fcal-10q_0506.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 March 31, 2010
 
OR
 
¨
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
For the transition period from              to             
 
Commission file number 000-52498
___________________
 
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  ¨
 
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  ¨    No  ¨
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. 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  
¨
Accelerated filer
¨
       
Non-accelerated filer
¨  (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.
 
28,182,048 shares of Common Stock, $0.01 par value, as of May 5, 2010

 
 

 

FIRST CALIFORNIA FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.
QUARTERLY REPORT ON
FORM 10-Q
 
For the Quarterly Period Ended March 31, 2010
 
TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
     
   
Page
PART I—FINANCIAL INFORMATION
     
        3
     
        18
     
        42
     
        42
   
PART II—OTHER INFORMATION
 
     
        43
     
        43
     
        43
     
        43
     
        43
     
        43
   
        44
 
 
2

 

PART I—FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
Item 1.     Financial Statements
 
FIRST CALIFORNIA FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Balance Sheets (unaudited)
 
(in thousands, except share and per share data)
 
March 31,
2010
   
December 31,
2009
 
Cash and due from banks
  $ 36,714     $ 26,757  
Interest bearing deposits with other banks
    66,166       19,737  
Securities available-for-sale, at fair value
    293,081       349,645  
Loans, net
    903,706       922,741  
Premises and equipment, net
    19,798       20,286  
Goodwill
    60,720       60,720  
Other intangibles, net
    11,164       11,581  
Deferred tax assets, net
    4,946       6,046  
Cash surrender value of life insurance
    11,903       11,791  
Foreclosed property
    5,997       4,893  
Accrued interest receivable and other assets
    26,072       25,624  
                 
Total assets
  $ 1,440,267     $ 1,459,821  
                 
Non-interest checking
  $ 306,266     $ 317,610  
Interest checking
    83,549       82,806  
Money market and savings
    351,655       339,750  
Certificates of deposit, under $100,000
    91,896       116,012  
Certificates of deposit, $100,000 and over
    242,129       268,537  
                 
Total deposits
    1,075,495       1,124,715  
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase
    45,000       45,000  
Federal Home Loan Bank advances
    88,500       98,500  
Junior subordinated debentures
    26,766       26,753  
Accrued interest payable and other liabilities
    7,671       7,627  
                 
Total liabilities
    1,243,432       1,302,595  
                 
Perpetual preferred stock; authorized 2,500,000 shares
               
Series A - $0.01 par value, 1,000 shares issued and outstanding as of March 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009
    1,000       1,000  
Series B - $0.01 par value, 25,000 shares issued and outstanding as of March 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009
    23,285       23,170  
Common stock, $0.01 par value; authorized 100,000,000 shares; 28,528,449 shares issued at March 31, 2010 and 11,969,294 shares issued at December 31, 2009; 28,182,048 and 11,622,893 shares outstanding at March 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009
    283       118  
Additional paid-in capital
    174,758       136,635  
Treasury stock, 346,401 shares at cost at March 31, 2010 and at December 31, 2009
    (3,061 )     (3,061 )
Retained earnings
    4,999       5,309  
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
    (4,429 )     (5,945 )
                 
Total shareholders’ equity
    196,835       157,226  
                 
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
  $ 1,440,267     $ 1,459,821  
 
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
 
 
3

 

FIRST CALIFORNIA FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Statements of Operations (unaudited)
 
   
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
   
2010
   
2009
 
(in thousands, except per share data)
           
Interest and fees on loans
  $ 12,987     $ 12,427  
Interest on securities
    1,589       3,597  
Interest on federal funds sold and interest bearing deposits
    20       55  
                 
Total interest income
    14,596       16,079  
                 
Interest on deposits
    2,172       3,367  
Interest on borrowings
    1,312       1,555  
Interest on junior subordinated debentures
    439       487  
                 
Total interest expense
    3,923       5,409  
                 
Net interest income before provision for loan losses
    10,673       10,670  
Provision for loan losses
    1,754       5,069  
                 
Net interest income after provision for loan losses
    8,919       5,601  
                 
Service charges on deposit accounts and other banking-related fees
    930       1,050  
Loan sales and commissions
    16       9  
Net gain on sale of securities
    132       671  
Impairment loss on securities
    (18 )      
Earnings on cash surrender value of life insurance
    111       107  
Other income
    22       78  
                 
Total noninterest income
    1,193       1,915  
                 
Salaries and employee benefits
    4,970       5,658  
Premises and equipment
    1,537       1,533  
Data processing
    595       471  
Legal, audit, and other professional services
    182       620  
Printing, stationery, and supplies
    12       192  
Telephone
    224       263  
Directors’ expense
    120       115  
Advertising, marketing and business development
    227       456  
Postage
    56       55  
Insurance and regulatory assessments
    800       309  
Net loss on and expense of foreclosed property
    78        
Amortization of intangible assets
    416       376  
Other expenses
    699       729  
                 
Total noninterest expense
    9,916       10,777  
                 
Income (loss) before provision for income taxes
    196       (3,261 )
Provision (benefit) for income taxes
    79       (1,383 )
                 
Net income (loss)
    117       (1,878 )
Preferred stock dividends
    (313 )     (194 )
Net loss available to common stockholders
  $ (196 )   $ (2,072 )
Net loss per common share:
               
Basic
  $ (0.02 )   $ (0.18 )
Diluted
  $ ( 0.02 )   $ (0.18 )
 
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 
4

 
 
 FIRST CALIFORNIA FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (unaudited)
 
   
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
(in thousands)
 
2010
   
2009
 
Net income (loss)
  $ 117     $ (1,878 )
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash from operating activities:
               
Provision for loan losses                                                                                                                         
    1,754       5,069  
Stock-based compensation costs
    198       232  
Gain on sales of securities
    (132 )     (671 )
Gain on sale of foreclosed property
    (5 )      
Impairment loss on securities
    18        
Amortization of net premiums on securities available-for-sale
    954       136  
Depreciation and amortization of premises and equipment
    463       430  
Amortization of core deposit and trade name intangibles
    416       376  
       Loss on disposal of premises and equipment     50        
Proceeds from sale of, and payments received from, loans held-for-sale
          92  
Increase in cash surrender value of life insurance
    (112 )     (106 )
(Increase) decrease in deferred tax assets
    1,540       (1,024 )
(Increase) decrease in accrued interest receivable and other assets, net of effects of acquisition
    318       (5,264 )
Decrease in accrued interest payable and other liabilities, net of effects of acquisition
    (735 )     (97 )
                 
Net cash provided (used) by operating activities
    4,844       (2,705 )
                 
Purchases of securities available-for-sale, net of effects of acquisition
          (10,102 )
Proceeds from repayments and maturities of securities available-for-sale
    22,933       15,166  
Proceeds from sales of securities available-for-sale
    35,564       17,754  
Purchases of Federal Home Loan Bank and other stock
    (6 )      
Net change in federal funds sold and interest bearing deposits, net of effects from acquisition
    (46,429 )     63,104  
Loan originations and principal collections, net of effects of acquisition
    13,371       (10,700 )
Purchases of premises and equipment, net of effects of acquisition
    (51 )     (320 )
Proceeds from sale of foreclosed property
    336       31  
Net cash paid in acquisition
          (48,790 )
                 
Net cash provided by investing activities
    25,718       26,143  
                 
Net increase (decrease) in noninterest-bearing deposits, net of effects of acquisition
    (11,343 )     4,520  
Net increase (decrease) in interest-bearing deposits, net of effects of acquisition
    (37,877 )     11,776  
Net decrease in FHLB advances and other borrowings
    (9,987 )     (4,487 )
Dividends paid on preferred stock
    (314 )     (194 )
Proceeds from issuance of common stock
    38,916        
Proceeds from exercise of stock options
          8  
                 
Net cash provided (used) by financing activities
    (20,605 )     11,623  
                 
Change in cash and due from banks
    9,957       35,061  
Cash and due from banks, beginning of period
    26,757       13,712  
                 
Cash and due from banks, end of period
  $ 36,714     $ 48,773  
                 
                 
Supplemental cash flow information:
               
Cash paid for interest
  $ 3,824     $ 5,317  
Cash paid for income taxes
  $ 1,000     $ 58  
Supplemental disclosure of noncash items:
               
Net change in fair value of securities available-for-sale, net of tax
  $ 1,567     $ 1,091  
Net change in fair value of cash flow hedges, net of tax
  $ (51   $  
Loans transferred to foreclosed property
  $ 1,595     $ 773  
 
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 January 23, 2009, the Bank assumed the insured, non-brokered deposits of 1st Centennial Bank, totaling approximately $270 million from the FDIC. The Bank also purchased from the FDIC approximately $178 million in cash and cash equivalents, $89 million in securities and $101 million in loans related to 1st Centennial Bank. The assumption of deposits and purchase of assets from the FDIC, or the FDIC-assisted 1st Centennial Bank transaction, was an all-cash transaction with an aggregate transaction value of $48.8 million. The Bank recorded $10.6 million in goodwill in connection with this transaction. All six of the former 1st Centennial Bank branches have been fully integrated into the Bank’s full-service branch network.
 
The Bank serves the comprehensive financial needs of businesses and consumers in Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Diego, San Bernardino and Ventura counties through 17 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 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 three months ended March 31, 2009 include the effects of the FDIC-assisted 1st Centennial Bank transaction 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 March 31, 2010 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, 2010. The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company’s 2009 Annual Report on Form 10-K.
 
Reclassifications – Certain reclassifications have been made to the 2009 consolidated financial statements to conform to the current year presentation.
 
Management’s estimates and assumptions – The preparation of the 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 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 probable losses on existing loans that may become uncollectible, 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 sixteen 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 $15.6 million at March 31, 2010 and $16.5 million at December 31, 2009.
 
Deferred income taxes – Deferred income tax assets and liabilities represent the tax effects of the differences between the book and tax basis of the various balance sheet assets and liabilities. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are reflected at currently enacted income tax rates applicable to the period in which the deferred tax assets or liabilities are expected to be realized or settled. As changes in tax laws or rates are enacted, deferred tax assets and liabilities are adjusted through the provision for income taxes. An estimate of probable income tax benefits that will not be realized in future years is required in determining the necessity for a valuation allowance for deferred tax assets. There was no valuation allowance at March 31, 2010 or December 31, 2009. There were net deferred tax assets of $4.9 million at March 31, 2010 and $6.0 million at December 31, 2009.

 
6

 
 
Derivative instruments and hedging – The Company assesses the effectiveness of derivative instruments designated in cash flow hedging relationships in off-setting changes in the overall cash flows of designated hedged transactions on a quarterly basis. To the extent these instruments are not effective, the unrealized gains or losses on these instruments are reflected directly in current period earnings. In December 2009, the Company purchased a $10.3 million notional forward-starting interest rate cap to limit the variable interest rate payments on the Company’s $10.3 million junior subordinated debentures. The first quarter 2010 and fourth quarter 2009 effectiveness assessments indicated that this instrument was effective.
 
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, 2009, the annual assessment resulted in the conclusion that goodwill was not impaired. At March 31, 2010, an interim assessment was not performed as first quarter results were not materially different than the estimates used in the year-end assessment.
 
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 entity 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 2009, other-than-temporary impairment related to the credit loss on three debt securities and recognized in earnings was $1.1 million. In addition, an impairment of $0.4 million on a $1.0 million community development-related equity investment was recognized in earnings in 2009. There was an additional impairment of $18,000 recognized in the three months ended March 31, 2010 related to the community development-related equity investment.
 
NOTE 2 – RECENTLY ISSUED AND ADOPTED ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
 
Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures – Improving Disclosures about Fair Value Measurements. On January 21, 2010, the FASB issued amended guidance for fair value measurement disclosures. The update requires a reporting entity to disclose separately the amounts of significant transfers in and out of Level 1 and Level 2 fair value measurements and describe the reasons for the transfers. Furthermore, this update requires a reporting entity to present separately information about purchases, sales, issuances, and settlements in the reconciliation for fair value measurements using significant unobservable inputs; clarifies existing fair value disclosures about the level of disaggregation and about inputs and valuation techniques used to measure fair value; and amends guidance on employers’ disclosures about postretirement benefit plan assets to require that disclosures be provided by classes of assets instead of by major categories of assets. The new guidance is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2009, except for the disclosures about purchases, sales, issuances, and settlements in the roll forward of activity in Level 3 fair value measurements. Those disclosures are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2010 and for interim periods within those fiscal years. In the period of initial adoption, entities will not be required to provide the amended disclosures for any previous periods presented for comparative purposes. The Company adopted this guidance effective January 1, 2010, which resulted in increased financial statement disclosures and did not have any impact on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows.
 
Accounting for Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities. On June 12, 2009, the FASB issued guidance for amending certain requirements of consolidation of variable interest entities, or VIEs. This guidance is to improve financial reporting by enterprises involved with VIEs and to provide more relevant and reliable information to users of financial statements. This guidance is effective as of the beginning of each reporting entity’s first annual reporting period that begins after November 15, 2009, for interim periods within that first annual reporting period, and for interim and annual reporting periods thereafter. Earlier application was prohibited. The Company evaluated its investments in VIEs held as of January 1, 2010, and determined that consolidation accounting is not required under the new accounting guidance. Therefore, the adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows.

 
7

 
 
Accounting for Transfers of Financial Assets. On June 12, 2009, the FASB issued guidance intended to improve the relevance, representational faithfulness, and comparability of the information that a reporting entity provides in its financial reports about a transfer of financial assets; the effects of a transfer on its financial position, financial performance, and cash flows; and a transferor’s continuing involvement in transferred financial assets. This guidance is effective as of the beginning of each reporting entity’s first annual reporting period that begins after November 15, 2009, for interim periods within that first annual reporting period, and for interim and annual reporting periods thereafter. Earlier application was prohibited. The Company adopted this guidance as of January 1, 2010, and the adoption did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows.
 
NOTE 3 – ACQUISITION
 
On January 23, 2009, or the Transaction Date, the Bank assumed the insured, non-brokered deposits of 1st Centennial Bank from the FDIC, acting in its capacity as receiver of 1st Centennial Bank. Under the terms of the purchase and assumption agreement between the Bank and the FDIC, the Bank also purchased certain assets from the FDIC at the close of the transaction. The Bank paid cash consideration of $48.8 million to the FDIC for the assets acquired and liabilities assumed. The Bank continues to operate the former 1st Centennial Bank’s six branch locations as part of the Bank’s seventeen branch locations. The Company desired this transaction to enter into new markets and to assume a diversified deposit portfolio with a large percentage of stable core deposits.
 
Under the acquisition method of accounting, the Bank recorded the assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on their estimated fair values as of the Transaction Date. Results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2009 include the effects of the assumption of deposits and purchase of assets from the FDIC from the Transaction Date. The excess of the purchase price over the estimated fair values of the underlying assets acquired, the identified intangible assets, and liabilities assumed was allocated to goodwill. Goodwill represents intangible assets that do not qualify for separate recognition.
 
The following table summarizes the estimated fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of the Transaction Date.
 
(Dollars in thousands)
   
Assets Acquired:
   
Federal Funds sold
  $ 113,090
Securities
    88,969
Loans
    101,217
Goodwill
    10,606
Core deposit intangible
    4,755
Other assets
    1,365
       
Total assets acquired
    320,002
       
       
Liabilities Assumed:
     
Deposits
    269,688
Other liabilities
    1,524
       
Total liabilities assumed
    271,212
       
Total cash consideration paid to FDIC
  $ 48,790
 
The Bank based the allocation of the purchase price above on the fair values of the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed. All of the resulting goodwill is expected to be deductible for tax purposes.
 
The following information presents the pro forma results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2009, as though the transaction had occurred on January 1, 2009. The pro forma data was derived by combining the historical consolidated financial information of First California and the results of operations from the assets purchased and liabilities assumed from the FDIC using the acquisition method of accounting for business combinations. The pro forma results do not necessarily indicate results that would have been obtained had the transaction actually occurred on January 1, 2009 or the results that may be achieved in the future.
 
(in thousands, except per share data)
 
Pro forma
Three months ended
March 31, 2009
 
Net interest income
  $ 11,276  
Noninterest income
    2,003  
Noninterest expense
    10,999  
Provision for loan losses
    5,069  
         
Loss before provision for income taxes
    (2,789 )
Income tax benefit
    1,194  
         
Net loss
  $ (1,595 )
         
Pro forma loss per common share:
       
Basic
  $ (0.15 )
Diluted
  $ (0.15 )
Pro forma weighted average shares:
       
Basic
    11,528  
Diluted
    11,528  
 
 
8

 
 
NOTE 4 – SECURITIES
 
The amortized cost, gross unrealized gains, gross unrealized losses and estimated fair values of securities available-for-sale at March 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009 are summarized as follows:
 
   
March 31, 2010
   
Amortized
Cost
   
Gross
Unrealized
Gains
   
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
   
Estimated
Fair
Value
   
(in thousands)
U.S. Treasury notes/bills
  $ 98,988     $ 75     $ (37 )   $ 99,026
U.S. government agency notes
    76,986       238       (47 )     77,177
U.S. government agency mortgage-backed securities
    46,282       349       (213 )     46,418
U.S. government agency collateralized mortgage obligations 
    35,905       79       (174 )     35,810
Private label collateralized mortgage obligations
    30,424       20       (5,678 )     24,766
Municipal securities
    6,913       45       (51 )     6,907
Other domestic debt securities
    4,827             (1,850 )     2,977
                               
Securities available-for-sale
  $ 300,325     $ 806     $ (8,050 )   $ 293,081
     
     
   
December 31, 2009
   
Amortized
Cost
   
Gross
Unrealized
Gains
   
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
   
Estimated
Fair
Value
   
(in thousands)
U.S. Treasury notes/bills
  $ 142,617     $ 114     $ (71 )   $ 142,660
U.S. government agency notes
    77,097       170       (102 )     77,165
U.S. government agency mortgage-backed securities
    47,034       280       (467 )     46,847
U.S. government agency collateralized mortgage obligations 
    47,028       68       (156 )     46,940
Private label collateralized mortgage obligations
    32,984       17       (7,456 )     25,545
Municipal securities
    7,985       98       (55 )     8,028
Other domestic debt securities
    4,848             (2,388 )     2,460
                               
Securities available-for-sale
  $ 359,593     $ 747     $ (10,695 )   $ 349,645
 
As of March 31, 2010, securities available-for-sale with a fair value of $122.3 million were pledged as collateral for borrowings, public deposits and other purposes as required by various statutes and agreements.
 
The following table shows the gross unrealized losses and amortized cost of the Company’s securities with unrealized losses that are not deemed to be other-than-temporarily impaired, aggregated by investment category and length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position at March 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009. This table excludes the three securities with other-than-temporary impairments at March 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009.

 
9

 
 
   
At March 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
  $ 30,726     $ (35 )   $     $     $ 30,726     $ (35 )
U.S. government agency notes
    12,591       (47 )                 12,591       (47 )
U.S. government agency mortgage-backed securities
    37,663       (213 )                 37,663       (213 )
U.S. government agency collateralized mortgage obligations 
    26,549       (174 )                 26,549       (174 )
Private-label collateralized mortgage obligations
                15,448       (2,746 )     15,448       (2,746 )
Municipal securities
    3,869       (50 )     172       (2 )     4,041       (52 )
Other domestic debt securities
                4,827       (1,850 )     4,827       (1,850 )
                                                 
    $ 111,398     $ (519 )   $ 20,447     $ (4,598 )   $ 131,845     $ (5,117 )
 
 
   
At December 31, 2009
 
   
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
  $ 55,962     $ (71 )   $     $     $ 55,962     $ (71 )
U.S. government agency notes
    17,613       (102 )                 17,613       (102 )
U.S. government agency mortgage-backed securities
    38,349       (467 )                 38,349       (467 )
U.S. government agency collateralized mortgage obligations 
    19,113       (156 )                 19,113       (156 )
Private-label collateralized mortgage obligations
                17,424       (4,147 )     17,424       (4,147 )
Municipal securities
    4,399       (53 )     172       (2 )     4,571       (55 )
Other domestic debt securities
                4,848       (2,388 )     4,848       (2,388 )
                                                 
    $ 135,436     $ (849 )   $ 22,444     $ (6,537 )   $ 157,880     $ (7,386 )
 
An impairment analysis on our debt and equity securities is performed each quarter by the Company. When 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, the Company separates other-than-temporary impairment into (a) the amount representing credit loss and (b) the amount related to other factors. The Company recognizes in earnings the amount of other-than-temporary impairment related to credit loss. The Company recognizes in other comprehensive income the amount of other-than-temporary impairment related to other factors. The Company’s assessment of other-than-temporary declines in fair value considers the duration the debt security has been in a continuous unrealized loss position, the severity of the decline in value, the rating of the debt security, and the long-term financial outlook of the issuer. In addition, the Company considers the expected future cash flows of the debt security and our ability and intent on holding the debt security until the fair values recover. For 2009, other-than-temporary impairment related to the credit loss on three debt securities and recognized in earnings was $1.1 million. In addition, the Company recognized an impairment of $0.4 million on a $1.0 million community development-related equity investment. There was an additional impairment of $18,000 recognized in the three months ended March 31, 2010 related to the community development-related equity investment.
 
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.
 
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 March 31, 2010
(in thousands)
 
Impairment
Related to
Credit Loss
   
Impairment
Related to
Other Factors
   
Total
Impairment
Recognized as of beginning of period
  $ 1,115     $     $ 1,115
Charges on securities for which OTTI was previously recognized
               
                       
Recognized as of end of period
  $ 1,115     $     $ 1,115

 
10

 
 
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 March 31, 2010
   
Amortized
Cost
   
Fair Value
   
(in thousands)
Due in one year or less
  $ 58,925     $ 58,964
Due after one year through five years
    113,570       113,773
Due after five years through ten years
    14,450       14,391
Due after ten years
    113,380       105,953
               
Total
  $ 300,325     $ 293,081
 
NOTE 5 – LOANS AND ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES
 
The loan portfolio by type consists of the following:
 
(in thousands)
 
At
March 31,
2010
   
At
December 31,
2009
 
Commercial mortgage
  $ 388,094     $ 381,334  
Commercial loans and lines of credit
    222,025       235,849  
Multifamily mortgage
    138,839       138,548  
Construction and land development
    73,423       86,609  
Home mortgage
    51,871       51,036  
Home equity loans and lines of credit
    39,700       40,122  
Installment and credit card
    5,352       5,748  
                 
Total loans                                                                                              
    919,304       939,246  
Allowance for loan losses
    (15,598 )     (16,505 )
                 
Loans, net                                                                                              
  $ 903,706     $ 922,741  
                 
 
At March 31, 2010, loans with a balance of $522.4 million were pledged as security for Federal Home Loan Bank, or FHLB, advances. Loan balances include net deferred fees of $1.2 million and $1.5 million at March 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009, respectively.
 
Most of the Company’s lending activity is with customers located in the six Southern California counties where our branches are located. The Company has no significant credit exposure to any individual customer; however, the economic condition in Southern California could adversely affect customers. A significant portion of our loans are collateralized by real estate. Changes in the economic condition in Southern California could adversely affect the value of real estate.
 
Changes in the allowance for loan losses were as follows:
 
   
Three Months
Ended March 31,
 
(in thousands)
 
2010
   
2009
 
Beginning balance
  $ 16,505     $ 8,048  
Provision for loan losses
    1,754       5,069  
Loans charged-off
    (2,733 )     (1,847 )
Recoveries on loans previously charged-off
    72       5  
                 
Ending balance
  $ 15,598     $ 11,275  
 
 
11

 
 
Past due loans and foreclosed assets consist of the following:
 
(dollars in thousands)
 
At
March 31,
2010
   
At
December 31,
2009
 
Accruing loans past due 30 - 89 days
  $ 2,520     $ 14,592  
Accruing loans past due 90 days or more
  $     $ 200  
Nonaccrual loans
  $ 37,034     $ 39,958  
Foreclosed assets
  $ 5,997     $ 4,893  
 
There were $37.0 million and $8.4 million of nonaccrual loans at March 31, 2010 and March 31, 2009, respectively. Had these loans performed according to their original terms, additional interest income of approximately $565,000 and $154,000 would have been recognized in the three months ended March 31, 2010 and March 31, 2009, respectively.
 
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. Due to the size and nature of the loan portfolio, impaired loans are determined by periodic evaluation on an individual loan basis. The average balance of impaired loans was $38.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2010 and $35.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2009. Impaired loans were $37.0 million at March 31, 2010 and $40.0 million at December 31, 2009. Loan loss allowances for individually impaired loans are computed in accordance with FASB 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 $37.0 million of impaired loans at March 31, 2010, $4.1 million had specific allowances of $2.0 million. Of the $40.0 million of impaired loans at December 31, 2009, $3.5 million had specific allowances of $2.7 million.
 
NOTE 6 – GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS
 
Goodwill was $60.7 million at March 31, 2010 and at December 31, 2009.  No impairment loss was recognized for the periods ended March 31, 2010 and March 31, 2009.
 
Core deposit intangibles, net of accumulated amortization, were $8.4 million at March 31, 2010 and $8.7 million at December 31, 2009.  Amortization expense for the three months ended March 31, 2010 and 2009 was $316,000 and $277,000, respectively.
 
Trade name intangible, net of accumulated amortization, was $2.8 million at March 31, 2010 and $2.9 million at December 31, 2009. Amortization expense for the three months ended March 31, 2010 and 2009 was $100,000 in each period.
 
NOTE 7 — 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 and currently does not have any derivatives that are not designated in qualifying hedging relationships.
 
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 March 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009.

 
12

 
 
 
Tabular Disclosure of Fair Values of Derivative Instruments
 
Asset Derivatives
 
Liability Derivatives
 
As of March 31,
2010
 
As of December 31,
2009
 
As of March 31,
2010
 
As of December 31,
2009
 
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
  $ 106,568  
Other
Assets
  $ 194,680  
Other
Liabilities
  $  
Other
Liabilities
  $
                                       
Total derivatives designated as hedging instruments
    $ 106,568       $ 194,680       $       $
 
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 swaps and caps as part of its interest rate risk management strategy. For hedges of the Company’s variable-rate loan assets, interest rate swaps designated as cash flow hedges involve the receipt of fixed amounts from a counterparty in exchange for the Company making variable payments over the life of the agreements without exchange of the underlying notional amount. 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 March 31, 2010, and December 31, 2009, the Company had one interest rate cap with a notional amount of $10.3 million that was designated as a cash flow hedge associated with the Company’s variable-rate borrowings. The cap is forward-starting and will become effective December 15, 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 months ended March 31, 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 months ended March 31, 2010. The Company did not have any outstanding derivatives during the three months ended March 31, 2009.
 
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 $2,888 will be reclassified as an addition to interest expense.
 
Effect of Derivative Instruments on the Income Statement
 
The tables below present the effect of the Company’s derivative financial instruments on the statements of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2010 and 2009.

Derivatives
in Cash Flow
Hedging
Relationships
 
Amount of Gain
or (Loss)
Recognized in
OCI on
Derivative
(Effective Portion)
Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
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)
Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
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
March 31,
   
2010
   
2009
     
2010
   
2009
     
2010
   
2009
Interest Rate Products
  $ (88,112 )   $  
Interest income
  $     $  
Other non-interest income
  $     $
                                                   
Total
  $ (88,112 )   $       $     $       $     $
 
 
13

 
 
Derivatives Not
Designated as
Hedging Instruments
 
Location of Gain or (Loss)
Recognized in Income on
Derivatives
 
Amount of Gain or
(Loss) Recognized in
Income on Derivatives
Three Months Ended
March 31,
       
2010
   
2009
Interest Rate Products
 
Other non-interest  income
  $     $
                   
Total
      $     $
 
Credit-risk-related Contingent Features
 
The terms of the one outstanding interest rate cap at March 31, 2010 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 8 – 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.
 
The following table illustrates the computations of basic and diluted EPS for the periods indicated:
 
   
Three months ended March 31,
 
   
2010
   
2009
 
(in thousands, except per share data)
 
Diluted
   
Basic
   
Diluted
   
Basic
 
                         
Net Income (loss) as reported
  $ 117     $ 117     $ (1,878 )   $ (1,878 )
Less preferred stock dividend declared
    (313 )     (313 )     (194 )     (194 )
Net loss available to common shareholders
  $ (196 )   $ (196 )   $ (2,072 )   $ (2,072 )
Weighted average common shares outstanding-Basic
    12,910       12,910       11,528       11,528  
Options
    -       -       -       -  
Restricted stock
    -       -       -       -  
Convertible preferred stock
    -       -       -       -  
Weighted average common shares outstanding-Diluted(1)
    12,910       12,910       11,528       11,528  
Loss per common share
  $ (0.02 )   $ (0.02 )   $ (0.18 )   $ (0.18 )
__________________
(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. The dilutive calculation excludes 312,607 and 288,815 weighted average shares for the three months ended March 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively.
 
The increase in weighted average common shares outstanding for the three months ended March 31, 2010 compared to prior periods was the result of the Company’s consummation of an underwritten public offering of common stock at a price of $2.50 per share in March 2010.  The Company sold 16,560,000 common shares, which include the exercise by the underwriter of its over-allotment option, for gross proceeds of $41.1 million. The Company contributed $36.0 million to our bank subsidiary. The Company intends to use the net proceeds of this public offering for general corporate purposes, including funding working capital requirements, supporting the growth of our business from internal efforts and from whole bank or failed bank acquisitions, and regulatory capital needs related to any such growth and acquisitions.

 
14

 
 
NOTE 9 – COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
 
Comprehensive income (loss) is the change in equity during a period from transactions and other events and circumstances from non-owner sources. Total comprehensive income (loss) was as follows:
 
   
Three Months ended
March 31,
 
(in thousands)
 
2010
   
2009
 
Other comprehensive income (loss):
           
Unrealized (loss) on interest rate cap
  $ (88 )   $  
Unrealized gain on securities available for sale
    2,704       1,965  
Reclassification adjustment for securities gains included in net income
    (132 )     (671 )
                 
Other comprehensive income, before tax
    2,484       1,294  
Income tax expense related to items of other comprehensive income 
    (1,100 )     (203 )
                 
Other comprehensive income
    1,384       1,091  
Net income (loss)
    117       (1,878 )
                 
Comprehensive income (loss)
  $ 1,501     $ (787 )

NOTE 10 – FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENT
 
The FASB accounting standards codification related to fair value measurements defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value including a three-level valuation hierarchy, 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.
 
As defined in the FASB accounting standards codification, fair value is the exchange 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 reflecting assumptions that a market participant would use when pricing an asset or liability. The following table presents information about the Company’s assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring and non-recurring basis as of March 31, 2010.The hierarchy uses three levels of inputs to measure the fair value of assets and liabilities as follows:
 
 
·
Level 1: Quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities in active markets.
 
 
·
Level 2: Observable inputs other than Level 1, including quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets; quoted prices in less active markets, or other observable inputs that can be corroborated by observable market data, either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the financial instrument. This category generally includes available-for-sale securities which are regularly priced in an active market.
 
 
·
Level 3: Inputs to a valuation methodology that are unobservable, supported by little or no market activity, and significant to the fair value measurement. These valuation methodologies generally include pricing models, discounted cash flow models, or a determination of fair value that requires significant management judgment or estimation. This category also includes observable inputs from a pricing service not corroborated by observable market data.
 
The Company uses fair value to measure certain assets, primarily securities available-for-sale, on a recurring basis when fair value is the primary measure for accounting. 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, collateral dependent 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 March 31, 2010.

 
15

 
 
         
Financial Assets Measured at Fair Value on a
Recurring Basis at
March 31, 2010, Using
   
Fair value at
March 31, 2010
   
Quoted prices in
active markets
for identical
assets
(Level 1)
   
Other
observable
inputs
(Level 2)
   
Significant
unobservable
inputs
(Level 3)
   
(in thousands)
Available-for-sale securities
  $ 293,081     $     $ 293,081     $
                               
Total assets measured at fair value 
  $ 293,081     $     $ 293,081     $
 

 
         
Financial Assets Measured at Fair Value on a
Non-Recurring Basis at
March 31, 2010, Using
       
   
Fair value at
March 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)
 
Impaired loans
  $ 2,075     $     $     $ 2,075     $ (1,709 )
Foreclosed property
    5,997                   5,997       (155 )
                                         
Total assets measured at fair value
  $ 8,072     $     $     $ 8,072     $ (1,864 )
 
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 March 31, 2010. There have been no changes in valuation techniques for the quarter ended March 31, 2010 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.
 
The 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.
 
 
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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 three 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, and (3) impaired loans. We estimated the fair value of impaired loans and loans that mature or re-price within three months 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.
 
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:
 
   
At March 31, 2010
 
(in thousands)
 
Carrying
Amount
   
Estimated
Fair Value
 
Financial assets:
           
Cash, due from banks and interest bearing deposits with other banks
  $ 102,880     $ 102,880  
Securities available-for-sale
    293,081       293,081  
FHLB and other stock
    9,490       9,490  
Loans, net
    903,706       767,753  
Interest rate cap
    107       107  
Financial liabilities:
               
Demand deposits, money market and savings
  $ 741,470     $ 741,470  
Time certificates of deposit
    334,025       334,857  
FHLB advances and other borrowings
    133,500       135,374  
Junior subordinated debentures
    26,766       16,010  
 
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.
 
 
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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;
 
 
technological changes;
 
 
the cost of additional capital is more than expected;
 
 
a change in the interest rate environment reduces interest margins;
 
 
asset/liability repricing 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;
 
 
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.
 
 
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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 2009 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.
 
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 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 17 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 March 31, 2010, we had consolidated total assets of $1.4 billion, total loans of $919.3 million, deposits of $1.1 billion and shareholders’ equity of $196.8 million. At December 31, 2009, we had consolidated total assets of $1.5 billion, total loans of $939.2 million, deposits of $1.1 billion and shareholders’ equity of $157.2 million.
 
For the first quarter of 2010, we had net income of $0.1 million, compared to a net loss of $1.9 million for the first quarter of 2009.  The net loss for the 2009 first quarter was due largely to the $5.1 million provision for loan losses.
 
After a dividend payment on our Series B preferred shares of $312,500 in the first quarter of 2010 and a dividend payment of $194,000 for the first quarter of 2009, we incurred a loss per diluted common share of $0.02 for the 2010 first quarter and a loss per diluted common share of $0.18 for the 2009 first quarter.
 
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.
 
 
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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. The allowance is an amount that we believe will be adequate to absorb probable losses on existing loans that may become uncollectible, based on evaluations of the collectability of loans and prior loan loss experience. 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 $15.6 million at March 31, 2010 and was $16.5 million at December 31, 2009.
 
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 were net deferred tax assets of $4.9 million at March 31, 2010 and $6.0 million at December 31, 2009. There was no valuation allowance at either period end.
 
Derivative instruments and hedging
 
We record all derivatives on the balance sheet at fair value. 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. To the extent these instruments are not effective, we recognize the unrealized gains or losses directly in current period earnings. In December 2009, the Company purchased a $10.3 million notional forward-starting interest rate cap to limit the variable interest rate payments on the Company’s $10.3 million junior subordinated debentures. The first quarter 2010 and fourth quarter 2009 effectiveness assessments indicated that this instrument was effective.
 
Assessments of impairment
 
We assess goodwill for impairment on an annual basis as of December 31, 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, 2009.  At March 31, 2010, we did not perform an interim assessment because first quarter results were not materially different from the estimates used in our year-end assessment.
 
We also undertake an impairment analysis on our debt and equity securities each quarter. When we do not intend to sell, and it is more likely than not that 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 future cash flows from the security and our ability and intent to hold the security until the fair value recovers.
 
For 2009, other-than-temporary impairment related to the credit loss on three debt securities and recognized in earnings was $1.1 million. In addition, we recognized an impairment loss of $0.4 million on a $1.0 million community development-related equity investment in our 2009 earnings. We recognized an additional impairment loss of $18,000 on this community development-related equity investment in the first quarter of 2010.
 
Results of operations – for the three months ended March 31, 2010 and 2009
 
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.
 
 
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Our net interest income for the three months ended March 31, 2010 and 2009 was $10.7 million in each period. In the first quarter of 2010, the decline in interest income offset the reduction in interest expense. Interest income for the 2010 first quarter was $14.6 million, down $1.5 million from $16.1 million for the 2009 first quarter. The decline was due to lower-yielding securities. Interest expense for the 2010 first quarter was $3.9 million, down $1.5 million from $5.4 million for the 2009 first quarter. The decrease was due to lower rates paid on interest-bearing deposits.
 
Our net interest margin (tax equivalent) for the first quarter of 2010 was 3.39 percent compared with 3.60 percent for the same quarter last year. Compared with the first quarter a year ago, our net interest margin declined by 21 basis points due to the adverse affect from higher levels of nonaccrual loans and the shift in the composition of our securities portfolio to safer, but lower interest-yielding U.S. Treasury securities. The yield on interest-earning assets for the first quarter of 2010 was 4.62 percent, down 77 basis points from 5.39 percent for the first quarter a year ago. These adverse effects were partially offset by a continued reduction in the cost of our interest-bearing liabilities, which equaled 1.66 percent for the 2010 first quarter, compared with 2.29 percent in the first quarter a year ago.
 
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 months ended March 31, 2010 and 2009.
 
Average Balance Sheet and Analysis of Net Interest Income
 
   
Three months ended March 31,
 
   
2010
   
2009
 
(dollars in thousands)
 
Average
Balance
   
Interest
Income/
Expense
   
Weighted
Average
Yield/Rate
   
Average
Balance
   
Interest
Income/
Expense
   
Weighted
Average
Yield/Rate
 
Loans1 
  $ 929,662     $ 12,987       5.67 %   $ 874,413     $ 12,427       5.76 %
Securities
    341,890       1,589       1.90 %     281,868       3,597       5.44 %
Federal funds sold and deposits with banks
    11,155       20       0.72 %     67,939       55       0.33 %
                                                 
Total earning assets
    1,282,707     $ 14,596       4.62 %     1,224,220     $ 16,079       5.39 %
                                                 
Non-earning assets
    160,393                       152,837                  
                                                 
Total average assets
  $ 1,443,100                     $ 1,377,057                  
                                                 
                                                 
Interest bearing checking
  $ 79,663     $ 64       0.32 %   $ 73,765     $ 46       0.25 %
Savings and money market
    347,248       917       1.07 %     221,867       517       0.95 %
Certificates of deposit
    362,932       1,191       1.33 %     471,225       2,804       2.41 %
                                                 
Total interest bearing deposits
    789,843       2,172       1.12 %     766,857       3,367       1.78 %
                                                 
Borrowings
    139,042       1,312       3.83 %     164,903       1,555       3.82 %
Junior subordinated debentures
    26,759       439       6.56 %     26,707       487       7.30 %
                                                 
Total borrowed funds
    165,801       1,751       4.25 %     191,610       2,042       4.32 %
                                                 
Total interest bearing funds
    955,644     $ 3,923       1.66 %     958,467     $ 5,409       2.29 %
                                                 
Noninterest checking
    305,047                       239,138                  
Other liabilities
    14,430                       19,287                  
Shareholders’ equity
    167,979                       160,165                  
                                                 
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
  $ 1,443,100                     $ 1,377,057                  
                                                 
Net interest income
          $ 10,673                     $ 10,670          
Net interest margin (tax equivalent) 2
                    3.39 %                     3.60 %
______________________
1
Yields and amounts earned on loans include loan fees of ($0.2) million and $0 for the three months ended March 31, 2010 and 2009, 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.
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.
 
 
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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 March 31,
2010 to 2009 due to:
 
(in thousands)
 
Rate
   
Volume
   
Total
 
Interest income
                 
Interest on loans (2)
  $ (225 )   $ 785     $ 560  
Interest on securities
    (2,774 )     766       (2,008 )
Interest on Federal funds sold and deposits with banks
    11       (46 )     (35 )
                         
Total interest income
    (2,988 )     1,505       (1,483 )
                         
Interest expense
                       
Interest on deposits
    1,296       (101 )     1,195  
Interest on borrowings
    (1 )     244       243  
Interest on junior subordinated debentures
    49       (1 )     48  
                         
Total interest expense
    1,344       142       1,486  
                         
Net interest income
  $ (1,644 )   $ 1,647     $ 3  
______________________
(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)
Table does not include interest income that would have been earned on nonaccrual loans.
 
Provision for loan losses
 
The provision for loan losses was $1.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2010 compared with $5.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2009. The provisions for 2009 reflect the significant increase in the allowance for loan losses concomitant with the significant increase in our past due and nonaccrual loans. The lower 2010 first quarter provision reflects the stable and improving level of non-performing loans since the 2009 year-end. The provision each period is also based upon the analysis of the impact of economic conditions on our borrowers and local markets, concentrations in our loan portfolio, trends in real estate values and our historical loss experience.
 
Noninterest income
 
Noninterest income was $1.2 million for the 2010 first quarter compared with $1.9 million for the same period a year ago. The decline reflects principally the smaller amount of securities gains period to period.

 
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The following table presents a summary of noninterest income:
 
   
For the three months ended
March 31,
   
2010
   
2009
   
(in thousands)
Service charges on deposit accounts and other banking-related fees
  $ 930     $ 1,050
Earnings on cash surrender value of life insurance
    111       107
Commissions on brokered loans
    16       9
Net gain on sale of securities
    132       671
Impairment loss on securities
    (18 )    
Net servicing fees
    20       24
Other income
    2       54
               
Total noninterest income
  $ 1,193     $ 1,915
 
Our service charges on deposit accounts for the three months ended March 31, 2010 decreased to $0.9 million, down 11 percent from $1.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2009. The decrease reflects a lower incidence of customers drawing checks against their deposit account when insufficient funds are on deposit.
 
During the first three months of 2010 and 2009 we did not sell any loans.  However, we brokered loans for commissions of $16,000 for the first three months of 2010 compared with $9,000 for the first three months of 2009. We had no loans held-for-sale at the end of the first quarter of 2010 and $31.3 million of loans held-for-sale at the end of the first quarter of 2009.
 
We also recognized in noninterest income an impairment loss of $18,000 on a $1.0 million community development-related equity investment in the three months ended March 31, 2010. There were no impairment losses on securities in the first quarter of 2009. 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 first quarter of 2010, we sold $35.6 million of securities and realized net gains of $132,000. For the first three months of 2009 we sold $17.8 million of securities and realized net gains of $671,000.
 
Noninterest expense
 
Our noninterest expense for the three months ended March 31, 2010 was $9.9 million compared with $10.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2009. Salaries and employee benefits for the 2010 first quarter fell $0.7 million, or 12 percent, to $5.0 million from $5.7 million for the 2009 first quarter. The decline reflects the workforce reduction effected in the 2009 third quarter.    Our FDIC insurance expense however increased $0.5 million to $0.8 million for the first quarter of 2010 from $0.3 million for the first quarter of 2009. The increase was due to higher deposit balances as well as an increase in premiums charged by the FDIC.
 
The following table presents a summary of noninterest expense:
 
   
For the three months ended
March 31,
   
2010
   
2009
   
(in thousands)
Salaries and employee benefits
  $ 4,970     $ 5,658
Premises and equipment
    1,537       1,533
Data processing
    595       471
Legal, audit, and other professional services
    182       620
Printing, stationery, and supplies
    12       192
Telephone
    224       263
Directors’ expense
    120       115
Advertising, marketing and business development
    227       456
Postage
    56       55
Insurance and regulatory assessments
    800       309
Loss on and expense of foreclosed property
    78      
Amortization of intangible assets
    416       376
Other expenses
    699       729
               
Total noninterest expense
  $ 9,916     $ 10,777
 
 
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The 2009 first quarter included integration and conversion expenses related to the FDIC-assisted 1st Centennial Bank transaction of approximately $473,000.
 
We acquired real estate through two foreclosures and sold previously foreclosed upon real estate in the quarter ended March 31, 2010. The cost of foreclosed real estate and the loss on sale of foreclosed real estate was $78,000 for the first quarter of 2010. There were no costs or losses for the same period a year ago.
 
Our efficiency ratio was 81 percent for the first quarter of 2010 compared with 87 percent for the first quarter of 2009. The efficiency ratio is the percentage relationship of noninterest expense, excluding amortization of intangibles, to the sum of net interest income and noninterest income, excluding gains or losses on security sales. The improvement in the efficiency ratio for the first quarter of 2010 as compared to the first quarter of 2009 was due primarily to lower noninterest expense.
 
Income taxes
 
The income tax provision was $0.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2010 compared with an income tax benefit of $1.4 million for the same period in 2009. The combined federal and state effective tax rate for the three months ended March 31, 2010 was 40.4 percent compared with 42.4 percent for the same period in 2009.
 
Financial position – March 31, 2010 compared with December 31, 2009
 
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 six 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.
 
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.
 
 
24

 
 
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.
 
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 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 certain loans require approval by the Directors’ Loan Committee. The Directors’ Audit Committee also engages a third party to perform a credit review of the loan portfolio to ensure compliance with policies and assist in the evaluation of the credit risk inherent in the loan portfolio.
 
Loans
 
Loans decreased $19.9 million, or 2 percent, to $919.3 million at March 31, 2010 from $939.2 million at December 31, 2009. The $13.2 million decline in construction and land development loans reflects payoffs, pay downs and our strategic downsizing in this loan category. The $13.7 million decline in commercial loans and lines reflects slow loan demand in our market area.
 
(in thousands)
 
At
March 31,
2010
   
At
December 31,
2009
 
Commercial mortgage
  $ 388,094     $ 381,334  
Commercial loans and lines of credit
    222,025       235,849  
Multifamily mortgage
    138,839       138,548  
Construction and land development
    73,423       86,609  
Home mortgage
    51,871       51,036  
Home equity loans and lines of credit
    39,700       40,122  
Installment and credit card
    5,352       5,748  
                 
Total loans
    919,304       939,246  
Allowance for loan losses
    (15,598 )     (16,505 )
                 
Loans, net
  $ 903,706     $ 922,741  
 
 
25

 
 
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.
 
Commercial mortgage loans, the largest segment of our portfolio, were 42 percent of total loans at March 31, 2010 compared with 41 percent at December 31, 2009. We had 372 commercial mortgage loans with an average balance of $1,046,000 at March 31, 2010.  Many different commercial property types collateralize our commercial mortgage loans. Our top three categories have been office, industrial, and retail, representing approximately 63 percent of commercial mortgage loans. In addition, most of our commercial property lending is in the six Southern California counties where our branches are located. The following is a table of our commercial mortgage lending by county.
 
Commercial mortgage loans by region/county
(in thousands)
 
At
March 31,
2010
   
At
December 31,
2009
Southern California
         
Los Angeles
  $ 197,234     $ 195,306
Orange
    31,376       30,954
Ventura
    98,173       93,899
Riverside
    19,708       21,148
San Bernardino
    16,887       17,518
San Diego
    15,414       15,555
Santa Barbara
    234       236
               
Total Southern California
    379,026       374,616
               
Northern California
             
Alameda
    309       319
Contra Costa
    405       408
Fresno
    2,472       2,479
Imperial
    365       369
Kern
    994       1,037
Madera
    547       550
Placer
    623       625
Sacramento
    354       358
San Mateo
    2,427      
Solano
    277       278
Tulare
    295       295
               
Total Northern California
    9,068       6,718
               
Total commercial mortgage loans
  $ 388,094     $ 381,334
 
The following table shows the distribution of our commercial mortgage loans by property type.
 
Commercial mortgage loans by property type
(in thousands)
 
At
March 31,
2010
   
At
December 31,
2009
Industrial/warehouse
  $ 89,505     $ 90,379
Office
    87,037       87,923
Retail
    68,316       70,140
Self storage
    28,544       20,024
Mixed use
    18,332       18,292
Hotel
    13,831       13,955
Medical
    13,808       11,469
Assisted living
    11,282       11,332
Restaurant
    9,634       9,584
All other
    47,805       48,236
               
Total commercial mortgage loans
  $ 388,094     $ 381,334
 
 
26

 
 
We generally underwrote commercial mortgage loans with a maximum loan-to-value of 70 percent and a minimum debt service coverage ratio of 1.25. Beginning in the third quarter of 2009 we changed the maximum loan-to-value to 60 percent and the minimum debt service coverage ratio to 1.35. 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 57.5 percent and the weighted average debt service coverage ratio was 1.56 at March 31, 2010. These criteria may become more conservative depending on the type of property. 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 24 percent of total loans at March 31, 2010, down from 25 percent at December 31, 2009. We had 912 commercial loans with an average balance of $243,000 at March 31, 2010. Unused commitments on commercial loans were $93.1 million at March 31, 2010 compared with $88.8 million at December 31, 2009. 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. Below is a table of our loans by business sector.
 
Commercial loans by industry/sector
(in thousands)
 
At
March 31,
2010
   
At
December 31,
2009
Services
  $ 57,436     $ 61,629
Real estate
    55,986       51,714
Information
    54,910       62,086
Trade
    19,775       26,119
Manufacturing
    17,841       16,141
Healthcare
    12,546       12,566
Transportation and warehouse
    3,241       5,562
Other
    290       32
               
Total commercial loans
  $ 222,025     $ 235,849
 
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 8 percent of total loans at March 31, 2010, down from 9 percent at December 31, 2009. At March 31, 2010, we had 26 projects with an average commitment of $3,685,000 compared with 30 projects with an average commitment of $2,967,000 at December 31, 2009. Construction loans represent single-family, multifamily and commercial building projects as well as land development loans. At March 31, 2010, 19 percent of these loans, or $13.9 million, represented single-family residential construction projects; 6 percent, or $4.7 million, were multi-family residential construction projects; 52 percent, or $37.9 million, were commercial projects; and, 23 percent, or $16.9 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 66.6 percent at March 31, 2010. At March 31, 2010, we had only five projects for which we capitalize interest income. Capitalized interest income for the three months ended March 31, 2010 was $308,000 for these five projects. 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.
 
 
27

 
 
Below is a table of our construction and land loans by county.
 
   
At March 31, 2010
   
At December 31, 2009
Construction and land loans by county
(in thousands)
 
Commitment
   
Outstanding
   
Commitment
   
Outstanding
Los Angeles
  $ 29,511     $ 23,569     $ 42,657     $ 35,272
Orange
    8,759       8,395       7,157       6,894
Ventura
    46,168       37,488       55,896       40,459
Riverside
    3,983       3,971       4,054       3,984
                               
Total construction and land loans
  $ 88,421     $ 73,423     $ 109,764     $ 86,609
 
We are mindful of the recent developments in our marketplace and have supplemented our regular monitoring practices by updating project appraisals, re-evaluating estimated project marketing time and re-evaluating the sufficiency of the original loan commitment to absorb interest charges (i.e., interest reserves). We are also re-evaluating 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, the project sponsor has made payments to us from their general resources or the project sponsor placed 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 loans at March 31, 2010, the same as at December 31, 2009. We had approximately 162 multifamily loans with an average balance of $859,000 at March 31, 2010.  Apartments mostly located in our six-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 59.7 percent and the weighted average debt service coverage ratio was 1.32 for our multifamily portfolio at March 31, 2010. Below is a table of our multifamily mortgage loans by county.
 
Multifamily mortgage loans by region/county
(in thousands)
 
At
March 31,
2010
   
At
December 31,
2009
 
Southern California
           
Los Angeles
  $ 94,819     $ 93,433  
Orange
    16,943       17,236  
Ventura
    7,564       7,590  
San Bernardino
    4,016       4,030  
San Diego
    5,049       5,065  
Santa Barbara
    1,127       1,131  
                 
Total Southern California
    129,518       128,485  
 
 
Multifamily mortgage loans by region/county
(in thousands)
 
At
March 31,
2010
   
At
December 31,
2009
Northern California
         
Alameda
    794       797
Calaveras
    1,371       1,373
Fresno
    249       251
Kern
    2,659       2,679
Merced
    669       671
Monterey
    382       384
Mono
    231       231
San Francisco
    1,342       1,346
San Luis Obispo
    497       499
Santa Clara
          702
Santa Cruz
    1,127       1,130
               
Total Northern California
    9,321       10,063
               
Total multifamily mortgage
  $ 138,839     $ 138,548
 
The table below illustrates the distribution of our loan portfolio by loan size at March 31, 2010. We distributed all loans by loan balance outstanding except for construction loans, which we distributed by loan commitment. At March 31, 2010, 33 percent of our loans were less than $1 million and 74 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.
 
 
28

 
 
   
March 31, 2010
 
   
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
$21,000,000
 
Commercial mortgage
    11 %     14 %     33 %     12 %     24 %     6 %
Commercial loans and lines of credit
    28 %     11 %     28 %     14 %     5 %     14 %
Construction and land development
    3 %     3 %     14 %     23 %     17 %     40 %
Multifamily mortgage
    14 %     30 %     39 %     3 %     14 %     0 %
Home mortgage
    28 %     24 %     21 %     0 %     27 %     0 %
Home equity loans and lines of credit
    35 %     19 %     27 %     19 %     0 %     0 %
Installment and credit card
    88 %     12 %     0 %     0 %     0 %     0 %
                                                 
Totals
    17 %     16 %     30 %     11 %     17 %     9 %
Number
    1,611       212       174       29       25       6  

Allowance for loan losses
 
We maintain an allowance for loan losses to provide for inherent losses in the 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 they become 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 collateral. In those cases where the collateral 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 sixteen quarters.
 
Our evaluation of the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses includes a review of individual loans to identify specific probable losses and assigns estimated loss factors to specific groups or types of 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 2010 first quarter evaluation of the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses considered, among other things, estimated loss factors assigned to specific types of loans, changes and trends in the level of delinquencies, nonaccrual loans and 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. We did not change however, our estimated loss factors for our quantitative or qualitative considerations from those used at the 2009 year-end. Our reasons are as follows.
 
We considered the trend in the level of delinquencies, nonaccrual loans and loan charge-offs. Total past due and nonaccrual loans declined to $39.6 million at March 31, 2010 from $54.8 million at December 31, 2009. The $15.2 million decline since year-end was principally in loans past due 30 to 89 days. Nonaccrual loans at March 31, 2010 were $37.0 million, down from $40.0 million as loan payments, payoffs and returns to accruing status nearly outpaced additions. We believe that the slowing of delinquencies and nonaccrual loans are early signs that the credit cycle may be peaking; however, we also considered the length and depth of the economic recession and the continuing affect it might have on our borrowers and concluded that changes to our estimates were not prudent at this time.
 
 
29

 
 
The allowance for loan losses was $15.6 million or 1.70 percent of loans at March 31, 2010 compared with $16.5 million or 1.76 percent of loans at December 31, 2009. The decline in the allowance reflects the decline in total loans as well as a change in the composition of loans subject to quantitative considerations. We believe that our allowance for loan losses was adequate at March 31, 2010; however, the determination of the allowance for 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 loan losses:
 
   
Three Months
Ended March 31,
 
(dollars in thousands)
 
2010
   
2009
 
Beginning balance
  $ 16,505     $ 8,048  
Provision for loan losses
    1,754       5,069  
Loans charged-off
    (2,733 )     (1,847 )
Recoveries on loans charged-off
    72       5  
                 
Ending balance
  $ 15,598     $ 11,275  
                 
Allowance to loans
    1.70 %     1.26 %
Net loans charged-off to average loans, annualized
    1.15 %     0.84 %
 
The following table presents the net loan charge-offs by loan type and the percentage of net loans charged-off to average loans by type for the periods indicated.

   
Three Months Ended March 31, 2010
   
Three Months Ended March 31, 2009
 
(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
  $ 367       0.46 %     1.83 %   $ 551       0.43 %     1.65 %
Home mortgage
    65       0.13 %     0.51 %     683       1.43 %     5.71 %
Commercial loans & lines
    709       0.33 %     1.33 %     333       0.14 %     0.63 %
Commercial mortgage
    1,302       0.24 %     0.96 %     239       0.07 %     0.21 %
Home equity loans & lines
    199       0.50 %     2.17 %     -             -  
Installment
    19             1.29 %     36       0.64 %     2.03 %
                                                 
Total
  $ 2,661       0.29 %     1.15 %   $ 1,842       0.21 %     0.84 %
 
Net loan charge-offs for the three months ended March 31, 2010 were $2.7 million compared with $1.8 million for the same period last year. In the 2010-first quarter, significant charge-offs consisted of 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 in the 2010 first quarter we had a $325,000 charge-off on a $0.8 million completed construction project to reduce the balance to the expected net proceeds from the sale of the remaining collateral. Net annualized loan charge-offs to average loans for the 2010 first quarter were 1.15 percent compared with 0.84 percent for the 2009 first quarter. For the 2009 year, net loan charge-offs to average loans was 0.89 percent. Net annualized loan charge-offs to average loans for the 2010 first quarter, excluding the $1.2 million charge-off described above, were 0.65 percent.
 
 
30

 
 
The following table presents the allocation of the allowance for loan losses to each loan category and the percentage relationship of loans in each category to total loans:

   
March 31, 2010
   
December 31, 2009
 
(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
  $ 4,999       42 %   $ 4,850       41 %
Multifamily mortgage
    2,012       15 %     3,277       15 %
Commercial loans
    4,592       24 %     4,796       25 %
Construction loans
    2,875       8 %     2,460       9 %
Home equity loans and lines
    450       4 %     453       4 %
Home mortgage
    608       6 %     605       5 %
Installment and credit card
    62       1 %     64       1 %
                                 
Total
  $ 15,598       100 %   $ 16,505       100 %
 
The amounts or proportions displayed above do not imply that charges to the allowance will occur in those amounts or proportions.
 
The following table presents past due loans, nonaccrual loans and foreclosed assets. We had eight restructured loans for $2.8 million at March 31, 2010. One loan for $0.7 million is included in the $2.5 million of loans past due 30 – 89 days shown below. Seven loans for $2.1 million are included in the $37.0 million nonaccrual loan total shown below. We had one $0.6 million restructured loan at December 31, 2009. The $0.6 million restructured loan at December 31, 2009 is included in the $40.0 million nonaccrual loan total shown below.
 
(dollars in thousands)
 
At
March 31,
2010
   
At
December 31,
2009
 
Accruing loans past due 30 - 89 days
  $ 2,520     $ 14,592  
Accruing loans past due 90 days or more
  $     $ 200  
Nonaccrual loans
  $ 37,034     $ 39,958  
Foreclosed assets
  $ 5,997     $ 4,893  
Ratios:
               
Accruing loans past due 90 days or more to average loans
    -       0.02% %
Nonaccrual loans to average loans
    3.98% %     4.35% %
 
Accruing loans past due 30 to 89 days decreased to $2.5 million at March 31, 2010 from $14.6 million at December 31, 2009. This category of loans historically has had the most fluctuation from period to period.
 
Nonaccrual loans and loans past due 90 days or more and accruing decreased to $37.0 million at March 31, 2010 from $40.2 million at December 31, 2009. These non-performing loans, as a percentage of total loans, were 4.0 percent at the end of the first quarter compared with 4.3 percent at December 31, 2009.
 
Our largest nonaccrual loan was a $21.0 million completed construction loan in Ventura County. This office complex project began in the 2007 first quarter and consisted of 31 buildings on 13 acres.  We filed a notice of default in the 2009 third quarter. Nine units sold in 2008, one unit sold in 2009 and one unit sold in 2010. We have resumed our foreclosure process in the 2010 second quarter. We obtained our most current appraisal in the 2009 fourth quarter and this appraisal indicates a loan-to-value ratio of approximately 71 percent.  Accordingly, we have no specific loss allowance for this loan.
 
Our next largest nonaccrual loan was a completed high-end home in a coastal community of Los Angeles County for $4.5 million. The home is completed and being marketed for sale. We filed a notice of default in the 2009 third quarter. Our most current appraisal indicates a loan-to-value of approximately 90 percent. Accordingly, we have no specific loss allowance for this loan.
 
Our third largest nonaccrual loan relationship represents a $1.2 million owner-occupied commercial mortgage loan and $1.5 million of business loans to a borrower who abruptly discontinued business in the 2009 third quarter. These amounts are after charge-offs of $0.5 million and $3.1 million, respectively. Since the end of 2009, we received proceeds of approximately $50,000 from the collection of accounts receivable. We completed the foreclosure of the commercial mortgage property subsequent to March 31, 2010 and have begun marketing this foreclosed property in the 2010 second quarter. While we are making every attempt to maximize proceeds from the collection of accounts receivable and the sale of assets, we cannot assure you that there will not be further loan charge-offs on this relationship. We estimated at March 31, 2010 a specific loss allowance of $0.8 million for this loan relationship.
 
 
31

 
 
Our next largest nonaccrual loan was a $1.8 million land loan in Palm Springs, California. The loan was past maturity at March 31, 2010. We are in the process of obtaining a current appraisal. We estimated at March 31, 2010 a specific loss allowance of $0.9 million for this loan.
 
Our fifth largest nonaccrual loan was a $1.2 million entertainment-related commercial loan. A legal dispute regarding royalty payments has affected our borrower’s ability to pay. We are receiving interest-only payments and interest was current as of March 31, 2010. Our most current appraisal indicates a loan-to-value ratio of 47 percent. We have no specific loss allowance for this loan at March 31, 2010.
 
We have one other nonaccrual loan in excess of $1 million and that is a $1.1 million multifamily loan in Los Angeles County. We filed a notice of default in the 2009 fourth quarter. The borrower has since brought the loan current; however, we have continued the nonaccrual status of the loan, and will do so until we experience sustained payment performance.  Our most current appraisal indicates a loan-to-value ratio of approximately 67 percent. Accordingly, we have no specific loss allowance for this loan. All other nonaccrual loans were individually under $1 million at March 31, 2010.
 
The following table presents the activity in our nonaccrual loan category for the periods indicated.
 
   
Three months ended March 31,
 
   
2010
   
2009
 
(dollars in thousands)
 
# of Loans
   
$ Amount
   
# of Loans
   
$ Amount
 
                         
Beginning balance
    21     $ 39,958       7     $ 8,475  
New loans added
    12       5,213       5       1,331  
Advances on existing loans
    -       -       -       136  
Loans transferred to foreclosed property
    (1 )     (1,451 )     (1 )     (773 )
Loans returned to accrual status
    (1 )     (645 )     -       -  
Payoffs on existing loans
    (1 )     (3,099 )     -       -  
Payments on existing loans
    -       (1,158 )     -       (6 )
Charge offs on existing loans
    (4 )     (468 )     -       (783 )
Partial charge-offs on existing loans
    -       (1,316 )     -       -  
Ending balance
    26     $ 37,034       11     $ 8,380  
 
Foreclosed property at March 31, 2010 consists of a $4.9 million unimproved land property of 161 acres located in an unincorporated section of western Los Angeles County known as Liberty Canyon and a $1.1 million office building property in Murrieta, California.

 
32

 
 
The following table presents the activity of our foreclosed property for the periods indicated.
 
   
Three months ended March 31,
 
   
2010
   
2009
 
   
# of Properties
   
$ Amount
   
# of Properties
   
$ Amount
 
   
(dollars in thousands)
 
Beginning balance
    1     $ 4,893       2     $ 327  
New properties added
    2       1,440       1       773  
Sales proceeds received
    (1 )     (336 )     -       (31 )
Ending balance
    2     $ 5,997       3     $ 1,069  
 
 
33

 
 
The allowance for losses on undisbursed commitments was $82,000 and $97,000 at March 31, 2010, and December 31, 2009, respectively. The allowance for losses on undisbursed commitments is included in “accrued interest payable and other liabilities” on the consolidated balance sheets.
 
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 $38.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2010 and $35.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2009. Impaired loans were $37.0 million at March 31, 2010 and $40.0 million at December 31, 2009. Allowances for 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 $37.0 million of impaired loans at March 31, 2010, $4.1 million had specific allowances of $2.0 million. Of the $40.0 million of impaired loans at December 31, 2009, $3.5 million had specific allowances of $2.7 million.
 
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 Directors review and approve 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 March 31, 2010, core deposits were $823.6 million. At December 31, 2009, core deposits were $830.4 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.
 
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 March 31, 2010 declined to $385.4 million from $437.8 million at December 31, 2009. The stable balance of core deposits and the slow loan demand allowed us to reduce these funds.
 
In addition, we have lines of credit with other financial institutions providing for federal funds facilities up to a maximum of $27.0 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 March 31, 2010 or December 31, 2009. We also have an $11.8 million secured borrowing facility with the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco, or the Reserve Bank, which had no balance outstanding at March 31, 2010 or December 31, 2009. In addition, we had approximately $149.0 million of available borrowing capacity on the Bank’s secured FHLB borrowing facility at March 31, 2010.
 
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 B 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 March 31, 2010, there were $10 million of dividends available for payment under the method described; however, as previously disclosed, the Company cannot receive dividends from the Bank without the prior written approval of the Reserve Bank. During 2009 we received no dividends from the Bank.  The Company has $8.1 million in cash on deposit with the Bank at March 31, 2010.
 
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.
 
 
34

 
 
At March 31, 2010, we had cash balances at the Reserve Bank of $31.9 million compared with $20.5 million at December 31, 2009. Interest bearing deposits with other financial institutions increased to $66.2 million at March 31, 2010 from $19.7 million at December 31, 2009. The $46.5 million increase reflects the decrease in securities from sales, pay downs and maturities as well as slow loan demand.
 
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, decreased by $59.3 million, or 16 percent, from $359.6 million at December 31, 2009 to $300.3 million at March 31, 2010. The decrease is primarily due to the $35.6 million of securities sold in the first three months of 2010.
 
Net unrealized holding losses were $8.1 million at March 31, 2010 and were $10.7 million at December 31, 2009. As a percentage of securities, at amortized cost, unrealized holding losses were 2.70 percent and 2.98 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 March 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009, 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 March 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009. This table excludes the three securities with other-than-temporary impairments at March 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009.
 
   
At March 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
  $ 30,726     $ (35 )   $     $     $ 30,726     $ (35 )
U.S. government agency notes
    12,591       (47 )                 12,591       (47 )
U.S. government agency mortgage-backed securities
    37,663       (213 )                 37,663       (213 )
U.S. government agency collateralized mortgage obligations 
    26,549       (174 )                 26,549       (174 )
Private-label collateralized mortgage obligations
                15,448       (2,746 )     15,448       (2,746 )
Municipal securities
    3,869       (50 )     172           (2 )     4,041       (52 )
Other domestic debt securities
                4,828       (1,850 )     4,828       (1,850 )
                                                 
    $ 111,398     $ (519 )   $ 20,448     $ (4,598 )   $ 131,846     $ (5,117 )
 

   
At December 31, 2009
 
   
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
  $ 55,962     $ (71 )   $     $     $ 55,962     $ (71 )
U.S. government agency notes
    17,613       (102 )                 17,613       (102 )
U.S. government agency mortgage-backed securities
    38,349       (467 )                 38,349       (467 )
U.S. government agency collateralized mortgage obligations 
    19,113       (156 )                 19,113       (156 )
Private-label collateralized mortgage obligations
                17,424       (4,147 )     17,424       (4,147 )
Municipal securities
    4,399       (53 )     172       (2 )     4,571       (55 )
Other domestic debt securities
                4,848       (2,388 )     4,848       (2,388 )
                                                 
    $ 135,436     $ (849 )   $ 22,444     $ (6,537 )   $ 157,880     $ (7,386 )
 
 
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We determined that, as of March 31, 2010, 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 $4.8 million and an unrealized loss of $1.9 million at March 31, 2010. At December 31, 2009, the unrealized loss was $2.4 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 single-A while another has rated the security triple-B-. The senior tranche owned by us has a collateral balance well in excess of the amortized cost basis of the tranche at March 31, 2010. Twelve of the fifty-six issuers in the security have deferred or defaulted on their interest payments as of March 31, 2010. 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 March 31, 2010 relate to a type of mortgage-backed security also known as private-label CMOs. As of March 31, 2010, the fair value of these securities was $24.8 million, representing 8 percent of our securities portfolio. Gross unrealized losses related to these securities were $5.7 million, or 19 percent of the aggregate cost basis of these securities as of March 31, 2010. At December 31, 2009, the gross unrealized losses were $7.5 million, or 23 percent of the amortized cost basis of these securities. 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. Several of our private-label CMOs, approximately 63 percent of amortized cost, had credit agency ratings of less than investment grade at March 31, 2010.  We performed discounted cash flow analyses for these 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 March 31, 2010.  Based upon this analysis, we determined there was no other-than-temporary impairment at March 31, 2010. For the year ended December 31, 2009, we identified three private-label CMOs and charged to earnings other-than-temporary impairment losses of $1,115,000. 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:
 
   
March 31,
   
December 31,
(in thousands)
 
2010
   
2009
           
Non-maturity core deposits:
         
Non-interest checking
  $ 306,266     $ 317,610
Interest checking
    83,549       82,806
Money market and savings
    351,655       339,750
Total non-maturity core deposits
    741,470       740,166
Maturity core deposits:
             
Retail time deposits under $100,000
    82,128       90,279
Total core deposits
    823,598       830,445
               
Non-core deposits:
             
Retail time deposits $100,000 and over
    154,129       158,536
Brokered time deposits
    9,768       25,734
State of California time deposits
    88,000       110,000
Total non-core deposits
    251,897       294,270
Total deposits
  $ 1,075,495     $ 1,124,715
 
 
36

 
 
The $49.2 million decline in deposits from the 2009 year-end was due principally to the $38.0 million reduction in our brokered and State of California time deposits. Core deposits have been stable and loan demand has slowed allowing these deposits to mature and not be renewed. Core non-maturity deposits increased $1.3 million since year-end 2009. Core deposits represent 77 percent of deposits at March 31, 2010, up from 74 percent at December 31, 2009.
 
Large balance certificates of deposit (that is, balances of $100,000 or more) were $242.1 million at March 31, 2010. Large balance certificates of deposit were $268.5 million at December 31, 2009. 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 $70.5 billion of investments, of which approximately $4.4 billion represent time deposits placed at various financial institutions. At March 31, 2010, and December 31, 2009, State of California time deposits placed with us, with original maturities of three months, were $88.0 million and $110.0 million, respectively. 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.
 
We use brokered time deposits to supplement our liquidity and achieve other asset liability management objectives. We include these deposits in the balance sheet line “Certificates of deposit, under $100,000”. Brokered deposits are wholesale time deposits in denominations less $100,000 placed by rate sensitive customers that do not have any other significant relationship with us. Professionals operating under established investment criteria manage most wholesale funds and the brokered deposits are typically in amounts that are within the FDIC deposit insurance limit. As a result, these funds are generally very sensitive to credit risk and interest rates, and pose greater liquidity risk to a bank. They may refuse to renew the time deposits at maturity if higher rates are available elsewhere or if they perceive that creditworthiness is deteriorating. At March 31, 2010, we had brokered deposits of $9.8 million, all of which have maturities within 12 months. At December 31, 2009, we had brokered deposits of $25.7 million, all of which had maturities within 12 months.  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 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 $9.4 million of these reciprocal deposits, included in time deposits of $100,000 or more, at March 31, 2010.
 
At March 31, 2010, 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
  $ 130,543
Over three months to twelve months
    62,568
Over twelve months
    49,437
       
    $ 242,548
 
Borrowings
 
Borrowings are comprised of federal funds purchased from other financial institutions, FHLB advances and securities sold under agreements to repurchase. At March 31, 2010, we had $133.5 million of borrowings outstanding, of which $45.0 million was comprised of securities sold under agreements to repurchase and $88.5 million of FHLB advances. For our FHLB advances, the following table presents the amounts and weighted average interest rates outstanding.
 
   
Three Months Ended March 31, 2010
   
Year Ended December 31, 2009
 
(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
  $ 88,500       3.91 %   $ 98,500       3.82 %
Maximum amount outstanding at any month-end during the period
  $ 110,205       3.43 %   $ 122,000       3.88 %
Average amount outstanding during the period
  $ 98,253       3.73 %   $ 110,252       3.86 %
 
 
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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 March 31, 2010
   
At December 31, 2009
(dollars in thousands)
 
Amount
   
Maturity
Year
   
Weighted
Average
Interest Rate
   
Amount
   
Maturity
Year
   
Weighted
Average
Interest Rate
    $ 32,000       2010       3.90%     $ 42,000       2010       3.70%
      13,000       2011       3.21%       13,000       2011       3.21%
      18,500       2012       4.03%       18,500       2012       4.03%
      17,500       2014       4.24%       17,500       2014       4.24%
      7,500       2017       4.07%       7,500       2017       4.07%
                                               
    $ 88,500                     $ 98,500                
 
The following table presents maturities of securities sold under agreements to repurchase:
 
   
At March 31, 2010
   
At December 31, 2009
(dollars in thousands)
 
Amount
   
Maturity
Year
   
Weighted
Average
Interest Rate
   
Amount
   
Maturity
Year
   
Weighted
Average
Interest Rate
    $ 15,000       2011       3.64%     $ 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%
                                               
    $ 45,000                     $ 45,000                
 
Junior Subordinated Debentures
 
As of March 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009, 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 January 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 fixed annual rate of 6.145% until December 15, 2010, and a variable annual rate thereafter, which resets quarterly, equal to the 3-month LIBOR rate plus 1.55% per annum.
 
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 B. 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 March 31, 2010, we reserved 302,968 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. As a participant in the CPP, we are subject to various restrictions and requirements, such as restrictions on our stock repurchases and payment of dividends, and other requirements relating to our executive compensation and corporate governance practices. Moreover, under legislation such as the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, we may early redeem the shares issued to the Treasury under the CPP without any early penalty or requirement to raise new capital, as previously required under the original terms of the CPP. The preferred stock series B qualifies as Tier 1 capital, and holders are entitled to receive cumulative cash dividends at a rate of 5 percent per year for the first five years and 9 percent per year thereafter, on a liquidation preference of $1,000 per share. Dividends are payable quarterly in arrears on each of February 15, May 15, August 15, and November 15, if, as and when declared by our Board of Directors, out of assets legally available for payment. The common stock warrant entitles the Treasury to purchase 599,042 shares of our common stock at an initial exercise price of $6.26 for a term of ten years.
 
 
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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.
 
In February 2010, the Board of Directors of First California Financial Group, Inc. and the Reserve Bank entered into an informal agreement. The informal agreement requires the Board to take all appropriate steps to utilize fully its financial and managerial resources to assist the Company and the Bank in functioning in a safe and sound manner pursuant to Regulation Y of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System. The informal agreement restricts the ability of the Company to (a) receive dividends or another form of payment or distribution representing a reduction of capital from the Bank without the prior written approval from the Reserve Bank, (b) declare or pay dividends, make any payments on trust preferred securities, or make any other capital distributions, without the prior written approval of the Reserve Bank, (c) directly or indirectly incur, renew, increase or guarantee any debt, without the prior written approval of the Reserve Bank, (d) directly or indirectly issue any trust preferred securities without the prior written approval of the Reserve Bank, and (e) purchase, redeem, or otherwise acquire, directly or indirectly, any of its stock without the prior written approval of the Reserve Bank.
 
The Reserve Bank has approved all dividend payments due to the holders of our preferred stock series B and all interest payments due to the holders of our junior subordinated debentures, also known as trust preferred securities, since the effective date of the informal agreement.
 
On March 3, 2010, the Company’s stockholders approved an amendment to the Company’s Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation to increase the number of authorized shares of the Company’s common stock, par value $0.01 per share, from 25,000,000 shares to 100,000,000 shares, and to increase the number of authorized shares of all classes of the Company’s stock from 27,500,000 shares to 102,500,000 shares.
 
In March 2010, we consummated an underwritten public offering of common stock at a price of $2.50 per share. We sold 16,560,000 common shares, which include the exercise by the underwriter of its over-allotment option, for gross proceeds of $41.1 million. We contributed $36.0 million to our bank subsidiary. We intend to use the net proceeds of this public offering for general corporate purposes, including funding working capital requirements, supporting the growth of our business from internal efforts and from whole bank or failed bank acquisitions, and regulatory capital needs related to any such growth and acquisitions.
 
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)
 
March 31, 2010
                       
Total capital
  $ 170,852       17.08 %   $ 80,034       ³ 8.00 %
(to risk weighted assets)
                               
Tier I capital
  $ 158,308       15.82 %   $ 40,017       ³ 4.00 %
(to risk weighted assets)
                               
Tier I capital
  $ 158,308       11.52 %   $ 54,966       ³ 4.00 %
(to average assets)
                               
             
             
   
Actual
   
For Capital
Adequacy Purposes
 
   
Amount
   
Ratio
   
Amount
   
Ratio
 
   
(in thousands)
 
December 31, 2009
                               
Total capital
  $ 133,078       12.69 %   $ 83,926       ³ 8.00 %
(to risk weighted assets)
                               
Tier I capital
  $ 119,924       11.43 %   $ 41,963       ³ 4.00 %
(to risk weighted assets)
                               
Tier I capital
  $ 119,924       8.52 %   $ 56,324       ³ 4.00 %
(to average assets)
                               
 
 
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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 March 31, 2010, that the Bank meets all capital adequacy requirements to which it is subject.
 
As of March 31, 2010, the Bank exceeded the minimum ratios to be well-capitalized under the prompt corrective action provisions. There are no conditions or events since March 31, 2010 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)
 
March 31, 2010
                                   
Total capital
  $ 163,371       16.38 %   $ 79,804       ³ 8.00 %   $ 99,755       ³ 10.00 %
(to risk weighted assets)
                                               
Tier I capital
  $ 150,862       15.12 %   $ 39,902       ³ 4.00 %   $ 59,853       ³ 6.00 %
(to risk weighted assets)
                                               
Tier I capital
  $ 150,862       11.01 %   $ 54,816       ³ 4.00 %   $ 68,520       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, 2009
                                   
Total capital
  $ 127,315       12.17 %   $ 83,669       ³ 8.00 %   $ 104,587       ³ 10.00 %
(to risk weighted assets)
                                               
Tier I capital
  $ 114,198       10.92 %   $ 41,835       ³ 4.00 %   $ 62,752       ³ 6.00 %
(to risk weighted assets)
                                               
Tier I capital
  $ 114,198       8.08 %   $ 56,507       ³ 4.00 %   $ 70,633       ³ 5.00 %
(to average assets)
                                               
 
 
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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.
 
The following summarizes our outstanding commitments at March 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009:
 
(in thousands)
 
March 31,
2010
   
December 31,
2009
 
Financial instruments whose contract amounts contain credit risk:
           
Commitments to extend credit
  $ 156,074     $ 162,842  
Commercial and standby letters of credit
    1,439       1,439  
                 
    $ 157,513     $ 164,281  
 
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 $82,000 and $97,000 at March 31, 2010, and December 31, 2009, 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 bank interest risk through Board approved policies and procedures. The Directors review and approve 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 increase approximately 0.39% within a 12-month time horizon for an assumed 100 basis point decrease in prevailing interest rates or decrease approximately 1.42% for an assumed 100 basis point increase in prevailing interest rates. In addition, we estimated that net interest income would decrease approximately 2.42% 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.
 
 
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Time Horizon
 
Percentage Change
 
1 Year
   
2 Years
   
3 Years
 
-100 bps
    0.39 %     4.14 %     4.60 %
+100 bps
    -1.42 %     2.70 %     4.75 %
+200 bps
    -2.42 %     1.91 %     5.24 %
+400 bps
    -2.39 %     3.12 %     10.62 %
 
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.
 
Item 3.     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.
 
Item 4T.    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 March 31, 2010 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
 
 
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PART II—OTHER INFORMATION
 
Item 1.     Legal Proceedings
 
The nature of our business causes us to be involved in routine legal proceedings from time to time. 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 March 31, 2010 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, 2009.
 
Item 1A.  Risk Factors
 
There have been no material changes from risk factors as previously disclosed in the “Risk Factors” section of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the period ended December 31, 2009, filed with the SEC on March 5, 2010.
 
Item 2.     Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
 
None.
 
Item 3.     Defaults Upon Senior Securities
 
None.
 
Item 4.     Other Information
 
None.
 
Item 5.     Exhibits
 
The following Exhibits are filed as a part of this report:
 
Exhibit
Number
 
Description
 
     
 
     
 

 
43

 
 
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: May 7, 2010
 
By:
/s/    Romolo Santarosa
     
Romolo Santarosa
(Principal Financial Officer and Duly Authorized Officer)
 
 
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