-----BEGIN PRIVACY-ENHANCED MESSAGE----- Proc-Type: 2001,MIC-CLEAR Originator-Name: webmaster@www.sec.gov Originator-Key-Asymmetric: MFgwCgYEVQgBAQICAf8DSgAwRwJAW2sNKK9AVtBzYZmr6aGjlWyK3XmZv3dTINen TWSM7vrzLADbmYQaionwg5sDW3P6oaM5D3tdezXMm7z1T+B+twIDAQAB MIC-Info: RSA-MD5,RSA, L2x34xCU+CRygn+4Y+eePHyE1MfOyOYNBaMzETa2JRPDvswNQkpb4Y8pfZc22LG/ Ab557bVZ+iPfLzgHDGOhhw== 0001193125-07-034867.txt : 20070220 0001193125-07-034867.hdr.sgml : 20070219 20070220120023 ACCESSION NUMBER: 0001193125-07-034867 CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE: 10-K PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT: 7 CONFORMED PERIOD OF REPORT: 20061231 FILED AS OF DATE: 20070220 DATE AS OF CHANGE: 20070220 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: CENTER FINANCIAL CORP CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0001174820 STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION: STATE COMMERCIAL BANKS [6022] IRS NUMBER: 522380548 STATE OF INCORPORATION: CA FISCAL YEAR END: 1231 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: 10-K SEC ACT: 1934 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 000-50050 FILM NUMBER: 07634391 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 3435 WILSHIRE BLVD STREET 2: STE 700 CITY: LOS ANGELES STATE: CA ZIP: 90010 BUSINESS PHONE: 2132512222 10-K 1 d10k.htm FORM 10-K (12/31/2006) Form 10-K (12/31/2006)
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UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 


 

FORM 10-K

 

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

 

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006

 

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: 000-50050

 


 

CENTER FINANCIAL CORPORATION

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 


 

California   52-2380548
(State of Incorporation)   (IRS Employer Identification No.)

3435 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 700

Los Angeles, California

  90010
(Address of principal executive offices)   (Zip Code)

 

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code—(213) 251-2222

 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

 

Title of Each Class

 

Name of Each Exchange on Which Registered

Common Stock, No Par Value   The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC

 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None

 


 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in rule 405 of the Securities Act.

 

¨  Yes    x  No

 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Act.

 

¨  Yes    x  No

 

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.

 

x  Yes    ¨  No

 

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (§ 229.405 of this chapter) is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.  ¨

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer.

 

Large accelerated filer  ¨    Accelerated Filer  x    Non-accelerated filer  ¨

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

 

¨  Yes    x  No

 

As of June 30, 2006, the aggregate market value of the voting stock held by nonaffiliates of the Registrant computed by reference to the reported closing sale price of $23.64 on such date was $288.3 million. Excluded from this computation are 4,325,479 shares held by all directors and executive officers as a group on that date. This determination of the affiliate status is not necessarily a conclusive determination for other purposes.

 

The number of shares of Common Stock of the registrant outstanding as of January 31, 2007 was 16,638,201.

 

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE:

 

Portions of the definitive proxy statement for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to SEC Regulation 14A are incorporated by reference in Part III, Items 10-14.

 



Table of Contents

Table of Contents

 

PART I    3

ITEM 1.

 

BUSINESS

   3

ITEM 1A.

 

RISK FACTORS

   15

ITEM 1B.

 

UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

   20

ITEM 2.

 

PROPERTIES

   20

ITEM 3.

 

LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

   20

ITEM 4.

 

SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS

   21

PART II

   22

ITEM 5.

 

MARKET FOR COMMON EQUITY, RELATED SHAREHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

   22

ITEM 6.

 

SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

   25

ITEM 7.

 

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

   26

ITEM 7A.

 

QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

   60

ITEM 8.

 

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

   F-1

ITEM 9.

 

CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

   F-46

ITEM 9A.

 

CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

   F-46

ITEM 9B.

 

OTHER INFORMATION

   F-48

PART III

   F-49

ITEM 10.

 

DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS, AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

   F-49

ITEM 11.

 

EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

   F-49

ITEM 12.

 

SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED SHAREHOLDER MATTERS

   F-49

ITEM 13.

 

CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE

   F-49

ITEM 14.

 

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES

   F-49

PART IV

   F-50

ITEM 15.

 

EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENTS SCHEDULES

   F-50

SIGNATURES

   S-1

EX-3.2 AMENDMENT TO THE ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION OF CENTER FINANCIAL CORPORATION

  

EX-23.1 CONSENT OF EXPERT AND COUNSEL

  

EX-23.2 CONSENT OF EXPERT AND COUNSEL

  

EX-31.1 CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

  

EX-31.2 CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

  

EX-32 CERTIFICATIONS REQUIRED UNDER SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

  

 

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Forward-Looking Statements

 

This Annual Report on Form 10-K contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Such statements are based on the current beliefs of the Company’s Management as well as assumptions made by and information currently available to Management. All statements other than statements of historical fact included in this Annual Report, including without limitation, statements under “Risk Factors,” “Legal Proceedings,” “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” and “Business” regarding the Company’s financial position, business strategy and plans and objectives of Management for future operations, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements often use words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “expect” and “intend” and words or phrases of similar meaning. Although Management believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, it can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to have been correct. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from Management’s expectations (“cautionary statements”) include fluctuations in interest rates, inflation, government regulations, economic conditions, customer disintermediation and competitive product and pricing pressures in the geographic and business areas in which the Company conducts its operations, and are disclosed under “Risk Factors” and elsewhere in this Annual Report. Based upon changing conditions, or if any one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or if any underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those expressed or implied herein. The Company disclaims any obligations or undertaking to publicly release any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statement contained herein (or elsewhere) to reflect any change in the Company’s expectations with regard thereto or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based.

 

PART I

 

ITEM 1. BUSINESS

 

GENERAL

 

Center Financial Corporation

 

Center Financial Corporation (“Center Financial”) is a California corporation registered as a bank holding company under the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended (the “BHC Act”), and is headquartered in Los Angeles, California. Center Financial was incorporated in April 2000 and acquired all of the outstanding shares of Center Bank (formerly California Center Bank) in October 2002. Center Financial’s principal subsidiary is Center Bank (the “Bank”). Center Financial exists primarily for the purpose of holding the stock of the Bank and of such other subsidiaries as it may acquire or establish. Currently, Center Financial’s only other direct subsidiary is Center Capital Trust I, a Delaware statutory business trust that was formed in December 2003 solely to facilitate the issuance of capital trust pass-through securities. (See Note 11 to the Financial Statements in Item 8 herein.)

 

Center Financial’s principal source of income is currently dividends from the Bank, but it intends to explore supplemental sources of income in the future. Expenditures, including (but not limited to) the payment of dividends to shareholders, if and when declared by the board of directors, and the cost of servicing debt, will generally be paid from such payments made to Center Financial by the Bank. The Company’s liabilities include $18.6 million in debt obligations due to Center Capital Trust I, related to capital trust pass-through securities issued by that entity.

 

At December 31, 2006, the Company had consolidated assets of $1.8 billion, deposits of $1.4 billion and shareholders’ equity of $140.7 million.

 

The Company’s and the Bank’s headquarters are located at 3435 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 700, Los Angeles, California 90010 and its telephone number is (213) 251-2222. Our Website address is

 

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www.centerbank.com. As used herein, the term “Center Financial” is used to designate Center Financial Corporation only, the term the “Bank” is used to designate Center Bank and its subsidiary (CB Capital Trust) and the term the “Company” refers collectively to Center Financial Corporation, the Bank, Center Capital Trust I and the Bank’s subsidiary, CB Capital Trust (discussed below), unless the context otherwise requires.

 

Center Bank and Subsidiary

 

The Bank is a California state-chartered and Federal Deposit Insurance Company (“FDIC”) insured financial institution, which was incorporated in 1985 and commenced operations in March 1986. The Bank changed its name from California Center Bank to Center Bank in December 2002. The Bank provides comprehensive financial services for small to medium sized business owners, primarily in Southern California. The Bank specializes in commercial loans, which are mostly secured by real property, to small business customers. In addition, the Bank is a Preferred Lender of Small Business Administration (“SBA”) loans and provides trade finance loans. The Bank’s primary market is the greater Los Angeles metropolitan area, including Los Angeles, Orange, San Bernardino, and San Diego counties, primarily focused in areas with high concentrations of Korean-Americans. The Bank currently has 17 full-service branch offices, 15 of which are located in Los Angeles, Orange, San Bernardino, and San Diego counties. The Bank opened all California branches as de novo branches. On April 26, 2004, the Company completed its acquisition of the Korea Exchange Bank (“KEB”) Chicago branch, the Bank’s first out-of-state branch, with a focus on the Korean-American market in Chicago. The Company assumed $12.9 million in FDIC insured deposits and purchased $8.0 million in loans from the KEB Chicago branch. The Company opened two new branches in Irvine, California and Seattle, Washington in 2005. The Bank also operates nine Loan Production Offices (“LPOs”) in Phoenix, Seattle, Denver, Washington D.C., Las Vegas, Atlanta, Honolulu, Houston and Dallas.

 

CB Capital Trust, a Maryland real estate investment trust (“REIT”) which is a consolidated subsidiary of the Bank, was formed in August 2002 for the primary business purpose of investing in the Bank’s real-estate related assets, and enhancing and strengthening the Bank’s capital position and earnings primarily through tax advantaged income from such assets. On December 31, 2003, the California Franchise Tax Board issued an opinion listing bank-owned REITs as potentially abusive tax shelters subject to possible penalties, and stating that REIT consent dividends are not deductible for California state income tax purposes. In view of this opinion, it appears that the REIT will not be able to fulfill its original intended purposes, and management is in the process of dissolving the entity.

 

Through its network of branch offices, the Bank provides a wide range of commercial and consumer banking services to its customers. In the past, the Bank focused primarily on Korean-American individuals and companies, but in recent years the Bank has expanded its efforts to target customers of diverse ethnic businesses. The Bank’s primary focus is on small and medium sized Korean-American businesses, professionals and other individuals in its market area, with particular emphasis on the growth of deposits and the origination of commercial and real estate secured loans and consumer banking services. The Bank offers bilingual services to its customers in English and Korean and has a network of ATM’s located in fifteen of its branch offices.

 

The Bank engages in a full complement of lending activities, including the making of commercial real estate loans, commercial loans, working capital lines, SBA loans, trade financing, automobile loans and other personal loans, and construction loans. The Bank has offered SBA loans since 1989, providing financing for various purposes for small businesses under guarantee of the Small Business Administration, a federal agency created to provide financial assistance for small businesses. The Bank is a Preferred SBA Lender with full loan approval authority on behalf of the SBA.

 

The Bank also participates in the SBA’s Export Working Capital Program. SBA loans are generally secured by deeds of trust on industrial buildings or retail establishments. The Bank regularly sells a portion of the guaranteed and unguaranteed portion of the SBA loans it originates. The Bank retains the obligation to service the loans and receives a servicing fee. As of December 31, 2006, the Bank was servicing $160.7 million of sold SBA loans.

 

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As of December 31, 2006, the principal areas of focus related to the Bank’s lending activities, and the percentage of total loan portfolio composition for each of these areas, were as follows: commercial loans secured by first deeds of trust on real estate 66.9%; commercial loans 17.8%; SBA loans 3.2%; trade financing 4.3%; and consumer loans 5.0%. The Bank funds its lending activities primarily with demand deposits, savings and time deposits (obtained through its branch network) and Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”) borrowings. The Bank’s deposit products include demand deposit accounts, money market accounts, and savings accounts, time certificates of deposit and fixed maturity installment savings. The Bank’s deposits are insured under the Federal Deposit Insurance Act, up to the maximum applicable limits thereof. Like most state-chartered banks of Center Bank’s size in California, it is not currently a member of the Federal Reserve System. As of December 31, 2006, the Bank had approximately 47,000 deposit accounts with balances totaling approximately $1.4 billion. As of December 31, 2006, the Bank had $388.2 million or 27.2% in non-interest bearing demand deposits; $190.5 million or 13.3% in money market and NOW accounts; $76.8 million or 5.4% in savings accounts; $91.8 million or 6.4% in time deposits less than $100,000; and $682.1 million or 47.7% in time deposits of more than $100,000. As of December 31, 2006, the State of California had a time deposit of $75.0 million with the Bank.

 

The Bank also offers international banking services activities such as letters of credit, acceptances and wire transfers, and merchant deposit services, travelers’ checks, debit cards and safe deposit boxes.

 

The Bank provides Internet banking services to allow its customers to access their loan and deposit accounts through the Internet. Customers can obtain transaction history and account information, transfer funds between the Bank’s accounts and process bill payments. The Bank implemented real-time online Internet banking on April 2005.

 

The Company does not hold any patents or licenses (other than licenses required to be obtained from appropriate bank regulatory agencies), franchises or concessions. The Bank’s business is generally not seasonal. Federal, state and local environmental regulations have not had any material effect upon our capital expenses, earnings or competitive position.

 

For 2006, income from commercial loans secured by first deeds of trust on real estate properties, income from commercial loans, interest on investments and service charges on deposit accounts generated approximately 54.0%, 20.1%, 7.1% and 5.9%, respectively, of our total revenues. The Bank is not dependent on a single customer or group of related customers for a material portion of our deposits or loans, nor is a material portion of our loans concentrated within a single industry or group of related industries. Most of our customers are concentrated in the greater Los Angeles area but efforts have been made in the last several years to diversify the geographic risk with branches in Chicago and Seattle and LPO’s strategically located throughout the country.

 

The Company has not engaged in any material research activities relating to the development of new services or the improvement of existing banking services during the last three fiscal years. However, the Bank, with its officers and employees, is engaged continually in marketing activities, including the evaluation and development of new services, which enable it to retain and improve our competitive position in our service area.

 

Recent Developments

 

In October 2006, the Company announced that President and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Seon-Hong Kim, would not seek renewal of his contract. On January 10, 2007, the board of directors of the Company named Mr. Jae Whan Yoo to the positions of President and Chief Executive Officer, replacing Mr. Kim. (See Note 13 to the Financial Statements in Item 8 herein.)

 

On February 5, 2007, Patrick Hartman submitted his resignation as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Center Financial Corporation and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Center Bank. Mr. Hartman’s resignation is effective upon the filing of this Form 10K. The Company has retained Lonny D. Robinson, age 49, to serve as interim Chief Financial Officer until a permanent successor is named.

 

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Recent Accounting Pronouncements

 

For information regarding the recently issued accounting standards, see Note 2, entitled “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies,” to the Company’s consolidated financial statements presented elsewhere herein.

 

Competition

 

The current banking business and intended future strategic market areas are highly competitive with respect to virtually all products and services and have become increasingly so in recent years. While the Bank’s primary market area is generally dominated by a relatively small number of major banks with many offices operating over a wide geographic area, the Bank’s direct competitors in the niche markets tend to be equal or smaller size community banks, which also focus their business strategy on the Korean-American consumers and businesses.

 

There is significant competition within this specific market. In the greater Los Angeles metropolitan area, the Bank’s main competitors are locally owned and operated Korean-American banks and subsidiaries of Korean banks. These competitors have branches located in many of the same neighborhoods as the Bank, provide similar types of products and services, and use the same Korean language publications and media for their marketing purposes.

 

A less significant source of competition in the Los Angeles metropolitan area is a small number of branches of major banks which maintain a limited bilingual staff for Korean-speaking customers. While such banks have not traditionally focused their marketing efforts on the Bank’s customer base in Southern California, the competitive influence of these major bank branches could increase in the event they choose to focus on this market. Large commercial bank competitors have, among other advantages, the ability to finance wide-ranging and effective advertising campaigns and to allocate their investment resources to areas of highest yield and demand. Many of the major banks operating in our market area offer certain services, which the Bank does not offer directly (some of which the Bank can offer through the use of correspondent institutions). By virtue of their greater total capitalization, such banks also have substantially higher lending limits than the Bank.

 

In addition to other banks, competitors include savings institutions, credit unions, and numerous non-banking institutions, such as finance companies, leasing companies, insurance companies, brokerage firms, and investment banking firms. In recent years, increased competition has also developed from specialized finance and non-finance companies that offer money market and mutual funds, wholesale finance, credit card, and other consumer finance services, including on-line banking services and personal finance software. Strong competition for deposit and loan products affects the rates of those products as well as the terms on which they are offered to customers. To the extent that the Bank is affected by more general competitive trends in the industry, those trends are towards increased consolidation and competition. Strong, unregulated competitors have entered banking markets with strategies directly targeted at the Bank’s customers. Many largely unregulated competitors are able to compete across geographic boundaries and provide customers increasing access to meaningful alternatives to banking services in nearly all-significant products. Consolidation of the banking industry has placed additional pressure on surviving community banks within the industry to streamline their operations, reduce expenses and increase revenues to remain competitive. Competition has also intensified due to federal and state interstate banking laws, which permit banking organizations to expand geographically, and the California market has been particularly attractive to out-of-state institutions.

 

Technological innovations have also resulted in increased competition in the financial services industry. Such innovations have, for example, made it possible for non-depository institutions to offer customers automated transfer payment services that previously have been considered traditional banking products. In addition, many customers now expect a choice of several delivery systems and channels, including telephone, mail, home computer, ATM’S, self-service branches and/or in-store branches. Other sources of competition for such hi-tech products include savings associations, credit unions, brokerage firms, money market and other mutual funds, asset management groups, finance and insurance companies, and mortgage banking firms.

 

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In order to compete with the other financial services providers, the Bank provides quality, personalized, friendly service and fast decision making to better serve our customers’ needs. For customers whose loan demands exceed the Bank’s lending limit, the Bank has attempted to establish relationships with correspondent banks for the development of such loans on a participation basis. The Bank also maintains an international trade finance department to meet the growing needs of the business communities within our niche market. In order to compete on the technological front, the Bank offers Internet banking services to allow its customers to access their loan and deposit accounts through the Internet. Customers can obtain transaction history and account information, transfer funds between bank accounts and process bill payments.

 

The market for the origination of SBA loans is highly competitive. With respect to the origination of SBA loans, the Bank competes with other small, mid-size and major banks in the geographic areas in which our full service branches are located. The Bank also has nine LPOs, all of which emphasize SBA loans. Because these loans are largely broker-driven, the Bank also competes with banks located outside of our immediate geographic area. As the Bank has been designated a Preferred SBA Lender with the full loan approval authority on behalf of the SBA, our LPOs are able to provide a faster response to loan requests than competitors that are not Preferred SBA Lenders. In order to compete in this highly competitive market, the Bank places greater emphasis on making SBA loans to minority-owned businesses.

 

Unlike the market for the origination of SBA loans, the secondary market for SBA loans is currently a seller’s market. To date, the Bank has had no difficulty in the resale of SBA loans within the secondary market. However, there is no assurance that this condition will continue to last or that the secondary market for SBA loans will be available in the future.

 

Employees

 

As of December 31, 2006, the Bank had 344 full-time equivalent employees.

 

Supervision and Regulation

 

Both federal and state law extensively regulates bank holding companies. These regulations are intended primarily for the protection of depositors and the deposit insurance fund and not for the benefit of shareholders. The following is a summary of particular statutes and regulations affecting Center Financial and Center Bank. This summary is qualified in its entirety by the statutes and regulations.

 

Regulation of Center Financial Corporation Generally

 

Center Financial’s stock is traded on the NASDAQ Global Market under the symbol CLFC, and as such the Company is subject to NASDAQ rules and regulations including those related to corporate governance. Center Financial is also subject to the periodic reporting requirements of Section 13 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”), which requires us to file annual, quarterly, current and other reports with the SEC. The Company is also subject to additional regulations including, but not limited to, the proxy and tender offer rules promulgated by the SEC under Sections 13 and 14 of the Exchange Act; the reporting requirements of directors, executive officers and principal shareholders regarding transactions in Center Financial’s common stock and short-swing profits rules promulgated by the SEC under Section 16 of the Exchange Act; and certain additional reporting requirements to the Company’s principal shareholders promulgated by the SEC under Section 13 of the Exchange Act.

 

Center Financial is a bank holding company within the meaning of the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956 and is registered as such with the Federal Reserve Board. A bank holding company is required to file with the Federal Reserve Board annual reports and other information regarding its business operations and those of its subsidiaries. It is also subject to examination by the Federal Reserve Board and is required to obtain Federal Reserve Board approval before acquiring, directly or indirectly, ownership or control of any voting shares of any

 

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bank if, after such acquisition, it would directly or indirectly own or control more than 5% of the voting stock of that bank, unless it already owns a majority of the voting stock of that bank.

 

The Federal Reserve Board has determined by regulation certain activities in which a bank holding company may or may not conduct business. A bank holding company must engage, with certain exceptions, in the business of banking or managing or controlling banks or furnishing services to or performing services for its subsidiary banks. The permissible activities and affiliations of certain bank holding companies have been expanded.

 

Center Financial and Center Bank are deemed to be affiliates of each other within the meaning set forth in the Federal Reserve Act and are subject to Sections 23A and 23B of the Federal Reserve Act. This means, for example, that there are limitations on loans by the Bank to affiliates, and that all affiliate transactions must satisfy certain limitations and otherwise be on terms and conditions at least as favorable to the Bank as would be available for non-affiliates.

 

The Federal Reserve Board has a policy that bank holding companies must serve as a source of financial and managerial strength to their subsidiary banks. It is the Federal Reserve Bank’s position that bank holding companies should stand ready to use their available resources to provide adequate capital to their subsidiary banks during periods of financial stress or adversity. Bank holding companies should also maintain the financial flexibility and capital-raising capacity to obtain additional resources for assisting their subsidiary banks.

 

The Federal Reserve Board also has the authority to regulate bank holding companies’ debt, including the authority to impose interest rate ceilings and reserve requirements on such debt. Under certain circumstances, the Federal Reserve Board may require a bank holding company to file written notice and obtain its approval prior to purchasing or redeeming our equity securities, unless certain conditions are met.

 

Regulation of Center Bank Generally

 

As a California state-chartered bank whose accounts are insured by the FDIC up to the maximum limits thereof, the Bank is subject to regulation, supervision and regular examination by the California Department of Financial Institutions (“DFI”) and the FDIC. In addition, while the Bank is not a member of the Federal Reserve System, the Bank is subject to certain regulations of the Federal Reserve Board. The regulations of these agencies govern most aspects of our business, including the making of periodic reports, and activities relating to dividends, investments, loans, borrowings, capital requirements, certain check-clearing activities, branching, mergers and acquisitions, reserves against deposits and numerous other areas. Supervision, legal action and examination by the FDIC are generally intended to protect depositors and are not intended for the protection of shareholders.

 

The earnings and growth of the Bank are largely dependent on its ability to maintain a favorable differential or “spread” between the yield on its interest-earning assets and the rate paid on its deposits and other interest-bearing liabilities. As a result, the Bank’s performance is influenced by general economic conditions, both domestic and foreign, the monetary and fiscal policies of the federal government and the policies of the regulatory agencies, particularly the Federal Reserve Board. The Federal Reserve Board implements national monetary policies (such as seeking to curb inflation and combat recession) by its open-market operations in United States Government securities, by adjusting the required level of reserves for financial institutions subject to its reserve requirements and by varying the discount rate applicable to borrowings by banks which are members of the Federal Reserve System. The actions of the Federal Reserve Board in these areas influence the growth of bank loans, investments and deposits and also affect interest rates charged on loans and deposits. The nature and impact of any future changes in monetary policies cannot be predicted.

 

Capital Adequacy Requirements

 

Center Financial and Center Bank are subject to the regulations of the Federal Reserve Board and the FDIC, respectively, governing capital adequacy. Each of the federal regulators has established risk-based and leverage

 

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capital guidelines for the banks or bank holding companies it regulates, which set total capital requirements and define capital in terms of “core capital elements,” or Tier 1 capital; and “supplemental capital elements,” or Tier 2 capital. Tier 1 capital is generally defined as the sum of the core capital elements less goodwill and certain other deductions, notably the unrealized net gains or losses (after tax adjustments) on available for sale investment securities carried at fair market value. The following items are defined as core capital elements: (i) common shareholders’ equity; (ii) qualifying noncumulative perpetual preferred stock and related surplus; and (iii) minority interests in the equity accounts of consolidated subsidiaries. Supplementary capital elements include: (i) allowance for loan and lease losses (but not more than 1.25% of an institution’s risk-weighted assets); (ii) perpetual preferred stock and related surplus not qualifying as core capital; (iii) hybrid capital instruments, perpetual debt and mandatory convertible debt instruments; and (iv) term subordinated debt and intermediate-term preferred stock and related surplus. The maximum amount of supplemental capital elements, that qualifies as Tier 2 capital is limited to 100% of Tier 1 capital, net of goodwill.

 

The minimum required ratio of qualifying total capital to total risk-weighted assets is 8.0% (“Total Risk-Based Capital Ratio”), at least one-half of which must be in the form of Tier 1 capital, and the minimum required ratio of Tier 1 capital to total risk-weighted assets is 4.0% (“Tier 1 Risk-Based Capital Ratio”). Risk-based capital ratios are calculated to provide a measure of capital that reflects the degree of risk associated with a banking organization’s operations for both transactions reported on the statements of financial condition as assets, and transactions, such as letters of credit and recourse arrangements, which are recorded as off-balance sheet items. Under the risk-based capital guidelines, the nominal dollar amounts of assets and credit-equivalent amounts of off-balance sheet items are multiplied by one of several risk adjustment percentages, which range from 0% for assets with low credit risk, such as certain U. S. Treasury securities, to 100% for assets with relatively high credit risk, such as business loans. As of December 31, 2006 and 2005, the Bank’s Total Risk-Based Capital Ratios were 10.46% and 10.78%, respectively, and its Tier 1 Risk-Based Capital Ratios were 9.37% and 9.72%, respectively. As of December 31, 2006 and 2005, the Company’s consolidated Total Risk-Based Capital Ratios were 10.54% and 10.76%, respectively, and its Tier 1 Risk-Based Capital Ratios were 9.45% and 9.70%, respectively.

 

The risk-based capital requirements also take into account concentrations of credit involving collateral or loan type and the risks of “non-traditional” activities (those that have not customarily been part of the banking business). The regulations require institutions with high or inordinate levels of risk to operate with higher minimum capital standards, and authorize the regulators to review an institution’s management of such risks in assessing an institution’s capital adequacy.

 

Additionally, the regulatory Statements of Policy on risk-based capital include exposure to interest rate risk as a factor that the regulators will consider in evaluating an institution’s capital adequacy, although interest rate risk does not impact the calculation of risk-based capital ratios. Interest rate risk is the exposure of a bank’s current and future earnings and equity capital arising from adverse movements in interest rates. While interest rate risk is inherent in a bank’s role as financial intermediary, it introduces volatility to bank earnings and to the economic value of the bank or bank holding company.

 

The FDIC and Federal Reserve Board risk-based capital guidelines are based upon the 1988 capital accord of the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision (the “BIS”). The BIS is a committee of central banks and bank supervisors/regulators from the major industrialized countries that develops broad policy guidelines that each country’s supervisors can use to determine the supervisory policies they apply. The BIS has been working for a number of years on revisions to the 1988 capital accord and in June 2004 released the final version of its proposed new capital framework, with an update in November 2005 (“BIS II”). BIS II provides two approaches for setting capital standards for credit risk—an internal ratings-based approach tailored to individual institutions’ circumstances (which for many asset classes is itself broken into a “foundation” approach and an “advanced” or “A-IRB” approach, the availability of which is subject to additional restrictions) and a standardized approach that bases risk weightings on external credit assessments to a much greater extent than permitted in existing risk-based capital guidelines. BIS II also would set capital requirements for operational risk and refine the existing capital requirements for market risk exposures.

 

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The U.S. banking and thrift agencies are developing proposed revisions to their existing capital adequacy regulations and standards based on BIS II. In September 2006, the agencies issued a notice of proposed rulemaking setting forth a definitive proposal for implementing BIS II in the United States that would apply only to internationally active banking organizations—defined as those with consolidated total assets of $250 billion or more or consolidated on-balance sheet foreign exposures of $10 billion or more—but that other U.S. banking organizations could elect but would not be required to apply. In December 2006 the agencies issued a notice of proposed rulemaking describing proposed amendments to their existing risk-based capital guidelines to make them more risk-sensitive, generally following aspects of the standardized approach of BIS II. These latter proposed amendments, often referred to as “BIS I-A”, would apply to banking organizations that are not internationally active banking organizations subject to the A-IRB approach for internationally active banking organizations and do not “opt in” to that approach. The comment periods for both of the agencies’ notices of proposed rulemakings expire on March 26, 2007. The agencies have indicated their intent to have the A-IRB provisions for internationally active U.S. banking organizations first become effective in March 2009 and that those provisions and the BIS I-A provisions for others will be implemented on similar timeframes.

 

Center Financial is not an internationally active banking organization and has not made a determination as to whether, as a stand-alone institution, it would opt to apply the A-IRB provisions applicable to internationally active U.S. banking organizations once they become effective.

 

The FDIC and the Federal Reserve Board also require the maintenance of a leverage capital ratio designed to supplement the risk-based capital guidelines. Banks and bank holding companies that have received the highest rating of the five categories used by regulators to rate such institutions and are not anticipating or experiencing any significant growth must maintain a ratio of Tier 1 capital (net of all intangibles) to adjusted total assets (“Leverage Capital Ratio”) of at least 3%. All other institutions are required to maintain a leverage ratio of at least 100 to 200 basis points above the 3% minimum, for a minimum of 4% to 5%. Pursuant to federal regulations, banking institutions must maintain capital levels commensurate with the level of risk to which they are exposed, including the volume and severity of problem loans, and federal regulators may set, however, higher capital requirements when an institution’s particular circumstances warrant. As of December 31, 2006, all Center Financial’s regulatory ratios exceeded regulatory minimums.

 

On March 1, 2005, the Federal Reserve Board adopted a final rule that allows the continued inclusion of trust-preferred securities in the Tier I capital of bank holding companies. However, under the final rule, after a five-year transition period, the aggregate amount of trust preferred securities and certain other capital elements that could qualify as Tier I capital would be limited to 25 percent of Tier I capital elements, net of goodwill. Trust preferred securities currently make up 11.5% of the Company’s Tier I capital.

 

The following table sets forth Center Financial’s and the Bank’s capital ratios at December 31, 2006 and 2005:

 

Risk Based Ratios

 

     2006     2005  
   Center Financial
Corporation
    Center Bank     Center Financial
Corporation
    Center Bank  

Total Capital (to Risk-Weighted Assets)

   10.54 %   10.46 %   10.76 %   10.78 %

Tier 1 Capital (to Risk-Weighted Assets)

   9.45 %   9.37 %   9.70 %   9.72 %

Tier 1 Capital (to Average Assets)

   8.62 %   8.55 %   8.21 %   8.22 %

 

Prompt Corrective Action Provisions

 

Federal law requires each federal banking agency to take prompt corrective action to resolve the problems of insured financial institutions, including but not limited to those that fall below one or more prescribed

 

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minimum capital ratios. The federal banking agencies have defined by regulation the following five capital categories: “Well capitalized” (Total Risk-Based Capital Ratio of 10%; Tier 1 Risk-Based Capital Ratio of 6%; and Leverage Ratio of 5%); “adequately capitalized” (Total Risk-Based Capital Ratio of 8%; Tier 1 Risk-Based Capital Ratio of 4%; and Leverage Ratio of 4%) (or 3% if the institution receives the highest rating from its primary regulator); “undercapitalized” (Total Risk-Based Capital Ratio of less than 8%; Tier 1 Risk-Based Capital Ratio of less than 4%; or Leverage Ratio of less than 4%) (or 3% if the institution receives the highest rating from its primary regulator); “significantly undercapitalized” (Total Risk-Based Capital Ratio of less than 6%; Tier 1 Risk-Based Capital Ratio of less than 3%; or Leverage Ratio less than 3%); and “critically undercapitalized” (tangible equity to total assets less than 2%). As of December 31, 2006 and 2005, Center Bank was deemed “well capitalized” for regulatory purposes. A bank may be treated as though it were in the next lower capital category if after notice and the opportunity for a hearing, the appropriate federal agency finds an unsafe or unsound condition or practice so warrants, but no bank may be treated as “critically undercapitalized” unless its actual capital ratio warrants such treatment.

 

At each successively lower capital category, an insured bank is subject to increased restrictions on its operations. For example, a bank is generally prohibited from paying management fees to any controlling persons or from making capital distributions if to do so would make the bank “undercapitalized.” Asset growth and branching restrictions apply to undercapitalized banks, which are required to submit written capital restoration plans meeting specified requirements (including a guarantee by the parent holding company, if any). “Significantly undercapitalized” banks are subject to broad regulatory authority, including among other things, capital directives, forced mergers, restrictions on the rates of interest they may pay on deposits, restrictions on asset growth and activities and prohibitions on paying bonuses or increasing compensation to senior executive officers without FDIC approval. Even more severe restrictions apply to critically undercapitalized banks. Most importantly, except under limited circumstances, not later than 90 days after an insured bank becomes critically undercapitalized, the appropriate federal banking agency is required to appoint a conservator or receiver for the bank.

 

In addition to measures taken under the prompt corrective action provisions, insured banks may be subject to potential actions by the federal regulators for unsafe or unsound practices in conducting their businesses or for violations of any law, rule, regulation or any condition imposed in writing by the agency or any written agreement with the agency. Enforcement actions may include the issuance of cease and desist orders, termination of insurance of deposits (in the case of a bank), the imposition of civil money penalties, the issuance of directives to increase capital, formal and informal agreements, or removal and prohibition orders against “institution-affiliated” parties.

 

Safety and Soundness Standards

 

The federal banking agencies have also adopted guidelines establishing safety and soundness standards for all insured depository institutions. Those guidelines relate to internal controls, information systems, internal audit systems, loan underwriting and documentation, compensation and interest rate exposure. In general, the standards are designed to assist the federal banking agencies in identifying and addressing problems at insured depository institutions before capital becomes impaired. If an institution fails to meet these standards, the appropriate federal banking agency may require the institution to submit a compliance plan and institute enforcement proceedings if an acceptable compliance plan is not submitted.

 

Premiums for Deposit Insurance

 

The Bank’s deposits are insured under the Federal Deposit Insurance Act, up to the maximum applicable limits by the Deposit Insurance Fund (“DIF”) of the FDIC and are subject to deposit insurance assessments to maintain the DIF. Center Bank paid no deposit insurance assessments on its deposits under the risk-based assessment system utilized by the FDIC through December 31, 2006. In November 2006 the FDIC adopted a new risk-based insurance assessment system effective January 1, 2007 designed to tie what banks pay for deposit

 

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insurance more closely to the risks they pose. The FDIC also adopted a new base schedule of rates that the FDIC can adjust up or down, depending on the needs of the DIF, and set initial premiums for 2007 that range from 5 cents per $100 of domestic deposits in the lowest risk category to 43 cents per $100 of domestic deposits for banks in the highest risk category. The new assessment system is expected to result in increased annual assessments on the deposits of Center Bank of 5 to 7 basis points per $100 of domestic deposits. An FDIC credit available to Center Bank for prior contributions is expected to offset the assessments for 2007 and may offset some or all assessments thereafter. Significant increases in the insurance assessments of our Bank will increase our costs once the credit is fully utilized.

 

In addition, banks must pay an amount, which fluctuates but is currently 1.22 cents per $100 of insured deposits, for the first quarter of 2007, towards the retirement of the Financing Corporation bonds issued in the 1980’s to assist in the recovery of the savings and loan industry. Recently enacted legislation potentially could affect the premium in the future.

 

Community Reinvestment Act

 

Center Bank is subject to certain requirements and reporting obligations involving Community Reinvestment Act (“CRA”) activities. The CRA generally requires the federal banking agencies to evaluate the record of a financial institution in meeting the credit needs of its local communities, including low and moderate-income neighborhoods. The CRA further requires the agencies to take a financial institution’s record of meeting its community credit needs into account when evaluating applications for, among other things, domestic branches, consummating mergers or acquisitions, or holding company formations. In measuring a bank’s compliance with its CRA obligations, the regulators utilize a performance-based evaluation system which bases CRA ratings on the bank’s actual lending service and investment performance, rather than on the extent to which the institution conducts needs assessments, documents community outreach activities or complies with other procedural requirements. In connection with its assessment of CRA performance, the FDIC assigns a rating of “outstanding,” “satisfactory,” “needs to improve” or “substantial noncompliance.” Center Bank was last examined for CRA compliance in 2006 and received a “satisfactory” CRA Assessment Rating.

 

Other Consumer Protection Laws and Regulations

 

Bank regulatory agencies are increasingly focusing attention on compliance with consumer protection laws and regulations. Examination and enforcement has become intense, and banks have been advised to carefully monitor compliance with various consumer protection laws and related regulations. The Federal Interagency Task Force on Fair Lending issued a policy statement on discrimination in home mortgage lending describing three methods that federal agencies will use to prove discrimination: overt evidence of discrimination, evidence of disparate treatment, and evidence of disparate impact. In addition to CRA and fair lending requirements, Center Bank is subject to numerous other federal consumer protection statutes and regulations. Due to heightened regulatory concern related to compliance with consumer protection laws and regulations generally, Center Bank may incur additional compliance costs or be required to expend additional funds for investments in the local communities it serves.

 

Interstate Banking and Branching

 

The Riegle-Neal Interstate Banking and Branching Efficiency Act of 1994 (the “Interstate Banking Act”) regulates the interstate activities of banks and bank holding companies and establishes a framework for nationwide interstate banking and branching. Since June 1, 1997, a bank in one state has generally been permitted to merge with a bank in another state without the need for explicit state law authorization. However, states were given the ability to prohibit interstate mergers with banks in their own state by “opting-out” (enacting state legislation applying equality to all out-of-state banks prohibiting such mergers) prior to June 1, 1997.

 

Since 1995, adequately capitalized and managed bank holding companies have been permitted to acquire banks located in any state, subject to two exceptions: first, any state may still prohibit bank holding companies

 

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from acquiring a bank which is less than five years old; and second, no interstate acquisition can be consummated by a bank holding company if the acquirer would control more than 10% of the deposits held by insured depository institutions nationwide or 30% percent or more of the deposits held by insured depository institutions in any state in which the target bank has branches.

 

A bank may establish and operate de novo branches in any state in which the bank does not maintain a branch if that state has enacted legislation to expressly permit all out-of-state banks to establish branches in that state.

 

In 1995, California enacted legislation to implement important provisions of the Interstate Banking Act discussed above and to repeal California’s previous interstate banking laws, which were largely preempted by the Interstate Banking Act.

 

The changes effected by the Interstate Banking Act and California laws have increased competition in the environment in which Center Bank operates to the extent that out-of-state financial institutions directly or indirectly enter Center Bank’s market areas. It appears that the Interstate Banking Act has contributed to the accelerated consolidation of the banking industry. While many large out-of-state banks have already entered the California market as a result of this legislation, it is not possible to predict the precise impact of this legislation on Center Bank and Center Financial and the competitive environment in which they operate.

 

USA Patriot Act of 2001

 

On October 26, 2001, President Bush signed the USA Patriot Act of 2001 (the “Patriot Act”). Enacted in response to the terrorist attacks in New York, Pennsylvania and Washington, D.C. on September 11, 2001, the Patriot Act is intended to strengthen U.S. law enforcement’s and the intelligence communities’ ability to work cohesively to combat terrorism on a variety of fronts. The impact of the Patriot Act on financial institutions of all kinds has been significant and wide ranging. The Patriot Act substantially enhanced existing anti-money laundering and financial transparency laws, and required appropriate regulatory authorities to adopt rules to promote cooperation among financial institutions, regulators, and law enforcement entities in identifying parties that may be involved in terrorism or money laundering. Under the Patriot Act, financial institutions are subject to prohibitions regarding specified financial transactions and account relationships, as well as enhanced due diligence and “know your customer” standards in their dealings with foreign financial institutions and foreign customers. For example, the enhanced due diligence policies, procedures, and controls generally require financial institutions to take reasonable steps:

 

   

to conduct enhanced scrutiny of account relationships to guard against money laundering and report any suspicious transactions;

 

   

to ascertain the identity of the nominal and beneficial owners of, and the source of funds deposited into, each account as needed to guard against money laundering and report any suspicious transactions;

 

   

to ascertain for any foreign bank, the shares of which are not publicly traded, the identity of the owners of the foreign bank, and the nature and extent of the ownership interest of each such owner; and

 

   

to ascertain whether any foreign bank provides correspondent accounts to other foreign banks and, if so, the identity of those foreign banks and related due diligence information.

 

The Patriot Act also requires all financial institutions to establish anti-money laundering programs, which must include, at minimum:

 

   

the development of internal policies, procedures, and controls;

 

   

the designation of a compliance officer;

 

   

an ongoing employee training program; and

 

   

an independent audit function to test the programs.

 

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To fulfill the requirements, the Bank expanded its BSA Compliance Department and intensified due diligence procedures concerning the opening of new accounts. The Bank also implemented new systems and procedures to identify suspicious activity reports and report to the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (“FINCEN”). The cost of additional staff in the BSA Compliance Department and the system enhancement described above was reflected in the statements of operations for the years ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004.

 

The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 

The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (“Sarbanes-Oxley”) was enacted to increase corporate responsibility, provide for enhanced penalties for accounting and auditing improprieties at publicly traded companies and protect investors by improving the accuracy and reliability of disclosures pursuant to the securities laws. Sarbanes-Oxley includes important new requirements for public companies in the areas of financial disclosure, corporate governance, and the independence, composition and responsibilities of audit committees. Among other things, Sarbanes-Oxley mandates chief executive and chief financial officer certifications of periodic financial reports, additional financial disclosures concerning off-balance sheet items, and speedier transaction reporting requirements for executive officers, directors and 10% shareholders. In addition, penalties for non-compliance with the Exchange Act were heightened. SEC rules promulgated pursuant to Sarbanes-Oxley impose obligations and restrictions on auditors and audit committees intended to enhance their independence from management, and include extensive additional disclosure, corporate governance and other related rules. Sarbanes-Oxley represents significant federal involvement in matters traditionally left to state regulatory systems, such as the regulation of the accounting profession, and to state corporate law, such as the relationship between a board of directors and management and between a board of directors and its committees.

 

The Company has incurred, and expects to continue to incur, significant costs in connection with its compliance with Sarbanes-Oxley, particularly with Section 404 thereof, which requires management to undertake an assessment of the adequacy and effectiveness of the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting and requires the Company’s auditors to attest to, and report on, management’s assessment and the operating effectiveness of these controls. SOX 404 compliance expenses, paid to third parties, were approximately $314,000, $287,000 and $835,000 for 2006, 2005 and 2004, respectively.

 

Memorandum of Understanding

 

On May 10, 2005, Center Bank entered into a memorandum of understanding (the “MOU”) with the FDIC and the DFI. The MOU is an informal administrative agreement primarily concerning the Bank’s compliance with Bank Secrecy Act (“BSA”) regulations. In accordance with the MOU, the Bank agreed to (i) implement a written action plan, policies and procedures, and comprehensive independent compliance testing to ensure compliance with all BSA-related rules and regulations; (ii) correct any apparent BSA violations previously disclosed by the FDIC; (iii) develop the expertise to ensure that generally accepted accounting principles and regulatory reporting guidelines are observed in all of the Bank’s financial transactions and reporting; and (iv) furnish written quarterly progress reports to the FDIC and the DFI detailing the form and manner of any actions taken to secure compliance with the memorandum and the results thereof. The MOU will remain in effect until modified or terminated by the FDIC and DFI and may have the effect of limiting or delaying the Bank’s ability or plans to expand.

 

Other Pending and Proposed Legislation

 

Other legislative and regulatory initiatives, which could affect Center Financial, Center Bank and the banking industry, in general are pending, and additional initiatives may be proposed or introduced, before the United States Congress, the California legislature and other governmental bodies in the future. Such proposals, if enacted, may further alter the structure, regulation and competitive relationship among financial institutions, and may subject Center Bank and Center Financial to increased regulation, disclosure and reporting requirements. In addition, the various banking regulatory agencies often adopt new rules and regulations to implement and enforce existing legislation. It cannot be predicted whether, or in what form, any such legislation or regulations may be enacted or the extent to which the business of Center Financial or Center Bank would be affected thereby.

 

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ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

 

You should carefully consider the following risk factors and all other information contained in this Annual Report before making investment decisions concerning the Company’s common stock. The risks and uncertainties described below are not the only ones the Company faces. Additional risks and uncertainties not presently known to the Bank or that the Bank currently believes are immaterial but may also impair the Bank’s business. If any of the events described in the following risk factors occur, the Bank’s business, results of operations and financial condition could be materially adversely affected. In addition, the trading price of the Company’s common stock could decline due to any of the events described in these risks.

 

Poor economic conditions or natural disasters in California may cause us to suffer higher default rates on our loans.

 

A substantial majority of the Bank’s loans are generated in the greater Los Angeles area in Southern California. As a result, any poor economic conditions in the Los Angeles area could cause us to incur losses associated with higher default rates and decreased collateral values in our loan portfolio. The Los Angeles area has, at times, experienced stagnant economic activity in line with slowdowns California.

 

Concentrations of real estate loans could subject us to increased risks in the event of a real estate recession or natural disaster.

 

Approximately $1.0 billion or 66.9% of the Bank’s loan portfolio as of December 31, 2006, and $776.7 million or 62.8% of the Bank’s loan portfolio as of December 31, 2005, were concentrated in commercial real estate loans. Of this amount, $279.2 million represented loans secured by industrial buildings, and $184.5 million represented loans secured by retail shopping centers as of December 31, 2006. Although commercial loans generally provide for higher interest rates and shorter terms than single-family residential loans, such loans generally involve a higher degree of risk, as the ability of borrowers to repay these loans is often dependent upon the profitability of the borrowers’ businesses. An increase in the percentage of Nonperforming assets in commercial real estate, commercial and industrial loan portfolios may have a material impact on the Bank’s financial condition and results of operations, by reducing the Bank’s income, increasing the Bank’s expenses, and leaving less cash available for lending and other activities.

 

As the primary collateral for many of the Bank’s loans rests on commercial real estate properties, a downturn in real estate values in the greater Southern California region could negatively impact us by providing us with decreased collateral values in the Bank’s loan portfolio. In the early 1990s, the entire state of California experienced an economic recession, particularly impacting real estate values that resulted in increases in the level of delinquencies and losses for many of the state’s financial institutions. If any similar real estate recession affecting the Bank’s market areas should occur in the future, the security for many of the Bank’s loans could be reduced and the ability of many of the Bank’s borrowers to pay could decline. Similarly, the occurrence of a natural disaster like those California has experienced in the past, including earthquakes, brush fires, and flooding, could impair the value of the collateral the Bank holds for real estate secured loans and negatively impact the Bank’s results of operations. The Southern California real estate market ended 2006 with declining prices and a slower sales pace. If real estate sales and appreciation continue to weaken, the Bank might experience an increase in the percentage of Nonperforming assets in its commercial real estate and commercial and industrial loan portfolios. Such an increase may have a material impact on the Bank’s financial condition and results of operations, by reducing the Bank’s income, increasing the Bank’s expenses, and leaving less cash available for lending and other activities.

 

The Bank has not experienced any deterioration in the commercial real estate loan portfolio during 2006. (See “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Financial Condition —Nonperforming Assets”).

 

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The Bank may incur additional costs for environmental clean up.

 

The cost of cleaning up, paying damages or penalties associated with environmental problems could increase the Bank’s operating expenses. If a borrower defaults on a loan secured by real property, the Bank will often purchase the property in foreclosure or accept a deed to the property surrendered by the borrower. The Bank also could be compelled to assume the management responsibilities of commercial properties whose owners have defaulted on their loans. The Bank also leases premises for its branch operations and corporate office in locations where environmental problems may exist. Although the Bank has lending and facility leasing guidelines intended to identify properties with an unreasonable risk of contamination, hazardous substances may exist on some of these properties. As a result, environmental laws could force the Bank to clean up the hazardous waste located on these properties (at the Bank’s expense) and cost might exceed their fair market value. Further, even if environmental laws did not hold the Bank responsible for the environmental clean up of such properties, it might be difficult or impossible to sell properties until the environmental problems were remediated.

 

The Bank may experience loan losses in excess of its allowance for loan losses.

 

The Bank maintains an allowance for loan losses at a level it believes is adequate to absorb any inherent losses in the loan portfolio. However, changes in economic, operating and other conditions, including changes in interest rates that are beyond the Bank’s control may cause its actual loan losses to exceed current allowance estimates. If the actual loan losses exceed the allowance for loan losses, it would aversely affect the Bank’s business. In addition, the FDIC and the California Department of Financial Institutions, as part of their supervisory functions, periodically review the Bank’s allowance for loan losses. Such agencies may require the Bank to increase its provision for loan losses or to recognize further loan losses, based on their judgments, which may be different from those of the Bank’s management. Any increase in the allowance required by the FDIC or the Department of Financial Institutions could also adversely affect the Bank’s business.

 

The Bank tries to limit the risk that borrowers will fail to repay loans by carefully underwriting the loans. Losses nevertheless occur. The Bank establishes a loan loss allowance for probable losses inherent in the loan portfolio as of the statements of financial condition date. The Bank bases allowance on estimates of the following:

 

    industry standards;

 

    historical loss experience;

 

    evaluation of current economic conditions;

 

    assessment of risk factors for loans with exposure to the economies of southern California and Pacific Rim countries;

 

    regular reviews of the quality mix and size of the overall loan portfolio;

 

    regular reviews of delinquencies; and

 

    the quality of the collateral underlying the Bank’s loans.

 

The Bank may have difficulty managing its growth.

 

The Bank’s total assets have increased to $1.8 billion as of December 31, 2006, from $1.7 billion and $1.3 billion as of December 31, 2005 and 2004, respectively. The Bank opened on average, two new branch offices from 2002 through 2005. The Bank intends to investigate other opportunities to open additional branches that would complement the Bank’s existing business as such opportunities may arise; however, the Bank can provide no assurance that it will be able to identify additional locations or open additional branches.

 

The Bank’s ability to manage its growth will depend primarily on its ability to:

 

    monitor operations;

 

    control costs;

 

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maintain positive customer relations; and

 

   

attract, assimilate and retain qualified personnel.

 

If the Bank fails to achieve those objectives in an efficient and timely manner, the Bank may experience interruptions and dislocations in its business, which could substantially increase the expenses and negatively impact the ability to retain the Bank’s customers. In addition, such concerns may cause federal and state banking regulators to require us to delay or forgo any proposed growth until such problems have been addressed to the satisfaction of those regulators.

 

The Bank’s earnings are subject to interest rate risk, especially if rates fall.

 

Banking companies’ earnings depend largely on the relationship between the cost of funds, primarily deposits and borrowings, and the yield on earning assets, such as loans and investment securities. This relationship, known as the interest rate spread, is subject to fluctuation and is affected by the monetary policies of the Federal Reserve Board, the international interest rate environment, as well as by economic, regulatory and competitive factors which influence interest rates, the volume and mix of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities, and the level of Nonperforming assets. Many of these factors are beyond the Bank’s control. Fluctuations in interest rates affect the demand of customers for products and services. The Bank is subject to interest rate risk to the degree that interest-bearing liabilities reprice or mature more slowly or more rapidly or on a different basis than interest-earning assets. Given current volume and mix of interest-bearing liabilities and interest-earning assets, interest rate spread could be expected to decrease during times of rising interest rates and, conversely, to increase during times of falling interest rates. Therefore, significant fluctuations in interest rates may have an adverse or a positive effect on results of operations. See “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Interest Rate Risk.”

 

All of the Bank’s lending involves underwriting risks, especially in a competitive lending market.

 

At December 31, 2006, commercial real estate loans represented 66.9% of the Bank’s total loan portfolio; commercial lines and term loans to businesses represented 17.8% of the bank’s total loan portfolio; and SBA loans represented 3.2% of the bank’s total loan portfolio.

 

Real estate lending involves risks associated with the potential decline in the value of underlying real estate collateral and the cash flow from income producing properties. Declines in real estate values and cash flows can be caused by a number of factors, including adversity in general economic conditions, rising interest rates, changes in tax and other governmental and other policies affecting real estate holdings, environmental conditions, governmental and other use restrictions, development of competitive properties, and increasing vacancy rates. The Bank’s dependence on commercial real estate loans increases the risk of loss both in the Bank’s loan portfolio and with respect to any other real estate owned when real estate values decline. The Bank seeks to reduce risk of loss through underwriting and monitoring procedures.

 

Commercial lending, even when secured by the assets of a business, involves considerable risk of loss in the event of failure of the business. To reduce such risk, the Bank typically takes additional security interests in other collateral, such as real property, certificates of deposit or life insurance, and/or obtains personal guarantees.

 

Specific risks associated with SBA lending are discussed in a separate risk factor below.

 

The Bank operates in a highly competitive market, and some of its competitors offer a broader range of services than the Bank provides, and have lower cost structures.

 

The banking business in the Bank’s current and intended future market areas is highly competitive with respect to virtually all products and services. While the Bank’s primary market area is generally dominated by a relatively small number of major banks with many offices operating over a wide geographic area, competitors

 

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also include several locally owned and operated Korean-American banks and their subsidiaries. These other banks have branches located in many of the same neighborhoods as the Bank, provide similar types of products and services and use the same Korean language publications and media for their marketing purposes. There is a high level of competition within this specific market. While major banks have not historically focused their marketing efforts on the Korean-American customer base in Southern California, their competitive influence could increase in the future. Such banks have substantially greater lending limits than the Bank, offer certain services the Bank cannot, and often operate with “economies of scale” that result in lower operating costs than the Bank on a per loan or per asset basis. In addition to competitive factors impacting the bank’s specific market niche, the Bank is affected by more general competitive trends in the banking industry, including intra-state and interstate consolidation, competition from non-bank sources and technological innovations. Many of the Bank’s competitors have advantages conducting certain businesses and providing certain services, and there can be no assurance that the Bank will be able to compete successfully.

 

The Bank also competes with other financial institutions such as savings and loan associations, credit unions, thrift and loan companies, mortgage companies, securities brokerage companies and insurance companies located within and without the Bank’s service area and with quasi-financial institutions such as money market funds for deposits and loans. Financial services are increasingly offered over the Internet on a national and international basis, and the Bank competes with the providers of these services as well. Ultimately, competition can drive down the Bank’s interest margins and reduce profitability. It also can make it more difficult for us to continue to increase the size of the loan portfolio and deposit base. See “—Competition.”

 

Center Financial might not be able to continue to pay cash dividends in the future.

 

As a banking holding company, which currently has no significant assets other than the Company’s equity interest in Center Bank, Center Financial’s ability to pay dividends depends on the dividends it receives from Center Bank. The dividend practice of Center Bank depends on its earnings, financial position, current and anticipated cash requirements and other factors deemed relevant by its board of directors at that time. In addition, during any period in which Center Financial has deferred payment of interest otherwise due and payable on its subordinated debt securities, it may not make any dividends or distributions with respect to our capital stock. See “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Capital Resources.”

 

Center Financial paid quarterly cash dividends of 4 cents per share in 2006, 2005 and 2004 and currently plans to continue to pay cash dividends on a quarterly basis. However, the amount of any such dividend will be determined each quarter by our board of directors in its discretion, based on the factors described in the previous paragraph. No assurance can be given that future performance will justify the payment of dividends in any particular quarter. As a legal entity separate and distinct from its subsidiaries, substantially all of Center Financial’s revenue and cash flow, including funds available for the payment of dividends and other operating expenses, is dependent upon the payment of dividends from its subsidiaries. Dividends payable to Center Financial by Center Bank are restricted under California and federal laws and regulation. See “Item 5. Market for Common Equity and Related Shareholder Matters—Dividends.”

 

The Bank has specific risks associated with Small Business Administration loans.

 

The Bank realized $3.3 million, $2.5 million, and $4.2 million in 2006, 2005 and 2004, respectively, in gains recognized on secondary market on sales of SBA loans. The Bank has regularly sold the guaranteed and unguaranteed portions of these loans in the secondary market in previous years. The Bank can provide no assurance that it will be able to continue originating these loans, or that a secondary market will exist for, or that it will continue to realize premiums upon the sale of the SBA loans. The federal government presently guarantees 75% to 80% of the principal amount of each qualifying SBA loan. The Bank can provide no assurance that the federal government will maintain the SBA program, or if it does, that such guaranteed portion will remain at its current funding level. Furthermore, the Bank can provide no assurance that it will retain the preferred lender

 

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status, which, subject to certain limitations, allows it to approve and fund SBA loans without the necessity of having the loan approved in advance by the SBA, or that if it does, the federal government will not reduce the amount of such loans. The Bank believes that the SBA loan portfolio does not involve more than a normal risk of collectibility. However, since the Bank has sold some of the guaranteed portions of the SBA loan portfolio, the Bank incurs a pro rata credit risk on the non-guaranteed portion of the SBA loans since the Bank shares pro rata with the SBA in any recoveries. In the event of default on an SBA loan, pursuit of remedies against a borrower subject to SBA approval, and where the SBA establishes that its loss is attributable to deficiencies in the manner in which the loan application has been prepared and submitted, the SBA may decline to honor its guarantee with respect to the SBA loans or it may seek the recovery of damages from the Bank. The SBA has never declined to honor its guarantees with respect to its SBA loans, although no assurance can be given that the SBA would not attempt to do so in the future. (See “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Financial Condition—Loan Portfolio—Small Business Administration (SBA) Loans.”)

 

Center Financial’s and Bank’s directors and executive officers control a large amount of the Company’s stock and shareholders’ interests may not always be the same as those of the board and management.

 

As of December 31, 2006, the Company’s directors and executive officers together with their affiliates beneficially owned approximately 25.2% of Company’s outstanding voting stock (not including vested option shares). As a result, if all of these shareholders were to take a common position, they would be able to significantly affect the election of directors as well as the outcome of most corporate actions requiring shareholder approval, such as the approval of mergers or other business combinations. Such concentration may also have the effect of delaying or preventing a change in control of Center Financial.

 

In some situations, the interests of Center Financial’s directors and executive officers may be different from the shareholders. However, Center Financial’s board of directors and executive officers have a fiduciary duty to act in the best interests of the shareholders, rather than in their own best interests, when considering a proposed business combination or any of these types of matters.

 

Provisions contained in Center Financial’s Articles of Incorporation will delay or prevent a change in control of the Company or its management.

 

These provisions include:

 

   

staggered terms of office for members of the board of directors;

 

   

the elimination of cumulative voting in the election of directors; and

 

   

a requirement that the Company’s board of directors consider the potential social and economic effects on the Bank’s employees, depositors, customers and the communities served as well as certain other factors, when evaluating a possible tender offer, merger or other acquisition of Center Financial.

 

These provisions make it more difficult for another company to acquire the Company, which could reduce the market price of the company’s common stock and the price that the shareholder may ultimately receive when their stock is sold.

 

The Company is involved in litigation.

 

From time to time, the Company is involved in litigation. If litigation arises against us, the Company will vigorously enforce and defend its rights. Litigation may result in significant expense to us and divert the efforts of the Company’s management personnel from their day-to-day responsibilities. In addition, in the event of an adverse result in litigation, the Company could also be required to pay substantial damages. The Bank is currently a party to a lawsuit entitled Korea Export Insurance Corporation v. Korea Data Systems (USA), Inc., et al. As a result, the Company’s defense of this lawsuit, regardless of its eventual outcome, will likely be costly and time consuming. For a more detailed discussion of this lawsuit, see “Item 3. Legal Proceedings.”

 

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ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

 

None

 

ITEM 2. PROPERTIES

 

Properties

 

The Company’s headquarters are located at 3435 Wilshire Boulevard, Los Angeles, California 90010. The Bank leases approximately 23,000 square feet, which includes a ground floor branch and administrative offices located on the seventh floor of the building. The lease term expires in 2011. The Bank has an option to renew the lease for an additional five years after expiration of the current lease.

 

As of December 31, 2006, the Bank operated full-service branches at thirteen leased locations (including the branch described in the previous paragraph). Expiration dates of the bank’s leases range from September 2007 to September 2019. Certain properties currently leased have renewal options, which could extend the use of the facility for additional specified terms. In the opinion of Management, all properties are adequately covered by insurance and existing facilities are considered adequate for present and anticipated future use.

 

ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

 

From time to time, the Company is a party to claims and legal proceedings arising in the ordinary course of business. With the exception of the potentially adverse outcome in the litigation described in the next three paragraphs, after taking into consideration information furnished by counsel as to the current status of these claims and proceedings, Management does not believe that the aggregate potential liability resulting from such proceedings would have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition or results of operations.

 

In March 2003, the Bank was served with a complaint filed by Korea Export Insurance Corporation (“KEIC”) in Orange County, California Superior Court, entitled Korea Export Insurance Corporation v. Korea Data Systems (USA), Inc., et al. KEIC is seeking to recover alleged losses from a number of parties involved in international trade transactions that gave rise to bills of exchange financed by various Korean banks but not ultimately paid. KEIC is seeking to recover damages of approximately $56 million from the Bank based on a claim that, in its capacity as a presenting bank for these bills of exchange, the Bank acted negligently in presenting and otherwise handling trade documents for collection.

 

In November 2005, the Orange County Superior Court dismissed all claims of KEIC against the Bank in this action on the grounds that federal courts have exclusive jurisdiction over KEIC’s claims against the Bank. KEIC appealed the dismissal. In response to that judgment of dismissal, KEIC filed a new action against the Bank in federal court asserting the same claims. That federal court action has now been stayed. In December 2006, the Court of Appeals reversed the Orange County Superior Court’s judgment of dismissal and ordered the case remanded back to Orange County Superior Court for trial. Center Bank has filed a petition for review to the California Supreme Court.

 

In July 2006, the Bank was served with cross-claims from a number of Korean banks who are third party defendants in the federal action. Those same banks recently were allowed to file a similar cross-complaint in the Orange County Superior Court action, in response to the Bank’s cross-complaint filed against the Korean banks for fraud and indemnity. The Korean banks are Citibank Korea, Inc. (formerly known as KorAm Bank), Industrial Bank of Korea, Kookmin Bank, Korea Exchange Bank and Hana Bank (hereinafter the Korean Banks). The Korean Banks allege, in both suits, various claims against the Bank and other defendants named in the lawsuits. The claims alleged against the Bank are for breach of contract, negligence, negligent misrepresentation and breach of fiduciary duty in the handling of certain documents against acceptance transactions that occurred in the years 2000 and 2001. The total amount of the claims is approximately $46.1 million plus interest and punitive damages. These claims involve bills of exchange transaction losses which were

 

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not paid by KEIC and are in addition to KEIC’s claims against the Bank in the approximate amount of $56 million originally filed in March of 2003 in state court and now pending in federal court (see above). The Bank believes that it has meritorious defenses to the claims of the Korean Banks. However, if the outcome of this litigation is adverse and the Bank is required to pay significant monetary damages, the Company’s financial condition and results of operations are likely to be materially and adversely affected. Although the Bank believes that it has meritorious defenses and intends to vigorously defend these lawsuits, management cannot predict the outcome of this litigation.

 

ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS

 

Not applicable

 

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PART II

 

ITEM 5. MARKET FOR COMMON EQUITY, RELATED SHAREHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

 

Trading History

 

Center Financial’s common stock has been listed on the NASDAQ Global Market since October 29, 2002 (the day after the completion of the holding company reorganization). The information in the following table indicates the high and low “bid” and “asked” quotations and approximate volume of trading for the Company’s common stock for the periods indicated, based upon information provided by the NASDAQ Stock Market, LLC.

 

Calendar Quarter Ended

   Bid and ask
Quotation of the
Company’s
Common Stock
   Approximate
Trading
Volume
   High    Low   

March 31, 2005

   $ 18.67    $ 17.52    7,043,000

June 30, 2005

     25.49      24.78    7,968,500

September 30, 2005

     23.89      23.25    6,505,000

December 31, 2005

     25.80      25.01    3,507,800

March 31, 2006

     24.37      24.00    3,606,500

June 30, 2006

     24.00      23.45    4,828,800

September 30, 2006

     24.47      23.74    3,884,000

December 31, 2006

     24.25      23.88    3,032,200

 

Holders

 

As of January 31, 2007, there were approximately 126 shareholders of record of the common stock, and about 1,387 street name holders.

 

Dividends

 

As a bank holding company, which currently has no significant assets other than its equity interest in Center Bank, Center Financial’s ability to pay dividends primarily depends upon the dividends received from the Bank. The dividend practice of Center Bank, like the Company’s dividend practice, will depend upon its earnings, financial position, current and anticipated cash requirements and other factors deemed relevant by Center Bank’s board of directors at that time.

 

Beginning in October 2003, Center Financial commenced a new dividend policy paying quarterly cash dividends to its shareholders. In accordance with this policy, Center Financial paid a cash dividend of 4 cents per share in April 2006, July 2006, October 2006 and January 2007, respectively. Center Financial plans to continue to pay quarterly cash dividends in the future, provided that such dividends allow it to continue to meet regulatory capital requirements and are not overly restrictive to its growth capacity. However, no assurance can be given that future earnings and/or growth expectations in any given year will justify the payment of such a dividend and any such dividend will be at the sole discretion of Center Financial’s board of directors.

 

Center Bank’s ability to pay cash dividends is also subject to certain legal limitations. Under California law, banks may declare a cash dividend out of their net profits up to the lesser of retained earnings or the net income for the last three fiscal years (less any distributions made to shareholders during such period), or with the prior written approval of the Commissioner of Financial Institutions, in an amount not exceeding the greatest of (i) the retained earnings of the Bank, (ii) the net income of the Bank for its last fiscal year or (iii) the net income of the Bank for its current fiscal year. In addition, under federal law, banks are prohibited from paying any dividends if after making such payment they would fail to meet any of the minimum regulatory capital requirements. The

 

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federal regulators also have the authority to prohibit banks from engaging in any business practices which are considered to be unsafe or unsound, and in some circumstances the regulators might prohibit the payment of dividends on that basis even though such payments would otherwise be permissible.

 

Center Financial’s ability to pay dividends is also limited by state corporation law. The California General Corporation Law allows dividends to the company’s shareholders if the company’s retained earnings equal at least the amount of the proposed dividend. If the company does not have sufficient retained earnings available for the proposed dividend, the company may still pay a dividend to the company’s shareholders if it meets two conditions after giving effect to the dividend. Those conditions are generally as follows: (i) the company’s assets (exclusive of goodwill and deferred charges) would equal at least 1 1/4 times the company’s liabilities; and (ii) the company’s current assets would equal at least the company’s current liabilities or, if the average of the company’s earnings before taxes on income and before interest expense for two preceding fiscal years was less than the average of the company’s interest expense for such fiscal years, then the company’s current assets must equal at least 1 1/4 times the company’s current liabilities. In addition, during any period in which Center Financial has deferred payment of interest otherwise due and payable on its subordinated debt securities, it may not make any dividends or distributions with respect to its capital stock. See “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Capital Resources.”

 

Securities Authorized for Issuance under Equity Compensation Plans

 

The following table provides information as of December 31, 2006 with respect to options outstanding and available under our 2006 Stock Incentive Plan, which is our only equity compensation plan other than an employee benefit plan meeting the qualification requirements of Section 401(a) of the Internal Revenue Code:

 

Plan Category

   Number of Securities
to be Issued Upon
Exercise of
Outstanding Option
   Weighted-
Average
Exercise Price
of Outstanding
Options
   Number of Securities
Remaining for
Future Issuance

Equity compensation plans approved by security holders

   473,593    $ 15.33    2,670,290

 

Issuer Purchase of Equity Securities

 

None.

 

Performance Graph

 

The graph below compares the yearly percentage change in cumulative total shareholders’ return on the Company’s stock with the cumulative total return of (i) the Nasdaq market index; (ii) all banks and bank holding companies listed on Nasdaq; and (iii) an index comprised of banks and bank holding companies located throughout the United States with total assets of between $1 billion and $5 billion. The latter two peer group indexes were compiled by SNL Financial of Charlottesville, Virginia. The Company reasonably believes that the members of the third group listed above constitute peer issuers for the period from December 31, 2001 through December 31, 2006. The graph assumes an initial investment of $100 and reinvestment of dividends. The graph is not necessarily indicative of future price performance.

 

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Inasmuch as the Company did not acquire the outstanding shares of the Bank until October 2002, the information contained in the Performance Graph for part of 2002 and for prior years is for the Bank’s stock. As of the effective date of the holding company reorganization (October 28, 2002), each outstanding share of common stock of the Bank was converted into one outstanding share of common stock of the Company.

 

LOGO

 

     Period Ending

Index

   12/31/01    12/31/02    12/31/03    12/31/04    12/31/05    12/31/06

Center Financial Corporation

   100.00    146.72    324.65    482.94    611.18    586.25

NASDAQ Composite

   100.00    68.76    103.67    113.16    115.57    127.58

SNL $1B-5B Bank Index

   100.00    115.44    156.98    193.74    190.43    220.36

SNL NASDAQ Bank Index

   100.00    102.85    132.76    152.16    147.52    165.62

 

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ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

 

The following table presents selected historical financial information, concerning the Company, which should be read in conjunction with the Company’s audited consolidated financial statements, including the related notes and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” included elsewhere herein. All per share information has been adjusted for stock splits and dividends declared by the Company from time to time, including the two-for-one stock split paid on March 2, 2004.

 

    As of and For the Year Ended December 31,
    2006   2005   2004   2003   2002
    (Dollars in thousands, except share data)

STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS:

         

Interest income

  $ 124,729   $ 92,825   $ 57,508   $ 41,712   $ 36,583

Interest expense

    53,319     29,467     15,381     11,643     11,044
                             

Net interest income before provision for loan losses

    71,410     63,358     42,127     30,069     25,539

Provision for loan losses

    5,666     3,370     3,250     2,000     2,100
                             

Net interest income after provision for loan losses

    65,744     59,988     38,877     28,069     23,439

Noninterest income

    22,226     20,531     20,558     16,552     13,788

Noninterest expense

    45,327     40,825     36,823     26,031     20,551
                             

Income before income tax expense

    42,643     39,694     22,612     18,590     16,676

Income tax expense

    16,485     15,091     8,388     6,798     6,245
                             

Net income

  $ 26,158   $ 24,603   $ 14,224   $ 11,792   $ 10,431
                             

SHARE DATA:

         

Net income per share

         

Basic

  $ 1.58   $ 1.50   $ 0.88   $ 0.75   $ 0.70

Diluted

    1.57     1.48     0.86     0.73     0.68

Weighted average common shares outstanding:(1)

         

Basic

    16,535,189     16,375,823     16,157,581     15,675,650     14,921,998

Diluted

    16,666,768     16,702,023     16,525,865     16,184,253     15,347,120

STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION:

         

Total assets

  $ 1,843,312   $ 1,661,003   $ 1,338,114   $ 1,027,366   $ 818,624

Total Investment securities

    159,504     236,075     168,423     125,516     156,739

Net loans(2)

    1,537,176     1,219,149     1,010,473     717,008     521,217

Total deposits

    1,429,399     1,480,556     1,165,536     867,865     727,020

Total shareholders’ equity

    140,734     112,714     90,720     78,261     65,284

(1)

As adjusted to give retroactive effect to stock splits and dividends.

(2)

Net loans represent total gross loans less the allowance for loan losses, deferred fees, and discount on SBA loans.

 

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As of and For the Year Ended

December 31,

 
     2006     2005     2004     2003     2002  

PERFORMANCE RATIOS:

          

Return on average assets(1)

   1.53 %   1.69 %   1.22 %   1.33 %   1.55 %

Return on average equity(2)

   20.66     24.04     16.89     16.47     18.15  

Net interest spread(3)

   3.36     3.90     3.39     3.11     3.37  

Net interest margin(4)

   4.53     4.77     3.98     3.72     4.15  

Efficiency ratio(5)

   48.41     48.67     58.74     55.84     52.26  

Net loans to total deposits at period end

   107.54     82.34     86.70     82.62     71.69  

CAPITAL RATIOS

          

Leverage capital ratio

          

Consolidated Company

   8.62 %   8.21 %   9.13 %   10.87 %   9.63 %

Center Bank

   8.55     8.22     9.09     10.83     9.60  

Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio

          

Consolidated Company

   9.45     9.70     9.59     11.77     10.50  

Center Bank

   9.37     9.72     9.52     11.72     10.47  

Total risk-based capital ratio

          

Consolidated Company

   10.54     10.76     10.62     12.86     11.60  

Center Bank

   10.46     10.78     10.54     12.81     11.58  

ASSET QUALITY RATIOS

          

Non-performing loans to total loans(6)

   0.21 %   0.24 %   0.34 %   0.46 %   0.46 %

Non-performing assets(7) to total loans and other real estate owned

   0.21     0.24     0.34     0.46     0.46  

Net (recoveries) charge-offs to average total loans

   0.16     0.06     0.09     (0.01 )   0.19  

Allowance for loan losses to total gross loans

   1.12     1.12     1.10     1.21     1.28  

Allowance for loan losses to non-performing loans

   534     471     327     265     278  

1

Net income divided by average total assets.

2

Net income divided by average shareholders’ equity.

3

Represents the weighted average yield on interest-earning assets less the weighted average cost of interest-bearing liabilities.

4

Represents net interest income as a percentage of average interest-earning assets.

5

Represents the ratio of noninterest expense to the sum of net interest income before provision for loan losses and total noninterest income.

6

Nonperforming loans consist of nonaccrual loans, loans past due 90 days or more and restructured loans.

7

Nonperforming assets consist of nonperforming loans and other real estate owned.

 

ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

This discussion presents Management’s analysis of the Company’s financial condition and results of operations as of, and for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2006, and include the statistical disclosures required by SEC Guide 3 (“Statistical Disclosure by Bank Holding Companies”). The discussion should be read in conjunction with the financial statements of the Company and the notes related thereto which appear elsewhere in this Form 10-K Annual Report (See Item 8 below). All share and per share information set forth herein has been adjusted to reflect stock splits and stock dividends declared by the Company from time to time, including the two-for-one stock split paid on March 2, 2004.

 

Critical Accounting Policies

 

Accounting estimates and assumptions discussed in this section are those that the Company considers to be the most critical to an understanding of its financial statements because they inherently involve significant judgments and uncertainties. The financial information contained in these statements is, to a significant extent,

 

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based on approximate measures of the financial effects of transactions and events that have already occurred. These critical accounting policies are those that involve subjective decisions and assessments and have the greatest potential impact on the Company’s results of operations. Management has identified its most critical accounting policies to be those relating to the following: investment securities, loan sales, allowance for loan losses, interest rate swaps and share-based compensation. The following is a summary of these accounting policies. In each area, the Company has identified the variables most important in the estimation process. The Company has used the best information available to make the estimations necessary to value the related assets and liabilities. Actual performance that differs from the Company’s estimates and future changes in the key variables could change future valuations and impact net income.

 

Investment Securities

 

Under SFAS No. 115, Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities, investment securities generally must be classified as held-to-maturity, available-for-sale or trading. The appropriate classification is based partially on the Bank’s ability to hold the securities to maturity and largely on management’s intentions with respect to either holding or selling the securities. The classification of investment securities is significant since it directly impacts the accounting for unrealized gains and losses on securities. Unrealized gains and losses on trading securities flow directly through earnings during the periods in which they arise, whereas for available-for-sale securities, they are recorded as a separate component of shareholders’ equity (accumulated comprehensive other income or loss) and do not affect earnings until realized (the Bank had no securities classified as trading for the periods included in this report). The fair values of the Bank’s investment securities are generally determined by reference to quoted market prices and reliable independent sources. The Bank is obligated to assess, at each reporting date, whether there is an “other-than-temporary” impairment to the Bank’s investment securities. Such impairment must be recognized in current earnings rather than in other comprehensive income. Aside from the Fannie Mae preferred stocks that were determined to be impaired and written down as of December 31, 2004, the Bank did not have any other investment securities deemed to be “other-than-temporarily” impaired as of December 31, 2006. Investment securities are discussed in more detail in Note 3 to the consolidated financial statements presented elsewhere herein.

 

Loan Sales

 

Certain Small Business Administration (“SBA”) loans that the Bank has the intent to sell prior to maturity are designated as held for sale at origination and recorded at the lower of cost or market value, on an aggregate basis. A valuation allowance is established if the market value of such loans is lower than their cost, and operations are charged or credited for valuation adjustments. A portion of the premium on sale of SBA loans is recognized as other operating income at the time of the sale. The remaining portion of the premium (relating to the portion of the loan retained) is deferred and amortized over the remaining life of the loan as an adjustment to yield. Servicing assets are recognized when loans are sold with servicing retained. Servicing assets are recorded based on the present value of the contractually specified servicing fee, net of servicing costs, over the estimated life of the loan, using a discount rate based on the related note rate plus 1 to 2%. Servicing assets are amortized in proportion to and over the period of estimated future servicing income. Management periodically evaluates the servicing asset for impairment, which is the carrying amount of the servicing asset in excess of the related fair value. Impairment, if it occurs, is recognized in a write-down in the period of impairment.

 

Allowance for Loan Losses

 

The Bank’s allowance for loan loss methodologies incorporate a variety of risk considerations, both quantitative and qualitative, in establishing an allowance for loan loss that management believes is appropriate at each reporting date. Quantitative factors include the Bank’s historical loss experience, delinquency and charge-off trends, collateral values, changes in nonperforming loans, and other factors. Quantitative factors also incorporate known information about individual loans, including borrowers’ sensitivity to interest rate movements and borrowers’ sensitivity to quantifiable external factors including commodity and finished good prices as well as acts of nature (earthquakes, floods, fires, etc.) that occur in a particular period. Qualitative

 

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factors include the general economic environment in the Bank’s markets and, in particular, the state of certain industries. Size and complexity of individual credits, loan structure, extent and nature of waivers of existing loan policies and pace of portfolio growth are other qualitative factors that are considered in its methodologies. As the Bank adds new products, increases the complexity of the loan portfolio and expands the geographic coverage, the Bank will enhance the methodologies to keep pace with the size and complexity of the loan portfolio. Changes in any of the above factors could have significant impact to the loan loss calculation. The Bank believes that its methodologies continue to be appropriate given its size and level of complexity. Detailed information concerning the Bank’s loan loss methodology is contained in “Item 2. Management Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Allowance for Loan Losses.”

 

Interest Rate Swaps

 

Part of the Bank’s asset and liability management strategy has included derivative financial instruments, such as interest rate swaps, with the overall goal of minimizing the impact of interest rate fluctuations. In accordance with SFAS No. 133, such interest rate swap agreements are measured at fair value and reported as assets or liabilities on the consolidated statement of financial condition. When such swaps qualify for hedge accounting treatment, the change in the fair value of the swaps is recorded as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income in shareholders’ equity. However, if the swaps do not qualify for hedge accounting treatment, then the change in the fair value of the swaps is recorded as a gain or loss directly to the consolidated statements of operations as a part of non-interest expense. The Company did not use hedge accounting treatment in accounting for its historical interest rate swaps. Therefore, the difference between the market and book value of these instruments is included in current earnings. During 2006, a loss of $26,000 (an increase in market value of $229,000 and net interest settlement payments of $255,000) was recognized, compared to losses of $586,000 (a decrease in market value of $306,000, loss on termination of swap of $306,000 and net interest settlement receipts of $26,000) and $235,000 (a decrease in market value of $1.8 million and net interest settlement receipts of $1.6 million) for 2005 and 2004, respectively. As of December 31, 2006, the Company had no interest rate swap agreements in place (the Company’s only remaining interest rate swap having matured in August 2006).

 

The Company, in compliance with SFAS No. 133, includes the swap settlement payments in noninterest expense when hedge accounting treatment is not used.

 

Share-based Compensation

 

The Company adopted SFAS No. 123R as of January 1, 2006 as discussed in Note 14 to the consolidated financial statements. SFAS No. 123R requires the Company to recognize compensation expense for all share-based payments made to employees based on the fair value of the share-based payment on the date of grant. The Company elected to use the modified prospective method for adoption, which requires compensation expense to be recorded for all unvested stock options beginning in the first quarter of adoption. For all unvested options outstanding as of January 1, 2006, the previously measured but unrecognized compensation expense, based on the fair value at the original grant date, is recognized on a straight-line basis in the Consolidated Statements of Operations over the remaining vesting period. For share-based payments granted subsequent to January 1, 2006, compensation expense, based on the fair value on the date of grant, is recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Operations on a straight-line basis over the vesting period. In determining the fair value of stock options, the Company uses the Black-Scholes option-pricing model that employs the following assumptions:

 

   

Expected volatility—based on the weekly historical volatility of our stock price, over the expected life of the option.

 

   

Expected term of the option—based on historical employee stock option exercise behavior, the vesting terms of the respective option and a contractual life of ten years.

 

   

Risk-free rate—based upon the rate on a zero coupon U.S. Treasury bill, for periods within the contractual life of the option, in effect at the time of grant.

 

   

Dividend yield—calculated as the ratio of historical dividends paid per share of common stock to the stock price on the date of grant.

 

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The Company’s stock price volatility and option lives involve management’s best estimates at that time, both of which impact the fair value of the option calculated under the Black-Scholes methodology and, ultimately, the expense that will be recognized over the life of the option.

 

Executive Overview

 

Consolidated net income for the year ended December 31, 2006 was $26.2 million, or $1.57 per diluted share compared to $24.6 million (or $1.48 per diluted share) in 2005. The following were significant factors related to 2006 results as compared to 2005:

 

   

Net interest income before provision for loan losses for 2006 increased by 12.7% to $71.4 million as compared to 2005. The increase was primarily due to growth in earning assets and market rate increases. Growth in earning assets was mainly driven by organic loan production.

 

   

Net interest margin for 2006 declined to 4.53% compared to 4.77% in 2005. The decrease in net interest margin was mainly attributable to a change in the loan portfolio mix (a higher portion of the portfolio was fixed rate in 2006 as compared to 2005) and general rate increases in funding liabilities.

 

   

The Company’s efficiency ratio for 2006 remained relatively stable at 48.4% compared to 48.7% for 2005 as increased operational costs (primarily salaries and employee benefits from a full year of costs associated with the Company’s Irvine, California and Seattle, Washington branches) grew in relative proportion to net interest income and noninterest income.

 

   

Return on average assets and return on average equity for 2006 decreased to 1.5% and 20.7%, respectively, compared to 1.7% and 24.0% in 2005. While the return on average assets remained relatively constant, return on average equity decreased due to relatively unchanged net income and an increase in average equity from prior year’s earnings and stock options exercised during the current year.

 

   

The 2006 provision for loan losses increased to $5.7 million compared to $3.4 million in 2005, due primarily to loan growth, Management’s assessment of the credit risk inherent in the portfolio (based on a migration analysis and other historical factors) and net write-off.

 

   

On June 21, 2006, the Bank entered into a settlement with one of its insurance carriers, BancInsure, wherein BancInsure agreed to pay $3.75 million to settle its past and future obligations for legal fees under its insurance policies concerning the KEIC litigation. Approximately $1.0 million of the settlement was deferred to offset future litigation costs. Of the remaining $2.75 million, approximately $230,000 was utilized to recoup legal expenses incurred in the second quarter. The balance, approximately $2.5 million, has been reflected in noninterest income (Insurance settlement—legal fees) and represents reimbursement of legal fees associated with the KEIC litigation expensed prior to the quarter ended June 30, 2006.

 

The following are important factors in understanding the Company’s financial condition and liquidity:

 

   

Net loans grew $318.0 million or 26.1% to $1.54 billion at December 31, 2006 as compared to $1.22 billion at December 31, 2005. The growth in net loans was comprised primarily of net increases in commercial construction loans of $38.8 million, or 823.1%, real estate commercial loans of $265.8 million, or 34.2%, commercial loans of $34.2 million, or 14.1%, SBA loans of $1.5 million, or 3.1% and consumer loans of $6.1 million, or 8.5%, offset by a reduction in trade finance loans of $23.4 million, or 25.9%.

 

   

Total deposits decreased $51.2 million, or 3.5%, to $1.43 billion at December 31, 2006 as compared to $1.48 billion at December 31, 2005. This decrease was primarily the result of efforts to improve the performance of the earning assets and funding liabilities portfolios. These efforts included the use of other funding liabilities (e.g., FHLB borrowings) to shorten the repricing period of the interest bearing liabilities and allowing price sensitive time deposits to mature without renewal.

 

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As a result of the aforementioned growth in loans and decrease in deposits, the ratio of net loans to total deposits increased to 107.5% at December 31, 2006 as compared to 82.3% at December 31, 2005.

 

   

The ratio of nonaccrual loans to total loans decreased to 0.21% at December 31, 2006 compared to 0.24% at December 31, 2005. The ratio of allowance for loan losses to total nonperforming loans increased to 534% at December 31, 2006, as compared to 471% at December 31, 2005, and the allowance for losses to total gross loans remained unchanged at 1.12% at December 31, 2006 and 2005. The slight decrease in nonperforming assets and growth of the loan portfolio (resulting in a higher loan loss allowance) resulted in the ratio of the allowance for loan losses to total nonperforming loans increasing to 534% as of December 31, 2006 compared to 471% as of December 31, 2005. The marginal decrease in nonperforming loans, in conjunction with the increase in loans, reflects the Company’s strong underwriting policies and continued efforts to monitor and address potential credit issues effectively.

 

   

Under the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action, Center Financial and the Bank continued to be “well-capitalized”.

 

   

The Company declared its quarterly cash dividend of $0.04 per share in March, June, September and December 2006 (or $0.16 for the year ended December 31, 2006).

 

   

All liquidity measures at December 31, 2006 met or exceeded the same measures at December 31, 2005.

 

Results of Operations

 

Net Interest Income

 

The Company’s earnings depend largely upon its net interest income, which is the difference between the income received from its loan portfolio and other interest-earning assets and the interest paid on its deposits and other funding liabilities. The Company’s net interest income is affected by the change in the level and the mix of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities, referred to as volume changes. The Company’s net interest income is also affected by changes in the yields earned on assets and rates paid on liabilities, referred to as rate changes. Interest rates charged on loans are affected principally by the demand for such loans, the supply of money available for lending purposes and competitive factors. Those factors are, in turn, affected by general economic conditions and other factors beyond the Company’s control, such as federal economic policies, the general supply of money in the economy, legislative tax policies, governmental budgetary matters and the actions of the Federal Reserve Board. Interest rates on deposits are affected primarily by rates charged by competitors.

 

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The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, the dollar amount of changes in interest earned and interest paid for interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities and the amount of change attributable to (i) changes in average daily balances (volume) and (ii) changes in interest rates (rate):

 

     Year Ended December 31, 2006 vs. 2005
Increase (Decrease) Due to Change In
   Year Ended December 31, 2005 vs. 2004
Increase (Decrease) Due to Change In
         Volume             Rate             Total            Volume             Rate            Total    

Earning assets:

              

Interest income:

              

Loans(1)

   $ 18,889     $ 10,247     $ 29,136    $ 16,610     $ 16,081      32,691

Federal funds sold

     146       455       601      (120 )     432      312

Investments(2)

     559       1,608       2,167      2,194       120      2,314
                                            

Total earning assets

     19,594       12,310       31,904      18,684       16,633      35,317
                                            

Interest expense:

              

Deposits and borrowed funds:

              

Money market and super NOW accounts

     (4 )     2,030       2,026      201       935      1,136

Savings deposits

     34       347       381      390       108      498

Time Certificates of deposits

     6,114       11,506       17,620      4,094       7,528      11,622

Other borrowings

     2,834       689       3,523      150       299      449

Long-term subordinated debentures

     —         302       302      —         381      381
                                            

Total interest-bearing liabilities

     8,978       14,874       23,852      4,835       9,251      14,086
                                            

Net interest income

   $ 10,616     $ (2,564 )   $ 8,052    $ 13,849     $ 7,382    $ 21,231
                                            

1

Loans are net of the allowance for loan losses, deferred fees and discount on SBA loans retained. Loan fees included in loan income were approximately $1.3 million, $1.3 million and $198,000 for the years ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004, respectively. Amortized loan fees have been included in the calculation of net interest income. Nonaccrual loans have been included in the table for computation purposes, but the foregone interest of such loans is excluded.

2

Investment yields have been computed on a tax equivalent basis for any tax-advantaged income.

 

Net interest income was $71.4 million, $63.4 million and $42.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004, respectively. The 2006 increase in net interest income of $8.1 million, or 12.7% was principally due to increases in the Company’s average gross loans ($232.3 million in 2006) and additional earnings generated from variable rate loans, offset by an increase in funding liability cost due to loans growth and rate increases due to increases by the Federal Reserve Board in its lending rates.

 

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Net Interest Margin

 

The following table shows the Company’s average balances of assets, liabilities and shareholders’ equity; the amount of interest income and interest expense; the average yield or rate for each category of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities; and the net interest spread and the net interest margin for the periods indicated:

 

    For the Years Ended December 31,  
    2006     2005     2004  
    Average
Balance
  Interest
Income/
Expense
  Annualized
Average
Rate/Yield
    Average
Balance
  Interest
Income/
Expense
  Annualized
Average
Rate/Yield
    Average
Balance
  Interest
Income/
Expense
  Annualized
Average
Rate/Yield
 
    (Dollars in thousands)  
Assets:                  

Interest-earning assets:

                 

Loan(1)

  $ 1,340,959   $ 114,238   8.52 %   $ 1,111,087   $ 85,102   7.66 %   $ 868,915   $ 52,411   6.03 %

Federal funds sold

    33,286     1,575   4.73       29,316     974   3.32       48,241     662   1.37  

Investments(2)

    203,453     8,916   4.38       188,684     6,749   3.66       142,132     4,435   3.29  
                                         

Total interest-earning assets

    1,577,698     124,729   7.91 %     1,329,087     92,825   6.98 %     1,059,288     57,508   5.43 %
                                         

Noninterest—earning assets:

                 

Cash and due from banks

    76,934         73,735         63,153    

Bank premises and equipment, net

    13,714         12,905         11,301    

Customers’ acceptances outstanding

    5,017         5,228         5,947    

Accrued interest receivables

    7,011         5,295         3,529    

Other assets

    31,502         27,232         24,743    
                             

Total noninterest-earning assets

    134,178         124,395         108,673    
                             

Total assets

  $ 1,711,876       $ 1,453,482       $ 1,167,961    
                             
Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity:                  

Interest-bearing liabilities:

                 

Deposits:

                 

Money market and NOW accounts

  $ 204,535   $ 6,081   2.97 %   $ 204,727   $ 4,055   1.98 %   $ 192,207   $ 2,919   1.52 %

Savings

    80,219     3,044   3.79       79,210     2,663   3.36       67,501     2,165   3.21  

Time certificate of deposits over $100,000

    687,181     34,136   4.97       539,410     18,262   3.39       379,831     7,572   1.99  

Other time certificate of deposits

    98,077     4,142   4.22       86,796     2,396   2.76       78,490     1,464   1.87  
                                         
    1,070,012     47,403   4.43       910,143     27,376   3.01       718,029     14,120   1.97  

Other borrowed funds

    83,941     4,461   5.31       26,799     938   3.50       18,484     489   2.65  

Long-term subordinated debentures

    18,557     1,455   7.84       18,557     1,153   6.21       18,557     772   4.09  
                                         

Total interest-bearing liabilities

    1,172,510     53,319   4.55       955,499     29,467   3.08 %     755,070     15,381   2.04 %
                                         

Noninterest-bearing liabilities:

                 

Demand deposits

    390,675         381,566         315,541    
                             

Total funding liabilities

    1,563,185     3.41 %     1,337,065     2.20 %     1,070,611     1.44 %
                             

Other liabilities

    22,050         14,093         13,111    

Shareholders’ equity

    126,641         102,324         84,239    
                             

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity

  $ 1,711,876       $ 1,453,482       $ 1,167,961    
                             

Net interest income

    $ 71,410       $ 63,358       $ 42,127  
                             

Cost of deposits

      3.25 %       2.12 %       1.37 %
                             

Net interest spread(3)

      3.36 %       3.90 %       3.39 %
                             

Net interest margin(4)

      4.53 %       4.77 %       3.98 %
                             

 

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1

Loans are net of the allowance for loan losses, deferred fees and discount on SBA loans retained. Loan fees included in loan income were approximately $1.3 million, $1.3 million and $198,000 for the years ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004, respectively. Amortized loan fees have been included in the calculation of net interest income. Nonaccrual loans have been included in the table for computation purposes, but the foregone interest of such loans is excluded.

2

Investment yields have been computed on a tax equivalent basis for any tax-advantaged income.

3

Represents the weighted average yield on interest-earning assets less the weighted average cost of interest-bearing liabilities.

4

Represents net interest income (before provision for loan losses) as a percentage of average interest-earning assets.

 

Net interest margin for the years ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004 was 4.53%, 4.77%, and 3.98%, respectively. The 24 basis point decrease in net interest margin in 2006 was primarily due to a change in the loan portfolio mix (a higher portion of the loan portfolio was fixed rate in 2006 as compared to 2005, creating less sensitivity to interest rate changes) and general rate increases in funding liabilities (e.g., increases in market rates set by the Federal Reserve Board).

 

The average yield on loans for 2006 increased to 8.52%, compared to 7.66% and 6.03% in 2005 and 2004, respectively, an increase of 86 and 163 basis points, respectively. These increases in 2006 and 2005 were primarily the result of increased earnings on the Company’s prime based loans as interest rates increased throughout 2005 and through the first half of 2006 (stabilizing over the remainder of 2006) and origination of new loans in 2006 and 2005 with effective yields higher than the average for the previous year.

 

The average yield on the investment portfolio was 4.38% in 2006, as compared to 3.66% and 3.29% in 2005 and 2004, respectively, an increase of 72 and 37 basis points, respectively. The increase in the investment portfolio yield for 2006 and 2005 was due mainly to the variable rate of return in most of the Company’s investments and increased in connection with the general rise in interest rates.

 

The Company’s overall cost of interest bearing liabilities increased to 4.55% in 2006 from 3.08% and 2.04% in 2005 and 2004, respectively. The increase in cost of interest bearing liabilities for 2006 was primarily due to the funding of the Company’s loans growth with FHLB borrowings, which are more sensitive to market rate increases set by the Federal Reserve Board and time deposits over $100,000 which were secured in the later half of 2005 versus funding such growth with lower cost demand, money market and NOW or savings deposits (average balances for these accounts increased only marginally in 2006 from 2005). The increase in cost of interest bearing liabilities for 2005 was primarily due to the funding of the Company’s loans growth with time deposits which are more sensitive to market rate increases set by the Federal Reserve Board and to a lesser degree with demand deposits. Average balance for money market, NOW and savings deposits increased only marginally in 2005 from 2004.

 

The Company’s ratio of average interest earning assets to interest bearing liabilities has remained relatively stable at 134.6%, 139.1% and 140.3% for 2006, 2005 and 2004, respectively.

 

Provision for Loan Losses

 

The Company sets aside an allowance for potential loan losses through charges to earnings, which are reflected in the consolidated statements of operations as the provision for loan losses. Specifically, the provision for loan losses represents the amount charged against current period earnings to achieve an allowance for loan losses that in management’s judgment is adequate to address inherent risks in the Company’s loan portfolio.

 

Due primarily to loan growth and net write-offs, the provision for loan losses increased to $5.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2006, compared to $3.4 million and $3.3 million for 2005 and 2004, respectively. During 2006 net charge-offs were $2.1 million as compared to $726,000 and $827,000 in 2005 and 2004, respectively. While Management believes that the allowance for loan losses of 1.12% of total loans was adequate at December 31, 2006, future additions to the allowance will be subject to continuing evaluation of estimated and

 

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known, as well as inherent, risks in the loan portfolio. The procedures for monitoring the adequacy of the allowance, as well as detailed information concerning the allowance itself, are included below under “—Allowance for Loan Losses.”

 

Noninterest Income

 

The following table sets forth the various components of the Company’s noninterest income for the periods indicated:

 

     For the Years Ended December 31,  
     2006     2005     2004  
     Amount     Percent
of Total
    Amount    Percent
of Total
    Amount     Percent
of Total
 
     (Dollars in thousands)  

Customer service fees

   $ 8,181     36.81 %   $ 9,125    44.45 %   $ 8,569     41.68 %

Fee income from trade finance transactions

     3,412     15.35       3,491    17.00       3,596     17.48  

Wire transfer fees

     897     4.04       914    4.45       829     4.03  

Gain on sale of loans

     3,335     15.00       2,487    12.11       4,616     22.45  

Net (loss) gain on sale of securities available for sale

     (115 )   (0.52 )     51    .25       (15 )   (0.07 )

Loan service fees

     1,842     8.29       2,014    9.81       1,397     6.80  

Insurance settlement—legal fees

     2,520     11.34       —      0.00       —       0.00  

Other income

     2,154     9.69       2,449    11.93       1,566     7.63  
                                         

Total noninterest income

   $ 22,226     100.00 %   $ 20,531    100.00 %   $ 20,558     100.00 %
                                         

As a percentage of average earning assets

     1.41 %      1.54 %     1.94 %

 

Noninterest income increased 8.3%, or $1.7 million, to $22.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2006 compared to $20.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2005. The 2006 increase in noninterest income was due to a one time insurance settlement and an increase in gain on sale of loans; offset in part by decreases in customer service fees and other income (see discussion below). For the year ended December 31, 2006 noninterest income as a percentage of average earning assets decreased to 1.41% compared to 1.54% and 1.94% for the years ended December 31, 2005 and 2004, respectively. These decreases in noninterest income as a percentage of average earning assets are the result of relatively stable noninterest income amounts over the past three years while average earning assets have increased from $1.1 billion at December 31, 2004 to $1.6 billion at December 31, 2006. The primary sources of recurring noninterest income continue to be customer service fee charges on deposit accounts, fees from trade finance transactions and gains on the sale of SBA loans.

 

Customer service fees decreased $944,000, or 10.3%, from 2005 to 2006, and increased $556,000, or 6.5%, from 2004 to 2005. The 2006 decrease of $944,000 was due primarily to management’s decision to close certain customer operating accounts whose activities, while generating service charges, were inconsistent with the Company’s risk management process and requirements. The decision was consistent with the Company’s intention of maintaining full compliance with all risk management polices and regulatory requirements. The 2005 increase of $556,000 in customer service fees was mainly due to an increase in Non Sufficient Funds/Returned Items (NFS/RI) fees of $1.4 million in 2005 compared to 2004. As a result of the aforementioned decreases/increases, combined with the $1.7 million increase in 2006 and the marginal decrease in 2005 of total noninterest income, customer service fees amounted to 36.8% of total noninterest income for 2006, compared to 44.5% and 41.7% in 2005 and 2004, respectively.

 

Fee income from trade finance transactions decreased $79,000, or 2.3%, from 2005 to 2006, and $105,000, or 2.9%, from 2004 to 2005. While Management continues efforts to increase the Company’s Asia Pacific trade, the economic slow down experienced by the United States over the past several years has eroded international trade volumes. As a result of the lower volume and related fees, combined with the $1.7 million increase in 2006

 

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and the marginal decrease in 2005 of total noninterest income, fee income from trade finance transactions amounted to 15.3% of total noninterest income for 2006, as compared to 17.0% and 17.5% in 2005 and 2004, respectively.

 

The gain on loan sales increased $848,000, or 34.1%, from 2005 to 2006, and decreased $2.1 million, or 46.1% from 2004 to 2005. The Company sold guaranteed and unguaranteed SBA loans of $57.9 million and $53.2 million during 2006 and 2005, respectively. While the increase in the amount of loans sold factored into the increased gain on sale recognized in 2006, the primary cause for the increase was the larger percentage of unguaranteed portion sold in 2006 (a substantial portion of the gain generated from the sale of unguaranteed loans occurs from the recognition of the deferred gain that resulted from the sale of the guaranteed portion). The primary factor in the decrease in the gain on sale of loans from 2004 to 2005 was the amount of loans sold ($53.2 million in 2005 versus $71.8 million in 2004). As a result of the changes in volume and loan mix, combined with the $1.7 million increase in 2006 and the marginal decrease in 2005 of total noninterest income, the gain on sale of loans amounted to 15.0% of total noninterest income for 2006, compared to 12.1% and 22.5% in 2005 and 2004, respectively.

 

Loan service fees decreased $172,000, or 8.5%, from 2005 to 2006, and increased $617,000, or 44.2%, from 2004 to 2005. The decrease in 2006 was due primarily to lower servicing fees earned as the amortization of the servicing asset increased from rising prepayments. The increase in 2005 was due primarily to higher loan growth in 2005 than in 2004 and to a lesser degree growth in the servicing portfolio. As a result of these factors, combined with the $1.7 million increase in 2006 and the marginal decrease in 2005 of total noninterest income, other loan related service fees amounted to 8.3% of total noninterest income for 2006, compared to 9.8% and 6.8% in 2005 and 2004, respectively.

 

Insurance settlement—legal fees represent a settlement with our insurance carrier regarding coverage of legal fees associated with our ongoing litigation with KEIC. The total settlement amounted to $3.75 million of which approximately $1.0 million was designated to offset future litigation expenses. Of the remaining $2.75 million, approximately $230,000 was utilized to recoup expenses incurred in the second quarter of 2006. The balance, approximately $2.5 million, was recognized as other income and represents reimbursement of legal fees expensed prior to the quarter ended June 30, 2006.

 

Other income decreased $295,000, or 12.0%, from 2005 to 2006, and increased $883,000, or 56.4%, from 2004 to 2005. The decrease in 2006 was attributable primarily to litigation settlements that approximated $850,000 in 2005 offset in part by an increase in fees earned from Travelers Express of approximately $350,000. The $850,000 litigation settlement was also the primary cause for the increase in other income in 2005. As a result of these factors, combined with the $1.7 million increase in 2006 and the marginal decrease in 2005 of total noninterest income, other income amounted to 9.7% of total noninterest for 2006, compared to 11.9% and 7.6% in 2005 and 2004, respectively

 

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Noninterest Expense

 

The following table sets forth the noninterest expenses for the periods indicated:

 

    For the Years Ended December 31,  
    2006     2005     2004  
    Amount    Percent
of Total
    Amount    Percent
of Total
    Amount    Percent
of Total
 
    (Dollars in thousands)  

Salaries and employee benefits

  $ 22,287    49.17 %   $ 19,516    47.80 %   $ 16,361    44.43 %

Occupancy

    3,653    8.06       3,374    8.26       2,477    6.73  

Furniture, fixtures, and equipment

    1,933    4.26       1,809    4.43       1,385    3.76  

Data processing

    2,100    4.63       2,012    4.93       2,038    5.53  

Professional service fees

    4,187    9.24       3,771    9.24       3,612    9.81  

Business promotion and advertising

    3,969    8.76       2,788    6.83       2,543    6.91  

Stationery and supplies

    647    1.43       839    2.06       550    1.49  

Telecommunications

    650    1.43       600    1.47       517    1.40  

Postage and courier service

    731    1.61       735    1.80       621    1.69  

Security service

    991    2.19       817    2.00       695    1.89  

Impairment loss of securities available for sale

    —      0.00       —      0.00       2,263    6.15  

Loss on interest rate swaps

    26    0.06       586    1.44       235    0.64  

Other operating expenses

    4,153    9.16       3,978    9.74       3,526    9.57  
                                      

Total noninterest expense

  $ 45,327    100.00 %   $ 40,825    100.00 %   $ 36,823    100.00 %
                                      

As a percentage of average earning assets

     2.87 %      3.07 %      3.48 %

Efficiency ratio

     48.4 %      48.7 %      58.7 %

 

Noninterest expense is comprised primarily of salary and employee benefits; occupancy; furniture, fixture, and equipment; data processing; professional service fees; business promotions and advertising; gain/loss on interest rate swaps; and other operating expenses. Noninterest expense increased $4.5 million, or 11.0% from 2005 to 2006 and $4.0 million, or 10.9% from 2004 to 2005. The 2006 increase in noninterest expense was due to increases in salaries and employee benefits, professional service fees and business promotion and advertising (see discussion below). As a result of significant growth in average earning assets, combined with a lower growth rate in total noninterest expense ($4.5 million), noninterest expense decreased as a percentage of average earning assets in 2006 to 2.87%, compared to 3.07% and 3.48% for 2005 and 2004, respectively.

 

The efficiency ratio, defined as the ratio of noninterest expense to the sum of net interest income before provision for loan losses and noninterest income, was 48.4% for the year ended December 31, 2006, compared with 48.7% and 58.7% for the years ended December 31, 2005 and 2004, respectively. While the efficiency ratios for 2006 and 2005 were relatively stable, the decrease in the efficiency ratio from 2004 to 2005 (58.7% versus 48.7%) was due primarily to moderate increases in operating costs ($40.8 million in 2005 and $36.8 million in 2004, or 10.9%) as net interest income before provision for loan losses increased by $21.2 million, or 50.4%.

 

Salaries and employee benefits increased $2.8 million, or 14.2%, from 2005 to 2006, and $3.2 million, or 19.3%, from 2004 to 2005. The increase in 2006 was due in part to expenses associated with increased personnel to staff the Irvine, California and Seattle, Washington branches (these branches were operational for a full year in 2006 and a partial year in 2005), continued hiring activity of highly qualified personnel, normal salary increases and an additional 401(k) contribution as part of an agreement with the Internal Revenue Service. The increase in 2005 was attributable to staffing the Company’s expansion (e.g., opening of the Company’s Irvine, California and Seattle, Washington branches in 2005 and Chicago, Illinois branch in late 2004), increased hiring activity of highly qualified personnel and normal salary increases. Since salaries and employee benefits have been one of the primary reasons for the increase in total noninterest expense in 2006 and 2005, these costs as a percentage of total noninterest expense have increased to 49.1% and 47.8%, respectively, from 44.4% in 2004.

 

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Occupancy expense increased $279,000, or 8.3%, from 2005 to 2006, and $897,000, or 36.2%, from 2004 to 2005. The increase in 2006 was due mainly to increased operational costs (e.g., rent, property insurance costs and amortization of tenant improvements costs incurred over the past eighteen months) resulting from a full year of operational costs associated with the Irvine, California and Seattle, Washington branches. The increase in 2005 was primarily attributable to higher operational costs associated with the opening of the Chicago, Illinois branch in late 2004 and partial year operational costs for the Irvine, California and Seattle, Washington branches. As a result of these increased costs, combined with the overall increase in noninterest income, occupancy expense as a percentage of total noninterest income has risen to 8.1% and 8.3% for 2006 and 2005, respectively, compared to 6.7% in 2004.

 

Data processing expense increased $88,000, or 4.4%, from 2005 to 2006, and decreased $26,000, or 1.3%, from 2004 to 2005. These relatively minor changes in data processing costs reflect Management’s efforts to contain these costs as the Company’s branch system expanded and additional processing systems were implemented. As a result of these cost containment efforts, combined with the increase in total noninterest expense, data processing expenses as a percentage of total noninterest expense has declined to 4.6% in 2006, as compared to 4.9% and 5.5% in 2005 and 2004, respectively.

 

Professional service fees increased $416,000, or 11.0%, from 2005 to 2006, and $159,000, or 4.4%, from 2004 to 2005. The increase in 2006 was due mainly to consulting costs attributable to resolving issues identified with the Company’s BSA compliance program offset in part by lower legal expenses (see the discussion of insurance settlement under “Noninterest Income” above). The increase in 2005 was primarily due to consulting fees associated with complying with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, fees associated with the restatement of the prior years’ financial statements and increased litigation activity. Professional service fees as a percentage of total noninterest expense have remained relatively stable at 9.2%, 9.2% and 9.8% for 2006, 2005 and 2004, respectively.

 

Business promotion and advertising expense increased by $1.2 million, or 42.4%, from 2005 to 2006, and $245,000, or 9.6%, from 2004 to 2005. The increase in 2006 was due primarily to increased promotional activity for the Company’s products, expanding LPO production and the Bank’s 20th anniversary celebration. The increase in 2005 was mainly due to the increased promotional activity for the Company’s products and branch openings. As a result of the 2006 increase, combined with the increase in total noninterest expense, business promotion and advertising expense as a percentage of total noninterest expense increased to 8.8% in 2006, as compared to 6.8% and 6.9% in 2005 and 2004, respectively.

 

The Company recorded $2.3 million impairment loss in 2004 as a result of an “other-than-temporary” decline in market value with respect to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac preferred stock due to changes in interest rates. The Company holds these investment grade, high yielding, and floating-rate securities as part of its available-for-sale investment portfolio. The unrealized loss was deemed a permanent impairment and recognized in 2004. These preferred stocks are rated AA- and AA3 by S&P and Moody’s and widely held by financial institutions and other investors across the country. During the first quarter of 2005, a portion of the Company’s holdings on the FHLMC floating-rate preferred stocks totaling approximately $5.2 million were sold with a slight net gain from the December 31, 2004 adjusted book value. The Company currently holds approximately $5.0 million of the FNMA floating-rate securities that reset every two years at the 2-year U.S. Treasury Note minus 16 basis points. The next reset date is on March 20, 2008. Should there be additional permanent impairments on these securities in the future, these impairments would be recognized on the income statement. However, it is impossible to predict at this time whether or to what extent such losses will occur.

 

During 2006, the Company recorded a loss on interest rate swaps of $26,000, compared to losses of $586,000 (including the $306,000 noted below) and $235,000 for 2005 and 2004, respectively. These fluctuations were due primarily to an increase in the net interest settlement due under the remaining swap and increases/decreases in the underlying market value. The Company’s only remaining interest rate swap matured in August 2006. During 2005, the Company terminated one of its longer maturity interest rate swaps and recorded a net loss of $306,000. There were no swap terminations or associated losses during 2006 or 2004.

 

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Other operating expense increased $175,000, or 4.4%, from 2005 to 2006, and $452,000, or 12.8%, from 2004 to 2005. The 2006 increase was primarily attributable to increased corporate administrative costs (e.g., auto and travel and directors’ insurance), increased amortization of the Bank’s CRA investments and losses incurred on the disposal of fixed assets. The 2005 increase was mainly due to increases in corporate administrative costs, loan related expenses, blanket bond and D&O expenses and amortization of the Bank’s CRA investments. As a percentage of total noninterest expense, other operating expense has remained relatively stable at 9.2%, 9.7% and 9.6% for 2006, 2005 and 2004, respectively.

 

The remaining noninterest expenses include such items as furniture, fixtures and equipment, stationery and supplies, telecommunications, postage, courier service and security service expenses. For the years ended 2006 and 2005, these noninterest expenses remained relatively unchanged at $5.0 million and $4.8, respectively. For the year ended 2005, these noninterest expenses increased 26%, or $1.0 million, compared to $3.8 million in 2004. Increases in 2005 were primarily due to the relocation of the Chicago, Illinois branch and the opening of the Irvine, California and Seattle, Washington branches.

 

Provision for Income Taxes

 

For the years ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004, the provision for income taxes was $16.5 million, $15.1 million and $8.4 million, representing effective tax rates of approximately 39%, 38% and 37%, respectively. The primary reasons for the difference from the statutory federal tax rate of 35% and the state statutory tax rate of 11% are the reductions related to tax advantaged investments in low-income housing, municipal obligations and agency preferred stocks. The Company reduced taxes utilizing the tax credits from investments in the low-income housing projects in the amount of $586,000 for the year ended December 31, 2006 compared to $582,000 and $424,000 for the year ended December 31, 2005 and 2004, respectively.

 

Deferred income tax assets or liabilities reflect the estimated future tax effects attributable to differences as to when certain items of income or expense are reported in the financial statements versus when they are reported in the tax returns. The Company’s deferred tax assets were $11.7 million as of December 31, 2006 and $10.2 million, as of December 31, 2005. As of December 31, 2006, the Company’s deferred tax assets were primarily due to allowances for loans losses, deferred loan fees and impairment losses on preferred stocks.

 

Financial Condition

 

Summary

 

Total assets increased by $182.3 million, or 11.0%, to $1.8 billion as of December 31, 2006 compared to $1.7 billion at December 31, 2005. The increase in total assets was mainly due to a $318.0 million growth in net loans offset by a $70.0 million reduction in cash and cash equivalents and $77.6 million in investments. Net loans (including loans held for sale), investments, and money market and short-term investments as a percentage of total assets were 83.4%, 8.7% and 0.1%, respectively, as of December 31, 2006, as compared to 73.4%, 14.3% and 3.8%, respectively, at December 31, 2005. The growth in total assets was financed primarily by the increase in FHLB borrowings of $196.7 million.

 

Total assets increased by $324.9 million, or 24%, to $1.7 billion as of December 31, 2005 compared to $1.3 billion at December 31, 2004. The increase in total assets was mainly due to a $210.5 million growth in net loans, $69.0 million increase in investment securities and an increase of $40.2 million in cash and cash equivalents. Net loans including loans held for sale, investments, and money market and short-term investments as a percentage of total assets were 73.4%, 14.3% and 3.8%, respectively, as of December 31, 2005, as compared to 75.5%, 12.6% and 3.0%, respectively, at December 31, 2004. The growth in total assets was financed primarily by the increase in deposits of $315.0 million.

 

Loan Portfolio

 

The Company’s loan portfolio represents the largest single portion of earning assets, substantially greater than the investment portfolio or any other asset category. The quality and diversification of the Company’s loan

 

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portfolio are important considerations when reviewing the Company’s results of operations. The Company offers a range of products designed to meet the credit needs of its borrowers. The Company’s lending activities consist of commercial real estate lending, construction loans, commercial business and trade finance loans, and consumer loans.

 

As of December 31, 2006 and 2005, gross loans represented 84.6% and 74.5%, respectively, of total assets. The largest volume increases among loan categories in 2006 were real estate construction, commercial real estate, commercial business loans and consumer loans, which increased $38.8 million, $265.8 million, $34.2 million and $6.1 million, respectively. The loan portfolio composition table below reflects the gross and net amounts of loans outstanding as of December 31 for each year from 2002 to 2006.

 

As of December 31, 2006, no single industry or business category represented more than 10% of the loan portfolio. The Company also monitors the diversification of collateral of the real estate loan portfolio by area, by type of building, and by the type of building usage.

 

The following table sets forth the composition of the Company’s loan portfolio as of the dates indicated:

 

    As of December 31,  
    2006     2005     2004     2003     2002  
    Amount   Percent
of Total
    Amount   Percent
of Total
    Amount   Percent
of Total
    Amount   Percent
of Total
    Amount   Percent
of Total
 
    (Dollars in thousands)  

Real Estate:

                   

Construction

  $ 43,508   2.79 %   $ 4,713   .38 %   $ 16,919   1.65 %   $ 18,464   2.53 %   $ 20,669   3.90 %

Commercial(1)

    1,042,562   66.91       776,725   62.80       607,296   59.25       384,824   52.81       241,252   45.55  

Commercial

    277,296   17.79       243,052   19.65       208,995   20.39       147,368   20.22       108,540   20.50  

Trade Finance(2)

    66,925   4.29       90,370   7.30       83,763   8.17       61,886   8.50       50,106   9.46  

SBA(3)

    50,606   3.24       49,070   3.97       49,027   4.78       66,487   9.12       67,489   12.75  

Other(4)

    115   0.01       1,473   0.12       864   0.08       179   0.02       129   0.01  

Consumer

    77,567   4.97       71,499   5.78       58,178   5.68       49,530   6.80       41,463   7.83  
                                                           

Total Gross Loans

    1,558,579   100.00 %     1,236,902   100.00 %     1,025,042   100.00 %     728,738   100.00 %     529,648   100.00 %

Less:

                   

Allowance for Losses

    17,412       13,871       11,227       8,804       6,760  

Deferred Loan Fees

    2,347       1,595       1,356       331       170  

Discount on SBA Loans Retained

    1,644       2,287       1,986       2,595       1,501  
                                       

Total Net Loans and Loans Held for Sale

  $ 1,537,176     $ 1,219,149     $ 1,010,473     $ 717,008     $ 521,217  
                                       

1

Real estate commercial loans are loans secured by first deeds of trust on real estate.

2

Includes advances on trust receipts, clean advances, cash advances, acceptances discounted, and documentary negotiable advances under commitments.

3

Includes SBA loans held for sale of $18.5 million, $12.7 million, $14.5 million, $24.9 million and $12.3 million, at the lower of cost or market, at December 31, 2006, 2005, 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively.

4

Consists of transactions in process and overdrafts.

 

Commercial Real Estate Loans. Real estate lending involves risks associated with the potential decline in the value of the underlying real estate collateral and the cash flow from the income producing properties. Declines in real estate values and cash flows can be caused by a number of factors, including adversity in general economic conditions, rising interest rates, changes in tax and other governmental and other policies affecting real estate holdings, environmental conditions, governmental and other use restrictions, development of competitive properties and increasing vacancy rates. The Company’s dependence on real estate values increases the risk of loss both in the Company’s loan portfolio and with respect to any other real estate owned when real estate values decline.

 

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The Company offers commercial real estate loans secured by industrial buildings, retail stores or office buildings, where the property’s repayment source generally comes from tenants or businesses that fully or partially occupy the building. When real estate collateral is owner-occupied, the value of the real estate collateral must be supported by a formal appraisal in accordance with applicable regulations, subject to certain exceptions. The majority of the properties securing these loans are located in Los Angeles County and Orange County, California.

 

The Company has established general underwriting guidelines for commercial property real estate loans requiring a maximum loan-to-value (LTV) ratio of 70%. The Company’s underwriting policies also generally require that the properties securing commercial real estate loans have debt service coverage ratios of at least 1.20:1 for investor-owned property. Additionally, for owner-occupied properties, the Company expects additional debt service capacity from the business itself. As additional security, the Company generally requires personal guarantees when commercial real estate loans are extended to corporations, limited partnerships and other legal entities.

 

Commercial real estate loans are, in all cases, secured by first deeds of trust, generally for terms extending no more than seven years, and are amortized over periods of up to 25 years. The majority of the commercial real estate loans currently being originated contain interest rates tied to the Company’s prime rate that adjusts with changes in the national prime rate. The Company also extends commercial real estate loans with fixed rates.

 

Payments on loans secured by such properties are often dependent on the successful operation or management of the properties. Repayment of such loans may therefore be affected by adverse conditions in the real estate market or the economy. The Company seeks to minimize these risks in a variety of ways, including limiting the size of such loans and strictly scrutinizing the properties securing the loans. The Company generally obtains loan guarantees from financially capable parties. The Company’s lending personnel inspect substantially all of the properties collateralizing the Company’s real estate loans before such loans are made.

 

As of December 31, 2006, commercial real estate loans totaled $1.0 billion, representing 66.9% of total loans, compared to $776.7 million or 62.8% of total loans at December 31, 2005. The increase in the percentage of commercial real estate loans to total loans in 2006 resulted from Management’s efforts to promote this segment of the portfolio as such loans involve a somewhat lesser degree of risk than certain other loans in the portfolio due to the nature and value of the collateral.

 

Real Estate Construction Loans. The Company finances the construction of various projects within the Company’s market area, including motels, industrial buildings, tax-credit low-income apartment complexes and single-family residences. The future condition of the local economy could negatively impact the collateral values of such loans.

 

The Company’s construction loans typically have the following characteristics: (i) maturity of two years or less; (ii) a floating interest rate based on the Company’s prime rate; (iii) advance of anticipated interest cost during construction; (iv) advance of fees; (v) first lien position on the underlying real estate; (vi) loan to value ratio of 65%; and (vii) recourse against the borrower or guarantor in the event of default. The Company does not participate in joint ventures or make equity investments in connection with its construction lending.

 

Construction loans involve additional risks compared to loans secured by existing improved real property. These risks include the following: (i) the uncertain value of the project prior to completion; (ii) the inherent uncertainty in estimating construction costs, which is often beyond the control of the borrower; (iii) construction delays and cost overruns; and (iv) the difficulty in accurately evaluating the market value of the completed project.

 

As a result of these uncertainties, construction lending often involves the disbursement of substantial funds with repayment dependent, in part, on the success of the ultimate project rather than on the ability of the

 

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borrower or guarantor to repay principal and interest. If the Company is forced to foreclose on a project prior to or at completion due to a default, there can be no assurance that the Company will be able to recover all of the unpaid balance of and its accrued interest on the construction loan.

 

Real estate construction loans totaled $43.5 million or 2.8% of total loans and $4.7 million or 0.4% of total loans at December 31, 2006 and 2005, respectively. The Company’s real estate construction portfolio varies from year-to-year as Management is selective in financing construction projects given the unique credit risk associated with these types of loans and the timing of the completion of construction (loan payoffs).

 

Commercial Business Loans. The Company offers commercial loans for intermediate and short-term credit. Commercial loans may be unsecured, partially secured or fully secured. The majority of the originations of commercial loans are in Los Angeles County or Orange County, California. The Company originates commercial business loans to facilitate term working capital and to finance business acquisitions, fixed asset purchases, accounts receivable and inventory financing. These term loans to businesses generally have terms of up to five years, have interest rates tied to the Company’s prime rate and may be secured in whole or in part by owner-occupied real estate or time deposits at the Company. For a term loan, the Company typically requires monthly payments of both principal and interest. In addition, the Company grants commercial lines of credit to finance accounts receivable and inventory on a short-term basis, usually one year or less. Short-term business loans are generally intended to finance current transactions and typically provide for principal payments with interest payable monthly. The Company requires a complete re-analysis before considering any extension. The Company finances primarily small and middle market businesses in a wide spectrum of industries. In general, it is the Company’s intent to take collateral whenever possible regardless of the purpose of the loan. Collateral may include liens on inventory, accounts receivable, fixtures and equipment and in some cases leasehold improvements and real estate. As a matter of policy, the Company generally requires all principals of a business to be co-obligors on all loan instruments, and all significant shareholders of corporations to execute a specific debt guaranty. All borrowers must demonstrate the ability to service and repay not only the debt with the Company but also all outstanding business debt, exclusive of collateral, on the basis of historical earnings or reliable projections.

 

Commercial loans typically involve relatively large loan balances and are generally dependent on the businesses’ cash flows and thus may be subject to adverse conditions in the general economy or in specific industry.

 

As of December 31, 2006 and 2005, commercial business loan totaled $277.3 million and $243.1 million, respectively. Although commercial business loans increased in 2006 by $34.2 million, as a percentage of total loans they decreased to 17.8% from 19.7% at December 31, 2006 and 2005, respectively. The 2006 decrease in commercial business loans as a percentage of total loans was due primarily to a slow down in the growth of these loans (due to a general slow down in the Los Angeles economy) combined with the strong growth of the commercial real estate portfolio.

 

Trade Finance Loans. For the purpose of financing overseas transactions, the Company provides short term trade financing to local borrowers in connection with the issuance of letters of credit to overseas suppliers/sellers. In accordance with these letters of credit, the Company extends credit to the borrower by providing assurance to the borrower’s foreign suppliers that payment will be made upon shipment of goods. Upon shipment of goods, and when the foreign suppliers negotiate the letters of credit, the borrower’s inventory is financed by the Company under the approved line of credit facility. The underwriting procedure for this type of credit is the same as for commercial business loans.

 

As of December 31, 2006, trade finance loans totaled $66.9 million, compared to $90.4 million as of December 31, 2005. While management continues efforts to increase the Company’s Asia Pacific trade, the economic slow down experienced by the United States over the past several years has eroded international trade volumes. As a result of the lower trade finance volume, combined with the strong loan growth in the commercial real estate portfolio, these loans as a percentage of total loans declined to 4.3% from 7.3% in 2006 and 2005, respectively.

 

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Small Business Administration (SBA) Loans. The Company provides financing for various purposes for small businesses under guarantee of the Small Business Administration, a federal agency created to provide financial assistance for small businesses. The Company is a Preferred SBA Lender with full loan approval authority on behalf of the SBA. It also participates in the SBA’s Export Working Capital Program. SBA loans consist of both real estate and business loans. The SBA guarantees on such loans currently range from 75% to 80% of the principal and accrued interest. Under certain circumstances, the guarantee of principal and interest may be less than 75%. In general, the guaranteed percentage is less than 75% for loans over $1.0 million. The Company typically requires that SBA loans be secured by first or second lien deeds of trust on real property. SBA loans have terms ranging from 7 to 25 years depending on the use of proceeds. To qualify for an SBA loan, a borrower must demonstrate the capacity to service and repay the loan, exclusive of the collateral, on the basis of historical earnings or reliable projections.

 

At December 31, 2006, 3.2% of total SBA loans, net of participations sold, were real estate loans secured by deeds of trust on industrial buildings or retail stores. During the years 2006 and 2005, the Company originated $138.5 million, and $111.3 million, respectively, in SBA loans. The Company sold $57.9 million of SBA loans in 2006, an increase of 14.2% as compared to $50.7 million in 2005. The Company sold both the guaranteed and unguaranteed portion of the SBA loans and retained the loan servicing obligation, for a fee. As of December 31, 2006, the Company was servicing $160.7 million of sold SBA loans, compared to $149.4 million as of December 31, 2005. SBA loans as a percentage of total loans have remained relatively stable, 3.2% in 2006 as compared to 4.0% in 2005, as the growth of the SBA portfolio has mirrored the overall growth the Company’s total loans.

 

Consumer Loans. Consumer loans, also termed loans to individuals, are extended for a variety of purposes. Most are to finance the purchase of automobiles. Other consumer loans include secured and unsecured personal loans, home equity lines, overdraft protection loans and unsecured lines of credit. The Company grants a small portfolio of credit card loans, mainly to the owners of its corporate customers. Management assesses the borrower’s ability to repay the debt through a review of credit history and ratings, verification of employment and other income, review of debt-to-income ratios and other measures of repayment ability. Although creditworthiness of the applicant is of primary importance, the underwriting process also includes a comparison of the value of the security, if any, to the proposed loan amount. The Company generally makes these loans in amounts of 80% or less of the value of collateral. An appraisal is obtained from a qualified real estate appraisal for substantially all loans secured by real estate. Most of the Company’s consumer loans are repayable on an installment basis.

 

Consumer loans are generally unsecured or secured by rapidly depreciating assets such as automobiles. In such cases, any repossessed collateral for a defaulted consumer loan may not provide an adequate source of repayment of the outstanding loan balance, because the collateral is more likely to suffer damage, loss or depreciation. The remaining deficiency often does not warrant further collection efforts against the borrower beyond obtaining a deficiency judgment. In addition, the collection of loans to individuals is dependent on the borrower’s continuing financial stability, and thus is more likely to be adversely affected by job loss, divorce, illness or personal bankruptcy. Furthermore, various federal and state laws, including federal and state bankruptcy and insolvency laws, often limit the amount, which a lender can recover on consumer loans. Consumer loans may also give rise to claims and defense by consumer loan borrowers against the lender on these loans, such as the Company, and a borrower may be able to assert against such assignee claims and defenses that it has against the seller or the underlying collateral.

 

Consumer loans remained a small percentage at 5.0% and 5.8% of total loans as of December 31, 2006 and 2005. Automobile loans are the largest component of consumer loans, representing 71% and 63% of total consumer loans as of December 31, 2006 and 2005, respectively.

 

Off-Balance Sheet Commitments. As part of its service to its small to medium-sized business customers, the Company from time to time issues formal commitments and lines of credit. These commitments can be either

 

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secured or unsecured and 90% are short term, or less than one year. They may be in the form of revolving lines of credit for seasonal working capital needs. However, these commitments may also take the form of standby letters of credit and commercial letters of credit. Commercial letters of credit facilitate import trade. Standby letters of credit are conditional commitments issued by the Company to guarantee the performance of a customer to a third party.

 

Total unused commitments to extend credit were $266.0 million and $255.1 million at December 31, 2006 and 2005, respectively. Unused commitments represented 17.1% and 20.6% of outstanding gross loans at December 31, 2006 and 2005, respectively. The Company’s standby letters of credit and commercial letters of credit at December 31, 2006 were $12.2 million and $28.2 million, respectively, as compared to $12.8 million and $24.2 million, respectively at December 31, 2005.

 

Loan Maturities and Sensitivity to Changes in Interest Rates

 

The following table shows the maturity distribution of the Company’s outstanding loans as of December 31, 2006. In addition, the table shows the distribution of such loans with floating interest rates and those with fixed interest rates. The table includes nonaccrual loans of $3.3 million.

 

     As of December 31, 2006
     Within One
Year
   After One
But Within
Five Years
   After Five
Years
   Total
     (Dollars in thousands)

Real Estate

           

Construction

   $ 42,204    $ 1,304    $ —      $ 43,508

Commercial

     256,028      638,248      148,286      1,042,562

Commercial Consumer

     192,307      78,156      6,833      277,296

Trade Finance(1)

     66,925      —        —        66,925

SBA

     26,753      21,274      2,579      50,606

Other(2)

     22,387      53,657      1,638      77,682
                           

Total

   $ 606,604    $ 792,639    $ 159,336    $ 1,558,579
                           

Loans with predetermined (fixed) interest rates

   $ 172,045    $ 453,694    $ 121,770    $ 747,509

Loans with variable (floating) interest rates

   $ 434,559    $ 338,945    $ 37,566    $ 811,070

1

Includes advances on trust receipts, clean advances, cash advances, acceptances discounted and documentary negotiable advances under commitments.

2

Consists of transactions in process and overdrafts.

 

Nonperforming Assets

 

Nonperforming assets are comprised of loans on nonaccrual status, loans 90 days or more past due but not on nonaccrual status, loans restructured where the terms of repayment have been renegotiated resulting in a reduction or deferral of interest or principal, and OREO (Other Real Estate Owned). Management generally places loans on nonaccrual status when they become 90 days past due, unless they are both fully secured and in process of collection. Loans may be restructured by Management when a borrower has experienced some change in financial status causing an inability to meet the original repayment terms, where the Company believes the borrower will eventually overcome those circumstances and repay the loan in full. OREO consists of real property acquired through foreclosure or similar means that Management intends to offer for sale.

 

Management’s classification of a loan as nonaccrual or restructured is an indication that there is reasonable doubt as to the full collectibility of principal or interest on the loan. At this point, the Company stops recognizing income from the interest on the loan and reverses any uncollected interest that had been accrued but unpaid. The remaining balance of the loan will be charged off if the loan deteriorates further due to a borrower’s bankruptcy

 

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or similar financial problems, unsuccessful collection efforts or a loss classification by regulators and/or auditors. These loans may or may not be collateralized, but collection efforts are continuously pursued.

 

The Company had no OREO at December 31, 2006. If the Company acquires OREO, it records the property at the lower of its carrying value or its fair value less anticipated disposal costs. Any write-down of OREO is charged to earnings. The Company may make loans to potential buyers of OREO to facilitate the sale of OREO. In those cases, all loans made to such buyers must be reviewed under the same guidelines as those used for making customary loans, and must conform to the terms and conditions consistent with the Company’s loan policy. Any deviations from this policy must be specifically noted and reported to the appropriate lending authority. The Company follows Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 66, Accounting for Sales of Real Estate (SFAS No. 66) when accounting for loans made to facilitate the sale of OREO. In accordance with paragraph 5 of SFAS No. 66, profit on real estate sales transactions shall not be recognized by the full accrual method until all of the following criteria are met:

 

   

A sale is consummated;

 

   

The buyer’s initial and continuing investments are adequate to demonstrate a commitment to pay for the property;

 

   

The seller’s receivable is not subject to future subordination; and

 

   

The seller has transferred to the buyer the usual risks and rewards of ownership in a transaction that is in substance a sale and does not have a substantial continuing involvement with the property.

 

The following table provides information with respect to the components of the Company’s nonperforming assets as of the dates indicated:

 

     As of December 31,  
     2006     2005     2004     2003     2002  
     (Dollars in thousands)  

Nonaccrual loans:

          

Real estate:

          

Construction

   $ —       $ 1,632     $ 1,746     $ 2,249     $ —    

Commercial

     —         —         —         —         49  

Commercial

     1,502       598       957       756       885  

Consumer

     429       113       108       25       50  

Trade Finance

     —         —         —         102       87  

SBA

     1,330       600       620       195       1,357  
                                        

Total nonperforming loans

     3,261       2,943       3,431       3,327       2,428  

Other real estate owned

     —         —         —         —         —    
                                        

Total nonperforming assets

   $ 3,261     $ 2,943     $ 3,431     $ 3,327     $ 2,428  
                                        

Nonperforming loans as a percent of total loans

     0.21 %     0.24 %     0.34 %     0.46 %     0.46 %

Nonperforming assets as a percent of total loans and other real estate owned

     0.21 %     0.24 %     0.34 %     0.46 %     0.46 %

Allowance for loan losses to nonperforming loans

     534 %     471 %     327 %     265 %     278 %

 

Nonperforming loans totaled $3.3 million at December 31, 2006, an increase of $318,000 as compared to $2.9 million at December 31, 2005. Nonperforming loans as a percentage of total loans decreased to 0.21% at December 31, 2006 as compared to 0.24% at December 31, 2005. The slight increase in 2006 resulted from the sale of a real estate construction nonaccrual loan in the amount of $1.6 million offset by additional loans placed on nonaccrual status in the Bank’s commercial real estate, commercial loan and SBA portfolios that are sensitive to rising interest rates. The federal government currently guarantees SBA loans at 75% to 85% of the principal amount and, accordingly, the amount included in the SBA category includes only the unguaranteed portion of the loan.

 

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Nonperforming loans decreased by $488,000 to $2.9 million at December 31, 2005, as compared to $3.4 million in 2004. The slight decrease in 2005 resulted from additional loans placed on nonaccrual status in the Company’s commercial real estate, commercial loan and SBA portfolios that are sensitive to rising interest rates, offset by a sale of a nonaccrual real estate construction loan in the amount of $1.6 million.

 

The following table provides information on impaired loans for the periods indicated:

 

       As of December 31,  
       2006      2005  
       (Dollars in thousands)  

Impaired loans with specific reserves

     $ 329      $ 1,632  

Impaired loans without specific reserves

       —          3,872  
                   

Total impaired loans

       329        5,504  

Allowance on impaired loans

       (329 )      (41 )
                   

Net recorded investment in impaired loans

     $ —        $ 5,463  
                   

Average total recorded investment in impaired loans

     $ 1,404      $ 5,532  

Interest income recognized on impaired loans on a cash basis

     $ 3      $ 322  

 

The Company evaluates whether a loan is impaired according to the provisions of SFAS No. 114, Accounting by Creditors for Impairment of a Loan. Under SFAS No. 114, loans are considered impaired when it is probable that the Company will be unable to collect all amounts due as scheduled according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement, including contractual interest payments and contractual principal payments.

 

Allowance for Loan Losses

 

The following table sets forth the composition of the allowance for loan losses as of dates indicated:

 

     As of December 31,
     2006    2005    2004    2003    2002
     (Dollars in thousands)

Specific (impaired loans)

   $ 329    $ 41    $ 398    $ 825    $ 468

Formula (non-homogeneous)

     16,621      13,481      10,560      7,677      5,979

Homogeneous

     462      349      269      302      313
                                  

Total allowance for loan losses

   $ 17,412    $ 13,871    $ 11,227    $ 8,804    $ 6,760
                                  

1

Starting in 2003, the Company allocated the specific allowance on all impaired loans, whereas previously the Company provided specific allowances only for loans with balances of $200,000 or more and allocated formula allowances for the loans with balances of less than $200,000.

 

The allowance for loan losses reflects Management’s judgment of the level of allowance adequate to provide for probable losses inherent in the loan portfolio as of the date of the statements of financial condition. On a quarterly basis, the Company assesses the overall adequacy of the allowance for loan losses, utilizing a disciplined and systematic approach which includes the application of a specific allowance for identified problem loans, a formula allowance for identified graded loans and an allocated allowance for large groups of smaller balance homogenous loans.

 

Allowance for Specifically Identified Problem Loans. A specific allowance is established for impaired loans in accordance with SFAS 114. A loan is impaired when, based on current information and events, it is probable that a creditor will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. The specific allowance is determined based on the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate, except that as a practical expedient, the Company may measure impairment based

 

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on a loan’s observable market price, or the fair value of the collateral if the loan is collateral dependent. Regardless of the measurement method, the Company measures impairment based on the fair value of the collateral when it is determined that foreclosure is probable.

 

Formula Allowance for Identified Graded Loans. Non-homogenous loans such as commercial real estate, construction, commercial business, trade finance and SBA loans that are not subject to the allowance for specifically identified loans discussed above are reviewed individually and subject to a formula allowance. The formula allowance is calculated by applying loss factors to outstanding Pass, Special Mention and Substandard loans. The evaluation of inherent loss for these loans involves a high degree of uncertainty, subjectivity and judgment because probable loan losses are not identified with a specific loan. In determining the formula allowance, the Company relies on a mathematical calculation that incorporates a twelve-quarter rolling average of historical losses. In order to reflect the impact of recent events, the twelve-quarter rolling average has been weighted. Loans risk rated Pass, Special Mention and Substandard for the most recent three quarters are adjusted to an annual basis as follows:

 

   

the most recent quarter is Weighted 4/1;

 

   

the second most recent is Weighted 4/2; and

 

   

the third most recent is Weighted 4/3.

 

The formula allowance may be further adjusted to account for the following qualitative factors:

 

   

changes in lending policies and procedures, including underwriting standards and collection, charge-off, and recovery practices;

 

   

changes in national and local economic and business conditions and developments, including the condition of various market segments;

 

   

changes in the nature and volume of the loan portfolio;

 

   

changes in the experience, ability, and depth of lending management and staff;

 

   

changes in the trend of the volume and severity of past due and classified loans, and trends in the volume of nonaccrual loans and troubled debt restructurings, and other loan modifications;

 

   

changes in the quality of the Bank’s loan review system and the degree of oversight by the Directors;

 

   

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

 

   

the effect of external factors such as competition and legal and regulatory requirements on the level of estimated losses in the Bank’s loan portfolio.

 

Allowance for Large Groups of Smaller Balance Homogenous Loans. The portion of the allowance allocated to large groups of smaller balance homogenous loans is focused on loss experience for the pool rather than on an analysis of individual loans. Large groups of smaller balance homogenous loans consist of consumer loans to individuals. The allowance for groups of performing loans is based on historical losses over a three-year period. In determining the level of allowance for delinquent groups of loans, the Company classifies groups of homogenous loans based on the number of day’s delinquent.

 

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The table below summarizes the activity in the Company’s allowance for loan losses for the periods indicated.

 

     As of and For the Year Ended December 31,  
     2006     2005     2004     2003     2002  
     (Dollars in thousands)  

Balances

          

Average total loans outstanding during the period(1)

   $ 1,356,169     $ 1,123,880     $ 878,819     $ 620,302     $ 439,493  

Total loans outstanding at end of period(1)

   $ 1,554,588     $ 1,234,615     $ 1,021,359     $ 725,812     $ 527,977  

Allowance for Loan Losses:

          

Balance at beginning of period before reserve for losses on commitments at beginning of period

   $ 13,871     $ 11,227     $ 8,804     $ 6,760     $ 5,540  

Liability for losses on commitments to extend credit(2)

     —         —         —         —         (43 )

Balance at beginning of period

     13,871       11,227       8,804       6,760       5,497  

Loan:

          

Charge-offs:

          

Real estate

          

Construction

     —         —         435       —         —    

Commercial

     258       —         —         —         —    

Commercial

     1,635       623       967       903       1,323  

Consumer

     333       227       165       225       227  

Trade finance

     —         —         —         —         29  

SBA

     473       37       63       126       75  
                                        

Total loan charge-offs

     2,699       887       1,630       1,254       1,654  
                                        

Recoveries

          

Real estate

          

Construction

     424       —         —         —         —    

Commercial

     —         —         —         —         10  

Commercial

     43       102       696       569       694  

Consumer

     101       12       35       40       5  

Trade finance

     —         23       41       545       68  

SBA

     6       24       31       144       40  
                                        

Total recoveries

     574       161       803       1,298       817  
                                        

Net loan charge-offs

     2,125       726       827       (44 )     837  
                                        

Provision for loan losses

     5,666       3,370       3,250       2,000       2,100  
                                        

Balance at end of period

   $ 17,412     $ 13,871     $ 11,227     $ 8,804     $ 6,760  
                                        

Ratios:

          

Net loan charge-offs to average loans

     0.16 %     0.06 %     0.09 %     (0.01 )%     0.19 %

Provision for loan losses to average total loans

     0.42       0.30       0.37       0.32       0.48  

Allowance for loan losses to gross loans at end of period

     1.12       1.12       1.10       1.21       1.28  

Allowance for loan losses to total nonperforming loans

     534       471       327       264       278  

Net loan charge-offs to allowance for loan losses at end of period

     12.20       5.23       7.37       (0.50 )     12.38  

1

Net of deferred loan fees and discount on SBA loans sold.

2

The allowance for losses on commitments to extend credit and letters of credit is primarily related to lines of credit. The Company evaluates credit risk associated with the loan portfolio at the same time it evaluates credit risk associated with commitments to extend credit and letters of credits. A $319,000, $198,000, $170,000 and $124,000 liability for losses on commitments is reported separately in other liabilities in the statements of financial condition at December 31, 2006, 2005, 2004 and 2003, respectively, and not as part of the allowance for loan losses as presented above.

 

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The process of assessing the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses involves judgmental discretion, and eventual losses may therefore differ from the most recent estimates. Further, the Company’s independent loan review consultants, as well as the Company’s external auditors, the FDIC and the California Department of Financial Institutions review the allowance for loan losses as an integral part of their examination process.

 

The balance of the allowance for loan losses increased to $17.4 million as of December 31, 2006 compared to $13.9 million as of December 31, 2005. This increase was mainly due to the growth of the portfolio, Management’s assessment of credit risk inherent in the portfolio (based on a migration analysis and other historical factors) and net charge-offs.

 

The Company continued to record loss provisions to compensate for both the continued growth in the Company’s loan portfolio, continued change in the composition of the overall loan portfolio (reflecting a steady shift toward commercial real estate and commercial loans) and net write-offs. The Company provides an allowance for the new credits based on the migration analysis. The ratio of the allowance for loan losses to nonperforming loans increased to 534% at December 31, 2006 as compared to 471% and 327% in 2005 and 2004, respectively.

 

Management is committed to maintaining the allowance for loan losses at a level that is considered commensurate with estimated and known risks in the portfolio. Although the adequacy of the allowance is reviewed quarterly, Management performs an ongoing assessment of the risks inherent in the portfolio. As of December 31, 2006, Management believes the allowance to be adequate based on its assessment of the estimated and known risks in the portfolio migration analysis of charge-off history, which indicated stabilized loss ratios. However, no assurance can be given that economic conditions, which adversely affect the Bank’s service areas or other circumstances, will not be reflected in an increase in the loan loss provision or loan losses. There has been no need to adjust the risk ratios applied to graded loans. Classified loans were $6.5 million as of December 31, 2006 compared to $6.1 million as of December 31, 2005. The 2006 increase was primarily due to growth in the loan portfolio.

 

The provision for loan losses in 2006, 2005, and 2004 was $5.7 million, $3.4 million, and $3.3 million, respectively. The increase in 2006 and 2005 was due to the expansion in the Company’s loan portfolio and net charge-offs. Total charge-offs for 2006 were $2.7 million as compared to $887,000 in 2005. The biggest single charge-off during 2006 and 2005 was $411,000 and $317,000, respectively. Net charge-offs (recoveries) were $2.1 million, $726,000 and $827,000 in 2006, 2005 and 2004, respectively.

 

Allocation of Allowance for Loan Losses

 

The following table provides a breakdown of the allowance for loan losses by category as of the dates indicated:

 

    As of December 31,  
    2006     2005     2004     2003     2002  
    Amount   % of
Loans in
Category
to Total
Loans
    Amount   % of
Loans in
Category
to Total
Loans
    Amount   % of
Loans in
Category
to Total
Loans
    Amount   % of
Loans in
Category
to Total
Loans
    Amount   % of
Loans in
Category
to Total
Loans
 
    (Dollars in thousands)  

Real Estate

                   

Construction

  $ 422   2.42 %   $ 332   2.39 %   $ 313   1.65 %   $ 976   2.53 %   $ 422   3.90 %

Commercial

    10,457   60.06       8,131   58.62       5,954   59.25       3,650   52.81       2,655   45.55  

Commercial

    3,795   21.80       3,199   23.06       2,665   20.39       2,260   20.22       1,846   20.50  

Consumer

    786   4.51       716   5.16       579   5.68       495   6.80       449   7.83  

Trade Finance

    762   4.38       943   6.80       875   8.17       674   8.50       591   9.46  

SBA

    1,190   6.83       535   3.86       487   4.78       749   9.12       797   12.75  

Other

    —     —         15   0.11       354   0.08       —     0.02       —     0.01  
                                                           
  $ 17,412   100.00 %   $ 13,871   100.00 %   $ 11,227   100.00 %   $ 8,804   100.00 %   $ 6,760   100.00 %
                                                           

 

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The largest increase in the allocated allowance for 2006 was for commercial real estate loans, which increased $2.3 million to $10.5 million, or 28.6% compared to $8.1 million in 2005. Commercial real estate loans represented 66.9% of the loan portfolio and 60.1% of the allocated loan loss allowance at December 31, 2006. This disproportional allocation of the allowance for loan losses occurs inasmuch as commercial real estate loans (secured by real property) have historically had a low charge-off ratio.

 

The allocated allowance for other commercial business loans increased by $596,000, or 18.6%, to $3.8 million at December 31, 2006, compared to $3.1 million as of the December 31, 2005. Commercial business loans represented 17.8% of the loan portfolio and 21.8% of the allocated loan loss allowance at December 31, 2006. This disproportional allocation of the allowance for losses is based on historical information and analysis (e.g., these types of loans have typically had the highest charge-off percentage).

 

The allocated allowance for SBA loans (which includes 504 loans) increased $655,000, or 122.4%, to $1.2 million at December 31, 2006, compared to $535,000 as of December 31, 2005. SBA loans represented 3.2% of the loan portfolio and 6.8% of allocated loan loss allowance at December 31, 2006. This disproportionate allocation and growth during 2006 is the result of the almost exclusively variable rate nature of the portfolio which makes it more susceptible to credit risk in a rising interest rate environment.

 

The allocated allowance for other trade finance loans decreased $181,000, or 19.2%, to $762,000 at December 31, 2006, compared to $943,000 as of December 31, 2005. Trade finance loans represented 4.3% of the loan portfolio and 4.4% of allocated loan loss allowance at December 31, 2006.

 

The Company has not substantively changed any aspect of its overall approach in the determination of its allocation of allowance for loan losses in the periods discussed above. There have been no material changes in assumptions or estimation techniques in the periods discussed above that affected the determination of the current year allowance.

 

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Investment Portfolio

 

The following table summarizes the amortized cost, fair value, and distribution of the Company’s investment securities as of the dates indicated:

 

     As of December 31,
     2006    2005    2004
     Amortized
Cost
   Fair Value    Amortized
Cost
   Fair Value    Amortized
Cost
   Fair Value
     (Dollars in thousands)

Available for Sale:

                 

U.S. Treasury

   $ 489    $ 488    $ 498    $ 497    $ 2,014    $ 2,033

U.S. Governmental agencies and U.S. Government sponsored enterprise securities

     —        —        —        —        6      6

U.S. Governmental agencies securities and U.S. Government sponsored enterprise securities

     65,995      65,545      131,719      130,483      66,535      65,747

U.S. Governmental agencies and U.S. Government sponsored and enterprise mortgage-backed securities

     58,008      57,178      70,959      69,882      62,294      62,279

U.S. Government sponsored enterprise preferred stock

     4,865      5,744      4,865      5,173      10,092      10,138

Corporate trust preferred securities

     11,000      11,132      11,000      11,054      11,000      11,028

Mutual Funds backed by adjustable rate mortgages

     4,500      4,444      3,000      2,961      —        —  

Fixed rate collateralized mortgage obligations

     2,230      2,203      2,817      2,800      —        —  

Corporate debt securities

     2,197      2,179      3,194      3,173      5,698      5,796
                                         

Total available for sale

   $ 149,284    $ 148,913    $ 228,052    $ 226,023    $ 157,639    $ 157,027
                                         

Held to Maturity:

                 

U.S. Government agencies and U.S. Government sponsored enterprise mortgage-backed securities

   $ 4,961    $ 4,909    $ 4,130    $ 4,053    $ 6,197    $ 6,161

Municipal securities

     5,630      5,662      6,922      6,961      5,199      5,392
                                         

Total held to maturity

   $ 10,591    $ 10,571    $ 11,052    $ 11,014    $ 11,396    $ 11,553
                                         

Total investment securities

   $ 159,875    $ 159,484    $ 239,104    $ 237,037    $ 169,035    $ 168,580
                                         

 

The Company’s investment securities portfolio is classified into two categories: Held-to-Maturity or Available-for-Sale. Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 115, Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities (SFAS No. 115) also provides for a trading portfolio classification, but the Company had no investment securities in this category for any of the reported periods. The Company classifies securities that it has the ability and intent to hold to maturity as held-to-maturity securities, to be sold only in the event of concerns with an issuer’s credit worthiness, a change in tax law that eliminates their tax-exempt status or other infrequent situations as permitted by SFAS No. 115. All other securities are classified as available-for-sale. The securities classified as held-to-maturity are presented at net amortized cost and available-for-sale securities are carried at their estimated fair values.

 

The main objectives of the Company’s investment portfolio are to: 1) provide a sufficient level of liquidity; 2) provide a source of pledged assets for securing State of California deposits and borrowed funds; 3) provide an alternative to loans as interest-earning assets when loan demand is weak; and 4) enhance the Company’s tax position by providing partially tax-exempt income.

 

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As of December 31, 2006, investment securities totaled $159.5 million or 8.7% of total assets, compared to $237.1 million or 14.3% of total assets at December 31, 2005. The decrease in the investment portfolio was mainly due to the reinvestment of investment maturities and principal pay-downs into new loan originations.

 

As of December 31, 2006, available-for-sale securities totaled $148.9 million, compared to $226.0 million as of December 31, 2005. Available-for-sale securities as a percentage of total assets decreased to 8.1% as of December 31, 2006 from 13.6% as of December 31, 2005, as maturities and principal pay-downs were reinvested into new loans. Held-to-maturity securities decreased to $10.6 million as of December 31, 2006, from $11.1 million as of December 31, 2005. This decrease was due to the matured and called securities and increased principal payments on mortgage backed securities which were reinvested into new loans. The composition of available-for-sale and held-to-maturity securities was 93.4% and 6.6% as of December 31, 2006, compared to 95.3% and 4.7% as of December 31, 2005, respectively. For the year ended December 31, 2006, the yield on the average investment portfolio was 4.38%, representing an increase of 72 basis points as compared to 3.66% for the same period of 2005.

 

As of December 31, 2006 the Company had total fair value of $114.9 million of securities with unrealized losses of $1.4 million. Management believes these unrealized losses are due to temporary conditions, namely fluctuations in interest rates, and do not reflect a deterioration of credit quality of the issuer. The market value of securities with unrealized losses (for a period of twelve months or more) totaled $95.2 million, with related unrealized losses of these securities totaling $1.4 million.

 

The following table summarizes, as of December 31, 2006, the contractual maturity characteristics of the investment portfolio, by investment category. Expected remaining maturities may differ from remaining contractual maturities because obligors may have the right to prepay certain obligations with or without penalties.

 

    Within one
Year
    After One But
Within Five Years
    After Five But
Within Ten Years
    After Ten
Years
    Total  
    Amount   Yield     Amount   Yield     Amount   Yield     Amount   Yield     Amount   Yield  
    (Dollars in thousands)  

Available for Sale (Fair Value):

                   

U.S. Governmental agencies securities and U.S. Government sponsored enterprise securities

  $ 42,187   3.66 %   $ 23,846   4.63 %   $ —     0.00 %   $ —     0.00 %   $ 66,033   4.01 %

U.S. Governmental agencies and U.S. Government sponsored and enterprise mortgage-backed securities

    135   4.89       1,453   5.00       6,200   4.80       49,390   4.40       57,178   4.46  

U.S. Government sponsored enterprise preferred stock

    —     0.00       5,744   4.36       —     0.00       —     0.00       5,744   4.36  

Corporate trust preferred securities

    —     0.00       —     0.00       —     0.00       11,132   7.23       11,132   7.23  

Mutual Funds backed by adjustable rate mortgages

    4,444   4.36       —     0.00       —     0.00       —     0.00       4,444   4.36  

Fixed rate collateralized mortgage obligations

    —     0.00       —     0.00       —     0.00       2,203   4.69       2,203   4.69  

Corporate debt securities

    1,001   5.97       1,178   3.87       —     0.00       —     0.00       2,179   4.83  
                                       

Total available for sale

  $ 47,767   3.77 %   $ 32,221   4.57 %   $ 6,200   4.8 %   $ 62,725   4.91 %   $ 148,913   4.47 %
                                       

Held to Maturity (Amortized Cost):

                   

U.S. Government agencies and U.S. Government sponsored enterprise mortgage-backed securities

  $ —     0.00 %   $ —     —   %   $ —     —   %   $ 4,961   4.61 %   $ 4,961   4.61 %

Municipal securities

    577   4.19       1,993   4.17       2,431   3.63       629   3.80       5,630   3.90  
                                       

Total held to maturity

  $ 577   4.19 %   $ 1,993   4.17 %   $ 2,431   3.63 %   $ 5,590   4.52 %   $ 10,591   4.23 %
                                       

Total investment securities

  $ 48,344   3.78 %   $ 34,214   4.55 %   $ 8,631   4.47 %   $ 68,315   4.88 %   $ 159,504   4.45 %
                                       

 

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Interest Earning Short-Term Investments

 

The Company invests its short-term excess available funds in overnight Fed Funds and money market funds. As of December 31, 2006 the Company had no excess funds invested in overnight Fed Funds and $58.5 million as of December 31, 2005. As of December 31, 2006 and 2005, the amounts invested in money market funds and interest-bearing deposits in other banks were $1.9 million and $5.1 million, respectively. The investment in Fed Funds averaged $33.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2006, and $29.3 million for December 31, 2005. Interest earned on these funds was 4.73% and 3.32% in 2006 and 2005, respectively.

 

Other Assets

 

The Company’s investment in the FHLB stock totaled $11.0 million and $5.4 million as of December 31, 2006 and 2005, respectively. FHLB stock is required in order to utilize a borrowing facility when needed. The Company purchased $5.3 million of additional shares of FHLB stock during 2006 due to the FHLB’s minimum capital stock requirement for its member banks based on the member’s December 31 regulatory financial data and on current advances outstanding.

 

Other investments, totaling $6.9 million and $4.5 million as of December 31, 2006 and 2005, respectively, are comprised of limited partnership interests owned by the Company in affordable housing projects for lower income tenants. Investments in these projects enable the Company to obtain CRA credit and federal and state income tax credits, as previously discussed in “Provision for Income Taxes.” In addition, the Company invested $10.0 million in bank owned life insurance (BOLI) in December 2003. BOLI is an insurance policy with a single premium paid at policy commencement. Its initial cash surrender value is equivalent to the premium paid, and the value grows through non-taxable increases in its cash surrender value through interest earned on the policy, net of the cost of insurance plus any death benefits ultimately received by the Company. The cash surrender value of BOLI as of December 31, 2006 and 2005 was $11.2 million and $10.8 million, respectively. Even though BOLI and the investment in affordable housing partnerships all enhance profitability, they are not classified as interest-earning assets.

 

Cash on hand and balances due from correspondent banks represent the largest component of the Company’s non-earning assets. Cash on hand and balances due from correspondent banks represented 3.9% and 4.8% of total assets for December 31, 2006 and 2005, respectively. The outstanding balance of cash and due from banks was $71.5 million and $79.8 million as of December 31, 2006 and 2005, respectively. The ratio of average cash and due from banks to average total assets declined to 4.5% for 2006 as compared to 5.1% for 2005. The Company maintained balances at correspondent banks to cover daily in-clearings and other activities. The average reserve balance requirements were approximately $6.4 million and $14.4 million as of December 31, 2006 and 2005, respectively, most of which was covered by cash on hand and vault cash held (no additional balances were maintained with the Federal Reserve Bank for this purpose).

 

A significant component of non-earning assets is Premises and Equipment, which is stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Depreciation is charged to income over the estimated useful lives of the assets and leasehold improvements are amortized over the terms of the related leases, or the estimated useful lives of the improvements, whichever is shorter. Depreciation expense was $1.9 million in 2006 as compared to $1.6 million in 2005. The net book value of the Company’s premises and equipment totaled $13.3 million at December 31, 2006, a decrease of $705,000, compared to $14.0 million at December 31, 2005.

 

Other assets decreased by $244,000 to $4.1 million as of December 31, 2006 compared to $4.3 million at December 31, 2005. The decrease principally reflects reductions in the Company’s servicing assets due to prepayments.

 

Deposits

 

The composition and cost of the Company’s deposit base are important components in analyzing its net interest margin and balance sheet liquidity characteristics, both of which are discussed in greater detail in other

 

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sections herein. Net interest margin is improved to the extent that growth in deposits can be concentrated in historically lower-cost core deposits, namely noninterest-bearing demand, NOW accounts, savings accounts and money market deposit accounts. Liquidity is impacted by the volatility of deposits or other funding instruments, or in other words their propensity to leave the institution for rate-related or other reasons. Potentially, the most volatile deposits in a financial institution are large certificates of deposit (e.g., generally time deposits with balances exceeding $100,000). Because these deposits (particularly when considered together with a customer’s other specific deposits) may exceed FDIC insurance limits, depositors may select shorter maturities to offset perceived risk elements associated with deposits over $100,000.

 

The Company offers a wide variety of retail deposit account products to both consumer and commercial deposit customers. Time deposits, which are the Company’s highest cost deposits, consist primarily of retail fixed-rate certificates of deposit, and comprised 54.1% and 52.9% of the deposit portfolio at December 31, 2006 and 2005, respectively. The ratio of noninterest-bearing deposits to total deposits was 27.2% and 26.6% at December 31, 2006, and 2005, respectively. All other deposits, which include interest-bearing checking accounts (NOW), savings and money market accounts, accounted for the remaining 18.7% and 20.5% of the deposit portfolio at December 31, 2006 and 2005, respectively.

 

Deposits totaled $1.4 billion at December 31, 2006 as compared to $1.5 billion as of December 31, 2005 reflecting a decrease of $51.2 million or 3.5%. The decrease in deposits was primarily the result of a decrease in money market and NOW accounts that totaled $190.5 million, or 13.3% of deposits at December 31, 2006 as compared to $221.1 million, or 14.9% of deposits at December 31, 2005. The Company can utilize wholesale funding sources, rather than paying higher interest rates on time deposits for rate sensitive customers who typically demand higher rates on certificates of deposit because of local market competition. The Company has historically replaced some high cost deposits with lower cost deposits from the State of California. The Company had no brokered CDs at December 31, 2006 and $20.0 million of such deposits at December 31, 2005. Time certificates of deposit from the State of California amounted to $75.0 million and $80.0 million at December 31, 2006 and 2005, respectively. These deposits are subject to renewal every 3 to 6 months. Rates of the deposits ranged between 4.20% to 5.20% at December 31, 2006 and 3.58% to 4.36% at December 31, 2005.

 

As of December 31, 2006 and 2005, time deposits of $100,000 or more totaled $682.1 million and $685.3 million, respectively, representing for 47.7% and 46.3%, respectively, of the total deposit portfolio. These accounts, consisting primarily of consumer deposits and deposits from the State of California, had a weighted average interest rate of 4.97% and 3.39% at December 31, 2006 and 2005, respectively.

 

The following table provides the remaining maturities of the Company’s time deposits in denominations of $100,000 or greater as of December 31, 2006 and 2005:

 

     As of December 31,

(Dollars in thousands)

   2006    2005

Three months or less

   $ 383,134    $ 261,084

Over three months through six months

     151,831      192,475

Over six months through twelve months

     135,071      220,303

Over twelve months

     12,071      11,474
             

Total

   $ 682,107    $ 685,336
             

 

The Company’s average deposit cost increased to 3.25% during 2006 from 2.12% in 2005.

 

Information concerning the average balance and average rates paid on deposits by deposit type for the past three fiscal years is contained in the Distribution, Rate, and Yield table in the previous section entitled “Results of Operations—Net Interest Margin”.

 

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Other Borrowed Funds

 

Based on the Federal Reserve Board’s recent stabilization of interest rates (following two years of increases) and economic forecasts of flat to lower rates over the next twelve months, Management has shifted to wholesale funding sources, to extend liability durations and costs are reasonable, utilizing mostly short-term FHLB advances. As of December 31, 2006, the Company borrowed $223.8 million as compared to $27.1 million at December 31, 2005 from the Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco with note terms from 1 day to 15 years ($217.0 million or 97.0% of current FHLB advances are short-term). Notes of 10-year and 15-year terms are amortizing at the predetermined schedules over the life of the notes. The Company has pledged residential, multifamily and commercial loans secured by first trust deeds with a total carrying value of $1.1 billion at December 31, 2006 and $858 million at December 31, 2005. During 2004, the Company started to participate in a new Blanket Lien Program with the FHLB (of San Francisco) in order to better utilize its borrowing capacity and its collateral. Under this program, the Company increased its collateral in order to increase its borrowing capacity as well as create a new liquidity source for future use. Total interest expense on FHLB borrowings was $4.4 million and $895,000 for the years ended December 31, 2006 and 2005, respectively, reflecting average interest rates of 5.27% and 3.14% respectively.

 

The Company also regularly uses short-term borrowing from the U.S. Treasury to manage Treasury Tax and Loan payments. Notes issued to the U.S. Treasury amounted to $675,000 as of December 31, 2006 compared to $1.1 million as of December 31, 2005. Interest expense on these borrowings was $31,000 and $22,000 in 2006 and 2005, respectively, reflecting average interest rates of 3.68% and 2.34%, respectively.

 

In addition, the issuance of a long-term subordinated debenture at the end of 2004 in connection with the issuance of $18.6 million in “pass-through” trust preferred securities provided an additional source of funding. (See Note 11 to the Financial Statements in Item 8 herein).

 

Contractual Obligations

 

The following table presents, as of December 31, 2006, the Company’s significant fixed and determinable contractual obligations, within the categories described below, by payment date. These contractual obligations, except for the operating lease obligations, are included in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition. The payment amounts represent those amounts contractually due to the recipient.

 

     Payments due by period
     Less than
1 year
  

1-3

years

  

3-5

years

   More than
5 years
   Total
     (Dollars in thousands)

Debt obligations*

   $ 226,984    $ 668    $ 742    $ 19,653    $ 248,047

Deposits

     1,262,488      105,351      61,474      86      1,429,399

Operating lease obligations

     1,924      4,320      2,775      3,235      12,254
                                  

Total contractual obligations

   $ 1,491,396    $ 110,339    $ 64,991    $ 22,974    $ 1,689,700
                                  

* Includes principal payments only.

 

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

 

The Company may also have liabilities under certain contractual agreements contingent upon the occurrence of certain events. A discussion of significant contractual arrangements under which the Company may be held contingently liable, including guarantee arrangements, is included in Note 13—“Commitments and Contingencies” and Note 17—“Financial Instruments with Off-Balance Sheet Risk” to the Consolidated Financial Statements (Item 8 herein).

 

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Impact of Inflation

 

The primary impact of inflation on the Company is its effect on interest rates. The Company’s primary source of income is net interest income, which is affected by changes in interest rates. The Company attempts to mitigate the impact of inflation on its net interest margin through the management of rate-sensitive assets and liabilities and the analysis of interest rate sensitivity. The effect of inflation on premises and equipment as well as non-interest expenses has not been significant for the periods covered in this Annual Report.

 

Market Risk and Asset Liability Management

 

Market risk is the risk of loss from adverse changes in market prices and rates. The Company’s market risk arises primarily from interest rate risk inherent in its lending, investment and deposit taking activities. The Company’s profitability is affected by fluctuations in interest rates. A sudden and substantial change in interest rates may adversely impact the Company’s earnings to the extent that the interest rates borne by assets and liabilities do not change at the same speed, to the same extent or on the same basis. To that end, Management actively monitors and manages its interest rate risk exposure.

 

Asset and liability management is concerned with the timing and magnitude of the repricing of assets and liabilities. The Company actively monitors its assets and liabilities to mitigate risks associated with interest rate movements. In general, Management’s strategy is to match asset and liability balances within maturity categories to limit the Company’s exposure to earnings fluctuations and variations in the value of assets and liabilities as interest rates change over time.

 

The Company’s strategy for asset and liability management is formulated and monitored by the Company’s Asset/Liability Board Committee (the “Board Committee”). This Board Committee is composed of four non-employee directors and the President. The Board Committee meets quarterly to review and adopt recommendations of the Asset/Liability Management Committee.

 

The Asset/Liability Management Committee consists of executive and manager level officers from various areas of the Company including lending, investment, and deposit gathering, in accordance with policies approved by the board of directors. The primary goal of the Company’s Asset/Liability Management Committee is to manage the financial components of the Company to optimize the net income under varying interest rate environments. The focus of this process is the development, analysis, implementation, and monitoring of earnings enhancement strategies, which provide stable earnings and capital levels during periods of changing interest rates.

 

The Asset/Liability Management Committee meets regularly to review, among other matters, the sensitivity of the Company’s assets and liabilities to interest rate changes, the book and market values of assets and liabilities, unrealized gains and losses, and maturities of investments and borrowings. The Asset/Liability Management Committee also approves and establishes pricing and funding decisions with respect to overall asset and liability composition, and reports regularly to the Board Committee and the board of directors.

 

Interest Rate Risk

 

Interest rate risk occurs when assets and liabilities reprice at different times as interest rates change. In general, the interest that the Company earns on its assets and pays on its liabilities is established contractually for specified period of time. Market interest rates change over time and if a financial institution is not prepared for these changes, it may be exposed to volatility in earnings. For instance, if the Company was to fund long-term fixed rate assets with short-term variable rate deposits, and interest rates were to rise over the term of the assets, the short-term variable deposits would rise in cost, adversely affecting net interest income. Similar risks exist when rate sensitive assets (e.g., prime rate based loans) are funded by longer-term fixed rate liabilities in a falling interest rate environment.

 

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In order to monitor and manage interest rate risk, Management utilizes quarterly gap analysis and quarterly simulation modeling as a tool to determine the sensitivity of net interest income and economic value sensitivity of the statements of financial condition. These techniques are complementary and both are used to provide a more accurate measurement of interest rate risk. The Company also has used interest rate swaps to hedge the interest rate risk of specifically identified variable rate loans (see “Derivatives”).

 

Gap analysis measures the repricing mismatches between assets and liabilities. The interest rate sensitivity gap is determined by subtracting the amount of liabilities from the amount of assets that reprice during a particular time interval. A liability sensitive position results when more liabilities than assets reprice or mature within a given period. Conversely, an asset sensitive position results when more assets than liabilities reprice within a given period. As of December 31, 2006, the Company was liability sensitive with a negative one-year gap of $43.0 million or 2.3% of total assets and 2.5% of earning assets. As the Company’s liabilities tend to reprice more frequently than its assets over a one-year horizon, the Company will generally realize higher net interest income in a falling rate environment and lower net interest income in a rising rate environment.

 

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The following table sets forth the interest rate sensitivity of the Company’s interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities as of December 31, 2006 using the interest rate sensitivity gap ratio. For purposes of the following table, an asset or liability is considered rate-sensitive within a specified period when it can be repriced or matures within its contractual terms. Actual payment patterns may differ from contractual payment patterns.

 

    

As of December 31, 2006

Amounts Subject to Repricing Within

 
     0-3 Months     3-12
Months
    1-5 Years     After
5 Years
    Non
Sensitive
    Total  
     (Dollars in thousands)  

Assets

            

Cash

   $ —       $ —       $ —       $ —       $ 71,504     $ 71,504  

Federal Funds sold

     —         —         —         —         —         —    

Money market funds and interest-bearing deposits in other banks

     51       1,821       —         —         —         1,872  

Investment securities

     51,278       35,748       71,282       3,396       (2,200 )     159,504  

FHLB and other equity bank stock

     11,065       —         —         —         —         11,065  

Loans

     850,473       127,331       486,210       91,620       (1,046 )     1,554,588  

Allowance for loan losses

     —         —         —         —         (17,412 )     (17,412 )

Cash surrender value of life insurance

     —         —         —         11,183       —         11,183  

Other assets

     —         —         —         —         50,385       50,385  
                                                

Total assets

   $ 912,867     $ 164,900     $ 557,492     $ 106,199     $ 101,231     $ 1,842,689  
                                                

Liabilities

            

Deposits:

            

Demand

   $ —       $ —       $ —       $ —       $ 388,163     $ 388,163  

Interest-bearing

            

Savings

     8,414       19,535       48,897       —         —         76,846  

Time—$100,000 or more

     386,934       284,492       10,681       —         —         682,107  

Time—other

     42,400       47,440       1,990       —         —         91,830  

Money market and NOW accounts

     87,014       —         103,439       —         —         190,453  

Accrued interest payable

     —         —         —         —         11,458       11,458  

Acceptances outstanding

     —         —         —         —         4,871       4,871  

Other borrowed funds

     222,000       4,000       —         2,815       675       229,490  

Long-term subordinated debentures

     18,557       —         —         —         —         18,557  

Other liabilities

     —         —         —         —         8,153       8,153  
                                                

Total liabilities

     765,319       355,467       165,007       2,815       413,320       1,701,928  
                                                

Shareholders’ equity

     —         —         —         —         140,489       140,489  
                                                

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity

   $ 765,319     $ 355,467     $ 165,007     $ 2,815     $ 553,809     $ 1,842,417  
                                                

Period repricing gap

   $ 147,548     $ (190,567 )   $ 392,485     $ 103,384      

Cumulative repricing gap

   $ 147,548     $ (43,019 )   $ 349,466     $ 452,850      

as % of total assets

     8.00 %     -2.33 %     18.96 %     24.57 %    

as % of earning assets

     8.63 %     -2.52 %     20.44 %     26.49 %    

 

Although the interest rate sensitivity gap analysis is a useful measurement tool and contributes to effective asset and liability management, it is difficult to predict the effect of changing interest rates based solely on that measure. As a result, the Asset/Liability Management Committee also uses simulation modeling on a quarterly basis as a tool to measure the sensitivity of net interest income (“NII”) and economic value of equity (“EVE”) to

 

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interest rate changes. EVE is defined as the net present value of an institution’s existing assets, minus the present value of liabilities and off-balance sheet instruments. The simulation model captures all assets, liabilities, off-balance sheet financial instruments, and other significant variables considered to be affected by interest rates. These other significant variables include prepayment speeds on mortgage-backed securities, cash flows on loans and deposits, principal amortization, call options on investment securities purchased, statements of financial condition growth assumptions, and changes in interest rate relationships as various rate indices react differently to market rates. The simulation measures the volatility of net interest income and EVE under immediate rising or falling market rate scenarios in 100-basis-point increments up to 300 basis points.

 

The following table sets forth, as of December 31, 2006, the estimated impact of changes on the Company’s net interest income over a twelve-month period and EVE, assuming an immediate and parallel shift of 100 to 300 basis points in both directions.

 

Change

(In Basis Points)

 

Net Interest Income
(Next Twelve Months)

 

% Change

    

Economic Value
of Equity (EVE)

 

% Change

(Dollars in thousands)

+300

  $95,113   11.27%      $164,305   -25.02%

+200

  $92,013   7.65%      $182,812   -16.57%

+100

  $88,796   3.88%      $201,149   -8.20%

Level

  $85,478   0.00%      $219,124   0.00%

-100

  $82,001   -4.07%      $236,417   7.89%

-200

  $78,165   -8.55%      $249,367   13.80%

-300

  $73,951   -13.48%      $259,342   18.35%

 

As previously noted, net income increases (decreases) as market interest rates rise (fall). The EVE decreases (increases), as the rate rises (falls), since the EVE has a negative convexity (reverse relationship) with the discount rate. As above table indicates, 300 basis points drop in rates impacts net interest income by $11.5 million or a 13.5% decrease, whereas rate increase of 300 basis points impacts net interest income by $9.6 million or an 11.3% increase. Since average cost on interest-bearing liabilities was 4.55% at December 31, 2006, the effect of 300 basis points drop in rates on interest-bearing liabilities is protected even without a floor; however there may also be almost full 300 basis points drop in the yield of interest-earning assets.

 

All interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities and related derivative contracts are included in the rate sensitivity analysis at December 31, 2006. At December 31, 2006, the Company’s estimated change in net interest income and EVE was within the ranges established by the board of directors.

 

The primary analytical tool used by the Company to gauge interest rate sensitivity is a simulation model used by many community banks, which is based upon the actual maturity and repricing characteristics of interest-rate-sensitive assets and liabilities. The model attempts to forecast changes in the yields earned on assets and the rates paid on liabilities in relation to changes in market interest rates. As an enhancement to the primary simulation model, other factors are incorporated into the model, including prepayment assumptions and market rates of interest provided by independent broker/dealer quotations, an independent pricing model, and other available public information. The model also factors in projections of anticipated activity levels of the Company product lines. Management believes that the assumptions it uses to evaluate the vulnerability of the Company’s operations to changes in interest rates approximate actual experience and considers them reasonable; however, the interest rate sensitivity of the Company’s assets and liabilities and the estimated effects of changes in interest rates on the Company’s net interest income and EVE could vary substantially if different assumptions were used or if actual experience were to differ from the historical experience on which they are based.

 

Derivatives

 

The Company’s historical strategies in protecting both net interest income and the economic value of equity from significant movements in interest rates have involved using various methods of assessing existing and

 

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future interest rate risk exposure and diversifying and restructuring its investment portfolio accordingly. The Company may use off-balance sheet instruments, such as interest rate swaps, as part of its overall goal of minimizing the impact of interest rate fluctuations on the Company’s net income, shareholders’ equity and cash flows. As of December 31, 2005 the Company had one outstanding swap contract with a notional value of $25.0 million. This swap contract expired in August 2006 and no new swap contracts were entered into during 2006.

 

Net interest settlements of $255,000 (payments) and $26,000 (receipts) were recorded for the years ended December 31, 2006 and 2005, respectively, in noninterest expense. Since the Company does not apply hedge accounting treatment for its interest rate swaps, market value adjustments of the swaps are included in other assets and recorded through current earnings. The total market value adjustment was a loss of $26,000 for 2006 compared to losses of $586,000 and $235,000 in 2005 and 2004, respectively.

 

Liquidity

 

Liquidity is the Company’s ability to maintain sufficient cash flow to meet deposit withdrawals and loan demands and to take advantage of investment opportunities as they arise. The Company’s principal sources of liquidity have been growth in deposits, proceeds from the maturity of securities, and repayments from loans. To supplement its primary sources of liquidity, the Company maintains contingent funding sources, which include a borrowing capacity of up to 25% of total assets upon providing collateral with the Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco, access to the discount window of the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco, a deposit facility with the California State Treasurer’s office up to 80% of total equity with collateral pledging, and unsecured Fed funds lines with correspondent banks.

 

As of December 31, 2006, the Company’s liquidity ratio, which is the ratio of available liquid funds to net deposits and short-term liabilities, was 7.9%. Total available liquidity as of that date was $131.5 million, consisting of excessive cash holdings or balances in due from banks, overnight Fed funds sold, money market funds and unpledged available for sale securities. It is the Company’s policy to maintain a liquidity ratio of less than 13%. The Company’s net non-core fund dependence ratio was 51.8% under applicable regulatory guidelines, which assumes all certificates of deposit over $100,000 (“Jumbo CD’s”) as volatile sources of funds. The Company has identified approximately $190.0 million of Jumbo CD’s as stable and core sources of funds based on past historical analysis. The net non-core fund dependence ratio was 40.7% with the assumption of $190.0 million of Jumbo CD’s as stable and core fund sources and certain portion of money market demand accounts as volatile. The net non-core fund dependence ratio is the ratio of net short-term investment less non-core liabilities divided by the long-term assets.

 

Capital Resources

 

Shareholders’ equity as of December 31, 2006 was $140.7 million, compared to $112.7 million as of December 31, 2005. The primary sources of increases in capital have been retained earnings and proceeds and tax benefits from the exercise of employee and/or director stock options. The Company did, however, issue $18 million in trust preferred securities in 2004 through its wholly owned subsidiary, Center Capital Trust I. On March 1, 2005, the Federal Reserve Board adopted a final rule that allows the continued inclusion of trust-preferred securities in the Tier I capital of bank holding companies. However, under the final rule, after a five-year transition period, the aggregate amount of trust preferred securities and certain other capital elements that represent Tier I capital would be limited to 25 percent of Tier I capital elements, net of goodwill. Trust preferred securities currently make up 11.5% of the Company’s Tier I capital. Shareholders’ equity is also affected by increases and decreases in unrealized losses on securities classified as available-for-sale and share-based compensation expense under SFAS 123R. The Company is committed to maintaining capital at a level sufficient to assure shareholders, customers and regulators that the Company is financially sound and able to support its growth from its retained earnings. Until October 2003, the Company had been reinvesting all of its earnings into its capital in order to support the Company’s continuous growth, and paid only stock rather than cash dividends. Beginning in October 2003 Center Financial commenced a new dividend policy of paying quarterly cash

 

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dividends to its shareholders. In accordance with this policy, the Company continued to pay quarterly cash dividends of 4 cents per share during 2006, for a total of $2.6 million. The Company plans to continue to pay quarterly cash dividends in the future, provided that such dividends allow the Company to continue to meet regulatory capital requirements and are not overly restrictive to its growth capacity. However, no assurance can be given that the Bank’s and the Company’s future earnings and/or growth expectations in any given year will justify the payment of such a dividends, and any such dividends will be at the sole discretion of the Center Financial board of directors.

 

The Company is subject to risk-based capital regulations adopted by the federal banking regulators. These guidelines are used to evaluate capital adequacy and are based on an institution’s asset risk profile and off-balance sheet exposures. The risk-based capital guidelines assign risk weightings to assets both on and off-balance sheet and place increased emphasis on common equity. According to the regulations, institutions whose Tier I risk based capital ratio, total risk based capital ratio and leverage ratio meet or exceed 6%, 10% and 5%, respectively, are deemed to be “well-capitalized.” As of December 31, 2006, all of the Company’s capital ratios were above the minimum regulatory requirements for a “well-capitalized” institution.

 

The following table compares the Company’s and the Bank’s actual capital ratios at December 31, 2006 and 2005, to those required by regulatory agencies for capital adequacy and well-capitalized classification purposes:

 

     Center
Financial
Corporation
    Center
Bank
    Minimum
Regulatory
Requirements
    Well
Capitalized
Requirements
 

Risk Based Ratios

        

2006

        

Total Capital (to Risk-Weighted Assets)

   10.54 %   10.46 %   8.00 %   10.00 %

Tier 1 Capital (to Risk-Weighted Assets)

   9.45 %   9.37 %   4.00 %   6.00 %

Tier 1 Capital (to Average Assets)

   8.62 %   8.55 %   4.00 %   5.00 %
     Center
Financial
Corporation
    Center
Bank
    Minimum
Regulatory
Requirements
    Well
Capitalized
Requirements
 

Risk Based Ratios

        

2005

        

Total Capital (to Risk-Weighted Assets)

   10.76 %   10.78 %   8.00 %   10.00 %

Tier 1 Capital (to Risk-Weighted Assets)

   9.70 %   9.72 %   4.00 %   6.00 %

Tier 1 Capital (to Average Assets)

   8.21 %   8.22 %   4.00 %   5.00 %

 

ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

 

The information concerning quantitative and qualitative disclosures about market risk called for by Item 305 of Regulation S-K is included as part of Item 7 above. See “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Market Risk”, “Asset Liability Management”, “Interest Rate Risk” and “Interest Rate Sensitivity”.

 

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ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

 

The following financial statements and independent registered public accounting firm’s reports are included herein:

 

          Page
I.   

a.  Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm from Grant Thornton LLP

   F-2
  

b.  Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm from Deloitte & Touche LLP

   F-3
II.   

Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition as of December 31, 2006 and 2005

   F-4
III.   

Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Years Ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004

   F-5
IV.   

Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity and Comprehensive Income for the Years Ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004

  

F-7

V.   

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004

   F-8
VI.   

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

   F-10

 

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REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 

Board of Directors and

Shareholders of Center Financial Corporation

 

We have audited the accompanying consolidated statements of financial condition of Center Financial Corporation (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2006 and 2005 and the related consolidated statements of operations, shareholders’ equity and comprehensive income, and cash flows for each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2006. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.

 

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Center Financial Corporation as of December 31, 2006 and 2005, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2006 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

 

As discussed in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements, Center Financial Corporation adopted Financial Accounting Standards Board Statement No. 123R, “Share Based Payment,” in 2006.

 

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the effectiveness of Center Financial Corporation’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2006, based on the criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) and our report dated February 8, 2007 expressed an unqualified opinion on management’s assessment of the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting and an unqualified opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

/s/ GRANT THORNTON LLP

 

Los Angeles, California

February 8, 2007

 

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REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 

To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of

Center Financial Corporation

Los Angeles, California

 

We have audited the accompanying consolidated statements of operations, shareholders’ equity and comprehensive income, and cash flows of Center Financial Corporation (the “Company”) for the year ended December 31, 2004. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audit.

 

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

In our opinion, such consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the results of operations and cash flows of Center Financial Corporation for the year ended December 31, 2004, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

 

As discussed in Note 24, the accompanying 2004 consolidated financial statements have been restated.

 

/s/ DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP

 

Los Angeles, California

March 30, 2005 (November 18, 2005 as to the effects of the restatement described in Note 24)

 

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CENTER FINANCIAL CORPORATION

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION

 

DECEMBER 31, 2006 AND 2005

 

     12/31/2006     12/31/2005  
     (Dollars in thousands)  

ASSETS

 

Cash and due from banks

   $ 71,504     $ 79,822  

Federal funds sold

     —         58,490  

Money market funds and interest-bearing deposits in other banks

     1,872       5,064  
                

Cash and cash equivalents

     73,376       143,376  

Securities available for sale, at fair value

     148,913       226,023  

Securities held to maturity, at amortized cost (fair value of $10,571 as of December 31, 2006 and $11,014 as of December 31, 2005)

     10,591       11,052  

Federal Home Loan Bank and Pacific Coast Bankers Bank stock, at cost

     11,065       5,434  

Loans, net of allowance for loan losses of $17,412 as of December 31, 2006 and $13,871 as of December 31, 2005

     1,518,666       1,206,408  

Loans held for sale, at the lower of cost or market

     18,510       12,741  

Premises and equipment, net

     13,322       14,027  

Customers’ liability on acceptances

     4,871       4,028  

Accrued interest receivable

     8,574       6,486  

Deferred income taxes, net

     11,723       10,205  

Investments in affordable housing partnerships

     6,878       4,481  

Cash surrender value of life insurance

     11,183       10,805  

Goodwill

     1,253       1,253  

Intangible assets, net

     320       373  

Other assets

     4,067       4,311  
                

TOTAL

   $ 1,843,312     $ 1,661,003  
                

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

    

LIABILITIES

    

Deposits:

    

Noninterest-bearing

   $ 388,163     $ 395,050  

Interest-bearing

     1,041,236       1,085,506  
                

Total Deposits

     1,429,399       1,480,556  

Acceptances outstanding

     4,871       4,028  

Accrued interest payable

     11,458       9,084  

Other borrowed funds

     229,490       28,643  

Long-term subordinated debentures

     18,557       18,557  

Accrued expenses and other liabilities

     8,803       7,421  
                

Total liabilities

     1,702,578       1,548,289  

Commitments and Contingencies

     —         —    

SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

    

Serial preferred stock, no par value; authorized 10,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding, none

     —         —    

Common stock, no par value; authorized 40,0000,000 shares; issued and outstanding, 16,632,601 shares as of December 31, 2006 and 16,439,053 shares as of December 31, 2005

     69,172       65,622  

Retained earnings

     71,777       48,268  

Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax

     (215 )     (1,176 )
                

Total shareholders’ equity

     140,734       112,714  
                

TOTAL

   $ 1,843,312     $ 1,661,003  
                

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

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CENTER FINANCIAL CORPORATION

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

 

YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2006, 2005 AND 2004

 

     2006     2005    2004  
     (Dollars in thousands,
except per share data)
 

INTEREST AND DIVIDEND INCOME:

       

Interest and fees on loans

   $ 114,238     $ 85,102    $ 52,411  

Interest on federal funds sold

     1,575       974      662  

Interest on taxable investment securities

     7,547       6,023      3,589  

Interest on tax-advantaged investment securities

     528       321      559  

Dividends on equity stock

     419       224      145  

Money market funds and interest-earning deposits

     422       181      142  
                       

Total interest and dividend income

     124,729       92,825      57,508  
                       

INTEREST EXPENSE:

       

Interest on deposits

     47,403       27,376      14,120  

Interest expense on trust preferred securities

     1,455       1,153      772  

Interest on borrowed funds

     4,461       938      489  
                       

Total interest expense

     53,319       29,467      15,381  
                       

NET INTEREST INCOME BEFORE PROVISION FOR LOAN LOSSES

     71,410       63,358      42,127  

PROVISION FOR LOAN LOSSES

     5,666       3,370      3,250  
                       

NET INTEREST INCOME AFTER PROVISION FOR LOAN LOSSES

     65,744       59,988      38,877  
                       

NONINTEREST INCOME:

       

Customer service fees

     8,181       9,125      8,569  

Fee income from trade finance transactions

     3,412       3,491      3,596  

Wire transfer fees

     897       914      829  

Gain on sale of loans

     3,335       2,487      4,616  

Net (loss) gain on sale of securities available for sale

     (115 )     51      (15 )

Loss on sale of premises and equipment

     —         —        (100 )

Loan service fees

     1,842       2,014      1,397  

Insurance settlement—legal fees

     2,520       —        —    

Other income

     2,154       2,449      1,666  
                       

Total noninterest income

     22,226       20,531      20,558  
                       

NONINTEREST EXPENSE:

       

Salaries and employee benefits

     22,287       19,516      16,361  

Occupancy

     3,653       3,374      2,477  

Furniture, fixtures, and equipment

     1,933       1,809      1,385  

Data processing

     2,100       2,012      2,038  

Professional service fees

     4,187       3,771      3,612  

Business promotion and advertising

     3,969       2,788      2,543  

Stationery and supplies

     647       839      550  

Telecommunications

     650       600      517  

Postage and courier service

     731       735      621  

Security service

     991       817      695  

Impairment loss of securities available for sale

     —         —        2,263  

Loss on interest rate swaps

     26       586      235  

Other operating expenses

     4,153       3,978      3,526  
                       

Total noninterest expense

     45,327       40,825      36,823  
                       

INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAX PROVISION

     42,643       39,694      22,612  

INCOME TAX PROVISION

     16,485       15,091      8,388  
                       

NET INCOME

   $ 26,158     $ 24,603    $ 14,224  
                       

EARNINGS PER SHARE:*

       

Basic

   $ 1.58     $ 1.50    $ 0.88  
                       

Diluted

   $ 1.57     $ 1.48    $ 0.86  
                       

* As adjusted to reflect the two-for-one stock split paid on March 2, 2004.

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

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CENTER FINANCIAL CORPORATION

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

 

YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2006, 2005, AND 2004

 

     Common Stock    Retained Earnings    

Accumulated

Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)

    Total
Shareholders’
Equity
 
     Number of
Shares
   Amount       
     (Dollars and Share Numbers in thousands)  

BALANCE, JANUARY 1, 2004

   16,048    $ 63,438    $ 15,299     $ (476 )   $ 78,261  

Comprehensive income

            

Net income

           14,224         14,224  

Other comprehensive income

            

Change in unrealized loss, net of tax expense of $88 on:

            

Securities available for sale

             121       121  
                  

Comprehensive income

               14,345  
                  

Stock options exercised

   235      933          933  

Tax benefit from stock options exercised

        414          414  

Cash dividend ($0.20) per share

   —        —        (3,233 )     —         (3,233 )
                                    

BALANCE, DECEMBER 31, 2004

   16,283      64,785      26,290       (355 )     90,720  

Comprehensive income

            

Net income

           24,603         24,603  

Other comprehensive income

            

Change in unrealized loss, net of tax benefit of $596 on:

            

Securities available for sale

             (821 )     (821 )
                  

Comprehensive income

               23,782  
                  

Stock options exercised

   156      837          837  

Cash dividend ($0.16) per share

   —        —        (2,625 )     —         (2,625 )
                                    

BALANCE, DECEMBER 31, 2005

   16,439      65,622      48,268       (1,176 )     112,714  

Comprehensive income

            

Net income

           26,158         26,158  

Other comprehensive income

            

Change in unrealized loss, net of tax expense of $697 on:

            

Securities available for sale

             961       961  
                  

Comprehensive income

               27,119  
                  

Stock options exercised

   194      2,305          2,305  

Tax benefit from stock options exercised

        523          523  

Share-based compensation

        722          722  

Cash dividend ($0.16) per share

   —        —        (2,649 )     —         (2,649 )
                                    

BALANCE, DECEMBER 31, 2006

   16,633    $ 69,172    $ 71,777     $ (215 )   $ 140,734  
                                    

 

(Continued)

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

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CENTER FINANCIAL CORPORATION

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME—(Continued)

 

YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2006, 2005, AND 2004

 

     2006    2005     2004  

Disclosures of reclassification amounts for the years ended December 31,

       

Unrealized holding gain (loss) arising during period, net of tax expense (benefit) of $649 in 2006, $(606) in 2005 and $(870) in 2004

   $ 895    $ (822 )   $ (1,199 )

Less reclassification adjustment for amounts included in net income, net of tax (benefit) expense of $(48) in 2006, $10 in 2005 and $958 in 2004

     66      1       1,320  
                       

Net change in unrealized (loss) gain on securities available for sale, net of tax expense (benefit) of $697 in 2006, $(596) in 2005 and $88 in 2004

   $ 961    $ (821 )   $ 121  
                       

 

(Concluded)

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

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CENTER FINANCIAL CORPORATION

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

 

FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2006, 2005 AND 2004

 

 

     2006     2005     2004  
     (Dollars in thousands)  

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:

      

Net income

   $ 26,158     $ 24,603     $ 14,224  

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:

      

Acceleration of stock options

     —         —         (289 )

Stock option compensation

     722       —         —    

Depreciation and amortization

     2,429       1,644       1,366  

Mark to market adjustments on interest rate swaps

     229       306       1,844  

Amortization of premium, net of accretion of discount, on securities available for sale and held to maturity

     (196 )     21       601  

Provision for loan losses

     5,666       3,370       3,250  

Impairment of securities available for sale

     —         —         2,263  

Net loss on sale of premises and equipment

     125       —         100  

Net loss (gain) on sale of securities available for sale

     115       (51 )     15  

Originations of SBA loans held for sale

     (64,127 )     (48,959 )     (18,609 )

Gain on sale of loans

     (3,335 )     (2,487 )     (4,616 )

Proceeds from sale of loans

     66,330       53,230       86,849  

Increase in deferred tax assets

     (2,216 )     (2,443 )     (4,163 )

Federal Home Loan Bank stock dividend

     (323 )     (190 )     (111 )

Increase in accrued interest receivable

     (2,088 )     (1,592 )     (3,491 )

Net increase in cash surrender value of life insurance policy

     (378 )     (376 )     (396 )

Increase in other assets and servicing assets

     (546 )     4,257       132  

Increase in accrued interest payable

     2,374       5,402       1,211  

Increase (decrease) in accrued expenses and other liabilities

     2,241       (3,770 )     566  
                        

Net cash provided by operating activities

     33,180       32,965       80,746  
                        

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:

      

Purchase of securities available for sale

     (9,090 )     (209,417 )     (88,883 )

Proceeds from principal repayment, matured, or called securities available for sale

     74,038       131,789       34,740  

Proceeds from sale of securities available for sale

     13,920       7,274       4,629  

Purchase of securities held to maturity

     (2,467 )     (1,805 )     —    

Proceeds from matured, called or principal repayment on securities held to maturity

     2,910       2,119       3,939  

Purchase of Federal Home Loan Bank and other equity stock

     (5,308 )     (1,338 )     (1,216 )

(Payments) proceeds from net swap settlement

     (256 )     26       1,703  

Net increase in loans

     (323,136 )     (213,989 )     (353,131 )

Proceeds from recoveries of loans previously charged-off

     574       161       803  

Purchases of premises and equipment

     (1,489 )     (3,949 )     (2,092 )

Proceeds from disposal of equipment

     252       1       —    

Cash acquired from purchase of Chicago branch

     —         —         3,848  

Net increase in investments in affordable housing partnerships

     (3,008 )     (624 )     (192 )
                        

Net cash used in investing activities

     (253,060 )     (289,752 )     (395,852 )
                        

 

(Continued)

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

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CENTER FINANCIAL CORPORATION

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS—(Continued)

 

FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2006, 2005 AND 2004

     2006     2005     2004  
     (Dollars in thousands)  

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:

      

Net (decrease) increase in deposits

   $ (51,156 )   $ 315,020     $ 284,754  

Net increase (decrease) in other borrowed funds

     200,846       (16,211 )     (5,817 )

Proceeds from stock options exercised

     2,305       837       933  

Tax benefit in excess of recognized cumulative compensation costs

     523       —         —    

Payment of cash dividend

     (2,638 )     (2,625 )     (2,583 )
                        

Net cash provided by financing activities

     149,880       297,021       277,287  
                        

NET (DECREASE) INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

     (70,000 )     40,234       (37,819 )

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, BEGINNING OF THE YEAR

     143,376       103,142       140,961  
                        

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, END OF THE YEAR

   $ 73,376     $ 143,376     $ 103,142  
                        

SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION:

      

Interest paid

   $ 50,945     $ 24,062     $ 14,132  

Income taxes paid

   $ 19,370     $ 17,842     $ 13,037  

SUPPLEMENTAL SCHEDULE OF NONCASH INVESTING, OPERATING, AND FINANCING ACTIVITIES:

      

Cash dividend accrual

   $ 665     $ 657     $ 650  

Purchase of Chicago Branch

      

Fair value of assets acquired

   $ —       $ —       $ 12,363  

Fair value of liabilities assumed

   $ —       $ —       $ 13,616  

Goodwill

   $ —       $ —       $ 1,253  

 

(Concluded)

 

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

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CENTER FINANCIAL CORPORATION

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

1. THE BUSINESS OF CENTER FINANCIAL CORPORATION

 

Center Financial Corporation (“Center Financial”) was incorporated on April 19, 2000 and acquired all of the issued and outstanding shares of Center Bank (the “Bank”) in October 2002. Currently, Center Financial’s direct subsidiaries include the Bank and Center Capital Trust I. Center Financial exists primarily for the purpose of holding the stock of the Bank and of other subsidiaries. Center Financial, the Bank, and the subsidiary of the Bank (“CB Capital Trust”) discussed below, are collectively referred to herein as the “Company.”

 

The Bank is a California state-chartered and FDIC-insured financial institution, which was incorporated in 1985 and commenced operations in March 1986. The Bank changed its name from California Center Bank to Center Bank in December 2002. The Bank’s headquarters are located at 3435 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 700, Los Angeles, California 90010. The Bank provides comprehensive financial services for small to medium sized business owners, primarily in Southern California. The Bank specializes in commercial loans, which are mostly secured by real property, to multi-ethnic and small business customers. In addition, the Bank is a Preferred Lender of Small Business Administration (“SBA”) loans and provides trade finance loans and other international banking products. The Bank’s primary market is the greater Los Angeles metropolitan area, including Los Angeles, Orange, San Bernardino, and San Diego counties, primarily focused in areas with high concentrations of Korean-Americans. The Bank currently has 17 full-service branch offices, 15 of which are located in Los Angeles, Orange, San Bernardino and San Diego counties. The Bank opened all California branches as de novo branches. On April 26, 2004, the Company completed its acquisition of the Korea Exchange Bank (KEB) Chicago branch, the Bank’s first out-of-state branch, with a focus on the Korean-American market in Chicago. The Company assumed $12.9 million in FDIC insured deposits and purchased $8.0 million in loans from the KEB Chicago branch. The Company opened two new branches in Irvine, California and Seattle, Washington in 2005. The Bank also operates nine Loan Production Offices (“LPOs”) in Phoenix, Seattle, Denver, Washington D.C., Las Vegas, Atlanta, Honolulu, Houston and Dallas.

 

CB Capital Trust, a Maryland real estate investment trust (“REIT”) which is a consolidated subsidiary of the Bank, was formed in August 2002 for the primary business purpose of investing in the Bank’s real-estate related assets, and enhancing and strengthening the Bank’s capital position and earnings primarily through tax advantaged income from such assets. On December 31, 2003, the California Franchise Tax Board issued an opinion listing bank-owned REITs as potentially abusive tax shelters subject to possible penalties, and stating that REIT consent dividends are not deductible for California state income tax purposes. In view of this opinion, it appears that the REIT will not be able to fulfill its original intended purposes, and management is in the process of dissolving the entity.

 

In December 2003, the Company formed a wholly owned subsidiary, Center Capital Trust I, a Delaware statutory business trust, for the exclusive purpose of issuing and selling trust preferred securities.

 

Center Financial’s principal source of income is currently dividends from the Bank. The expenses of Center Financial, including interest on junior subordinated debenture issued to Center Capital Trust I, legal and accounting professional fees, and NASDAQ listing fees, have been and will generally be paid from dividends paid to Center Financial by the Bank.

 

As discussed in Note 24 below, we have restated our financial statements and other financial information for the years 2002 through 2004 and for each of the quarters in the years 2004 and 2003, to reflect a change in the accounting treatment of the Company’s interest rate swaps, which swaps were acquired between 2001 and 2003.

 

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CENTER FINANCIAL CORPORATION

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

Basis of Presentation and Consolidation

 

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Center Financial, the Bank, and CB Capital Trust. Intercompany transactions and accounts have been eliminated in consolidation. Center Capital Trust I is not consolidated as described in Note 11.

 

The consolidated financial statements are presented in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) and general practices within the banking industry.

 

Significant Group Concentration of Credit Risk

 

Most of the Company’s activities are with customers located within the greater Los Angeles region. Note 3 discusses the Company’s investment in securities and Note 4 discusses the Company’s lending activities.

 

Use of Estimates in the Preparation of Consolidated Financial Statements

 

The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Material estimates that are particularly susceptible to significant change in the near term relate to determination of the allowance for loan losses, and the valuation of foreclosed real estate and deferred tax assets and the results of litigation.

 

Cash and Cash Equivalents

 

Cash and cash equivalents include cash and due from banks, overnight federal funds sold, money market funds, and interest-bearing deposits in other banks, all of which have original maturities of less than 90 days.

 

The Company is required to maintain minimum reserve balances in cash with the Federal Reserve Bank. The average reserve balance requirement was approximately $6.4 million and $7.5 million during 2006 and 2005, respectively.

 

Investment Securities

 

Investments are classified into three categories and accounted for as follows:

 

(i) securities the Company has the positive intent and ability to hold to maturity are classified as “held to maturity” and reported at amortized cost;

 

(ii) securities that are bought and held principally for the purpose of selling them in the near future are classified as “trading securities” and reported at fair value. Unrealized gains and losses are recognized in earnings; and

 

(iii) securities not classified as held to maturity or trading securities are classified as “available for sale” and reported at fair value. Unrealized gains and losses are reported as a separate component of accumulated other comprehensive income in shareholders’ equity, net of tax.

 

Accreted discounts and amortized premiums on investment securities are included in interest income, using the interest method, and unrealized and realized gains or losses related to holding or selling of securities are

 

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CENTER FINANCIAL CORPORATION

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

calculated using the specific identification method. Any declines in the fair value of held-to-maturity or available for sale securities below their cost that are deemed to be other than temporary are reflected in the statements of operations as realized losses.

 

Federal Home Loan Bank and Other Equity Stock

 

As a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”) of San Francisco, the Company is required to own common stock in the FHLB based upon the Company’s balance of residential mortgage loans, mortgage-backed securities, and outstanding advances. The Company’s investment in FHLB stock totaled $11.0 million and $5.4 million as of December 31, 2006 and 2005, respectively. In addition, the Company had invested $60,000 in Pacific Coast Bankers’ Bank stock as of December 31, 2006 and 2005. The instruments are carried at cost in the statements of financial condition.

 

Loans

 

Interest on loans is credited to income as earned and is accrued only if deemed collectible. Accrual of interest is discontinued when a loan is over 90 days delinquent or if management believes that collection is highly uncertain. Generally, payments received on non-accrual loans are recorded as principal reductions. Interest income is recognized after all principal has been repaid or an improvement in the condition of the loan has occurred that would warrant resumption of interest accruals.

 

Nonrefundable fees, net of certain direct costs associated with the origination of loans are deferred and recognized as an adjustment of the loan yield over the life of the loan using the interest method. Other loan fees and charges, representing service costs for the prepayment of loans, delinquent payments, or miscellaneous loan services, are recorded as income when collected.

 

Certain Small Business Administration (“SBA”) loans that the management has the intent to sell before maturity are designated as held for sale at origination and recorded at the lower of cost or market value, determined on an aggregate basis. A valuation allowance is established if the market value of such loans is lower than their cost, and operations are charged or credited for valuation adjustments. On loans sold, the Company allocates the carrying value of such loans between the portion sold and the portion retained, based upon estimates of their relative fair values at the time of sale. The difference between the adjusted carrying value and the face amount of the portion retained is amortized to interest income over the life of the related loan using the interest method.

 

Servicing assets are recognized when loans are sold with servicing retained. The servicing asset is included in other assets in the accompanying consolidated statements of financial condition and is recorded based on the present value of the contractually specified servicing fee, net of servicing cost, over the estimated life of the loan, using a discount rate of the related note rate plus 2 percent. The servicing asset is amortized in proportion to and over the period of estimated servicing income. Management periodically evaluates the servicing asset for impairment, which is the carrying amount of the servicing asset in excess of the related fair value. The fair value of servicing assets was determined using a weighted average discount rate of 10 percent and prepayment speed of 16.8 percent and 16.2 percent at December 31, 2006 and 2005, respectively. Impairment, if it occurs, is recognized in a valuation allowance in the period of the impairment.

 

Allowance for Loan Losses

 

Loan losses are charged, and recoveries are credited to the allowance account. Additions to the allowance account are charged to the provision for loan losses. The allowance for loan losses is maintained at a level

 

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CENTER FINANCIAL CORPORATION

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

considered adequate by management to absorb probable losses in the loan portfolio. The adequacy of the allowance for loan losses is determined by management based upon an evaluation and review of the loan portfolio, consideration of historical loan loss experience, current economic conditions, and changes in the composition of the loan portfolio, analysis of collateral values, and other pertinent factors. While management uses available information to recognize possible losses on loans, future additions to the allowance may be necessary based on changes in economic conditions. In addition, various regulatory agencies, as an integral part of their examination process, periodically review the Company’s allowance for loan losses. Such agencies may require the Company to recognize additional allowance based on their judgments about information available to them at the time of their examination.

 

Loans are measured for impairment when it is probable that not all amounts, including principal and interest, will be collected in accordance with the contractual terms of the loan agreement. The amount of impairment and any subsequent changes are recorded through the provision for loan losses as an adjustment to the allowance for loan losses. Impairment is measured either based on the present value of the loan’s expected future cash flows or the estimated fair value of the collateral. This evaluation is inherently subjective as it requires estimates that are susceptible to significant revision as more information becomes available.

 

The Company evaluates consumer loans for impairment on a pooled basis. These loans are considered to be smaller balance, homogeneous loans, and are evaluated on a portfolio basis considering the projected net realizable value of the portfolio compared to the net carrying value of the portfolio.

 

Premises and Equipment

 

Premises and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Depreciation and amortization of premises and equipment are computed on the straight-line method over the following estimated useful lives:

 

Buildings

   30 years

Furniture, fixture, and equipment

   5 to 10 years

Computer equipment

   3 years

Leasehold improvements

   life of lease or improvements, whichever is shorter

 

Other Real Estate Owned

 

Other real estate owned (“OREO”), which represents real estate acquired through foreclosure in satisfaction of commercial and real estate loans, is stated at fair value less estimated selling costs of the real estate. Loan balances in excess of the fair value of the real estate acquired at the date of acquisition are charged to the allowance for loan losses. Any subsequent decline in the fair value of OREO is recognized as a charge to operations and a corresponding increase to the valuation allowance of OREO. Gains and losses from sales and net operating expenses of OREO are included in current operations.

 

Investments in Affordable Housing Partnerships

 

The Company owns limited partnership interests in projects of affordable housing for lower income tenants. The investments in which the Company has significant influence are recorded using the equity method of accounting. For those investments in limited partnerships for which the Company does not have a significant influence, such investments are accounted for using the cost method of accounting and the annual amortization is based on the proportion of tax credits received in the current year to the total estimated tax credits to be allocated to the Company. The tax credits are being recognized in the consolidated financial statements to the extent they are utilized on the Company’s tax returns.

 

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CENTER FINANCIAL CORPORATION

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

Long Term Subordinated Debentures

 

The Company established Center Capital Trust I in December 2003 (the “Trust”) as a statutory business trust, which is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company. In the private placement transaction, the Trust issued $18.0 million of floating rate (3-month LIBOR plus 2.85%) capital securities representing undivided preferred beneficial interests in the assets of the Trust which consist primarily of a junior subordinated debenture in the approximate principal amount of $18.6 million from Center Financial. The Trust also issued common securities to Center Financial for $557,000 to purchase additional subordinated debentures. The Company is the owner of all the beneficial interests represented by the common securities of the Trust. The purpose of issuing the capital securities was to provide the Company with a cost-effective means of obtaining Tier I capital for regulatory purposes. Effective December 31, 2003, as a consequence of adopting the provisions of FIN No. 46R, the Trust is no longer being consolidated into the accounts of the Company. Long-term subordinated debt of $18.6 million represents liabilities of the Company to the Trust.

 

Income Taxes

 

Deferred income taxes are provided for using an asset and liability approach. Deferred income tax assets and liabilities represent the tax effects, based on current tax law, of future deductible or taxable amounts attributable to events that have been recognized in the consolidated financial statements.

 

Financial Instruments Held for Asset and Liability Management Purposes

 

The Company recognizes all derivatives as either assets or liabilities in the balance sheets and measures those instruments at fair value. If certain conditions are met, a derivative may be specifically designated as a fair value hedge, a cash flow hedge, or a hedge of foreign currency exposure. The accounting for changes in the fair value of a derivative depends on the intended use of the derivative and the resulting designation.

 

Stock-Based Compensation

 

The Company adopted SFAS No. 123R as of January 1, 2006 (see Note 14). SFAS No. 123R requires the Company to recognize compensation expense for all share-based payments made to employees based on the fair value of the share-based payment on the date of grant. The Company elected to use the modified prospective method for adoption, which requires compensation expense to be recorded for all unvested stock options beginning in the first quarter of adoption. For all unvested options outstanding as of January 1, 2006, the previously measured but unrecognized compensation expense, based on the fair value at the original grant date, is recognized on a straight-line basis in the Consolidated Statements of Operations over the remaining vesting period. For share-based payments granted subsequent to January 1, 2006, compensation expense, based on the fair value on the date of grant, is recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Operations on a straight-line basis over the vesting period. In determining the fair value of stock options, the Company uses the Black-Scholes option-pricing model that employs the following assumptions:

 

    Expected volatility—based on the weekly historical volatility of our stock price, over the expected life of the option.

 

    Expected term of the option—based on historical employee stock option exercise behavior, the vesting terms of the respective option and a contractual life of ten years.

 

    Risk-free rate—based upon the rate on a zero coupon U.S. Treasury bill, for periods within the contractual life of the option, in effect at the time of grant.

 

    Dividend yield—calculated as the ratio of historical dividends paid per share of common stock to the stock price on the date of grant.

 

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CENTER FINANCIAL CORPORATION

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

The Company’s stock price volatility and option lives involve management’s best estimates at that time, both of which impact the fair value of the option calculated under the Black-Scholes methodology and, ultimately, the expense that will be recognized over the life of the option.

 

Earnings per Share

 

Basic earnings per share (“EPS”) exclude dilution and are computed by dividing earnings available to common shareholders by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted EPS reflects the potential dilution of securities that could share in the earnings.

 

Stock Split

 

On January 28, 2004, the Company’s board of directors approved a two-for-one stock split. All share and per share amounts included in the accompanying consolidated financial statements and footnotes have been retroactively adjusted to reflect the stock split.

 

Comprehensive income

 

Accounting principles generally require that recognized revenue, expenses, gains, and losses be included in net income. Although certain changes in assets and liabilities, such as unrealized gains and losses on securities available for sale, are reported as a separate component of the shareholders’ equity section of the consolidated statements of financial condition, such items, along with net income, are components of comprehensive income.

 

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

 

In December 2004, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Statement No. 123 (revised 2004), “Share-Based Payment” (“SFAS No. 123R”), which requires the cost resulting from stock options be measured at fair value and recognized in earnings. This Statement replaces Statement No. 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation” (“SFAS No. 123”) and supersedes Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees,” (“APB No. 25”) which permitted the recognition of compensation expense using the intrinsic value method. SFAS No. 123R was to be effective July 1, 2005. However, on April 15, 2005, the Securities Exchange Commission (“SEC”) issued a press release announcing the amendment of the compliance date for SFAS No. 123R to be no later than the beginning of the first fiscal year beginning after June 15, 2005. The Company adopted SFAS No. 123R effective January 1, 2006 (see Note 14—Shareholders’ Equity).

 

In March 2005, the SEC issued Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 107 (“SAB No. 107”), “Share-Based Payment”, providing guidance on option valuation methods, the accounting for income tax effects of share-based payment arrangements upon adoption of SFAS No. 123R, and the disclosures in the management discussion and analysis subsequent to the adoption. The Company provided SAB No. 107 required disclosures upon adoption of SFAS No. 123R for the year ended December 31, 2006.

 

Additionally, during 2005 and 2006 the FASB Staff issued four FASB Staff Positions (FSPs) related to SFAS No. 123R, FSP FAS 123R-1, “Classification and Measurement of Freestanding Financial Instruments Originally Issued in Exchange for Employee Services under FASB Statement No. 123R”, FSP FAS 123R-2, “Practical Accommodation to the Application of Grant Date as Defined in FASB Statement No. 123R”, FSP FAS 123R-3, “Transition Election Related to Accounting for the Tax Effects of Share-Based Payment Awards” and FSP FAS 123R-4 “Classification of Options and Similar Instruments Issued as Employee Compensation That Allow for Cash Settlement upon the Occurrence of a Contingent Event”. Each of these FSPs has been considered and been incorporated into the adoption of SFAS No. 123R.

 

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CENTER FINANCIAL CORPORATION

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

Also, during 2006, The FASB Staff issued two FASB Staff Position related to SFAS No. 123R, FSP 123R-5, Amendment of FASB Staff Position FAS 123R-1, and FSP 123R-6, Technical Corrections of FASB No. 123R. The provisions of FSP 123R-5 are effective for the first reporting period beginning after October 10, 2006. The provisions of FSP 123R-6 are effective for the first reporting period beginning after October 20, 2006. The Company adopted these FSPs effective January 1, 2007. The Company does not expect the adoption of these FSPs to have a material impact on the Consolidated Statements of Operations and the Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition.

 

In February 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 155, Accounting for Certain Hybrid Financial Instruments, which amends SFAS No. 133, Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities, and SFAS No. 140, Accounting for Transfers and Servicing of Financial Assets and Extinguishments of Liabilities. This statement also resolves issues addressed in Statement 133 Implementation Issue No. D1, Application of Statement 133 to Beneficial Interests in Securitized Financial Assets. SFAS No. 155 eliminates the exemption from applying SFAS No. 133 to interests in securitized financial assets so that similar instruments are accounted for similarly regardless of the form of the instruments. SFAS No. 155 also allows a preparer to elect fair value measurement at acquisition, at issuance, or when a previously recognized financial instrument is subject to a remeasurement (new basis) event, on an instrument-by-instrument basis, in case in which a derivative would otherwise have to be bifurcated. SFAS No. 155 is effective for all financial instruments acquired or issued after the beginning of an entity’s first fiscal year that begins after September 15, 2006. The Company does not expect the adoption of SFAS No. 155 to have a material impact on the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations and Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition.

 

In March 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 156, Accounting for Servicing of Financial Assets—an amendment of FASB Statement No. 140. SFAS No.156 requires an entity to recognize a servicing asset or liability each time it undertakes an obligation to service a financial asset by entering into a servicing contract if a) a transfer of the servicer’s assets meets the requirements for sale accounting b) a transfer of the servicer’s financial assets to a qualifying special-purpose entity in a guaranteed mortgage securitization in which the transferor retains all of the resulting securities and c) an acquisition or assumption of an obligation to service a financial asset does not relate to financial assets of the servicer or its consolidated affiliates. Further, the SFAS No. 156 requires all separately recognized servicing asset and liabilities to be initially measured at fair value, if practicable. SFAS No. 156 must be adopted as of the first fiscal year that begins after September 15, 2006. The Company does not expect the adoption of SFAS No. 156 to have a material impact on the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations and Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition.

 

In June 2006, the FASB issued Interpretation No. 48 (“FIN 48”), Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes, an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109, that clarifies the accounting for uncertainties in incomes taxes recognized in accordance with SFAS No. 109. The interpretation prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for the recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. Companies are required to determine whether it is more likely than not that a tax position will be sustained upon examination based on the technical merits of the position (assuming the taxing authority has full knowledge of all relevant facts). If the tax position meets the more likely than not criteria, the position is to be measured at the largest amount of benefit that is greater than 50 percent likely to be realized upon settlement with the taxing authorities. FIN 48 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006. Early adoption is permitted. The Company does not expect the adoption of FIN No. 48 to have a material impact on the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations and Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition.

 

In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157, Fair Value Measurements, which provides enhanced guidance for using fair value to measure assets and liabilities. The standard applies whenever other standards

 

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CENTER FINANCIAL CORPORATION

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

require or permit assets or liabilities to be measured at fair value. The Standard does not expand the use of fair value in any new circumstances. SFAS No. 157 is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007 and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted. The Company does not expect the adoption of SFAS No.157 to have a material impact on the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations and Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition.

 

In September 2006, the SEC issued Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 108 (“SAB No. 108”), Considering the Effects of Prior Year Misstatements When Quantifying Misstatements in Current Year Financial Statements”, providing guidance on quantifying financial statement misstatement and implementation (e.g., restatement or cumulative effect to assets, liabilities and retained earnings) when first applying this guidance. SAB No. 108 is effective for fiscal years ending after November 15, 2006. The Company does not believe the guidance provided by SAB No. 108 will have a material effect on the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations and Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition.

 

In September 2006, the FASB ratified the consensus reached by the Emerging Issues Task Force in Issue 06-5, Accounting for Purchases of Life Insurance—Determining the Amount That Could Be Realized in Accordance with FASB Technical Bulletin No. 85-4, Accounting for Purchases of Life Insurance (“EITF 06-5). EITF 06-5 is effective for the fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006. The Company adopted this EITF effective January 1, 2007. The Company is currently evaluating the impact this guidance will have on the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations and the Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition.

 

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CENTER FINANCIAL CORPORATION

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

3. INVESTMENT SECURITIES

 

The following is a summary of the investment securities at December 31, 2006 and 2005:

 

     Amortized
Cost
   Gross
Unrealized
Gain
   Gross
Unrealized
Loss
    Estimated
Fair Value
     (Dollars in thousands)

2006

          

Available for Sale:

          

U.S. Treasury

   $ 489    $ —      $ (1 )   $ 488

U.S. Governmental agencies securities and U.S. Government sponsored enterprise securities

     65,995      1      (451 )     65,545

U.S. Governmental agencies and U.S. Government sponsored and enterprise mortgage-backed securities

     58,008      2      (832 )     57,178

U.S. Government sponsored enterprise preferred stock

     4,865      879      —         5,744

Corporate trust preferred securities

     11,000      132      —         11,132

Mutual Funds backed by adjustable rate mortgages

     4,500      —        (56 )     4,444

Fixed rate collateralized mortgage obligations

     2,230      —        (27 )     2,203

Corporate debt securities

     2,197      1      (19 )     2,179
                            

Total available for sale

   $ 149,284    $ 1,015    $ (1,386 )   $ 148,913
                            

Held to Maturity:

          

U.S. Government agencies and U.S. Government sponsored enterprise mortgage-backed securities

   $ 4,961    $ —      $ (52 )   $ 4,909

Municipal securities

     5,630      39      (7 )     5,662
                            

Total held to maturity

   $ 10,591    $ 39    $ (59 )   $ 10,571
                            

2005

          

Available for Sale:

          

U.S. Treasury

   $ 498    $ —      $ (1 )   $ 497

U.S. Governmental agencies securities and U.S. Government sponsored enterprise securities

     131,719      2      (1,238 )     130,483

U.S. Governmental agencies and U.S. Government sponsored and enterprise mortgage-backed securities

     70,959      —        (1,077 )     69,882

U.S. Government sponsored enterprise preferred stock

     4,865      308      —         5,173

Corporate trust preferred securities

     11,000      54      —         11,054

Mutual Funds backed by adjustable rate mortgages

     3,000      —        (39 )     2,961

Fixed rate collateralized mortgage obligations

     2,817      —        (17 )     2,800

Corporate debt securities

     3,194      —        (21 )     3,173
                            

Total available for sale

   $ 228,052    $ 364    $ (2,393 )   $ 226,023
                            

Held to Maturity:

          

U.S. Government agencies and U.S. Government sponsored enterprise mortgage-backed securities

   $ 4,130    $ —      $ (77 )   $ 4,053

Municipal securities

     6,922      39      —         6,961
                            

Total held to maturity

   $ 11,052    $ 39    $ (77 )   $ 11,014
                            

 

Accrued interest and dividends receivable on investment securities totaled $1.3 million and $1.1 million at December 31, 2006 and 2005, respectively. For the years ended December 31, 2006, 2005, and 2004, proceeds from sales of securities available for sale amounted to $13.9 million, $7.3 million, and $4.6 million, respectively with gross realized (loss) gain of $(115,000), $51,000 and $(15,000), respectively.

 

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CENTER FINANCIAL CORPORATION

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

The amortized cost and estimated fair value of investment securities at December 31, 2006, by contractual maturity, are shown below. Although mortgage-backed securities and collateralized mortgage obligations have contractual maturities through 2035, expected maturities may differ from contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties. Additionally, the U.S. government sponsored enterprises, which issued preferred stock with no maturity, have the right to call these obligations at par.

 

     Available for Sale    Held to Maturity
     Amortized Cost    Fair Value    Amortized Cost    Fair
Value
     (Dollars in thousands)

Within 1 year

   $ 43,485    $ 43,188    $ 577    $ 578

Over 1 year through 5 years

     25,196      25,024      1,993      2,018

Over 5 years through 10 years

     —        —        2,431      2,436

Over 10 years

     11,000      11,132      629      630
                           
     79,681      79,344      5,630      5,662

Mortgage-backed securities

     58,008      57,178      4,961      4,909

Mutual Funds backed by adjustable rate mortgages

     4,500      4,444      —        —  

Collateralized Mortgage Obligations

     2,230      2,203      —        —  

U.S. Government sponsored enterprise preferred stocks

     4,865      5,744      —        —  
                           
   $ 149,284    $ 148,913    $ 10,591    $ 10,571
                           

 

U.S. government agencies, U.S. Government sponsored enterprise securities, U.S. Treasury, and mortgage-backed securities with a total carrying value of $101.5 million (available-for-sale at fair market value of $98.5 million and held-to-maturity at amortized cost of $3.0 million) and $111.9 million (available-for-sale at fair market value of $107.8 million and held to maturity at amortized cost of $4.1 million), respectively, were pledged to secure deposits from the State of California, borrowing lines, and interest rate swap agreements, or were pledged for other purposes as required and permitted by law as of December 31, 2006 and 2005, respectively.

 

The following tables show the Company’s investments with gross unrealized losses and fair value, aggregated by investment category and length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position at December 31, 2006 and December 31, 2005.

 

     As of December 31, 2006  
     Less than 12 months     12 months or more     Total  
     Fair Value    Unrealized
Loss
    Fair Value    Unrealized
Loss
    Fair Value    Unrealized
Loss
 
     (Dollars in thousands)  

U.S. Governmental and U.S. Government sponsored enterprise agencies securities

   $ 6,483    $ (5 )   $ 43,544    $ (446 )   $ 50,027    $ (451 )

U.S. Governmental agencies and U.S. Government sponsored enterprise mortgage-backed securities

     12,391      (33 )     49,865      (935 )     62,256      (968 )

Municipal securities and corporate debt securities

     824      (4 )     1,777      (22 )     2,601      (26 )
                                             

Total

   $ 19,698    $ (42 )   $ 95,186    $ (1,403 )   $ 114,884    $ (1,445 )
                                             

 

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CENTER FINANCIAL CORPORATION

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

    As of December 31, 2005  
    Less than 12 months     12 months or more     Total  
    Fair Value   Unrealized
Loss
    Fair Value   Unrealized
Loss
    Fair Value   Unrealized
Loss
 
    (Dollars in thousands)  

U.S. Governmental and U.S. Government sponsored enterprise agencies securities

  $ 63,920   $ (227 )   $ 43,974   $ (1,011 )   $ 107,894   $ (1,238 )

U.S. Governmental agencies and U.S. Government sponsored enterprise mortgage-backed securities

    44,775     (520 )     26,843     (691 )     71,618     (1,211 )

Municipal securities and corporate debt securities

    3,983     (21 )     —       —         3,983     (21 )
                                         

Total

  $ 112,678   $ (768 )   $ 70,817   $ (1,702 )   $ 183,495   $ (2,470 )
                                         

 

As of December 31, 2006, the Company had total fair value of $114.9 million of securities with unrealized losses of $1.4 million as compared to total fair value of $183.5 million and unrealized losses of $2.5 million at December 31, 2005. At December 31, 2006, the market value of securities which have been in a continuous loss position for 12 months or more totaled $95.2 million, with an unrealized loss of $1.4 million compared to $70.8 million and $1.7 million, respectively at December 31, 2005.

 

For investments in an unrealized loss position at December 31, 2006, the Bank has the intent and ability to hold these investments until the full recovery of their carrying value.

 

All individual securities that have been in a continuous unrealized loss position for twelve months or longer at December 31, 2006 had investment grade ratings upon purchase. The issuers of these securities have not, to the Bank’s knowledge, established any cause for default on these securities and the various rating agencies have reaffirmed these securities’ long-term investment grade status at December 31, 2006.

 

4. LOANS AND ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES

 

Loans consist of the following at December 31, 2006 and 2005:

 

     2006    2005
     (Dollars in thousands)

Real Estate:

     

Construction

   $ 43,508    $ 4,713

Commercial

     1,042,562      776,725

Commercial

     277,296      243,052

Trade Finance

     66,925      49,070

SBA(1)

     50,606      90,370

Other

     115      1,473

Consumer

     77,567      71,499
             

Total Gross Loans

     1,558,579      1,236,902

Less:

     

Allowance for Losses

     17,412      13,871

Deferred Loan Fees

     2,347      1,595

Discount on SBA Loans Retained

     1,644      2,287
             

Total Net Loans and Loans Held for Sale

   $ 1,537,176    $ 1,219,149
             

1

This balance includes SBA loans held for sale of $18.5 million and $12.7 million at the lower of cost or market at December 31, 2006 and 2005, respectively.

 

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CENTER FINANCIAL CORPORATION

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

As of December 31, 2006, the Company has pledged, under a blanket lien, all qualifying commercial and residential loans as collateral under the borrowing agreement with Federal Home Loan Bank with a total carrying value of $1.1 billion.

 

At December 31, 2006 and 2005, the Company serviced loans sold to unaffiliated parties in the amounts of $160.7 million and $149.5 million, respectively. The Company has capitalized $545,000, and $703,000 of servicing assets and amortized $781,000 and $690,000 during the years ended December 31, 2006, and 2005, respectively. There was no valuation allowance for the servicing assets at December 31, 2006 and 2005. The servicing assets are included in other assets in the accompanying consolidated statements of financial condition. The servicing asset balance as of December 31, 2006 and 2005 was $1.6 million and $1.8 million, respectively.

 

The following is a summary of activity in the allowance for loan losses for the years ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004:

 

     2006     2005     2004  
     (Dollars in thousands)  

Balance at beginning of period

   $ 13,871     $ 11,227     $ 8,804  

Provision for loan losses

     5,666       3,370       3,250  

Charge-offs

     (2,699 )     (887 )     (1,630 )

Recoveries of charge-offs

     574       161       803  
                        

Balance at end of period

   $ 17,412     $ 13,871     $ 11,227  
                        

 

Although the Company has a diversified loan portfolio, a substantial portion of its debtors’ ability to honor their contracts is dependent upon the real estate market in California. Should the real estate market experience an overall decline in property values, the ability of borrowers to make timely scheduled principal and interest payments on the Company’s loans may be adversely affected and, in turn, may result in increased delinquencies and foreclosures. In the event of foreclosures under such conditions, the value of the property acquired may be less than the appraised value when the loan was originated and may, in some instances, result in insufficient proceeds upon disposition to recover the Company’s investment in the foreclosed property. Furthermore, although most of the Company’s trade finance activities are related to trade with Asia, these loans are generally made to companies domiciled or with collateral in the United States of America.

 

At December 31, 2006 the Company had impaired loans of $329,000 with specific allowances of $329,000 and no impaired loans without specific allowances. As of December 31, 2005 the Company had $5.5 million of impaired loans which included $1.6 million of impaired loans with specific allowances of $41,000 and $3.9 million of impaired loans without specific allowances. The average recorded investment in impaired loans during the years ended December 31, 2006 and 2005 was $1.4 million and $5.5 million, respectively. Interest income of $3,000, $322,000 and $234,000 was recognized on impaired loans, on a cash basis, for the years ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004, respectively.

 

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CENTER FINANCIAL CORPORATION

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

The following is an analysis of all loans to officers and directors of the Company and its affiliates as of December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004. All such loans were made under terms that are consistent with the Company’s normal lending policies.

 

     2006      2005  
     (Dollars in thousands)  

Balance at beginning of period

   $ 1,564      $ 1,577  

New loans or disbursements

     3,852        73  
                 
     5,416        1,650  

Less: repayments

     (40 )      (86 )
                 

Balance at end of period

   $ 5,376      $ 1,564  
                 

Available lines of credit at end of year

   $ 6,285      $ 481  
                 

 

Directors of the Company guaranteed no loans at December 31, 2006 or 2005.

 

5. PREMISES AND EQUIPMENT

 

The following is a summary of the major components of premises and equipment as of December 31, 2006 and 2005:

 

     2006     2005  
     (Dollars in thousands)  

Land

   $ 3,333     $ 3,333  

Building

     4,966       4,930  

Furniture, fixture, and equipment (F,F&E)

     8,833       8,230  

Leasehold improvements

     5,681       5,572  

FF&E and construction in progress

     320       148  
                
     23,133       22,213  

Accumulated depreciation and amortization

     (9,811 )     (8,186 )
                

Premises and equipment, net

   $ 13,322     $ 14,027  
                

 

Depreciation and amortization expense for the years ended December 31, 2006, 2005, and 2004 amounted to $2.4 million, $1.6 million, and $1.4 million, respectively.

 

6. OTHER REAL ESTATE OWNED

 

As of December 31, 2006 and 2005, no other real estate owned (“OREO”) was outstanding and for the years ended December 31, 2006, 2005, and 2004 there was no income or expense related to OREO.

 

7. INVESTMENTS IN AFFORDABLE HOUSING PARTNERSHIPS

 

The Company has invested in certain limited partnerships that were formed to develop and operate several apartment complexes designed as high-quality affordable housing for lower income tenants throughout the State of California and other states. The Company’s ownership in each limited partnership varies from under 2% to 22%. At December 31, 2006 and 2005, the investments in these limited partnerships amounted to $6.9 million and $4.5 million, respectively. Two of the seven limited partnerships invested in by the Company are accounted for using the equity method of accounting, since the Company has significant influence over the partnership. For

 

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CENTER FINANCIAL CORPORATION

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

those investments in limited partnerships for which the Company does not have a significant influence, such investments are accounted for using the cost method of accounting and the annual amortization is based on the proportion of tax credits received in the current year to total estimated tax credit to be allocated to the Company. Each of the partnerships must meet the regulatory minimum requirements for affordable housing for a minimum 15-year compliance period to fully utilize the tax credits. If the partnerships cease to qualify during the compliance period, the credit may be denied for any period in which the project is not in compliance and a portion of the credit previously taken is subject to recapture with interest.

 

The approximate remaining federal and state tax credit to be utilized over a multiple-year period is $5.9 million and $3.8 million at December 31, 2006 and 2005, respectively. The Company’s usage of federal tax credits was $586,000, $582,000, and $424,000 for the years ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004, respectively. Investment amortization amounted to $612,000, $284,000, and $492,000 for the years ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004, respectively.

 

8. DEPOSITS

 

Deposits consist of the following at December 31, 2006 and 2005:

 

     2006    2005
     (Dollars in thousands)

Demand deposits (noninterest-bearing)

   $ 388,163    $ 395,050

Money market accounts and NOW

     190,453      221,083

Savings

     76,846      81,654
             
     655,462      697,787
             

Time deposits

     

Less than $100,000

     91,830      97,433

$100,000 or more

     682,107      685,336
             

Total

   $ 1,429,399    $ 1,480,556
             

 

Time deposits by maturity dates are as follows at December 31, 2006:

 

     $100,000
or Greater
   Less than
$100,000
   Total
     (Dollars in thousands)

2007

   $ 670,036    $ 89,327    $ 759,363

2008

     7,687      2,018      9,705

2009

     2,280      291      2,571

2010

     2,004      19      2,023

2011

     100      89      189

2012 and thereafter

     —        86      86
                    

Total

   $ 682,107    $ 91,830    $ 773,937
                    

 

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CENTER FINANCIAL CORPORATION

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

A summary of interest expense on deposits is as follows for the years ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004:

 

     2006    2005    2004
     (Dollars in thousands)

Money market accounts and NOW

   $ 6,081    $ 4,055    $ 2,919

Savings

     3,044      2,663      2,165

Time deposits

        

Less than $100,000

     4,142      2,396      1,464

$100,000 or more

     34,136      18,262      7,572
                    

Total

   $ 47,403    $ 27,376    $ 14,120
                    

 

The Company accepts deposits from the State of California. As of December 31, 2006 and 2005, these deposits totaled $75.0 million and $80.0 million, respectively. The Company has pledged U.S. government agencies and U.S. government sponsored enterprise securities and mortgage-backed securities with a total carrying value of $83.1 million (available–for-sale at fair market value of $81.7 million and held to maturity at amortized cost of $1.4 million) and $91.3 million (available-for-sale at fair market value of $89.3 million and held-to-maturity at amortized cost of $2.0 million) as of December 31, 2006 and 2005, respectively, to secure such public deposits. Interest expense for the years ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004 was $2.2 million, $2.2 million and $786,000, respectively.

 

In the ordinary course of business, the Company has received deposits from certain directors, executive officers and businesses with which they are associated. At December 31, 2006 and 2005, the total of these deposits amounted to $4.9 million and $3.3 million, respectively.

 

9. OTHER BORROWED FUNDS

 

The Company borrows funds from the Federal Home Loan Bank and the Treasury, Tax, and Loan Investment Program. Other borrowed funds totaled $229.5 million and $28.6 million at December 31, 2006 and 2005, respectively. Interest expense on total borrowed funds was $4.5 million in 2006, $938,000 in 2005, and $489,000 in 2004, reflecting average interest rates of 5.31%, 3.50% and 3.34%, respectively.

 

As of December 31, 2006 and 2005, the Company borrowed $223.8 million and $27.1 million, respectively, from the Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco with note terms from one day to 15 years. Notes of 10-year and 15-year terms are amortizing at predetermined schedules over the life of the notes. The Company has pledged, under a blanket lien (all qualifying commercial and residential loans) as collateral under the borrowing agreement with Federal Home Loan Bank, with a total carrying value of $1.1 billion and $858 million at December 31, 2006 and 2005, respectively. Total interest expense on the notes was $4.4 million, $895,000 and $474,000 for the years ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004, respectively, reflecting average interest rates of 5.27%, 3.47% and 3.34%, respectively.

 

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CENTER FINANCIAL CORPORATION

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

Federal Home Loan Bank advances outstanding as of December 31, 2006, with an average interest rate of 5.31%, mature as follows:

 

     (Dollars in thousands)

2007

   $ 221,309

2008

     325

2009

     343

2010

     361

2011

     381

Thereafter

     1,096
      
   $ 223,815
      

 

Borrowings obtained from the Treasury Tax and Loan Investment Program mature within a month from the transaction date. Under the program, the Company receives funds from the U.S. Treasury Department in the form of open-ended notes, up to a total of $2.2 million. The Company has pledged U.S. government agencies and/or mortgage-backed securities with a total carrying value of $2.6 million at December 31, 2006, as collateral to participate in the program. The total borrowed amount under the program, outstanding at December 31, 2006 and 2005 was $675,000 and $1.1 million, respectively. Interest expense on notes was $31,300, $21,900, and $14,300 for the years ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004, respectively, reflecting average interest rates of 3.81%, 4.30% and 1.15%, respectively.

 

10. INCOME TAXES

 

The following is a summary of income tax expense (benefit) for the years ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004:

 

     2006     2005     2004  
     (Dollars in thousands)  

Current

      

Federal

   $ 14,544     $ 13,456     $ 9,703  

State

     4,157       4,078       2,848  
                        

Total

   $ 18,701     $ 17,534     $ 12,551  
                        

Deferred

      

Federal

   $ (1,673 )   $ (1,966 )   $ (3,348 )

State

     (543 )     (477 )     (815 )
                        

Total

   $ (2,216 )   $ (2,443 )   $ (4,163 )
                        

Total

      

Federal

   $ 12,871     $ 11,490     $ 6,355  

State

     3,614       3,601       2,033  
                        

Total

   $ 16,485     $ 15,091     $ 8,388  
                        

 

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CENTER FINANCIAL CORPORATION

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

As of December 31, 2006 and 2005, the cumulative temporary differences, as tax affected, are as follows:

 

     2006     2005  
     (Dollars in thousands)  

Deferred tax assets:

    

Statutory bad debt deduction less than financial statement provision

   $ 7,981     $ 6,358  

Deferred loan fees

     1,076       809  

Depreciation

     64       —    

Organization cost

     14       32  

State taxes

     714       763  

Impairment of available for sale securities

     874       864  

CRA partnership income

     36       32  

Net unrealized loss on available for sale securities

     139       836  

Capital loss carryover

     613       560  

Mark to market adjustment on interest rate swaps

     —         105  

Mark to market adjustment on loans held for sale

     594       411  

Other

     265       164  
                

Total deferred tax assets

     12,370       10,934  
                

Deferred tax liabilities:

    

Depreciation

     —         (212 )

Basis differences—1031 like-kind exchange

     (239 )     (306 )

Federal Home Loan Bank stock

     (331 )     (173 )

Other

     (77 )     (38 )
                

Total deferred tax liabilities

     (647 )     (729 )
                

Deferred income taxes, net

   $ 11,723     $ 10,205  
                

 

In assessing the future realization of deferred tax assets, management considers whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income during the periods in which those temporary differences become deductible. Management considers the scheduled reversal of deferred tax liabilities, the projected future taxable income, and tax-planning strategies in making this assessment. During 2006 and 2005, based on the level of historical taxable income and projections for future taxable income over the periods in which the deferred tax assets are deductible, the Company believes the net deferred tax assets are more likely than not to be realized. Additionally, for tax purposes the Company was unable to deduct approximately $115,000 and $1.3 million of capital losses generated in 2006 and 2005, respectively, which must be utilized for tax purposes by 2011 and 2010, respectively.

 

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Table of Contents

CENTER FINANCIAL CORPORATION

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

Applicable income taxes, in 2006, 2005, and 2004 resulted in effective tax rates of 38.7%, 38.0%, and 37.1%, respectively. The primary reasons for the differences from the federal statutory tax rate of 35% are as follows for the years ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004:

 

     2006     2005     2004  
     (Dollars in thousands)  

Income tax expense at federal statutory rate

   $ 14,925     $ 13,893     $ 7,914  

State franchise taxes, net of federal income tax expense

     3,004       2,796       1,270  

Low income housing tax credit, federal

     (586 )     (582 )     (424 )

Tax-advantaged interest income

     (86 )     (72 )     (78 )

Bank-owned life insurance cash surrender value

     (159 )     (158 )     (140 )

Dividend received deduction for stock investments

     (250 )     (192 )     (89 )

Other

     (363 )     (594 )     (65 )
                        
   $ 16,485     $ 15,091     $ 8,388  
                        

 

11. LONG-TERM SUBORDINATED DEBENTURES

 

Center Capital Trust I is a Delaware business trust formed by the Company for the sole purpose of issuing trust preferred securities fully and unconditionally guaranteed by the Company. During the fourth quarter of 2004, Center Capital Trust I issued 18,000 Capital Trust Preferred Securities (“TP Securities”), with liquidation value of $1,000 per security, for gross proceeds of $18,000,000. The entire proceeds of the issuance were invested by Center Capital Trust I in $18,000,000 of Junior Long-term Subordinated Debentures (the “Subordinated Debentures”) issued by the Company, with identical maturity, repricing and payment terms as the TP Securities. The Subordinated Debentures represent the sole assets of Center Capital Trust I. The Subordinated Debentures mature on January 7, 2034 and bear a current interest rate of 8.22% (based on 3-month LIBOR plus 2.85%), with repricing and payments due quarterly in arrears on January 7, April 7, July 7, and October 7 of each year commencing April 7, 2004. The Subordinated Debentures are redeemable by the Company, subject to receipt by the Company of prior approval from the Federal Reserve Bank to the extent then required, on any January 7th, April 7th, July 7th, and October 7th on or after April 7, 2009 at the Redemption Price. Redemption Price means 100% of the principal amount of Subordinated Debentures being redeemed plus accrued and unpaid interest on such Subordinated Debentures to the Redemption Date, or in case of redemption due to the occurrence of a Special Event, to the Special Redemption Date if such Redemption Date is on or after April 7, 2009. The TP Securities are subject to mandatory redemption to the extent of any early redemption of the Subordinated Debentures and upon maturity of the Subordinated Debentures on January 7, 2034.

 

Holders of the TP Securities are entitled to a cumulative cash distribution on the liquidation amount of $1,000 per security at a current rate per annum of 8.22%. The distribution rate is a per annum rate which resets quarterly, equal to LIBOR (as in effect) immediately preceding each interest payment date (January 7, April 7, July 7, and October 7 of each year) plus 2.85%. The distributions on the TP Securities are treated as interest expense in the consolidated statements of operations. The Company has the option to defer payment of the distributions for a period of up to five years, as long as the Company is not in default on the payment of interest on the Subordinated Debentures. The TP Securities issued in the offering were sold in private transactions pursuant to an exemption from registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. The Company has guaranteed, on a subordinated basis, distributions and other payments due on the TP Securities.

 

On March 1, 2005, the Federal Reserve Board adopted a final rule that allows the continued inclusion of trust-preferred securities in the Tier I capital of bank holding companies. However, under the final rule, after a five-year transition period, the aggregate amount of trust preferred securities and certain other capital elements

 

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CENTER FINANCIAL CORPORATION

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

that could be included in Tier I capital would be limited to 25 percent of Tier I capital elements, net of goodwill. Trust preferred securities currently make up 11.5% of the Company’s Tier I capital.

 

As of December 31, 2006 and 2005, in accordance with FIN 46 (revised December 2004), Center Capital Trust I is not reported on a consolidated basis. Therefore, the capital securities of $18,000,000 do not appear on the balance sheet. Instead, the long-term subordinated debentures of $18,557,000 issued by Center Financial to Center Capital Trust I and the investment in Center Capital Trust I’s common stock of $557,000 (included in other assets) are separately reported.

 

12. GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLES

 

In April 2004, the Company purchased the Chicago branch of Korea Exchange Bank and recorded goodwill of $1.3 million and a core deposit intangible of $462,000. The Bank amortizes premiums on acquired deposits using the straight-line method over 5 to 9 years. Amortization expense for core deposit intangible was $53,000 for years ended December 31, 2006 and 2005 and $36,000 for the year ended December 31, 2004. Core deposit intangible net of amortization was $320,000 and $373,000 at December 31, 2006 and 2005, respectively. Estimated amortization expense for core deposit intangible for five succeeding fiscal years and thereafter is as follows:

 

     (Dollars in thousands)

2007

   $ 53

2008

     53

2009

     53

2010

     53

2011

     53

Thereafter

     55

 

13. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

 

The Company leases its premises under noncancelable operating leases. At December 31, 2006, future minimum rental commitments under these leases are as follows:

 

Year

   Amount
     (Dollars in thousands)

2007

   $ 2,099

2008

     2,106

2009

     2,038

2010

     1,825

2011

     1,072

Thereafter

     3,515
      
   $ 12,655
      

 

Rental expense recorded under such leases amounted to approximately $2.0 million in 2006, $2.3 million in 2005, and $1.4 million in 2004.

 

Litigation

 

From time to time, the Company is a party to claims and legal proceedings arising in the ordinary course of business. With the exception of the potentially adverse outcome in the litigation herein described, after taking

 

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Table of Contents

CENTER FINANCIAL CORPORATION

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

into consideration information furnished by counsel as to the current status of these claims and proceedings, management does not believe that the aggregate potential liability resulting from such proceedings would have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition or results of operations.

 

In March 2003, the Bank was served with a complaint filed by Korea Export Insurance Corporation (“KEIC”) in Orange County, California Superior Court, entitled Korea Export Insurance Corporation v. Korea Data Systems (USA), Inc., et al. KEIC is seeking to recover alleged losses from a number of parties involved in international trade transactions that gave rise to bills of exchange financed by various Korean banks but not ultimately paid. KEIC is seeking to recover damages of approximately $56 million from the Bank based on a claim that, in its capacity as a presenting bank for these bills of exchange, the Bank acted negligently in presenting and otherwise handling trade documents for collection.

 

In November 2005, the Orange County Superior Court dismissed all claims of KEIC against the Bank in this action on the grounds that federal courts have exclusive jurisdiction over KEIC’s claims against the Bank. KEIC appealed the dismissal. In response to that judgment of dismissal, KEIC filed a new action against the Bank in federal court asserting the same claims. That federal court action has now been stayed. In December 2006, the Court of Appeals reversed the Orange County Superior Court’s judgment of dismissal and ordered the case remanded back to Orange County Superior Court for trial. Center Bank has filed a petition for rehearing of that decision with the Court of Appeals. Center Bank has filed a petition for review to the California Supreme Court.

 

In July 2006, the Bank was served with cross-claims from a number of Korean banks who are third party defendants in the federal action. Those same banks recently were allowed to file a similar cross-complaint in the Orange County Superior Court action, in response to the Bank’s cross-compliant filed against the Korean banks for fraud and indemnity. The Korean banks are Citibank Korea, Inc. (formerly known as KorAm Bank), Industrial Bank of Korea, Kookmin Bank, Korea Exchange Bank and Hana Bank (hereinafter the Korean Banks). The Korean Banks allege, in both suits, various claims against the Bank and other defendants named in the lawsuits. The claims alleged against the Bank are for breach of contract, negligence, negligent misrepresentation and breach of fiduciary duty in the handling of certain documents against acceptance transactions that occurred in the years 2000 and 2001. The total amount of the claims is approximately $46.1 million plus interest and punitive damages. These claims involve bills of exchange transaction losses which were not paid by KEIC and are in addition to KEIC’s claims against the Bank in the approximate amount of $56 million originally filed in March of 2003 in state court and now pending in federal court (see above). The Bank believes that it has meritorious defenses to the claims of the Korean Banks. However, if the outcome of this litigation is adverse and the Bank is required to pay significant monetary damages, the Company’s financial condition and results of operations are likely to be materially and adversely affected. Although the Bank believes that it has meritorious defenses and intends to vigorously defend these lawsuits, management cannot predict the outcome of this litigation.

 

Employment Agreement

 

The Company had an employment agreement with its President and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Seon Hong Kim effective September 1, 2004 for a term of three years, at an initial base salary of $279,330 per year with annual increases based on increases in the consumer price index not to exceed 7%. Mr. Kim was also entitled to an incentive bonus equal to 4% of the amount of the Company’s pre-tax earnings for that year which exceed 20% of the Company’s return on year-beginning capital; provided, however, that in no event would such bonus be less than $40,000 nor more than 75% of the amount of Mr. Kim’s annual base salary, and provided further that if the Company’s pre-tax earnings for the year in question did not exceed 20% of the return on year-beginning capital, Mr. Kim would receive such bonus as the board of directors, in its sole discretion, determined.

 

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CENTER FINANCIAL CORPORATION

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

In the event of termination without cause or due to a merger or corporate reorganization where there is a change in more than 25% ownership of the Company’s stock, Mr. Kim was entitled to receive the balance of the salary due under the Agreement or twelve (12) months severance pay, whichever was more. In October 2006, the Company announced that President and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Seon-Hong Kim, would not seek renewal of his contract.

 

On January 10, 2007, the board of directors of the Company named Mr. Jae Whan Yoo to the positions of President and Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Yoo also assumed Mr. Kim’s position on the board of directors. Effective January 16, 2007, the Company and Center Bank entered into an employment agreement with Mr. Yoo (the “Agreement”) for a term of three years, at an annual base salary of $250,000 for the first year of the term, with annual increases thereafter based on increases in the applicable Consumer Price Index, not to exceed 7% per year. Mr. Yoo is also entitled to an incentive bonus equal to 4% of the amount by which the Company’s pre-tax earnings for any given year exceeded the Company’s pre-tax earnings for the previous year; provided, however, that in no event shall such bonus be less than $40,000 nor more than 75% of the amount of Mr. Yoo’s annual base salary. Mr. Yoo will also receive stock options to purchase 100,000 shares of the Company’s authorized but unissued common stock, at the fair market value on the date of grant, which date is expected to be in February 2007. The options will be for a term of 10 years and will vest in installments of one-third per year commencing on the first anniversary of the date of grant. In the event of termination without cause (as defined in the Agreement) or if a “change in control” of Center Bank or the Company (as those terms are defined in the Agreement) occurs and the Company terminates Yoo without cause, or Mr. Yoo voluntarily terminates his employment within one year after the change in control, Mr. Yoo will be entitled to receive: (1) his salary for the balance of the term remaining under the Agreement or 12 months, whichever is less, and (2) the pro rata portion of any bonus earned for the partial year served until the date of termination; provided, however, that the amount of any benefits to be paid under the Agreement in the event of a change in control would be limited to the amounts allowed as deductible payments pursuant to Section 280G of the Internal Revenue Code.

 

Memorandum of Understanding

 

On May 10, 2005, Center Bank entered into a memorandum of understanding (the “MOU”) with the FDIC and the California Department of Financial Institutions (the “DFI”). The MOU is an informal administrative agreement primarily concerning the Bank’s compliance with Bank Secrecy Act (“BSA”) regulations. In accordance with the MOU, the Bank agreed to (i) implement a written action plan, policies and procedures, and comprehensive independent compliance testing to ensure compliance with all BSA-related rules and regulations; (ii) correct any apparent BSA violations previously disclosed by the FDIC; (iii) develop the expertise to ensure that generally accepted accounting principles and regulatory reporting guidelines are observed in all of the Bank’s financial transactions and reporting; and (iv) furnish written quarterly progress reports to the FDIC and the DFI detailing the form and manner of any actions taken to secure compliance with the memorandum and the results thereof. The MOU will remain in effect until modified or terminated by the FDIC and DFI and may have the effect of limiting or delaying the Bank’s ability or plans to expand.

 

14. SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

On December 13, 2006 the board of directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of 4 cents per share. This cash dividend was paid in January 2007 to shareholders of record as of December 27, 2006 (see “Quarterly Dividends” below).

 

As a bank holding company, which currently has no significant assets other than the Company’s equity interest in Center Bank, its ability to pay dividends primarily depends upon the dividends received from Center

 

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CENTER FINANCIAL CORPORATION

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

Bank. The dividend practice of Center Bank, like the Company’s dividend practice, will depend upon its earnings, financial position, current and anticipated cash requirements and other factors deemed relevant by Center Bank’s board of directors at that time. The dividend practices of both Center Bank and Center Financial are restricted by state and federal law as well as by regulatory requirements and potentially by contractual requirements, in each case as more fully described below.

 

Quarterly Dividends—Since October 2003, Center Financial has paid a cash dividend of 4 cents (adjusted for two-for-one stock split) per share and currently plans to continue to pay cash dividends on a quarterly basis. However, the amount of any such dividend will be determined each quarter by the Company’s board of directors in its discretion, based on the factors described in the previous paragraph. No assurance can be given that the Bank’s and the Company’s future performance will justify the payment of dividends in any particular quarter and any such dividend will be at the sole discretion of Center Financial’s board of directors.

 

Center Bank’s ability to pay cash dividends to Center Financial is also subject to certain legal limitations. Under California law, banks may declare a cash dividend out of their net profits up to the lesser of retained earnings or the net income for the last three fiscal years (less any distributions made to shareholders during such period), or with the prior written approval of the Commissioner of Financial Institutions, in an amount not exceeding the greatest of (i) the retained earnings of the bank, (ii) the net income of the bank for its last fiscal year, or (iii) the net income of the bank for its current fiscal year. In addition, under federal law, banks are prohibited from paying any dividends if after making such payment they would fail to meet any of the minimum regulatory capital requirements. The federal regulators also have the authority to prohibit banks from engaging in any business practices which are considered to be unsafe or unsound, and in some circumstances the regulators might prohibit the payment of dividends on that basis even though such payments would otherwise be permissible.

 

The Company’s ability to pay dividends is also limited by state corporation law. The California General Corporation Law allows the Company to pay dividends to its shareholders if retained earnings equal at least the amount of the proposed dividend. If the Company does not have sufficient retained earnings available for the proposed dividend, it may still pay a dividend to the shareholders if it meets two conditions after giving effect to the dividend. Those conditions are generally as follows: (i) the Company’s assets (exclusive of goodwill and deferred charges) would equal at least 1 1/4 times the Company’s liabilities; and (ii) the Company’s current assets would equal at least the Company’s current liabilities or, if the average of the Company’s earnings before taxes on income and before interest expense for two preceding fiscal years was less than the average of the Company’s interest expense for such fiscal years, then the Company’s current assets must equal at least 1 1/4 times the Company’s current liabilities. In addition, during any period in which Center Financial has deferred payment of interest otherwise due and payable on its subordinated debt securities, Center Financial may not make any dividends or distributions with respect to the Company’s capital stock.

 

Stock-Based Compensation—The Company has a Stock Incentive Plan (the “2006 Plan”) which was adopted by the board of directors in April 2006 and approved by the shareholders in May 2006. The 2006 Plan replaced the Company’s former stock option plan (the “1996 Plan”) which expired in February 2006, and all options under the 1996 Plan which were outstanding on April 12, 2006 were transferred to and made part of the 2006 Plan. The option prices of all options granted under the 2006 Plan (including options transferred from the 1996 Plan) must be not less than 100% of the fair market value at the date of grant. Non-qualified stock options to directors vest at the rate of 33 1/3% per year, and incentive stock options for employees generally vest at the rate of 20% per year. All options not exercised expire ten years after the date of grant.

 

Effective January 1, 2006 the Company adopted SFAS No. 123R. Prior to the adoption of SFAS No. 123R, the Company accounted for stock-based compensation using the intrinsic value method of APB 25. As a result,

 

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CENTER FINANCIAL CORPORATION

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

prior to January 1, 2006 the Company did not recognize compensation expense in the statements of operations for options granted. As required by SFAS No. 123, the Company provided certain pro forma disclosures for stock-based compensation as if the fair-value-based approach of SFAS No. 123 had been applied.

 

The Company elected to use the modified prospective transition method as permitted by SFAS No. 123R and therefore has not restated the financial results for prior periods. Under this transition method, the Company will apply the provisions of SFAS No. 123R to new options granted or cancelled after December 31, 2005. Additionally, the Company will recognize compensation cost for the portion of options for which the requisite service has not been rendered (unvested) that are outstanding as of December 31, 2005, as the remaining service is rendered. The compensation cost the Company records for these options will be based on their grant-date fair value as calculated for the pro forma disclosures required by SFAS No. 123.

 

The Company’s pre-tax compensation expense for stock-based employee compensation was $722,000 ($660,000 after tax effect of non-qualified stock options) for the year ended December 31, 2006.

 

Prior to the adoption of SFAS No. 123R, the Company presented all tax benefits resulting from the exercise of stock options as operating cash flows in the consolidated statement of cash flows. SFAS No. 123R requires that cash flows from the exercise of stock options resulting from tax benefits in excess of recognized cumulative compensation cost (excess tax benefits) be classified as financing cash flows. For the year ended December 31, 2006, such tax benefits amounted to approximately $523,000.

 

The following table details the effect on net income had stock-based compensation expense been recorded for the year ended December 31, 2005 based on the fair-value method under SFAS No. 123.

 

     Year Ended
December 31,
 
     2005     2004  
     (Dollars in thousands,
except per share data)
 

Reported net income

   $ 24,603     $ 14,224  

Add: Total stock based compensation expense included in reported net income, net of related tax effects

     —         —    

Deduct: Total stock based compensation expense determined under fair-value method for all awards, net of related tax expense

     (568 )     (310 )
                

Pro forma net income

   $ 24,035     $ 13,914  
                

Earnings per share

    

Basic—reported

   $ 1.50     $ 0.88  

Basic—pro forma

   $ 1.47     $ 0.86  

Diluted—reported

   $ 1.48     $ 0.86  

Diluted—pro forma

   $ 1.44     $ 0.84  

 

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CENTER FINANCIAL CORPORATION

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

The fair value of the stock options granted was estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option valuation model that uses the assumptions noted in the following table. The risk-free rate is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant. Beginning in 2006, with the adoption of SFAS No. 123R the expected life (estimated period of time outstanding) of options granted with a 10-year term was determined using the average of the vesting period and term, an accepted method under SEC’s Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 107, Share-Based Payment. Expected volatility was based on historical volatility for a period equal to the stock option’s expected life, ending on the day of grant, and calculated on a weekly basis.

 

     Twelve months ended December 31,
     2006    2005    2004

Risk-free interest rate

   2.05% - 6.21%    2.05% - 6.21%    3.30%

Expected life

   3 - 6.5 years    3 - 6.5 years    3 - 5 years

Expected volatility

   32% - 35%    30% - 35%    25%

Expected dividend yield

   0.00% - 1.05%    0.00% - 1.05%    0.78%

Weighted average fair value

   $3.72    $3.37    $2.49

Weighted average volatility

   32%    34%    25%

 

A summary of the Company’s stock option activity and related information for the years ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004 is set forth in the following table:

 

    2006   2005   2004
    Shares
Available
For
Grant
    Options
Outstanding
    Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
  Shares
Available
For
Grant
    Options
Outstanding
    Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
  Shares
Available
For
Grant
    Options
Outstanding
    Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price

Balance at beginning of period

  936,389     638,804     $ 13.38   970,971     759,779     $ 9.95   1,299,326     666,400     $ 4.70

Options authorized under new plan

  1,762,250         —       —         —        

Options granted

  (68,000 )   68,000       23.56   (123,500 )   123,500       22.97   (403,000 )   403,000     $ 14.60

Options forfeited

  39,651     (39,651 )     14.62   88,918     (88,918 )     11.19   74,645     (74,645 )   $ 7.29

Options exercised

  —       (193,560 )     11.91   —       (155,557 )     5.38   —       (234,976 )   $ 4.24
                                         

Balance at end of period

  2,670,290     473,593     $ 15.33   936,389     638,804     $ 13.38   970,971     759,779     $ 9.95
                                         

Options exercisable at year-end

    141,115     $ 10.64     137,528     $ 9.88     125,112     $ 4.16

Weighted-average fair value of options granted during the year

      $ 8.91       $ 8.21       $ 4.31

 

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CENTER FINANCIAL CORPORATION

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

Information pertaining to stock options outstanding at December 31, 2006 is as follows:

 

     Options Outstanding    Options Exercisable

Range of
Exercise Prices

   Options
Outstanding
   Weighted-
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Life in
Years
   Weighted-
Average
Exercise
Price
   Options
Exercisable
   Weighted-
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Life in
Years
   Weighted-
Average
Exercise
Price

$  2.23  –  $  4.00

   13,549    4.00    $ 3.43    13,548    4.00    $ 3.43

$  5.00  –  $  5.99

   84,304    6.22    $ 5.32    55,667    6.22    $ 5.26

$  6.00  –  $  7.99

   8,640    6.50    $ 6.32    —      —      $ —  

$  8.00  –  $14.00

   130,600    8.00    $ 12.99    44,200    8.00    $ 12.91

$14.01  –  $20.00

   70,000    8.00    $ 16.05    8,000    8.00    $ 16.73

$20.01  –  $25.10

   166,500    9.41    $ 23.37    19,700    9.00    $ 23.24
                     
   473,593    8.04    $ 15.33    141,115    8.20    $ 10.64
                                 

 

Aggregate intrinsic value of options outstanding and options exercisable at December 31, 2006 was $4.1 million and $1.9 million, respectively. Aggregate intrinsic value represents the difference between the Company’s closing stock price on the last trading day of the period, which was $23.97 as of December 31, 2006, and the exercise price multiplied by the number of options outstanding. Total intrinsic value of options exercised was $2.4 million, $2.7 million and $2.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004, respectively.

 

For the years ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004 the total grant date fair value of options vesting was $653,000, $532,000 and $297,000, respectively. As of December 31, 2006 and 2005 non-vested options amounted to 332,000 (weighted average grant-date fair value of $5.89) and 509,000 (weighted average grant-date fair value of $4.66), respectively. 40,000 options were forfeited during the year ended December 31, 2006 with a weighted average grant-date fair value of $14.65.

 

As of December 31, 2006, the Company had approximately $1.7 million of unrecognized compensation costs related to unvested options. The Company expects to recognize these costs over a weighted average period of 3.51 years.

 

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CENTER FINANCIAL CORPORATION

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

15. EARNINGS PER SHARE

 

The following is a reconciliation of the numerators and denominators of the basic and diluted per share computations for the years ended December 31, 2006, 2005, and 2004. Earnings per share data have been adjusted for all periods presented to reflect the 2 to 1 stock split declared on January 28, 2004.

 

     Net
Income
   Weighted Average
Number of Shares
   Per Share
Amount
 
     (Dollars in thousands, except earnings per share)  

2006

        

Basic EPS

        

Income available to common shareholders

   $ 26,158    16,535    $ 1.58  

Effect of dilutive securities:

        

Stock options

     —      132      (0.01 )
                    

Diluted EPS

        

Income available to common shareholders

   $ 26,213    16,667    $ 1.57  
                    

2005

        

Basic EPS

        

Income available to common shareholders

   $ 24,603    16,376    $ 1.50  

Effect of dilutive securities:

        

Stock options

     —      327      (0.02 )
                    

Diluted EPS

        

Income available to common shareholders

   $ 24,603    16,703    $ 1.48  
                    

2004

        

Basic EPS

        

Income available to common shareholders

   $ 14,224    16,158    $ 0.88  

Effect of dilutive securities:

        

Stock options

     —      368      (0.02 )
                    

Diluted EPS

        

Income available to common shareholders

   $ 14,224    16,526    $ 0.86  
                    

 

Options not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because they would have had an antidilutive effect amounted to 81,500 shares and 54,500 shares for the years ended December 31, 2006 and 2005, respectively. There were no such antidilutive shares for the year ended December 31, 2004.

 

16. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLAN

 

The Company has an Employees’ Profit Sharing and Savings Plan (the “Plan”), for the benefit of substantially all of its employees who have reached a minimum age of 21 years. Each employee is allowed to contribute to the Plan up to the maximum percentage allowable, not to exceed the limits of IRS Code Sections 401(k), 404 and 415. The Company’s matching contribution equals the sum of 75 percent of the employee’s contribution up to 4 percent of his/her compensation plus 25 percent of the employee’s contribution that exceeds 4 percent but less than 8 percent of his/her compensation. The Company may also make a discretionary contribution, which is not limited to the current or accumulated net profit, as well as a qualified nonelective contribution, with both amounts determined by the Company. For the years ended December 31, 2006, 2005, and 2004, the Company has made matching contributions of $252,000, $256,000, and $231,000, respectively, and no discretionary contributions.

 

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Table of Contents

CENTER FINANCIAL CORPORATION

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

Additionally, in November 2006, the Company made a qualified nonelective contribution to the 401(k) plan in the amount of $429,000 as part of concluding its negotiations with the Internal Revenue Service regarding contributions to the 401(k) plan. The amount is included in salaries and employee benefits for the year ended December 31, 2006.

 

17. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS WITH OFF-BALANCE SHEET RISK

 

The Company is a party to financial instruments with off-balance-sheet risk in the normal course of business to meet the financing needs of its customers. These financial instruments include commitments to extend credit, commercial letters of credit, standby letters of credit and performance bonds. These instruments involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit and interest rate risk in excess of the amount recognized in the balance sheets.

 

The Company’s exposure to credit loss is represented by the contractual notional amount of these instruments. The Company uses the same credit policies in making commitments and conditional obligations as it does for on-balance-sheet instruments.

 

Commitments to extend credit are agreements to lend to a customer provided there is no violation of any condition established in the contract. Commitments generally have fixed expiration dates or other termination clauses and may require payment of a fee. Since certain of the commitments are expected to expire without being drawn upon, the total commitment amounts do not necessarily represent future cash requirements. The Company evaluates each customer’s creditworthiness on a case-by-case basis. The amount of the collateral obtained, if deemed necessary by the Company upon extension of credit, is based on management’s credit evaluation of the borrower.

 

Commercial letters of credit, standby letters of credit, and performance bonds are conditional commitments issued by the Company to guarantee the performance of a customer to a third party. The credit risk involved in issuing letters of credit is essentially the same as that involved in making loans to customers. The Company generally holds collateral supporting those commitments if deemed necessary.

 

The following is a summary of the notional amounts of the Company’s financial instruments relating to extension of credit with off-balance-sheet risk at December 31, 2006 and 2005:

 

Outstanding Commitments (Dollars in thousands)

 

     December 31, 2006    December 31, 2005

Loans

   $ 265,989    $ 255,096

Standby letters of credit

     12,222      12,797

Performance bonds

     217      283

Commercial letters of credit

     28,181      24,262

 

The Company’s exposure to credit loss in the event of non-performance by the customer is represented by the contractual amount of those instruments. Consistent credit policies are used by the Company for both on- and off- balance sheet items. The Company evaluates credit risk associated with the loan portfolio at the same time as it evaluates credit risk associated with commitments to extend credit and letters of credits.

 

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CENTER FINANCIAL CORPORATION

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

18. DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

 

The following table provides information as of December 31, 2006 and 2005, respectively, on the Company’s outstanding derivatives:

 

Description

   Notional
Value
   Period    Fixed
Receiving
Rate
    Floating
Paying Rate
 
     (Dollars in thousands)  

December 31, 2006

          

None

   $ —      NA    NA     NA  

December 31, 2005

          

Interest Rate Swap II

   $ 25,000    08/02-08/06    6.89 %   WSJ Prime *

* At December 31, 2005 the Wall Street Journal published Prime Rate was 7.25%.

 

As of December 31, 2006 the Company had no interest rate swap agreements as the Company’s only remaining interest rate swap matured in August 2006. As of December 31, 2005, the Company had one interest rate swap agreement with a total notional amount of $25 million. Under the swap agreement, the Company received a fixed rate and paid a variable rate based on the Wall Street Journal’s published Prime Rate.

 

The credit risk associated with the interest rate swap agreement represents the accounting loss that would be recognized at the reporting date if the counterparty failed completely to perform as contracted and any collateral or security proved to be of no value. To reduce such credit risk, when interest rate swap agreements are in place, the Company regularly evaluates the counterparty’s credit rating and financial position.

 

(Gains) or losses on interest rate swaps, recorded in noninterest expense, consist of the following:

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
     2006     2005     2004  
     (Dollars in thousands)  

Net swap settlement payments (receipts)

   $ 255     $ (26 )   $ (1,609 )

(Increase) decrease in market value*

     (229 )     612       1,844  
                        

Net change in market value

   $ 26     $ 586     $ 235  
                        

* Including gains (loss) on sale of swaps.

 

19. FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

 

The Company using available market information and appropriate valuation methodologies available to management at December 31, 2006 and 2005 has determined the estimated fair value of financial instruments. However, considerable judgment is required to interpret market data in order to develop estimates of fair value. Accordingly, the estimates presented herein are not necessarily indicative of the amounts the Company could realize in a current market exchange. The use of different market assumptions and/or estimation methodologies may have a material effect on the estimated fair value amounts. Furthermore, fair values disclosed hereinafter do not reflect any premium or discount that could result from offering the instruments for sale. Potential taxes and other expenses that would be incurred in an actual sale or settlement are not reflected in the disclosed amounts.

 

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CENTER FINANCIAL CORPORATION

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

The estimated fair values and related carrying amounts of the Bank’s financial instruments are as follows:

 

     December 31, 2006    December 31, 2005
     Carrying or
Contract
Amount
   Estimated
Fair Value
   Carrying or
Contract
Amount
   Estimated
Fair Value
     (Dollars in thousands)

Assets

           

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 73,376    $ 73,376    $ 143,376    $ 143,376

Investment securities available for sale

     148,913      148,913      226,023      226,023

Investment securities held to maturity

     10,591      10,571      11,052      11,014

Loans receivable, net

     1,537,176      1,544,289      1,219,149      1,226,205

Federal Home Loan Bank and other equity stock

     11,065      11,065      5,434      5,434

Customers’ liability on acceptances

     4,871      4,871      4,028      4,028

Accrued interest receivable

     8,574      8,574      4,481      4,481

Liabilities

           

Deposits

     1,429,399      1,355,070    $ 1,480,556    $ 1,845,166

Other borrowed funds

     229,490      229,490      28,643      28,643

Acceptances outstanding

     4,871      4,871      4,028      4,028

Accrued interest payable

     11,458      11,458      9,084      9,084

Long-term subordinated debentures

     18,557      19,410      18,557      19,665

Interest rate swaps

     —        —        229      229

Off-balance sheet items

           

Commitments to extend credit

   $ 265,989    $ 1,995    $ 255,096    $ 1,913

Standby letter of credit

     12,222      214      12,797      224

Commercial letters of credit

     28,181      106      24,462      91

Performance bonds

     217      4      283      5

 

The methods and assumptions used to estimate the fair value of each class of financial instruments for which it is practicable to estimate that value are explained below:

 

Cash and Cash Equivalents—The carrying amounts approximate fair value due to the short-term nature of these instruments.

 

Securities—The fair value of securities is generally obtained from market bids from similar or identical securities, or obtained from independent securities brokers or dealers.

 

Loans—Fair values are estimated for portfolios of loans with similar financial characteristics, primarily fixed and adjustable rate interest terms. The fair values of fixed rate loans are based on discounted cash flows utilizing applicable risk-adjusted spreads relative to the current pricing of similar fixed rate loans, as well as anticipated repayment schedules. The fair value of adjustable rate loans is based on the estimated discounted cash flows utilizing the discount rates that approximate the pricing of loans collateralized by similar properties or assets. The fair value of nonperforming loans at December 31, 2005 and 2004 was not estimated because it is not practicable to reasonably assess the credit adjustment that would be applied in the marketplace for such loans. The estimated fair value is net of allowance for loan losses, deferred loan fees, and deferred gain on SBA loans.

 

Federal Home Loan Bank and Other Equity Stock—The carrying amounts approximate fair value, as the stocks may be sold back to the Federal Home Loan Bank and other bank at carrying value.

 

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CENTER FINANCIAL CORPORATION

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

Accrued Interest Receivable and Accrued Interest Payable—The carrying amounts approximate fair value due to the short-term nature of these assets and liabilities.

 

Customer’s Liability on Acceptances and Acceptances Outstanding—The carrying amounts approximate fair value due to the short-term nature of these assets.

 

Deposits—The fair value of nonmaturity deposits is the amount payable on demand at the reporting date. Nonmaturity deposits include noninterest-bearing demand deposits, savings accounts, NOW accounts, and money market accounts. Discounted cash flows have been used to value term deposits such as certificates of deposit. The discount rate used is based on interest rates currently being offered by the Company on comparable deposits as to amount and term.

 

Other Borrowed Funds—These funds mostly consist of FHLB advances. The fair values of FHLB advances are estimated based on the discounted value of contractual cash flows, using rates currently offered by the Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco for fixed-rate credit advances with similar remaining maturities at each reporting date.

 

Long-term Subordinated Debentures—The fair value of long-term subordinated debentures are estimated by discounting the cash flows through maturity based on prevailing rates offered on the 30-year Treasury bond at each reporting date.

 

Loan Commitments, Letters of Credit, and Performance Bond—The fair value of loan commitments and standby letters of credit is estimated using the fees currently charged to enter into similar agreements, taking into account the remaining terms of the agreements and the present credit worthiness of the counterparties. For fixed-rate commitments, fair value also considers the difference between current levels of interest rates and the committed rates. The fair value of commercial letters of credit and performance bonds is based on fees currently charged for similar agreements or on the estimated cost to terminate them or otherwise settle the obligations with the counterparties at the reporting date. Furthermore, fair values disclosed hereinafter do no reflect any premium or discount that could result from offering the instruments for sale. Potential taxes and other expenses that would be incurred in an actual sale or settlement are not reflected in amounts disclosed.

 

Interest Rate Swaps—The fair value of the interest rate swaps are based on the quoted market prices obtained from an independent pricing service.

 

20. REGULATORY MATTERS

 

Risk-Based Capital—The Company and the Bank are subject to various regulatory capital requirements administered by the federal banking agencies, including the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”). Failure to meet minimum capital requirements can initiate certain mandatory actions by regulators that, if undertaken, could have a direct material effect on the Company’s financial statements. Under capital adequacy guidelines, the Company and the Bank must meet specific capital guidelines that involve quantitative measures of the assets, liabilities and certain off-balance sheet items as calculated under regulatory accounting practices. The capital amounts and classification are also subject to qualitative judgments by the regulators about components, risk weightings and other factors.

 

As of December 31, 2006 and 2005, the most recent notification from the FDIC categorized the Bank as well capitalized under the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action. To be categorized as “well capitalized”, the Bank must maintain specific total risk-based, Tier 1 risk-based, and Tier 1 leverage ratios as set forth in the table below. There are no conditions or events since that notification which management believes may have changed the category of the Bank.

 

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CENTER FINANCIAL CORPORATION

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

On March 1, 2005, the FRB adopted a final rule that allows the continued inclusion of trust-preferred securities in the Tier I capital of bank holding companies. However, under the final rule, after a five-year transition period, the aggregate amount of trust preferred securities and certain other capital elements would be limited to 25% of Tier I capital elements, net of goodwill. Trust preferred securities currently make up 11.5% of the Company’s Tier I capital.

 

The actual and required capital amounts and ratios at December 31, 2006 and 2005 are as follows:

 

     Actual     For Capital Adequacy
Purposes
   

To Be Well Capitalized
Under Prompt
Corrective

Action Provisions

 
     Amount    Ratio     Amount    Ratio     Amount    Ratio  
     (Dollars in thousands)  

As of December 31, 2006

               

Total Capital (to Risk-Weighted Assets)

               

Center Financial Corporation

   $ 175,180    10.54 %   $ 132,964    8.00 %   $ 166,205    10.00 %

Center Bank

   $ 173,818    10.46 %   $ 132,939    8.00 %   $ 166,174    10.00 %

Tier 1 capital (to Risk-Weighted Assets)

               

Center Financial Corporation

   $ 157,054    9.45 %   $ 65,631    4.00 %   $ 98,447    6.00 %

Center Bank

   $ 157,692    9.37 %   $ 66,464    4.00 %   $ 99,696    6.00 %

Tier 1 capital (to Average Assets)

               

Center Financial Corporation

   $ 155,054    8.62 %   $ 71,951    4.00 %   $ 89,939    5.00 %

Center Bank

   $ 155,692    8.55 %   $ 72,838    4.00 %   $ 91,048    5.00 %

As of December 31, 2005

               

Total Capital (to Risk-Weighted Assets)

               

Center Financial Corporation

   $ 144,120    10.76 %   $ 107,124    8.00 %   $ 133,905    10.00 %

Center Bank

   $ 144,370    10.78 %   $ 107,119    8.00 %   $ 133,898    10.00 %

Tier 1 capital (to Risk-Weighted Assets)

               

Center Financial Corporation

   $ 129,912    9.70 %   $ 53,561    4.00 %   $ 80,342    6.00 %

Center Bank

   $ 130,162    9.72 %   $ 53,559    4.00 %   $ 80,338    6.00 %

Tier 1 capital (to Average Assets)

               

Center Financial Corporation

   $ 129,912    8.21 %   $ 63,317    4.00 %   $ 79,146    5.00 %

Center Bank

   $ 130,612    8.22 %   $ 63,308    4.00 %   $ 79,134    5.00 %

 

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CENTER FINANCIAL CORPORATION

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

21. BUSINESS SEGMENT INFORMATION

 

The Company manages its activities as a single operating segment, and accordingly, the Company’s operations consist of a single reportable business segment. In accordance with SFAS No. 131, “Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information” all prior period segment information has been reclassified to report only one operating segment. The following information is presented for historical purposes only.

 

     Year Ended December 31, 2005
     Banking
Operations
   Trade Finance
Services
   SBA    Total
     (Dollars in thousands)

Interest income

   $ 78,107    $ 6,706    $ 8,012    $ 92,825

Interest expense

     25,223      1,721      2,523      29,467
                           

Net interest income

     52,884      4,985      5,489      63,358

Provision for loan losses

     3,014      119      237      3,370
                           

Net interest income after provision for loan losses

     49,870      4,866      5,252      59,988

Other operating income

     13,615      3,726      3,190      20,531

Other operating expenses

     36,113      3,193      1,519      40,825
                           

Segment pretax profit

   $ 27,372    $ 5,399    $ 6,923    $ 39,694
                           

Segment assets

   $ 1,426,553    $ 121,362    $ 113,088    $ 1,661,003
                           
     Year Ended December 31, 2004
     Banking
Operations
   Trade Finance
Services
   SBA    Total
     (Dollars in thousands)

Interest income

   $ 45,773    $ 5,437    $ 6,298    $ 57,508

Interest expense

     12,547      1,304      1,530      15,381
                           

Net interest income

     33,226      4,133      4,768      42,127

Provision for loan losses

     3,001      228      21      3,250
                           

Net interest income after provision for loan losses

     30,225      3,905      4,747      38,877

Other operating income

     11,754      4,048      4,756      20,558

Other operating expenses

     32,184      2,849      1,790      36,823
                           

Segment pretax profit

   $ 9,795    $ 5,104    $ 7,713    $ 22,612
                           

Segment assets

   $ 1,134,106    $ 119,254    $ 84,754    $ 1,338,114
                           

 

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CENTER FINANCIAL CORPORATION

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

22. QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (UNAUDITED)

 

Summarized quarterly financial data follows:

 

     Three Months Ended
     March 31    June 30    September 30    December 31
     (Dollars in thousands, except per share data)

2006

           

Net interest income before provision for loan losses

   $ 16,658    $ 17,261    $ 18,396    $ 19,095

Provision for loan losses

   $ 257    $ 1,518    $ 2,494    $ 1,397

Net income

   $ 5,769    $ 7,679    $ 6,360    $ 6,350

Basic earnings per common share

   $ 0.35    $ 0.47    $ 0.38    $ 0.38

Diluted earnings per common share

   $ 0.35    $ 0.46    $ 0.38    $ 0.38

2005

           

Net interest income before provision for loan losses

   $ 13,832    $ 15,594    $ 16,461    $ 17,471

Provision for loan losses

   $ 650    $ 1,050    $ 930    $ 740

Net income

   $ 5,413    $ 6,010    $ 6,531    $ 6,649

Basic earnings per common share

   $ 0.33    $ 0.37    $ 0.40    $ 0.40

Diluted earnings per common share

   $ 0.32    $ 0.36    $ 0.40    $ 0.40

2004

           

Net interest income before provision for loan losses

   $ 8,914    $ 9,054    $ 10,912    $ 13,248

Provision for loan losses

   $ 850    $ 600    $ 700    $ 1,100

Net income

   $ 3,657    $ 2,048    $ 4,247    $ 4,273

Basic earnings per common share

   $ 0.23    $ 0.13    $ 0.26    $ 0.26

Diluted earnings per common share

   $ 0.22    $ 0.13    $ 0.26    $ 0.25

 

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CENTER FINANCIAL CORPORATION

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

23. PARENT ONLY CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

The information below is presented as of December 31, 2006 and 2005 and for the years ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004.

 

CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION

(Dollars in thousands)

 

     December 31,  
     2006     2005  

Assets:

    

Cash

   $ 1,802     $ 69  

Investment in subsidiaries

     157,941       131,440  

Other assets

     600       747  
                

Total assets

   $ 160,343     $ 132,256  
                

Liabilities:

    

Long-term subordinated debentures

   $ 18,557     $ 18,557  

Other liabilities

     1,052       985  
                

Total liabilities

     19,609       19,542  
                

Shareholders’ equity:

    

Common stock, no par value; authorized 40,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding, 16,632,601 as of December 31, 2006 and 16,439,153 as of December 31, 2005

     69,172       65,622  

Retained earnings

     71,777       48,268  

Accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax

     (215 )     (1,176 )
                

Total shareholders’ equity

     140,734       112,714  
                

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity

   $ 160,343     $ 132,256  
                

 

CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(Dollars in thousands)

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
     2006     2005     2004  

Cash dividend from Center Bank

   $ 3,777     $ 3,760     $ 2,250  

Equity in undistributed earnings of Center Bank

     25,540       22,793       13,734  

Other operating expenses, net

     (3,159 )     (1,950 )     (1,760 )
                        

Net income

   $ 26,158     $ 24,603     $ 14,224  
                        

 

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CENTER FINANCIAL CORPORATION

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

CONDENSED STATEMENTS CASH FLOWS

(Dollars in thousands)

 

     2006     2005     2004  

Cash flows from operating activities:

      

Net income

   $ 26,158     $ 24,603     $ 14,224  

Adjustment to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities

      

Equity in undistributed income of the Bank

     (25,540 )     (22,793 )     (13,734 )

Stock option compensation

     722       —         —    

Decrease in other assets

     147       (638 )     77  

Increase (decrease) in liabilities

     56       791       136  

Net dividends received from the Bank

     —         (835 )     1,600  
                        

Net cash provided by operating activities

     1,543       1,128       2,303  
                        

Cash flows provided by (used in) financing activities:

      

Proceeds from stock options exercised

     2,305       837       933  

Tax benefit in excess of recognized cumulative compensation costs

     523       —         —    

Payment of cash dividend

     (2,638 )     (2,625 )     (2,583 )
                        

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

     190       (1,788 )     (1,650 )
                        

Net increase (decrease) in cash

     1,733       (660 )     653  

Cash, beginning of year

     69       729       76  
                        

Cash, end of year

   $ 1,802     $ 69     $ 729  
                        

 

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CENTER FINANCIAL CORPORATION

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

24. RESTATEMENT

 

Subsequent to the issuance of the second quarter 2005 financial statements, Management determined that the Company’s prime rate indexed interest rate swaps did not qualify for hedge accounting treatment under Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 133, Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities, as amended (“FAS 133”). Previously, until October 1, 2004, the Company’s interest rate swaps had been accounted for under FAS 133 using hedge accounting treatment. Effective October 1, 2004, management determined that the swaps did not qualify for hedge accounting treatment under FAS 133. Management subsequently determined that hedge accounting under FAS 133 was not appropriate from the inception of the swaps in 2001. In 2006, the Company did not use hedge accounting for its historical interest rate swaps and as of December 31, 2006, the Company had no interest rate swap agreements as the Company’s only remaining interest rate swap matured in August 2006.

 

A summary of the significant effects of the restatement are presented below:

 

    

Restated

For the Year Ended

December 31,

   

As Previously Reported

For the Year Ended

December 31,

   

Change

For the Year Ended

December 31,

 
     2004     2003     2004     2003     2004     2003  
     (Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)  

Increase (decrease) in:

            

Interest Income

   $ 57,508     $ 41,712     $ 58,845     $ 43,658     $ (1,337 )   $ (1,946 )

Interest Expense

     15,381       11,643       15,381       11,643       —         —    
                                                

Net interest income before provision for loan losses

     42,127       30,069       43,464       32,015       (1,337 )     (1,946 )

Provision for Loan Losses

     3,250       2,000       3,250       2,000       —         —    
                                                

Net interest income

     38,877       28,069       40,214       30,015       (1,337 )     (1,946 )

Non interest income

     20,558       16,552       20,558       16,552       —         —    

Non interest expense

     36,823       26,031       36,796       28,219       27       (2,188 )
                                                

Income before income tax expense

     22,612       18,590       23,976       18,348       (1,364 )     242  

Income tax expense

     8,388       6,798       8,962       6,696       (574 )     102  
                                                

Net Income

   $ 14,224     $ 11,792     $ 15,014     $ 11,652     $ (790 )   $ 140  
                                                

Earnings per share:

            

Basis

   $ 0.88     $ 0.75     $ 0.93     $ 0.74     $ (0.05 )   $ 0.01  
                                                

Diluted

   $ 0.86     $ 0.73     $ 0.91     $ 0.72     $ (0.05 )   $ 0.01  
                                                

Retained earnings

   $ 26,290     $ 15,299     $ 25,967     $ 14,186     $ 323     $ 1,113  
                                                

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax

   $ (355 )   $ (476 )   $ (32 )   $ 637     $ (323 )   $ (1,113 )
                                                

Net cash provided by operating activities

   $ 80,746     $ 58,233     $ 82,449     $ 60,038     $ (1,703 )   $ (1,805 )
                                                

Net cash used in investing activities

   $ (395,852 )   $ (224,792 )   $ (397,555 )   $ (226,597 )   $ 1,703     $ 1,805  
                                                

 

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ITEM 9.   CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

 

Not applicable.

 

ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

 

(a) Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

 

Disclosure controls and procedures are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports it files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms. Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports that it files under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to management, including the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

 

As required by Rule 13a-15(b) of the Securities Exchange Act, our management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, conducted an evaluation as of December 31, 2006, of the effectiveness of our “disclosure controls and procedures” as defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(e). Based on that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, concluded that, as of December 31, 2006, our controls and procedures were effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed in reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act are recorded, processed, summarized and reported in accordance with the rules and forms of the SEC and that such information is accumulated and communicated to management as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

 

(b) Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

 

Management is responsible for the preparation, integrity and reliability of the consolidated financial statements and related financial information contained in this annual report. The financial statements were prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and prevailing practices of the banking industry. Where amounts must be based on estimates and judgments, they represent the best estimates and judgments of management.

 

Management has established and is responsible for maintaining an adequate internal control structure designed to provide reasonable, but not absolute, assurance as to the integrity and reliability of the financial statements, safeguarding of assets against loss from unauthorized use or disposition and the prevention and detection of fraudulent financial reporting. The internal control structure includes: a financial accounting environment; a comprehensive internal audit function; an independent audit committee of the board of directors; and extensive financial and operating policies and procedures. Management also recognizes its responsibility for fostering a strong ethical climate which is supported by a code of conduct, appropriate levels of management authority and responsibility, an effective corporate organizational structure and appropriate selection and training of personnel.

 

The board of directors, primarily through its audit committee, oversees the adequacy of the Company’s internal control structure. The audit committee, whose members are neither officers nor employees of the Company, meets periodically with management, internal auditors and internal credit examiners to review the functioning of each and to ensure that each is properly discharging its responsibilities. In addition, Grant Thornton LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, was engaged to audit the Company’s financial statements and express an opinion as to the fairness of presentation of such financial statements. Grant Thornton LLP was also engaged to audit management’s assessment of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting and the Company’s internal control over financial reporting itself. The report of Grant Thornton LLP follows this report.

 

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Management recognizes that there are inherent limitations in the effectiveness of any internal control structure. Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

 

Management assessed the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2006 based upon the criteria for effective internal control over financial reporting described in “Internal Control—Integrated Framework” issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations (COSO) of the Treadway Commission. Based upon this assessment, management believes that, as of December 31, 2006, the Company maintained effective control over financial reporting.

 

(c) Remediation of Material Weaknesses in Internal Control

 

Not Applicable

 

(d) Changes in Internal Controls

 

There were no significant changes in the Company’s internal controls or in other factors that could significantly affect the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting in the fourth quarter of 2006 or thereafter.

 

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 

Board of Directors and

Shareholders of Center Financial Corporation

 

We have audited management’s assessment, included in the accompanying Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting, that Center Financial Corporation (the “Company”) maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2006, based on the criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on management’s assessment and an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.

 

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, evaluating management’s assessment, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinions.

 

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable

 

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assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

 

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

 

In our opinion, management’s assessment that Center Financial Corporation maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2006, is fairly stated, in all material respects, based on the criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). Also in our opinion, Center Financial Corporation maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2006, based on the criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).

 

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated statements of financial condition of Center Financial Corporation as of December 31, 2006 and 2005 and the related consolidated statements of operations, shareholders’ equity and comprehensive income, and cash flows for each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2006 and our report dated February 8, 2007 expressed an unqualified opinion on those financial statements.

 

/s/ GRANT THORNTON LLP

 

Los Angeles, California

February 8, 2007

 

ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION

 

None

 

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PART III

 

ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS, AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

 

The information required to be furnished pursuant to this item with respect to Directors and Executive Officers of the Company will be set forth under the caption “Election of Directors” in the Company’s proxy statement for the 2006 Annual Meeting of Shareholders (the “Proxy Statement”), which the Company will file with the SEC within 120 days after the close of the Company’s 2006 fiscal year in accordance with SEC Regulation 14A under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Such information is hereby incorporated by reference.

 

The information required to be furnished pursuant to this item with respect to compliance with Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act will be set forth under the caption “Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance” in the Proxy Statement, and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

The information required to be furnished pursuant to this item with respect to the Company’s Code of Ethics will be set forth under the caption “Board Committees and Other Corporate Governance Matters” in the Proxy Statement, and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

 

The information required to be furnished pursuant to this item will be set forth under the caption “Executive Compensation” and “Compensation Discussion and Analysis” in the Proxy Statement, and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT

 

Securities Authorized for Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans

 

The following table provides information as of December 31, 2006, with respect to options outstanding and available under the Company’s 2006 stock incentive plan, which is our only equity compensation plan other than an employee benefit plan meeting the qualification requirements of Section 401(a) of the Internal Revenue Code:

 

Plan Category

   Number of Securities
to be Issued Upon
Exercise of
Outstanding Options
   Weighted-Average
Exercise Price of
Outstanding
Options
   Number of Securities
Remaining Available
for Future Issuance

Equity compensation plans approved by security holders

   473,593    $ 15.33    2,670,290

 

Other Information Concerning Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management

 

The remainder of the information required by Item 12 will be set forth under the captions “Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners” and “Election of Directors” in the Proxy Statement, and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE

 

The information required to be furnished pursuant to this item will be set forth under the caption “Transactions with Directors and Executive Officers” in the Proxy Statement, and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES.

 

The information required to be furnished pursuant to this item will be set forth under the caption “Relationship with Independent Accountants—Fees” in the Proxy Statement, and is incorporated herein by reference

 

F-49


Table of Contents

PART IV

 

ITEM 15. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENTS SCHEDULES

 

(a) Exhibits

 

Exhibit No.   

Description

3.1    Restated Articles of Incorporation of Center Financial Corporation1
3.2    Amendment to the Articles of Incorporation of Center Financial Corporation2
3.3    Amended and Restated Bylaws of Center Financial Corporation3
10.1    Employment Agreement between Center Financial Corporation and Seon Hong Kim dated March 30, 20044
10.2    2006 Stock Incentive Plan5
10.3    Lease for Corporate Headquarters Office1
10.4    Indenture dated as of December 30, 2003 between Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as Trustee, and Center Financial Corporation, as Issuer6
10.5    Amended and Declaration of Trust of Center Capital Trust I, dated as of December 30, 20036
10.6    Guarantee Agreement between Center Financial and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association dated as of December 30, 20036
10.7    Deferred compensation plan7
10.8    Split dollar plan and list of participants7
10.9    Survivor income plan and list of participants7
10.10    Employment Agreement between Center Financial Corporation and Jae Whan Yoo effective January 16, 20078
11    Statement of Computation of Earnings Per Share (included in Note 15 to consolidated audited financial statements included herein)
21    Subsidiaries of Registrant2
23.1    Consent of Grant Thornton LLP
23.2    Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP
31.1    Certification of Chief Executive Officer (Section 302 Certification)
31.2    Certification of Principal Financial Officer (Section 302 Certification)
32    Certification of Periodic Financial Report (Section 906 Certification)

1

Filed as an Exhibit to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (Commission) on June 14, 2002 and incorporated herein by reference

2

Filed as an Exhibit of the same number to the Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2005 filed with the Commission on March 16, 2006 and incorporated herein by reference

3

Filed as Exhibit 3.2 to the form 8-K filed with the Commission on May 12, 2006 and incorporated herein by reference

4

Filed as an Exhibit of the same number to the Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2004 filed with the Commission on May 13, 2004 and incorporated herein by reference

5

Filed as Exhibit 1 to the definitive Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A filed with the Commission on April 20, 2006 and incorporated herein by reference

 

F-50


Table of Contents

6

Filed as an Exhibit of the same number to the form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2003 filed with the Commission on March 30, 2004 and incorporated herein by reference

7

Filed as an Exhibit of the same number to the Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2006 filed with the Commission on May 5, 2006 and incorporated herein by reference

8

Filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Form 8-K filed with the Commission on February 1, 2007 and incorporated herein by reference

 

(b) Financial Statement Schedules

 

Schedules to the financial statements are omitted because the required information is not applicable or because the required information is presented in the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements or related notes.

 

F-51


Table of Contents

SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Company has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized:

 

Date: February 8, 2007

 

/s/    JAE WHAN YOO        

 

Jae Whan Yoo

Chief Executive Officer & President

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacity and the dates indicated.

 

Signature

  

Title

 

Date

/s/    JAE WHAN YOO        

Jae Whan Yoo

  

Director, Chief Executive Officer & President (Principal Executive Officer)

  February 8, 2007

/s/    PETER Y. S. KIM        

Peter Y. S. Kim

  

Chairman of the Board

  February 8, 2007

/s/    DAVID Z. HONG        

David Z. Hong

  

Director

  February 8, 2007

/s/    CHANG HWI KIM        

Chang Hwi Kim

  

Director

  February 8, 2007

/s/    SANG HOON KIM        

Sang Hoon Kim

  

Director

  February 8, 2007

/s/    CHUNG HYUN LEE        

Chung Hyun Lee

  

Director

  February 8, 2007

/s/    JIN CHUL JHUNG        

Jin Chul Jhung

  

Director

  February 8, 2007

/s/    PATRICK HARTMAN        

Patrick Hartman

  

Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

  February 8, 2007

 

S-1

EX-23.1 2 dex231.htm CONSENT OF GRANT THORNTON LLP Consent of Grant Thornton LLP

EXHIBIT 23.1

 

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 

We have issued our reports dated February 8, 2007, accompanying the consolidated financial statements included in the Annual Report of Center Financial Corporation on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006. We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference of said reports in the Registration Statement of Center Financial Corporation on Form S-8 (File No. 333-101627).

 

/s/    GRANT THORNTON LLP

 

Los Angeles, California

February 8, 2007

EX-23.2 3 dex232.htm CONSENT OF DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP

EXHIBIT 23.2

 

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 

We consent to the incorporation by reference in Registration Statement No. 333-101627 on Form S-8 of our report relating to the consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2004 of Center Financial Corporation dated March 30, 2005, November 18, 2005, as to the effects of the restatement described in Note 24 (which expresses an unqualified opinion and includes an explanatory paragraph relating to the restatement described in Note 24) appearing in this Annual Report on Form 10-K of Center Financial Corporation for the year ended December 31, 2006.

 

/s/    DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP

 

Los Angeles, California

February 19, 2007

EX-31.1 4 dex311.htm CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Certification of Chief Executive Officer

EXHIBIT 31.1

 

CERTIFICATION OF PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICER

 

I, Jae Whan Yoo, certify that:

 

1. I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of Center Financial Corporation;

 

2. Based on my knowledge, this annual report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this annual report;

 

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this annual report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this annual report;

 

4. The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

 

(a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

 

(b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles

 

(c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

 

(d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

 

5. The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

 

(a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

 

(b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

Date: February 8, 2007

 

By

 

/s/    JAE WHAN YOO        

       

Jae Whan Yoo

Chief Executive Officer & President

(Principal Executive Officer)

EX-31.2 5 dex312.htm CERTIFICATION OF PRINCIPAL FINANCIAL OFFICER Certification of Principal Financial Officer

EXHIBIT 31.2

 

CERTIFICATION OF PRINCIPAL FINANCIAL OFFICER

 

I, Patrick Hartman, certify that:

 

1. I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of Center Financial Corporation;

 

2. Based on my knowledge, this annual report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this annual report;

 

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this annual report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this annual report;

 

4. The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

 

(a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

 

(b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles

 

(c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

 

(d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

 

5. The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

 

(a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

 

(b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

Date: February 8, 2007

    By  

/s/    PATRICK HARTMAN        

       

Patrick Hartman

Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer

(Principal Financial Officer)

EX-32 6 dex32.htm CERTIFICATION OF PERIODIC FINANCIAL REPORT Certification of Periodic Financial Report

EXHIBIT 32

 

Certification of Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer

 

Certification of Periodic Financial Report

 

Jae Whan Yoo and Patrick Hartman hereby certify as follows:

 

1. They are the Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer, respectively, of Center Financial Corporation.

 

2. The Form 10-K of Center Financial Corporation for the Year Ended December 31, 2006 (the “Report”) fully complies with the requirements of section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (15 U.S.C. 78m or 78o(d)) and the information contained in the report on Form 10-K fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of Center Financial Corporation.

 

Dated: February 8, 2007

 

/s/    JAE WHAN YOO        

   

Jae Whan Yoo

Chief Executive Officer & President

(Principal Executive Officer)

Dated: February 8, 2007

 

/s/    PATRICK HARTMAN        

 

Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer

(Principal Financial Officer)

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