processing, marketing, deposit insurance, merchant bankcard operations, and other miscellaneous expenses.

3rd Quarter 2007 vs. 3rd Quarter 2006
Non-interest expense decreased $562,000 or 5.2% from the third quarter of 2006, primarily as a result of a $492,000 decrease in employee benefits relating to contributions to bonus and retirement plans. This decrease is a result of: (1) a reduction in the number of key individuals eligible to participate in the plans; and (2) the Board of Directors’ ongoing assessment of the level of discretionary payments to be made for 2007.

Nine months Ending September 30, 2007 vs. Nine months Ending September 30, 2006
Non-interest expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 decreased $512,000 or 1.6% over the same period in 2006. The primary factors affecting non-interest expense were: (1) increased employee salaries and health care insurance; (2) decreased employee benefits relating to contributions to bonus and retirement plans; (3) decreased equipment expense related to software and maintenance contracts; (4) decreased marketing expense related to customer direct mail; (5) increased consulting fees related to the Company’s Overdraft Privilege Service; (6) increased electronic transaction processing fees; and (7) increased legal fees related to expanded SEC disclosure requirements.

Income Taxes
The provision for income taxes increased 12.0% to $3.5 million for the third quarter of 2007.  The Company’s effective tax rate increased for the third quarter of 2007 and was 37.1% compared to 36.7% for the same period in 2006.

The provision for income taxes increased 6.7% to $9.4 million for the first nine months of 2007.  The Company’s effective tax rate decreased for the first nine months of 2007 and was 35.6% compared to 36.5% for the same period in 2006.

The Company’s effective tax rate can change somewhat from quarter to quarter due primarily to changes in the mix of taxable and tax-exempt earning sources. The effective rates were lower than the statutory rate of 42% due primarily to benefits regarding the cash surrender value of life insurance, California enterprise zone interest income exclusion and tax-exempt interest income on municipal securities and loans.

Financial Condition

This section presents a comparison of the Company’s balance sheet for the nine-month period ending September 30, 2007 and the same period in 2006.  As previously discussed (see “Overview”) the seasonality of the Company’s business due to its agricultural customer base makes a comparison of the September 30th balance sheet to the preceding December 31st not meaningful.

Investment Securities
The Financial Accounting Standards Board Statement, “Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities”, requires the Company to classify its investments as held-to-maturity, trading or available-for-sale. Securities are classified as held-to-maturity and are carried at amortized cost when the Company has the positive intent and ability to hold the securities to maturity. Trading securities are securities acquired for short-term appreciation and are carried at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses recorded in non-interest income.  Securities classified as available-for-sale include securities, which may be sold to effectively manage interest rate risk exposure, prepayment risk, satisfy liquidity demand and other factors.  These securities are reported at fair value with aggregate, unrealized gains or losses excluded from income and included as a separate component of shareholders’ equity, net of related income taxes. Investment securities are evaluated for impairment on at least a quarterly basis to determine whether a decline in their value is other than temporary.  During the first nine months of 2007 the Company recorded impairment losses on investment securities (see “Non-Interest Income”).


The investment portfolio provides the Company with an income alternative to loans as well as a tool to better manage its liquidity and interest rate risk. As of September 30, 2007 the investment portfolio represented 16.4% of the Company's total assets.  Total investment securities decreased $20.0 million from a year ago and now total $244.0 million.  Cash flows generated from reductions in the investment portfolio were used to fund higher yielding loans.

Not included in the investment portfolio are overnight investments in Federal Funds Sold.  For the nine months ended September 30, 2007, average Federal Funds Sold was $11.1 million compared to $1.3 million at September 30, 2006.

Loans
The Company's loan portfolio at September 30, 2007 increased $87.3 million from September 30, 2006.  On an average balance basis loans have increased $92.9 million or 9.4% from prior year. The increase was due to strong loan demand in the Company’s market area, along with a focused calling program on selected loan prospects.  Most of the year-over-year growth occurred in Agricultural loans and Commercial Real Estate loans (primarily those secured by production agricultural properties), market segments where the Company believes that current market rates are more reasonable than in the areas of Commercial, Consumer, Residential 1st Mortgage and Home Equity loans.  Although the Company has continued to experience strong loan demand, aggressive competitor pricing could continue to place pressures on future yields (see “Net Interest Income/Net Interest Margin”).

The Company’s Residential 1st Mortgage portfolio is comprised primarily of 15 and 20 year mortgages to local customers. The Company does not originate sub-prime residential mortgage loans, nor does it hold any in its loan portfolio.

The following table sets forth the distribution of the loan portfolio by type and percentage as of the dates indicated.
 
Loan Portfolio
 
September 30, 2007
   
December 31, 2006
   
September 30, 2006
 
(in thousands)
        $   %         $   %         $   %
Commercial Real Estate
  $
450,791
      40.1 %   $
410,458
      39.1 %   $
401,676
      38.7 %
Real Estate Construction
   
80,798
      7.2 %    
95,378
      9.1 %    
79,295
      7.6 %
Residential 1st Mortgages
   
110,547
      9.8 %    
106,148
      10.1 %    
109,659
      10.6 %
Home Equity Lines and Loans
   
65,639
      5.8 %    
67,132
      6.4 %    
68,758
      6.6 %
Agricultural
   
198,805
      17.7 %    
183,589
      17.5 %    
173,505
      16.7 %
Commercial
   
198,914
      17.7 %    
165,412
      15.8 %    
184,268
      17.8 %
Consumer
   
19,366
      1.7 %    
21,222
      2.0 %    
20,513
      2.0 %
Total Loans
   
1,124,860
      100.0 %    
1,049,339
      100.0 %    
1,037,674
      100.0 %
Less:
                                               
Unearned Income
   
2,345
             
2,427
             
2,474
         
Allowance for Loan Losses
   
17,842
             
18,099
             
18,300
         
Net Loans
  $
1,104,673
            $
1,028,813
            $
1,016,900
         

Non-Performing Assets
Non-performing assets are comprised of non-performing loans (defined as non-accrual loans plus accruing loans past due 90 days or more) and other real estate owned.  As set forth in the following table, non-performing loans as of September 30, 2007 were $786,000 compared to $80,000 at September 30, 2006. Accrued interest reversed from income on loans placed on a non-accrual status totaled $133,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 compared to $14,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2006. The Company reported $251,000 in other real estate owned at September 30, 2007.


Non-Performing Assets
(in thousands)
 
Sept. 30, 2007
   
Dec. 31, 2006
   
Sept. 30, 2006
 
Non-Performing Loans
  $
786
    $
54
    $
80
 
Other Real Estate Owned
   
251
     
-
     
-
 
Total Non-Performing Assets
  $
1,037
    $
54
    $
80
 
                   
Non-Performing Assets as a % of Gross Loans
    0.09 %     0.01 %     0.01 %
Allowance for Loan Losses as a % of Non-Performing Loans
    1,720.5 %     33,516.7 %     22,857.9 %

Except for non-performing loans shown in the table above, the Bank’s management is not aware of any loans as of September 30, 2007 for which known credit problems of the borrower would cause serious doubts as to the ability of these borrowers to comply with their present loan repayment terms, or any known events that would result in the loan being designated as non-performing at some future date.  The Company’s management cannot, however, predict the extent to which the following or other factors may affect a borrower’s ability to pay: (1) deterioration in general economic conditions, real estate values or agricultural commodity prices; (2) increases in interest rates; or (3) changes in the overall financial condition or business of a borrower.

Deposits
One of the key sources of funds to support earning assets (loans and investments) is the generation of deposits from the Company’s customer base.  The ability to grow the customer base and subsequently deposits is a significant element in the performance of the Company.

At September 30, 2007, deposits totaled $1.3 billion.  This represents an increase of 15.4% or $171.6 million from September 30, 2006. Core deposits (exclusive of Public Time Deposits) increased 10.8% over the same period.  Public Time Deposits have increased $60.3 million since September 30, 2006 primarily because of the Company’s decision to increase its use of State of California time deposits for short-term funding needs instead of using FHLB Advances (see “Federal Home Loan Bank Advances and Other Borrowings”).

As a result of the generally rising interest rate environment over the past two years, the primary area of deposit growth has been in time deposits as customers have switched deposit balances from low or non-interest bearing accounts to time deposits. Overall, time deposits grew $131.9 million or 29.5% from September 30, 2006. However, as a result of a focused calling program on selected deposit prospects, the Company has also experienced growth in Demand, Interest Bearing Transaction and Savings deposits in the amount of $39.6 million or 5.9% since September 30, 2006.  The Company continues to experience aggressive competitor pricing for deposits, which may impact future funding costs (see “Net Interest Income/Net Interest Margin”).

Federal Home Loan Bank Advances and Other Borrowings
Advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank are another key source of funds to support earning assets (see “Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk and Liquidity Risk”).  These advances are also used to manage the Company’s interest rate risk exposure, and as opportunities exist, to borrow and invest the proceeds at a positive spread through the investment portfolio.  FHLB Advances as of September 30, 2007 were $25.9 million compared to $138.8 million as of September 30, 2006. See “Deposits” for a discussion of the Company’s use of Public Deposits from the State of California to replace FHLB Advances.

Long-Term Subordinated Debentures
On December 17, 2003 the Company raised $10 million through an offering of trust-preferred securities.  Although this amount is reflected as subordinated debt on the Company’s balance sheet, under applicable regulatory guidelines, trust preferred securities qualify as regulatory capital (see “Capital”).  These securities accrue interest at a variable rate based upon 3-month Libor plus 2.85%.  Interest rates reset quarterly and were 8.54% as of September 30, 2007, 8.21% at December 31, 2006 and 8.24% at September 30, 2006.


Capital
The Company relies primarily on capital generated through the retention of earnings to satisfy its capital requirements.  The Company engages in an ongoing assessment of its capital needs in order to support business growth and to insure depositor protection.  Shareholders’ Equity totaled $143.1 million at September 30, 2007 and $130.3 million at September 30, 2006.

The Company and the Bank are subject to capital adequacy requirements administered by the federal banking agencies. Under these requirements and the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action, the Company and the Bank must meet specific capital guidelines that involve quantitative measures of the Company’s and the Bank's assets, liabilities, and certain off-balance-sheet items as calculated under regulatory accounting practices. The Company’s and the Bank's capital amounts and classification are also subject to qualitative judgments by the regulators about components, risk weightings, and other factors.  Failure to meet minimum capital requirements can initiate certain mandatory, and possibly discretionary, actions by regulators that, if undertaken, could have a direct material effect on the Company’s and the Bank's financial statements.  Management believes, as of September 30, 2007, that the Company and the Bank meet all capital adequacy requirements to which they are subject.

In its most recent notification from the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation the Bank was categorized as “well capitalized” under the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action. To be categorized as “well capitalized”, the Bank must maintain minimum Total risk-based, Tier 1 risk-based and Tier 1 leverage ratios as set forth in the table below. There are no conditions or events since that notification that management believes have changed the institution’s categories.

(in thousands)
 
Actual
   
Regulatory Capital
Requirements
 
To Be Well
Capitalized Under
Prompt Corrective
Action Provisions
The Company:
 
Amount
   
Ratio
   
Amount
   
Ratio
 
Amount
Ratio
As of September 30, 2007
                           
Total Capital to Risk Weighted Assets
  $
170,888
      12.37 %   $
110,548
      8.0 %
N/A
N/A
Tier I Capital to Risk Weighted Assets
   
153,606
      11.12 %    
55,274
      4.0 %
N/A
N/A
Tier I Capital to Average Assets
   
153,606
      10.50 %    
58,521
      4.0 %
N/A
N/A

(in thousands)
 
Actual
   
Regulatory Capital
Requirements
   
To Be Well
Capitalized Under
Prompt Corrective
Action Provisions
 
The Bank:
 
Amount
   
Ratio
   
Amount
   
Ratio
   
Amount
   
Ratio
 
As of September 30, 2007
                                   
Total Capital to Risk Weighted Assets
  $
164,923
      11.98 %   $
110,091
      8.0 %   $
137,614
      10.0 %
Tier I Capital to Risk Weighted Assets
   
147,711
      10.73 %    
55,045
      4.0 %    
82,568
      6.0 %
Tier I Capital to Average Assets
   
147,711
      10.13 %    
58,352
      4.0 %    
72,940
      5.0 %

As previously discussed (see Long-term Subordinated Debentures), in order to supplement its regulatory capital base, during December 2003 the Company issued $10 million of trust preferred securities.  On March 1, 2005 the Federal Reserve Board issued its final rule effective April 11, 2005, concerning the regulatory capital treatment of trust preferred securities (“TPS”) by bank holding companies (“BHCs”).  Under the final rule BHCs may include TPS in Tier 1 capital in an amount equal to 25% of the sum of core capital net of goodwill.  The quantitative limitation concerning goodwill will not be effective until March 31, 2009. Any portion of trust-preferred securities not qualifying as Tier 1 capital would qualify as Tier 2 capital subject to certain limitations.  The Company has received notification from the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco that all of the Company’s trust preferred securities currently qualify as Tier 1 capital.


In accordance with the provisions of Financial Accounting Standard Board Interpretation No. 46, “Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities” (“FIN 46”), the Company does not consolidate the subsidiary trust which has issued the trust-preferred securities.

In 1998, the Board approved the Company’s first stock repurchase program which expired on May 1, 2001. During the third quarter of 2004, the Board approved a second stock repurchase program because it concluded that the Company continued to have more capital than it needed to meet present and anticipated regulatory guidelines for the Bank to be classified as “well capitalized.” On April 4, 2006, the Board unanimously approved expanding the repurchase program to allow the repurchase of up to $15 million of stock between May 1, 2006 and April 30, 2009.

Repurchases under the program will continue to be made on the open market or through private transactions. The repurchase program also requires that no purchases may be made if the Bank would not remain “well-capitalized” after the repurchase. All shares repurchased under the repurchase program will be retired (see the Company’s 2006 Form 10-K, Part II, Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities).

During the third quarter of 2007, the Company repurchased 5,071 shares at an average share price of $458 per share. During the third quarter of 2006, the Company repurchased 4,776 shares at an average share price of $510. Since the second share repurchase program was expanded in 2006, the Company has repurchased over 14,000 shares for total consideration of $7.1 million.
 
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
This “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” is based upon the Company’s consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States.  In preparing the Company’s financial statements management makes estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses.  These judgments govern areas such as the allowance for loan losses, the fair value of financial instruments, accounting for income taxes and pension accounting.

For a full discussion of the Company’s critical accounting policies and estimates see “Management’s Discussion and Analysis” in the Company’s Annual Report to Shareholders for the year ended December 31, 2006.

Off Balance Sheet Arrangements
Off-balance sheet arrangements are any contractual arrangement to which an unconsolidated entity is a party, under which the Company has: (1) any obligation under a guarantee contract; (2) a retained or contingent interest in assets transferred to an unconsolidated entity or similar arrangement that serves as credit, liquidity or market risk support to that entity for such assets; (3) any obligation under certain derivative instruments; or (4) any obligation under a material variable interest held by the Company in an unconsolidated entity that provides financing, liquidity, market risk or credit risk support to the Company, or engages in leasing, hedging or research and development services with the Company.

In the ordinary course of business, the Company enters into commitments to extend credit to its customers. As of September 30, 2007, the Company had entered into commitments with certain customers amounting to $449.5 million compared to $442.5 million at December 31, 2006 and $443.6 million at September 30, 2006.  Letters of credit at September 30, 2007, December 31, 2006 and September 30, 2006, were $8.9 million, $10.9 million and $8.5 million, respectively. These commitments are not reflected in the accompanying consolidated financial statements and do not significantly impact operating results.

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

Risk Management
The Company has adopted a Risk Management Plan, which aims to ensure the proper control and management of all risk factors inherent in the operation of the Company.  Specifically, credit risk, interest rate risk, liquidity risk, compliance risk, strategic risk, reputation risk and price risk can all affect the market risk of the Company.  These specific risk factors are not mutually exclusive.  It is recognized that any product or service offered by the Company may expose the Company to one or more of these risk factors.


Credit Risk
Credit risk is the risk to earnings or capital arising from an obligor’s failure to meet the terms of any contract or otherwise fail to perform as agreed.  Credit risk is found in all activities where success depends on counterparty, issuer or borrower performance.

Credit risk in the investment portfolio and correspondent bank accounts is addressed through defined limits in the Company’s policy statements. In addition, certain securities carry insurance to enhance credit quality of the bond.

Credit risk in the loan portfolio is controlled by limits on industry concentration, aggregate customer borrowings and geographic boundaries.  Standards on loan quality also are designed to reduce loan credit risk. Senior Management, Directors’ Committees, and the Board of Directors are regularly provided with information intended to identify, measure, control and monitor the credit risk of the Company.

The Company’s methodology for assessing the appropriateness of the allowance is applied on a regular basis and considers all loans. The systematic methodology consists of two major elements.  The first major element includes a detailed analysis of the loan portfolio in two phases. The first phase is conducted in accordance with SFAS No. 114, “Accounting by Creditors for the Impairment of a Loan” as amended by SFAS No. 118, “Accounting by Creditors for Impairment of a Loan — Income Recognition and Disclosures.” Individual loans are reviewed to identify loans for impairment. A loan is impaired when principal and interest are deemed uncollectible in accordance with the original contractual terms of the loan. Impairment is measured as either the expected future cash flows discounted at each loan’s effective interest rate, the fair value of the loan’s collateral if the loan is collateral dependent, or an observable market price of the loan (if one exists). Upon measuring the impairment, the Company will ensure an appropriate level of allowance is present or established.

Central to the first phase and the Company’s credit risk management is its loan risk rating system. The originating credit officer assigns borrowers an initial risk rating, which is based primarily on a thorough analysis of each borrower’s financial position in conjunction with industry and economic trends. Approvals are made based upon the amount of inherent credit risk specific to the transaction and are reviewed for appropriateness by senior credit administration personnel. Credits are monitored by credit administration personnel for deterioration in a borrower’s financial condition, which would impact the ability of the borrower to perform under the contract. Risk ratings are adjusted as necessary.

Based on the risk rating system, specific allowances are established in cases where management has identified significant conditions or circumstances related to a credit that management believes indicates the possibility of loss. Management performs a detailed analysis of these loans, including, but not limited to, cash flows, appraisals of the collateral, conditions of the marketplace for liquidating the collateral and assessment of the guarantors. Management then determines the inherent loss potential and allocates a portion of the allowance for losses as a specific allowance for each of these credits.

The second phase is conducted by segmenting the loan portfolio by risk rating and into groups of loans with similar characteristics in accordance with SFAS No. 5, “Accounting for Contingencies.”  In this second phase, groups of loans are reviewed and applied the appropriate allowance percentage to determine a portfolio formula allowance.

The second major element of the analysis, which considers all known relevant internal and external factors that may affect a loan’s collectibility, is based upon management’s evaluation of various conditions, the effects of which are not directly measured in the determination of the formula and specific allowances. The evaluation of the inherent loss with respect to these conditions is subject to a higher degree of uncertainty because they are not identified with specific problem credits or portfolio segments. The conditions evaluated in connection with the second element of the analysis of the allowance include, but are not limited to the following conditions that existed as of the balance sheet date:


§
then-existing general economic and business conditions affecting the key lending areas of the Company;
§
credit quality trends (including trends in non-performing loans expected to result from existing conditions);
§
collateral values;
§
loan volumes and concentrations;
§
seasoning of the loan portfolio;
§
specific industry conditions within portfolio segments;
§
recent loss experience within portfolio segments;
§
duration of the current business cycle;
§
bank regulatory examination results; and
§
findings of the Company’s internal credit examiners.

Management reviews these conditions in discussion with the Company’s senior credit officers. To the extent that any of these conditions is evidenced by a specifically identifiable problem credit or portfolio segment as of the evaluation date, management’s estimate of the effect of such condition may be reflected as a specific allowance applicable to such credit or portfolio segment. Where any of these conditions are not evidenced by a specifically identifiable problem credit or portfolio segment as of the evaluation date, management’s evaluation of the inherent loss related to such condition is reflected in the second major element of the allowance.

Implicit in lending activities is the risk that losses will and do occur and that the amount of such losses will vary over time.  Consequently, the Company maintains an allowance for loan losses by charging a provision for loan losses to earnings.  Loans determined to be losses are charged against the allowance for loan losses.  The Company’s allowance for loan losses is maintained at a level considered by management to be adequate to provide for estimated losses inherent in the existing portfolio.

Management believes that the allowance for loan losses at September 30, 2007 was adequate to provide for both recognized losses and estimated inherent losses in the portfolio.  No assurances can be given that future events may not result in increases in delinquencies, non-performing loans or net loan charge-offs that would increase the provision for loan losses and thereby adversely affect the results of operations.

Market Risk - Interest Rate Risk
The mismatch between maturities of interest sensitive assets and liabilities results in uncertainty in the Company’s earnings and economic value and is referred to as interest rate risk.  The Company does not attempt to predict interest rates and positions the balance sheet in a manner, which seeks to minimize, to the extent possible, the effects of changing interest rates.

The Company measures interest rate risk in terms of potential impact on both its economic value and earnings.  The methods for governing the amount of interest rate risk include: (1) analysis of asset and liability mismatches (GAP analysis); and (2) the utilization of a simulation model and limits on maturities of investment, loan and deposit products which reduces the market volatility of those instruments.

The Gap analysis measures, at specific time intervals, the divergence between earning assets and interest bearing liabilities for which repricing opportunities will occur.  A positive difference, or Gap, indicates that earning assets will reprice faster than interest-bearing liabilities.  This will generally produce a greater net interest margin during periods of rising interest rates and a lower net interest margin during periods of declining interest rates.  Conversely, a negative Gap will generally produce a lower net interest margin during periods of rising interest rates and a greater net interest margin during periods of decreasing interest rates.

The interest rates paid on deposit accounts do not always move in unison with the rates charged on loans.  In addition, the magnitude of changes in the rates charged on loans is not always proportionate to the magnitude of changes in the rate paid for deposits.  Consequently, changes in interest rates do not necessarily result in an increase or decrease in the net interest margin solely as a result of the differences between repricing opportunities of earning assets or interest bearing liabilities.


The Company also utilizes the results of a dynamic simulation model to quantify the estimated exposure of net interest income to sustained interest rate changes.  The sensitivity of the Company’s net interest income is measured over a rolling one-year horizon.

The simulation model estimates the impact of changing interest rates on interest income from all interest earning assets and the interest expense paid on all interest bearing liabilities reflected on the Company’s balance sheet.  This sensitivity analysis is compared to policy limits, which specify a maximum tolerance level for net interest income exposure over a one-year horizon assuming no balance sheet growth, given a 200 basis point upward and a 200 basis point downward shift in interest rates.  A shift in rates over a 12-month period is assumed.  Results that exceed policy limits, if any, are analyzed for risk tolerance and reported to the Board with appropriate recommendations.  At September 30, 2007, the Company’s estimated net interest income sensitivity to changes in interest rates, as a percent of net interest income was a decrease in net interest income of 0.22% if rates increase by 200 basis points and a decrease in net interest income of 1.09% if rates decline 200 basis points. Comparatively, at December 31, 2006, the Company’s estimated net interest income sensitivity was an increase in net interest income of 0.92% if rates increase by 200 basis points and a decrease in net interest income of 2.43% if rates decrease 200 basis points.

The estimated sensitivity does not necessarily represent a Company forecast and the results may not be indicative of actual changes to the Company’s net interest income.  These estimates are based upon a number of assumptions including: the nature and timing of interest rate levels including yield curve shape; prepayments on loans and securities; pricing strategies on loans and deposits; replacement of asset and liability cashflows; and other assumptions.  While the assumptions used are based on current economic and local market conditions, there is no assurance as to the predictive nature of these conditions including how customer preferences or competitor influences might change.

Liquidity Risk
Liquidity risk is the risk to earnings or capital resulting from the Company’s inability to meet its obligations when they come due without incurring unacceptable losses.  It includes the ability to manage unplanned decreases or changes in funding sources and to recognize or address changes in market conditions that affect the Company’s ability to liquidate assets or acquire funds quickly and with minimum loss of value.  The Company endeavors to maintain a cash flow adequate to fund operations, handle fluctuations in deposit levels, respond to the credit needs of borrowers and to take advantage of investment opportunities as they arise.  The principal sources of liquidity include credit facilities from correspondent banks, brokerage firms and the Federal Home Loan Bank, as well as interest and principal payments on loans and investments, proceeds from the maturity or sale of investments, and growth in deposits.

In general, liquidity risk is managed by controlling the level of borrowings and the use of funds provided by the cash flow from the investment portfolio. At September 30, 2007, the Company maintained Federal Funds borrowing lines of $98 million with banks subject to the customary terms and conditions for such arrangements and $150 million in repurchase lines with major brokers.  In addition, the Company has additional borrowing capacity of $201 million from the Federal Home Loan Bank.

At September 30, 2007, the Company had available sources of liquidity, which included cash and cash equivalents and unpledged investment securities of approximately $49.2 million, which represents 3.3% of total assets.

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

The Company maintains disclosure controls and procedures designed to ensure that information is recorded and reported in all filings of financial reports. Such information is reported to the Company’s management, including its Chief Executive Officer and its Chief Financial Officer to allow timely and accurate disclosure based on the definition of “disclosure controls and procedures” in Rule 13a-15(e). In designing these controls and procedures, management recognizes that they can only provide reasonable assurance of achieving the desired control objectives. Management also evaluates the cost-benefit relationship of possible controls and procedures.


As of the end of the period covered by this report, the Company carried out an evaluation of the effectiveness of Company’s disclosure controls and procedures under the supervision and with the participation of the Chief Executive Officer, the Chief Financial Officer and other senior management of the Company. The evaluation was based, in part, upon reports and affidavits provided by a number of executives. Based on the foregoing, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective.

There have been no significant changes in the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting or in other factors that could significantly affect the internal controls over financial reporting during the third quarter of 2007.

PART II.  OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

Certain lawsuits and claims arising in the ordinary course of business have been filed or are pending against the Company or its subsidiaries.  Based upon information available to the Company, its review of such lawsuits and claims and consultation with its counsel, the Company believes the liability relating to these actions, if any, would not have a material adverse effect on its consolidated financial statements.

There are no material proceedings adverse to the Company to which any director, officer or affiliate of the Company is a party.

Item 1A. Risk Factors

See Item 1A. Risk Factors in the Company’s 2006 Form 10-K. In management’s opinion there have been no material changes in risk factors since the filing of the 2006 Form 10-K.

Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

The following table indicates the number of shares repurchased by Farmers & Merchants Bancorp during the third quarter of 2007.
 
Third quarter 2007
 
Number of Shares
   
Average Price per Share
   
Number of Shares Purchased as Part of a Publicly Announced Plan or Program
   
Approximate Dollar Value of Shares that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plan or Program
 
07/01/2007 - 07/31/2007
   
61
    $
480.00
     
61
    $
10,179,600
 
08/01/2007 - 08/31/2007
   
3,481
     
460.00
     
3,481
     
8,578,340
 
09/01/2007 - 09/30/2007
   
1,529
     
453.84
     
1,529
     
7,884,415
 
Total
   
5,071
    $
458.38
     
5,071
    $
7,884,415
 

The common stock of Farmers & Merchants Bancorp is not widely held or listed on any exchange However, trades may be reported on the OTC Bulletin Board under the symbol “FMCB.OB.” Additionally, management is aware that there are private transactions in the Company’s common stock.

Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities

Not applicable

Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

None

Item 5. Other Information

None


Item 6. Exhibits

See Exhibit Index below.


SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirement of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
 
 
    FARMERS & MERCHANTS BANCORP  
       
       
       
Date:  November 5, 2007
 
/s/ Kent A. Steinwert
 
   
Kent A. Steinwert
 
   
President and
 
   
Chief Executive Officer
 
   
(Principal Executive Officer)
 
       
       
Date:  November 5, 2007
 
/s/ Stephen W. Haley
 
   
Stephen W. Haley
 
   
Executive Vice President and
 
   
Chief Financial Officer
 
   
(Principal Accounting Officer)
 




Index to Exhibits
 
Exhibit No.
 
Description
     
 
Certification of the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
Certification of the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32     
 
Certifications of the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
 
30