firstcal-10q_093011.htm


 
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
___________________
 
FORM 10-Q
___________________

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

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2011

OR

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

For the transition period from    to

Commission file number 000-52498
___________________

FIRST CALIFORNIA FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)
___________________

Delaware
 
38-3737811
(State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation or Organization)
 
(I.R.S. Employer Identification Number)
 
 
 
 
3027 Townsgate Road, Suite 300
Westlake Village, California
 
91361
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)
 
(Zip Code)
 
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (805) 322-9655
___________________

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 o

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

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
 
 
 
 
 
Large accelerated filer
o
Accelerated filer
o
 
 
 
 
Non-accelerated filer
o (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
Smaller reporting company
x
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
Yes ¨ No x

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

29,220,079 shares of Common Stock, $0.01 par value, as of November 10, 2011
 
 
 

 
 
FIRST CALIFORNIA FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.
QUARTERLY REPORT ON
FORM 10-Q

For the Quarterly Period Ended September 30, 2011

TABLE OF CONTENTS


 
 
Page
PART I—FINANCIAL INFORMATION  
 
 
 
 3
 
 
 
40
 
 
 
66
 
 
 
66
 
 
 
 
 
 
66
 
 
 
66
 
 
 
67
 
 
 
 67
 
 
 
 67
 
 
 
 67
 
 
 68

 
2

 

PART I—FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Financial Statements

FIRST CALIFORNIA FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (unaudited)

(in thousands, except share and per share data)
 
September 30, 2011
 
 
December 31, 2010
 
Cash and due from banks
 
$
41,582
 
 
$
25,487
 
Interest bearing deposits with other banks
 
 
128,270
 
 
 
62,516
 
Securities available-for-sale, at fair value
 
 
332,285
 
 
 
272,439
 
Non-covered loans, net
 
 
902,268
 
 
 
930,712
 
Covered loans
 
 
147,150
 
 
 
53,870
 
Premises and equipment, net
 
 
18,719
 
 
 
19,710
 
Goodwill
 
 
60,720
 
 
 
60,720
 
Other intangibles, net
 
 
14,511
 
 
 
9,915
 
Deferred tax assets, net
 
 
 —
 
 
 
4,563
 
Cash surrender value of life insurance
 
 
12,562
 
 
 
12,232
 
Non-covered foreclosed property
 
 
18,406
 
 
 
26,011
 
Covered foreclosed property
 
 
12,361
 
 
 
977
 
FDIC shared-loss asset
 
 
77,755
 
 
 
16,725
 
Accrued interest receivable and other assets
 
 
38,312
 
 
 
25,457
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total assets
 
$
1,804,901
 
 
$
1,521,334
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Non-interest checking
 
$
473,059
 
 
$
331,648
 
Interest checking
 
 
102,901
 
 
 
88,638
 
Money market and savings
 
 
485,289
 
 
 
388,289
 
Certificates of deposit, under $100,000
 
 
79,747
 
 
 
84,296
 
Certificates of deposit, $100,000 and over
 
 
273,606
 
 
 
263,417
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total deposits
 
 
1,414,602
 
 
 
1,156,288
 
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase
 
 
30,000
 
 
 
45,000
 
Federal Home Loan Bank advances
 
 
87,774
 
 
 
86,500
 
Junior subordinated debentures
 
 
26,805
 
 
 
26,805
 
Deferred tax liabilities, net
 
 
12,259
 
 
 
 —
 
FDIC shared-loss liability
 
 
3,700
 
 
 
988
 
Accrued interest payable and other liabilities
 
 
9,176
 
 
 
7,712
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total liabilities
 
 
1,584,316
 
 
 
1,323,293
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Perpetual preferred stock; authorized 2,500,000 shares
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Series A - $0.01 par value, 1,000 shares issued and outstanding as of September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010
 
 
1,000
 
 
 
1,000
 
Series B - $0.01 par value, 0 shares issued and outstanding as of September 30, 2011 and 25,000 shares at December 31, 2010
 
 
 —
 
 
 
23,627
 
Series C - $0.01 par value, 25,000 shares issued and outstanding as of September 30, 2011 and 0 shares at December 31, 2010
 
 
25,000
 
 
 
 
Common stock, $0.01 par value; authorized 100,000,000 shares; 29,220,079 shares issued at September 30, 2011 and 28,517,161 shares issued at December 31, 2010; 29,220,079 and 28,170,760 shares outstanding at September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010
 
 
292
 
 
 
282
 
Additional paid-in capital
 
 
172,265
 
 
 
175,102
 
Treasury stock, 0 shares at cost at September 30, 2011 and 346,401 at December 31, 2010
 
 
 
 
 
(3,061
)
Retained earnings
 
 
22,878
 
 
 
4,827
 
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
 
 
(850
)
 
 
(3,736
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total shareholders’ equity
 
 
220,585
 
 
 
198,041
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
 
$
1,804,901
 
 
$
1,521,334
 
 
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
 
 
3

 
 
FIRST CALIFORNIA FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (unaudited)

   
Three months ended September 30,
   
Nine months ended September 30,
 
(in thousands, except per share data)
 
2011
   
2010
   
2011
   
2010
 
Interest and fees on loans
  $ 16,896     $ 13,075     $ 49,264     $ 38,881  
Interest on securities
    1,720       1,529       4,712       4,626  
Interest on federal funds sold and interest bearing deposits
    90       70       270       149  
 
                               
Total interest income
    18,706       14,674       54,246       43,656  
                                 
Interest on deposits
    1,836       1,897       6,494       5,953  
Interest on borrowings
    916       1,231       2,853       3,801  
Interest on junior subordinated debentures
    336       439       1,001       1,316  
Total interest expense
    3,088       3,567       10,348       11,070  
 
                               
                                 
Net interest income before provision for loan losses
    15,618       11,107       43,898       32,586  
Provision for loan losses
    1,550       3,618       4,550       7,138  
 
                               
Net interest income after provision for loan losses
    14,068       7,489       39,348       25,448  
                                 
Service charges on deposit accounts
    878       776       2,633       2,375  
Net gain on sale of securities
    209       1,204       699       1,466  
Impairment loss on securities
          (23 )     (1,066 )     (41 )
Gain on transfer of foreclosed property
                      691  
Gain on acquisitions
                35,202        
Other income
    1,213       340       2,931       953  
 
                               
Total noninterest income
    2,300       2,297       40,399       5,444  
                                 
Salaries and employee benefits
    6,675       4,420       19,315       14,279  
Premises and equipment
    1,567       1,576       4,708       4,630  
Data processing
    810       607       2,685       1,800  
Legal, audit and other professional services
    1,071       445       4,299       1,216  
Printing, stationery and supplies
    79       69       288       194  
Telephone
    218       193       592       630  
Directors’ expense
    135       101       342       335  
Advertising, marketing and business development
    272       194       1,069       706  
Postage
    50       55       171       158  
Insurance and regulatory assessments
    364       797       1,777       2,377  
(Gain)/loss on and expense of foreclosed property
    (672 )     185       5,066       731  
Amortization of intangible assets
    624       416       1,665       1,249  
Other expenses
    840       626       2,387       2,046  
 
                               
Total noninterest expense
    12,033       9,684       44,364       30,351  
 
                               
Income before provision for income taxes
    4,335       102       35,383       541  
Provision for income taxes
    1,819       38       14,862       213  
 
                               
Net income
    2,516       64       20,521       328  
Preferred stock dividends
    (1,616 )     (313 )     (2,241 )     (938 )
Net income (loss) available to common shareholders
  $ 900     $ (249 )   $ 18,280     $ (610 )
                                 
Earnings (loss) available to common shareholders per common share:
                               
Basic
  $ 0.03     $ (0.01 )   $ 0.64     $ (0.03 )
Diluted
  $ 0.03     $ (0.01 )   $ 0.64     $ (0.03 )
 
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
 
 
4

 
 
FIRST CALIFORNIA FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (unaudited)

 
 
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
(in thousands)
 
2011
 
 
2010
 
Net income
 
$
20,521
 
 
$
328
 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash from operating activities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Provision for loan losses
 
 
4,550
 
 
 
7,138
 
Stock-based compensation costs
 
 
832
 
 
 
467
 
Gain on acquisitions
 
 
(35,202
)
 
 
 —
 
Gain on sales of securities
 
 
(699
)
 
 
(1,466
)
(Gain) loss on sale and transfer of foreclosed property
 
 
4,371
 
 
 
(695
)
Impairment loss on securities
 
 
1,066
 
 
 
41
 
Amortization of net premiums on securities available-for-sale
 
 
2,672
 
 
 
2,569
 
Depreciation and amortization of premises and equipment
 
 
1,526
 
 
 
1,421
 
Amortization of intangible assets
 
 
1,665
 
 
 
1,249
 
Change in FDIC shared-loss asset
 
 
(1,799
)
 
 
 —
 
(Gain) loss on disposal of premises and equipment
 
 
(149
)
 
 
50
 
Increase in cash surrender value of life insurance
 
 
(330
)
 
 
(331
)
Decrease in deferred tax assets, net of acquisitions
 
 
2,298
 
 
 
2,526
 
(Increase) decrease in accrued interest receivable and other assets, net of effects of acquisitions
 
 
(12,123
 
 
1,145
 
Decrease in accrued interest payable and other liabilities, net of effects of acquisitions
 
 
(1,356
)
 
 
(1,137
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net cash (used) provided by operating activities
 
 
(12,157
)
 
 
13,305
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Purchases of securities available-for-sale, net of effects of acquisitions
 
 
(146,184
)
 
 
(222,933
)
Proceeds from repayments and maturities of securities available-for-sale
 
 
102,943
 
 
 
118,437
 
Proceeds from sales of securities available-for-sale
 
 
26,344
 
 
 
184,892
 
Purchases of Federal Home Loan Bank and other stock
 
 
(5
)
 
 
(55
)
Redemption of Federal Home Loan Bank stock
 
 
1,459
 
 
 
624
 
Net change in federal funds sold and interest bearing deposits, net of effects from acquisitions
 
 
(3,664
 
 
(73,137
)
Loan originations and principal collections, net of effects of acquisitions
 
 
71,542
 
 
 
 (12,994
Purchases of premises and equipment, net of effects of acquisitions
 
 
(1,828
)
 
 
(1,206
)
Proceeds from FDIC shared-loss asset
 
 
11,061
 
 
 
 —
 
Proceeds from sale of premises and equipment
 
 
1,267
 
 
 
 —
 
Proceeds from sale of non-covered foreclosed property
 
 
2,587
 
 
 
2,170
 
Proceeds from sale of covered foreclosed property
 
 
15,562
 
 
 
 —
 
Net cash acquired in acquisitions
 
 
122,119
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net cash provided (used) by investing activities
 
 
203,203
 
 
 
(4,202
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net (decrease) increase in noninterest-bearing deposits, net of effects of acquisitions
 
 
40,160
 
 
 
(8,645
)
Net decrease in interest-bearing deposits, net of effects of acquisitions
 
 
(139,013
)
 
 
(26,704
)
Net (decrease) increase in FHLB advances and other borrowings, net of effects of acquisitions
 
 
(75,267
)
 
 
34,539
 
Dividends paid on preferred stock
 
 
(831
)
 
 
(938
)
Proceeds from issuance of common stock
 
 
 —
 
 
 
38,916
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net cash (used) provided by financing activities
 
 
(174,951
)
 
 
37,168
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Change in cash and due from banks
 
 
16,095
 
 
 
46,271
 
Cash and due from banks, beginning of period
 
 
25,487
 
 
 
26,757
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and due from banks, end of period
 
$
41,582
 
 
$
73,028
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Supplemental cash flow information:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash paid for interest
 
$
10,222
 
 
$
10,803
 
Cash paid for income taxes
 
$
7,520
 
 
$
1,000
 
Supplemental disclosure of noncash items:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net change in fair value of securities available-for-sale, net of tax
 
$
3,575
 
 
$
3,233
 
Net change in fair value of cash flow hedges, net of tax
 
$
(177
)
 
$
(123
)
Non-covered loans transferred to foreclosed property
 
$
328
 
 
$
25,414
 
Covered loans transferred to foreclosed property
 
$
15,657
 
 
$
 
 Acquisitions:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Assets acquired
 
$
456,922
 
 
$
 
Liabilities assumed
 
$
436,498
 
 
$
 —
 
 
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
 
 
5

 
 
NOTE 1 – NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION

Organization and nature of operations – First California Financial Group, Inc., or First California, or the Company, is a bank holding company incorporated under the laws of the State of Delaware and headquartered in Westlake Village, California. The principal asset of the Company is the capital stock of First California Bank, or the Bank. The Bank is a full-service commercial bank headquartered in Westlake Village, California, chartered under the laws of the State of California and subject to supervision by the California Department of Financial Institutions and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, or the FDIC. The FDIC insures the Bank’s deposits up to the maximum legal limit.

On November 5, 2010, the Bank assumed certain liabilities and acquired certain assetsand substantially all of the operations of Western Commercial Bank, or WCB, located in Woodland Hills, California, from the FDIC. The Bank acquired, received and recognized certain assets with an estimated fair value of approximately $109 million, including $55 million of loans, $32 million of cash, $17 million of a FDIC shared-loss asset, $2 million of securities and $3 million of other assets. Liabilities with an estimated fair value of approximately $107 million were also assumed and recognized, including $105 million of deposits and $2 million of other liabilities. The Bank recorded a pre-tax bargain purchase gain of $2.3 million in connection with this transaction. This transaction increased the number of the Bank’s full-service branch locations to 18 and the Bank fully integrated the former WCB branch into its full-service branch network prior to December 31, 2010.

On February 18, 2011, the Bank assumed certain liabilities and acquired certain assets and substantially all of the operations of San Luis Trust Bank, or SLTB, located in San Luis Obispo, California, from the FDIC. The Bank acquired, received and recognized certain assets with an estimated fair value of approximately $365 million, including $139 million of loans, $99 million of cash and federal funds sold, $70 million of a FDIC shared-loss asset, $41 million of securities, $11 million of foreclosed property and $5 million of other assets. Liabilities with an estimated fair value of approximately $345 million were also assumed and recognized, including $266 million of deposits, $62 million of Federal Home Loan Bank advances, $15 million in a deferred tax liability, $3 million of a FDIC shared-loss liability and $0.4 million of other liabilities. Based upon preliminary estimates of fair values assigned to acquired assets and liabilities as compared to the acquisition price, the Bank recorded a pre-tax bargain purchase gain of $34.7 million in connection with this transaction. This transaction increased the number of the Bank’s full-service branch locations to 19 and the Bank fully integrated the former SLTB branch into its full-service branch network in June 2011.

On April 8, 2011, the Bank completed the acquisition of the Electronic Banking Solutions division of Palm Desert National Bank. The transaction included the division’s customer base, core deposits, and employees. The Electronic Payment Services Division, or the EPS division, its new name under the Bank, issues prepaid cards and sponsors merchant acquiring services for all national and regional networks, including Visa, MasterCard, and Discover throughout all 50 states and U.S. territories. The Bank acquired cash of $85.5 million, recognized intangible assets of $6.0 million, assumed $91 million of deposits and recognized a pre-tax bargain purchase gain of $0.5 million in connection with this transaction.

The Bank serves the comprehensive financial needs of businesses and consumers in Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Diego, San Bernardino, San Luis Obispo and Ventura counties through 19 full-service branch locations.

Consolidation – The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements include, in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America, the accounts of the Company, the Bank, Wendy Road Office Development LLC, a subsidiary of the Bank which manages and disposes of real estate, and SC Financial, an inactive subsidiary of First California. The Company does not consolidate the accounts of FCB Statutory Trust I and First California Statutory Trust I, or the Trusts, in the consolidated financial statements. The Company does include, however, the junior subordinated debentures issued by the Company to the Trusts on the consolidated balance sheets. Results of operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 include the effects of the FDIC-assisted San Luis Trust Bank and the Electronic Payment Services division transactions from the date of the acquisition. All material intercompany transactions have been eliminated.

Basis of presentation – The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 8-03 of Regulation S-X as promulgated by the Securities and Exchange Commission. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnote disclosures normally required by generally accepted accounting principles for complete financial statements. In our opinion, all normal recurring adjustments necessary for a fair presentation are reflected in the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements. Operating results for the period ended September 30, 2011 are not necessarily indicative of the results of operations that may be expected for any other interim period or for the year ending December 31, 2011. In preparing these financial statements, the Company has evaluated events and transactions subsequent to September 30, 2011 for potential recognition or disclosure. The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited condensed consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company’s 2010 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Reclassifications – Certain reclassifications have been made to the 2010 consolidated financial statements to conform to the current year presentation.
 
 
6

 

Management’s estimates and assumptions – The preparation of the condensed consolidated financial statements, in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles, requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the financial statements and the reported revenues and expenses for the reporting periods. Actual results could differ significantly from those estimates. Significant estimations made by management primarily involve the calculation of the allowance for loan losses, the carrying amount of deferred tax assets, the carrying amount of covered loans, the carrying amount of foreclosed property, the carrying amount of the FDIC shared-loss asset and liability, the assessments for impairment related to goodwill and securities, the estimated fair value of financial instruments and the effectiveness of derivative instruments in offsetting changes in fair value or cash flows of hedged items.

Allowance for loan losses – The allowance for loan losses is established through a provision charged to expense. Loans are charged against the allowance when management believes that the collectability of principal is unlikely. The allowance is an amount that management believes will be adequate to absorb estimated probable losses on existing loans that may become uncollectable, based on evaluations of the collectability of loans and prior loan loss experience. The evaluation includes an assessment of the following factors: any external loan review and any regulatory examination, estimated probable loss exposure on each pool of loans, concentrations of credit, value of collateral, the level of delinquent and nonaccrual loans, trends in the portfolio volume, effects of any changes in the lending policies and procedures, changes in lending personnel, present economic conditions at the local, state and national levels, the amount of undisbursed off-balance sheet commitments, and a migration analysis of historical losses and recoveries for the prior twenty-one quarters. Individual loans are also evaluated for impairment and if a portion of a loan is impaired, the impaired amount is charged-off or a specific reserve is allocated for that loan. Various regulatory agencies, as a regular part of their examination process, periodically review the Company’s allowance for loan losses. Such agencies may require the Company to recognize additions to the allowance based on their judgment of information available to them at the time of their examinations. The allowance for loan losses was $17.8 million at September 30, 2011 and $17.0 million at December 31, 2010.

Foreclosed property – The Company acquires, through foreclosure or through full or partial satisfaction of a loan, real or personal property. At the time of foreclosure, the Company obtains an appraisal of the property and records the property at its estimated fair value less costs to sell. We charge the allowance for loan losses for the loan amount in excess of the fair value of the foreclosed property received; we credit earnings for the fair value amount of the foreclosed property in excess of the loan due. Subsequent to foreclosure, the Company periodically assesses our disposition efforts and the estimated fair value less costs to sell of the foreclosed property. The Company establishes a valuation allowance through a charge to earnings for estimated declines in fair value subsequent to foreclosure. Operating income and operating expense related to foreclosed property is included in earnings as are any ultimate gains or losses on the sale of the foreclosed property. Our recognition of gain is, however, dependent on the buyer’s initial investment in the purchase of the foreclosed property meeting certain criteria. The estimated fair value of covered and non-covered foreclosed property was $30.8 million at September 30, 2011 and $27.0 million at December 31, 2010.

Deferred income taxes – The Company recognizes deferred tax assets subject to our judgment that realization of such assets are more-likely-than-not. A valuation allowance is established when the Company determines that the realization of income tax benefits may not occur in future years. There was no valuation allowance at September 30, 2011 or December 31, 2010. There were net deferred tax liabilities of $12.3 million at September 30, 2011 and net deferred tax assets of $4.6 million at December 31, 2010. The significant change in the balance since year-end 2010 was due to the $14.6 million of deferred tax liabilities recorded in connection with the FDIC-assisted San Luis Trust Bank acquisition on February 18, 2011.

FDIC shared-loss asset – The FDIC shared-loss asset is initially recorded at fair value, based on the discounted value of expected future cash flows under the shared-loss agreements. The difference between the present value and the undiscounted cash flows the Company expects to collect from the FDIC will be accreted or amortized into non-interest income over the life of the FDIC shared-loss asset. Subsequent to initial recognition, the FDIC shared-loss asset is reviewed quarterly and adjusted for any changes in expected cash flows based on recent performance and expectations for future performance of the covered portfolio. These adjustments are measured on the same basis as the related covered loans, at a pool level, and covered foreclosed property. Generally, any increases in cash flow of the covered assets over those previously expected will result in prospective increases in the loan pool yield and amortization of the FDIC shared-loss asset. Any decreases in cash flow of the covered assets under those previously expected will trigger impairments on the underlying loan pools and will result in a corresponding gain on the FDIC shared-loss asset. Increases and decreases to the FDIC shared-loss asset are recorded as adjustments to non-interest income.

FDIC shared-loss liability– Forty-five days following the tenth anniversary of the WCB and SLTB acquisition dates, the Company will be required to perform a calculation and determine if a payment to the FDIC is necessary. The payment amount will be 50 percent of the excess, if any, of (i) 20 percent of the intrinsic loss estimate minus (ii) the sum of (a) 20 percent of the net loss amount, plus (b) 25 percent of the asset discount bid, plus (c) 3.5 percent of total loss share assets at acquisition. The Company’s estimate for the present value of this liability was $3.7 million and $1.0 million at September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010.

Derivative instruments and hedging – For derivative instruments designated in cash flow hedging relationships, we assess the effectiveness of the instruments in offsetting changes in the overall cash flows of designated hedged transactions on a quarterly basis. The Company recognizes the unrealized gains or losses ofderivative instruments directly in current period earnings to the extent these instruments are not effective. At September 30, 2011 the Company had $37.1 million notional interest rate caps to limit the variable interest rate payments on our $26.8 million junior subordinated debentures. Our 2011 third quarter effectiveness assessment indicated that these instruments were effective.
 
 
7

 

At September 30, 2011, the Bank also had $60 million notional interest rate caps that do not meet the criteria for hedge accounting to manage the interest rate risk associated with its fixed rate securities and loans. The Company may enter into derivative contracts that are intended to economically hedge certain of its risks, even though hedge accounting does not apply or the Company elects not to apply hedge accounting. Derivatives not designated as hedges are marked-to-market each period through earnings.

Assessments of impairment – Goodwill is assessed for impairment on an annual basis or at interim periods if an event occurs or circumstances change which may indicate a change in the implied fair value of the goodwill. The implied fair value of goodwill is estimated by comparing the estimated fair value of the Company to the estimated fair value of the Company’s individual assets, liabilities, and identifiable intangible assets. Impairment exists when the carrying amount of goodwill exceeds this implied fair value.

First California uses independent data where possible in determining the fair value of the Company and in determining appropriate market factors used in the fair value calculations. At December 31, 2010, the annual assessment resulted in the conclusion that goodwill was not impaired. At September 30, 2011, an interim assessment was not performed as 2011 year-to-date results were not materially different than the estimates used in the year-end assessment and the September 30, 2011 stock price (and market capitalization) increased by 8 percent from year-end.

An impairment assessment is performed quarterly on the securities available-for-sale portfolio in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board, or FASB, accounting standards codification guidance related to the consideration of impairment related to certain debt and equity securities. All of the securities classified as available-for-sale are debt securities.

If the Company does not intend to sell, and it is more likely than not that the Company is not required to sell a debt security before recovery of its cost basis, other-than-temporary impairment is separated into (a) the amount representing credit loss and (b) the amount related to other factors. The amount of the other-than-temporary impairment related to credit loss is recognized in earnings and other-than-temporary impairment related to other factors is recognized in other comprehensive income (loss). Other-than-temporary declines in fair value are assessed based on the duration the security has been in a continuous unrealized loss position, the severity of the decline in value, the rating of the security, the long-term financial outlook of the issuer, the expected future cash flows from the security and the Company’s ability and intent to hold the security until the fair value recovers. Please see the “Securities” section of Management’s Discussion and Analysis in this document for a detailed explanation of the impairment analysis process. The Company will continue to evaluate the securities portfolio for other-than-temporary impairment at each reporting date and can provide no assurance there will not be an other-than-temporary impairment in future periods.

For the nine months ended September 30, 2011, other-than-temporary impairment related to the credit loss on three debt securities and recognized in earnings was $1.1 million. For the same period in 2010, we recognized an impairment lossof $41,000 on a $1.0 million community development-related equity investment.

NOTE 2 – RECENTLY ISSUED AND ADOPTED ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

In December 2010, the FASB issued ASU No. 2010-29, Business Combinations (Topic 805): Disclosure of Supplementary Pro Forma Information for Business Combinations. This update clarifies that if comparative financial statements are presented in disclosure of supplementary pro forma information for a business combination, revenue and earnings of the combined entity should be disclosed as though the business combination occurred as of the beginning of the comparable annual prior annual reporting period only. Additionally, supplemental pro forma disclosures should include a description of the nature and amount of material, nonrecurring pro forma adjustments included in the reported pro forma revenue and earnings. This update is effective prospectively for business combinations for which the acquisition date is on or after the beginning of the first annual reporting period beginning on or after December 15, 2010. The adoption of the ASU did not have a material impact on the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements.

In April 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-02, A Creditor’s Determination of Whether a Restructuring is a Troubled Debt Restructuring.This update provides additional guidance relating to when creditors should classify loan modifications as troubled debt restructurings. The ASU also ends the deferral issued in January 2011 of the disclosures about troubled debt restructurings required by ASU No. 2010-20. The Company adopted the provisions of ASU No. 2011-02 and the disclosure requirements of ASU No. 2010-20 in the interim reporting period ending September 30, 2011, and applied its provisions retrospectively to any restructurings that occurred since the beginning of 2011. The adoption of this ASU did not have a material impact on the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements.

In May 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-04, Fair Value Measurements (Topic 820): Amendments to Achieve Common Fair Value Measurement and Disclosure Requirements in U.S. GAAP and IFRSs. ASU 2011-04 was issued concurrently with IFRS 13, Fair Value Measurements, to provide mainly identical guidance about fair value measurement and disclosure requirements. For U.S. GAAP, most of the changes are clarifications of existing guidance or wording changes to align with IFRS 13. ASU 2011-04 is effective during interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2011. Early adoption is not permitted. The Company does not expect the adoption of this ASU to have a material effect on its condensed consolidated financial statements.
 
 
8

 

In June 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-05, Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Presentation of Comprehensive Income. ASU 2011-05 will require companies to present the components of net income and other comprehensive income either as one continuous statement or as two consecutive statements. This standard eliminates the option to present components of comprehensive income as part of the statement of changes in stockholders’ equity. This standard does not change the items which must be reported in other comprehensive income, how such items are measured, or when they must be reclassified to net income. This standard is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2011. Early adoption is permitted. The Company does not expect the adoption of ASU 2011-05 to have a material effect on its condensed consolidated financial statements.

In September 2011, the FASB issued ASU 2011-08, Intangibles – Goodwill and Other – Testing Goodwill for Impairment.ASU 2011-08 provides guidance on the application of a qualitative assessment of impairment indicators in the review of goodwill impairment. The ASU provides that in the event that the qualitative review indicates that it is more likely than not that no impairment has occurred,the Company would not be required to perform a quantitative review. The provisions of ASU 2011-08 will be effective for years beginning after December 15, 2011 for both public and nonpublic entities, although earlier adoption is allowed. The Company does not expect that adoption of this standard will have a significant impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

NOTE 3 – ACQUISITIONS

On April 8, 2011, or the EPS Transaction Date, the Bank completed the acquisition of the Electronic Banking Solutions division of Palm Desert National Bank. The transaction included the division’s customer base, core deposits, and employees. The Bank paid cash consideration of $5.5 million to purchase the EPS division. The Bank acquired cash of $85.5 million, recognized intangible assets of $6.0 million, assumed $91 million of deposits and recognized a pre-tax bargain purchase gain of $0.5 million in connection with this transaction. The Bank desired this transaction to expand its product and service offerings and diversify its sources of revenue.

Under the acquisition method of accounting, the Bank recorded the assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on their estimated fair values as of the EPS Transaction Date. Results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011 include the effects of the EPS acquisition from the EPS Transaction Date.

The following table summarizes the estimated fair values of the assets acquired, received and recognized and the liabilities assumed and recognized as of the EPS Transaction Date.

   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Assets Acquired:
 
 
 
Cash
  $ 85,389  
Intangible assets
    6,005  
Other assets
    89  
Total assets acquired
  $ 91,483  
Liabilities Assumed:
       
Deposits
  $ 91,018  
Deferred taxes
    195  
Total liabilities assumed
    91,213  
Net assets acquired (after-tax bargain purchase gain)
    270  
Total liabilities and net assets acquired
  $ 91,483  
 
The Bank based the allocation of the purchase price above on the fair values of the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed. The net gain represents the excess of the estimated fair value of the assets acquired over the estimated fair value of the liabilities assumed. The gain was recognized as noninterest income in the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations. Noninterest expense for the second quarter of 2011 included integration and conversion expenses related to the EPS division acquisition of approximately $350,000.The “Salaries and employee benefits”, “Data processing” and “Legal, audit, and other professional services” categories were affected on the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations.

On February 18, 2011, or the SLTB Transaction Date, the Bank assumed certain liabilities and acquired certain assets and substantially all of the operations of SLTB from the FDIC, acting in its capacity as receiver of SLTB, pursuant to the terms of a purchase and assumption agreement entered into by the Bank and the FDIC, or the Purchase Agreement. The Bank acquired, received, and recognized certain assets with a fair value of approximately $365 million, including $139 million in loans, $99 million of cash and cash equivalents, $41 million of securities and $11 million of foreclosed property related to the transaction. These acquired assets represented approximately 20 percent of consolidated total assets at March 31, 2011. The Bank also assumed approximately $266 million of deposits and $62 million of FHLB advances related to the transaction. The Bank also recorded a FDIC shared-loss asset of $70 million, a core deposit intangible of $0.3 million, deferred tax liabilities of $15 million, a FDIC shared-loss liability of $2.6 million and a premium on time deposits acquired of $0.8 million related to the transaction. The Bank continues to operate the one former SLTB branch location as part of the Bank’s 19 branch locations. The Bank desired this transaction to expand its footprint into the California central coast region.
 
 
9

 

As part of the Purchase Agreement, the Bank and the FDIC entered into shared-loss agreements, whereby the FDIC will cover a substantial portion of any future losses on loans (and related unfunded loan commitments), foreclosed property and accrued interest on loans for up to 90 days. We refer to the acquired assets subject to the shared-loss agreements collectively as covered assets. Under the terms of the shared-loss agreements, the FDIC will absorb 80 percent of losses and share in 80 percent of loss recoveries. The shared-loss agreements for commercial and residential mortgage loans are in effect for 5 years and 10 years, respectively, from the SLTB Transaction Date and the loss recovery provisions are in effect for 8 years and 10 years, respectively, from the SLTB Transaction Date.

In March 2021, approximately ten years following the SLTB Transaction Date, the Bank is required to perform a calculation and determine if a payment to the FDIC is necessary. The payment amount will be 50 percent of the excess, if any, of (i) 20 percent of the intrinsic loss estimate ($99.0 million) minus (ii) the sum of (a) 20 percent of the net loss amount, plus (b) 25 percent of the asset discount bid ($58.0 million), plus (c) 3.5 percent of total loss share assets at acquisition. At the SLTB Transaction Date, the Bank estimated a liability, on a present value basis, of $2.6 million under this provision.

Under the acquisition method of accounting, the Bank recorded the assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on their estimated fair values as of the SLTB Transaction Date. Results of operations for the three and ninemonths ended September 30, 2011 include the effects of the SLTB acquisition from the SLTB Transaction Date.

The following table summarizes the estimated fair values of the assets acquired, received and recognized and the liabilities assumed and recognized as of the SLTB Transaction Date.
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Assets Acquired:
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 98,820  
Securities
    40,972  
Covered loans
    138,792  
Covered foreclosed property
    11,052  
FDIC shared-loss asset
    70,293  
Other assets
    5,510  
Total assets acquired
  $ 365,439  
Liabilities Assumed:
       
Deposits
  $ 266,149  
FHLB advances
    61,541  
FDIC shared-loss liability
    2,564  
Deferred taxes
    14,594  
Other liabilities
    437  
Total liabilities assumed
    345,285  
Net assets acquired (after-tax bargain purchase gain)
    20,154  
Total liabilities and net assets acquired
  $ 365,439  
 
The Bank based the allocation of the purchase price above on the fair values of the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed. The net gain represents the excess of the estimated fair value of the assets acquired over the estimated fair value of the liabilities assumed and is influenced significantly by the FDIC-assisted transaction process. Under the FDIC-assisted transaction process, only certain assets and liabilities are transferred to the acquirer and, depending on the nature and amount of the acquirer’s bid, the FDIC may be required to make a cash payment to the acquirer. The Bank received a cash payment from the FDIC for $34.4 million. The book value of net assets transferred to the Bank was $23.6 million (i.e., the cost basis). The pre-tax gain of $34.7 million or the after-tax gain of $20.2 million recognized by the Company is considered a bargain purchase transaction under ASC 805 “Business Combinations” since the total acquisition-date fair value of the identifiable net assets acquired exceeded the fair value of the consideration transferred. The gain was recognized as noninterest income in the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations. Noninterest expense for the first quarter of 2011 included integration and conversion expenses related to the SLTB acquisition of approximately $515,000. The “Salaries and employee benefits”, “Data processing” and “Legal, audit, and other professional services” categories were affected on the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations.

In August 2011, the Bank exercised its option to purchase at fair value approximately $100,000 of furniture, fixtures and equipment related to the one SLTB branch location from the FDIC. The Bank also negotiated and executed a new five-year lease approximating current market rent for the one branch location. Certain acquisition date fair value estimates are still under review and adjustments could effect amounts shown above, including bargain purchase gain.
 
 
10

 

On November 5, 2010, or the WCB Acquisition Date, the Bank acquired certain assets and assumed certain liabilities and substantially all of the operations of WCB from the FDIC, acting in its capacity as receiver of WCB, pursuant to the terms of a purchase and assumption agreement entered into by the Bank and the FDIC, or the Purchase Agreement. The Bank acquired, received and recognized certain assets with an estimated fair value of approximately $109 million, including $55 million of loans, $32 million of cash, $17 million of a FDIC shared-loss asset, $2 million of securities and $3 million of other assets. Liabilities with an estimated fair value of approximately $107 million were also assumed and recognized, including $105 million of deposits and $2 million of other liabilities. As part of the purchase and assumption agreement, the Bank and the FDIC entered into shared-loss agreements, whereby the FDIC will cover a substantial portion of any future losses on loans (and related unfunded loan commitments), foreclosed property and accrued interest on loans for up to 90 days. Under the terms of the shared-loss agreements, the FDIC will absorb 80 percent of losses and share in 80 percent of loss recoveries. The shared-loss agreements for commercial and residential mortgage loans are in effect for 5 years and 10 years, respectively, from November 5, 2010 and the loss recovery provisions are in effect for 8 years and 10 years, respectively, from November 5, 2010. The Bank operates the one former WCB branch location as part of the Bank’s 19 branch locations. The Bank desired this transaction to increase its penetration and market share in its existing markets.

The Bank received a cash payment from the FDIC for $2.4 million. The book value of assets transferred to the Bank was $111.1 million. The pre-tax gain of $2.3 million or the after-tax gain of $1.4 million recognized by the Company is considered a bargain purchase gain and was recognized as noninterest income in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2010.
 
NOTE 4 – SECURITIES

The amortized cost, gross unrealized gains, gross unrealized losses and estimated fair values of securities available-for-sale at September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010 are summarized as follows:

 
 
September 30, 2011
 
 
 
Amortized
Cost
 
 
Gross
Unrealized
Gains
 
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
 
Estimated
Fair Value
 
 
 
(in thousands)
 
U.S. Treasury notes/bills
 
$
45,203
 
 
$
30
 
 
$
 (1
)
 
$
45,232
 
U.S. government agency notes
 
 
61,341
 
 
 
717
 
 
 
(3
 
 
62,055
 
U.S. government agency mortgage-backed securities
 
 
60,367
 
 
 
1,622
 
 
 
(45
)
 
 
61,944
 
U.S. government agency collateralized mortgage obligations
 
 
124,893
 
 
 
497
 
 
 
(96
)
 
 
125,294
 
Private label collateralized mortgage obligations
 
 
16,825
 
 
 
 
 
 
(2,543
)
 
 
14,282
 
Municipal securities
 
 
17,557
 
 
 
669
 
 
 
   
 
18,226
 
Other domestic debt securities
 
 
7,176
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1,924
)
 
 
5,252
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Securities available-for-sale
 
$
333,362
 
 
$
3,535
 
 
$
(4,612
)
 
$
332,285
 
 
 
 
December 31, 2010
 
 
 
Amortized
Cost
 
 
Gross
Unrealized
Gains
 
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
 
Estimated
Fair Value
 
 
 
(in thousands)
 
U.S. Treasury notes/bills
 
$
51,118
 
 
$
44
 
 
$
(8
)
 
$
51,154
 
U.S. government agency notes
 
 
59,426
 
 
 
13
 
 
 
(522
)
 
 
58,917
 
U.S. government agency mortgage-backed securities
 
 
47,505
 
 
 
348
 
 
 
(528
)
 
 
47,325
 
U.S. government agency collateralized mortgage obligations
 
 
90,120
 
 
 
130
 
 
 
(370
)
 
 
89,880
 
Private label collateralized mortgage obligations
 
 
20,409
 
 
 
 
 
 
(3,515
)
 
 
16,894
 
Municipal securities
 
 
3,159
 
 
 
 
 
 
(157
)
 
 
3,002
 
Other domestic debt securities
 
 
7,244
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1,977
)
 
 
5,267
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Securities available-for-sale
 
$
278,981
 
 
$
535
 
 
$
(7,077
)
 
$
272,439
 

As of September 30, 2011, securities available-for-sale with a fair value of $50.9 million were pledged as collateral for borrowings, public deposits and other purposes as required by various statutes and agreements. In the third quarter of 2011, we sold $5.3 million of securities and realized gross gains of $212,00 and gross losses of $3,000. In the third quarter of 2010, we sold $105.0 million of securities and realized gross gains of $1.2 million. For the first nine months of 2011, we sold $26.3 million of securities and realized gross gains of $766,000 and gross losses of $67,000. For the first nine months of 2010, we sold $184.9 million of securities  and realized gross gains of $1.5 and gross losses of $24,000.
 
 
11

 

The following table shows the gross unrealized losses and amortized cost of the Company’s securities with unrealized losses aggregated by investment category and length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position at September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010.
 
 
 
At September 30, 2011
 
 
 
Less Than 12 Months
 
 
Greater Than 12 Months
 
 
Total
 
 
 
Amortized
Cost
 
 
Unrealized
Losses
 
 
Amortized
Cost
 
 
Unrealized
Losses
 
 
Amortized
Cost
 
 
Unrealized
Losses
 
 
 
(in thousands)
 
U.S. Treasury notes/bills
 
$
5,022
 
 
$
(1
)
 
$
 
 
$
 
 
$
5,022
 
 
$
(1)
 
U.S. government agency notes
 
 
6,188
 
 
 
(3
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
6,188
 
 
 
(3
)
U.S. government agency mortgage-backed securities
 
 
5,184
 
 
 
 (45
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
5,184
 
 
 
(45
)
U.S. government agency collateralized mortgage obligations
 
 
26,751
 
 
 
(96
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
26,751
 
 
 
(96
)
Private-label collateralized mortgage obligations
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
16,825
 
 
 
(2,543
)
 
 
16,825
 
 
 
(2,543
)
Municipal securities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other domestic debt securities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
7,176
 
 
 
(1,924
)
 
 
7,176
 
 
 
(1,924
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
$
 43,145
 
 
$
(145
)
 
$
24,001
 
 
$
(4,467
)
 
$
67,146
 
 
$
(4,612
)

 
 
At December 31, 2010
 
   
Less Than 12 Months
   
Greater Than 12 Months
   
Total
 
   
Amortized
Cost
   
Unrealized
Losses
   
Amortized
Cost
   
Unrealized
Losses
   
Amortized
Cost
   
Unrealized
Losses
 
   
(in thousands)
 
U.S. Treasury notes/bills
 
$
20,107
   
$
(8
)
 
$
   
$
   
$
20,107
   
$
(8
)
U.S. government agency notes
   
41,401
     
(522
)
   
     
     
41,401
     
(522
)
U.S. government agency mortgage-backed securities
   
33,584
     
(528
)
   
     
     
33,584
     
(528
)
U.S. government agency collateralized mortgage obligations
   
55,869
     
(370
)
   
     
     
55,869
     
(370
)
Private-label collateralized mortgage obligations
   
     
     
20,409
     
(3,515
)
   
20,409
     
(3,515
)
Municipal securities
   
3,069
     
(157
)
   
     
     
3,069
     
(157
)
Other domestic debt securities
   
2,500
     
(28
   
4,744
     
(1,949
)
   
7,244
     
(1,977
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
$
156,530
   
$
(1,613
)
 
$
25,153
   
$
(5,464
)
 
$
181,683
   
$
(7,077
)
 
Net unrealized holding losses were $1.1 million at September 30, 2011 and $6.5 million at December 31, 2010. As a percentage of securities, at amortized cost, net unrealized holding losses were 0.32 percent and 2.35 percent at the end of each respective period. Securities are comprised largely of U.S. Treasury bills and notes, and U.S. government agency notes, mortgage-backed securities and collateralized mortgage obligations.On a quarterly basis, we evaluate our individual available-for-sale securities in an unrealized loss position for other-than-temporary impairment. As part of this evaluation, we consider whether we intend to sell each security and whether it is more-likely-than-not that we will be required to sell the security before the anticipated recovery of the security’s cost basis.Should a security meet either of these conditions, we recognize an impairment charge to earnings equal to the entire difference between the security’s amortized cost basis and its fair value at the balance sheet date. For securities in an unrealized loss position that meet neither of these conditions, we consider whether we expect to recover the entire amortized cost basis of the security by comparing our best estimate, on a present value basis, of the expected future cash flows from the security with the amortized cost basis of the security. If our best estimate of expected future cash flows is less than the amortized cost basis of the security, we recognize an impairment charge to earnings for this estimated credit loss.

The Company will continue to evaluate the securities portfolio for other-than-temporary impairment at each reporting date and can provide no assurance there will not be further other-than-temporary impairments in future periods.
 
 
12

 

The following table presents the other-than-temporary impairment activity related to credit loss, which is recognized in earnings, and the other-than-temporary impairment activity related to all other factors, which are recognized in other comprehensive income.
 
   
Three Months Ended
   
Nine Months Ended
 
   
September 30,
   
September 30,
 
   
2011
   
2010
   
2011
   
2010
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
       
Beginning balance
  $ 3,322     $ 1,133     $ 2,256     $ 1,115  
Additional increases to the amount related to the credit loss for which an other-than-temporary impairment was previously recognized
          23       1,066       41  
Ending balance
  $ 3,322     $ 1,156     $ 3,322     $ 1,156  
 
The amortized cost and estimated fair value of securities by contractual maturities are shown below. Expected maturities will differ from contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties.
 
   
At September 30, 2011
   
Amortized
Cost
 
Fair Value
   
(in thousands)
Due in one year or less
 
$
66,563
 
$
66,603
Due after one year through five years
   
38,614
   
39,023
Due after five years through ten years
   
42,192
   
42,960
Due after ten years
   
185,993
   
183,699
             
Total
 
$
333,362
 
$
332,285

NOTE 5 – NON-COVERED LOANS AND ALLOWANCE FOR NON-COVERED LOAN LOSSES
 
The loans not acquired in the SLTB and WCB acquisitions and which are not covered by the related shared-loss agreements with the FDIC are referred to as non-covered loans. The non-covered loan portfolio by type consists of the following:
 
(in thousands)
 
At
September 30,
2011
   
At
December 31,
2010
 
Commercial mortgage
  $ 396,232     $ 399,642  
Commercial loans and lines of credit
    189,119       213,576  
Home mortgage
    110,118       108,076  
Multifamily
    141,954       135,639  
Construction and land loans
    47,931       55,260  
Home equity loans and lines of credit
    29,489       29,828  
Installment and credit card
    5,203       5,724  
Total loans
    920,046       947,745  
Allowance for loan losses
    (17,778 )     (17,033 )
Loans, net
  $ 902,268     $ 930,712  

At September 30, 2011, loans with a balance of $661.9 million were pledged as security for Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco, or FHLB, advances. Loan balances include net deferred loan costs of $1.1 million and $0.4 million at September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively.
 
Most of the Company’s lending activity is with customers located in Los Angeles, Orange, Ventura, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego and San Luis Obispo Counties and most loans are secured by or dependent on real estate. Although the Company has no significant exposure to any individual customer, economic conditions, particularly the recent sustained decline in real estate values in Southern California, could adversely affect customers and their ability to satisfy their obligations under their loan agreements.

 
13

 
 
Changes in the allowance for non-covered loan losses were as follows:
 
   
Three Months Ended
   
Nine Months Ended
 
   
September 30,
   
September 30,
 
   
2011
   
2010
   
2011
   
2010
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
       
Beginning balance
  $ 18,306     $ 16,452     $ 17,033     $ 16,505  
Provision for loan losses
    1,550       3,618       4,550       7,138  
Loans charged-off
    (2,292 )     (3,891 )     (4,319 )     (7,735 )
Recoveries on loans charged-off
    214       321       514       592  
Ending balance
  $ 17,778     $ 16,500     $ 17,778     $ 16,500  
                                 
Allowance to gross non-covered loans
    1.93 %     1.80 %     1.93 %     1.80 %

      The following table details activity in the allowance for non-covered loan losses by portfolio segment for the three months ended September 30, 2011. Allocation of a portion of the allowance to one segment of the loan portfolio does not preclude its availability to absorb losses in other segments.

     Three Months Ended September 30, 2011  
   
Commercial
         
 
   
Construction
   
Home
   
Home
             
(in thousands)
 
Mortgage
   
Commercial
   
Multifamily
   
and Land
   
Mortgage
   
Equity
   
Installment
   
Total
 
                                                 
Allowance for credit losses:
                                               
Beginning balance
  $ 7,019     $ 5,469     $ 2,556     $ 874     $ 1,851     $ 426     $ 111     $ 18,306  
Charge-offs
          (2,237 )           (7 )     (3 )     (37 )     (8 )     (2,292 )
Recoveries
          204             5       5                   214  
Provision
    (878 )     2,689       (70 )     138       (276 )     (31 )     (22 )     1,550  
Ending balance
  $ 6,141     $ 6,125     $ 2,486     $ 1,010     $ 1,577     $ 358     $ 81     $ 17,778  
                                                                 
Ending balance; individually evaluated for impairment
  $     $ 2,757     $     $ 45     $     $     $ 2     $ 2,804  
                                                                 
Ending balance; collectively evaluated for impairment
    6,141       3,368       2,486       965       1,577       358       79       14,974  
                                                                 
Ending balance
  $ 6,141     $ 6,125     $ 2,486     $ 1,010     $ 1,577     $ 358     $ 81     $ 17,778  
                                                                 
Non-covered loan balances:
                                                               
Ending balance
  $ 396,232     $ 189,119     $ 141,954     $ 47,931     $ 110,118     $ 29,489     $ 5,203     $ 920,046  
Ending balance; individually evaluated for impairment
  $ 1,413     $ 10,048     $ 1,532     $ 181     $ 1,105     $     $ 4     $ 14,283  
Ending balance; collectively evaluated for impairment
  $ 394,819     $ 179,071     $ 140,422     $ 47,750     $ 109,013     $ 29,489     $ 5,199     $ 905,763  

 
14

 
 
The following table details activity in the allowance for non-covered loan losses by portfolio segment for the nine months ended September 30, 2011. Allocation of a portion of the allowance to one segment of the loan portfolio does not preclude its availability to absorb losses in other segments.

    Nine Months ended September 30, 2011  
   
Commercial
         
 
   
Construction
   
Home
   
Home
             
(in thousands)
 
Mortgage
   
Commercial
   
Multifamily
   
and Land
   
Mortgage
   
Equity
   
Installment
   
Total
 
Allowance for credit losses:
                                               
Beginning balance
  $ 6,134     $ 4,934     $ 2,273     $ 1,698     $ 1,496     $ 416     $ 82     $ 17,033  
Charge-offs
    (312 )     (3,429 )     (65 )     (10 )     (370 )     (37 )     (96 )     (4,319 )
Recoveries
          495             9       5             5       514  
Provision
    319       4,125       278       (687 )     446       (21 )     90       4,550  
Ending balance
  $ 6,141     $ 6,125     $ 2,486     $ 1,010     $ 1,577     $ 358     $ 81     $ 17,778  
                                                                 
Ending balance; individually evaluated for impairment
  $     $ 2,757     $     $ 45     $     $     $ 2     $ 2,804  
                                                                 
Ending balance; collectively evaluated for impairment
    6,141       3,368       2,486       965       1,577       358       79       14,974  
                                                                 
Ending balance
  $ 6,141     $ 6,125     $ 2,486     $ 1,010     $ 1,577     $ 358     $ 81     $ 17,778  
                                                                 
Non-covered loan balances:
                                                               
Ending balance
  $ 396,232     $ 189,119     $ 141,954     $ 47,931     $ 110,118     $ 29,489     $ 5,203     $ 920,046  
Ending balance; individually evaluated for impairment
  $ 1,413     $ 10,048     $ 1,532     $ 181     $ 1,105     $     $ 4     $ 14,283  
Ending balance; collectively evaluated for impairment
  $ 394,819     $ 179,071     $ 140,422     $ 47,750     $ 109,013     $ 29,489     $ 5,199     $ 905,763  

 
15

 
 
The following table details activity in the allowance for non-covered loan losses by portfolio segment for the three months ended September 30, 2010. Allocation of a portion of the allowance to one segment of the loan portfolio does not preclude its availability to absorb losses in other segments.
 
 
    Three months ended September 30, 2010  
   
Commercial
               
Construction
   
Home
   
Home
             
(in 000's)
 
Mortgage
   
Commercial
   
Multifamily
   
and Land
   
Mortgage
   
Equity
   
Installment
   
Total
 
                                                 
Allowance for credit losses:
                                           
Beginning balance
  $ 5,318     $ 4,502     $ 1,986     $ 3,193     $ 810     $ 546     $ 97     $ 16,452  
      Charge-offs
    (89 )     (3,528 )     (16 )     (9 )     (221 )     -       (28 )     (3,891 )
      Recoveries
    26       34       -       126       132       -       3       321  
      Provision
    331       4,357       163       (1,521 )     360       (71 )     (1 )     3,618  
Ending balance
  $ 5,586     $ 5,365     $ 2,133     $ 1,789     $ 1,081     $ 475     $ 71     $ 16,500  
                                                                 
Ending balance; individually
                                                               
evaluated for impairment
  $ -     $ 1,645     $ -     $ 216     $ -     $ -     $ -     $ 1,861  
                                                                 
Ending balance; collectively
                                                               
evaluated for impairment
    5,586       3,720       2,133       1,573       1,081       475       71       14,639  
                                                                 
Ending balance
  $ 5,586     $ 5,365     $ 2,133     $ 1,789     $ 1,081     $ 475     $ 71     $ 16,500  
 
Non-covered loan balances:
 
Ending balance
  $ 388,786     $ 218,108     $ 135,544     $ 58,055     $ 76,190     $ 36,808     $ 5,219     $ 918,708  
Ending balance; individually
                                                               
evaluated for impairment
  $ 1,908     $ 12,324     $ 668     $ 4,347     $ 1,813     $ -     $ -     $ 21,060  
Ending balance; collectively
                                                               
evaluated for impairment
  $ 386,878     $ 205,784     $ 134,876     $ 53,708     $ 74,377     $ 36,808     $ 5,219     $ 897,648  
 
The following table details activity in the allowance for non-covered loan losses by portfolio segment for the nine months ended September 30, 2010. Allocation of a portion of the allowance to one segment of the loan portfolio does not prelude its availability to absorb losses in other segments.
 
 
    Nine months ended September 30, 2010  
   
Commercial
               
Construction
   
Home
   
Home
             
(in 000's)
 
Mortgage
   
Commercial
   
Multifamily
   
and Land
   
Mortgage
   
Equity
   
Installment
   
Total
 
                                                 
Allowance for credit losses:
                                           
Beginning balance
  $ 4,850     $ 4,796     $ 3,277     $ 2,460     $ 605     $ 453     $ 64     $ 16,505  
      Charge-offs
    (618 )     (4,936 )     (1,170 )     (376 )     (381 )     (199 )     (55 )     (7,735 )
      Recoveries
    66       200       -       144       174       -       8       592  
      Provision
    1,288       5,305       26       (439 )     683       221       54       7,138  
Ending balance
  $ 5,586     $ 5,365     $ 2,133     $ 1,789     $ 1,081     $ 475     $ 71     $ 16,500  
                                                                 
Ending balance; individually
                                                               
evaluated for impairment
  $ -     $ 1,645     $ -     $ 216     $ -     $ -     $ -     $ 1,861  
                                                                 
Ending balance; collectively
                                                               
evaluated for impairment
    5,586       3,720       2,133       1,573       1,081       475       71       14,639  
                                                                 
Ending balance
  $ 5,586     $ 5,365     $ 2,133     $ 1,789     $ 1,081     $ 475     $ 71     $ 16,500  
 
Non-covered loan balances:
 
Ending balance
  $ 388,786     $ 218,108     $ 135,544     $ 58,055     $ 76,190     $ 36,808     $ 5,219     $ 918,708  
Ending balance; individually
                                                               
evaluated for impairment
  $ 1,908     $ 12,324     $ 668     $ 4,347     $ 1,813     $ -     $ -     $ 21,060  
Ending balance; collectively
                                                               
evaluated for impairment
  $ 386,878     $ 205,784     $ 134,876     $ 53,708     $ 74,377     $ 36,808     $ 5,219     $ 897,648  
 
 
16

 
 
Nonaccrual loans are those loans for which management has discontinued accrual of interest because reasonable doubt exists as to the full and timely collection of either principal or interest. Nonaccrual loans are also considered impaired loans.  Total non-covered nonaccrual loans totaled $15.8 million at September 30, 2011 as compared to $18.2 million at December 31, 2010. The allowance for loan losses maintained for nonaccrual loans was $2.8 million and $2.0 million at September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively. Had these loans performed according to their original terms, additional interest income of $0.1 million would have been recognized in the three months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively. Had these loans performed according to their original terms, additional interest income of $0.7 million and $1.2 million would have been recognized in the nine months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively.
 
The following table sets forth the amounts and categories of our non-covered non-performing loans and the amount of non-covered foreclosed property at the dates indicated.
 
   
At
September 30,
2011
   
At
December 31,
2010
 
Non-accrual loans
           
Aggregate loan amounts
           
Construction and land
  $ 181     $ 698  
Commercial mortgage
    1,413       1,458  
Multifamily
    1,532       668  
Commercial loans
    11,567       13,449  
Home mortgage
    1,105       1,968  
Installment
    47        
Total non-accrual loans
  $ 15,845     $ 18,241  
Total non-performing loans
  $ 15,869     $ 18,241  
 
Included in non-covered non-accrual loans at September 30, 2011 were ten restructured loans totaling $2.3 million. The ten loans consist of one home mortgage loan, one installment loan, one multifamily loan and seven commercial loans. Interest income recognized on these loans was $34,000 for thenine months ended September 30, 2011. We have no commitments to lend additional funds to these borrowers.
 
Included in non-covered non-accrual loans at December 31, 2010 were eight restructured loans totaling $2.3 million. The eight loans consist of one home mortgage loan and seven commercial loans. Interest income recognized on these loans was $27,000 for the year ended December 31, 2010. We had no commitments to lend additional funds to these borrowers.
 
Credit Quality Indicators
 
          Loans are risk rated based on analysis of the current state of the borrower’s credit quality. This analysis of credit quality includes a review of all sources of repayment, the borrower’s current financial and liquidity status and all other relevant information. The Company utilizes a ten grade risk rating system, where a higher grade represents a higher level of credit risk. The ten grade risk rating system can be generally classified by the following categories: Pass, Special Mention, Substandard, Doubtful and Loss. The risk ratings reflect the relative strength of the sources of repayment.
 
          Pass loans are generally considered to have sufficient sources of repayment in order to repay the loan in full in accordance with all terms and conditions. These borrowers may have some credit risk that requires monitoring, but full repayment is expected. Special Mention loans are considered to have potential weaknesses that warrant close attention by management. Special Mention is considered a transitory grade and generally, the Company does not have a loan stay graded Special Mention for longer than six months. If any potential weaknesses are resolved, the loan is upgraded to a Pass grade. If negative trends in the borrower’s financial status or other information is presented that indicates the repayment sources may become inadequate, the loan is downgraded to a Substandard grade. Substandard loans are considered to have well-defined weaknesses that jeopardize the full and timely repayment
 
 
17

 
 
of the loan. Substandard loans have a distinct possibility of loss if the deficiencies are not corrected. Additionally, when management has assessed a potential for loss but a distinct possibility of loss is not recognizable, the loan is still classified as Substandard. Doubtful loans have insufficient sources of repayment and a high probability of loss. Loss loans are considered to be uncollectible and of such little value that they are no longer considered bankable assets. These internal risk ratings are reviewed continuously and adjusted due to changes in borrower status and likelihood of loan repayment. The table below presents the non-covered loan portfolio by credit quality indicator as of September 30, 2011.
 
     As of September 30, 2011  
   
Pass
   
Special Mention
   
Substandard
   
Doubtful
   
Loss
   
Total
 
   
(in thousands)
 
Commercial mortgage
  $ 364,668     $ 21,195     $ 10,369     $     $     $ 396,232  
Commercial loans and lines
    163,453       5,022       11,591       9,053             189,119  
Multifamily
    128,745       4,899       8,310                   141,954  
Construction and land
    44,188       198       3,545                   47,931  
Home mortgage
    100,193       8,420       1,505                   110,118  
Home equity loans and lines
    29,075       406       8                   29,489  
Installment
    4,845       271       83       4             5,203  
    $ 835,167     $ 40,411     $ 35,411     $ 9,057     $     $ 920,046  
 
        The table below presents the non-covered loan portfolio by credit quality indicator as of December 31, 2010.
 
    As of December 31, 2010  
   
Pass
   
Special Mention
   
Substandard
   
Doubtful
   
Loss
   
Total
 
   
(in thousands)
 
Commercial mortgage
  $ 372,969     $ 20,899     $ 5,774     $     $     $ 399,642  
Commercial loans and lines
    188,548       4,401       20,449       178             213,576  
Multifamily
    127,549       4,187       3,903                   135,639  
Construction and land
    46,137       133       8,990                   55,260  
Home mortgage
    103,669             4,407                   108,076  
Home equity loans and lines
    28,378       1,405       45                   29,828  
Installment
    5,412       289       23                   5,724  
    $ 872,662     $ 31,314     $ 43,591     $ 178     $     $ 947,745  

          Loans are tracked by the number of days borrower payments are past due. The tables below present an age analysis of nonaccrual and past due non-covered loans, segregated by class of loan, as of September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010.

    As of September 30, 2011  
    
Accruing loans
30-59 days
past due
   
Accruing loans
60-89 days
past due
   
Accruing loans
90+ days
past due
   
Total
Accruing
past
due loans
   
Nonaccrual
past
due loans
   
Current
loans
   
Total
 
   
(in thousands)
 
Commercial loans and lines
  $ 575     $ 2,050     $     $ 2,625     $ 11,567     $ 174,927     $ 189,119  
Commercial mortgage
    650             22       672       1,413       394,147       396,232  
Multifamily
    1,522                   1,522       1,532       138,900       141,954  
Construction and land
    1,644                   1,644       181       46,106       47,931  
Home mortgage
                            1,105       109,013       110,118  
Home equity loans and lines
    505                   505             28,984       29,489  
Installment
    2             2       4       47       5,152       5,203  
Total
  $ 4,898     $ 2,050     $ 24     $ 6,972     $ 15,845     $ 897,229     $ 920,046  

 
18

 

    As of December 31, 2010  
    
Accruing loans
30-59 days
past due
   
Accruing loans
60-89 days
past due
   
Accruing loans
90+ days
past due
   
Total
Accruing
past due
loans
   
Nonaccrual
past due
loans
   
Current
loans
   
Total
 
   
(in thousands)
 
Commercial loans and lines
  $ 896     $ 449     $     $ 1,345     $ 13,449     $ 198,782     $ 213,576  
Commercial mortgage
    658       686             1,344       1,458       396,840       399,642  
Multifamily
    632                   632       668       134,339       135,639  
Construction and land
          8,293             8,293       698       46,269       55,260  
Home mortgage
                            1,968       106,108       108,076  
Home equity loans and lines
                                  29,828       29,828  
Installment
    7       9             16             5,708       5,724  
Total
  $ 2,193     $ 9,437     $     $ 11,630     $ 18,241     $ 917,874     $ 947,745  

The Company considers a loan to be impaired when, based on current information and events, the Company does not expect to be able to collect all amounts due according to the loan contract, including scheduled interest payments. Impaired loans are determined by periodic evaluation on an individual loan basis. The average investment in impaired loans was $18.8 million and $27.9 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively. The average investment in impaired loans was $15.7 million and $13.9 million in the three months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively. There was no interest income recognized on impaired loans in the three or nine months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively. Impaired loans were $14.3 million and $17.2 million at September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively. Of the $14.3 million of impaired loans at September 30, 2011, $10.2 million had specific reserves totaling $2.8 million. Of the $17.2 million of impaired loans at December 31, 2010, $13.6 million had specific reserves totaling $2.0 million.
 
Impaired non-covered loans as of September 30, 2011 are set forth in the following table.

    
Unpaid Principal Balance
   
Recorded Investment with no Allowance
   
Recorded Investment with Allowance
   
Total Recorded Investment
   
Related Allowance
   
Average Recorded Investment
   
Interest Income Recognized
 
(in 000’s)
                                         
Commercial loans and lines
  $ 13,127     $     $ 10,048     $ 10,048     $ 2,757     $ 11,196     $  
Commercial mortgage
    1,413       1,413             1,413             1,439        
Multifamily
    1,648       1,532             1,532             1,768        
Construction and land
    181             181       181       45       146        
Home mortgage
    1,605       1,105             1,105             981        
Installment
    4             4       4       2       4        
Total
  $ 17,978     $ 4,050     $ 10,233     $ 14,283     $ 2,804     $ 15,534     $  
 
 
19

 
 
Impaired non-covered loans as of December 31, 2010 are set forth in the following table.

    
Unpaid Principal Balance
   
Recorded Investment with no Allowance
   
Recorded Investment with Allowance
   
Total Recorded Investment
   
Related Allowance
   
Average Recorded Investment
   
Interest Income Recognized
 
(in 000’s)
                                         
Commercial loans and lines
  $ 19,211     $ 1,691     $ 10,685     $ 12,376     $ 1,627     $ 5,701     $  
Commercial mortgage
    1,458       1,458             1,458             486        
Multifamily
    905             668       668       150       670        
Home mortgage
    2,542       1,530       437       1,967       18       1,189        
Construction
    698             698       698       168       223        
Total
  $ 24,814     $ 4,679     $ 12,488     $ 17,167     $ 1,963     $ 8,269     $  
 
      The average recorded investment in impaired loans shown in the above tables represents the average investment for the period in the loans impaired at each respective period-end.

Troubled Debt Restructurings

      The Company adopted the amendments in ASU No. 2011-02 during the current period ended September 30, 2011. The adoption of this amendment did not change our allowance for loan losses as the Company has historically considered a restructured loan as impaired and evaluated these loans individually for credit losses.

      The Company offers a variety of modifications to borrowers. The modification categories offered can generally be described in the following categories:

Rate modification – A modification in which the interest rate is changed.
 
Term modification – A modification in which the maturity date, timing of payments, or frequency of payments is changed.

Interest only modification – A modification in which the loan is converted to interest only payments for a period of time.

 
20

 
 
Payment modification – A modification in which the dollar amount of the payment is changed, other than an interest only modification described above.

Combination modification – Any other type of modification, including the use of multiple categories above.

The following tables present non-covered loan troubled debt restructurings as of September 30, 2011 and 2010.

   
September 30, 2011
 
   
Accrual Status
   
Nonaccrual Status
   
Total Modifications
 
     #     $     #     $     #     $  
Commercial mortgage
    1     $ 650           $       1     $ 650  
Commercial loans & lines
    5       234       7       1,489       12       1,723  
Multifamily
                1       611       1       611  
Home mortgage
                1       158       1       158  
Construction and land
                                   
Home equity loans and lines
                                   
Installment
                1       4       1       4  
Total
    6     $ 884       10     $ 2,262       16     $ 3,146  

   
September 30, 2010
 
   
Accrual Status
   
Nonaccrual Status
   
Total Modifications
 
     #     $     #     $     #     $  
Commercial mortgage
    1     $ 659           $       1     $ 659  
Commercial loans & lines
    3       1,291       7       2,148       10       3,439  
Multifamily
                                   
Home mortgage
                1       158       1       158  
Construction and land
                                   
Home equity loans and lines
                                   
Installment
                                   
Total
    4     $ 1,950       8     $ 2,306       12     $ 4,256  
 
The Bank’s policy is that loans placed on nonaccrual status will typically remain on nonaccrual status until all principal and interest payments are brought current and the prospect for future payment performance in accordance with the loan agreement appear relatively certain. The Bank’s policy generally refers to six months of payment performance as sufficient to warrant a return to accrual status.
 
      The following tables present newly restructured loans that occurred during the three months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively.
 
    Three months ended September 30, 2011  
    Rate
Modifications
  Term
Modifications
  Interest Only Modifications   Payment
Modifications
  Combination
Modifications
    Total
Modifications
 
   
#
  $   #   $   #   $   #   $   #   $   #   $  
Pre-Modification Outstanding Recorded Investment:
                                 
Commercial mortgage
      $       $       $       $       $       $  
Commercial loans & lines
                            1     39     1     42     2     81  
Multifamily
                                    1     626     1     626  
Home mortgage
                                                 
Construction and land
                                                 
Home equity loans and lines
                                                 
Installment
                                                 
                                                                           
Total
      $       $       $     1   $ 39     2   $ 668     3   $ 707  
                                                                           
Post-Modification Outstanding Recorded Investment:
                                     
Commercial mortgage
      $       $       $       $       $       $  
Commercial loans & lines
                            1     39     1     42     2     81  
Multifamily
                                    1     614     1     614  
Home mortgage
                                                 
Construction and land
                                                 
Home equity loans and lines
                                                 
Installment
                                                 
                                                                           
Total
      $       $       $     1   $ 39     2   $ 656     3   $ 695  
 
 
21

 
 
    
Three months ended September 30, 2010
 
   
Rate
Modifications
 
Term
Modifications
 
Interest Only Modifications
 
Payment
Modifications
 
Combination
Modifications
 
Total
Modifications
 
    #   $   #   $   #   $   #   $   #   $   #   $  
Pre-Modification Outstanding Recorded Investment:
                                     
Commercial mortgage
      $       $       $       $       $       $  
Commercial loans & lines
                            1     56     1     50     2     106  
Multifamily
                                                 
Home mortgage
                                                 
Construction and land
                                                 
Home equity loans and lines
                                                 
Installment
                                                 
                                                                           
Total
      $       $       $     1   $ 56     1   $ 50     2   $ 106  
                                                                           
Post-Modification Outstanding Recorded Investment:
                               
Commercial mortgage
      $       $       $       $       $       $  
Commercial loans & lines
                            1     56     1     50     2     106  
Multifamily
                                                 
Home mortgage
                                                 
Construction and land
                                                 
Home equity loans and lines
                                                 
Installment
                                                 
                                                                           
Total
      $       $       $     1   $ 56     1   $ 50     2   $ 106  

 
22

 
 
      The following tables present newly restructured loans that occurred during the nine months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively.
 
   
Nine months ended September 30, 2011
 
   
Rate
Modifications
 
Term
Modifications
 
Interest Only
Modifications
 
Payment Modifications
 
Combination
Modifications
 
Total Modifications
 
    #     #   $   #   $   #   $   #   $   #   $  
Pre-Modification Outstanding Recorded Investment:
                           
Commercial mortgage
      $       $       $       $       $       $  
Commercial loans & lines
                            2     83     2     60     4     143  
Multifamily
                                    1     626     1     626  
Home mortgage
                                                 
Construction and land
                                                 
Home equity loans and lines
                                                 
Installment
                                    1     5     1     5  
                                                                           
Total
      $       $       $     2   $ 83     4   $ 691     6   $ 774  
                                                                           
Post-Modification Outstanding Recorded Investment:
                               
Commercial mortgage
      $       $       $       $       $       $  
Commercial loans & lines
                            2     83     2     60     4     143  
Multifamily
                                    1     614     1     614  
Home mortgage
                                                 
Construction and land
                                                 
Home equity loans and lines
                                                 
Installment
                                    1     5     1     5  
                                                                           
Total
      $       $       $     2   $ 83     4   $ 679     6   $ 762  
 
   
Nine months ended September 30, 2010
 
   
Rate
Modifications
 
Term
Modifications
 
Interest Only
Modifications
 
Payment
Modifications
 
Combination
Modifications
 
Total
Modifications
 
    #   $   #   $   #   $   #   $   #   $   #   $  
Pre-Modification Outstanding Recorded Investment:
                                               
Commercial mortgage
      $       $       $       $       $       $  
Commercial loans & lines
            1     498             3     2,487     6     519     10     3,504  
Multifamily
                                                 
Home mortgage
                                    1     118     1     118  
Construction and land
                                                 
Home equity loans and lines
                                                 
Installment
                                                 
                                                                           
Total
      $     1   $ 498       $     3   $ 2,487     7   $ 637     11   $ 3,622  
                                                                           
Post-Modification Outstanding Recorded Investment:
                                                       
Commercial mortgage
      $       $       $       $       $       $  
Commercial loans & lines
            1     498             3     2,487     6     455     10     3,440  
Multifamily
                                                 
Home mortgage
                                    1     118     1     118  
Construction and land
                                                 
Home equity loans and lines
                                                 
Installment
                                                 
                                                                           
Total
      $     1   $ 498       $     3   $ 2,487     7   $ 573     11   $ 3,558  
 
During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011, one loan for $4,000 modified as a trobled debt restructuring had a payment default occurring within 12 months of the restructuring date. There were no loans modified as a troubled debt restructuring and had a payment default occurring within 12 months of the restructuring date during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010.
 
23

 
 
 
NOTE 6 – COVERED LOANS AND FDIC SHARED-LOSS ASSET
 
Covered assets consist of loans receivable and foreclosed property that we acquired in the FDIC-assisted SLTB and WCB acquisitions for which we entered into shared-loss agreements with the FDIC. The Bank will share in the losses with the FDIC, which begin with the first dollar of loss incurred on the loan pools (including single-family residential mortgage loans, commercial loans and foreclosed property) covered under our shared-loss agreements. We refer to all other loans not covered under our shared-loss agreements as non-covered loans.
 
Pursuant to the terms of the shared-loss agreements, the FDIC is obligated to reimburse the Bank for 80 percent of eligible losses with respect to covered assets. The Bank has a corresponding obligation to reimburse the FDIC for 80 percent of eligible recoveries with respect to covered loans. The shared-loss agreements for commercial and single-family residential mortgage loans are in effect for five years and ten years, respectively, from the acquisition date and the loss recovery provisions are in effect for eight years and ten years, respectively, from the acquisition date.
 
The following table reflects the estimated fair value of the acquired loans at the acquisition dates.

   
WCB
   
SLTB
       
   
November 5, 2010
   
February 18, 2011
   
Total
 
                   
Home mortgage
  $ 2,484     $ 64,524     $ 67,008  
Commercial mortgage
    25,920       15,948       41,868  
Construction and land loans
    7,599       23,395       30,994  
Multifamily
          18,450       18,450  
Commercial loans and lines of credit
    19,486       2,353       21,839  
Home equity loans and lines of credit
          13,669       13,669  
Installment and credit card
          453       453  
Total
  $ 55,489     $ 138,792     $ 194,281  

In estimating the fair value of the covered loans at the acquisition date, we (a) calculated the amount and timing of contractual undiscounted principal and interest payments and (b) estimated the amount and timing of undiscounted expected principal and interest payments. The difference between these two amounts represents the nonaccretable difference. On the acquisition date, the amount by which the undiscounted expected cash flows exceed the estimated fair value of the acquired loans is the “accretable yield.” The accretable yield is then measured at each financial reporting date and represents the difference between the remaining undiscounted expected cash flows and the current carrying value of the loans.
 
The following table presents a reconciliation of the undiscounted contractual cash flows, nonaccretable difference, accretable yield, and the fair value of covered loans for each respective acquired loan portfolio at the acquisition dates.

   
WCB
   
SLTB
       
   
November 5, 2010
   
February 18, 2011
   
Total
 
                   
Undiscounted contractual cash flows
  $ 81,266     $ 334,138     $ 415,404  
Undiscounted cash flows not expected to be collected (nonaccretable difference)
    (20,094 )     (82,020 )     (102,114 )
Undiscounted cash flows expected to be collected
    61,172       252,118       313,290  
                         
Accretable yield at acquisition
    (5,683 )     (113,326 )     (119,009 )
Estimated fair value of loans acquired at acquisition
  $ 55,489     $ 138,792     $ 194,281  

 
24

 

The following tables present the changes in the accretable yield for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011 for each respective acquired loan portfolio. There were no covered loans in the prior year periods.

   
Three months ended September 30, 2011
 
   
Western Commercial
   
San Luis Trust Bank
   
Total
 
                   
Balance, beginning of period
  $ 3,891     $ 108,604     $ 112,495  
                         
Accretion to interest income
    (796 )     (3,039 )     (3,835 )
Reclassifications from nonaccretable difference
    6,582             6,582  
Balance, end of period
  $ 9,677     $ 105,565     $ 115,242  
 
   
Nine months ended September 30, 2011
 
   
Western Commercial
   
San Luis Trust Bank
   
Total
 
                         
Balance, beginning of period
  $ 5,683     $     $ 5,683  
                         
Additions resulting from acquisition
          113,326       113,326  
                         
Accretion to interest income
    (2,588 )     (7,761 )     (10,349 )
Reclassifications from nonaccretable difference
    6,582             6,582  
Balance, end of period
  $ 9,677     $ 105,565     $ 115,242  

The following table sets forth the composition of the covered loan portfolio by type.

Covered loans by property type (in thousands)
 
At
September 30,
2011
   
At
December 31,
2010
 
Home mortgage
  $ 41,844     $ 2,046  
Commercial mortgage
    39,687       26,038  
Construction and land loans
    25,480       6,143  
Multifamily
    15,154       2,688  
Commercial loans and lines of credit
    13,274       16,820  
Home equity loans and lines of credit
    11,704       135  
Installment and credit card
    7        
Total covered loans
  $ 147,150     $ 53,870  

 
25

 
 
The FDIC shared-loss asset represents the present value of the amounts we expect to receive from the FDIC under our shared-loss agreements. We accrete into noninterest income over the life of the FDIC shared-loss asset the difference between the present value and the undiscounted cash flows we expect to collect from the FDIC. The FDIC shared-loss asset was $77.8 million at September 30, 2011 and $16.7 million at December 31, 2010.
 
The FDIC shared-loss asset was initially recorded at fair value, which represented the present value of the estimated cash payments from the FDIC for future losses on covered assets. The ultimate collectability of this asset is dependent upon the performance of the underlying covered assets, the passage of time and claims paid by the FDIC. The following table presents the changes in the FDIC shared-loss asset for the nine months ended September 30, 2011.
 
   
Nine months ended September 30, 2011
 
(in thousands)
 
WCB
   
SLTB
   
Total
 
Balance, beginning of period
  $ 16,725     $     $ 16,725  
Acquisition
          70,293       70,293  
FDIC share of additional losses
    499       1,157       1,656  
Cash payments received from FDIC
    (8,256 )       (2,805 )       (11,061 )
Net accretion
    62       80       142  
Balance, end of period
  $ 9,030     $ 68,725     $ 77,755  
 
Forty-five days following the tenth anniversary of the WCB and SLTB acquisition dates, the Company will be required to perform a calculation and determine if a payment to the FDIC is necessary. The payment amount will be 50 percent of the excess, if any, of (i) 20 percent of the intrinsic loss estimate minus (ii) the sum of (a) 20 percent of the net loss amount, plus (b) 25 percent of the asset discount bid, plus (c) 3.5 percent of total loss share assets at acquisition. The Company’s estimate for the present value of this liability was $3.7 million and $1.0 million at September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010.
 
We evaluated each of the acquired coverd loans under ASC 310-30 to determine loans for which 1) there was evidence of credit deterioration since origination and 2) it was probable that we would not collect all contractually required payments receivable.  We determined the best indicator of such evidence was an individual loan’s accrual status.  Therefore, an individual loan on nonaccrual at the acquisition date (generally 90 days or greater contractually past due) was deemed to be non-performing credit impaired and therefore within the scope of ASC 310-30.  Acquired loans that were accruing at the acquisition date were separately identified and labeled performing credit impaired loans.
 
Pursuant to an AICPA letter dated December 18, 2009, the AICPA summarized the SEC Staff’s view regarding the accounting in subsequent periods for discount accretion associated with non-credit impaired loans acquired in a business combination or asset purchase. Regarding the accounting for such loans, in the absence of further standard setting, the AICPA understands that the SEC Staff would not object to an accounting policy based on contractual cash flows or an accounting policy based on expected cash flows.  We believe analogizing to ASC 310-30 is an appropriate method to follow in accounting for the credit-related portion of the fair value discount on the performing credit impaired loans. By doing so, these loans, which are labeled performing credit impaired, are only being accreted up to the cash flows that we expected to receive at acquisition of the loan. Given the lending practices of the institution from which the loans were acquired, and in estimating the expected cash flows for each designated pool, all loans acquired were recognized to have some degree of credit impairment.
 
On the acquisition dates, the amounts by which the undiscounted expected cash flows exceed the estimated fair value of the acquired loans is the accretable yield. The accretable yield is taken into interest income over the life of the loans using the effective yield method. The accretable yield changes over time due to both accretion and as actual and expected cash flows vary from the acquisition date estimated cash flows. The accretable yield is then measured at each financial reporting date and represents the difference between the remaining undiscounted expected cash flows and the current carrying value of the loans. The remaining undiscounted expected cash flows are calculated at each financial reporting date based on information then currently available. Increases in expected cash flows over those originally estimated increase the carrying value of the pool and are recognized as interest income prospectively. Decreases in expected cash flows compared to those originally estimated decrease the carrying value of the pool and are recognized by recording a provision for credit losses and establishing an allowance for credit losses. As the accretable yield increases due to cash flow expectations, the offset is a change to the nonaccretable difference.
 
The acquired covered loans are and will continue to be subject to the Bank’s internal and external credit review and monitoring practices. The covered loans have the same credit quality indicators, such as risk grade and classification, as the non-covered loans, to enable the monitoring of the borrower’s credit and the likelihood of repayment. If credit deteriorates beyond the respective acquisition date fair value amount of covered loans under ASC 310-30, such deterioration will be reserved for and a provision for credit losses will be charged to earnings with a partially offsetting noninterest income item reflected in the increase of the FDIC shared-loss asset.
 
At September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, there was no allowance for the covered loans accounted for under ASC 310-30 related to deterioration, as the credit quality deterioration, if any, was not beyond the acquisition date fair value amounts of the covered loans.

 
26

 
 
Loans are tracked by the number of days borrower payments are past due. The tables below present an age analysis of nonaccrual and past due covered loans, segregated by class of loan, as of September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010.

    At September 30, 2011   
   
Accruing loans 30-59 days past due
   
Accruing loans 60-89 days past due
   
Accruing loans 90+ days past due
   
Total Accruing past due loans
   
Nonaccrual past due loans
   
Current loans
   
Total
 
   
(in thousands)
 
Commercial loans and lines
  $ 412     $     $     $ 412     $ 2,512     $ 10,350     $ 13,274  
Commercial mortgage
    106                   106       4,474       35,107       39,687  
Multifamily
                            1,916       13,238       15,154  
Construction and land
    1,564                   1,564       7,297       16,619       25,480  
Home mortgage
    685                   685       8,661       32,498       41,844  
Home equity loans and lines
    82       29             111       19       11,574       11,704  
Installment
                                  7       7  
Total
  $ 2,849     $ 29     $     $ 2,878     $ 24,879     $ 119,393     $ 147,150  
 
    At December 31, 2010    
   
Accruing loans 30-59 days past due
   
Accruing loans 60-89 days past due
   
Accruing loans 90+ days past due
   
Total Accruing past due loans
   
Nonaccrual past due loans
   
Current loans
   
Total
 
   
(in thousands)
 
Commercial loans and lines
  $ 1,056     $ 180     $ 400     $ 1,636     $ 1,074     $ 14,110     $ 16,820  
Commercial mortgage
    1,353                   1,353       1,024       23,661       26,038  
Multifamily
                            428       2,260       2,688  
Construction and land
    2,289                   2,289       1,799       2,055       6,143  
Home mortgage
                                  2,046       2,046  
Home equity loans and lines
                                  135       135  
Installment
                                         
Total
  $ 4,698     $ 180     $ 400     $ 5,278     $ 4,325     $ 44,267     $ 53,870  

 
27

 
 
The increases in these amounts since December 31, 2010 were due to the FDIC-assisted San Luis Trust Bank acquisition in February 2011. At September 30, 2011, included in covered non-accrual loans were restructured loans totaling $10.8 million.
 
At December 31, 2010, included in covered non-accrual loans was one restructured commercial mortgage loan for $0.9 million. Interest income recognized on this loan was $18,000 for the year ended December 31, 2010. We had no commitment to lend additional funds to this borrower.

The table below presents the covered loan portfolio by credit quality indicator as of September 30, 2011.

   
Pass
   
Special Mention
   
Substandard
   
Doubtful
   
Loss
   
Total
 
   
(in thousands)
 
Home mortgage
  $ 11,069     $ 5,760     $ 25,015     $     $     $ 41,844  
Commercial mortgage
    20,651       9,131       8,774       1,131             39,687  
Construction and land
    4,718       3,942       16,199       621             25,480  
Multifamily
    8,783             6,371                   15,154  
Commercial loans and lines of credit
    4,016       2,162       5,986       1,110             13,274  
Home equity loans and lines
    9,087       1,386       1,231                   11,704  
Installment
    2             5                   7  
    $ 58,326     $ 22,381     $ 63,581     $ 2,862     $     $ 147,150  

The table below presents the covered loan portfolio by credit quality indicator as of December 31, 2010.

   
Pass
   
Special Mention
   
Substandard
   
Doubtful
   
Loss
   
Total
 
   
(in thousands)
 
Home mortgage
  $ 1,210     $     $ 836     $     $     $ 2,046  
Commercial mortgage
    18,363       2,855       4,649       171             26,038  
Construction and land
    231             4,803       1,109             6,143  
Multifamily
    2,260             428                   2,688  
Commercial loans and lines of credit
    9,186       1,297       4,735       1,602             16,820  
Home equity loans and lines
    135                               135  
Installment
                                   
    $ 31,385     $ 4,152     $ 15,451     $ 2,882     $     $ 53,870  

NOTE 7 – FORECLOSED PROPERTY
 
Non-covered foreclosed property at September 30, 2011 consists of a $14.3 million completed office complex project consisting of 17 buildings in Ventura County and a $3.3 million unimproved land property of 161 acres located in an unincorporated section of western Los Angeles County known as Liberty Canyon. The remainder represents one office building and three single-family residences that together total $0.8 million.
 
 
28

 
 
The following table presents the activity of our non-covered foreclosed property for the periods indicated.
 
   
Three months ended September 30,
   
Nine months ended September 30,
 
   
2011
   
2010
   
2011
   
2010
 
(dollars in thousands)
 
# of
Properties
   
$ Amount
   
# of
Properties
   
$ Amount
   
# of
Properties
   
$ Amount
   
# of
Properties
   
$ Amount
 
Beginning balance
    7     $ 20,029       4     $ 27,850       8     $ 26,011       1     $ 4,893  
New properties added
    1       99       3       1,016       2       328       8       25,414  
Valuation allowances
                                  (5,208 )           (230 )
Sales of properties
    (2 )     (1,722 )           (960 )     (4 )     (2,725 )     (2 )     (2,171 )
Ending balance
    6     $ 18,406       7     $ 27,906       6     $ 18,406       7     $ 27,906  
 
Covered foreclosed property at September 30, 2011 was $12.4 million and $1.0 million at December 31, 2010. We acquired these properties as part of the FDIC-assisted WCB and SLTB acquisitions. We recorded these properties at their estimated fair value, less estimated costs to sell, at the time of acquisition. Since year-end 2010, we sold $13.2million of properties and acquired or added $26.7 million.

The following table presents the activity of our covered foreclosed property for the periods indicated.

   
Three months ended September 30,
   
Nine months ended September 30,
 
   
2011
   
2010
   
2011
   
2010
 
(dollars in thousands)
 
# of
Properties
   
$ Amount
   
# of
Properties
   
$ Amount
   
# of
Properties
   
$ Amount
   
# of
Properties
   
$ Amount
 
Beginning balance
    21     $ 5,636           $       2     $ 977           $  
New properties acquired
                            22       11,052              
New properties added
    34       13,680                   41       15,657              
Valuation allowances
          (739 )                       (2,141 )            
Sales of properties
    (8 )     (6,216 )                 (18 )     (13,184 )            
Ending balance
    47     $ 12,361           $       47     $ 12,361           $  

NOTE 8 – GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS
 
Goodwill was $60.7 million at September 30, 2011 and at December 31, 2010.  No impairment loss was recognized for the periods ended September 30, 2011 and September 30, 2010.
 
Core deposit intangibles, net of accumulated amortization, were $8.9 million at September 30, 2011 and $7.4 million at December 31, 2010.  The increase since year end 2010 was due to the new core deposit intangibles for San Luis Trust Bank and the EPS division. Amortization expense for the three months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010 was $434,000 and $316,000, respectively. Amortization expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010 was $1.2 million and $949,000, respectively.
 
Trade name intangible, net of accumulated amortization, was $2.2 million at September 30, 2011 and $2.5 million at December 31, 2010. Amortization expense for the three months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010 was $100,000 in each period. Amortization expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010 was $300,000 in each period.

A new contractual customer relationships intangible was recorded in the second quarter of 2011 related to the EPS division acquisition. The balance was $3.4 million at September 30, 2011 and amortization expense for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011 was $90,000 and $180,000, respectively.

 
29

 
 
NOTE 9 — DERIVATIVES AND HEDGING ACTIVITY
 
Risk Management Objective of Using Derivatives
 
The Company is exposed to certain risks arising from both its business operations and economic conditions. The Company principally manages its exposures to a wide variety of business and operational risks through management of its core business activities. The Company manages economic risks, including interest rate, liquidity, and credit risk, primarily by managing the amount, sources, and duration of its assets and liabilities through the use of derivative financial instruments. Specifically, the Company enters into derivative financial instruments to manage exposures that arise from business activities that result in the receipt or payment of future known and uncertain cash amounts, the value of which are determined by interest rates. The Company’s derivative financial instruments are used to manage differences in the amount, timing, and duration of the Company’s known or expected cash receipts and its known or expected cash payments principally related to certain variable-rate loan assets and borrowings. The Company does not use derivatives for trading or speculative purposes.
 
Fair Values of Derivative Instruments on the Balance Sheet
 
The table below presents the fair value of the Company’s derivative financial instruments as well as their classification on the balance sheets as of September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010.
 
   
Tabular Disclosure of Fair Values of Derivative Instruments
   
Asset Derivatives
 
Liability Derivatives
   
As of September 30,
2011
 
As of December 31,
2010
 
As of September 30,
2011
 
As of December 31,
2010
(in thousands)
 
Balance
Sheet
Location
 
Fair
Value
 
Balance
Sheet
Location
 
Fair
Value
 
Balance
Sheet
Location
 
Fair
Value
 
Balance
Sheet
Location
 
Fair
Value
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments
                               
Interest rate products
 
Other
Assets
 
$
187
 
Other
Assets
 
$
697
 
Other
Liabilities
 
$
 
Other
Liabilities
 
$
                                         
Total derivatives designated as hedging instruments
     
$
187
     
$
697
     
$
     
$
                                 
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments
                               
Interest rate products
 
Other
Assets
 
$
146
 
Other
Assets
 
$
 
Other
Liabilities
 
$
 
Other
Liabilities
 
$
                                         
Total derivatives not designated as hedging instruments
     
$
146
     
$
     
$
     
$

Cash Flow Hedges of Interest Rate Risk
 
The Company’s objectives in using interest rate derivatives are to add stability to interest income and expense and to manage its exposure to interest rate movements. To accomplish this objective, the Company primarily uses interest rate caps as part of its interest rate risk management strategy. For hedges of the Company’s variable-rate borrowings, interest rate caps designated as cash flow hedges involve the receipt of variable amounts from a counterparty if interest rates rise above the strike rate on the contract in exchange for an up-front premium. As of September 30, 2011, and December 31, 2010, the Company had three interest rate caps with a notional amount of $37.1 million that was designated as a cash flow hedge associated with the Company’s variable-rate borrowings. Two of the caps are forward-starting and were not effective during the three and nine months ended September30, 2011 and 2010.
 
The effective portion of changes in the fair value of derivatives designated and that qualify as cash flow hedges is recorded in Other Comprehensive Income and is subsequently reclassified into earnings in the period that the hedged forecasted transaction affects earnings. The ineffective portion of the change in fair value of the derivatives is recognized directly in earnings. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010, such derivatives were used to hedge the forecasted variable cash outflows associated with subordinated debt related to trust preferred securities.  No hedge ineffectiveness was recognized during the three and ninemonths ended September 30, 2011 or 2010.
 
Amounts reported in Other Comprehensive Income related to derivatives will be reclassified to interest expense as interest payments are made on the Company’s variable-rate liabilities. During the next twelve months, the Company estimates that an additional $58,881 will be reclassified as an addition to interest expense.

 
30

 
 
Non-designated Hedges

Derivatives not designated as hedges are not speculative and are utilized as part of the Company’s overall interest rate risk management strategy. During the current quarter, the Company purchased three interest rate caps with an aggregate notional amount of $60 million and hedge accounting does not apply; therefore, all changes in the fair value of the caps are recognized in earnings each period.
 
Effect of Derivative Instruments on the Statement of Operations
 
The tables below present the effect of the Company’s derivative financial instruments on the statements of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011.
 
Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships  
Amount of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in OCI on Derivative (Effective Portion)
  Location of Gain or (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income (Effective Portion)  
Amount of Gain or (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income (Effective Portion)
  Location of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative (Ineffective Portion)  
Amount of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative (Ineffective Portion)
 
 
Three Months Ended September 30, 2011
   
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2011
   
Three Months Ended September 30, 2011
   
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2011
   
Three Months Ended September 30, 2011
   
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2011
 
                       
(in thousands)
               
Interest Rate Products
  $ (159 )   $ (281 )
 Interest income
  $ (8 )   $ (15 )
 Other non-interest income
  $     $  
                                                     
Total
  $ (159 )   $ (281 )     $ (8 )   $ (15 )     $     $  
 
       
Amount of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative
(in thousands)
     
Three Months Ended
September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments
 
Location of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative
 
2011
   
2010
 
2011
   
2010
                         
Interest Rate Products
 
Other non-interest income
  $ (24 )       $ (24 )    
                             
Total
      $ (24 ) $
  $ (24 ) $

Credit-risk-related Contingent Features
 
The terms of the one effective interest rate cap at September 30, 2011 does not contain any credit-risk-related contingent features. Therefore, consideration of the counterparty’s credit risk is not applicable.
 
The Company has no derivatives payable, so consideration of the Company’s own credit risk is not applicable.
 
NOTE 10 – EARNINGS (LOSS) PER SHARE
 
Basic earnings (loss) per share, or EPS, excludes dilution and is computed by dividing income (loss) available to common shareholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted EPS reflects the potential dilution that could occur if common shares were issued pursuant to the exercise of common stock options under the Company’s stock option plans and if common shares were issued from the conversion of the convertible preferred stock.
 
 
31

 
 
The following table illustrates the computations of basic and diluted EPS for the periods indicated:
 
   
Three months ended September 30,
   
Nine months ended September 30,
 
   
2011
   
2010
   
2011
   
2010
 
 
 
Diluted
   
Basic
   
Diluted
   
Basic
   
Diluted
   
Basic
   
Diluted
   
Basic
 
(in thousands, except per share data)
                                                               
Net income as reported
  $ 2,516     $ 2,516     $ 64     $ 64     $ 20,521     $ 20,521     $ 328     $ 328  
Less preferred stock dividend declared
    (1,616 )     (1,616 )     (313 )     (313 )     (2,241 )     (2,241 )     (938 )     (938 )
Income (loss) available to common shareholders
  $ 900     $ 900     $ (249 )   $ (249 )   $ 18,280     $ 18,280     $ (610 )   $ (610 )
                                                                 
Weighted average common shares outstanding (1)
    29,562       29,077       28,174       28,174       28,776       28,545       23,144       23,144  
                                                                 
Earnings (loss) per common share
  $ 0.03     $ 0.03     $ (0.01 )   $ (0.01 )   $ 0.64     $ 0.64     $ (0.03 )   $ (0.03 )
__________________
(1)
In accordance with FASB accounting standards related to earnings per share, due to the net loss for the periods presented, the impact of securities convertible to common stock is not included as its effect would be anti-dilutive. These securities include convertible preferred stock, restricted stock and warrants to acquire common stock. The dilutive calculation excludes 285,426 weighted average shares for the three months ended September 30, 2010.  The dilutive calculation excludes 289,735 weighted average shares for the nine months ended September 30, 2010.
 
NOTE 11 – COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
 
Other comprehensive income is the change in equity during a period from transactions and other events and circumstances from non-owner sources. Total comprehensive income was as follows:
 
   
Three months ended
 September 30,
   
Nine months ended 
September 30,
 
(dollars in thousands)
 
2011
   
2010
   
2011
   
2010
 
Other comprehensive income:
                       
Unrealized loss on interest rate caps
  $ (288 )   $ (64 )   $ (510 )   $ (212 )
Unrealized gain on securities available-for-sale
    2,219       1,320       6,164       7,044  
Reclassification adjustment for gains included in net income
    (209 )     (1,204 )     (699 )     (1,466 )
Other comprehensive income, before tax
    1,722       52       4,955       5,366  
Income tax expense related to items of other comprehensive income
    (721 )     (22 )     (2,069 )     (2,256 )
Other comprehensive income
    1,001       30       2,886       3,110  
Net income
    2,516       64       20,521       328  
Comprehensive income
  $ 3,517     $ 94     $ 23,407     $ 3,438  

NOTE 12 – FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENT

FASB accounting standards codification related to fair value measurements defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value under GAAP, and expands disclosures about fair value measurement. This standard applies to all financial assets and liabilities that are being measured and reported at fair value on a recurring and non-recurring basis.
 
 
32

 
 
As defined in the FASB accounting standards codification, fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. The following table presents information about the Company’s assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring and non-recurring basis as of September 30, 2011 and indicates the fair value hierarchy of the valuation techniques utilized by the Company to determine such fair value. In general, fair values determined by Level 1 inputs utilize quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical instruments that are highly liquid, observable and actively traded in over-the-counter markets. Fair values determined by Level 2 inputs utilize inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. Level 2 inputs include quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active and model-derived valuations whose inputs are observable and can be corroborated by market data. Level 3 inputs are unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities. In certain cases, the inputs used to measure fair value may fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy. In such cases, the level in the fair value hierarchy within which the fair value measurement in its entirety falls has been determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety. The Company’s assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement in its entirety requires judgment, and considers factors specific to the asset or liability.
 
The Company uses fair value to measure certain assets and liabilities on a recurring basis when fair value is the primary measure for accounting. This is done primarily for available-for-sale securities and derivatives. Fair value is used on a nonrecurring basis to measure certain assets when applying lower of cost or market accounting or when adjusting carrying values, such as for loans held-for-sale, impaired loans, and foreclosed property. Fair value is also used when evaluating impairment on certain assets, including securities, goodwill, core deposit and other intangibles, for valuing assets and liabilities acquired in a business combination and for disclosures of financial instruments as required by the FASB accounting standards codification related to fair value disclosure reporting.
 
The following tables present information on the assets measured and recorded at fair value on a recurring and nonrecurring basis at September 30, 2011.
 
         
Financial Assets Measured at Fair Value
on a
Recurring Basis at
September 30, 2011, Using
 
   
Fair value at
September 30, 2011
   
Quoted prices in
active markets
for identical
assets
(Level 1)
   
Other
observable
inputs
(Level 2)
   
Significant
unobservable
inputs
(Level 3)
 
   
(in thousands)
 
U.S. Treasury notes/bills
  $ 45,232     $     $ 45,232     $  
U.S. government agency notes
    62,055             62,055        
U.S. government agency mortgage-backed securities
    61,944             61,944        
U.S. government agency collateralized mortgage obligations
    125,294             125,294        
Private label collateralized mortgage obligations
    14,282             14,282        
Municipal securities
    18,226             18,226        
Other domestic debt securities
    5,252             5,252        
Interest rate caps
    333             333        
Total assets measured at fair value
  $ 332,618     $     $ 332,618     $  
 
 
33

 
 
         
Financial Assets Measured at Fair Value
on a
Non-Recurring Basis at
September 30, 2011, Using
       
   
Fair value at
September 30, 2011
   
Quoted prices in
active markets
for identical
assets
(Level 1)
   
Other
observable
inputs
(Level 2)
   
Significant
unobservable
inputs
(Level 3)
   
Total
gains
(losses)
 
   
(in thousands)
 
Non-covered impaired loans
  $ 7,429     $     $     $ 7,429     $ (310 )
Non-covered foreclosed property
    18,406                   18,406       (5,208 )
Covered foreclosed property
    12,361                   12,361        
Total assets measured at fair value
  $ 38,196     $     $     $ 38,196     $ (5,518 )

The following tables present information on the assets measured and recorded at fair value on a recurring and nonrecurring basis at and for the year ended December 31, 2010.
 
         
Financial Assets Measured at Fair Value
on a
Recurring Basis at
December 31, 2010, Using
 
   
Fair value at
December 31, 2010
   
Quoted prices in
active markets
for identical
assets
(Level 1)
   
Other
observable
inputs
(Level 2)
   
Significant
unobservable
inputs
(Level 3)
 
   
(in thousands)
 
U.S. Treasury notes/bills
  $ 51,154     $     $ 51,154     $  
U.S. government agency notes
    58,917             58,917        
U.S. government agency mortgage-backed securities
    47,325             47,325        
U.S. government agency collateralized mortgage obligations
    89,880             89,880        
Private label collateralized mortgage obligations
    16,894             16,894        
Municipal securities
    3,002             3,002        
Other domestic debt securities
    5,267             5,267        
Interest rate caps
    697             697        
Total assets measured at fair value
  $ 273,136     $     $ 273,136     $  
 
 
34

 
 
         
Financial Assets Measured at Fair Value
on a
Non-Recurring Basis at
December 31, 2010, Using
       
   
Fair value at
December 31, 2010
   
Quoted prices in
active markets
for identical
assets
(Level 1)
   
Other
observable
inputs
(Level 2)
   
Significant
unobservable
inputs
(Level 3)
   
Total
gains
(losses)
 
   
(in thousands)
 
Non-covered impaired loans
  $ 10,526     $     $     $ 10,526     $ (4,395 )
Non-covered foreclosed property
    26,011                   26,011       (1,481 )
Covered foreclosed property
    977                   977        
Total assets measured at fair value
  $ 37,514     $     $     $ 37,514     $ (5,876 )

There were no significant transfers of assets into or out of Level 1, Level 2 or Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy during the quarter ended September 30, 2011. There have been no changes in valuation techniques for the quarter ended September 30, 2011 and are consistent with techniques used in prior periods.

The following methods were used to estimate the fair value of each class of financial instrument above:
 
Available-for-sale securities – Fair values for securities are based on quoted market prices of identical securities, where available, (Level 1). When quoted prices of identical securities are not available, the fair value estimate is based on quoted market prices of similar securities, adjusted for differences between the securities (Level 2). Adjustments may include amounts to reflect differences in underlying collateral, interest rates, estimated prepayment speeds, and counterparty credit quality. In determining the fair value of the securities categorized as Level 2, the Company obtains a report from a nationally recognized broker-dealer detailing the fair value of each security in our portfolio as of each reporting date. The broker-dealer uses observable market information to value our securities, with the primary source being a nationally recognized pricing service. The Company reviews the market prices provided by the broker-dealer for our securities for reasonableness based upon our understanding of the marketplace and we consider any credit issues related to the bonds. As the Company has not made any adjustments to the market quotes provided to us and they are based on observable market data, they have been categorized as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy.
 
Impaired loans – Impaired loans are measured and recorded at the fair value of the loan’s collateral on a nonrecurring basis as the impaired loans shown are collateral dependent. The fair value of each loan’s collateral is generally based on estimated market prices from an independently prepared appraisal, which is then adjusted for the estimated cost related to liquidating such collateral; such valuation inputs result in a nonrecurring fair value measurement that is categorized as a Level 3 measurement.
 
Foreclosed property – Foreclosed property is initially measured at fair value at acquisition and carried at the lower of this new cost or fair value on a nonrecurring basis. The foreclosed property shown is collateral dependent and, accordingly, is measured based on the fair value of such collateral. The fair value of collateral is generally based on estimated market prices from an independently prepared appraisal, which is then adjusted for the estimated cost related to liquidating such collateral; such valuation inputs result in a nonrecurring fair value measurement that is categorized as a Level 3 measurement.
 
FASB accounting standards codification requires that the Company disclose estimated fair values for its financial instruments during annual and interim reporting periods. Fair value estimates, methods and assumptions, set forth below for our financial instruments, are made solely to comply with the requirements of the disclosures regarding fair value of financial instruments. The following describes the methods and assumptions used in estimating the fair values of financial instruments, excluding financial instruments already recorded at fair value as described above.
 
Cash and cash equivalents – The carrying amounts of cash and interest bearing deposits at other banks is assumed to be the fair value given the liquidity and short-term nature of these deposits.
 
Loans – Loans are not measured at fair value on a recurring basis. Therefore, the following valuation discussion relates to estimating the fair value to be disclosed under fair value disclosure requirements.  Loans were divided into four major groups. The loan groups included (1) loans that mature or re-price in three months or less, (2) loans that amortize or mature in more than three months, (3) impaired loans, and (4) loans acquired in the Western Commercial Bank and San Luis Trust Bank acquisitions. We estimated the fair value of impaired loans and loans that mature or re-price within three months, impaired loans and loans acquired in the WCB and SLTB acquisitions at their carrying value. We used discounted cash flow methodology to estimate the fair value of loans that amortize or mature in more than three months. We developed pools of these loans based on similar characteristics such as underlying type of collateral, fixed or adjustable rate of interest, payment or amortization method and other factors. We projected monthly principal and interest cash flows based on the contractual terms of the loan, adjusted for assumed prepayments, and discounted these at a rate that considered funding costs, a market participant’s required rate of return and adjusted for servicing costs and a liquidity discount. Loans are not normally purchased and sold by the Company, and there are no active trading markets for much of this portfolio.
 
 
35

 
 
FDIC sharedloss asset – The fair value of the FDIC shared-loss asset represents the present value of the amounts we expect to receive from the FDIC under our shared-loss agreements and is based upon estimated cash flows from our covered assets and discounted by a rate reflective of the creditworthiness of the FDIC as would be required by market.
 
Bank owned life insurance assets- Fair values of insurance policies owned are based on the insurance contract’s cash surrender value.
 
Interest rate caps – The fair values of interest rate caps are determined using the market standard methodology of discounting the future expected cash receipts that would occur if variable interest rates rise above the strike rate of the caps. The variable interest rates used in the calculation of projected receipts on the caps are based on an expectation of future interest rates derived from observable market interest rate curves and volatilities. In addition, the Company incorporates credit valuation adjustments to appropriately reflect nonperformance risk in the fair value measurements of its derivatives. The credit valuation adjustments are calculated by determining the total expected exposure of the derivatives (which incorporates both the current and potential future exposure) and then applying the counterparties’ credit spreads to the exposure. The total expected exposure of a derivative is derived using market-observable inputs, such as yield curves and volatilities. For the counterparties’ credit spreads, the credit spreads over LIBOR used in the calculations represent implied credit default swap spreads obtained from a third party credit data provider. In adjusting the fair value of its derivative contracts for the effect of nonperformance risk, the Company has considered the impact of netting and any applicable credit enhancements.
 
Deposits – The fair values disclosed for demand deposits are, by definition, equal to the amount payable on demand at the reporting date (that is, their carrying amounts). The carrying amounts of variable-rate money market accounts and fixed-term certificates of deposit (CDs) approximate their fair values at the reporting date. Fair values for fixed-rate CDs are estimated using a discounted cash flow calculation that applies interest rates currently being offered on certificates to a schedule of aggregated expected monthly maturities on time deposits.
 
Federal Home Loan Bank advances and other borrowings – The fair value of the FHLB advances and other borrowings is estimated using a discounted cash flow analysis based on the Company’s current incremental borrowing rates for similar types of borrowing arrangements.
 
Junior subordinated debentures – The fair value of the debentures is estimated using a discounted cash flow analysis based on current incremental borrowing rates for similar types of borrowing arrangements.
 
Off-balance sheet instruments – Off-balance sheet instruments include unfunded commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit. The fair value of these instruments is not considered practicable to estimate because of the lack of quoted market prices and the inability to estimate fair value without incurring excessive costs.
 
The following table estimates fair values and the related carrying amounts of the Company’s financial instruments:
 
   
September 30, 2011
   
December 31, 2010
 
   
Carrying
Amount
   
Estimated
Fair Value
   
Carrying
Amount
   
Estimated
Fair Value
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Financial assets:
                       
Cash, due from banks and interest bearing deposits with other banks
  $ 169,852     $ 169,852     $ 88,003     $ 88,003  
Securities available-for-sale
    332,285       332,285       272,439       272,439  
FHLB and other stock
    12,098       12,098       9,458       9,458  
Bank owned life insurance assets
    12,562       12,562       12,232       12,232  
Non-covered loans, net
    902,268       782,039       930,712       777,059  
Covered loans
    147,150       147,150       53,870       53,870  
FDIC shared-loss asset
    77,755       77,755       16,725       16,725  
Interest rate cap
    333       333       697       697  
Financial liabilities:
                               
Demand deposits, money market and savings
  $ 1,061,249     $ 1,061,249     $ 808,575     $ 808,575  
Time certificates of deposit
    353,353       356,042       347,713       350,787  
FHLB advances and other borrowings
    117,774       121,973       131,500       137,485  
Junior subordinated debentures
    26,805       16,728       26,805       14,617  
FDIC shared-loss liability
    3,700       3,700       988       988  
 
 
36

 
 
These fair value disclosures represent the Company’s best estimates based on relevant market information and information about the financial instruments. Fair value estimates are based on judgments regarding future expected loss experience, current economic conditions, risk characteristics of the various instruments, and other factors. These estimates are subjective in nature and involve uncertainties and matters of significant judgment and therefore cannot be determined with precision. Changes in the above methodologies and assumptions could significantly affect the estimates.
 
NOTE 13—COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
 
In the normal course of business to meet the financing needs of its customers, the Company is a party to financial instruments with off-balance sheet risk. These financial instruments include commitments to extend credit and the issuance of letters of credit. These instruments involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit risk in excess of the amounts recognized in the balance sheets. The contract amounts of those instruments reflect the extent of involvement the Company has in particular classes of financial instruments.
 
The Company’s exposure to credit loss, in the event of nonperformance by the other party to the financial instrument for commitments to extend credit and letters of credit written, is represented by the contractual amount of those instruments. The Company uses the same credit policies in making commitments and conditional obligations as it does for on-balance sheet instruments. The Company may or may not require collateral or other security to support financial instruments with credit risk, depending on its loan underwriting guidelines.
 
The following summarizes the Company’s outstanding commitments:
 
   
September 30,
   
December 31,
 
   
2011
   
2010
 
   
(in thousands)
 
Financial instruments whose contract amounts contain credit risk:
           
Commitments to extend credit
  $ 168,502     $ 199,937  
Commercial and standby letters of credit
    1,345       1,615  
    $ 169,847     $ 201,552  
 
Commitments to extend credit are agreements to lend to a customer as long as there is no violation of any condition established in the contract. Commitments generally have fixed expiration dates or other termination clauses and may require payment of a fee. Since many of the commitments are expected to expire without being drawn upon, total commitment amounts do not necessarily represent future cash requirements. The amount of collateral obtained, if deemed necessary by the Company upon an extension of credit, is based on management’s credit evaluation of the counterparty. Collateral held varies but may include accounts receivable, inventory, property and equipment, and income-producing properties.
 
Letters of credit written are conditional commitments issued by the Company to guarantee the performance of a customer to a third party. Those guarantees are primarily issued to support public and private borrowing arrangements, including commercial paper, bond financing, and similar transactions. The credit risk involved in issuing letters of credit is essentially the same as that involved in extending loan facilities to customers. The Company holds cash, marketable securities, or real estate as collateral supporting those commitments for which collateral is deemed necessary.
 
As of September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, the Company maintained a reserve for unfunded commitments of $101,000. The reserve is included in accrued interest payable and other liabilities on the balance sheets.
 
The nature of the Company’s business causes it to be involved in ordinary routine legal proceedings from time to time. Although the ultimate outcome and amount of liability, if any, with respect to these legal proceedings to which we are currently a party cannot presently be ascertained with certainty, in the opinion of management, based upon information currently available to us, except as described below, any resulting liability is not likely to have a material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated financial condition, results of operations or cash flow.
 
In February 2011, First California Bank was named as a defendant in a putative class action alleging that the manner in which the Bank posted charges to its consumer demand deposit accounts breached an implied obligation of good faith and fair dealing and violates the California Unfair Competition Law. The action also alleges that the manner in which the Bank posted charges to its consumer demand deposit accounts is unconscionable, constitutes conversion and unjustly enriches the Bank. The action is pending in the Superior Court of Los Angeles County. The action seeks to establish a class consisting of all similarly situated customers of the Bank in the State of California. The case is in early stages, with no responsive pleadings or motions having been filed. No class has been certified in the case.  At this state of the case, the Company has not established an accrual for probable losses as the probability of a material adverse result cannot be determined and the Company cannot reasonably estimate a range of potential exposures, if any. The Company intends to defend the action vigorously.
 
 
37

 
 
On September 23, 2011, Mr. William Wardlaw, the Treasurer for U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein’s campaign, and two of Senator Feinstein’s campaign committees, Feinstein for Senate and Fund for the Majority, initiated litigation in the Superior Court of the State of California, County of Los Angeles against the Bank and several other defendants, including Senator Feinstein’s former campaign treasurer Ms. Kinde Durkee. The plaintiffs claim, among other things, that the Bank aided and abetted a fraud and unlawful conversion by Ms. Durkee of campaign funds held in accounts at the Bank. Based largely on the same alleged conduct, the plaintiffs also assert claims for alleged violation of California Business & Professions Code Section 17200 and for declaratory relief. The plaintiffs seek compensatory and punitive damages, as well as various forms of equitable and declaratory relief. The Bank must answer or otherwise respond to the complaint by November 30, 2011. At this state of the case, the Company has not established an accrual for probable losses as the probability of a material adverse result cannot be determined and the Company cannot reasonably estimate a range of potential exposures, if any. The Company intends to defend the action vigorously.
 
On September 23, 2011, the Bank filed a Complaint-in-Interpleader pursuant to which the Bank interplead the sum of $2,539,049.27 as the amounts on deposit in accounts at the Bank that were controlled by Ms. Durkee on behalf of the several hundred named defendants. The complaint was filed in the Los Angeles Superior Court – Central District as Case No. BC470182. The Bank is aware that this case has been related to the case filed by Mr. Wardlaw on behalf of Senator Feinstein’s campaign and two of her campaign committees and both cases will likely be consolidated before a judge designated to handle complex cases.

 
38

 
 
Item 2.     Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
 
Forward-Looking Statements
 
This discussion contains certain forward-looking statements about us; we intend these statements to fall under the safe harbor for “forward-looking statements” provided by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements other than statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements. Such statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties, many of which are difficult to predict and are generally beyond our control. We caution readers that a number of important factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in, implied or projected by, such forward-looking statements. Risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to:
 
 
revenues are lower than expected;
     
 
credit quality deterioration, which could cause an increase in the provision for loan losses;
     
 
competitive pressure among depository institutions increases significantly;
     
 
changes in consumer spending, borrowings and savings habits;
     
 
our ability to successfully integrate acquired entities or to achieve expected synergies and operating efficiencies within expected time-frames or at all;
     
 
a slowdown in construction activity;
     
 
technological changes;
     
 
the cost of additional capital is more than expected;
     
 
a change in the interest rate environment reduces interest margins;
     
 
asset/liabilityrepricing risks and liquidity risks;
     
 
general economic conditions, particularly those affecting real estate values, either nationally or in the market areas in which we do or anticipate doing business are less favorable than expected;
     
 
legislative, accounting or regulatory requirements or changes adversely affecting our business;
     
 
the effects of and changes in monetary and fiscal policies and laws, including the interest rate policies of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve, or the Federal Reserve Board;
     
 
the costs and effects of legal, accounting and regulatory developments;
     
 
recent volatility in the credit or equity markets and its effect on the general economy;
     
 
regulatory approvals for acquisitions cannot be obtained on the terms expected or on the anticipated schedule; and
     
 
demand for the products or services of First California and the Bank, as well as their ability to attract and retain qualified people.
 
If any of these risks or uncertainties materializes, or if any of the assumptions underlying such forward-looking statements proves to be incorrect, our results could differ materially from those expressed in, implied or projected by, such forward-looking statements. For information with respect to factors that could cause actual results to differ from the expectations stated in the forward-looking statements, see “Risk Factors” under Part I, Item 1A in our 2010 Annual Report on Form 10-K. We urge investors to consider all of these factors carefully in evaluating the forward-looking statements contained in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. We make these forward-looking statements as of the date of this document and we do not intend, and assume no obligation, to update the forward-looking statements or to update the reasons why actual results could differ from those expressed in, or implied or projected by, the forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements contained in this document and all subsequent written and oral forward-looking statements attributable to us or any other person acting on our behalf, are expressly qualified by these cautionary statements.
 
 
39

 
 
Overview
 
First California Financial Group, Inc., or First California, or the Company, is a bank holding company which serves the comprehensive banking needs of businesses and consumers in Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, San Luis Obispo and Ventura counties through our wholly-owned subsidiary, First California Bank, or the Bank. The Bank is a state chartered commercial bank that provides traditional business and consumer banking products through 19 full-service branch locations. The Company also has two unconsolidated statutory business trust subsidiaries, First California Capital Trust I and FCB Statutory Trust I, which raised capital through the issuance of trust preferred securities.
 
At September 30, 2011, we had consolidated total assets of $1.8 billion, total loans of $1.0billion, deposits of $1.4 billion and shareholders’ equity of $220.6 million. At December 31, 2010, we had consolidated total assets of $1.5 billion, total loans of $1.0billion, deposits of $1.2 billion and shareholders’ equity of $198.0 million.
 
For the third quarter of 2011, we had net income of $2.5 million, compared with net income of $0.1 million for the third quarter of 2010.  The increase in net income for the third quarter of 2011 was due principally to higher net interest revenues from improved net interest margins and higher average interest-earning assets. Our net income for the first nine months of 2011 was $20.5 million, compared with net income of $0.3 million for the first nine months of 2010. The increase in net income for the first nine months of 2011 was due largely to the pre-tax bargain purchase gain of $34.7 million on the FDIC-assisted SLTB acquisition.
 
After dividends on our Series B and Series C preferred shares of $1.6 million, including a $1.4 million deemed dividend related to the full redemption of our Series B preferred shares in the third quarter of 2011, we recorded income per diluted common share of $0.03 for the 2011third quarter. After dividends on our Series B preferred shares of $312,500 in the third quarter of 2010,we recorded a loss per common share of $0.01 for the 2010 third quarter. Our net income for the first nine months of 2011, after Series B and Series C preferred share dividends of $2.2 million, was $0.64 per diluted common share. Our net loss for the first nine months of 2010, after Series B preferred dividends of $937,500, was $0.03 per common share.
 
Critical accounting policies
 
We base our discussion and analysis of our consolidated results of operations and financial condition on our unaudited consolidated interim financial statements and our audited consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. The preparation of these consolidated financial statements requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, income and expense, and the related disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of these consolidated financial statements. We believe these estimates and assumptions to be reasonably accurate; however, actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or circumstances. The following are our critical accounting policies and estimates.

Allowance for loan losses
 
We establish the allowance for loan losses through a provision charged to expense. We charge-off loan losses against the allowance when we believe that the collectability of the loan is unlikely. We perform periodic and systematic detailed reviews of the loan portfolio to identify trends and to assess the overall collectability of the loan portfolio. The allowance is an amount that we believe will be adequate to absorb estimated probable losses on existing loans that may become uncollectible, based on evaluations of the collectability of loans and prior loan loss experience. We believe the accounting estimate related to the allowance for loan losses is a “critical accounting estimate” because: changes in it can materially affect the provision for loan losses and net income, it requires management to predict borrowers’ likelihood or capacity to repay, and it requires management to distinguish between losses incurred as of a balance sheet date and losses expected to be incurred in the future. Accordingly, this is a highly subjective process and requires significant judgment since it is often difficult to determine when specific loss events may actually occur. Our evaluation includes an assessment of the following factors: any external loan review and any regulatory examination, estimated probable loss exposure on each pool of loans, concentrations of credit, value of collateral, the level of delinquent and nonaccrual loans, trends in the portfolio volume, effects of any changes in the lending policies and procedures, changes in lending personnel, present economic conditions at the local, state and national levels, the amount of undisbursed off-balance sheet commitments, and a migration analysis of historical losses and recoveries for the prior sixteen quarters. We also evaluate individual loans for impairment and if a portion of a loan is impaired, we charge-off the impaired amount or allocate a specific reserve for that loan. Various regulatory agencies, as a regular part of their examination process, periodically review our allowance for loan losses. Such agencies may require us to recognize additions to the allowance based on their judgment of information available to them at the time of their examinations. The allowance for loan losses was $17.8 million at September 30, 2011 and $17.0 million at December 31, 2010.
 
 
40

 
 
Foreclosed property

       The Company acquires, through foreclosure or through full or partial satisfaction of a loan, real or personal property. At the time of foreclosure, the Company obtains an appraisal of the property and records the property at its estimated fair value less costs to sell. We charge the allowance for loan losses for the loan amount in excess of the fair value of the foreclosed property received; we credit earnings for the fair value amount of the foreclosed property in excess of the loan due. Subsequent to foreclosure, the Company periodically assesses our disposition efforts and the estimated fair value of the foreclosed property. The Company establishes a valuation allowance through a charge to earnings for estimated declines in fair value subsequent to foreclosure. Operating income and operating expense related to foreclosed property is included in earnings as are any ultimate gains or losses on the sale of the foreclosed property. Our recognition of gain is, however, dependent on the buyer’s initial investment in the purchase of the foreclosed property meeting certain criteria. The estimated fair value of foreclosed property was $30.8 million at September 30, 2011 and $27.0 million at December 31, 2010.

Deferred income taxes
 
We recognize deferred tax assets subject to our judgment that realization of the assets are more-likely-than-not. We establish a valuation allowance when we determine that realization of income tax benefits may not occur in future years. There was no valuation allowance at September 30, 2011 or December 31, 2010. There were net deferred tax liabilities of $12.3 million at September 30, 2011 and net deferred tax assets of $4.6 million at December 31, 2010.

FDIC shared-loss asset

We initially recorded the FDIC shared-loss asset at fair value, based on the discounted value of expected future cash flows under the shared-loss agreements. We accrete into non-interest income over the life of the FDIC shared-loss asset the difference between the present value and the undiscounted cash flows the Company expects to collect from the FDIC. Subsequent to initial recognition, we review quarterly the FDIC shared-loss asset and adjust for any changes in expected cash flows based on recent performance and expectations for future performance of the covered portfolio. We measure these adjustments on the same basis as the related covered loans, at a pool level, and covered foreclosed property. Generally, any increases in cash flow of the covered assets over those previously expected will result in prospective increases in the loan pool yield and amortization of the FDIC shared-loss asset. Any decreases in cash flow of the covered assets under those previously expected will trigger impairments on the underlying loan pools and will result in a corresponding gain on the FDIC shared-loss asset. We record increases and decreases to the FDIC shared-loss asset as adjustments to non-interest income. The FDIC shared-loss asset was $77.8 million at September 30, 2011 and was $16.7 million at December 31, 2010; the increase principally reflecting the 2011 second quarter SLTB transaction.

FDIC shared-loss liability
 
Forty-five days following the tenth anniversary of the WCB and SLTB acquisition dates, the Company will be required to perform a calculation and determine if a payment to the FDIC is necessary. The payment amount will be 50 percent of the excess, if any, of (i) 20 percent of the intrinsic loss estimate minus (ii) the sum of (a) 20 percent of the net loss amount, plus (b) 25 percent of the asset discount bid, plus (c) 3.5 percent of total loss share assets at acquisition. The Company’s estimate for the present value of this liability was $3.7 million and $1.0 million at September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010.

Derivative instruments and hedging
 
For derivative instruments designated in cash flow hedging relationships, we assess the effectiveness of the instruments in offsetting changes in the overall cash flows of designated hedged transactions on a quarterly basis. We recognize the unrealized gains or losses directly in current period earnings to the extent these instruments are not effective. At September 30, 2011 the Company had $37.1 million notional interest rate caps to limit the variable interest rate payments on our $26.8 million junior subordinated debentures. Our 2011 third quarter effectiveness assessment indicated that these instruments were effective.

At September 30, 2011, the Bank had $60 million notional interest rate caps to manage the interest rate risk associated with its fixed rate securities and loans that do not meet the criteria for hedge accounting. Derivatives not designated as hedges are marked-to-market each period through earnings. At September 30, 2011, the estimated fair value of these interest rate caps was $146,000.

 Assessments of impairment

 We assess goodwill for impairment on an annual basis or at interim periods if an event occurs or circumstances change which may indicate a change in the implied fair value of the goodwill. We estimate the implied fair value of goodwill by comparing the estimated fair value of the Company to the estimated fair value of the Company’s individual assets, liabilities, and identifiable intangible assets. Impairment exists when the carrying amount of goodwill exceeds this implied fair value. Based on the results of our assessment, we concluded that the fair value of goodwill was greater than our carrying value and that no goodwill impairment existed at December 31, 2010.

At September 30, 2011, we did not perform an interim assessment as 2011 year-to-date results were not materially different than the estimates used in the year-end assessment and the September 30, 2011 stock price (and market capitalization) increased by 8 percent from year-end.
 
 
41

 
 
We also undertake an impairment analysis on our debt securities each quarter. When we do not intend to sell, and it is more likely than not we are not required to sell a debt security before recovery of its cost basis, we separate other-than-temporary impairment into (a) the amount representing credit loss and (b) the amount related to other factors. We recognize in earnings the amount of the other-than-temporary impairment related to credit loss. We recognize in other comprehensive income the amount of other-than-temporary impairment related to other factors. Our assessment of other-than-temporary declines in fair value considers the duration the security has been in a continuous unrealized loss position, the severity of the decline in value, the rating of the security, and the long-term financial outlook of the issuer. In addition, we consider the expected cash flows from the security and our ability and intent to hold the security until the fair value recovers.
 
For the nine months ended September 30, 2011, other-than-temporary impairment related to the credit loss on debt securities and recognized in earnings was $1.1 million. For the same period in 2010, we recognized an impairment charge of $41,000 on a $1.0 million community development-related equity investment.
 
Results of operations – for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010
 
Net interest income
 
Our earnings are derived predominantly from net interest income, which is the difference between interest and fees earned on loans, securities and federal funds sold (these asset classes are commonly referred to as interest-earning assets) and the interest paid on deposits, borrowings and debentures (these liability classes are commonly referred to as interest-bearing funds). The net interest margin is net interest income divided by average interest-earning assets.
 
Our net interest income for the three months ended September 30, 2011increased to $15.6 million from $11.1 million for the same period last year. For the first nine months of 2011, our net interest income increased to $43.9 million from $32.6 million for the same period a year ago. The increase in net interest income reflects higher interest-earning assets and an improved net interest margin. Interest income for the 2011 third quarter was $18.7 million, up from $14.7 million for the 2010 third quarter. Interest income for the first nine months of 2011 was $54.2 million, up from $43.7 million for the same period last year. The increase in interest income for both periods principally reflects the higher level of loans and loan yields.In addition, interest income for the 2011 third quarterincluded $3.8 million of interest income (discount accretion) on covered loans while interest income for the first nine months of 2011 included $10.3 million of interest income (discount accretion) on covered loans. There were no covered loans in the same periods a year ago.Interest expense for the 2011third quarter was $3.1 million, down from $3.6 million for the 2010third quarter. Interest expense for the first nine months of 2011 was $10.3 million, down from $11.1 million for the same period a year ago. The decrease in interest expense for both periods was due to lower rates paid on interest-bearing deposits and borrowings.
 
Our net interest margin (tax equivalent) for the third quarter of 2011 was 4.05 percent compared with 3.46 percent for the same quarter last year. For the first nine months of 2011, our net interest margin was 3.90 percent compared with 3.42 percent for the first nine months of 2010. The increase in our net interest margin was primarily due to a reduction in the cost of our interest-bearing liabilities and the benefit from the addition of non-interest checking deposits, primarily from the EPS division during the 2011 second quarter. The yield on interest-earning assets for the third quarter of 2011 was 4.85 percent, up28 basis points from 4.57 percent for the third quarter a year ago. The 43 basis point reduction in the cost of our interest-bearing liabilities positively affected our net interest margin. The rate paid on interest-bearing liabilities was 1.11 percent for the 2011third quarter compared with 1.54 percent for the third quarter a year ago. The yield on interest-earning assets for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 was up 24 basis points to 4.81 percent compared with 4.57 percent for the same period last year. Adding to the increasein our net interest margin was the decline in the cost of our interest-bearing liabilities. The rate paid on interest-bearing liabilities fell 37 basis points to 1.21 percent for the first nine months of 2011 compared with 1.58 percent for the same period last year.
 
 
42

 
 
The following table presents the distribution of our average assets, liabilities and shareholders’ equity in combination with the total dollar amounts of interest income from average interest earning assets and the resultant yields, and the dollar amounts of interest expense and average interest bearing liabilities, expressed in both dollars and rates for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010.
 
Average Balance Sheet and Analysis of Net Interest Income

   
Three months ended September 30,
   
2011
 
2010
(dollars in thousands)
 
Average Balance
 
Interest Income/ Expense
 
Weighted Average Yield/Rate
 
Average Balance
 
Interest Income/ Expense
 
Weighted Average Yield/Rate
Loans(1)
 
$
1,087,455
 
$
16,896
 
6.16
%
 
$
890,221
 
$
13,075
 
5.83
%
Securities
   
320,406
   
1,720
 
2.20
%
   
287,370
   
1,529
 
2.15
%
Federal funds sold and deposits with banks
   
126,254
   
90
 
0.28
%
   
97,405
   
70
 
0.28
%
                                     
Total earning assets
   
1,534,115
 
$
18,706
 
4.85
%
   
1,274,996
 
$
14,674
 
4.57
%
                                     
Non-earning assets
   
273,873
               
174,941
           
                                     
Total average assets
 
$
1,807,988
             
$
1,449,937
           
                                     
Interest bearing checking
 
$
101,985
 
$
82
 
0.32
%
 
$
82,656
 
$
71
 
0.34
%
Savings and money market
   
490,091
   
1,005
 
0.81
%
   
374,842
   
895
 
0.95
%
Certificates of deposit
   
362,798
   
749
 
0.82
%
   
303,606
   
931
 
1.22
%
                                     
Total interest bearing deposits
   
954,874
   
1,836
 
0.76
%
   
761,104
   
1,897
 
0.99
%
                                     
Borrowings
   
125,820
   
916
 
2.89
%
   
131,492
   
1,231
 
3.72
%
Junior subordinated debentures
   
26,805
   
336
 
5.01
%
   
26,785
   
439
 
6.55
%
                                     
Total borrowed funds
   
152,625
   
1,252
 
3.25
%
   
158,277
   
1,670
 
4.19
%
                                     
Total interest bearing funds
   
1,107,499
 
$
3,088
 
1.11
%
   
919,381
 
$
3,567
 
1.54
%
                                     
Noninterest checking
   
464,297
               
323,886
           
Other liabilities
   
17,653
               
7,967
           
Shareholders’ equity
   
218,539
               
198,703
           
                                     
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
 
$
1,807,988
             
$
1,449,937
           
                                     
Net interest income
       
$
15,618
             
$
11,107
     
Net interest margin (tax equivalent)(2)
             
4.05
%
             
3.46
%

 
43

 
 
   
Nine months ended September 30,
   
2011
 
2010
(dollars in thousands)
 
Average Balance
 
Interest Income/ Expense
 
Weighted Average Yield/Rate
 
Average Balance
 
Interest Income/ Expense
 
Weighted Average Yield/Rate
Loans(1)
 
$
1,073,718
 
$
49,264
 
6.13
%
 
$
910,898
 
$
38,881
 
5.71
%
Securities
   
308,268
   
4,712
 
2.07
%
   
302,352
   
4,626
 
2.08
%
Federal funds sold and deposits with banks
   
126,264
   
270
 
0.29
%
   
65,296
   
149
 
0.30
%
                                     
Total earning assets
   
1,508,250
 
$
54,246
 
4.81
%
   
1,278,546
 
$
43,656
 
4.57
%
                                     
Non-earning assets
   
267,938
               
161,463
           
                                     
Total average assets
 
$
1,776,188
             
$
1,440,009
           
                                     
Interest bearing checking
 
$
97,530
 
$
271
 
0.37
%
 
$
81,465
 
$
201
 
0.33
%
Savings and money market
   
462,995
   
3,137
 
0.91
%
   
361,205
   
2,678
 
0.99
%
Certificates of deposit
   
419,049
   
3,086
 
0.98
%
   
327,453
   
3,074
 
1.26
%
                                     
Total interest bearing deposits
   
979,574
   
6,494
 
0.89
%
   
770,123
   
5,953
 
1.03
%
                                     
Borrowings
   
132,721
   
2,853
 
2.87
%
   
135,131
   
3,801
 
3.76
%
Junior subordinated debentures
   
26,805
   
1,001
 
4.98
%
   
26,772
   
1,316
 
6.56
%
                                     
Total borrowed funds
   
159,526
   
3,854
 
3.22
%
   
161,903
   
5,117
 
4.21
%
                                     
Total interest bearing funds
   
1,139,100
 
$
10,348
 
1.21
%
   
932,026
 
$
11,070
 
1.58
%
                                     
Noninterest checking
   
402,535
               
313,363
           
Other liabilities
   
23,138
               
8,429
           
Shareholders’ equity
   
211,415
               
186,191
           
                                     
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
 
$
1,776,188
             
$
1,440,009
           
                                     
Net interest income
       
$
43,898
             
$
32,586
     
Net interest margin (tax equivalent)(2)
             
3.90
%
             
3.42
%
______________________
(1)
Yields and amounts earned on loans include loan fees/discount accretion of $0.9 million and ($0.2 million) for the three months ended September30, 2011 and 2010, respectively, and $1.6 million and ($0.6 million) for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively. The average loan balance includes loans held-for-sale and nonaccrual loans; however, there is no interest income related to nonaccrual loans in the amount earned on loans. Average nonaccrual loans were $47.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2011and $27.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2010.
(2)
Includes tax equivalent adjustments primarily related to tax-exempt income on securities.
 
Our net interest income changes with the level and mix of average interest-earning assets and average interest-bearing funds. We call the changes between periods in interest-earning assets and interest-bearing funds balance changes. We measure the effect on our net interest income from balance changes by multiplying the change in the average balance between the current period and the prior period by the prior period average rate.
 
Our net interest income also changes with the average rate earned or paid on interest-earning assets and interest-bearing funds. We call the changes between periods in average rates earned and paid rate changes. We measure the effect on our net interest income from rate changes by multiplying the change in average rates earned or paid between the current period and the prior period by the prior period average balance.
 
We allocate the change in our net interest income attributable to both balance and rate on a pro rata basis to the change in average balance and the change in average rate. The following table presents the change in our interest income and interest expense.
 
Increase (Decrease) in Net Interest Income/Expense Due to Change in Average Volume and Average Rate (1)
 
   
Three months ended September 30,
2011 to 2010 due to:
 
(in thousands)
 
Rate
   
Volume
   
Total
 
Interest income
                 
Interest on loans (2)
  $ 1,126     $ 2,695     $ 3,821  
Interest on securities
    80       111       191  
Interest on Federal funds sold and deposits with banks
    (1 )     21       20  
Total interest income
    1,205       2,827       4,032  
Interest expense
                       
Interest on deposits
    (606 )     545       (61 )
Interest on borrowings
    (231 )     (84 )     (315 )
Interest on junior subordinated debentures
    (103 )           (103 )  
Total interest expense
    (940 )     461       (479 )
Net interest income
  $ 2,145     $ 2,366     $ 4,511  

 
44

 

   
Nine months ended September 30,
2011 to 2010 due to:
 
(in thousands)
 
Rate
   
Volume
   
Total
 
Interest income
                 
Interest on loans (2)
  $ 3,433     $ 6,950     $ 10,383  
Interest on securities
    (4 )     90       86  
Interest on Federal funds sold and deposits with banks
    (18 )     139       121  
Total interest income
    3,411       7,179       10,590  
Interest expense
                       
Interest on deposits
    (1,078 )     1,619       541  
Interest on borrowings
    (880 )     (68 )     (948 )
Interest on junior subordinated debentures
    (317 )     2       (315 )
Total interest expense
    (2,275 )     1,553       (722 )
Net interest income
  $ 5,686     $ 5,626     $ 11,312  
______________________
(1)
The change in interest income or interest expense that is attributable to both changes in average balance and average rate has been allocated to the changes due to (i) average balance and (ii) average rate in proportion to the relationship of the absolute amounts of changes in each.
(2)
Tables do not include interest income that would have been earned on nonaccrual loans.
 
Provision for loan losses
 
The provision for loan losses was $1.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2011 compared with $3.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2010. For the first nine months of 2011, the provision for loan losses was $4.6 million compared with $7.1 million for the same period last year. The provision for loan losses in 2011 declined from the prior year due to lower charge-offs and lower levels of nonaccrual loans. Our provision for loan losses relates to the non-covered loan portfolio; there was no provision for the covered loan portfolio for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011 as there was no credit deterioration beyond that estimated at the date of acquisition.
 
Noninterest income
 
Noninterest income was $2.3 million for both the 2011and 2010 third quarters.Noninterest income was $40.4 million for the first nine months of 2011 compared with $5.4 million for the same period last year. The increase for the nine-month period is largely due to the pre-tax bargain purchase gain of $34.7 million on the FDIC-assisted SLTB acquisition.

The following table presents a summary of noninterest income:
 
   
Three months ended
September 30,
   
Nine months ended
September 30,
 
   
2011
   
2010
   
2011
   
2010
 
   
(in thousands)
 
Service charges on deposit accounts
  $ 878     $ 776     $ 2,633     $ 2,375  
Net gain on sale of securities
    209       1,204       699       1,466  
                                 
Impairment loss on securities
          (23 )     (1,066 )     (41 )
Market gain on foreclosed assets
                      691  
Gain on acquisitions
                35,202        
Other income
    1,213       340       2,931       953  
Total noninterest income
  $ 2,300     $ 2,297     $ 40,399     $ 5,444  
 
Our service charges on deposit accounts for the three months ended September 30, 2011were $0.9 million, up from $0.8 million in the same period in 2010.Service charges on deposit accounts for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 were $2.6 million, up from the $2.4 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2010. The increases reflect the growth of our transactional deposit accounts over the last twelve months.
 
We recognized an other-than-temporary impairment loss of $1.1 million on two private-label CMO securities in the first nine months of 2011.Inthe same year ago period, we recognizedan impairment loss of $41,000 on a $1.0 million community development-related equity investment. We will continue to evaluate our securities portfolio for other-than-temporary impairment at each reporting date and we can provide no assurance there will not be other impairment losses in future periods.

In the third quarter of 2011, we sold $5.3 million of securities and realized net gains of $209,000. For the third quarter of 2010,we sold $105.0 million of securities and realized net gains of $1.2 million.For the first nine months of 2011, we sold $26.3 million of securities and realized net gains of $699,000. For the first nine months of 2010, we sold $184.9 million of securities and realized net gains of $1.5 million.
 
 
45

 

Our other income for the three months ended September 30, 2011 was $1.2 million, up from $0.3 million in the same period in 2010. Other income for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 was $2.9 million, up from the $1.0 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2010. The increases reflect the increase in fee income from the new EPS division acquired on April 8, 2011.
 
Noninterest expense
 
Our noninterest expense for the three months ended September 30, 2011 was $12.0 million, up from $9.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2010. For the first nine months of 2011, noninterest expense was $44.4 million, up from $30.4 million for the same period last year. The increase in noninterest expense reflects the growth in ourworkforce in association with the acquisitions of Western Commercial Bank, San Luis Trust Bank and the EPS division, as well as the addition of three lending teams. Employees at September 30, 2011 numbered 296 compared with 235 at the end of the same period a year ago. In addition, professional expenses were higher due to ongoing loan collection and resolution efforts. Loss on and expense of foreclosed property had the largest increase period over period and totaled $5.1 million in the first nine months of 2011 compared with $0.7 million for the same period a year ago due to valuation allowances recorded on the two largest properties owned by us.
 
The following table presents a summary of noninterest expense: 

   
Three months ended
September 30,
   
Nine months ended
September 30,
 
   
2011
   
2010
   
2011
   
2010
 
   
(in thousands)
 
Salaries and employee benefits
  $ 6,675     $ 4,420     $ 19,315     $ 14,279  
Premises and equipment
    1,567       1,576       4,708       4,630  
Data processing
    810       607       2,685       1,800  
Legal, audit, and other professional services
    1,071       445       4,299       1,216  
Printing, stationery, and supplies
    79       69       288       194  
Telephone
    218       193       592       630  
Directors’ expense
    135       101       342       335  
Advertising, marketing and business development
    272       194       1,069       706  
Postage
    50       55       171       158  
Insurance and regulatory assessments
    364       797       1,777       2,377  
(Gain)/Loss on and expense of foreclosed property
    (672 )     185       5,066       731  
Amortization of intangible assets
    624       416       1,665       1,249  
Other expenses
    840       626       2,387       2,046  
                                 
Total noninterest expense
  $ 12,033     $ 9,684     $ 44,364     $ 30,351  
 
Salaries and benefits increased to $6.7 million for the 2011third quarter from $4.4 million for the same period last year. For the first nine months of 2011, salaries and benefits increased 35 percent to $19.3 million from $14.3 million for the same period last year. The increase reflects the growth in the Bank’s workforce from the acquisitions of Western Commercial Bank, San Luis Trust Bank and the EPS division. Our workforce increased approximately 26 percent to 296full-time equivalent employees at September 30, 2011 from 235 a year ago.

Legal, audit and professional services expense increased to $1.1 million for the 2011 third quarter from $0.4 million for the same period last year. For the first nine months of 2011, legal, audit and professional services expense increased to $4.3 million from $1.2 million for the same period last year. The increase largely reflects increased legal expense due to ongoing loan collection and resolution efforts.
 
We had a net gain on foreclosed property of $672,000 for the third quarter of 2011 compared to a net loss on and expense of foreclosed property of $185,000 for the same period last year. For the first nine months of 2011, loss on and expense of foreclosed property increased to $5.1 million from $0.7 million in the same period a year ago primarily due to valuation allowances recorded on the two largest properties owned by the Bank.
 
 
46

 
 
Our efficiency ratio was 68 percent for the third quarter of 2011 compared with 74 percent for the third quarter of 2010. Our efficiency ratio for the first nine months of 2011 was 74 percent compared with 80 percent for the same period last year. The efficiency ratio is the percentage relationship of noninterest expense, excluding amortization of intangibles, loss on and expense of foreclosed property and integration/conversion expenses to the sum of net interest income and noninterest income, excluding gains or losses on securities and gains on acquisitions. The improvement in the efficiency ratio for the 2011periods as compared to the 2010 periods was due primarily to revenues growing at a faster pace than operating expenses.
 
Income taxes
 
The income tax provision was $14.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 compared with $0.2 million for the same period in 2010. The combined federal and state effective tax rate for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 was 42.0 percent compared with 39.4 percent for the same period in 2010.
 
Financial position – September 30, 2011 compared with December 31, 2010
 
Lending and credit risk
 
We provide a variety of loan and credit-related products and services to meet the needs of borrowers primarily located in the seven Southern California counties where our branches are located. Business loans, represented by commercial real estate loans, commercial loans and construction loans comprise the largest portion of the loan portfolio. Consumer or personal loans, represented by home mortgage, home equity and installment loans, comprise a smaller portion of the loan portfolio. We attempt to avoid the risk of an undue concentration of credits in a particular property type or with an individual customer.
 
Credit risk is the risk to earnings or capital arising from an obligor’s failure to meet the terms of any contract with us or otherwise to perform as agreed. All activities in which success depends on counterparty, issuer, or borrower performance have credit risk. Credit risk is present any time we extend, commit or invest funds; whenever we enter into actual or implied contractual agreements for funds, whether on or off the balance sheet, credit risk is present.
 
All categories of loans present credit risk. Major risk factors applicable to all loan categories include changes in international, national and local economic conditions such as interest rates, inflation, unemployment levels, consumer and business confidence and the supply and demand for goods and services.
 
Commercial real estate loans rely upon the cash flow originating from the underlying real property. Commercial real estate is a cyclical industry; general economic conditions and local supply and demand affect the commercial real estate industry. In the office sector, the demand for office space is highly dependent on employment levels. Consumer spending and confidence affect the demand for retail space and the levels of retail rents in the retail sector. The industrial sector has exposure to the level of exports, defense spending and inventory levels. Vacancy rates, location and other factors affect the amount of rental income for commercial property. Tenants may relocate, fail to honor their lease or go out of business. In the multifamily residential sector, the affordability of ownership housing, employment conditions and the vacancy of existing inventory heavily influences the demand for apartments. Population growth or decline and changing demographics, such as increases in the level of immigrants or retirees, are also factors influencing the multifamily residential sector.
 
Construction loans provide developers or owners with funds to build or improve properties; developers ultimately sell or lease these properties. Generally, construction loans involve a higher degree of risk than other loan categories because they rely upon the developer’s or owner’s ability to complete the project within specified cost and time limits. Cost overruns can cause the project cost to exceed the project sales price or exceed the amount of the committed permanent funding. Any number of reasons, such as poor weather, material or labor shortages, labor difficulties, or redoing substandard work to pass inspection, can delay construction projects. Furthermore, changes in market conditions or credit markets may affect a project’s viability once completed.
 
Commercial loans rely upon the cash flow originating from the underlying business activity of the enterprise. The manufacture, distribution or sale of goods or sale of services are not only affected by general economic conditions but also by the ability of the enterprise’s management to adjust to local supply and demand conditions, maintain good labor, vendor and customer relationships, as well as market, price and sell their goods or services for a profit. Customer demand for goods and services of the enterprise may change because of competition or obsolescence.
 
Home mortgages and home equity loans and lines of credit use first or second trust deeds on a borrower’s real estate property, typically their principal residence, as collateral. These loans depend on a person’s ability to regularly pay the principal and interest due on the loan and, secondarily, on the value of real estate property that serves as collateral for the loan. Generally, home mortgages involve a lower degree of risk than other loan categories because of the relationship of the loan amount to the value of the residential real estate and a person’s reluctance to forego their principal place of residence. General economic conditions and local supply and demand, however, affect home real estate values. Installment loans and credit card lines also depend on a person’s ability to pay principal and interest on a loan; however, generally these are unsecured loans or, if secured, the collateral value can rapidly decline, as is the case for automobiles. A person’s ability to service debt is highly dependent upon their continued employment or financial stability. Job loss, divorce, illness and bankruptcy are just a few of the risks that may affect a person’s ability to service their debt.
 
 
47

 
 
We obtain appraisals when extending credit for real estate secured loans as follows:
 
 
1.
All business loans in excess of $1,000,000 where real estate was taken as collateral but where the sale or rental of the real estate is not the primary source of repayment;
     
 
2.
All business loans in excess of $250,000 where real estate was taken as collateral and where the sale or rental of the real estate is the primary source of repayment; and
     
 
3.
All other real estate secured loans in excess of $250,000.
 
All real estate secured loans, at the time of origination, renewal or extension, require a current appraisal. A current appraisal is an appraisal with an “as of” date not more than six months before the date of funding or renewal or extension. We also obtain updated appraisals when the useful life of the appraisal ceases. Under the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice guidelines, the useful life of an appraisal, regardless of the dollar amount, is the life of the loan. However, useful life ends when (a) there has been a deterioration in the borrower’s performance and there is an increasing likelihood of a forced liquidation of the property and the existing appraisal is older than two years old, or (b) there has been deterioration in the property’s value due to a significant depreciation in local real estate values, lack of maintenance, change in zoning, environmental contamination or other circumstances.
 
Since the risks in each category of loan changes based on a number of factors, it is not possible to state whether a particular type of lending carries with it a greater or lesser degree of risk at any specific time in the economic cycle. Generally, in a stabilized economic environment, home mortgage loans have the least risk, followed by home equity loans, multifamily property loans, commercial property loans, commercial loans and lines and finally construction loans. However, this ordering may vary from time to time and the degree of risk from the credits with the least risk to those with the highest risk profile may expand or contract with the general economy.
 
We manage credit risk through Board-approved policies and procedures. At least annually, the Board of Directors reviews and approves these policies. Lending policies provide us with a framework for consistent loan underwriting and a basis for sound credit decisions. Lending policies specify, among other things, the parameters for the type or purpose of the loan, the required debt service coverage and the required collateral requirements. Credit limits are also established and performance of our loan portfolio reviewed by the Directors’ Credit Review Committee. In addition, we have a well-defined set of standards for evaluating the loan portfolio, and management utilizes a comprehensive loan grading system to determine the risk potential in the portfolio. The Directors’ Audit Committee also engages a third party to perform anindependent review of the loan portfolio to review credit quality, adequacy of documentation, appropriate loan grading administration, compliance with lending policies and assist in the evaluation of the credit risk inherent in the loan portfolio.
 
Non-covered Loans
 
Non-covered loans decreased $27.7 million, or 3 percent, to $920.0 million at September 30, 2011 from $947.7 million at December 31, 2010. The decline in commercial loans and lines of credit since year-end 2010 includes the $3.8 million payoff of three motion picture and video production shared national credit loans.The decline in the remainder of non-covered loans since year-end 2010 was due to payoffs and paydowns outpacing new originations for the period.
 
(in thousands)
 
At September 30, 2011
   
At December 31, 2010
 
Commercial mortgage
 
$
396,200
   
$
399,642
 
Commercial loans and lines of credit
   
189,469
     
213,576
 
Multifamily mortgage
   
141,955
     
135,639
 
Construction and land development
   
47,613
     
55,260
 
Home mortgage
   
110,117
     
108,076
 
Home equity loans and lines of credit
   
29,489
     
29,828
 
Installment and credit card
   
5,203
     
5,724
 
                 
Total loans
   
920,046
     
947,745
 
Allowance for loan losses
   
(17,778
)
   
(17,033
)
                 
Loans, net
 
$
902,268
   
$
930,712
 
 
The loan categories above are derived from bank regulatory reporting standards for loans secured by real estate; however, a portion of the mortgage loans above are loans that we consider to be a commercial loan for which we have taken real estate collateral as additional support or from an abundance of caution. In these instances, we are not looking to the real property as its primary source of repayment, but rather as a secondary or tertiary source of repayment.
 
 
48

 
 
Commercial mortgage loans, the largest segment of our non-covered portfolio, were 43 percent of non-covered loans at September 30, 2011 compared with 42 percent at December 31, 2010. We had 370 commercial mortgage loans with an average balance of $1,072,000 at September 30, 2011.  Many different commercial property types collateralize our commercial mortgage loans. Our top three categories have been industrial, office, and retail, representing approximately 68 percent of commercial mortgage loans. In addition, most of our commercial property lending is in the seven Southern California counties where our branches are located. The following is a table of our non-covered commercial mortgage lending by county.
 
Commercial mortgage loans by region/county
(in thousands)
 
At September 30, 2011
   
At December 31, 2010
 
Southern California
           
Los Angeles
 
$
190,745
   
$
199,110
 
Orange
   
28,913
     
29,788
 
Ventura
   
113,924
     
109,684
 
Riverside
   
21,415
     
19,835
 
San Bernardino
   
16,078
     
16,233
 
San Diego
   
15,271
     
15,859
 
Santa Barbara
   
226
     
230
 
                 
Total Southern California
   
386,572
     
390,739
 
                 
Northern California
               
Alameda
   
346
     
344
 
Alpine
   
1,080
     
 
Contra Costa
   
361
     
383
 
Fresno
   
2,414
     
2,443
 
Imperial
   
340
     
352
 
Kern
   
694
     
920
 
Madera
   
525
     
536
 
Placer
   
607
     
613
 
Sacramento
   
336
     
348
 
San Mateo
   
2,372
     
2,401
 
Solano
   
266
     
272
 
Tulare
   
287
     
291
 
                 
Total Northern California
   
9,628
     
8,903
 
                 
Total non-covered commercial mortgage loans
 
$
396,200
   
$
399,642
 
 
The following table shows the distribution of our commercial mortgage loans by property type.
 
Commercial mortgage loans by property type
(in thousands)
 
At September 30, 2011
   
At December 31, 2010
 
Industrial/warehouse
 
$
109,712
   
$
108,860
 
Office
   
95,139
     
98,277
 
Retail
   
65,839
     
65,917
 
Hotel
   
23,919
     
24,429
 
Self storage
   
19,664
     
19,409
 
Mixed use
   
13,691
     
10,388
 
Medical
   
12,456
     
14,528
 
Restaurant
   
8,012
     
9,419
 
Assisted living
   
5,680
     
5,768
 
All other
   
42,088
     
42,647
 
                 
Total non-covered commercial mortgage loans
 
$
396,200
   
$
399,642
 
 
 
49

 

The following table shows the maturity of our non-covered commercial mortgage loans by origination year.

Commercial mortgage loans by origination year/maturity year
                   
(in thousands)
                                   
   
Year of maturity
       
Origination
                         
2015 and
       
Year
 
2011
   
2012
   
2013
   
2014
   
Thereafter
   
Total
 
                                     
2005 and earlier
  $ 1,206     $ 1,972     $ 1,734     $ 12,006     $ 83,394     $ 100,312  
2006
    229       153       6,282             40,008       46,672  
2007
    200       13,880       739       7,489       31,233       53,541  
2008
    1,137       11,796       1,912       231       57,759       72,835  
2009
    201       1,276             6,055       51,641       59,173  
2010
          105       448             30,505       31,058  
2011
          29                   32,580       32,609  
Total
  $ 2,973     $ 29,211     $ 11,115     $ 25,781     $ 327,120     $ 396,200  
 
We generally underwrite commercial mortgage loans with a maximum loan-to-value of 60 percent and a minimum debt service coverage ratio of 1.35. Beforethe third quarter of 2009, our maximum loan-to-value was70 percent and the minimum debt service coverage ratio was 1.25. We believe these changes to our loan origination policies were prudent given the current economic environment. The weighted average loan-to-value percentage of our commercial real estate portfolio was 58.8 percent and the weighted average debt service coverage ratio was 1.68 at September 30, 2011. We focus on cash flow; consequently, regardless of the value of the collateral, the commercial real estate project must provide sufficient cash flow, or alternatively the principals must supplement the project with other cash flow, to service the debt. We generally require the principals to guarantee the loan. We also “stress-test” commercial mortgage loans to determine the potential effect changes in interest rates, vacancy rates, and lease or rent rates would have on the cash flow of the project. Additionally, at least on an annual basis, we require updates on the cash flow of the project and, where practicable, we visit the properties.
 
Commercial loans represent the next largest category of loans and were 21 percent of total non-covered loans at September 30, 2011, down from 23 percent at December 31, 2010. We had 850 commercial loans with an average balance of $222,000 at September 30, 2011. Unused commitments on commercial loans were $111.1 million at September 30, 2011 compared with $134.9 million at December 31, 2010. Working capital, equipment purchases or business expansion are the typical purposes for commercial loans. Commercial loans may be unsecured or secured by assets such as equipment, inventory, accounts receivables, and real property. Personal guarantees of the business owner may also be present. These loans may also have partial guarantees from the U.S. Small Business Administration, or SBA, or other federal or state agencies. Broadly diversified business sectors with the largest sectors in real estate/construction, finance and insurance, healthcare, manufacturing and professional services comprise the commercial loan portfolio. We also participate in larger credit facilities known as shared national credits. At September 30, 2011, five loans under these facilities had outstanding balances of $16.3 million. These loans consist of four motion picture and video production loan participations and one $0.9 million healthcare facility loan participation. At September 30, 2011, we also have commitments of $12.1 million for two other motion picture and video production facilities with no outstanding balances. Below is a table of our non-covered loans by business sector.
 
Commercial loans by industry/sector
(in thousands)
 
At September 30, 2011
   
At December 31, 2010
 
Services
  $ 55,427     $ 53,549  
Real estate
    47,026       54,387  
Information
    29,988       44,193  
Trade
    23,840       22,488  
Manufacturing
    16,484       18,722  
Healthcare
    14,710       16,593  
Transportation and warehouse
    1,993       3,644  
Other
    1        
                 
Total non-covered commercial loans
  $ 189,469     $ 213,576  
 
 
50

 
 
We underwrite commercial loans with maturities not to exceed seven years and we generally require full amortization of the loan within the term of the loan. We underwrite traditional working capital lines for a 12 month period and have a 30-day out-of-debt requirement. Accounts receivable and inventory financing revolving lines of credit have an annual maturity date, a maximum advance rate, and an annual field audit for lines of $200,000 or more. Third-party vendors perform field audits for our accounts receivable and inventory financing revolving lines of credit. The maximum advance rate for accounts receivable is 80 percent and the maximum advance rate for eligible inventory is 25 percent.
 
Construction and land loans represent 5 percent of total non-covered loans at September 30, 2011, down from 6 percent at December 31, 2010. At September 30, 2011, we had 34 projects with an average commitment of $2,309,000. Construction loans represent single-family, multifamily and commercial building projects as well as land development loans. At September 30, 2011, 12 percent of these loans, or $5.6 million, represented residential construction projects; 22 percent, or $10.4 million, were commercial projects; and 66 percent, or $31.6 million, were land development projects.
 
Construction loans are typically short term, with maturities ranging from 12 to 18 months. For commercial projects, we have had a maximum loan-to-value requirement of 75 percent of the appraised value.  For residential projects, the maximum loan-to-value has been 80 percent. Beginning in the third quarter of 2009 we changed the maximum loan-to-value to 70 percent for both commercial and residential projects. The weighted average loan-to-value ratio for our construction and land portfolio was 58.5 percent at September 30, 2011. At the borrower’s expense, we use a third party vendor for funds control, lien releases and inspections. In addition, we regularly monitor the marketplace and the economy for evidence of deterioration in real estate values. 
 
Below is a table of our non-covered construction and land loans by county.
 
   
At September 30, 2011
   
At December 31, 2010
 
Construction and land loans by county
(in thousands)
 
Commitment
   
Outstanding
   
Commitment
   
Outstanding
 
Los Angeles
 
$
35,137
   
$
15,889
   
$
27,168
   
$
21,786
 
Orange
   
17,868
     
13,995
     
15,019
     
14,239
 
Ventura
   
19,664
     
12,760
     
16,194
     
12,506
 
Riverside
   
3,772
     
3,737
     
3,983
     
3,906
 
Santa Barbara
   
1,238
     
1,232
     
2,840
     
2,823
 
                                 
Total non-covered construction and land loans
 
$
77,679
   
$
47,613
   
$
65,204
   
$
55,260
 
 
We are mindful of the economic disruption in our marketplace and have supplemented our regular monitoring practices with updated project appraisals, re-evaluation of estimated project marketing time and re-evaluationof the sufficiency of the original loan commitment to absorb interest charges (i.e., interest reserves) when necessary. We also re-evaluate the ability of the project sponsor, where applicable, to successfully complete other projects funded by other institutions. In circumstances where the interest reserve was not sufficient, we request the project sponsor to make payments to us from their general resources or request the project sponsor to place with us the proceeds from a portion of the project sales. While we believe that our monitoring practices are adequate, we cannot assure you that there will not be further delinquencies, lengthened project marketing time or declines in real estate values.
 
Multifamily residential mortgage loans were 15 percent of total non-covered loans at September 30, 2011, up from 14 percent at December 31, 2010. We had approximately 156 multifamily loans with an average balance of $910,000 at September 30, 2011.  Apartments mostly located in our seven-county market area serve as collateral for our multifamily mortgage loans. We underwrite multifamily mortgage loans in a fashion similar to commercial mortgage loans previously described. The weighted average loan-to-value percentage was 60.4 percent and the weighted average debt service coverage ratio was 1.41 for our multifamily portfolio at September 30, 2011. Below is a table of our non-covered multifamily mortgage loans by county.
 
Multifamily mortgage loans by region/county
(in thousands)
 
At September 30, 2011
   
At December 31, 2010
 
Southern California
           
Los Angeles
 
$
81,388
   
$
92,897
 
Orange
   
15,722
     
15,948
 
Ventura
   
10,315
     
7,495
 
Riverside
   
498
     
502
 
San Bernardino
   
3,886
     
3,979
 
San Diego
   
21,053
     
4,999
 
Santa Barbara
   
1,860
     
1,876
 
                 
Total Southern California
   
134,722
     
127,696
 
             
Northern California
           
Alameda
    778       787  
Calaveras
    1,342       1,357  
Fresno
    241       245  
Kern
    2,553       2,609  
Merced
    653       664  
Monterey
    375       379  
Mono
    224       228  
San Francisco
    730       1,329  
Santa Cruz
    337       345  
                 
Total Northern California
    7,233       7,943  
                 
Total non-covered multifamily mortgage
  $ 141,955     $ 135,639  
 
 
51

 

The following table shows the maturity of our non-covered multifamily mortgage loans by origination year.
 
Multifamily mortgage loans by origination year/maturity year
                   
(in thousands)
                                   
   
Year of maturity
       
Origination
                         
2015 and
       
Year
 
2011
   
2012
   
2013
   
2014
   
Thereafter
   
Total
 
                                     
2005 and earlier
  $     $ 1,212     $ 1,089     $     $ 11,789     $ 14,090  
2006
                            1,342       1,342  
2007
                            9,637       9,637  
2008
                            47,276       47,276  
2009
    244                         42,497       42,741  
2010
                            6,674       6,674  
2011
                            20,195       20,195  
Total
  $ 244     $ 1,212     $ 1,089     $     $ 139,410     $ 141,955  
 
The table below illustrates the weighted average distribution of our non-covered loan portfolio by loan size at September 30, 2011. We distributed all loans by loan balance outstanding except for construction loans, which we distributed by loan commitment. At September 30, 2011, 32 percent of our loans were less than $1 million and 75 percent of our loans were less than $5 million. We believe the high number of smaller-balance loans aids in the mitigation of credit risk; however, a prolonged and deep recession can affect a greater number of borrowers. 
 
    
At September 30, 2011
 
   
Less than $500,000
    $500,000 to $999,999     $1,000,000 to $2,999,999     $3,000,000 to $4,999,999     $5,000,000 to $9,999,999     $10,000,000 to $12,500,000  
Commercial mortgage
   
10
%
   
13
%
   
31
%
   
14
%
   
21
%
   
11
%
Commercial loans and lines of credit
   
28
%
   
11
%
   
33
%
   
10
%
   
18
%
   
0
%
Construction and land development
   
3
%
   
5
%
   
36
%
   
18
%
   
15
%
   
23
%
Multifamily mortgage
   
15
%
   
25
%
   
38
%
   
5
%
   
9
%
   
8
%
Home mortgage
   
23
%
   
23
%
   
28
%
   
7
%
   
19
%
   
0
%
Home equity loans and lines of credit
   
46
%
   
12
%
   
12
%
   
30
%
   
0
%
   
0
%
Installment and credit card
   
88
%
   
12
%
   
0
%
   
0
%
   
0
%
   
0
%
                                                 
Weighted average totals
   
17
%
   
15
%
   
32
%
   
11
%
   
17
%
   
8
%
Number
   
2,374
     
208
     
196
     
31
     
26
     
6
 

 
52

 

Allowance for non-covered loan losses
 
We maintain an allowance for loan losses to provide for inherent losses in the non-covered loan portfolio. We establish the allowance through a provision charged to expense. We charge-off all loans judged uncollectible against the allowance while we credit any recoveries on loans to the allowance. We charge-off commercial and real estate loans – construction, commercial mortgage, and home mortgage – by the time their principal or interest becomes 120 days delinquent unless the loan is well secured and in the process of collection. We charge-off consumer loans by the time principal or interest becomes 90 days delinquent unless they too are well secured and in the process of collection. We also charge-off deposit overdrafts when they become more than 60 days old. We evaluate impaired loans on a case-by-case basis to determine the ultimate loss potential to us after considering the proceeds realizable from a sale of the collateral, lessestimated costs to sell. In those cases where the net realizable value is less than the loan, we charge-off the loan to reduce the balance to a level equal to the net realizable value of the collateral. We consider a loan impaired when, based on current information and events, we do not expect to be able to collect all amounts due according to the loan contract, including scheduled interest payments.
 
Our loan policy provides procedures designed to evaluate and assess the risk factors associated with our loan portfolio, to enable us to assess such risk factors prior to granting new loans and to evaluate the sufficiency of the allowance for loan losses. We assess the allowance on a monthly basis and undertake a more critical evaluation quarterly. At the time of the monthly review, the Board of Directors examines and formally approves the adequacy of the allowance. The quarterly evaluation includes an assessment of the following factors: any external loan review and any regulatory examination, estimated probable loss exposure on each pool of loans, concentrations of credit, value of collateral, the level of delinquency and nonaccruals, trends in the portfolio volume, effects of any changes in the lending policies and procedures, changes in lending personnel, present economic conditions at the local, state and national level, the amount of undisbursed off-balance sheet commitments, and a migration analysis of historical losses and recoveries for the prior twenty-one quarters.
 
Our evaluation of the adequacy of the allowance for non-covered loan losses includes a review of individual non-covered loans to identify specific probable losses and assigns estimated loss factors to specific groups or types of non-covered loans to calculate possible losses. In addition, we estimate the probable loss on previously accrued but unpaid interest. We refer to these as quantitative considerations. Our evaluation also considers subjective factors such as changes in local and regional economic and business conditions, financial improvement or deterioration in business sectors and industries, changes in lending practices, changes in personnel, changes in the volume and level of past due and nonaccrual loans and concentrations of credit. We refer to these as qualitative considerations.
 
Our 2011third quarter evaluation of the adequacy of the allowance for non-covered loan losses considered, among other things, estimated loss factors assigned to specific types of loans, changes and trends in the level of delinquencies, non-covered loans classified as substandard, doubtful and loss, non-covered nonaccrual loans and non-covered loan charge-offs, changes in the value of collateral, changes in the local and regional economic and business conditions, and the judgment of the bank regulatory agencies at the conclusion of their examination process with respect to information available to them during such examination process. Finally, we considered the possible length and depth of the economic recession and the impact it might have on our borrowers, especially our small business borrowers. More specifically, we did not change our estimated loss factors in our qualitative considerations from the prior quarter. We did however increase and decrease our quantitative loss factors; the changes in our quantitative loss factors did not result in a significant change to the allowance.

 As a result, the allowance for non-covered loan losses increased to $17.8 million or 1.93 percent of non-covered loans at September 30, 2011 compared with $17.0 million or 1.80 percent of non-covered loans at December 31, 2010. We believe that our allowance for non-covered loan losses was adequate at September 30, 2011; however, the determination of the allowance for non-covered loan losses is a highly judgmental process and we cannot assure you that we will not further increase or decrease the allowance in future periods.
 
The following table presents activity in the allowance for non-covered loan losses: 
 
   
Three Months Ended
   
Nine Months Ended
 
   
September 30,
   
September 30,
 
                         
   
2011
   
2010
   
2011
   
2010
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Beginning balance
  $ 18,306     $ 16,452     $ 17,033     $ 16,505  
Provision for loan losses
    1,550       3,618       4,550       7,138  
Loans charged-off
    (2,292 )     (3,891 )     (4,319 )     (7,735 )
Recoveries on loans charged-off
    214       321       514       592  
                                 
Ending balance
  $ 17,778     $ 16,500     $ 17,778     $ 16,500  
                                 
Allowance to gross non-covered loans
    1.93 %     1.80 %     1.93 %     1.80 %
Net loans charged-off to average non-covered loans, annualized
    0.92 %     1.60 %     0.54 %     1.05 %
 
 
53

 
 
The following table presents the net non-covered loan charge-offs by loan type and the percentage of net non-covered loans charged-off to average non-covered loans by type for the periods indicated.

    
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2011
   
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2010
 
(in thousands)
 
Net Charge-offs
   
Net Charge-offs to average loans, for period
   
Net Charge-offs to Average loans, annualized
   
Net Charge-offs
   
Net Charge-offs to average loans, for period
   
Net Charge-offs to Average loans, annualized
 
Construction and land development
 
$
1
     
0.00
%
   
0.00
%
 
$
233
     
0.34
%
   
0.46
%
Home mortgage
   
365
     
0.33
%
   
0.44
%
   
207
     
0.28
%
   
0.37
%
Commercial loans & lines
   
2,934
     
1.42
%
   
1.89
%
   
4,735
     
2.28
%
   
3.05
%
Commercial real estate
   
377
     
0.07
%
   
0.10
%
   
1,721
     
0.32
%
   
0.42
%
Home equity loans & lines
   
37
     
0.12
%
   
0.16
%
   
199
     
1.46
%
   
1.95
%
Installment
   
91
     
1.47
%
   
1.95
%
   
48
     
1.30
%
   
1.74
%
                                                 
Total
 
$
3,805
     
0.41
%
   
0.54
%
 
$
7,143
     
0.78
%
   
1.05
%
 
Net non-covered loan charge-offs for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 were $3.8 million compared with $7.1 million for the same period last year. In the first nine months of 2011, loans charge-off included a $1.7 million charge-off of a $1.7 million entertainment-related loan. In the first nine months of 2010, loans charge-off included a $1.2 million charge-off on a $1.7 million nonaccrual multifamily loan for which we had a specific loss allowance of $1.7 million at December 31, 2009. We collected the remaining balance in the 2010 second quarter. Also, we had a $3.5 million charge-off on a $15.0 million revolving credit facility to purchase and develop a film library. Annualized net non-covered loan charge-offs to average non-covered loans for thenine months ended September 30, 2011 were 0.54 percent compared with 1.05 percent for the first nine months of 2010.
 
 The following table presents the allocation of the allowance for loan losses to each non-covered loan category and the percentage relationship of loans in each category to total loans:

   
September 30, 2011
   
December 31, 2010
 
(in thousands)
 
Allocation of the allowance by loan category
   
Percent of Loans in Category to Total loans
   
Allocation of the allowance by loan category
   
Percent of Loans in Category to Total loans
 
Commercial mortgage
 
$
6,141
     
43
%
 
$
6,134
     
42
%
Multifamily mortgage
   
2,486
     
15
%
   
2,273
     
14
%
Commercial loans
   
6,125
     
21
%
   
4,934
     
23
%
Construction loans
   
1,010
     
5
%
   
1,698
     
6
%
Home equity loans and lines
   
358
     
3
%
   
416
     
3
%
Home mortgage
   
1,577
     
12
%
   
1,496
     
11
%
Installment and credit card
   
81
     
1
%
   
82
     
1
%
                                 
Total
 
$
17,778
     
100
%
 
$
17,033
     
100
%
 
The amounts or proportions displayed above do not imply that charges to the allowance will occur in those amounts or proportions.
 
 
54

 

The allowance for losses on undisbursed commitments was $101,000 at September 30, 2011, and December 31, 2010, respectively. The allowance for losses on undisbursed commitments is included in “accrued interest payable and other liabilities” on the consolidated balance sheets.
 
The following table presents non-covered past due loans, nonaccrual loans and foreclosed assets. We had sixteennon-covered restructured loans for $3.1 million at September 30, 2011; two restructured loans for $0.7 million are included in the $6.9 million accruing loans past due 30 to 89 days total shown below and ten restructured loans for $2.3 million are included in the $15.8 million nonaccrual loan total shown below. We had twelvenon-covered restructured loans for $4.2 million at December 31, 2010; three restructured loans for $1.3 million were current at December 31, 2010, one restructured loan for $0.7 million is included in the $11.6 million accruing loans past due 30 to 89 days total shown below and eight restructured loans for $2.3 million are included in the $18.2 million nonaccrual loan total shown below.
 
(dollars in thousands)
 
September 30, 2011
   
December 31, 2010
 
Accruing loans past due 30 - 89 days
 
$
6,948
   
$
11,630
 
Accruing loans past due 90 days or more
 
$
24
   
$
 
Nonaccrual loans
 
$
15,845
   
$
18,241
 
Foreclosed assets
 
$
18,406
   
$
26,011
 
Ratios:
               
Accruing loans past due 90 days or more to non-covered loans
   
     
 
Nonaccrual loans to non-covered loans
   
1.72%
     
1.92%
 
 
Non-covered accruing loans past due 30 to 89 days decreased to $6.9 million at September 30, 2011 from $11.6 million at December 31, 2010. This category of loans historically has had the most fluctuation from period to period.
 
Non-covered nonaccrual loans and loans past due 90 days or more and accruing decreased to $15.9 million at September 30, 2011 from $18.2 million at December 31, 2010. These non-performing non-covered loans, as a percentage of total non-covered loans, were 1.72 percent at the end of the third quarter compared with 1.92percent at December 31, 2010.
 
Our largest non-covered nonaccrual facility was a revolving credit facility to purchase and develop a film library with a balance of $8.6 million at September 30, 2011. This balance is after charge-offs of $3.4 million. The charge-off represented the excess of the loan advances over the estimated value of the film library. This loan is a participation in a credit facility also known as a shared national credit. We estimated at September 30, 2011 a specific loss allowance of $2.3 million for this loan.
 
Our next largest non-covered nonaccrual loan was a $1.4 million office building in Costa Mesa, California. The loan was over 90 days past due at September 30, 2011. Our most current appraisal indicates a loan-to-value ratio of 68 percent. We have no specific loss allowance for this loan at September 30, 2011.

Our third largest non-covered nonaccrual loan was a $1.1 million commercial restaurant loan. This loan was performing in accordance with modified loan terms at September 30, 2011. We have no specific loss allowance for this loan at September 30, 2011.

All other non-covered nonaccrual loans were individually under $1 million at September 30, 2011.
 
The following table presents the activity in our nonaccrual non-covered loan category for the periods indicated.
 
   
Three months ended September 30,
   
Nine months ended September 30,
 
   
2011
   
2010
   
2011
   
2010
 
(dollars in thousands)
 
# of Loans
   
$ Amount
   
# of Loans
   
$ Amount
   
# of Loans
   
$ Amount
   
# of Loans
   
$ Amount
 
Beginning balance
    40     $ 17,792       23     $ 13,192       28     $ 18,241       21     $ 39,958  
New loans added
    6       1,607       22       20,268       30       5,934       39       26,778  
Advances on existing loans
                                              317  
Loans transferred to foreclosed property
    (1 )     (99 )     (3 )     (884 )     (2 )     (509 )     (7 )     (24,560 )
Loans returned to accrual status
    (3 )     (660 )     (5 )     (1,976 )     (9 )     (1,945 )     (8 )     (4,015 )
Payoffs of existing loans
    (6 )     (229 )     (1 )     (4,482 )     (9 )     (2,141 )     (4 )     (8,098 )
Loans sold
                                        (1 )     (490 )
Payments on existing loans
          (465 )           (24 )           (872 )           (1,186 )
Charge offs on existing loans
    (3 )     (2,101 )                 (5 )     (2,623 )     (4 )     (375 )
Partial charge-offs on existing loans
                      (3,696 )           (240 )           (5,931 )
Ending balance
    33     $ 15,845       36     $ 22,398       33     $ 15,845       36     $ 22,398  
 
 
55

 
 
We consider a loan impaired when, based on current information and events, we do not expect to be able to collect all amounts due according to the loan contract, including scheduled interest payments. Due to the size and nature of the loan portfolio, we determine impaired loans by periodic evaluation on an individual loan basis. The average investment in impaired loans was $18.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 and $27.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2010. Impaired loans were $14.3 million at September 30, 2011 and $18.2 million at December 31, 2010. Allowances for loan losses for individually impaired loans are computed in accordance with accounting standards related to accounting by creditors for impairment of a loan and are based on either the estimated collateral value less estimated selling costs (if the loan is a collateral-dependent loan), or the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate. Of the $14.3 million of impaired loans at September 30, 2011, $10.2 million had specific allowances of $2.8 million. Of the $18.2 million of impaired loans at December 31, 2010, $12.5 million had specific allowances of $2.0 million.

Non-covered foreclosed property
 
Non-covered foreclosed property at September 30, 2011 consists of a $14.3 million office complex project consisting of 17 buildings in Ventura County and a $3.3 million unimproved land property of 161 acres located in an unincorporated section of western Los Angeles County known as Liberty Canyon.The remainder represents one office building and three single-family residences in Southern California that together total $0.8 million.
 
The following table presents the activity of our non-covered foreclosed property for the periods indicated.
 
   
Three months ended September 30,
   
Nine months ended September 30,
 
   
2011
   
2010
   
2011
   
2010
 
(dollars in thousands)
 
# of
Properties
   
$ Amount
   
# of
Properties
   
$ Amount
   
# of
Properties
   
$ Amount
   
# of
Properties
   
$ Amount
 
Beginning balance
    7     $ 20,029       4     $ 27,850       8     $ 26,011       1     $ 4,893  
New properties added
    1       99       3       1,016       2       328       8       25,414  
Valuation allowances
                                  (5,208 )           (230 )
Sales of properties
    (2 )     (1,722 )           (960 )     (4 )     (2,725 )     (2 )     (2,171 )
Ending balance
    6     $ 18,406       7     $ 27,906       6     $ 18,406       7     $ 27,906  
 
Covered loans and FDIC shared-loss asset
 
We acquired loans in the WCB and SLTB acquisitions for which we entered into shared-loss agreements with the FDIC, or covered loans. We will share in the losses, which begin with the first dollar of loss incurred, on the loan pools (including single-family residential mortgage loans, commercial loans and foreclosed property) covered (“covered assets”) under the shared-loss agreements. We refer to all other loans in our loan portfolio not acquired from WCB or SLTB as non-covered loans.
 
 
56

 
 
Pursuant to the terms of the shared-loss agreements, the FDIC is obligated to reimburse us for 80 percent of eligible losses with respect to covered assets. We have a corresponding obligation to reimburse the FDIC for 80 percent of eligible recoveries with respect to covered assets. The shared-loss agreements for commercial and single-family residential mortgage loans are in effect for five years and ten years, respectively, from the acquisition dates and the loss recovery provisions are in effect for eight years and ten years, respectively, from the acquisition dates.
 
 The covered loan portfolio increased to $147.2 million at September 30, 2011 from $53.9 million at December 31, 2010 because of the FDIC-assisted SLTB acquisition in February 2011. The following table sets forth the composition of the covered loan portfolio by type.
 
Covered loans by property type (in thousands)
 
At
September 30,
2011
   
At
December 31,
2010
 
Home mortgage
  $ 41,844     $ 2,046  
Commercial mortgage
    39,687       26,038  
Construction and land loans
    25,480       6,143  
Multifamily
    15,154       2,688  
Commercial loans and lines of credit
    13,274       16,820  
Home equity loans and lines of credit
    11,704       135  
Installment and credit card
    7        
Total covered loans
  $ 147,150     $ 53,870  
 
The FDIC shared-loss asset represents the present value of the amounts we expect to receive from the FDIC under the shared-loss agreements. The FDIC shared-loss asset was $77.8 million at September 30, 2011 and $16.7 million at December 31, 2010. The increase was due to the initial FDIC shared-loss asset recorded in conjunction with the FDIC-assisted SLTB acquisition on February 18, 2011.
 
The acquired covered loans are and will continue to be subject to the Bank’s internal and external credit review and monitoring practices. The covered loans have the same credit quality indicators, such as risk grade and classification, as the non-covered loans, to enable the monitoring of the borrower’s credit and the likelihood of repayment. If credit deteriorates beyond the respective acquisition date fair value amount of covered loans we will establish an allowance for credit losses through a charge to earnings.
 
At September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, we had no allowance for the covered loans because there was credit quality deterioration not beyond the acquisition date fair value amounts of the covered loans.

Covered foreclosed property
 
Covered foreclosed property at September 30, 2011 was $12.4 million and $1.0 million at December 31, 2010. We acquired these properties as part of the FDIC-assisted Western Commercial Bank and San Luis Trust Bank acquisitions. We recorded these properties at their estimated fair value, less estimated costs to sell, at the time of acquisition. Since year-end 2010, we sold $13.2 million of properties and acquired or added $26.7 million.

The following table presents the activity of our covered foreclosed property for the periods indicated.

   
Three months ended September 30,
   
Nine months ended September 30,
 
   
2011
   
2010
   
2011
   
2010
 
(dollars in thousands)
  # of
Properties
    $ Amount     # of
Properties
    $ Amount     # of
Properties
    $ Amount     # of
Properties
    $ Amount  
Beginning balance
    21     $ 5,636           $       2     $ 977           $  
New properties acquired
                            22       11,052              
New properties added
    34       13,680                   41       15,657              
Valuation allowances
          (739 )                         (2,141 )            
Sales of properties
    (8 )     (6,216 )                 (18 )     (13,184 )            
Ending balance
    47     $ 12,361           $       47     $ 12,361           $  

 
57

 

Investing, funding and liquidity risk
 
Liquidity risk is the risk to earnings or capital arising from the inability to meet obligations when they come due without incurring unacceptable losses. Liquidity risk includes the inability to manage unplanned decreases or changes in funding sources as well as the failure to recognize or address changes in market conditions that affect the ability to liquidate assets quickly and with minimal loss in value.
 
We manage bank liquidity risk through Board-approved policies and procedures. The Board of Directors reviews and approves these policies at least annually. Liquidity risk policies provide us with a framework for consistent evaluation of risk and establish risk tolerance parameters. Management’s Asset and Liability Committee meets regularly to evaluate liquidity risk, review and establish deposit interest rates, review loan and deposit in-flows and out-flows and reports quarterly to the Directors’ Balance Sheet Management Committee on compliance with policies. The Directors’ Audit Committee also engages a third party to perform a review of management’s asset and liability practices to ensure compliance with policies.
 
We enjoy a large base of core deposits (representing checking, savings and small balance retail certificates of deposit). At September 30, 2011, core deposits were $1.1billion. At December 31, 2010, core deposits were $892.7 million. Core deposits represent a significant low-cost source of funds that support our lending activities and represent a key part of our funding strategy. We seek and stress the importance of both loan and deposit relationships with customers in our business plans. The EPS division also contributed to the increase in core deposits.
 
Alternative funding sources include large balance certificates of deposits, brokered deposits, federal funds purchased from other institutions, securities sold under agreements to repurchase and borrowings. Total alternative funds used at September 30, 2011decreased to $391.4 million from $395.1 million at December 31, 2010. The decrease in alternative funds was due to the increase in core deposits during the period.
 
In addition, we have lines of credit with other financial institutions providing for federal funds facilities up to a maximum of $30.0 million. The lines of credit support short-term liquidity needs and we cannot use them for more than 30 consecutive days. These lines are unsecured, have no formal maturity date and can be revoked at any time by the granting institutions. There were no borrowings under these lines of credit at September 30, 2011 or December 31, 2010. We also have a $16.8 million secured borrowing facility with the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco, or the Reserve Bank, which had no balance outstanding at September 30, 2011 or December 31, 2010. In addition, we had approximately $210.8 million of available borrowing capacity on the Bank’s secured FHLB borrowing facility at September 30, 2011.
 
The primary sources of liquidity for the Company, on a stand-alone basis, include the dividends from the Bank and, historically, our ability to issue trust preferred securities and secure outside borrowings. The ability of the Company to obtain funds for its cash requirements, including payments on the junior subordinated debentures underlying our outstanding trust preferred securities and the dividend on our series C preferred stock, is largely dependent upon the Bank’s earnings. The Bank is subject to restrictions under certain federal and state laws and regulations which limit its ability to transfer funds to the Company through intercompany loans, advances or cash dividends. The California Department of Financial Institutions, or DFI, under its general supervisory authority as it relates to a bank’s capital requirements regulates dividends paid by state banks, such as the Bank. A state bank may declare a dividend without the approval of the DFI as long as the total dividends declared in a calendar year do not exceed either the retained earnings or the total of net profits for three previous fiscal years less any dividends paid during such period. At September 30, 2011, there were $6.9 million of dividends available for payment under the method described.We received no dividends from the Bank in the year ended December 31, 2010 or in the nine months ended September 30, 2011.  The Company has $3.8 million in cash on deposit with the Bank at September 30, 2011.
 
In order to meet our deposit, borrowing and loan obligations when they come due, we maintain a portion of our funds in liquid assets. Liquid assets include cash balances at the Reserve Bank, interest bearing deposits with other financial institutions, and federal funds sold to other financial institutions. We also manage liquidity risk with readily saleable debt securities and debt securities that serve as collateral for borrowings.
 
At September 30, 2011, we had cash balances at the Reserve Bank of $36.1 million compared with $19.9 million at December 31, 2010. Interest bearing deposits with other financial institutions increased to $128.3 million at September 30, 2011 from $62.5 million at December 31, 2010. The higher balance reflects the liquidity acquired in the SLTB and EPS division acquisitions.
 
As disclosed in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, net cash used by operating activities was $12.2 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2011. The difference between cash used by operating activities and net income largely consisted of non-cash items including a $35.2 million gain on acquisitions.
 
Net cash of $203.2 million provided by investing activities consisted principally of $129.3 million of proceeds from securities available-for-sale, $122.1 million of cash acquired in the SLTB and EPS division acquisitions, $71.5 million of proceeds from net loan paydowns partially offset by $146.2 million of purchases of securities available-for-sale and $1.8 million of purchases of premises and equipment.
 
 
58

 
 
Net cash of $175.0 million used by financing activities primarily consisted of a $75.3 million decrease in borrowings, a $98.9 million decrease in net deposits and $0.8 million of dividends paid on preferred stock.
 
Securities
 
We classify securities as “available-for-sale” for accounting purposes and, as such, report them at their fair, or market, values in our balance sheets. We use quoted market prices for fair values. We report as “other comprehensive income or loss”, net of tax changes in the fair value of our securities (that is, unrealized holding gains or losses) and carry these cumulative changes as accumulated comprehensive income or loss within shareholders’ equity until realized.
 
Securities, at amortized cost, increased by $54.4 million, or 19 percent, from $279.0 million at December 31, 2010 to $333.4 million at September 30, 2011. The increase is partly due to the $35.0 million of securities acquired in the FDIC-assisted SLTB acquisition.
 
Net unrealized holding losses were $1.1 million at September 30, 2011 and were $6.5 million at December 31, 2010. As a percentage of securities, at amortized cost, unrealized holding losses were 0.32 percent and 2.35 percent at the end of each respective period. Securities are comprised largely of U.S. Treasury notes and bills and U.S. government agency notes, mortgage-backed securities and collateralized mortgage obligations, or CMOs. On a quarterly basis, we evaluate our individual available-for-sale securities in an unrealized loss position for other-than-temporary impairment. As part of this evaluation, we consider whether we intend to sell each security and whether it is more likely than not that we will be required to sell the security before the anticipated recovery of the security’s amortized cost basis. Should a security meet either of these conditions, we recognize an impairment charge to earnings equal to the entire difference between the security’s amortized cost basis and its fair value at the balance sheet date. For securities in an unrealized loss position that meet neither of these conditions, we consider whether we expect to recover the entire amortized cost basis of the security by comparing our best estimate, on a present value basis, of the expected future cash flows from the security with the amortized cost basis of the security. If our best estimate of expected future cash flows is less than the amortized cost basis of the security, we recognize an impairment charge to earnings for this estimated credit loss.
 
The following table presents, at September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, the gross unrealized losses and amortized cost of securities and the length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position at September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010.
 
   
At September 30, 2011
 
   
Less Than 12 Months
   
Greater Than 12 Months
   
Total
 
   
Amortized
Cost
   
Unrealized
Losses
   
Amortized
Cost
   
Unrealized
Losses
   
Amortized
Cost
   
Unrealized
Losses
 
   
(in thousands)
 
U.S. Treasury notes/bills
 
$
5,022
   
$
(1
 
$
   
$
   
$
5,022
   
$
(1
U.S. government agency notes
   
6,188
     
(3
   
     
     
6,188
     
(3
)
U.S. government agency mortgage-backed securities
   
5,184
     
(45
   
     
     
5,184
     
(45
U.S. government agency collateralized mortgage obligations 
   
26,751
     
(96
   
     
     
26,751
     
(96
)
Private-label collateralized mortgage obligations
   
     
     
16,825
     
(2,543
)
   
16,825
     
(2,543
)
Municipal securities
   
     
     
     
     
     
 
Other domestic debt securities
   
     
     
7,176
     
(1,924
)
   
7,176
     
(1,924
)
                                                 
   
$
43,145
   
$
(145
)
 
$
24,001
   
$
(4,467
)
 
$
67,146
   
$
(4,612
)
 
 
59

 
 
   
At December 31, 2010
 
   
Less Than 12 Months
   
Greater Than 12 Months
   
Total
 
   
Amortized
Cost
   
Unrealized
Losses
   
Amortized
Cost
   
Unrealized
Losses
   
Amortized
Cost
   
Unrealized
Losses
 
   
(in thousands)
 
U.S. Treasury notes/bills
 
$
20,107
   
$
(8
)
 
$
   
$
   
$
20,107
   
$
(8
)
U.S. government agency notes
   
41,401
     
(522
)
   
     
     
41,401
     
(522
)
U.S. government agency mortgage-backed securities
   
33,584
     
(528
)
   
     
     
33,584
     
(528
)
U.S. government agency collateralized mortgage obligations 
   
55,869
     
(370
)
   
     
     
55,869
     
(370
)
Private-label collateralized mortgage obligations
   
     
     
20,409
     
(3,515
)
   
20,409
     
(3,515
)
Municipal securities
   
3,069
     
(157
)
   
     
     
3,069
     
(157
)
Other domestic debt securities
   
2,500
     
(28
)
   
4,744
     
(1,949
)
   
7,244
     
(1,977
)
                                                 
   
$
156,530
   
$
(1,613
)
 
$
25,153
   
$
(5,464
)
 
$
181,683
   
$
(7,077
)
 
We determined that, as of September 30, 2011, our U.S. Treasury notes and bills, and U.S. government agency notes, mortgage-backed securities and CMOs were temporarily impaired because these securities were in a continuous loss position for less than 12 months. We believe the cause of the gross unrealized losses was movements in interest rates and not the deterioration of the issuers’ creditworthiness.
 
We own one pooled trust preferred security, rated triple-A at purchase, with an amortized cost basis of $4.7 million and an unrealized loss of $1.9 million at September 30, 2011. At December 31, 2010, the unrealized loss was also $1.9 million. The gross unrealized loss is mainly due to extraordinarily high investor yield requirements resulting from an illiquid market, causing this security to be valued at a discount to its acquisition cost. One credit rating agency has now rated the security triple-C while another has rated the security Baa3. The senior tranche owned by us has a collateral balance well in excess of the amortized cost basis of the tranche at September 30, 2011. Eighteen of the fifty-six issuers in the security have deferred or defaulted on their interest payments as of September 30, 2011. Our analysis determined that approximately half of the issuers would need to default on their interest payments before the senior tranche owned by us would be at risk of loss. As our estimated present value of expected cash flows to be collected was in excess of our amortized cost basis and we have the intent and ability to hold this security until the anticipated recovery of the remaining amortized cost basis, we concluded that the gross unrealized loss on this security was temporary.
 
The majority of unrealized losses at September 30, 2011 relate to a type of mortgage-backed security also known as private-label CMOs. As of September 30, 2011, the par value of these securities was $18.8 million and the amortized cost basis, net of other-than-temporary impairment charges, was $16.8 million. At September 30, 2011, the fair value of these securities was $14.3 million, representing 4 percent of our securities portfolio. Gross unrealized losses related to these securities were $2.5 million, or 15 percent of the aggregate cost basis of these securities as of September 30, 2011.

 The gross unrealized losses associated with these securities were primarily due to extraordinarily high investor yield requirements resulting from an extremely illiquid market, significant uncertainty about the future condition of the mortgage market and the economy, and continued deterioration in the credit performance of loan collateral underlying these securities, causing these securities to be valued at significant discounts to their acquisition cost. All three of our private-label CMOs had credit agency ratings of less than investment grade at September 30, 2011.  We performed discounted cash flow analyses for these three securities using the current month, last three month and last twelve month historical prepayment speed, the cumulative default rate and the loss severity rate to determine if there was other-than-temporary impairment as of September 30, 2011.  Based upon this analysis, we determined there was no additional other-than-temporary impairment at September 30, 2011. We do not intend to sell these securities and we do not believe it likely that we will be required to sell these securities before the anticipated recovery of the remaining amortized cost basis. If current conditions in the mortgage markets and general business conditions continue to deteriorate, the fair value of our private-label CMOs may decline further and we may experience further impairment losses.
 
Deposits
 
Deposits represent our primary source of funds for our lending activities. The following table presents the balance of each deposit category for the periods indicated:

   
September 30,
   
December 31,
 
(in thousands)
 
2011
   
2010
 
             
Core deposits:
           
    Non-interest bearing checking
  $ 473,059     $ 331,648  
    Interest checking
    102,901       88,638  
    Savings and money market accounts
    485,289       388,289  
    Retail time deposits less than $100,000
    79,747       84,133  
Total core deposits
    1,140,996       892,708  
                 
Noncore deposits:
               
    Retail time deposits $100,000 or more
    167,199       144,974  
    Wholesale time deposits
    6,407       18,606  
    State of California time deposits
    100,000       100,000  
Total noncore deposits
    273,606       263,580  
Total core and noncore deposits
  $ 1,414,602     $ 1,156,288  
 
 
60

 
 
The $258.3 million increase in deposits from the 2010 year-end was due principally to the deposits assumed in the SLTB and EPS division acquisitions. Core deposits increased $247.8 million since year-end 2010. Core deposits represent 81 percent of deposits at September 30, 2011, up from 77 percent at December 31, 2010. The increase in core deposits resulted in a decrease in the cost of deposits in 2011 which in turn resulted in an improved net interest margin.
 
Large balance certificates of deposit (that is, balances of $100,000 or more) were $273.6 million at September 30, 2011. Large balance certificates of deposit were $263.6 million at December 31, 2010. A portion of these large balance time deposits represent time deposits placed by the State Treasurer of California with the Bank. The time deposit program is one element of a pooled investment account managed by the State Treasurer for the benefit of the State of California and all participating local agencies. The pooled investment account has approximately $66.2 billion of investments, of which approximately $4.1 billion represent time deposits placed at various financial institutions. At September 30, 2011, and December 31, 2010, State of California time deposits placed with us, with original maturities of three to six months, were $100.0 million at each date. We believe that the State Treasurer will continue this program; we also believe, if it becomes necessary to replace these deposits, that we have sufficient alternative funding capacity or the ability to establish large balance certificates of deposit rates that will enable us to attract deposits in sufficient amounts. The remainder of time deposits represents time deposits accepted from customers in our market area.
 
From time to time we use brokered time deposits, categorized as wholesale time deposits in the table above, to supplement our liquidity and achieve other asset-liability management objectives. Brokered deposits are wholesale certificates of deposits accepted by us from brokers whose customers do not have any other significant relationship with us. As a result, we believe these funds are very sensitive to credit risk and interest rates, and pose greater liquidity risk to us. Thesecustomers may refuse to renew the certificates of deposits at maturity if higher rates are available elsewhere or if they perceive that our creditworthiness is deteriorating. At September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, we had no brokered deposits.

We also use the Certificate of Deposit Account Registry System, or CDARS, for our deposit customers who wish to obtain FDIC insurance on their deposits beyond that available from a single institution. We categorize these deposits as wholesale time deposits in the table above. We place these deposits into the CDARS network and accept in return other customers’ certificates of deposits in the same amount and at the same interest rate. We had $6.1 million of these reciprocal deposits, included in time deposits of $100,000 or more, at September 30, 2011 and $7.0 million at December 31, 2010.
 
At September 30, 2011, the scheduled maturities of time certificates of deposit in denominations of $100,000 or more were as follows:
 
(Dollars in thousands)
     
Three months or less
  $ 80,968  
Over three months to twelve months
    132,466  
Over twelve months
    60,172  
         
    $ 273,606  
 
 
61

 

Borrowings
 
Borrowings are comprised of federal funds purchased from other financial institutions, FHLB advances and securities sold under agreements to repurchase. At September 30, 2011, we had $117.8 million of borrowings outstanding, of which $30.0 million was comprised of securities sold under agreements to repurchase and $87.8million of FHLB advances. For our FHLB advances, the following table presents the amounts and weighted average interest rates outstanding.
 
   
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2011
   
Year Ended December 31, 2010
 
(in thousands)
 
Federal Home
Loan Bank
Advances
   
Weighted
average
Interest rate
   
Federal Home
Loan Bank
Advances
   
Weighted
average
Interest rate
 
Amount outstanding at end of period
 
$
87,774
     
3.01
%
 
$
86,500
     
3.11
%
Maximum amount outstanding at any month-end during the period
 
$
138,750
     
2.69
%
 
$
122,000
     
3.88
%
Average amount outstanding during the period
 
$
101,843
     
2.62
%
 
$
88,995
     
3.69
%
 
The higher levels of liquid assets and slow loan demand allowed these borrowings to mature and not be renewed.
 
The following table presents the maturities of FHLB term advances:
 
   
At September 30, 2011
 
At December 31, 2010
(dollars in thousands)  
Amount
 
Maturity
Year
 
Weighted
Average
Interest Rate
 
Amount
 
Maturity
Year
 
Weighted
Average
Interest Rate
    $   2011           $ 13,000   2011     3.21 %
      25,578   2012     3.56 %     18,500   2012     4.03 %
      7,196   2013     2.87 %                
      32,500   2014     2.95 %     32,500   2014     2.95 %
      15,000   2015     1.76 %     15,000   2015     1.76 %
      7,500   2017     4.07 %     7,500   2017     4.07 %
    $ 87,774               $ 86,500            
 
The following table presents maturities of securities sold under agreements to repurchase:
 
   
At September 30, 2011
   
At December 31, 2010
 
(dollars in thousands)
 
Amount
   
Maturity Year
   
Weighted Average Interest Rate
   
Amount
   
Maturity Year
   
Weighted Average Interest Rate
 
    $
                   
$
15,000
     
2011
   
3.64%
 
     
20,000
     
2013
     
3.60%
     
20,000
     
2013
   
3.60%
 
     
10,000
     
2014
     
3.72%
     
10,000
     
2014
   
3.72%
 
                                               
   
$
30,000
                   
$
45,000
               
 
Junior Subordinated Debentures
 
As of September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, we had $26.8 million of junior subordinated debentures outstanding from two issuances of trust preferred securities. First California Capital Trust I’s capital securities have an outstanding balance of $16.5 million, mature on March 15, 2037, and are redeemable, at par, at the Company’s option at any time on or after March 15, 2012. The securities have a fixed annual rate of 6.80% until March 15, 2012, and a variable annual rate thereafter, which resets quarterly, equal to the 3-month LIBOR rate plus 1.60% per annum. FCB Statutory Trust I’s capital securities have an outstanding balance of $10.3 million, mature on December 15, 2035, and are redeemable, at par, at the Company’s option at any time on or after December 15, 2010. The securities have a variable annual rate, which resets quarterly, equal to the 3-month LIBOR rate plus 1.55% per annum. At September 30, 2011, the rate was 1.90%.
 
 
62

 
 
In December 2009, we purchased a $10.3 million notional forward-starting interest rate cap to limit the variable interest rate payments on our $10.3 million junior subordinated debentures. This interest rate cap became effective on December 15, 2010, has a rate cap of 4.00 percent and will expire on December 15, 2015. In September 2010, we purchased a $16.5 million notional forward-starting interest rate cap to limit the variable interest rate payments on our $16.5 million junior subordinated debentures. This interest rate cap will become effective March 15, 2012, has a rate cap of 4.00 percent and will expire on March 15, 2017.
 
Capital resources
 
We have 1,000 issued shares of preferred stock series A, $0.01 par value, with a liquidation preference of $1,000 per share. Redemption of the preferred stock series A is at our option subject to certain restrictions imposed by our preferred stock series C. The redemption amount is computed at the per-share liquidation preference plus unpaid dividends at a rate of 8.5%. Each holder of preferred stock series A has the right, exercisable at the option of the holder, to convert all or some of such holder’s series A shares into common stock. The sum of each share’s liquidation preference plus unpaid dividends divided by the conversion factor of $5.63 per share represents the number of common shares issuable upon the conversion of each share of preferred stock series A. As of September 30, 2011, we reserved 325,627 of common shares for the conversion of the preferred stock series A.
 
On December 19, 2008, we participated in the U.S. Treasury Capital Purchase Program, or the CPP, under which we received $25 million in exchange for issuing 25,000 preferred stock series B shares and a warrant to purchase common stock to the Treasury. The common stock warrant entitled the Treasury to purchase 599,042 shares of our common stock at an exercise price of $6.26 for a term of ten years. On July 14, 2011, we redeemed all 25,000 preferred stock series B shares and exited the CPP program.On August 24, 2011, we purchased the 10-year warrant from the Treasury for $599,042. In connection with the redemption of the preferred stock series B shares, the Company accelerated the amortization of the remaining difference between the par amount and the initially recorded fair value of the preferred stock series B shares. This $1.1 million deemed dividend reduced the amount of net income available to common shareholders in the 2011 third quarter.

We redeemed the $25 million of preferred stock series B shares with the $25 million of proceeds received in exchange for issuing 25,000 preferred stock series C shares to the Treasury as a participant in the Small Business Lending Fund (SBLF) program. The preferred stock series C shares will receive non-cumulative quarterly dividends and the initial dividend rate was 5 percent. The dividend rate can fluctuate between 1 percent and 5 percent during the next nine quarters and is a function of the growth in qualified small business loans each quarter.

The Company is subject to various regulatory capital requirements administered by the federal and state banking agencies. Failure to meet minimum requirements can initiate certain mandatory — and possibly additional discretionary — actions by regulators that, if undertaken, could have a direct material effect on a company’s financial statements. Under capital adequacy guidelines, bank holding companies must meet specific capital guidelines that involve quantitative measures of the company’s assets, liabilities, and certain off-balance sheet items as calculated under regulatory accounting practices. Capital amounts and classification are also subject to qualitative judgments by the regulators about components, risk weightings, and other factors.
 
The following tables present the capital amounts and ratios of the Company with a comparison to the minimum ratios for the periods indicated:
 
   
Actual
   
For Capital
Adequacy Purposes
 
   
Amount
   
Ratio
   
Amount
   
Ratio
 
   
(in thousands)
 
September 30, 2011
                       
Total capital
 
$
190,511
     
17.48
%
 
$
87,176
     
³  8.00
%
(to risk weighted assets)
                               
Tier I capital
 
$
176,840
     
16.23
%
 
$
43,588
     
³  4.00
%
(to risk weighted assets)
                               
Tier I capital
 
$
176,840
     
10.18
%
 
$
69,496
     
³  4.00
%
(to average assets)
                               
 
   
Actual
   
For Capital
Adequacy Purposes
 
   
Amount
   
Ratio
   
Amount
   
Ratio
 
   
(in thousands)
 
December 31, 2010
                               
Total capital
 
$
172,599
     
16.79
%
 
$
82,242
     
³  8.00
%
(to risk weighted assets)
                               
Tier I capital
 
$
159,695
     
15.53
%
 
$
41,121
     
³  4.00
%
(to risk weighted assets)
                               
Tier I capital
 
$
159,695
     
11.00
%
 
$
58,052
     
³  4.00
%
(to average assets)
                               
 
 
63

 
 
The Bank is also subject to various regulatory capital requirements administered by the federal and state banking agencies. Failure to meet minimum requirements can initiate certain mandatory — and possibly additional discretionary — actions by regulators that, if undertaken, could have a direct material effect on a company’s financial statements. Under capital adequacy guidelines and the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action, banks must meet specific capital guidelines that involve quantitative measures of the bank’s assets, liabilities, and certain off-balance sheet items as calculated under regulatory accounting practices. Capital amounts and classification are also subject to qualitative judgments by the regulators about components, risk weightings, and other factors.
 
Quantitative measures established by regulation to ensure capital adequacy require the Bank to maintain minimum amounts and ratios (set forth in the following table) of Total and Tier 1 capital (as defined in the regulations) to risk-weighted assets (as defined), and of Tier 1 capital to average assets (as defined). Management believes, as of September 30, 2011, that the Bank meets all capital adequacy requirements to which it is subject.
 
As of September 30, 2011, the Bank exceeded the minimum ratios to be well-capitalized under the prompt corrective action provisions. There are no conditions or events since September 30, 2011 that we believe would change the Bank’s category.

The following tables present the capital amounts and ratios of the Bank with a comparison to the minimum ratios for the periods indicated:
 
   
Actual
   
For Capital
Adequacy Purposes
   
To be Well
Capitalized Under
Prompt Corrective
Action Provision
 
   
Amount
   
Ratio
   
Amount
   
Ratio
   
Amount
   
Ratio
 
   
(in thousands)
 
September 30, 2011
                                   
Total capital
 
$
187,706
     
17.22
%
 
$
87,220
     
³  8.00
%
 
$
109,025
     
³ 10.00
%
(to risk weighted assets)
                                               
Tier I capital
 
$
174,027
     
15.96
%
 
$
43,610
     
³  4.00
%
 
$
65,415
     
³   6.00
%
(to risk weighted assets)
                                               
Tier I capital
 
$
174,027
     
10.01
%
 
$
69,528
     
³  4.00
%
 
$
86,910
     
³   5.00
%
(to average assets)
                                               
 
   
Actual
   
For Capital
Adequacy Purposes
   
To be Well
Capitalized Under
Prompt Corrective
Action Provision
 
   
Amount
   
Ratio
   
Amount
   
Ratio
   
Amount
   
Ratio
 
   
(in thousands)
 
December 31, 2010
                                   
Total capital
 
$
167,395
     
16.31
%
 
$
82,090
     
³  8.00
%
 
$
102,613
     
³ 10.00
%
(to risk weighted assets)
                                               
Tier I capital
 
$
154,515
     
15.06
%
 
$
41,045
     
³  4.00
%
 
$
61,568
     
³   6.00
%
(to risk weighted assets)
                                               
Tier I capital
 
$
154,515
     
10.63
%
 
$
58,134
     
³  4.00
%
 
$
72,668
     
³   5.00
%
(to average assets)
                                               
 
We recognize that a strong capital position is vital to growth, continued profitability, and depositor and investor confidence. Our policy is to maintain sufficient capital at not less than the well-capitalized thresholds established by banking regulators.
 
Financial Instruments with Off-Balance Sheet Risk
 
In the normal course of business, we make commitments to extend credit or issue letters of credit to customers. We generally do not recognize these commitments in our balance sheet. These commitments involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit risk; however, we use the same credit policies and procedures as we do for on-balance sheet credit facilities.
 
 
64

 
 
The following summarizes our outstanding commitments at September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010:
 
(in thousands)
 
September 30,
2011
   
December 31,
2010
 
Financial instruments whose contract amounts contain credit risk:
           
Commitments to extend credit
 
$
168,502
   
$
199,937
 
Commercial and standby letters of credit
   
1,345
     
1,615
 
                 
   
$
169,847
   
$
201,552
 
 
Commitments to extend credit are agreements to lend to a customer as long as there is no violation of any condition established in the contract. Commitments generally have fixed expiration dates or other termination clauses and may require payment of a fee. Total commitment amounts do not necessarily represent future cash requirements because many expire without use. We may obtain collateral for the commitment based on our credit evaluation of the counterparty. Collateral held varies but may include accounts receivable, inventory, property and equipment, and income-producing properties.
 
Letters of credit written are conditional commitments issued by us to guarantee the performance of a customer to a third party. These guarantees support public and private borrowing arrangements, including commercial paper, bond financing, and similar transactions. Credit risk for letters of credit is essentially the same as that for loan facilities to customers. When we deem collateral necessary, we will hold cash, marketable securities, or real estate as collateral supporting those commitments.
 
The allowance for losses on undisbursed commitments was $101,000 at September 30, 2011, and December 31, 2010, respectively. The allowance for losses on undisbursed commitments is included in “accrued interest payable and other liabilities” on the consolidated balance sheets.
 
Interest Rate Risk
 
Interest rate risk is the risk to earnings or capital arising from movements in interest rates. Interest rate risk arises from differences between the timing of rate changes and the timing of cash flows (re-pricing risk), from changing rate relationships among different yield curves affecting bank activities (basis risk), from changing rate relationships across the spectrum of maturities (yield curve risk), and from interest-related options embedded in loans and products (options risk).
 
We manage interest rate risk through Board-approved policies and procedures. The Board of Directors reviews and approves these policies at least annually. Interest rate risk policies provide management with a framework for consistent evaluation of risk and establish risk tolerance parameters. Management’s Asset and Liability Committee meets regularly to evaluate interest rate risk, engages a third party to assist in the measurement and evaluation of risk and reports quarterly to the Directors’ Balance Sheet Management Committee on compliance with policies. The Directors’ Audit Committee also engages a third party to perform a review of management’s asset and liability practices to ensure compliance with policies.
 
We use simulation-modeling techniques that apply alternative interest rate scenarios to periodic forecasts of future business activity and assess the potential changes to net interest income. Our base scenario examines our balance sheet where we assume rate changes occur ratably over an initial 12-month horizon based upon a parallel shift in the yield curve and then is maintained at that level over the remainder of the simulation horizon. We also create alternative scenarios where we assume different types of yield curve movements. In our most recent base simulation, we estimated that net interest income would decrease approximately 0.40% within a 12-month time horizon for an assumed 100 basis point decrease in prevailing interest rates or increase approximately 0.43% for an assumed 100 basis point increase in prevailing interest rates. In addition, we estimated that net interest income would increase approximately 0.89% within a 12-month time horizon for an assumed 200 basis point increase in prevailing rates. These estimated changes were within the policy limits established by the Board. The table below illustrates the estimated percentage change in our net interest income in our base scenario over hypothetical 1, 2 and 3 year horizons.
 
   
Time Horizon
Percentage Change
 
1 Year
 
2 Years
 
3 Years
-100 bps
 
-0.40
%
 
2.06
%
 
2.46
%
+100 bps
 
0.43
%
 
3.99
%
 
7.66
%
+200 bps
 
0.89
%
 
2.87
%
 
7.36
%
+400 bps
 
0.90
%
 
6.15
%
 
      13.31
%
 
All interest-earning assets, interest-bearing liabilities and related derivative contracts are included in the interest rate sensitivity analysis at September 30, 2011.  In our most recent analysis, approximately 46 percent of our loans had a fixed rate of interest and approximately 54 percent had a variable interest rate. Of loans with a variable rate of interest, approximately 37 percent use an interest rate that floats with a specified interest rate such as the Wall Street Journal Prime Rate or 3-month LIBOR rate. Approximately 24 percent of our variable rate loans use an interest rate that adjusts periodically, such as monthly, quarterly or annually, with a specified index rate. Finally, approximately 39 percent of our variable interest rate loans have an interest rate that remains fixed for a period of time, such as 1, 2, 3 or 5 years, then adjusts periodically with a specified index rate.
 
 
65

 
 
In addition, approximately 82 percent of our variable interest rate loans have a minimum, or floor, rate of interest. Of these, 43 percent were at their minimum, or floor rate of interest. In a declining rate environment, the interest rate floors contribute to the favorable impact on our net interest income. However, in a rising rate environment, these interest rate floors serve to lessen the full benefit of higher interest rates. In our most recent base simulation, an assumed 200 basis point increase in prevailing interest rates would cause 70 percent of loans at their minimum rate of interest not to be at their floor rate of interest.

Our simulation model includes assumptions about anticipated prepayments on mortgage-related instruments, the estimated cash flow on loans and deposits, and our future business activity. These assumptions are inherently uncertain and, as a result, our modeling techniques cannot precisely estimate the effect of changes in net interest income. Actual results will differ from simulated results due to the timing, magnitude and frequency of interest rate changes, cash flow and business activity.
 
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
 
Please see the section above titled “Interest Rate Risk” in “Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” which provides an update to our quantitative and qualitative disclosure about market risk. Our analysis of market risk and market-sensitive financial information contains forward-looking statements and is subject to the disclosure above under “Forward Looking Statements” in Item 2 regarding such forward-looking information.

Controls and Procedures
 
As of the end of the period covered by this report, an evaluation was carried out by management, with the participation of the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934). Based upon that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that these disclosure controls and procedures were effective.
 
There have not been any changes in our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) during our most recent fiscal quarter ending September 30, 2011 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
 
PART II—OTHER INFORMATION
 
Legal Proceedings
 
On September 23, 2011, Mr. William Wardlaw, the Treasurer for U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein’s campaign, and two of Senator Feinstein’s campaign committees, Feinstein for Senate and Fund for the Majority, initiated litigation in the Superior Court of the State of California, County of Los Angeles against the Bank and several other defendants, including Senator Feinstein’s former campaign treasurer Ms. Kinde Durkee. The plaintiffs claim, among other things, that the Bank aided and abetted a fraud and unlawful conversion by Ms. Durkee of campaign funds held in accounts at the Bank. Based largely on the same alleged conduct, the plaintiffs also assert claims for alleged violation of California Business & Professions Code Section 17200 and for declaratory relief. The plaintiffs seek compensatory and punitive damages, as well as various forms of equitable and declaratory relief. The Bank must answer or otherwise respond to the complaint by November 30, 2011.

In addition, the nature of our business causes us to be involved in routine legal proceedings from time to time. Except as set forth above, we are not aware of any pending or threatened legal proceedings expected to have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations or cash flow that arose during the fiscal quarter ended September 30, 2011 or any material developments in our legal proceedings previously reported in Item 3 to Part I of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2010.
 
Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
 
On July 14, 2011, the Company issued and sold to Treasury 25,000 shares of Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series C (Series C Preferred Stock), par value $0.01 per share, having a liquidation value of $1,000 per share, for a capital contribution of $25 million. The sale was made in conjunction with the Treasury’s SBLF program established under the Small Business Jobs Act of 2010. There was no underwriter associated with this transaction. Proceeds of the transaction were used to redeem the Company’s Fixed Rate Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series B (Series B Preferred Stock).

On July 14, 2011, the Company used the proceeds from the issuance of the Series C Preferred Stock together with other available funds to redeem from Treasury all 25,000 outstanding shares of its Series B Preferred Stock at a liquidation amount of $1,000 per share for a redemption price of $25 million, plus accrued but unpaid dividends to the redemption date. The Series B Preferred Stock was issued to Treasury in December 2008 in connection with the Company’s participation in the TARP Capital Purchase Program.

Additional information on the Series B Preferred Stock redemption and the Series C Preferred Stock issuance, including terms of the SBLF program, are included in Form 8-K, filed with the SEC on July 15, 2011.
 
 
66

 
 
Defaults Upon Senior Securities
 
None.

(Removed and Reserved)
 
    None.
 
Other Information
 
None.
 
Exhibits
 
The following Exhibits are filed as a part of this report:
 
Exhibit
Number
 
Description
 
     
 
     
 

 
67

 
 
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.
 
 
First California Financial Group, Inc.
     
Date: November 14, 2011
By:
/s/ Romolo Santarosa
   
Romolo Santarosa
(Principal Financial Officer and Duly Authorized Officer)
 
 68