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HOPE BANCORP INC - Quarter Report: 2010 March (Form 10-Q)

Form 10-Q
Table of Contents

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

 

 

FORM 10-Q

 

 

(Mark One)

x Quarterly report pursuant to section 13 or 15 (d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2010 or

 

¨ 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: 000-50245

 

 

NARA BANCORP, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

 

Delaware   95-4849715

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

 

(IRS Employer

Identification Number)

3731 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 1000, Los Angeles, California   90010
(Address of Principal executive offices)   (ZIP Code)

(213) 639-1700

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 

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

 

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    Yes  x    No  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).    Yes  ¨    No  ¨

Indicate by check mark 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    x  Accelerated filer    ¨  Non-accelerated filer    ¨  Smaller Reporting Company

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

As of April 30, 2010 there were 37,955,407 outstanding shares of the issuer’s Common Stock, $0.001 par value.

 

 

 


Table of Contents

Table of Contents

 

PART I FINANCIAL INFORMATION    Page
Item 1.   FINANCIAL STATEMENTS    4
  Forward - Looking Information    3
 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition -

March 31, 2010 (unaudited) and December 31, 2009

   4
 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss) -

Three Months Ended March 31, 2010 and 2009 (unaudited)

   6
 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity -

Three Months Ended March 31, 2010 and 2009 (unaudited)

   7
 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows -

Three Months Ended March 31, 2010 and 2009 (unaudited)

   8
  Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)    10
Item 2   MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS    31
Item 3.   QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK    46
Item 4.   CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES    47
PART II OTHER INFORMATION   
Item 1.   Legal Proceedings    48
Item 1A.   Risk Factors    48
Item 2.   Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds    48
Item 3.   Defaults Upon Senior Securities    48
Item 4.   Reserved    48
Item 5.   Other Information    48
Item 6.   Exhibits    48
  Signatures    49
  Index to Exhibits    50
  Certifications   

 

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Forward-Looking Information

Certain matters discussed in this report may constitute forward-looking statements under Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. There can be no assurance that the results described or implied in such forward-looking statements will, in fact, be achieved and actual results, performance, and achievements could differ materially because our business involves inherent risks and uncertainties. Risks and uncertainties include deterioration in economic conditions in our areas of operation; interest rate risk associated with volatile interest rates and related asset-liability matching risk; liquidity risks; risk of significant non-earning assets, and net credit losses that could occur, particularly in times of weak economic conditions or times of rising interest rates; risks of available for sale securities declining significantly in value as interest rates rise; and regulatory risks associated with the current and future regulations as well as the possibility of regulatory enforcement actions to which we are subject. For additional information concerning these factors, see “Item 1A. Risk Factors” contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009.

 

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PART I

FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Financial Statements

NARA BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION

 

     (Unaudited)
March 31,

2010
   December  31,
2009
     (Dollars in thousands, except share data)

ASSETS

     

Cash and cash equivalents:

     

Cash and due from banks

   $ 23,888    $ 23,739

Interest-bearing deposit at Federal Reserve Bank

     236,142      81,853

Federal funds sold

     20,000      20,000
             

Total cash and cash equivalents

     280,030      125,592

Securities available for sale, at fair value

     498,801      782,690

Loans held for sale, at the lower of cost or fair value

     28,679      4,756

Loans receivable, net of allowance for loan losses (March 31, 2010 - $63,995; December 31, 2009 - $59,424)

     2,098,269      2,162,009

Other real estate owned

     5,856      2,044

Federal Reserve Bank stock, at cost

     4,399      4,399

Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) stock, at cost

     19,935      19,935

Premises and equipment, net

     10,950      10,865

Accrued interest receivable

     9,723      11,261

Deferred tax assets, net

     31,639      28,875

Customers’ liabilities on acceptances

     11,243      10,488

Bank owned life insurance

     23,645      23,571

Goodwill

     2,509      2,509

Other intangible assets, net

     915      1,042

Other assets

     52,427      37,921
             

Total assets

   $ 3,079,020    $ 3,227,957
             
     
     (Continued)

 

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NARA BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

     (Unaudited)
March 31,

2010
    December 31, 2009  
     (Dollars in thousands, except share data)  

LIABILITIES:

    

Deposits:

    

Non-interest bearing

   $ 360,801      $ 330,489   

Interest bearing:

    

Money market and NOW accounts

     547,468        524,188   

Savings deposits

     136,821        136,804   

Time deposits of $100,000 or more

     714,952        932,699   

Other time deposits

     521,750        510,010   
                

Total deposits

     2,281,792        2,434,190   

Federal Home Loan Bank borrowings

     350,000        350,000   

Subordinated debentures

     39,268        39,268   

Secured borrowings

     4,050        —     

Accrued interest payable

     10,070        12,674   

Acceptances outstanding

     11,243        10,488   

Other liabilities

     18,776        13,362   
                

Total liabilities

     2,715,199        2,859,982   

STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY:

    

Preferred stock, $0.001 par value - authorized 10,000,000 undesignated shares; issued and outstanding 67,000 shares of Fixed Rate

    

Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series A with a liquidation preference of $67,428,000 at March 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009

     67,000        67,000   

Preferred stock discount

     (3,503     (3,737

Common stock, $0.001 par value; authorized, 40,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding, 37,835,407 and 37,824,007 shares at March 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009, respectively

     38        38   

Capital surplus

     169,848        169,806   

Retained earnings

     128,288        131,891   

Accumulated other comprehensive income, net

     2,150        2,977   
                

Total stockholders’ equity

     363,821        367,975   
                

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

   $ 3,079,020      $ 3,227,957   
                

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements (unaudited)

 

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NARA BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (LOSS)

For the three months ended March 31, 2010 and 2009

(Unaudited)

 

     Three Months Ended March 31,  
     2010     2009  
     (In thousands, except per share data)  

INTEREST INCOME:

    

Interest and fees on loans

   $ 33,348      $ 31,672   

Interest on securities

     5,088        4,320   

Interest on federal funds sold and other investments

     225        49   
                

Total interest income

     38,661        36,041   
                

INTEREST EXPENSE:

    

Interest on deposits

     9,947        11,825   

Interest on subordinated debetures

     454        558   

Interest on other borrowings

     3,017        3,237   
                

Total interest expense

     13,418        15,620   
                

NET INTEREST INCOME BEFORE PROVISION FOR LOAN LOSSES

     25,243        20,421   

PROVISION FOR LOAN LOSSES

     25,407        15,670   
                

NET INTEREST INCOME (LOSS) AFTER PROVISION FOR LOAN LOSSES

     (164     4,751   
                

NON-INTEREST INCOME:

    

Service fees on deposit accounts

     1,619        1,769   

International service fees

     539        420   

Loan servicing fees, net

     457        475   

Wire transfer fees

     293        352   

Other income and fees

     353        378   

Net gains on sales of SBA loans

     43        63   

Net gains on sales of other loans

     —          387   

Net gains on sales of securities available for sale

     6,296        785   

Net valuation losses on interest rate swaps

     (231     (116

Net gains (losses) on sales of OREO

     15        (130
                

Total non-interest income

     9,384        4,383   
                

NON-INTEREST EXPENSE:

    

Salaries and employee benefits

     5,593        6,443   

Occupancy

     2,427        2,426   

Furniture and equipment

     778        695   

Advertising and marketing

     459        457   

Data processing and communications

     933        901   

Professional fees

     702        678   

FDIC assessment

     1,367        750   

Credit related expenses

     563        1,488   

Other

     1,362        1,410   
                

Total non-interest expense

     14,184        15,248   
                

LOSS BEFORE INCOME TAX BENEFIT

     (4,964     (6,114

INCOME TAX BENEFIT

     (2,432     (2,934
                

NET LOSS

   $ (2,532   $ (3,180
                

DIVIDENDS AND DISCOUNT ACCRETION ON PREFERRED STOCK

   $ (1,071   $ (1,068
                

NET LOSS AVAILABLE TO COMMON STOCKHOLDERS

   $ (3,603   $ (4,248
                

LOSS PER COMMON SHARE

    

Basic

   $ (0.10   $ (0.16

Diluted

   $ (0.10   $ (0.16

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements (unaudited)

 

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NARA BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2010 AND 2009

(Unaudited)

 

          Preferred     Common Stock                Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
       
     Preferred
Stock
   Stock
Discount
    Shares    Amount    Capital
Surplus
    Retained
Earnings
    Income (loss),
net
    Comprehensive
Income (loss)
 
     (In thousands, except share data)  

BALANCE, JANUARY 1, 2009

   $ 67,000    $ (4,664   26,246,560    $ 26    $ 86,843      $ 141,890      $ (1,142  

Issuance of additional stocks pursuant to stock plans

        10,400            

Tax effects of stock plans

                14         

Stock-based compensation

                578         

Cash dividends accrued (5%)

                  (837    

Accretion on preferred stock discount

        230                (230    

Comprehensive income:

                   

Net loss

                  (3,180     $ (3,180

Other comprehensive income (loss):

                   

Change in unrealized gain (loss) on securities available for sale, net of tax

                    3,172        3,172   

Change in unrealized gain (loss) on interest-only strips, net of tax

                    6        6   

Change in unrealized gain (loss) on interest rate swaps, net of tax

                    (21     (21
                         

Total comprehensive loss

                    $ (23
                                                           

BALANCE, MARCH 31, 2009

   $ 67,000    $ (4,434   26,256,960    $ 26    $ 87,435      $ 137,643      $ 2,015     
                                                     
          Preferred     Common Stock                Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
       
     Preferred
Stock
   Stock
Discount
    Shares    Amount    Capital
Surplus
    Retained
Earnings
    Income (Loss),
net
    Comprehensive
Income (loss)
 
     (In thousands, except share data)  

BALANCE, JANUARY 1, 2010

   $ 67,000    $ (3,737   37,824,007    $ 38    $ 169,806      $ 131,891      $ 2,977     

Issuance of additional shares pursuant to various stock plans

        11,400         11         

Tax effects of stock plan

                (17      

Stock-based compensation

                48         

Cash dividends accrued (5%)

                  (837    

Accretion of preferred stock discount

        234                (234    

Comprehensive income:

                   

Net loss

                  (2,532     $ (2,532

Other comprehensive income (loss):

                   

Change in unrealized gain on securities available for sale, net of tax

                    (822     (822

Change in unrealized gain on interest-only strips, net of tax

                    2        2   

Change in unrealized gain (loss) on interest rate swaps, net of tax

                    (7     (7
                         

Total comprehensive income

                    $ (3,359
                                                           

BALANCE, MARCH 31, 2010

   $ 67,000    $ (3,503   37,835,407    $ 38    $ 169,848      $ 128,288      $ 2,150     
                                                     

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

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NARA BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2010 and 2009

(Unaudited)

 

     Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
     2010     2009  
     (In thousands)  

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES

    

Net loss

   $ (2,532   $ (3,180

Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash from operating activities:

    

Depreciation, amortization, net of discount accretion

     3,439        763   

Stock-based compensation expense

     48        578   

Provision for loan losses

     25,407        15,670   

Valuation adjustment of OREO

     157        503   

Proceeds from sales of loans

     4,102        3,500   

Originations of loans held for sale

     (2,207     (404

Deferred gain on transfer of assets

     (325     —     

Net gains on sales of SBA and other loans

     (43     (450

Net change in bank owned life insurance

     (74     (53

Net gains on sales of securities available for sale

     (6,296     (784

Net (gains) losses on sales of OREO

     (15     130   

Net valuation losses on interest rate swaps

     231        116   

Change in accrued interest receivable

     1,538        (108

Change in deferred income taxes

     (2,182     2,067   

Change in prepaid FDIC insurance

     (50     —     

Change in other assets

     1,087        (5,511

Change in accrued interest payable

     (2,604     724   

Change in other liabilities

     5,172        (343
                

Net cash provided by operating activities

     24,853        13,218   
                

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES

    

Net change in loans receivable

     8,263        (5,010

Proceeds from sales of securities available for sale

     208,141        43,712   

Proceeds from sales of OREO

     666        364   

Purchase of premises and equipment

     (773     (447

Purchase of securities available for sale

     —          (90,590

Proceeds from matured or called securities available for sale

     62,479        26,181   
                

Net cash provided by / used in investing activities

     278,776        (25,790
                

(Continued)

 

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CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2010 and 2009

(Unaudited)

 

     Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
     2010     2009  
     (In thousands)  

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES

    

Net increase in deposits

     (152,398     159,709   

Net change in secured borrowings

     4,050        —     

Payment of cash dividends

     (837     (1,503

Proceeds from FHLB borrowings

     10,000        —     

Repayment of FHLB borrowings

     (10,000     —     

Issuance of additional stocks pursuant to various stock plans

     11     

Tax effects on issuance of shares from stock plan

     (17     14   
                

Net cash used in / provided by financing activities

     (149,191     158,220   
                

NET CHANGE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

     154,438        145,648   

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, BEGINNING OF PERIOD

     125,592        49,057   
                

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, END OF PERIOD

   $ 280,030      $ 194,705   
                

SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION

    

Interest paid

   $ 16,022      $ 14,896   

Income taxes paid

   $ 714      $ 75   

SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF NON-CASH INVESTMENT ACTIVITIES

    

Transfer from loans receivable to other real estate owned

   $ 4,620      $ 2,850   

Transfer from loan receivables to loans held for sale

   $ 25,450      $ 3,790   

Investment securities purchases pending future settlement

   $ —        $ 18,281   

Investment securities paydowns pending future settlement

   $ 15,540      $ —     

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements (unaudited)

 

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Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

1. Nara Bancorp, Inc.

Nara Bancorp, Inc. (“Nara Bancorp”, on a parent-only basis, and “Company,” “we” or “our” on a consolidated basis), incorporated under the laws of the State of Delaware in 2000, is a bank holding company, headquartered in Los Angeles, California, offering a full range of commercial banking and certain consumer financial services through its wholly owned subsidiary, Nara Bank (“Nara Bank” or “the Bank”). The Bank was organized in 1989 as a national bank and converted to a California state-chartered bank on January 3, 2005. It has branches in California, New York and New Jersey as well as a Loan Production Office in Texas.

2. Basis of Presentation

Our condensed consolidated financial statements included herein have been prepared without an audit, pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). Certain information and footnote disclosures, normally included in consolidated financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such SEC rules and regulations.

The condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Nara Bancorp and its wholly owned subsidiaries, principally Nara Bank. All intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation.

We believe that we have made all adjustments, consisting solely of normal recurring accruals, necessary to fairly present our financial position at March 31, 2010 and the results of our operations for the three months then ended. Certain reclassifications have been made to prior period amounts to conform to the current year presentation. The results of operations for the interim periods are not necessarily indicative of results for the full year.

These unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements should be read along with the audited consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes included in our 2009 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

3. Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In June 2009, the FASB amended previous guidance relating to transfers of financial assets and eliminates the concept of a qualifying special purpose entity. This guidance must be applied as of the beginning of each reporting entity’s first annual reporting period that begins after November 15, 2009, for interim periods within that first annual reporting period and for interim and annual reporting periods thereafter. This guidance must be applied to transfers occurring on or after the effective date. Additionally, on and after the effective date, the concept of a qualifying special-purpose entity is no longer relevant for accounting purposes. Therefore, formerly qualifying special-purpose entities should be evaluated for consolidation by reporting entities on and after the effective date in accordance with the applicable consolidation guidance. The disclosure provisions were also amended and apply to transfers that occurred both before and after the effective date of this guidance. Upon adoption of this guidance January 1, 2010, the Company was required to defer the recognition of gains on sale of SBA loans until the end of the 90 day recourse period and also to account for the sold portion of such loans as a secured borrowing on the balance sheet for this same timeframe. Accordingly, $325 thousand and $4.1 million of deferred gains and secured borrowings were recorded within liabilities, respectively, in the consolidated balance sheet at March 31, 2010.

In June 2009, the FASB amended guidance for consolidation of variable interest entities by replacing the quantitative-based risks and rewards calculation for determining which enterprise, if any, has a controlling financial interest in a variable interest entity with an approach focused on identifying which enterprise has the power to direct the activities of a variable interest entity that most significantly impact the entity’s economic performance and (1) the obligation to absorb losses of the entity or (2) the right to receive benefits from the entity. Additional disclosures about an enterprise’s involvement in variable interest entities are also required. This guidance is effective as of the beginning of each reporting entity’s first annual reporting period that begins after November 15, 2009, for interim periods within that first annual reporting period, and for interim and annual reporting periods thereafter. Early adoption is prohibited. The effect of adopting this guidance on January 1, 2010 did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial statements.

 

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4. Stock-Based Compensation

The Company has a stock based incentive plan, the 2007 Nara Bancorp, Inc. Equity Incentive Plan (“2007 Plan”). The 2007 Plan, which was approved by our stockholders on May 31, 2007, provides for grants of stock options, stock appreciation rights (“SARs”), restricted stock, performance shares and performance units (sometimes referred to individually or collectively as “awards”) to non-employee directors, officers, employees and consultants of the Company. Stock options may be either “incentive stock options” (“ISOs”), as defined in Section 422 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), or nonqualified stock options (“NQSOs”).

The 2007 Plan gives the Company flexibility to (i) attract and retain qualified non-employee directors, executives and other key employees and consultants with appropriate equity-based awards, (ii) motivate high levels of performance, (iii) recognize employee contributions to the Company’s success, and (iv) align the interests of Plan participants with those of the Company’s stockholders. The exercise price for shares under an ISO may not be less than 100% of fair market value on the date the award is granted under Code Section 422. Similarly, under the terms of the 2007 Plan the exercise price for SARs and NQSOs may not be less than 100% of FMV on the date of grant. Performance units are awarded to a participant at the market price of the Company’s common stock on the date of award (after the lapse of the restriction period and the attainment of the performance criteria). No minimum exercise price is prescribed for performance shares and restricted stock awarded under the 2007 Plan.

ISOs, SARs and NQSOs have vesting periods of three to five years and have 10-year contractual terms. Restricted stock, performance shares, and performance units will be granted with a restriction period not less than one year from the grant date for performance-based awards and not less than three years from the grant date for time-based vesting of grants. Compensation expense for awards is recorded over the vesting period.

The 2007 Plan reserves 1,300,000 shares for issuance. 1,213,800 shares were available for future grants as of March 31, 2010.

The total shares reserved for issuance will serve as the underlying value for all equity awards under the 2007 Plan. With the exception of the shares underlying stock options and restricted stock awards, the board of directors may choose to settle the awards by paying the equivalent cash value or by delivering the appropriate number of shares.

The stock option plan adopted in 2000, under which options and restricted units were previously granted to employees, officers, and directors of the Company is no longer active and no additional equity may be granted under the plan. Options under the 2000 Plan were granted with an exercise price equal to the fair market value on the date of grant with vesting periods from three to five years and have 10-year contractual terms. Some restricted units were awarded under 2000 plan to participants at the fair market value of the Company’s common stock on the date of award and all units granted under this plan were fully vested on the third anniversary of the grant. Compensation expense for the awards was recorded over the vesting period.

For the three months ended March 31, 2010, no stock options were granted. The fair value of each option granted for the three months ended March 31, 2009 is estimated on the date of grant using a Black-Scholes valuation model that uses the assumptions noted in the following table. Expected stock price volatility is based on the historical volatility of our stock. We use historical data to estimate the option exercise and employee terminations within the valuation model. The expected term of options granted is derived from the output of the option valuation model and represents the period of time that options granted are expected to be outstanding. The risk-free interest rate for periods within the contractual life of the option is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant.

 

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     2009  

Risk-free interest rate

     2.3

Expected option life (years)

     6.2   

Expected stock price volatility

     51.2

Dividend yield

     3.4

Weighted average fair value of options granted during the period

   $ 0.44   

The following is a summary of stock option activity under the Plan for the three months ended March 31, 2010:

 

     Number
of Shares
   Weighted-
Average
Exercise
Price Per
Share
   Weighted-
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Life (Years)
   Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value

Outstanding - January 1, 2010

   1,033,250    $ 11.80      

Granted

   —        —        

Exercised

   —        —        

Forfeited

   —        —        
             

Outstanding - March 31, 2010

   1,033,250    $ 11.80    3.04    $ 564,000
             

Options exercisable - March 31, 2010

   971,250    $ 11.80    2.77    $ 560,000

Unvested options expected to vest after March 31, 2010

   48,397    $ 11.86    7.24    $ 3,000

The following is a summary of restricted and performance unit activity under the Plan for the three months ended March 31, 2010:

 

     Number
of Shares
    Weighted-
Average
Grant
Date Fair
Value
   Weighted-
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Life (Years)

Outstanding - January 1, 2010

   58,300      $ 10.23   

Granted

   —          —     

Vested

   (11,400     12.60   

Forfeited

   (21,500     10.45   
           

Outstanding - March 31, 2010

   25,400      $ 8.99    8.33
           

The total fair value of performance units vested for the three months ending March 31, 2010 and 2009 was $101 thousand and $28 thousand, respectively.

The amount charged against income, before income tax benefit (provision) of ($16 thousand) and $238 thousand, in relation to the stock-based payment arrangements was $48 thousand and $578 thousand for the three months ending March 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively. At March 31, 2010, unrecognized compensation expense related to non-vested stock option grants and restricted and performance units aggregated $217 thousand, and is expected to be recognized over a remaining weighted average vesting period of 1.1 years.

 

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The estimated annual stock-based compensation as of March 31, 2010 for each of the succeeding years is indicated in the table below:

 

     Stock Based
Compensation Expense
     (In thousands)

Remainder of 2010

   $ 168

For the year ended December 31:

  

2011

     28

2012

     9

2013

     9

Thereafter

     3
      

Total

   $ 217
      

5. Earnings Per Share (“EPS”)

Basic EPS excludes dilution and is computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted EPS reflects the potential dilution that could occur if stock options or other contracts to issue common stock were exercised or converted to common stock that would then share in our earnings. For the three months ended March 31, 2010 and 2009, stock options and restricted shares awards for approximately 1,059,000 shares and 1,150,000 shares of common stock were excluded in computing diluted earnings per common share because they were antidilutive. Additionally, warrants to purchase 521,266 and 1,042,531 shares of common stock were also antidilutive for the three months ended March 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively.

The following table shows the computation of basic and diluted EPS for the three months ended March 31, 2010 and 2009.

 

     For the three months ended March 31,  
     2010     2009  
     Net income
available to
common
stockholders
(Numerator)
    Shares
(Denominator)
   Per Share
(Amount)
    Net income
available to
common
stockholders
(Numerator)
    Shares
(Denominator)
   Per Share
(Amount)
 
     (Dollars in thousands, except share and per share data)  

Net loss as reported

   $ (2,532        $ (3,180     

Less: preferred stock dividends and accretion of preferred stock discount

     (1,071          (1,068     
                          

Basic EPS - common stock

   $ (3,603   37,828,587    $ (0.10   $ (4,248   26,250,258    $ (0.16
                          

Effect of Dilutive Securities:

              

Stock Options

     —          —     
                              

Diluted EPS - common stock

   $ (3,603   37,828,587    $ (0.10   $ (4,248   26,250,258    $ (0.16
                                          

 

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6. Securities Available for Sale

The following table summarizes the amortized cost, estimated fair value and distribution of our investment securities portfolio as of the dates indicated:

 

     At March 31, 2010
     Amortized
Cost
   Gross
Unrealized
Gains
   Gross
Unrealized
Losses
    Estimated
Fair Value
     (In thousands)

Available for Sale

          

Debt securities *:

          

GSE bonds

   $ 78,082    $ 690    $ (21   $ 78,751

GSE collateralized mortgage obligations

     142,409      1,377      (550     143,236

GSE mortgage-backed securities

     259,777      2,842      (339     262,280

Corporate note

     4,462      —        (773     3,689

Municipal bonds

     5,258      86      (8     5,336
                            

Total debt securities

     489,988      4,995      (1,691     493,292

Mutual funds

     5,462      47      —          5,509
                            
   $ 495,450    $ 5,042    $ (1,691   $ 498,801
                            
     At December 31, 2009
     Amortized
Cost
   Gross
Unrealized
Gains
   Gross
Unrealized
Losses
    Estimated
Fair Value
     (In thousands)

Available for Sale

          

Debt securities*:

          

GSE bonds

   $ 85,343    $ 354    $ (468   $ 85,229

GSE collateralized mortgage obligations

     191,711      1,273      (1,949     191,035

GSE mortgage-backed securities

     485,705      7,333      (824     492,214

Corporate note

     4,458      —        (1,034     3,424

Municipal bonds

     5,259      78      (12     5,325
                            

Total debt securities

     772,476      9,038      (4,287     777,227

Mutual funds

     5,462      1      —          5,463
                            
   $ 777,938    $ 9,039    $ (4,287   $ 782,690
                            

 

* As of March 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009, Government Sponsored Enterprises (GSE) included GNMA, FHLB, FNMA, FHLMC, and FFCB and are all residential based investments.

The proceeds from sales of securities and the associated gains are listed below:

 

     For the three months ended March 31,
     2010    2009
     (In thousands)

Proceeds

   $ 208,141    $ 43,712

Gross gains

     6,295      784

Gross losses

     —        —  

 

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The proceeds from calls of securities were $7.0 million and $0 for the three months ended March 31, 2010 and 2009 with gross gains of $1 thousand and $0, respectively.

The amortized cost and estimated fair value of debt securities at March 31, 2010, by contractual maturity, are shown below. Expected maturities may differ from contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties. Securities not due at a single maturity date are shown separately.

 

     Amortized
Cost
   Estimated
Fair Value
     (In thousands)

Available for sale:

     

Due within one year

   $ —      $ —  

Due after one year through five years

     —        —  

Due after five years through ten years

     16,353      16,434

Due after ten years

     71,449      71,342

GSE collaterized mortgage obligations

     142,409      143,236

GSE mortgage-backed securities

     259,777      262,280

Mutual funds

     5,462      5,509
             
   $ 495,450    $ 498,801
             

Securities with carrying values of approximately $284.0 million and $243.2 million at March 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009, respectively, were pledged to secure public deposits, various borrowings and for other purposes as required or permitted by law.

The following table shows our investments’ gross unrealized losses and estimated fair value, aggregated by investment category and the length of time that the individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position as of the dates indicated.

 

At March 31, 2010    Less than 12 months     12 months or longer     Total  
Description of Securities    Number of
Securities
   Fair Value    Gross
Unrealized
Losses
    Number of
Securities
   Fair Value    Gross
Unrealized
Losses
    Number of
Securities
   Fair Value    Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
          (Dollars in thousands)  

GSE bonds

   2    $ 6,192    $ (21   0    $ —      $ —        2    $ 6,192    $ (21

GSE collaterized mortgage obligations

   2      24,645    $ (74   3      21,303    $ (476   5      45,948    $ (550

GSE mortgage-backed securities

   12      59,313      (338   1      58      (1   13      59,371      (339

Corporate note

   —        —        —        1      3,689      (773   1      3,689      (773

Municipal bonds

   4      1,509      (8   —        —        —        4      1,509      (8
                                                            
   20    $ 91,659    $ (441   5    $ 25,050    $ (1,250   25    $ 116,709    $ (1,691
                                                            

 

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At December 31, 2009:    Less than 12 months     12 months or longer     Total  
Description of Securities    Number of
Securities
   Fair Value    Gross
Unrealized
Losses
    Number of
Securities
   Fair Value    Gross
Unrealized
Losses
    Number of
Securities
   Fair Value    Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
     (In thousands)  

GSE bonds

   12    $ 45,067    $ (468   —      $ —      $ —        12    $ 45,067    $ (468

GSE collaterized mortgage obligations

   8      79,518      (1,251   5      28,494      (698   13      108,012      (1,949

GSE mortgage-backed securities

   22      104,900      (823   1      59      (1   23      104,959      (824

Corporate note

   —        —        —        1      3,424      (1,034   1      3,424      (1,034

Municipal bonds

   4      1,506      (12   —        —        —        4      1,506      (12
                                                            
   46    $ 230,991    $ (2,554   7    $ 31,977    $ (1,733   53    $ 262,968    $ (4,287
                                                            

We evaluate securities for other-than-temporary impairment on at least a quarterly basis, and more frequently when economic or market concerns warrant such evaluation. Consideration is given to the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer; the length of time and the extent to which the fair value has been less than cost, and our intention to sell, or whether it is more likely than not that we will be required to sell, a security in an unrealized loss position before recovery of its amortized cost basis. In analyzing an issuer’s financial condition, we consider whether the securities are issued by the federal government or its agencies, whether downgrades by bond rating agencies have occurred, and the results of reviews of the issuer’s financial condition.

The corporate note at March 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009 consists of one bond with an amortized cost of $4.5 million and an unrealized loss of $773 thousand at March 31, 2010. The bond is scheduled to mature in May 2047, with a first call date option in May 2012. Management determined this unrealized loss did not represent other-than-temporary impairment at March 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009 as the investment is rated investment grade and there are no credit quality concerns with the obligor. The market value decline is deemed to be due to the current market volatility and is not reflective of management’s expectations of our ability to fully recover this investment, which may be at maturity. Interest on the corporate note has been paid as agreed and management believes this will continue in the future and the bond will be repaid in full as scheduled. For these reasons, no other-than-temporary impairment was recognized on the corporate note at March 31, 2010.

Except as noted above, we consider the losses on our investments in an unrealized loss position at March 31, 2010 to be temporary based on: 1) the likelihood of recovery; 2) the information relative to the extent and duration of the decline in market value; and 3) the Company’s intention not to sell, and our determination that it is more likely than not that we will not be required to sell, a security in an unrealized loss position before recovery of its amortized cost basis.

 

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7. Loans Receivable and Allowance for Loan Losses

The following is a summary of loans receivable by major category:

 

     March 31, 2010     December 31, 2009  
     (In thousands)  

Loan portfolio composition

    

Real estate loans:

    

Residential

   $ 4,746      $ 4,801   

Commercial & industrial

     1,556,756        1,595,219   

Construction

     56,465        54,084   
                

Total real estate loans

     1,617,967        1,654,104   

Commercial business

     462,947        487,736   

Trade finance

     52,028        51,411   

Consumer and other

     16,766        18,035   
                

Total loans outstanding

     2,149,708        2,211,286   

Less: deferred loan fees

     (2,215     (2,343
                

Gross loans receivable

     2,147,493        2,208,943   

Less: allowance for loan losses

     (63,995     (59,424
                

Loans receivable, excluding guaranteed portion of delinquent SBA loans

     2,083,498        2,149,519   

Guaranteed portion of delinquent SBA loans

     14,771        12,490   
                

Loans receivable, net

   $ 2,098,269      $ 2,162,009   
                

Activity in the allowance for loan losses is as follows for the periods indicated:

 

     Three months ended March 31,  
     2010     2009  
     (In thousands)  

Balance, beginning of period

   $ 59,424      $ 43,419   

Provision for loan losses

     25,407        15,670   

Loan charge-offs

     (21,057     (8,668

Loan recoveries

     221        83   
                

Balance, end of period

   $ 63,995      $ 50,504   
                

The allowance for loan losses is comprised of specific loss allowances for impaired loans and general loan loss allowances based on quantitative and qualitative analyses.

 

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Individually impaired loans were as follows:

 

     March 31, 2010    December 31, 2009
     (In thousands)

Impaired loans with no allocated allowance for loan losses

   $ 53,600    $ 37,941

Impaired loans with allocated allowance for loan losses

     92,948      82,599
             

Total

   $ 146,548    $ 120,540
             

Amount of the allowance for loan losses allocated

   $ 26,126    $ 19,803
             

 

     Three Months Ended
     March 10, 2010    March 31, 2009
     (In thousands)

Average of individually impaired loans during the period

   $ 133,544    $ 66,586

Interest income recognized during impairment

     1,516      850

Cash-basis interest income recognized

     1,516      724

Non accrual loans and loans past due 90 days still on accrual were as follows:

 

     March 31, 2010    December 31, 2009
     (In thousands)

Loans past due over 90 days still on accrual

   $ 457    $ —  

Nonaccrual loans

     62,775      51,674

Nonaccrual loans and loans past due 90 days still on accrual include both smaller balance homogeneous loans that are collectively evaluated for impairment and individually classified impaired loans.

A general loan loss allowance is provided on loans not specifically identified as impaired (non-impaired loans). The allowance is determined first based on a quantitative analysis using a loss migration methodology. The loans are classified by type and loan grade, and the historical loss migration is tracked for the various stratifications. Loss experience is quantified for the most recent 12 quarters, and that loss experience is applied to the stratified portfolio at each quarter end. In the current environment, the loss experience of the most recent four quarters is given more weight in determination of the loss experience factor to be applied to the non-impaired loan portfolio. During 2009, the non-impaired Commercial Real Estate loan portfolio was stratified into ten different loan pools based on property types and the non-impaired Commercial and Industrial loan portfolio was stratified into five different loan pools based on loan type, to allocate historic loss experience to more granular loan pools.

The stratification of the non-impaired loan portfolio resulted in a quantitative general loan loss allowance of $12.1 million at March 31, 2010, compared to $11.3 million at December 31, 2009.

In addition to the quantitative analysis, a qualitative analysis is performed each quarter to provide additional loss allowances on the non-impaired loan portfolio for the following factors that have a bearing on its loss content.

 

   

Changes in lending policies and procedures, including underwriting standards and collection, charge-off, and recovery practices.

 

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Changes in international, national and local economic and business conditions and developments, including the condition of various market segments.

 

   

Changes in the nature and volume of the loan portfolio.

 

   

Changes in the experience, ability, and depth of lending management and staff.

 

   

Changes in the trends of the volume and severity of past due and classified loans; and changes in trends in the volume of non-accrual loans, troubled debt restructurings, and other loan modifications.

 

   

Changes in the quality of our loan review system.

 

   

The existence and effect of any concentrations of credit, and changes in the level of such concentrations.

 

   

Changes in the value of underlying collateral for collateral dependent loans.

 

   

Other external factors not considered above.

The qualitative loan loss allowance on the non-impaired loan portfolio was $25.7 million at March 31, 2010 compared to $28.4 million at December 31, 2009. The following table presents the allocation of the specific and general components of the allowance by significant loan types:

 

     March 31, 2010     December 31, 2009  
     (Dollars in thousands)  
     Commercial
Real Estate
Loans
    Commercial
Loans
    Other
Loans**
    Total     Commercial
Real Estate
Loans
    Commercial
Loans
    Other
Loans**
    Total  

Impaired loans

   $ 108,187      $ 32,253      $ 6,108      $ 146,548      $ 94,600      $ 23,598      $ 2,342      $ 120,540   

Specific allowance

   $ (13,702   $ (11,830   $ (594   $ (26,126   $ (10,852   $ (8,676   $ (275   $ (19,803

Loss coverage ratio

     12.67     36.68     9.72     17.83     11.47     36.77     11.74     16.43

Non-impaired loans

   $ 1,448,569      $ 430,694      $ 121,682      $ 2,000,945      $ 1,500,619      $ 464,138      $ 123,646      $ 2,088,403   

General allowance

   $ (30,380   $ (5,490   $ (1,999   $ (37,869   $ (30,193   $ (6,979   $ (2,449   $ (39,621

Loss coverage ratio

     2.10     1.27     1.64     1.89     2.01     1.50     1.98     1.90

Total loans*

   $ 1,556,756      $ 462,947      $ 127,790      $ 2,147,493      $ 1,595,219      $ 487,736      $ 125,988      $ 2,208,943   

Total allowance for loan losses

   $ (44,082   $ (17,320   $ (2,593   $ (63,995   $ (41,045   $ (15,655   $ (2,724   $ (59,424

Loss coverage ratio

     2.83     3.74     2.03     2.98     2.57     3.21     2.16     2.69

 

* Excludes the guaranteed portion of delinquent SBA loans.
** Includes residential real estate, construction, trade finance and consumer loans.

Under certain circumstances, we will provide borrowers relief through a loan modification. These modifications are either temporary in nature (temporary modifications), or are more substantive troubled debt restructurings. At March 31, 2010 total modified loans were $139.1 million, compared to $108.4 million at December 31, 2009. The temporary modifications generally consist of interest only payments for a three to six month period, whereby principal payments are deferred. At the end of the modification period, the remaining principal balance is re-amortized based on the original maturity date. Loans subject to temporary modifications are generally downgraded to substandard or special mention. At March 31, 2010 total temporary modifications outstanding were $49.0 million compared to $26.3 million at December 31, 2009. At the end of the modification period, the loan 1) returns to the original contractual terms; 2) is further modified and accounted for as a troubled debt restructuring in accordance with FASB ASC 310-10-35; or 3) is disposed of through foreclosure or liquidation.

 

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Troubled Debt Restructured (TDR) loans are defined by FASB ASC 310-40, “Troubled Debt Restructurings by Creditors” and FASB ASC 470-60, “Troubled Debt Restructurings by Debtors” and evaluated for impairment in accordance with FASB ASC 310-10-35. At March 31, 2010, loans classified as a TDR totaled $90.1 million, of which $25.1 million was on non-accrual status and $65.0 million was on accrual status. At December 31, 2009, loans classified as a TDR totaled $82.1 million, of which $17.8 million was on non-accrual status and $64.3 million was on accrual status. The Company has allocated $18.3 million and $14.1 million of specific reserves to TDRs as of March 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009, respectively. TDRs are generally downgraded to substandard, partially accounting for the increase in loans classified as substandard to $169.1 million at March 31, 2010 from $153.5 million at December 31, 2009. As of March 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009, we did not have any outstanding commitments to extend additional funds to these borrowers.

8. Borrowings

We maintain a secured credit facility with the Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco (“FHLB – SF”) against which the Company may take advances. The borrowing capacity is limited to the lower of 30% of the Bank’s total assets or the Bank’s collateral capacity, which was $606.9 million at March 31, 2010. The terms of this credit facility require the Company to pledge with the FHLB, eligible collateral with the FHLB-SF equal to at least 100% of outstanding advances.

At March 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009, real estate secured loans with a carrying amount of approximately $1.2 billion and $1.1 billion, respectively, were pledged as collateral for borrowings from the FHLB-SF. At March 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009, other than FHLB-SF stock, no securities were pledged as collateral for borrowings from the FHLB-SF.

At March 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009, FHLB-SF borrowings were $350 million, had a weighted average interest rate of 3.42% and 3.46%%, respectively, and had various maturities through September 2016. At March 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009, putable advances with various putable dates and strike prices were $150 million. The cost of FHLB borrowings as of March 31, 2010 ranged between 1.68% and 4.57%. At March 31, 2010, the Company had a remaining borrowing capacity of $256.9 million.

At March 31, 2010, the contractual maturities for FHLB-SF borrowings were as follows:

 

     Contractual
Maturities
   Maturity/
Put Date
     (In thousands)

Due within one year

   $ 75,000    $ 225,000

Due after one year through five years

     270,000      120,000

Due after five years through ten years

     5,000      5,000
             
   $ 350,000    $ 350,000
             

In addition, as a member of the Federal Reserve Bank (“FRB”) system, we may borrow from the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco. The maximum amount that we may borrow from the Federal Reserve Bank’s discount window is 98% of the fair value of the securities that are pledged and up to 63% of the outstanding principal balance of the qualifying loans that are pledged. At March 31, 2010, the outstanding principal balance of the qualifying loans was $364.7 million. As of March 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009, there was no borrowing outstanding against the line.

 

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9. Subordinated Debentures

At March 31, 2010, five wholly-owned subsidiary grantor trusts established by Nara Bancorp had issued $38 million of pooled Trust Preferred Securities (“trust preferred securities”). Trust preferred securities accrue and pay distributions periodically at specified annual rates as provided in the indentures. The trusts used the net proceeds from the offering to purchase a like amount of subordinated debentures (the “Debentures”) of Nara Bancorp. The Debentures are the sole assets of the trusts. Nara Bancorp’s obligations under the subordinated debentures and related documents, taken together, constitute a full and unconditional guarantee by Nara Bancorp of the obligations of the trusts. The trust preferred securities are mandatorily redeemable upon the maturity of the Debentures, or upon earlier redemption of the Debentures as provided in the indentures. Nara Bancorp has the right to redeem the Debentures in whole (but not in part) on or after specific dates, at a redemption price specified in the indentures plus any accrued but unpaid interest to the redemption date. Nara Bancorp also has a right to defer consecutive payments of interest on the debentures for up to five years.

The following table is a summary of trust preferred securities and debentures at March 31, 2010:

 

          (Dollars in Thousands)                      

Issuance Trust

   Issuance
Date
   Trust Preferred
Security Amount
   Subordinated
Debentures
Amount
   Rate
Type
   Initial
Rate
    Rate at
3/31/10
    Maturity
Date

Nara Bancorp Capital Trust I

   03/28/2001    $ 10,000    $ 10,400    Fixed    10.18   10.18   06/08/2031

Nara Capital Trust III

   06/05/2003      5,000      5,155    Variable    4.44   3.41   06/15/2033

Nara Statutory Trust IV

   12/22/2003      5,000      5,155    Variable    4.02   3.10   01/07/2034

Nara Statutory Trust V

   12/17/2003      10,000      10,310    Variable    4.12   3.21   12/17/2033

Nara Statutory Trust VI

   03/22/2007      8,000      8,248    Variable    7.00   1.91   06/15/2037
                          

TOTAL ISSUANCE

      $ 38,000    $ 39,268          
                          

The Company’s investment in the common trust securities of the issuer trusts of $1.5 million at March 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009 is included in other assets. Although the securities issued by of the trusts are not included as a component of stockholders’ equity in the consolidated balance sheets, the securities are treated as capital for regulatory purposes. Specifically, under applicable regulatory guidelines, the $38 million of securities issued by the trusts qualify as Tier 1 capital, along with the $63.5 million of our outstanding Fixed Rate Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, net of discount, up to a maximum of 25% of capital on an aggregate basis. Any amount that exceeds 25% qualifies as Tier 2 capital. At March 31, 2010, all of the combined $101.5 million of the trusts’ securities and preferred stock outstanding qualified as Tier 1 capital.

The Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, which is the holding company’s federal banking regulator, has promulgated a modification of the capital regulations affecting trust preferred securities. Under this modification, beginning March 31, 2011, the Company is required to use a more restrictive formula to determine the amount of trust preferred securities that can be included in regulatory Tier I capital. The Company will be allowed to include in Tier I capital an amount of trust preferred securities equal to no more than 25% of the sum of all core capital elements, which is generally defined as stockholders’ equity less certain intangibles, including core deposit intangibles, net of any related deferred income tax liability. The existing regulations in effect limit the amount of trust preferred securities that can be included in Tier I capital to 25% of the sum of core capital elements without a deduction for permitted intangibles. The adoption of this modification is not expected to have a material impact on the inclusion of trust preferred securities for purposes of Tier 1 capital.

 

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10. Derivative Financial Instruments and Hedging Activities

As part of our asset and liability management strategy, we may enter into derivative financial instruments, such as interest rate swaps, caps and floors, with the overall goal of minimizing the impact of interest rate fluctuations on our net interest margin. Interest rate swaps and caps involve the exchange of fixed-rate and variable-rate interest payment obligations without the exchange of the underlying notional amounts.

In January of 2008, the Company entered into five interest swap agreements with an aggregate notional amount of $50 million. Under these swap agreements, the Company received a floating rate, resetting semi-annually based on the 6 Month London-Interbank Offered Rate (“6 Mo. LIBOR”), and paid a fixed rate of 3.57%, until January 2010. These interest rate swap agreements are considered “free-standing” due to non-designation of a hedge relationship to any of its financial assets or liabilities. These interest swap agreements matured on January 14, 2010 and the Company did not have any outstanding interest rate swaps at March 31, 2010.

During the third quarter of 2009, we entered into two interest rate cap agreements with an aggregate notional amount of $50 million. Under these cap agreements, we receive quarterly payments from the counterparty when the quarterly resetting 3 Month London-Interbank Offered Rate (“3 Mo. LIBOR”) exceeds the strike level of 2.00%. The upfront fee paid to the counterparty in entering into these two interest rate cap agreements was $359 thousand. During the first quarter of 2010, we entered into another interest rate cap agreement with an aggregate notional amount of $50 million. Under this cap agreement, we also receive quarterly payments from the counterparty when the quarterly resetting 3 Mo. LIBOR exceeds the strike level of 2.00%. The up front fee paid to the counterparty in entering into this interest rate cap agreement was $890 thousand. These interest rate cap agreements are considered “free-standing” due to non-designation of a hedge relationship to any of its financial assets or liabilities. Under FASB ASC 815, valuation gains or losses on interest rate caps not designated as hedging instruments are recognized in earnings. At March 31, 2010, the aggregate fair value of the outstanding interest rate caps was $826 thousand and we recognized mark-to-market losses on valuation of $241 thousand for the quarter ending March 31, 2010.

The following tables summarize the fair value of derivative financial instruments utilized by the Company:

 

     Derivatives at  
     March 31, 2010    December 31, 2009  
     (Dollars in Thousands)  
     Balance Sheet
Location
   Fair Value    Balance Sheet
Location
   Fair Value  

Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:

           

Interest rate caps

   Other Assets    $ 826    Other Assets    $ 177   

Interest rate swaps

   Other Liabilities      —      Other Liabilities      (645
                     

Total derivatives not designated as hedging instruments

      $ 826       $ (468
                     

 

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The effect of derivative instruments on the Consolidated Statement of Income for the three months ended March 31, 2010 and 2009 are as follows:

 

          Three Months Ended,  
          3/31/2010     3/31/2009  
     Location of Loss
Recognized in Income on
Derivatives
   Amount of Loss
Recognized in Income on
Derivatives
 

Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments under FASB ASC 815:

       

Interest rate contracts (1)

   Other income    $ (241   $ (151
                   

Total

      $ (241   $ (151
                   

 

(1) Includes amounts representing the net interest payments as stated in the contractual agreements and the valuation gains or (losses) on interest rate contracts not designated as hedging instruments.

11. Business Segments

Our management utilizes an internal reporting system to measure the performance of our various operating segments. We have identified three principal operating segments for the purposes of management reporting: banking operations, trade finance services (“TFS”) and small business administration (“SBA”) lending services. Information related to our remaining centralized functions and eliminations of inter-segment amounts has been aggregated and included in banking operations. Although all three operating segments offer financial products and services, they are managed separately based on each segment's strategic focus. The banking operations segment focuses primarily on commercial and consumer lending and deposit operations throughout our branch network. The TFS segment focuses primarily on allowing our import/export customers to handle their international transactions. Trade finance products include the issuance and collection of letters of credit, international collection and import/export financing. The SBA segment primarily provides our customers with access to the U.S. SBA guaranteed lending program. The SBA segment also makes commercial real estate and commercial business loans, which are not under the SBA guarantee program.

Operating segment results are based on our internal management reporting process, which reflects assignments and allocations of capital, certain operating and administrative costs and the provision for loan losses. Non-interest income and non-interest expense, including depreciation and amortization, directly attributable to a segment are assigned to that business. We allocate indirect costs, including overhead expense, to the various segments based on several factors, including, but not limited to, full-time equivalent employees, loan volume and deposit volume. We evaluate the overall performance based on profit or loss from operations before income taxes, excluding gains and losses that are not expected to reoccur. Future changes in our management structure or reporting methodologies may result in changes to the measurement of our operating segment results.

 

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The following tables present the operating results and other key financial measures for the individual operating segments for the three and nine months ended March 31, 2010 and 2009.

Three Months Ended March 31,

(Dollars in thousands)

 

      Business Segment  

2010

   Banking
Operations
    TFS*     SBA     Company  

Net interest income, before provision for loan losses

   $ 20,746      $ 2,020      $ 2,477      $ 25,243   

Less provision for loan losses

     19,842        2,994        2,571        25,407   

Non-interest income

     8,312        557        515        9,384   
                                

Net revenue

     9,216        (417     421        9,220   

Non-interest expense

     13,246        473        465        14,184   
                                

Income (loss) before income taxes

   $ (4,030   $ (890   $ (44   $ (4,964
                                

Goodwill

   $ 2,509      $ —        $ —        $ 2,509   
                                

Total assets

   $ 2,549,346      $ 234,160      $ 295,514      $ 3,079,020   
                                

2009

   Banking
Operations
    TFS     SBA     Company  

Net interest income, before provision for loan losses

   $ 16,918      $ 794      $ 2,709      $ 20,421   

Less provision for loan losses

     8,030        —          7,640        15,670   

Non-interest income

     3,499        442        442        4,383   
                                

Net revenue

     12,387        1,236        (4,489     9,134   

Non-interest expense

     12,063        802        2,383        15,248   
                                

Income (loss) before income taxes

   $ 324      $ 434      $ (6,872   $ (6,114
                                

Goodwill

   $ 2,509      $ —        $ —        $ 2,509   
                                

Total assets

   $ 2,315,394      $ 169,064      $ 341,079      $ 2,825,537   
                                

 

* Beginning in 2010, we reevaluated our method of charging fund transfer costs to each business unit and made certain changes to the method. This change resulted in a significant difference in the fund transfer cost for the Trade Finance Operation.

The SBA business segment primarily originates for sale and services SBA loans. It also originates commercial real estate loans and commercial business loans, not covered by the SBA guarantee program. Total SBA business segment assets at March 31, 2010 and 2009 included SBA loans (principally, the unguaranteed portion) of $104.0 million and $96.2 million; commercial real estate loans of $165.7 million and $197.7 million; and commercial business loans of $14.7 million and $14.9 million, respectively.

12. Income Taxes

Our Company and its subsidiaries are subject to U.S. federal income tax as well as income tax of the state of California and various other state income taxes. The total amount of unrecognized tax benefits was $162 thousand at March 31, 2010 and $151 thousand at December 31, 2009 and is primarily for uncertainties related to income taxes for the California Enterprise Zone loan interest deductions taken in prior years. The total amount of tax benefits that, if recognized, would favorably impact the effective tax rate was $162 thousand and $151 thousand at March 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009, respectively. The amount of unrecognized tax benefits increased slightly due to the uncertainties related to income taxes for the California Enterprise Zone loan interest deductions added in 2010.

 

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We recognize interest and penalties related to income tax matters in income tax expense. We accrued approximately $14 thousand and $11 thousand for interest and penalties at March 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009, respectively.

Income tax expense is the total of the current year income tax due or refundable and the change in deferred tax assets and liabilities. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases and operating loss and tax credit carry forwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. A valuation allowance, if needed, reduces deferred tax assets to the amount expected to be realized. For purposes of a valuation allowance, the Company evaluates all evidence currently available, both positive and negative, including existence of taxes paid in available carry-back years, forecasts of future income, cumulative losses, applicable tax planning strategies and assessments of the current and future economic and business conditions.

Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance when, in the opinion of management, it is more likely than not that some portion, or all, of the deferred tax asset will not be realized. In assessing the realization of deferred tax assets, management evaluates both positive and negative evidence, including the existence of any cumulative losses in the current year and the prior two years, the amount of taxes paid in available carry-back years, the forecasts of future income, applicable tax planning strategies, and assessments of current and future economic and business conditions. This analysis is updated quarterly and adjusted as necessary. At the end of the first quarter 2010, based on the Company’s ability to carryback up to $29 million of potential pre-tax losses generated in future years to prior years, the fact the Company has not had cumulative losses in the prior three years, the fact the Company has continued to be taxable in 2008 and 2009 and their assessment of future income, and current and future business and economic conditions, the Company has determined that a valuation allowance for deferred tax assets is not required.

13. Fair Value Measurements

FASB ASC 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures, establishes a fair value hierarchy which requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. The standard describes three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value:

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

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

Level 3: Significant unobservable inputs that reflect a reporting entity’s own assumptions about the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability.

Securities Available for Sale

The fair values of securities available for sale are determined by obtaining quoted prices on nationally recognized securities exchanges (Level 1 inputs) or matrix pricing, which is a mathematical technique widely used in the industry to value debt securities without relying exclusively on quoted prices for the specific securities but rather by relying on the securities’ relationship to other benchmark quoted securities (Level 2 inputs).

 

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Table of Contents

Impaired Loans

The fair values of impaired loans are generally measured for impairment using the practical expedients permitted by FASB ASC 310-10-35 including impaired loans measured at an observable market price (if available), or at the fair value of the loan’s collateral (if the loan is collateral dependent). Fair value of the loan’s collateral, when the loan is dependent on collateral, is determined by appraisals or independent valuation, which is then adjusted for the cost related to liquidation of the collateral. These are considered Level 2 inputs. For the loan’s collateral for which observable market prices are not available, fair value is estimated using discounted cash flow models. These are considered Level 3 inputs.

Derivatives

The fair value of our derivative financial instruments, including interest rate swaps and caps, is based on derivative valuation models using market data inputs as of the valuation date that can generally be verified and do not typically involve significant management judgments. (Level 2 inputs).

Other Real Estate Owned

Other real estate owned is valued at the time the loan is foreclosed upon and the asset is transferred to other real estate owned. The value is based primarily on third party appraisals, less costs to sell and result in a Level 2 classification of the inputs for determining fair value. Other real estate owned is reviewed and evaluated on at least an annual basis for additional impairment and adjusted accordingly, based on the same factors identified above.

Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis are summarized below:

 

          Fair Value Measurements Using
     At March 31, 2010    Quoted Prices
in Active
Markets for
Identical Assets
(Level 1)
   Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
   Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
     (In thousands)

Assets:

           

Securities available for sale:

           

GSE bonds

   $ 78,751    $ —      $ 78,751    $ —  

GSE collateralized mortgage obligations

     143,236      —        143,236      —  

GSE mortgage-backed securities

     262,280      —        262,280      —  

Corporate note

     3,689      —        3,689      —  

Municipal bonds

     5,336      —        5,336      —  

Mutual funds

     5,509      5,509      —        —  

Derivatives - Interest rate caps

     826      —        826      —  

 

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           Fair Value Measurements Using
     At December 31, 2009     Quoted Prices
in Active
Markets for
Identical Assets
(Level 1)
   Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
    Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
     (In thousands)

Assets:

         

Securities available for sale:

         

GSE bonds

   $ 85,229      $ —      $ 85,229      $ —  

GSE collateralized mortgage obligations

     191,035        —        191,035        —  

GSE mortgage-backed securities

     492,214        —        492,214        —  

Corporate note

     3,424        —        3,424        —  

Municipal bonds

     5,325        —        5,325        —  

Mutual funds

     5,463        5,463      —          —  

Derivatives - Interest rate caps

     177        —        177        —  

Liabilities:

         

Derivatives - Interest rate swaps

     (645     —        (645     —  

Fair value adjustments for interest rate caps resulted in a net expense of $241 thousand for the three months ended March 31, 2010 and $181 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2009. Fair value adjustments for interest rate swaps resulted in a net expense of $405 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2009. There was no interest rate swaps outstanding at March 31, 2010.

Assets measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis are summarized below:

 

          Fair Value Measurements Using
     March 31, 2010    Quoted Prices
in Active
Markets for
Identical Assets
(Level 1)
   Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
   Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
     (In thousands)

Assets:

           

Impaired loans at fair value

   $ 85,323    $ —      $ 65,935    $ 19,388

Other real estate owned

     1,504      —        1,504   

 

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Table of Contents
          Fair Value Measurements Using
     December 31, 2009    Quoted
Prices in
Active
Markets
for
Identical
Assets
(Level 1)
   Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
   Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
     (In thousands)

Assets:

           

Impaired loans at fair value

   $ 81,309    $ —      $ 67,541    $ 13,768

Other real estate owned

     1,981      —        1,981      —  

Impaired loans, which are measured for impairment using the fair value of collateral, had a carrying amount of $146.5 million at March 31, 2010, after partial charge-offs of $24.0 million. In addition, these loans have a specific valuation allowance of $26.1 million at March 31, 2010. Of the $146.5 million impaired loan portfolio at March 31, 2010, $111.4 million were carried at their fair value of $85.3 million as a result of the aforementioned charge-offs and specific valuation allowances. The remaining $35.1 million were carried at cost at March 31, 2010, as the fair value of the collateral on these loans exceeded the book value for each individual credit. Charge-offs and changes in specific valuation allowances for the three months ended March 31, 2010 on impaired loans carried at fair value at March 31, 2010 resulted in additional provision for loan losses of $19.2 million.

Impaired loans, which are measured for impairment using the fair value of collateral, had a carrying amount of $120.5 million at December 31, 2009, after partial charge-offs of $17.0 million. In addition, these loans have a specific valuation allowance of $19.8 million at December 31, 2009. Of the $120.5 million impaired loan portfolio at December 31, 2009, $101.1 million were carried at their fair value of $81.3 million as a result of the aforementioned charge-offs and specific valuation allowances. The remaining $19.4 million were carried at cost at December 31, 2009, as the fair value of the collateral on these loans exceeded the book value for each individual credit. Charge-offs and changes in specific valuation allowances during 2009 on impaired loans carried at fair value at December 31, 2009 resulted in additional provision for loan losses of $51.2 million.

Other real estate owned had a carrying amount of $1.5 million at March 31, 2010, which is made up of an outstanding balance of $1.8 million, with a valuation allowance of $324 thousand. Changes in the valuation allowance on other real estate owned outstanding at March 31, 2010 resulted in a write-down of $157 thousand for the three months ended March 31, 2010.

Other real estate owned had a carrying amount of $2.0 million at December 31, 2009, which is made up of an outstanding balance of $2.5 million, with a valuation allowance of $484 thousand. Changes in the valuation allowance on other real estate owned outstanding at December 31, 2009 resulted in a write-down of $1.7 million during 2009.

 

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Table of Contents

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

Carrying amounts and estimated fair values of financial instruments, not previously presented, at March 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009 were as follows:

 

     March 31, 2010  
     Carrying
Amount
    Estimated
Fair Value
 
     (In thousands)  

Financial Assets:

    

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 280,030      $ 280,030   

Loans held for sale

     28,679        28,749   

Loans receivable - net

     2,012,946        2,038,553   

Federal Reserve Bank stock

     4,399        N/A   

Federal Home Loan Bank stock

     19,935        N/A   

Accrued interest receivable

     9,723        9,723   

Customers’ liabilities on acceptances

     11,243        11,243   

Financial Liabilities:

    

Noninterest-bearing deposits

   $ (360,801   $ (360,801

Saving and other interest bearing demand deposits

     (684,289     (684,289

Time deposits

     (1,236,702     (1,240,992

Borrowings from Federal Home Loan Bank

     (350,000     (365,591

Subordinated debentures

     (39,268     (39,057

Secured borrowing

     (4,050     (4,050

Accrued interest payable

     (10,070     (10,070

Bank’s liabilities on acceptances outstanding

     (11,243     (11,243
     December 31, 2009  
     Carrying
Amount
    Estimated
Fair Value
 
     (In thousands)  

Financial Assets:

    

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 125,592      $ 125,592   

Loans held for sale

     4,756        4,828   

Loans receivable - net

     2,080,700        2,106,065   

Federal Reserve Bank stock

     4,399        N/A   

Federal Home Loan Bank stock

     19,935        N/A   

Accrued interest receivable

     11,261        11,261   

Customers’ liabilities on acceptances

     10,488        10,488   

Financial Liabilities:

    

Noninterest-bearing deposits

   $ (330,489   $ (330,489

Saving and other interest bearing demand deposits

     (660,992     (660,992

Time deposits

     (1,442,709     (1,450,103

Borrowings from Federal Home Loan Bank

     (350,000     (363,563

Subordinated debentures

     (39,268     (40,657

Accrued interest payable

     (12,674     (12,674

Bank’s liabilities on acceptances outstanding

     (10,488     (10,488

 

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Table of Contents

The methods and assumptions used to estimate fair value are described as follows.

The carrying amount is the estimated fair value for cash and cash equivalents, savings and other interest bearing demand deposits, accrued interest receivable and payable, customer’s and Bank’s liabilities on acceptances, non-interest-bearing deposits, short-term debt, and variable rate loans or deposits that reprice frequently and fully. For fixed rate loans or deposits and for variable rate loans or deposits with infrequent repricing or repricing limits, fair value is based on discounted cash flows using current market rates applied to the estimated life and credit risk. The allowance for loan losses is considered to be a reasonable estimate of discount for credit quality concerns. Fair value of loans held for sale is based on market quotes. Fair value of time deposits and debt is based on current rates for similar financing. It was not practicable to determine the fair value of Federal Reserve Bank stock or Federal Home Loan Bank stock due to restrictions placed on their transferability. The fair value of commitments to fund loans represents fees currently charged to enter into similar agreements with similar remaining maturities and is not presented herein. The fair value of these financial instruments is not material to the consolidated financial statements.

14. Comprehensive Income (Loss)

Comprehensive income (loss) components and related tax effects were as follows:

 

     Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
     2010     2009  
     (In thousands)  

Net loss

   $ (2,532   $ (3,180

Unrealized holding gains (losses) on securities available-for sale and interest only strips

     4,898        6,044   

Reclassification adjustments for gains realized in income

     (6,296     (785
                

Net unrealized gain (loss)

     (1,398     5,259   

Tax expense (benefit)

     (578     2,081   
                

Net of tax amount

   $ (820   $ 3,178   

Reclassification adjustment for gains realized for the ineffective portion of swaps and caps and discontinued hedge positions

   $ (11   $ (35
                

Net unrealized gain (loss)

     (11     (35

Tax expense (benefit)

     (4     (14
                

Net of tax amount

   $ (7   $ (21
                

Total other comprehensive income (loss)

   $ (827   $ 3,157   
                

Comprehensive income (loss)

   $ (3,359   $ (23
                

 

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

The following is discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009 and the unaudited consolidated financial statements and notes set forth elsewhere in this report.

GENERAL

Selected Financial Data

The following table sets forth certain selected financial data concerning the periods indicated:

 

     At or for the Three Months
Ended March 31,
 
     2010     2009  
     (Dollars in thousands, except
share and per share data)
 

Income Statement Data:

    

Interest income

   $ 38,661      $ 36,041   

Interest expense

     13,418        15,620   
                

Net interest income

     25,243        20,421   

Provision for loan losses

     25,407        15,670   
                

Net interest income after provision for loan losses

     (164     4,751   

Non-interest income

     9,384        4,383   

Non-interest expense

     14,184        15,248   
                

Income (loss) before income tax provision (benefit)

     (4,964     (6,114

Income tax provision (benefit)

     (2,432     (2,934
                

Net income (loss)

   $ (2,532   $ (3,180
                

Dividends and discount accretion on preferred stock

   $ (1,071   $ (1,068
                

Net income (loss) available to common stockholders

   $ (3,603   $ (4,248
                

Per Share Data:

    

Earnings (loss) per common share - basic

   $ (0.10   $ (0.16

Earnings (loss) per common share - diluted

   $ (0.10   $ (0.16

Book value (period end, excluding preferred stock and warrants)

   $ 7.87      $ 8.47   

Common shares outstanding

     37,835,407        26,256,960   

Weighted average shares - basic

     37,828,587        26,250,258   

Weighted average shares - diluted

     37,828,587        26,250,258   

Statement of Financial Condition Data - at Period End:

    

Assets

   $ 3,079,020      $ 2,825,537   

Securities available for sale

     498,801        430,219   

Gross loans, net of deferred loan fees and costs * (excludes loans held for sale)

     2,147,493        2,088,228   

Deposits

     2,281,792        2,098,312   

Federal Home Loan Bank borrowings

     350,000        350,000   

Subordinated debentures

     39,268        39,268   

Stockholders’ equity

     363,821        289,685   

 

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     At or for the Three Months
Ended March 31,
 
     2010     2009  
     (Dollars in thousands)  

Average Balance Sheet Data:

    

Assets

   $ 3,176,343      $ 2,696,951   

Securities available for sale and held to maturity

     662,023        423,907   

Gross loans, including loans held for sale *

     2,200,488        2,107,685   

Deposits

     2,374,515        1,961,959   

Stockholders’ equity

     372,363        291,908   

Selected Performance Ratios:

    

Return on average assets (1) (7)

     -0.32     -0.47

Return on average stockholders’ equity (1) (7)

     -2.72     -4.36

Non-interest expense to average assets (1)

     1.79     2.26

Efficiency ratio (2)

     40.96     61.47

Net interest margin (3) *

     3.31     3.19

Regulatory Capital Ratios (4)

    

Leverage capital ratio (5)

     12.49     11.95

Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio

     17.10     14.03

Total risk-based capital ratio

     18.37     15.30

Tangible common equity ratio (8)

     9.58     7.74

Asset Quality Ratios: *

    

Allowance for loan losses to gross loans, excluding loans held for sale

     2.98     2.42

Allowance for loan losses to non-performing loans

     101.21     122.18

Total non-performing loans to gross loans

     2.94     1.98

Total non-performing assets to total assets (6)

     4.36     2.74

 

* Excludes the guaranteed portion of delinquent SBA loans
(1) Annualized.
(2) Efficiency ratio is defined as non-interest expense divided by the sum of net interest income and non-interest income.
(3) Net interest margin is calculated by dividing annualized net interest income by average total interest-earning assets.
(4) The required ratios for a “well-capitalized” institution are 5% leverage capital, 6% tier I risk-based capital and 10% total risk-based capital.
(5) Calculations are based on average quarterly asset balances.
(6) Non-performing assets include non-accrual loans, loans past due 90 or more and still accruing interest, other real estate owned, and restructured loans.
(7) Based on net loss before effect of dividends and discount accretion on preferred stock
(8) Excludes TARP preferred stock, net of discount, of $63.5 million and $63.3 million and stock warrants of $2.4 million and $4.8 million at March 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively.

 

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Results of Operations

Overview

During the three months ended March 31, 2010, total assets decreased as we reduced liquid assets to fund run offs of higher yielding retail jumbo time deposits. Our total assets decreased $148.9 million, or 5%, to $3.10 billion at March 31, 2010, from $3.23 billion at December 31, 2009. Our deposits decreased $152 million, or 6%, to $2.28 billion at March 31, 2010 from $2.43 billion at December 31, 2009. Gross loans also decreased 3% during the first quarter of 2010. We continued to build up our liquidity by selling our investment securities in anticipation of further run off of retail time deposits, which will mature in the second quarter of 2010. Investment securities declined 36% during the first quarter of 2010 as a result of sales and paydowns.

Our net loss available to common stockholders for the three months ended March 31, 2010 was ($3.6) million, or ($0.10) per diluted share, compared to net loss available to common stockholders of ($4.2) million, or ($0.16) per diluted share, for the same period of 2009, representing a decrease in net loss of $645 thousand, or 15%. The improvement in results of operations is primarily due to increases in net gains from the sale of securities available-for-sale and decrease in non-interest expenses, offset by an increase in provision for loan losses.

The annualized loss on average assets was (0.32%) for the first quarter of 2010, compared to (0.47%) for the same period of 2009. The annualized loss on average equity was (2.72%) for the first quarter of 2010, compared to (4.36%) for the same period of 2009. The efficiency ratio was 40.96% for the first quarter of 2010, compared to 61.47% for the same period of 2009.

Net Interest Income and Net Interest Margin

Net Interest Income and Expense

The principal component of our earnings is net interest income, which is the difference between the interest and fees earned on loans and investments and the interest paid on deposits and borrowed funds. Net interest income expressed as a percentage of average interest-earning assets is defined as net interest margin. The net interest spread is the yield on average interest-earning assets less the cost of average interest-bearing liabilities (interest-bearing deposits and borrowed funds). Net interest income is affected by changes in the volume of interest-earning assets and funding liabilities as well as by changes in the yield earned on interest-earning assets and the rates paid on interest-bearing liabilities.

Net interest income before provision for loan losses was $25.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2010, an increase of $4.8 million, or 24%, compared to $20.4 million for the same period of 2009. The increase is primarily due to the increase in average interest-earning assets and an improved net interest margin. Average interest-earning assets increased $492 million, or 19%, to $3.05 billion at March 31 2010, compared to $2.56 billion at December 31, 2009. Net interest margin improved to 3.31% for the first quarter 2010, compared to 3.19% for the same period of 2009. The improvement in the net interest margin was caused by the downward repricing of our interest bearing liabilities.

Interest income for the first quarter of 2010 was $38.7 million compared to $36.0 million for the same period of 2009. Interest income increased $3.6 million due to an increase in the volume of average interest-earning assets (volume change). The increase was offset by a $992 thousand decrease in interest income due to a decrease in the average yield earning on average interest-earning assets (rate change), particularly in investment securities

Interest expense for the first quarter of 2010 was $13.4 million, a decrease of $2.2 million, or 14%, compared to interest expense of $15.6 million for the same quarter of 2009. The decrease was primarily the result of a $4.2 million decrease in interest expense due to a decrease in the average rates paid on interest-bearing liabilities (rate change), offset by a $2.0 million increase in interest expense due to an increase in the volume of average interest-bearing liabilities (volume change).

 

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Net Interest Margin

During the quarter ended March 31, 2010, our net interest margin increased 12 basis points to 3.31% from 3.19% for the same quarter of last year. The weighted average yield on the loan portfolio for the first quarter 2010 slightly increased by 5 basis points to 6.06% from 6.01% for the same quarter of last year, even as the prime rate has remained constant since December of 2008.

The weighted average yield on our investment securities for the first quarter 2010 decreased 101 basis points to 3.07% from 4.08% for the same quarter 2009. The decrease was primarily attributable to $788 million in new investment securities purchased during 2009, which had lower yields than the weighted average yield of the portfolio at March 31, 2009. The weighted average yield on available-for-sale investment securities purchased during 2009 was 3.8%. The decrease was also affected by an increase in premium amortization of FNMA and FHLMC mortgage related securities due to the increase in the prepayment as a result of FNMA and FHLMC accelerated purchases of seriously delinquent loans. The effect of such premium amortization on net interest margin was approximately 12 basis points.

The weighted average cost of deposits for the first quarter of 2010 decreased 73 basis points to 1.68% from 2.41% for the same quarter last year. The cost of time deposits decreased 57 basis points to 2.24% from 2.81%, accounting for a substantial portion of the decrease. The decrease was attributable to the repricing of approximately $540 million in retail time deposits during the first quarter of 2010. The weighted average costs of such time deposits were 2.32% and 3.58% at March 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively.

Following are selected weighted average data on a spot rate basis at March 31, 2010 and 2009:

 

     March 31,
2010
    March 31,
2009
 

Weighted average loan portfolio yield (excluding discounts)

   5.94   5.95

Weighted average securities available-for-sale portfolio yield

   2.95   4.25

Weighted average cost of deposits

   1.42   2.42

Weighted average cost of total interest-bearing deposits

   1.70   2.83

Weighted average cost of FHLB advances

   3.42   3.70

Net interest margin

   3.34   2.87

Prepayment penalty income for the first quarter of 2010 and 2009 was $173 thousand and $147 thousand, respectively. Non-accrual interest income reversed was $788 thousand and $394 thousand for the first quarter ended March 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively. Excluding the effects of both non-accrual loan interest income and prepayment penalty income, the net interest margin for first quarter 2010 and 2009 was 3.39% and 3.23%, respectively.

 

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The following table presents our condensed consolidated average balance sheet information, together with interest rates earned and paid on the various sources and uses of funds for the periods indicated:

 

     Three months ended
March 31, 2010
    Three months ended
March 31, 2009
 
     Average
Balance
   Interest
Income/
Expense
   Average
Yield/
Rate *
    Average
Balance
   Interest
Income/
Expense
   Average
Yield/
Rate *
 
     (Dollars in thousands)  

INTEREST EARNINGS ASSETS:

                

Loans (1) (2)

   $ 2,200,488    $ 33,348    6.06   $ 2,107,685    $ 31,672    6.01

Securities available for sale (3)

     662,023      5,088    3.07     423,907      4,320    4.08

FRB and FHLB stock and other investments

     166,191      183    0.44     22,880      48    0.84

Federal funds sold

     20,000      42    0.84     2,267      1    0.18
                                

Total interest earning assets

   $ 3,048,702    $ 38,661    5.07   $ 2,556,739    $ 36,041    5.64
                                

INTEREST BEARING LIABILITIES:

                

Deposits:

                

Demand, interest-bearing

   $ 504,666    $ 1,288    1.02   $ 342,843    $ 2,265    2.64

Savings

     134,441      805    2.40     111,233      1,008    3.62

Time deposits:

                

$100,000 or more

     903,466      4,961    2.20     579,333      3,544    2.45

Other

     500,067      2,893    2.31     637,226      5,008    3.14
                                

Total time deposits

     1,403,533      7,854    2.24     1,216,559      8,552    2.81
                                

Total interest bearing deposits

     2,042,640      9,947    1.95     1,670,635      11,825    2.83
                                

FHLB advances

     350,000      3,017    3.45     368,584      3,237    3.51

Other borrowings

     39,767      454    4.57     39,734      558    5.62
                                

Total interest bearing liabilities

     2,432,407    $ 13,418    2.21     2,078,953    $ 15,620    3.01
                                

Non-interest bearing demand deposits

     331,875           291,324      
                        

Total funding liabilities / cost of funds

   $ 2,764,282       1.94   $ 2,370,277       2.64
                        

Net interest income/net interest spread

      $ 25,243    2.87      $ 20,421    2.63
                        

Net interest margin

         3.31         3.19

Net interest margin, excluding effect of non-accrual loan income (expense) (4)

         3.42         3.26

Net interest margin, excluding effect of non-accrual loan income (expense) and prepayment fee income (4) (5)

         3.39         3.23

Cost of deposits:

                

Non-interest demand deposits

   $ 331,875    $ —        $ 291,324    $ —     

Interest bearing deposits

     2,042,640      9,947    1.95     1,670,635      11,825    2.83
                                

Total deposits

   $ 2,374,515    $ 9,947    1.68   $ 1,961,959    $ 11,825    2.41
                                

 

* Annualized
(1) Interest income on loans includes loan fees.
(2) Average balances of loans are net of deferred loan fees and costs and include nonaccrual loans and loans held for sale, but excludes the guaranteed portion of delinquent SBA loans.
(3) Interest income and yields are not presented on a tax-equivalent basis.
(4) Non-accrual interest income reversed was $788 thousand and $394 thousand for the three months ended March 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively.
(5) Loan prepayment fee income excluded was $173 thousand and $147 thousand for the three months ended March 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively.

 

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The following table illustrates the changes in our interest income, interest expense, and amounts attributable to variations in interest rates and volumes for the periods indicated. The variances attributable to simultaneous volume and rate changes have been allocated to the changes due to volume and the changes due to rate categories in proportion to the relationship of the absolute dollar amounts attributable solely to the change in volume and to the change in rate.

 

     Three months ended
March 31, 2010 over March 31, 2009
 
     Net
Increase
(Decrease)
    Change due to  
       Rate     Volume  
     (Dollars in thousands)  

INTEREST INCOME :

      

Interest and fees on loans

   $ 1,676      $ 272      $ 1,404   

Interest on securities

     768        (1,244     2,012   

Interest on other investments

     135        (33     168   

Interest on federal funds sold

     41        13        28   
                        

Total interest income

   $ 2,620      $ (992   $ 3,612   
                        

INTEREST EXPENSE :

      

Interest on demand deposits

   $ (977   $ (1,761   $ 784   

Interest on savings

     (203     (386     183   

Interest on time deposits

     (698     (1,897     1,199   

Interest on FHLB borrowings

     (220     (59     (161

Interest on other borrowings

     (104     (104     —     
                        

Total interest expense

   $ (2,202   $ (4,207   $ 2,005   
                        

Net Interest Income

   $ 4,822      $ 3,215      $ 1,607   
                        

Provision for Loan Losses

The provision for loan losses reflects our judgment of the current period cost associated with credit risk inherent in our loan portfolio. The loan loss provision for each period is dependent upon many factors, including loan growth, net charge-offs, changes in the composition of the loan portfolio, delinquencies, assessments by management, third parties’ and regulators’ examination of the loan portfolio, the value of the underlying collateral on problem loans and the general economic conditions in our market areas. Specifically, the provision for loan losses represents the amount charged against current period earnings to achieve an allowance for loan losses that, in our judgment, is adequate to absorb probable incurred losses inherent in our loan portfolio. Periodic fluctuations in the provision for loan losses result from management’s assessment of the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses; however, actual loan losses may vary from current estimates. If the allowance for loan losses is inadequate, it could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition.

The provision for loan losses for the first quarter of 2010 was $25.4 million, an increase of $9.7 million, or 62%, from $15.7 million for the same period last year. The increase is primarily due to higher net charge-offs, increases in impaired loans requiring specific reserves or charge-offs and increases in special mention and classified loans, subject to general allowances. Net charge-offs increased to $20.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2010, compared to $8.6 million for the same period last year. Higher net charge-offs were primarily due to an increase in impairment write downs resulting primarily from declines in collateral values on collateral dependent loans. Total classified loans increased to $171.7 million at March 31, 2010, compared to $157.2 million at December 31, 2009.

See also Footnote 7 of the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited) and Financial Condition-Allowance for Loan Losses for further discussion.

 

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Table of Contents

Non-interest Income

Non-interest income is primarily comprised of service fees on deposits accounts, fees received from our trade finance letter of credit operations and net gains on sales of loans and securities available for sale.

Non-interest income for the first quarter of 2010 was $9.4 million compared to $4.4 million for the same quarter of 2009, an increase of $5.0 million, or 114%. The increase was primarily due to net gains on sales of securities available for sale of $6.3 million, partially offset by the increase in losses on derivatives. During the first quarter of 2010, we sold $201.8 million in securities available–for-sale at a total gain of $6.3 million. During the same period of 2009, we sold $42.9 million in securities available for sale at a total gain of $785 thousand. During the first quarter of 2010, the net valuation loss on interest rate contracts was $231 thousand, compared to $116 thousand during the same period of 2009.

The breakdown of changes in our non-interest income by category is illustrated below:

 

     Three Months Ended
March 31,
    Increase (Decrease)  
     2010     2009     Amount     Percent (%)  
     (Dollars in thousands)  

Service fees on deposit accounts

   $ 1,619      $ 1,769      $ (150   -8.5

International service fees

     539        420        119      28.3

Loan servicing fees, net

     457        475        (18   -3.8

Wire transfer fees

     293        352        (59   -16.8

Other income and fees

     353        378        (25   -6.6

Net gains on sales of SBA loans

     43        63        (20   -31.7

Net losses on sales of other loans

     —          387        (387   -100.0

Net gains on sales securities available for sale

     6,296        785        5,511      702.0

Net valuation losses on interest rate contracts

     (231     (116     (115   99.1

Net gains (losses) on sale of OREO

     15        (130     145      111.5
                          

Total non-interest income

   $ 9,384      $ 4,383      $ 5,001      114.1
                              

Non-interest Expense

Non-interest expense for the first quarter of 2010 was $14.2 million, a decrease of $1.1 million, or 7%, compared to $15.2 million for the same quarter of 2009. The decrease was primarily due to decreases in salaries and benefits expense and credit related expenses, partially offset by an increase in FDIC insurance premiums. Salaries and employee benefits expense decreased to $5.6 million, a decrease of $850 thousand, or 13%, for the first quarter of 2010, compared to $6.4 million for the same quarter of 2009. The decrease is primarily due to decreases in stock compensation expense and in the number of full-time equivalent employees (FTE), which decreased to 338 at March 31, 2010 from 367 at March 31, 2009. The decrease in stock compensation expense is primarily due to the vesting and cancellation of certain stock options and grants.

Credit related expenses during the first quarter of 2010 decreased to $563 thousand from $1.5 million for the same period of 2009. The decrease was primarily due to a decrease in OREO expenses and the provision for uncollectible SBA receivables. The OREO-related expenses decreased $358 thousand, or 71%, to $145 thousand for the first quarter of 2010, compared to $503 thousand for the same period of 2009. During the first quarter of 2009, we provided $330 thousand as an allowance for doubtful SBA receivables. There was no such expense during the first quarter of 2010. The FDIC insurance premium increased by $617 thousand, or 82.3%, to $1.4 million for the first quarter of 2010, compared to $750 thousand for the same quarter of 2009. The increase is due to an increase in the FDIC insurance assessment rate beginning 2010.

 

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Table of Contents

The change in non-interest expense is illustrated below:

 

     Three Months Ended March 31,    Increase (Decrease)  
     2010    2009    Amount     Percent (%)  
     (Dollars in thousands)  

Salaries and employee benefits

   $ 5,593    $ 6,443    $ (850   -13.2

Occupancy

     2,427      2,426      1      0.0

Furniture and equipment

     778      695      83      11.9

Advertising and marketing

     459      457      2      0.4

Data processing and communications

     933      901      32      3.6

Professional fees

     702      678      24      3.5

FDIC assessment

     1,367      750      617      82.3

Credit related expenses

     563      1,488      (925   -62.2

Other

     1,362      1,410      (48   -3.4
                        

Total non-interest expense

   $ 14,184    $ 15,248    $ (1,064   -7.0
                            

Provision for Income Taxes

The income tax benefit was $2.4 million and $2.9 million for the first quarter ended March 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively. The effective income tax rate for the quarters ended March 31, 2010 and 2009 was 49% and 48%, respectively.

Financial Condition

At March 31, 2010, our total assets were $3.08 billion, a decrease of $148.9 million, or 4.6%, from $3.23 billion at December 31, 2009. The decrease was primarily due to a 6% decrease in deposits.

Investment Securities Portfolio

We classify our securities as held-to-maturity or available-for-sale under FASB ASC 320, Investments – Debt and Equity Securities. We do not hold any trading securities. Those securities that we have the ability and intent to hold to maturity are classified as “held-to-maturity securities”. All of our other securities are classified as “available-for-sale”. We did not own any held-to-maturity at March 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009. Securities that are available for sale are stated at fair value. The securities we currently hold include 1) government-sponsored agency (“GSE”) bonds, collateralized mortgage obligations and mortgage-backed securities, 2) a corporate note, 3) municipal bonds, and 4) mutual funds.

As of March 31, 2010, we had $498.8 million in available-for-sale securities, compared to $782.7 million at December 31, 2009. The net unrealized gain on the available-for sale securities at March 31, 2010 was $3.3 million, compared to a net unrealized gain of $4.8 million at December 31, 2009. During the three months ended March 31, 2010, we sold $201.8 million in various available-for-sale agency debt and mortgage related securities, and recognized gross gains of $6.3 million. No purchases were made during the first quarter of 2010. The sales of securities were part of our on-going asset liability management strategy to rebalance the duration and mix of the investment securities portfolio and to hold higher level of cash to cover anticipated outflows of time deposits.

Loan Portfolio

As of March 31, 2010, gross loans outstanding, excluding loans held for sale (net of deferred loan fees and costs) and the guaranteed portion of delinquent SBA loans decreased by $61.5 million, or 2.8%, to $2.15 billion from $2.21 billion at December 31, 2009. Commercial loans, which include domestic commercial, international trade finance and SBA-commercial loans, at March 31, 2010 decreased by $24.2 million, or 4.5%, to $515.0 million from $539.1 million at December 31, 2009. Real estate loans, which include SBA-real estate loans, decreased by $36.1 million, or 2.2%, to $1.62 billion at March 31, 2010 from $1.65 billion at December 31, 2009. Loan growth was impacted by stricter loan underwriting criteria and decreased loan demand during the year. New loan production during the three months ended March 31, 2010 was $48.6 million, compared to $62.8 million during the same period of 2009.

 

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Table of Contents

The following table summarizes our loan portfolio by amount and percentage of gross loans in each major loan category at the dates indicated:

 

     March 31, 2010     December 31, 2009  
     Amount     Percent     Amount     Percent  
     (Dollars in thousands)  

Loan Portfolio Composition:

        

Commercial loans

   $ 514,975      24   $ 539,147      24

Real estate loans

     1,617,967      75     1,654,104      75

Consumer and other loans

     16,766      1     18,035      1
                            

Gross loans outstanding

     2,149,708      100     2,211,286      100
                

Unamortized deferred loan fees, net of costs

     (2,215       (2,343  

Gross loans, net of deferred fees and costs

     2,147,493          2,208,943     
                    

Allowance for loan losses

     (63,995       (59,424  
                    

Loans receivable*, net

   $ 2,083,498        $ 2,149,519     
                    

 

* Excludes the guaranteed portion of delinquent SBA loans of $14.8 million and $12.5 million at March 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009, respectively, as these are 100% guaranteed by SBA

SBA loans, consisting principally of the unguaranteed portion, are included in commercial loans and real estate loans. SBA loans included in commercial loans were $36.8 million at March 31, 2010 and $36.0 million at December 31, 2009 and SBA loans included in real estate loans were $52.5 million at March 31, 2010 and $54.7 million at December 31, 2009.

We normally do not extend lines of credit or make loan commitments to business customers for periods in excess of one year. We use the same credit policies in making commitments and conditional obligations as we do for extending loan facilities to our customers. We perform annual reviews of such commitments prior to renewal.

The following table shows our loan commitments and letters of credit outstanding at the dates indicated:

 

     March 31,
2010
   December 31,
2009
     (Dollars in thousands)

Loan commitments

   $ 192,553    $ 198,807

Standby letters of credit

     9,359      9,907

Other commercial letters of credit

     34,080      23,575
             
   $ 235,992    $ 232,289
             

Non-performing Assets

At March 31, 2010, nonperforming assets, which include non-accrual loans, loans past due 90 days or more and still accruing interest, restructured loans, and other real estate owned, were $134.1 million, an increase of $16.1 million, or 13.6%, from $118.1 million at December 31, 2009. The ratio of nonperforming assets to gross loans plus OREO was 6.23% and 5.34% at March 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009, respectively. Non-performing loans increased $11.5 million during the three months ended March 31, 2010. Real estate and commercial loans contributed approximately 70% and 30%, respectively, of new inflows to non-performing loans for the first quarter of 2010. OREO and troubled debt restructurings also increased by $3.8 million and $685 thousand, respectively. The increase in OREO was due to five new properties totaling $4.6 million, offset by sales of $651 thousand.

 

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The following table summarizes the composition of our nonperforming assets as of the dates indicated.

 

     March 31,
2010
    December 31,
2009
 
     (Dollars in thousands)  

Nonaccrual loans

   $ 62,775      $ 51,674   

Loan past due 90 days or more, still accruing

     457        —     
                

Total Nonperforming Loans

     63,232        51,674   

Other real estate owned

     5,856        2,044   

Restructured loans

     65,026        64,341   
                

Total Nonperforming Assets

   $ 134,114      $ 118,059   
                

Nonperforming loans to total gross loans*, excluding loans held for sale

     2.94     2.34

Nonperforming assets to gross loans plus OREO

     6.23     5.34

 

* Excludes the guaranteed portion of delinquent SBA loans for the amounts indicated at each period as these are 100% guaranteed by the SBA.

Allowance for Loan Losses

The allowance for loan losses was $64.0 million at March 31, 2010, compared to $59.4 million at December 31, 2009. We recorded a provision for loan losses of $25.4 million during the first three months of 2010, compared to $15.7 million for the same period of 2009. The allowance for loan losses was 2.98% of gross loans at March 31, 2010 and 2.69% at December 31, 2009. Impaired loans as defined by FASB ASC 310-10-35, “Accounting by Creditors for Impairment of a Loan,” totaled $146.5 million and $120.5 million, respectively as of March 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009, with specific allowances of $26.1 million and $19.8 million, respectively.

Total delinquent loans and watch list loans, at March 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009, were as follows:

 

     3/31/2010    12/31/2009

DELINQUENT LOANS BY TYPE*

     

Real Estate Loans

   $ 57,634    $ 52,660

Commercial Loans

     17,107      15,303

Consumer Loans

     839      1,514
             

Total Delinquent Loans

   $ 75,580    $ 69,477
             

 

* Delinquent over 30 days, including non-accrual loans, but excluding the guaranteed portion of delinqeunt SBA loans

 

     3/31/2010    12/31/2009

WATCH LIST LOANS

     

Special Mention

   $ 43,647    $ 42,671

Substandard

     169,149      153,535

Doubtful

     2,519      3,655

Loss

     —        —  
             

Total Watch List Loans

   $ 215,315    $ 199,861
             

 

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The following table reflects our allocation of the allowance for loan losses by loan category and the ratio of each loan category to total loans as of the dates indicated:

 

     Allocation of Allowance for Loan Losses  
     3/31/2010     12/31/2009  
Loan Type    Amount    %     Amount    %  
     (Dollars in thousands)  

Residential real estate

   $ 29    0   $ 18    0

Commercial & industrial real estate

     44,082    72     41,045    73

Construction

     1,978    3     913    2

Commercial business loans

     17,320    22     15,655    22

Trade finance

     181    2     410    2

Consumer and other

     161    1     940    1

Unallocated

     244    N/A        443    N/A   
                          

Total

   $ 63,995    100   $ 59,424    100
                          

 

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The following table shows the provisions made for loan losses, the amount of loans charged off and the recoveries on loans previously charged off, together with the balance in the allowance for loan losses at the beginning and end of each period, the amount of average and gross loans outstanding, and other pertinent ratios as of the dates and for the periods indicated:

 

     Three months ended March 31,  
     2010     2009  
     (Dollars in thousands)  

LOANS (1)

    

Average gross loans, including loans held for sale

   $ 2,200,488      $ 2,107,685   
                

Gross loans, excluding loans held for sale, the guaranteed portion of delinquent SBA loans and net of deferred loan fees and costs, at end of period

   $ 2,147,493      $ 2,088,228   
                

ALLOWANCE:

    

Balance-beginning of period

   $ 59,424      $ 43,419   

Less: Loan charge-offs:

    

Commercial & industrial real estate

     12,035        2,132   

Construction

     848        —     

Commercial business loans

     7,336        5,244   

Consumer and other loans

     838        1,292   
                
     21,057        8,668   
                

Plus: Loan recoveries

    

Commercial & industrial real estate

     60        11   

Commercial business loans

     135        40   

Consumer and other loans

     26        32   
                
     221        83   
                

Net loan charge-offs

     20,836        8,585   

Provision for loan losses

     25,407        15,670   
                

Balance-end of period

   $ 63,995      $ 50,504   
                

Net loan charge-offs to average gross loans *

     3.79     1.63

Allowance for loan losses to total loans at end of period

     2.98     2.42

Net loan charge-offs to beginning allowance *

     140.25     79.09

Net loan charge-offs to provision for loan losses

     82.01     54.79

 

* Annualized
(1) Total loans are net of deferred loan fees and costs of $2.2 million and $1.5 million at March 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively. They also exclude the guaranteed portion of delinquent SBA loans of $14.8 million and $20.2 million at March 31, 2010 and 2009.

We believe the allowance for loan losses as of March 31, 2010 is adequate to absorb probable incurred losses in the loan portfolio. However, no assurance can be given that actual losses will not exceed the estimated amounts.

For further discussion on changes to the allowance for loan losses, see footnote 7, Loans Receivable and Allowance for Loan Losses in the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited), included in Item 1. Financial Statements.

Deposits and Other Borrowings

Deposits. Deposits are our primary source of funds used in our lending and investment activities. At March 31, 2010, our deposits had decreased by $152.4 million, or 6.3%, to $2.28 billion from $2.43 billion at December 31, 2009. The decrease was primarily due to run off of matured retail jumbo time deposits as we offered lower renewal

 

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interest rates. Most of the run off was from the deposits raised during the deposit campaign held during the first and second quarter of 2009. We expect the run-off of these deposits to continue in the second quarter of 2010. Retail deposits totaled $2.03 billion at March 31, 2010, a decrease of $189.9 million, or 8.6%, from $2.23 billion at December 31, 2009. Interest-bearing demand deposits, including money market and Super Now accounts, totaled $547.5 million at March 31, 2010, an increase of $23.3 million, or 4.4%, from $524.2 million at December 31, 2009. Total jumbo time deposits were $715.0 million, a decrease of $217.7 million, or 23.3%, from $932.7 million at December 31, 2009.

At March 31, 2010, 15.8% of total deposits were non-interest bearing demand deposits, 54.2% were time deposits and 30.0% were interest bearing demand and saving deposits. By comparison, at December 31, 2009, 13.6% of total deposits were non-interest bearing demand deposits, 59.3% were time deposits, and 27.1% were interest bearing demand and saving deposits. Time deposits continued to dominate our deposit composition; however, our focus on transaction accounts has helped to reduce our dependency on time deposits.

At March 31, 2010, we had $55.6 million in brokered deposits and $200.0 million in California State Treasurer deposits, compared to $18.1 million and $200.0 million at December 31, 2009, respectively. The California State Treasurer deposits have three-month maturities with a weighted average interest rate of 0.16% at March 31, 2010 and were collateralized with securities with a carrying value of $280.3 million.

A schedule of CD maturities as of March 31, 2010 is as follows:

Maturity Schedule of Time Deposits

(in millions)

 

Quarter Ending    Balance*    Weighted Average
Interest Rate
 

June 30, 2010

   $ 574    2.78

September 30, 2010

     91    1.63

December 31, 2010

     73    1.81

March 31, 2011

     155    1.58
         

Total one year or less

     893    2.38

Over one year

     102    1.85
         

Total time deposits

   $ 995    2.32
         

 

* Excludes wholesale time deposits

Other Borrowings. Advances may be obtained from the FHLB as an alternative source of funds. Advances from the FHLB are typically secured by a pledge of commercial real estate loans and/or securities with a market value at least equal to the outstanding advances plus our investment in FHLB stock.

At March 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009, we had $350.0 million of FHLB advances with average remaining maturities of 2.8 years. The weighted average rate was 3.42% and 3.46% at March 31, 2010 and at December 31, 2009, respectively.

At March 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009, five wholly-owned subsidiary grantor trusts established by Nara Bancorp had issued $38 million of pooled trust preferred securities (“trust preferred securities”). Trust preferred securities accrue and pay distributions periodically at specified annual rates as provided in the related indentures. The trusts used the net proceeds from the offerings to purchase a like amount of subordinated debentures (the “debentures”) of Nara Bancorp. The debentures are the sole assets of the trusts. Nara Bancorp’s obligations under the debentures and related documents, taken together, constitute a full and unconditional guarantee by Nara Bancorp of the obligations of the trusts. The trust preferred securities are mandatorily redeemable upon the maturity of the debentures, or upon earlier redemption as provided in the indentures. Nara Bancorp has the right to redeem the debentures in whole (but not in part) on or after specific dates, at a redemption price specified in the indentures plus any accrued but unpaid interest to the redemption date.

 

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Off-Balance-Sheet Activities and Contractual Obligations

We routinely engage in activities that involve, to varying degrees, elements of risk that are not reflected, in whole or in part, in the consolidated financial statements. These activities are part of our normal course of business and include traditional off-balance-sheet credit-related financial instruments, interest rate swap contracts, operating leases and long-term debt.

Traditional off-balance-sheet credit-related financial instruments are primarily commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit. These activities could require us to make cash payments to third parties in the event certain specified future events occur. The contractual amounts represent the extent of our exposure in these off-balance-sheet activities. However, since certain off-balance-sheet commitments, particularly standby letters of credit, are expected to expire or be only partially used, the total amount of commitments does not necessarily represent future cash requirements. These activities are necessary to meet the financing needs of our customers.

We entered into interest rate swap contracts under which we are required to either receive cash from or pay cash to counterparties depending on changes in interest rates. We also purchased interest rate caps to protect against a rise in interest rates. We utilize interest rate swap contracts and interest rate caps to help manage the risk of changing interest rates.

We do not anticipate that our current off-balance-sheet activities will have a material impact on our future results of operations or our financial condition. Further information regarding our financial instruments with off-balance-sheet risk can be found in Item 3 “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk”.

We continue to lease our banking facilities and equipment under non-cancelable operating leases with terms providing monthly payments over periods up to 30 years.

Stockholders’ Equity and Regulatory Capital

To ensure adequate levels of capital, we manage our capital needs as part of our strategic planning process, which includes a capital policy and a capital plan. We consider the capital levels required by law as a starting point, and set initial target capital ratios, based on a risk assessment of the Bank’s operations. Our capital policy specifies the sources of additional capital should the Company decide to increase capital.

Total stockholders’ equity was $363.8 million at March 31, 2010 compared to $368.0 million at December 31, 2009. The decrease was primarily due to the net loss to common stockholders of $3.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2010. Our ratio of tangible common equity to tangible assets was 9.58% at March 31, 2010, compared to 9.27% at December 31, 2009. The increase was attributable to the decrease in tangible assets.

The federal banking agencies require a minimum ratio of qualifying total capital to risk-weighted assets of 8% and a minimum ratio of Tier I capital to risk-weighted assets of 4%. In addition to the risk-based guidelines, federal banking regulators require banking organizations to maintain a minimum amount of Tier I capital to average total assets of 4%, referred to as the leverage ratio. Capital requirements apply to the Company and the Bank separately. In addition to these uniform risk-based capital guidelines and leverage ratios that apply across the industry, the regulators have the discretion to set individual minimum capital requirements for specific institutions at rates significantly above the minimum guidelines and ratios.

At March 31, 2010, our Tier I capital, defined as stockholders’ equity less intangible assets, plus proceeds from the trust preferred securities (subject to limitations), was $396.2 million, compared to $399.4 million at December 31, 2009, representing a decrease of $3.2 million, or 0.8%. This decrease was primarily due to the net loss to common stockholders of $3.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2010. At March 31, 2010, the total capital to risk-weighted assets ratio was 18.4% and the Tier I capital to risk-weighted assets ratio was 17.1%. The Tier I leverage capital ratio was 12.5%.

 

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As of March 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009, the most recent regulatory notification categorized the Bank 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 I risk-based and Tier I leverage capital ratios as set forth in the table below.

The Company’s and the Bank’s actual capital amounts and ratios are presented in the tables below:

 

     Actual     Required
For Capital
Adequacy Purposes
    Required
To Be Well
Capitalized under
Prompt Corrective
Action Provisions
 
     Amount    Ratio     Amount    Ratio     Amount    Ratio  
     (Dollars in thousands)  

As of March 31, 2010:

               

Total capital (to risk-weighted assets):

               

Company

   $ 425,671    18.4   $ 185,399    8.0     N/A    N/A   

Bank

   $ 409,610    17.7   $ 185,150    8.0   $ 231,438    10.0

Tier I capital (to risk-weighted assets):

               

Company

   $ 396,247    17.1   $ 92,700    4.0     N/A    N/A   

Bank

   $ 380,224    16.4   $ 92,575    4.0   $ 138,863    6.0

Tier I capital (to average assets):

               

Company

   $ 396,247    12.5   $ 126,917    4.0     N/A    N/A   

Bank

   $ 380,224    12.0   $ 126,800    4.0   $ 158,499    5.0
     Actual     Required
For Capital
Adequacy Purposes
    Required
To Be Well
Capitalized under
Prompt Corrective
Action Provisions
 
     Amount    Ratio     Amount    Ratio     Amount    Ratio  
     (Dollars in thousands)  

As of December 31, 2009:

               

Total capital (to risk-weighted assets):

               

Company

   $ 429,666    18.0   $ 191,048    8.0     N/A    N/A   

Bank

   $ 412,261    17.3   $ 190,799    8.0   $ 238,499    10.0

Tier I capital (to risk-weighted assets):

               

Company

   $ 399,447    16.7 %#    $ 95,524    4.0     N/A    N/A   

Bank

   $ 382,081    16.0   $ 95,399    4.0   $ 143,099    6.0

Tier I capital (to average assets):

               

Company

   $ 399,447    12.4   $ 129,248    4.0     N/A    N/A   

Bank

   $ 382,081    11.8   $ 129,841    4.0   $ 162,301    5.0

Under federal banking law and regulations, dividends declared by the Bank in any calendar year may not, without the approval of the regulatory agency, exceed its net income for that year combined with its retained income from the preceding two years. However, the regulatory agency has previously issued a bulletin to all banks outlining guidelines limiting the circumstances under which banks may pay dividends even if the banks are otherwise statutorily authorized to pay dividends. The limitations impose a requirement or in some cases suggest that prior approval of the regulatory agency should be obtained before a dividend is paid if a bank is the subject of administrative action or if the payment could be viewed by the regulatory agency as unsafe or unusual. In 2009, the Bank agreed with its primary regulatory agencies to obtain their prior written approval to pay any dividends.

 

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Liquidity Management

Liquidity risk is the risk to earnings or capital that would arise if we were to become unable to meet our obligations when they come due without incurring unacceptable losses. Liquidity risk includes the ability to manage unplanned decreases or changes in funding sources and to recognize or address changes in market conditions that affect our ability to liquidate assets quickly and with a minimum loss of value or to access other sources of cash. Factors considered in liquidity risk management are stability of the deposit base, marketability, maturity, and pledging of investments, alternative sources of funds, and the demand for credit. We manage liquidity risk by managing interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities, and by maintaining alternative sources of funds as described below.

Our sources of liquidity are derived from financing activities, which include customer and broker deposits, federal funds facilities, deposits from the California State Treasurer, advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco and borrowings from the Federal Reserve Bank. In addition, these funding sources are augmented by payments of principal and interest on loans and the routine liquidation of securities from our available-for-sale portfolio. Our uses of funds include withdrawal of and interest payments on deposits, repayments of borrowed funds, originations of loans, purchases of investment securities, purchases of premises and equipment, payment of dividends and payment of operating expenses.

To augment core deposits, we have established funding sources, including deposits from the State Treasurer secured by investment securities, credit facilities with correspondent banks, including the Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco and the Federal Reserve Bank and brokered deposit relationships. At March 31, 2010, our total borrowing capacity from the Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco and the Federal Reserve Bank was $1.3 billion, of which $663 million was available to borrow. In addition to these lines, our liquid assets include cash and due from banks, federal funds sold, and available-for-sale securities that are not pledged as collateral. The carrying value of these assets totaled $531 million at March 31, 2010 compared to $659 million at December 31, 2009. We believe our liquidity sources to be stable and adequate.

 

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

The objective of our asset and liability management activities is to improve our earnings by adjusting the type and mix of assets and liabilities to effectively address changing conditions and risks. Through overall management of our balance sheet and by controlling various risks, we seek to optimize our financial returns within safe and sound parameters. Our operating strategies for attaining this objective include managing net interest margin through appropriate risk/return pricing of assets and liabilities and emphasizing growth in retail deposits, as a percentage of interest-bearing liabilities, to reduce our cost of funds. We also seek to improve earnings by controlling non-interest expense, and enhancing non-interest income. We also use risk management instruments to modify interest rate characteristics of certain assets and liabilities to hedge against our exposure to interest rate fluctuations with the objective of, reducing the effects these fluctuations might have on associated cash flows or values. Finally, we perform internal analyses to measure, evaluate and monitor risk.

Interest Rate Risk

Interest rate risk is the most significant market risk impacting us. Market risk is the risk of adverse impacts on our future earnings, the fair values of our assets and liabilities, or our future cash flows that may result from changes in the price of a financial instrument. Interest rate risk occurs when interest rate sensitive assets and liabilities do not reprice simultaneously and in equal volume. A key objective of asset and liability management is to manage interest rate risk associated with changing asset and liability cash flows and values of our assets and liabilities and market interest rate movements. The management of interest rate risk is governed by policies reviewed and approved annually by the Board of Directors. Our Board delegates responsibility for interest rate risk management to the Asset Liability Committee of the Board and to the Asset and Liability Management Committee (“ALCO”), which is composed of Nara Bank’s senior executives and other designated officers.

 

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The fundamental objective of our ALCO is to manage our exposure to interest rate fluctuations while maintaining adequate levels of liquidity and capital. Our ALCO meets regularly to monitor interest rate risk, the sensitivity of our assets and liabilities to interest rate changes, the book and market values of assets and liabilities, investment activities and directs changes in the composition of the statement of financial condition. Our strategy has been to reduce the sensitivity of our earnings to interest rate fluctuations by more closely matching the effective maturities or repricing characteristics of our assets and liabilities. Certain assets and liabilities, however, may react in different degrees to changes in market interest rates. Furthermore, interest rates on certain types of assets and liabilities may fluctuate prior to changes in market interest rates, while interest rates on other types may lag behind. We consider the anticipated effects of these factors when implementing our interest rate risk management objectives.

Interest Rate Sensitivity

We monitor interest rate risk through the use of a simulation model. The simulation model provides us with the ability to simulate our net interest income. In order to measure, at March 31, 2010, the sensitivity of our forecasted net interest income to changing interest rates, both rising and falling interest rate scenarios were projected and compared to base market interest rate forecasts. One application of our simulation model measures the impact of market interest rate changes on the net present value of estimated cash flows from our assets and liabilities, defined as our market value of equity. This analysis assesses the changes in market values of interest rate sensitive financial instruments that would occur in response to immediate and parallel changes in market interest rates.

Our net interest income and market value of equity exposed to immediate and parallel hypothetical changes in market interest rates are illustrated in the following table.

 

     March 31, 2010     December 31, 2009  

Simulated Rate Changes

   Estimated
Net Interest
Income Sensitivity
    Market Value of
Equity Volatility
    Estimated
Net Interest
Income Sensitivity
    Market Value of
Equity Volatility
 

+ 200 basis points

   (3.69 %)    (4.95 %)    (6.47 %)    (10.29 %) 

+ 100 basis points

   (2.89 %)    (2.04 %)    (4.06 %)    (4.31 %) 

- 100 basis points

   2.18   0.46   2.35   1.89

- 200 basis points

   (0.69 %)    0.13   (1.61 %)    1.77

The results obtained from using the simulation model are somewhat uncertain as the model does not take into account other impacts or changes and the effect they could have on Company’s business or changes in business strategy the Company might make in reaction to changes in the interest rate environment.

 

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

We conducted an evaluation under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) for the period ended March 31, 2010. Based upon that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer determined that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective.

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

There have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended March 31, 2010 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

 

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PART II

OTHER INFORMATION

 

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

The Chung Lawsuit described in the Company’s Form 10-K for the period ended December 31, 2009 is continuing. The Company filed a motion for summary judgment in March 2010. The Company believes the Chung Lawsuit is without merit.

We are also a party to routine litigation incidental to our business, none of which is believed by management to be material.

 

Item 1A. Risk Factors

There were no material changes from risk factors previously disclosed in our 2009 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

 

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

None

 

Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities

None

 

Item 4. Reserved

 

Item 5. Other Information

None

 

Item 6. Exhibits

See “Index to Exhibits”.

 

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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements 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.

 

  NARA BANCORP, INC.
Date: May 10, 2010  

  /s/ Alvin D. Kang

    Alvin D. Kang
    President and Chief Executive Officer
Date: May 10, 2010  

  /s/ Christine Oh

    Christine Oh
    Interim Chief Financial Officer
    (Principal financial officer)

 

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INDEX TO EXHIBITS

 

Exhibit
Number

  

Description

  3.1    Certificate of Incorporation of the Company, filed with the Delaware Secretary of State on June 5, 2000 (incorporated herein by reference to the Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on November 16, 2000)
  3.2    Certificate of Amendment of Certificate of Incorporation of the Company, filed with the Delaware Secretary of State on May 31, 2002 (incorporated herein by reference to the Registration Statement on Form S-8 Exhibit 3.3 filed with the SEC on February 5, 2003)
  3.3    Certificate of Amendment of Certificate of Incorporation of the Company, filed with the Delaware Secretary of State on June 1, 2004 (incorporated herein by reference to the Registration Statement on Form 10-Q Exhibit 3.1.1 filed with the SEC on November 8, 2004)
  3.4    Certificate of Amendment of Certificate of Incorporation of the Company, filed with the Delaware Secretary of State on November 2, 2005 (incorporated herein by reference to the Registration Statement on DEF14 A, Appendix B filed with the SEC on September 6, 2005)
  3.5    Certificate of Amendment of Certificate of Incorporation of the Company, filed with the Delaware Secretary of State on July 20, 2007 (incorporated herein by reference to the Registration Statement on DEF14 A, Appendix C filed with the SEC on April 19, 2007)
  3.6    Amended and Restated Bylaws of Nara Bancorp, Inc. (incorporated herein by reference to Current Report on Form 8-K Exhibit 3.1 filed with the SEC on December 28, 2007)
31.1    Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002*
31.2    Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002*
32.1    Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Public Company Accounting Reform and Investor Protection Act of 2002*
32.2    Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to section 906 of the Public Company Accounting Reform and Investor Protection Act of 2002*

 

* Filed herewith

 

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