10-Q 1 form10q-123151_vcbp.htm 10-Q

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C.  20549

 

FORM 10-Q

 

  (Mark One)
   
ý QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED MARCH 31, 2012
   
o TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 FOR THE TRANSITION PERIOD FROM                                TO

 

COMMISSION FILE NUMBER: 000-51949

 

VALLEY COMMERCE BANCORP

(Name of small business issuer as specified in its charter)

 

California 46-1981399
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
   

701 W. Main Street

Visalia, California 93291

(Address of principal executive offices)

 

   

(559) 622-9000

(Issuer’s telephone number)

 

Indicated by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15 (d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.

Yes  ý   No  £

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

 

Large Accelerated Filer ¨ Accelerated Filer ¨
Non-Accelerated Filer ¨ Smaller Reporting Company ý

 

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

 

The number of shares outstanding of the issuer’s Common Stock was 2,784,593 as of May 15, 2012.

 

 

 
 

 

INDEX

 

PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION 3
   
ITEM 1 - FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) 4
   
ITEM 2 - MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATONS 30
   
ITEM 3 – QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK 42
   
ITEM 4 – CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES 42
   
PART II - OTHER INFORMATION 43
   
ITEM 1 LEGAL PROCEEDINGS 43
   
ITEM 1A  RISK FACTORS 43
   
ITEM 2 UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS 43
   
ITEM 3 DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES 43
   
ITEM 4 MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES 44
   
ITEM 5 OTHER INFORMATION 44
   
ITEM 6 EXHIBITS 44
   
SIGNATURES 45
   
EXHIBIT INDEX 46

 

 

2

 

PART I

Forward-Looking Information

Certain matters discussed in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q including, but not limited to, those described in Item 2 - Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, are forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Such risks and uncertainties include, among others: (1) significant increases in competitive pressure in the banking and financial services industries; (2) changes in the interest rate environment, which could reduce anticipated or actual margins; (3) changes in the regulatory environment; (4) general economic conditions, either nationally or regionally and especially in the Company’s primary service area failing to improve or continuing to deteriorate and resulting in, among other things, a deterioration in credit quality and increases in the provision for loan loss; (5) operational risks, including data processing systems failures or fraud; (6) changes in business conditions and inflation; (7) changes in technology; (8) changes in monetary and tax policies; and (9) changes in the securities markets; (10) civil disturbances or terrorist threats or acts, or apprehension about the possible future occurrences or acts of this type; (11) outbreak or escalation of hostilities in which the United States is involved, any declaration of war by the U.S. Congress or any other national or international calamity, crisis or emergency; (12) changes in laws and regulations; (13) new or recently issued accounting pronouncements; (14) government policies, regulations, and their enforcement (including Bank Secrecy Act-related matters, taxing statutes and regulations; (15) restrictions on dividends that our subsidiaries are allowed to pay to us; (16) the ability to satisfy requirements related to the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and other regulation on internal control; and (17) management’s ability to manage these and other risks. Therefore, the information set forth in such forward-looking statements should be carefully considered when evaluating the business prospects of the Company.

 

When the Company uses in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q the words “anticipate,” “estimate,” “expect,” “project,” “intend,” “commit,” “believe” and similar expressions, the Company intends to identify forward-looking statements.  Such statements are not guarantees of performance and are subject to certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions, including those described in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.  Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those anticipated, estimated, expected, projected, intended, committed or believed.  The future results and shareholder values of the Company may differ materially from those expressed in these forward-looking statements.  Many of the factors that will determine these results and values are beyond the Company’s ability to control or predict. The Company undertakes no obligation to revise or publicly release the results of any revision to these forward-looking statements. For those statements, the Company claims the protection of the safe harbor for forward-looking statements contained in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.

3

 

PART 1 – FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1 – FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

 

VALLEY COMMERCE BANCORP

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET

(UNAUDITED)

 

 

  December 31,
2011
    March 31,
2012
 
Assets          
Cash and due from banks  $49,332,217   $60,421,044 
Available-for-sale investment securities, at fair value (Notes 3 and 12)   59,629,000    56,705,000 
Loans, less allowance for loan and lease losses of $5,471,758 at March 31, 2012 and $5,468,758 at December 31, 2011 (Note 4, 5, and 12)   216,972,326    224,531,870 
Bank premises and equipment, net   8,122,831    8,167,976 
Cash surrender value of bank-owned life insurance   7,772,528    7,693,480 
Other real estate owned   1,140,547    1,140,547 
Accrued interest receivable and other assets   7,082,597    7,860,783 
Total assets  $350,052,046   $366,520,700 
Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity          
Deposits:          
Noninterest-bearing  $113,511,666   $128,453,106 
Interest-bearing   194,606,353    187,424,263 
Total deposits   308,118,019    315,877,369 
Accrued interest payable and other liabilities   3,650,194    4,044,919 
Short-term debt       1,000,000 
Junior subordinated deferrable interest debentures   3,093,000    3,093,000 
 
Total liabilities
   314,861,213    324,015,288 
Commitments and contingencies (Note 7)          
Shareholders’ equity:          
Serial preferred stock - no par value; 10,000,000 shares authorized, issued and outstanding –  none at March 31, 2012 and 7,700 shares class B and 385 shares class C at December 31, 2011 (Note 11)       7,898,800 
Common stock - no par value; 30,000,000 shares authorized; issued and outstanding 2,784,593 shares at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011   27,612,528    27,534,291 
Retained earnings   6,834,880    6,257,800 
Accumulated other comprehensive income, net of taxes (Note 3)   743,425    814,521 
Total shareholders’ equity   35,190,833    42,505,412 
             Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity  $350,052,046   $366,520,700 

 

 See notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

 

4

 

VALLEY COMMERCE BANCORP

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF INCOME

(UNAUDITED)

 

   For the Three Months 
   Ended March 31, 
   2012   2011 
Interest Income:          
Interest and fees on loans  $3,296,922   $3,511,752 
Interest on investment securities:          
Taxable   188,834    153,141 
Exempt from Federal income taxes   223,576    207,462 
Interest on deposits in banks   24,854    20,299 
Total interest income   3,734,186    3,892,654 
Interest Expense:          
Interest on deposits   253,132    397,568 
Interest on short-term debt   168    31,793 
Interest on junior subordinated deferrable interest debentures   30,168    27,853 
          Total interest expense   283,468    457,214 
             Net interest income before provision for loan losses   3,450,718    3,435,440 
Provision for loan losses       225,000 
             Net interest income after provision for loan losses   3,450,718    3,210,440 
Non-Interest Income:          
Service charges   178,673    169,095 
Gain on sale of available-for-sale investment securities, net   27,957    13,620 
Mortgage loan brokerage fees   6,000    21,783 
Earnings on cash surrender value of life insurance policies   85,956    72,451 
Other   60,085    49,830 
        Total non-interest income   358,671    326,779 
Non-Interest Expense:          
Salaries and employee benefits   1,585,654    1,450,155 
Occupancy and equipment   320,893    321,463 
Other   622,003    803,637 
        Total non-interest expense   2,528,550    2,575,255 
        Income before provision for income taxes   1,280,839    961,964 
Provision for income taxes   422,000    337,000 
           Net income  $858,839   $624,964 
Dividends accrued and discount accreted on preferred Shares (Note 11)   93,209    101,467 
           Net income available to common shareholders  $765,630   $523,497 
Basic earnings per share (Notes 2 and 6)  $0.27   $0.19 
Diluted earnings per share (Notes 2 and 6)  $0.27   $0.19 

 

See notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
5

 

 

VALLEY COMMERCE BANCORP

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(UNAUDITED)

 

   For the Three Months 
   Ended March 31, 
   2012   2011 
         
Net Income  $858,839   $624,964 
           
Other Comprehensive Loss:          
           
Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Investment Securities:          
Unrealized holding gains (losses) arising during the period, net of income tax effects of $38,208 and ($417) for the quarters ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively   (54,643)   596
           
Less: Reclassification adjustment for realized gains included in net income, net of related income tax effects of  ($11,504) and $5,605 for the quarters ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively   16,453    8,015 
           
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)   (71,096)   (7,419)
           
           
Total Comprehensive Income  $787,743   $617,545 
6

VALLEY COMMERCE BANCORP

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

(UNAUDITED)

 

   For the Three Months 
   Ended March 31, 
   2012   2011 
         
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:          
Net income  $858,839   $624,964 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:          
Provision for loan losses       225,000 
Decrease in deferred loan origination fees, net   (8,496)   (51,408)
Depreciation   136,103    135,534 
Gain on sale of available-for-sale investment securities, net   (27,957)   (13,620)
Amortization of premiums on investment securities, net   100,192    98,276 
Increase in cash surrender value of bank-owned life insurance   (79,048)   (66,066)
Stock-based compensation expense   75,886    75,707 
Provision for (benefit from) deferred income taxes   1,247,410    (469,558)
(Increase) decrease in accrued interest receivable and other assets   (469,224)   826,759 
(Decrease) increase in accrued interest payable and other liabilities   (345,012)   101,190 
        Net cash provided by operating activities   1,488,693    1,486,778 
           
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:          
Proceeds from matured and called available-for-sale investment securities   800,000     
Purchases of available-for-sale investment securities   (7,363,788)   (9,230,699)
Proceeds from sales of available-for-sale investment securities   1,518,288    943,500 
Proceeds from principal repayments from available-for-sale mortgage-backed securities   1,928,456    1,419,936 
Net decrease in loans   7,568,040    12,258,565 
Purchase of premises and equipment   (90,958)   (44,883)
       Net cash provided by investing activities   4,360,038    5,346,419 

 

Continued on next page.

 

7

 

VALLEY COMMERCE BANCORP

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

(UNAUDITED)

(Continued)

 

   For the Three Months 
   Ended March 31, 
   2012   2011 
         
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:          
Net decrease in noninterest-bearing and interest-bearing deposits  $(7,114,927)  $(1,092,800)
Net (decrease) increase in time deposits   (644,422)   3,486,611 
Redemption of preferred stock   (8,085,000)    
Cash dividends paid on preferred stock   (93,209)   (101,467)
Principal payments on short-term debt   (1,000,000)   (52,024)
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities   (16,937,558)   2,240,320 
           
(Decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents   (11,088,827)   9,073,517 
Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Year   60,421,044    32,667,967 
Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period  $49,332,217   $41,741,484 
           
Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information:          
Cash paid during the period for:          
Interest expense  $314,163   $470,259 
Income taxes  $60,000   $ 

 

 

 

See notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

8

 

 

VALLEY COMMERCE BANCORP

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

 

1. GENERAL

 

On February 2, 2002, Valley Commerce Bancorp (the "Company") was incorporated as a bank holding company for the purpose of acquiring Valley Business Bank (the "Bank") in a one bank holding company reorganization intended to provide the Company and the Bank greater flexibility to expand and diversify. The reorganization was completed on November 21, 2002, subsequent to which the Bank continued its operations as previously conducted, but as a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company.

 

The Bank commenced operations in 1996 and currently operates branches in Visalia, Fresno, Woodlake and Tipton, and Tulare. The Bank's primary source of revenue is generated from providing loans to customers who are predominately small and middle market businesses and individuals residing in the surrounding areas. The Bank's deposits are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) up to applicable legal limits. The Bank’s participation in the FDIC Transaction Account Guarantee Program expired on December 31, 2011. The Dodd-Frank Act extends unlimited deposit insurance to non-interest bearing transaction accounts through December 31, 2012. Under the Dodd-Frank Act, Negotiable Order of Withdrawal (“NOW”) accounts not paying more than 0.25% interest per annum are not included in the definition of non-interest bearing transaction accounts. These accounts and any other interest-bearing accounts will be insured based on the depositor’s ownership capacity, but not to exceed $250,000.

 

2. BASIS OF PRESENTATION

 

The interim unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements of Valley Commerce Bancorp and subsidiary have been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). These interim condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Valley Commerce Bancorp and its wholly owned subsidiary Valley Business Bank (the “Bank”) (collectively, the “Company”). Valley Commerce Trust I, a wholly-owned subsidiary formed for the exclusive purpose of issuing trust preferred securities, is not consolidated into the Company's consolidated financial statements and, accordingly, is accounted for under the equity method. The Company’s investment in the Trust is included in accrued interest receivable and other assets on the consolidated balance sheet. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. All adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring adjustments) which, in the opinion of Management, are necessary for a fair presentation of the Company’s consolidated financial position at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, the results of its operations for the three month periods ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 and its cash flows for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 have been included therein.  Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in the annual consolidated financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America have been omitted, however, the Company believes that the following disclosures are adequate to make the information not misleading.  These interim condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company’s 2011 Annual Report on Form 10-K.  The results of operations and cash flows for the interim periods presented are not necessarily indicative of the results for a full year.

 

The preparation of these condensed consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions. These estimates and assumptions affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ significantly from those estimates.

 

Management has determined that because all of the commercial banking products and services offered by the Company are available in each branch of the Bank, all branches are located within the same economic environment and management does not allocate resources based on the performance of different lending or transaction activities, it is appropriate to aggregate the Bank branches and report them as a single operating segment. No single customer accounts for more than 10% of the revenues of the Company or the Bank.

 

9
Index
 

2.           BASIS OF PRESENTATION (Continued)

On May 24, 2011 the Company declared a 5% stock dividend payable on June 28, 2011 for all shareholders of record on June 14, 2011. All earnings per share and per share amounts have been retroactively adjusted to reflect the stock dividend.

 

3. AVAILABLE-FOR-SALE INVESTMENT SECURITIES

 

The investment portfolio consists entirely of investment securities that were classified as available for sale at date of acquisition. The Company has established investment policies that are designed primarily to manage interest rate and liquidity risk, and secondarily to achieve income. Each impaired investment security is evaluated quarterly for other-than-temporary impairment, relying primarily on industry analyst reports, observation of market conditions and interest rate fluctuations.

 

The amortized cost and estimated fair value of available-for-sale investment securities at the dates indicated consisted of the following:

 

   March 31, 2012 
       Gross   Gross   Estimated 
   Amortized   Unrealized   Unrealized   Fair 
   Cost   Gains   Losses   Value 
                 
Debt securities:                    
  U.S. Government sponsored                    
    entities and agencies  $5,759,534   $169,175   $(11,709)  $5,917,000 
Mortgage-backed securities:                    
  U.S. Government sponsored                    
    entities and agencies   21,523,005    361,401    (32,406)   21,852,000 
  Small Business Administration   11,897,916    326,084        12,224,000 
Obligation of states and                    
    political subdivisions   19,185,291    563,710    (113,001)   19,636,000 
   $58,365,746   $1,420,370   $(157,116)  $59,629,000 

 

Net unrealized gains on available-for-sale investment securities totaling $1,263,254 were recorded, net of $519,829 in income taxes, as accumulated other comprehensive income within shareholders' equity at March 31, 2012. Proceeds and gross realized gains from the sale of available-for-sale investment securities for the three month period ended March 31, 2012 totaled $1,518,288 and $27,957, respectively. There were no investment securities sold at a loss during the three month period ended March 31, 2011.

 

   December 31, 2011 
       Gross   Gross   Estimated 
   Amortized   Unrealized   Unrealized   Fair 
   Cost   Gains   Losses   Value 
                 
Debt securities:                    
  U.S. Government sponsored                    
    entities and agencies  $5,867,720   $177,121   $(6,841)  $6,038,000 
Mortgage-backed securities:                    
  U.S. Government sponsored                    
    entities and agencies   17,680,491    352,314    (15,805)   18,017,000 
  Small Business Administration   12,345,495    284,505        12,630,000 
Obligations of states and                    
    political subdivisions   19,427,232    643,745    (50,977)   20,020,000 
   $55,320,938   $1,457,685   $(73,623)  $56,705,000 
                     
10
Index
 

3.           AVAILABLE-FOR-SALE INVESTMENT SECURITIES (Continued)

 

Net unrealized gains on available-for-sale investment securities totaling $1,384,062 were recorded, net of $569,541 in tax benefits, as accumulated other comprehensive income within shareholders' equity at December 31, 2011. Proceeds and gross realized gains from the sale of available-for-sale investment securities for the three month period ended March 31, 2011 totaled $943,500 and $13,620, respectively.

 

Investment securities with unrealized losses at March 31, 2012 are summarized and classified according to the duration of the loss period as follows:

 

   Less than 12 Months   12 Months or More   Total 
   Fair   Unrealized   Fair   Unrealized   Fair   Unrealized 
   Value   Losses   Value   Losses   Value   Losses 
Debt securities:                              
  U.S. government sponsored                              
    entities and agencies  $-   $-  $639,000   $(11,709)  $639,000   $(11,709)
Mortgage-backed securities:                              
  U.S. government sponsored                              
    entities and agencies   6,092,000    (32,406)           6,092,000    (32,406)
Obligations of states                              
    and political subdivisions   2,399,000    (71,314)   1,014,000    (41,687)   3,413,000    (113,001)
   $8,491,000   $(103,720)  $1,653,000   $(53,396)  $10,144,000   $(157,116)

 

Investment securities with unrealized losses at December 31, 2011 are summarized and classified according to the duration of the loss period as follows:

 

   Less than 12 Months   12 Months or More   Total 
   Fair   Unrealized   Fair   Unrealized   Fair   Unrealized 
   Value   Losses   Value   Losses   Value   Losses 
Debt securities:                              
  U.S. government sponsored                              
    entities and agencies  $-   $ -   $691,000   $(6,841)  $691,000   $(6,841)
Mortgage-backed securities:                              
  U.S. government agencies   5,580,000    (15,805)           5,580,000    (15,805)
Obligations of states                              
    and political subdivisions   1,087,000    (5,480)   1,762,000    (45,497)   2,849,000    (50,977)
   $6,667,000   $(21,285)  $2,453,000   $(52,338)  $9,120,000   $(73,623)

 

Management periodically evaluates each investment security for other-than-temporary impairment, relying primarily on industry analyst reports, observation of market conditions and interest rate fluctuations. As of March 31, 2012, the Company performed an analysis of the investment portfolio to determine whether any of the investments held in the portfolio had other-than-temporary impairment (OTTI). When analyzing the issuer’s financial condition, management considers the length of time and extent to which the market value has been less than cost; the historical and implied volatility of the security; the financial condition of the issuer of the security; and the Company’s intent and ability to hold the security to recovery. Management evaluated all available-for-sale investment securities with an unrealized loss at March 31, 2012 and identified those that had an unrealized loss for at least a consecutive 12 month period, which had an unrealized loss at March 31, 2012 greater than 10% of the recorded book value on that date, or which had an unrealized loss of more than $15,000.  Management also analyzed any securities that may have been down graded by credit rating agencies. For those bonds that were municipal debt securities, the Company conducted a search for any recent information relevant to the financial condition of the municipality and any applicable municipal bond insurance provider.

 

OTTI that is credit-related is recognized in earnings while noncredit-related OTTI on securities not expected to be sold is recognized in other comprehensive income. An unrealized loss may eventually be realized if it is probable that either (1) the Company will not collect the entire contractual or estimated cash flow from that interest, or (2) the Company lacks the intent and ability to hold the interest until it is expected to recover. As discussed below, the Company’s impairment analysis as of March 31, 2012 resulted in all unrealized losses in the investment portfolio being recognized in other comprehensive income.

11
Index
 

3.           AVAILABLE-FOR-SALE INVESTMENT SECURITIES (Continued)

U.S Government Sponsored Entities and Agencies

 

At March 31, 2012, the Company held 6 U.S. government sponsored entities and agencies of which one was in a loss position for more than twelve months and none were in a loss position for twelve months or less. Management believes the unrealized losses on the Company's investments in U.S. government securities were caused by interest rate increases and other market issues. The contractual cash flows of these investments are guaranteed by an agency of the U.S. government. Accordingly, it is expected that the securities will not be settled at a price less than the amortized cost of the Company's investment. Because the Company has the ability and intent to hold those investments until a recovery of fair value, which may be maturity, the Company does not consider those investments to be other-than-temporarily impaired at March 31, 2012.

 

Mortgage-backed Obligations

 

At March 31, 2012, the Company held 45 mortgage-backed securities of which 6 were in a loss position for less than twelve months and none were in a loss position for twelve months or more. Management believes the unrealized losses on the Company’s investments in mortgage obligations were caused primarily by limited market liquidity and perceived credit risk on the part of investors. The contractual cash flows of these investments are guaranteed by an agency of the U.S. government. Accordingly, it is expected that the securities will not be settled at a price less than the amortized cost of the Company’s investment. Because the Company has the ability and intent to hold those investments until a recovery of fair value, which may be maturity, the Company does not consider those investments to be other-than-temporarily impaired at March 31, 2012.

 

Obligations of States and Political Subdivisions

 

At March 31, 2012, the Company held 52 obligations of states and political subdivision securities of which 6 were in a loss position for less than twelve months and 4 were in a loss position and had been in a loss position for twelve months or more. Management believes the unrealized losses on the Company's investments in obligations of states and political subdivision securities were due to the continued dislocation of the securities market. All of these securities have continued to pay as scheduled despite their impairment due to current market conditions and there has been no observable deterioration in the credit rating or financial performance of the underlying municipality that in the opinion of management would impact the ultimate repayment of the security.

 

Municipal securities with unrealized losses as of March 31, 2012 are summarized in the table below.

 

           Unrealized                     
   Book   Market   Gain       State       Moody’s   S&P 
Description  Value   Value   (Loss)   Type   Issued   Issuer   Rating   Rating 
                                 
Barstow USD  $410,416   $407,000   $(3,416)   GO    CA    MBIA    A1    NR 
Big Bear Lake   489,202    472,000    (17,202)   REV    CA    AMBAC    NR    NR 
Du Page County SD   599,464    576,000    (23,464)   GO    IL    AGC    Aaa    AA- 
Eastern Sierra USD   261,690    261,000    (690)   GO    CA    MBIA    Baa2    A+ 
Grand Lakes Util Dist   568,735    538,000    (30,735)   GO    TX    AGM    Aa3    AA- 
Gonzales USD   186,905    169,000    (17,905)   ZGO    CA    FSA    Aa3    AA+ 
Oroville ESD   379,580    373,000    (6,580)   ZGO    CA    FGIC    NR    A+ 
Fort Bragg CA USD   230,101    225,000    (5,101)   GO    CA    FGIC    NR    A 
Wapakoneta SWR   399,908    392,000    (7,908)   REV    OH    AMBAC    NR    NR 
   $3,526,001   $3,413,000   $(113,001)                         

 

12
Index
 

3.           AVAILABLE-FOR-SALE INVESTMENT SECURITIES (Continued)

Management’s periodic evaluation of municipal investments includes a determination that a withdrawn rating (WR) or no rating (NR) by a rating agency is not attributable to increased credit risk. The Company has established risk parameters within its investment policy that limits the Company’s exposure to the municipal market and serves to promote diversification and low risk within the municipal segment of the portfolio. Municipal investment purchases are designed primarily to manage interest rate risk and secondarily to achieve income. In addition, the Company has the ability and intent to hold those investments until a recovery of fair value, which may be maturity. Therefore, the Company does not consider those investments to be other-than-temporarily impaired at March 31, 2012.

 

The amortized cost and estimated fair value of investment securities at March 31, 2012 by contractual maturity are shown below. Expected maturities will differ from contractual maturities because the issuers of the securities may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties.

 

       Estimated 
   Amortized   Fair 
   Cost   Value 
         
Within one year  $   $ 
After one year through five years   3,468,540    3,568,000 
After five years through ten years   3,031,992    3,023,000 
After ten years   18,444,293    18,962,000 
    24,944,825    25,553,000 
Investment securities not due at a single          
   maturity date:          
      Mortgage-backed securities   33,420,921    34,076,000 
           
   $58,365,746   $59,629,000 

 

There were $39,283,000 and $38,367,000 of investment securities pledged to secure public deposits at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively.

 

4. LOANS

 

Outstanding loans are summarized below:

   March 31,
2012
   December 31,
2011
 
Commercial  $36,070,081   $39,379,268 
Real estate – mortgage   162,855,639    165,685,966 
Real estate – construction   18,582,054    19,499,158 
Agricultural   3,407,137    3,730,466 
Consumer   1,866,362    2,051,455 
    222,781,273    230,346,313 
           
Deferred loan fees,  net   (337,189)   (345,685)
Allowance for loan and lease losses   (5,471,758)   (5,468,758)
   $216,972,326   $224,531,870 

 

 

13

5. ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN AND LEASE LOSSES

 

The following tables show the allocation of the allowance for loan and lease losses at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, and for the three months ended March 31, 2012 by portfolio segment and by impairment methodology:

 

As of and for the three months ended March 31, 2012                
                         
       Real   Real       Consumer     
       Estate -   Estate -       And     
   Commercial   Mortgage   Construction   Agricultural   Other   Total 
                         
Allowance for Credit Losses                              
                               
 Beginning balance:  $1,561,397   $640,051   $3,149,076   $72,914   $45,320   $5,468,758 
Charge-offs
Recoveries
   3,000    

    

    

    

    3,000 
 Provision                        
Ending balance allocated to
portfolio segments
  $1,564,397   $640,051   $3,149,076   $72,914   $45,320   $5,471,758 
                               
Individually evaluated                              
for impairment  $390,218   $360,834   $470,139   $   $   $1,221,191 
Collectively evaluated                              
for impairment   1,174,179    279,217    2,678,937    72,914    45,320    4,250,567 
                                 Total  $1,564,397   $640,051   $3,149,076   $72,914   $45,320   $5,471,758 
                               
                               
Loans                              
                               
Individually evaluated                              
for impairment  $2,432,708   $6,422,614   $2,696,085   $   $   $11,551,407 
                               
Collectively evaluated                              
for impairment   33,637,373    156,433,025    15,885,969    3,407,137    1,866,362    211,229,866 
                                 Total  $36,070,081   $162,855,639   $18,582,054   $3,407,137   $1,866,362   $222,781,273 

 

As of and for the three months ended March 31, 2011                
                         
       Real   Real       Consumer     
       Estate -   Estate -       And     
   Commercial   Mortgage   Construction   Agricultural   Other   Total 
                         
Allowance for Credit Losses                              
                               
 Beginning balance:  $2,641,107   $608,792   $3,327,863   $80,781   $40,409   $6,698,952 
Charge-offs
Recoveries
   6,899    

    

    

    

    6,899 
 Provision   125,467    89,277    13,213    (7,868)   4,911    225,000 
Ending balance allocated to
portfolio segments
  $2,773,473   $698,069   $3,341,076   $72,913   $45,320   $6,930,851 
                               
Individually evaluated                              
for impairment  $2,404,831   $6,541,640   $2,932,310   $   $   $11,878,781 
Collectively evaluated                              
for impairment   39,231,427    154,861,513    16,905,392    3,861,030    2,399,883    217,259,245 
                                 Total  $41,636,258   $161,403,153   $19,837,702   $3,861,030   $2,399,883   $229,138,026 

 

14
Index
 

5.           ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN AND LEASE LOSSES (Continued)

 

As of December 31, 2011                
                         
       Real   Real       Consumer     
       Estate -   Estate -       And     
   Commercial   Mortgage   Construction   Agricultural   Other   Total 
                         
Allowance for Credit Losses                              
                               
Individually evaluated                              
for impairment  $230,074   $169,013   $129,260   $   $   $528,347 
                               
Collectively evaluated                              
for impairment   1,331,323    471,038    3,019,816    72,914    45,320    4,940,411 
                                 Total  $1,561,397   $640,051   $3,149,076   $72,914   $45,320   $5,468,758 
                               
Loans                              
                               
Individually evaluated                              
for impairment  $2,021,574   $6,086,817   $2,702,100   $   $   $10,810,491 
                               
Collectively evaluated                              
for impairment   37,357,694    159,599,149    16,797,058    2,051,455    3,730,466    219,535,822 
                               
                                    Total  $39,379,268   $165,685,966   $19,499,158   $2,051,455   $3,730,466   $230,346,313 

 

 

 

 

15
Index
 

5.           ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN AND LEASE LOSSES (Continued)

Credit Quality Indicators

 

The Company assigns a risk rating to all loans and periodically performs detailed reviews of all such loans over a certain threshold to identify credit risks and to assess the overall collectability of the portfolio. These risk ratings are also subject to examination by independent specialists engaged by the Company and by the Company's regulators. During these internal reviews, management monitors and analyzes the financial condition of borrowers and guarantors, trends in the industries in which borrowers operate and the fair values of collateral securing these loans. These credit quality indicators are used to assign a risk rating to each individual loan. The risk ratings are grouped into five major categories as follows: Pass, Watch, Special Mention, Substandard and Doubtful.

 

The following table shows the loan portfolio allocated by management's internal risk ratings at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011:

 

 

   Commercial Credit Exposure 
   Credit Risk Profile by Internally Assigned Grade 
As of March 31, 2012  Commercial   Real Estate -
Mortgage
   Real Estate -
Construction
   Agriculture   Consumer and
Other
   Total 
                         
Grade:                              
Pass  $26,910,207   $133,450,729   $9,098,422   $3,407,137   $1,617,837   $174,484,332 
Watch   3,046,898    3,804,644    5,720,796        144,413    12,716,751 
Special Mention   3,334,757    8,122,442    1,384,752        9,112    12,851,063 
Substandard   2,777,027    17,477,824    2,378,084        95,000    22,727,935 
Doubtful   1,192                    1,192 
Total  $36,070,081   $162,855,639   $18,582,054   $3,407,137   $1,866,362   $222,781,273 

 

 

   Commercial Credit Exposure 
   Credit Risk Profile by Internally Assigned Grade 
As of December 31, 2011  Commercial   Real Estate
-Mortgage
   Real Estate
-Construction
   Agriculture   Consumer and
Other
   Total 
                         
Grade:                              
Pass  $30,098,949   $140,475,243   $7,585,992   $3,730,466   $1,905,542   $183,796,192 
Watch   713,005    479,319    8,107,973        145,913    9,446,210 
Special Mention   5,335,791    7,486,780    1,381,626            14,204,197 
Substandard   3,231,523    17,244,624    2,423,567            22,899,714 
Doubtful                        
Total  $39,379,268   $165,685,966   $19,499,158   $3,730,466   $2,051,455   $230,346,313 

 

 

 

16
Index
 

5.           ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN AND LEASE LOSSES (Continued)

The following tables show an aging analysis of the loan portfolio at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011:

 

 

   30-89 Days   90 Days and
Still
       Total         
   Past Due   A ccruing   Nonaccrual   Past Due   Current   Total 
As of March 31, 2012                              
                               
Commercial:                              
Commercial and  industrial  $   $   $1,008,989   $1,008,989   $17,615,601   $18,624,590 
Commercial lines                    14,896,377    14,896,377 
Commercial guaranteed                   2,549,114    2,549,114 
Agricultural:                              
Agricultural                   3,008,325    3,008,325 
Agricultural capital    assets                   398,812    398,812 
Real Estate-Construction:                              
Construction                   12,432,077    12,432,077 
Construction 1-4 family           556,172    556,172    2,129,747    2,685,919 
Construction loan others            1,273,817    1,273,817    2,190,241    3,464,058 
Mortgage-Real Estate:                              
Mortgage 1-4 family   200,000        85,782    285,782    9,439,887    9,725,669 
Real Estate   757,893        2,828,244    3,586,137    143,602,250    147,188,387 
Real Estate - Ag                   2,849,123    2,849,123 
Home equity loans                    3,092,460    3,092,460 
Consumer:                              
Auto                   131,662    131,662 
Consumer                   157,726    157,726 
Other                   1,576,974    1,576,974 
Total  $957,893   $   $5,753,004   $6,710,897   $216,070,376   $222,781,273 

 

   30-89 Days   90 Days and
Still
       Total         
   Past Due   A ccruing   Nonaccrual   Past Due   Current   Total 
As of December 31, 2011                              
                               
Commercial:                              
Commercial and  industrial  $121,350   $   $1,005,338   $1,126,688   $18,370,667   $19,497,355 
Commercial lines                    17,900,083    17,900,083 
Commercial guaranteed                    1,981,830    1,981,830 
Agricultural:                              
Agricultural                   3,221,108    3,221,108 
Agricultural capital    assets                   509,358    509,358 
Real Estate-Construction:                              
Construction                   13,323,442    13,323,442 
Construction 1-4 family            556,172    556,172    1,735,736    2,291,908 
Construction loan others           1,278,332    1,278,332    2,605,476    3,883,808 
Mortgage-Real Estate:                              
Mortgage 1-4 family   200,000            200,000    10,062,785    10,262,785 
Real Estate   218,970        2,806,286    3,025,256    145,824,876    148,850,132 
Real Estate - Ag                   2,889,375    2,889,375 
Home equity loans                   3,683,674    3,683,674 
Consumer:                              
Auto                   103,046    103,046 
Consumer   9,112            9,112    347,664    356,776 
Other                   1,591,633    1,591,633 
Total  $549,432   $   $5,646,129   $6,195,560   $224,150,753   $230,346,313 

 

 

 

17
Index
 

5.           ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN AND LEASE LOSSES (Continued)

The following table shows information related to impaired loans as of and for the three month period ended March 31, 2012:

 

       Unpaid       Average   Interest 
   Recorded   Principal   Related   Recorded   Income 
   Investment   Balance   Allowance   Investment   Recognized 
 With no related allowance recorded:                         
Commercial  $1,801,893   $1,801,893   $   $1,805,456   $13,510 
Agriculture                    
Real estate - mortgage   5,102,579    4,547,946        6,039,600    31,629 
Real estate - construction   1,310,303    1,273,817        1,310,972     
Consumer and other                    
With an allowance recorded:                         
Commercial  $635,181   $630,814   $390,218   $672,899   $8,741 
Agriculture                    
Real estate – mortgage   2,804,438    1,874,678    360,834    1,903,026    20,905 
Real estate – construction   2,748,497    1,422,268    470,139    2,749,084    19,127 
Consumer and other                    
                          
Total:                         
Commercial  $2,437,074   $2,432,707   $390,218   $2,478,355   $22,251 
Agriculture                    
Real estate – mortgage   7,907,017    6,422,624    360,834    7,942,626    52,534 
Real estate – construction   4,058,800    2,696,085    470,139    4,060,056    19,127 
Consumer and other                    

 

The following table shows information related to impaired loans as follows:

 

   As of December 31, 2011   For the three months
ended March 31, 2011
 
       Unpaid       Average   Interest 
   Recorded   Principal   Related   Recorded   Income 
   Investment   Balance   Allowance   Investment   Recognized 
With no related allowance recorded:                         
Commercial  $1,542,086   $1,542,086   $   $1,542,086   $12,041 
Agriculture                    
Real estate - mortgage   5,390,510    6,708,381        6,708,382    190,869 
Real estate - construction   2,473,029    3,832,712        3,927,712    103,874 
Consumer and other                     
                          
With an allowance recorded:                         
Commercial  $479,488   $482,274   $230,074   $482,274   $25,444 
Agriculture                    
Real estate – mortgage   696,307    722,848    169,013    722,847    14,994 
Real estate – construction   229,071    229,071    129,260    229,070    2,942 
Consumer and other                    
                          
Total:                         
Commercial  $2,021,574   $2,024,360   $230,074   $2,024,360   $37,485 
Agriculture                    
Real estate – mortgage   6,086,817    7,431,229    169,013    7,431,229    14,994 
Real estate – construction   2,702,100    4,061,783    129,260    4,156,782    125,314 
Consumer and other                    

 

 

18
Index
 

5.           ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN AND LEASE LOSSES (Continued)

In the table above, the first column titled Recorded Investment includes the balance due on the loan less any interest payments received and applied to principal while on nonaccrual status and any partial charge offs. In the next column the Unpaid Principal Balance includes the actual contractual loan balance due from the borrower plus calculated accrued interest, which would normally be accrued and due, if the loan was not on nonaccrual status.

 

Troubled Debt Restructurings

 

The modifications and concessions granted to troubled debt restructures generally consist of 6 to 12 months’ deferral of principal payments or an interest rate reduction or a lengthened amortization, or a combination thereof. Of the thirteen loans identified as troubled debt restructures at March 31, 2012, three were granted deferral of principal payments, five had interest rate reductions and lengthened amortization, one had deferral of principal payment and a rate reduction, and four were concession loans priced below the assumed market rate. When a loan becomes a troubled debt restructure, it is normally placed in nonaccrual status until it is evident that the borrower will perform at the modified terms. The Company’s policy is to require satisfactory payments for a six month period before the loan will be considered for reinstatement to accrual status. The Company does not have commitments to lend additional funds to borrowers with loans whose terms have been modified in troubled debt restructurings.

 

Management identifies the early onset of borrower financial difficulties via the utilization of various indicators. Chief of these indicators would simply be the review of the borrower’s repayment pattern. When repayment patterns begin to exhibit practices that are less than what is allowed within the contractual allowance, an indication of early difficulties emerges. If this pattern continues, the Bank will document collection efforts via on-site visits to the borrower’s premises whereby providing further, observable input into the borrower’s financial condition. Furthermore, the Bank makes a consistent practice to require the submission of periodic interim and annual financial information of the borrowers, guarantors and co-signors. This information is obtained to determine the borrower’s historical debt serviceability and to make judgments’ concerning future repayment. Should financial information be denied, the Bank will utilize various options to encourage compliance. If the financial information and repayment practices with other lenders remains uncollectible, the Bank will utilize the review of updated credit reports to determine debt levels.

 

A summary of loan modifications that meet the definition of troubled debt restructurings and the related reserves as of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011 is set forth below:

 

   March 31, 2012   December 31, 2011 
   No. of 
Loans
  Amount   Specific
loan loss
reserves
   No. of 
Loans
  Amount   Specific
loan loss
reserves
 
                         
Nonperforming Loans   6   $2,905,351   $286,037    5   $2,031,624   $85,528 
Performing Loans   7    2,214,615    573,128    6    1,809,850    273,806 
                               
Total troubled debt restructured loans   13   $5,119,966   $859,165    11   $3,841,474   $359,334 

 

 

19
Index
 

5.           ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN AND LEASE LOSSES (Continued)

The following table presents loans by class modified as troubled debt restructuring that occurred during the three month period ended March 31, 2012:

 

    Modifications        
  During the Three Months
ended March 31, 2012
     
             
             
             
        Pre-Modification   Post-Modification
        Outstanding Recorded   Outstanding Recorded
    Number of Contracts   Investments   Investments
             
Troubled Debt Restructuring:            
      Commercial   2   $    1,309,478           $    1,309,478        

 

A loan is considered to be in payment default once it is 90 days contractually for which there was a payment default that occurred during the period ended March 31, 2012. There were no loans modified as troubled debt restructurings for which there was a payment default within twelve months following the modification during the three months ended March 31, 2012.

 

The troubled debt restructuring described above did not increase the allowance for loan and lease losses and resulted in no net charge offs during the three months ended March 31, 2012.

 

Loans modified during the three month period ending March 31, 2012 that do not meet the definition of troubled debt restructures are summarized below:

 

     
   March 31, 2012 
     
Commercial  $2,382,340 
Real Estate-Mortgage   154,754 
Real Estate-Construction   891,457 
Agricultural   560,000 
Consumer and Other   9,112 
      
Total  $3,997,663 

 

The Bank has granted concessions on loans that do not meet the definition of a troubled debt restructure. The loan terms were modified due to competitive pressures. The customers involved were highly creditworthy and were determined by management to be likely and able to move their business to a competing financial institution if their loan terms were not modified.

 

The Company does not have commitments to lend additional funds to borrowers with loans whose terms have been modified in troubled debt restructurings.

 

Foregone interest on nonaccrual loans totaled $253,336 and $233,000 for the periods ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

 

20

 

7. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

 

The Company is party to claims and legal proceeding arising in the ordinary course of business. In the opinion of the Company’s management, the amount of ultimate liability with respect to such proceedings will not have a material adverse effect on the financial condition or result of operations of the Company taken as a whole.

 

In the normal course of business, the Company has various outstanding commitments to extend credit which are not reflected in the financial statements, including loan commitments of $32.7 million and $31.8 million and letters of credit of $475,000 at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively.

 

At March 31, 2012, consumer loan commitments, which are generally unsecured, represent approximately 7% of total commitments. Agricultural loan commitments represent approximately 8% of total commitments and are generally secured by crops and/or real estate. Commercial loan commitments represent approximately 64% of total commitments and are generally secured by various assets of the borrower. Real estate loan commitments represent the remaining 21% of total commitments and are generally secured by property with a loan-to-value not to exceed 80%. In addition, the majority of the Bank’s commitments have variable interest rates. Total commitments do not necessarily represent future cash requirements. Each loan commitment and the amount and type of collateral obtained, if any, are evaluated on an individual basis. Collateral held varies, but may include real property, bank deposits, debt or equity securities or business assets.

 

Stand-by letters of credit are conditional commitments written to guarantee the performance of a customer to a third party. These guarantees are primarily related to the purchases of inventory by commercial customers and are typically short-term in nature. Credit risk is similar to that involved in extending loan commitments to customers and, accordingly, evaluation and collateral requirements similar to those for loan commitments are used. The deferred liability related to the Company’s stand-by letters of credit was not significant at March 31, 2012 or December 31, 2011.

 

8. STOCK BASED COMPENSATION

 

The Company has two active share based compensation plans; the Valley Commerce Bancorp 2007 Equity Incentive Plan (“Incentive Plan”) for which 14,560 shares of common stock are reserved for issuance to employees and directors under incentive and non-statutory agreements and the Valley Commerce Bancorp Amended and Restated 1997 Stock Option Plan (“Prior Plan”) for which 102,656 shares of common stock are reserved for issuance, however, no further grants may be made under this plan as it expired in February 2007. The Incentive Plan provides for awards of stock options, restricted stock awards, qualified performance-based awards and stock grants. The purpose of the Incentive Plan is to promote the long-term success of the Company and the creation of shareholder value. The Board of Directors believes that the availability of stock options and other forms of stock awards will be a key factor in the ability of the Company to attract and retain qualified individuals.

 

In addition during the three-month period ended March 31, 2012 there were 23,461 incentive stock options and 57,500 non-qualified stock options granted to the Company’s officers and directors, respectively, at an average price of $8.40 per option. There were 10,500 options granted during the three-month period ended March 31, 2011, at an average price of $7.81 per option.

 

The fair value of each incentive and non-qualified stock option award granted is estimated on the grant date using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. Fair values of the stock options issued during the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 are based on the weighted-average assumptions shown in the table below.

 

  

 

 

     
  

Three Months Ended

  March 31, 2012

  Three Months Ended
March 31, 2011
Dividend yield   N/A    N/A 
Expected option life             9.28 years    8.83 years 
           
Expected volatility   50.4%   46.9%
Risk-free interest rate   0.84%   1.23%
Weighted average fair value of          
  options granted  $4.81   $5.02 

 

21
Index
 

8.           STOCK BASED COMPENSATION (Continued)

The expected life of awards granted represents the period of time that awards are expected to be outstanding. Expected volatility is based on historical volatility of the Company’s stock and other factors. The risk-free rate for periods within the contractual life of the option is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant.

 

Compensation expense is recognized over the vesting period on a straight line accounting basis. Compensation cost related to stock options recognized in operating results was $59,364 and $58,121 for the three month periods ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. The tax benefits resulting from tax deductions in excess of the compensation cost recognized for those options (excess tax benefits) are classified as cash flow from financing activities in the statement of cash flows. There were no excess tax benefits during the periods ended March 31, 2012 or 2011.

 

The following table summarizes information about stock option activity for the three months ended March 31, 2012:

 

  

For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2012

 
  

Shares

   Weighted Average
Exercise Price
  

Weighted
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Term

  

Aggregate Intrinsic
Value

 
                 
Incentive:                    
Options outstanding at January 1, 2012   45,631   $11.12           
Options granted   23,461    8.46           
Options exercised                  
Options expired                  
Options outstanding at March 31, 2012   69,092    10.21     6.38 years   $43,882(1)
Options vested or expected to vest
After March 31, 2012
   50,934    10.22    5.96 years   $32,339(1)
Options exercisable at March 31, 2012   47,097    10.42    5.23 years   $29,374(1)
                     
Nonstatutory:                    
Options outstanding at January 1, 2012   68,554   $10.62           
Options granted   57,500    8.38           
Options exercised                  
Options expired                  
Options outstanding at March  31, 2012   126,054    9.60    6.39 years   $94,716(1)
Options vested or expected to vest
after March 31, 2012
   90,785    9.60    6.43 years   $68,215(1)
Options exercisable at March 31, 2012   87,770    9.98    4.87 years   $61,301(1)
                     

 

(1) 40,052 non-statutory options and 38,255 incentive options are excluded from intrinsic value from table above because the exercise price is greater than the stock price at March 31, 2012.

 

The aggregate intrinsic value is calculated as the difference between the exercise price of the underlying awards and the quoted price of the Company’s common stock for options that were in-the-money at March 31, 2012. There were no options exercised during the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011. There were no shares of restricted stock issued during the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 1,050 during the 2011 period. There were 80,961 options granted and 10,500 options granted during the periods ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. The total fair value of shares vested during the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 was $320,998 and $58,121, respectively.

 

Management estimates expected forfeitures and recognizes compensation costs only for those equity awards expected to vest. As of March 31, 2012, there was $345,398 of total unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested share-based compensation arrangements granted under the Plan. The cost is expected to be realized over a weighted average period of 1.45 years and will be adjusted for subsequent changes in estimated forfeitures.

22

 

9. EARNINGS PER SHARE COMPUTATION

 

Basic earnings per share are computed by dividing income available to common shareholders by the weighted average common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted earnings per share reflect the potential dilution that could occur if outstanding stock options were exercised. Diluted earnings per share are computed by dividing income available to common shareholders by the weighted average common shares outstanding for the period plus the dilutive effect of options.

 

   For the Three Months 
   Ended March 31, 
   2012   2011 
Net Income:          
   Net income  $858,839   $624,964 
   Less: Dividends accrued and discounts          
      accreted on preferred shares   (93,209)   (101,467)
   Net income allocated to common          
      shareholders  $765,630   $523,497 
Earnings Per Share:          
Basic earnings per share  $0.27   $0.19 
Diluted earnings per share  $0.27   $0.19 
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding:          
Basic shares   2,784,593    2,762,517 
Diluted shares   2,789,106    2,769,432 

 

All earnings per share and weighted-average share amounts in the above table have been restated to reflect the 5% stock dividend in June 2011. There were 78,307 options excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share for the three month period ended March 31, 2012, and 99,584 excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share for the three month period ended March 31, 2011, respectively, as they were identified as anti-dilutive.

 

10. INCOME TAXES

 

The Company files its income taxes on a consolidated basis with its subsidiaries. The allocation of income tax expense represents each entity's proportionate share of the consolidated provision for income taxes. The difference in the effective tax rates compared to the statutory tax rates is primarily the result of the Company’s investment in municipal securities and Company-owned life insurance policies whose income is exempt from Federal taxes. In addition, the Company receives certain tax benefits from the State of California Franchise Tax Board for operating and providing loans, as well as jobs, in designated “Enterprise Zones.”

 

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the tax consequences of temporary differences between the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and their tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are adjusted for the effects of changes in tax laws and rates on the date of enactment. On the condensed consolidated balance sheet, net deferred tax assets are included in accrued interest receivable and other assets.

 

When tax returns are filed, it is highly certain that some positions taken would be sustained upon examination by the taxing authorities, while others are subject to uncertainty about the merits of the position taken or the amount of the position that would be ultimately sustained. The benefit of a tax position is recognized in the financial statements in the period during which, based on all available evidence, management believes it is more likely than not that the position will be sustained upon examination, including the resolution of appeals or litigation processes, if any. Tax positions that meet the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold are measured as the largest amount of tax benefit that is more than 50 percent likely of being realized upon settlement with the applicable taxing authority. The portion of the benefits associated with tax positions taken that exceeds the amount measured as described above is reflected as a liability for unrecognized tax benefits in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet along with any associated interest and penalties that would be payable to the taxing authorities upon examination. The Company recognizes accrued interest and penalties, if any, related to unrecognized tax benefits as a component of tax expense in the condensed consolidated statements of income. There have been no significant changes to unrecognized tax benefits or accrued interest and penalties for the three months ended March 31, 2012.

23
Index
 

          

11. PREFERRED STOCK

On January 30, 2009, the Company entered into a letter Agreement (the “Purchase Agreement”) with the United States Department of the Treasury (“Treasury”), pursuant to which the Company issued and sold (i) 7,700 shares of the Company’s Fixed Rate Cumulative Preferred Stock, Series B (the “Series B Preferred Stock”) and (ii) a warrant to purchase 385 shares of the Company’s Fixed Rate Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock Series C stock, (the “Warrant Preferred” or “Series C Preferred Stock”) for a combined purchase price of $7,700,000 and were recorded net of $20,793 in offering costs. The Treasury exercised the Warrant immediately upon issuance.

On March 21, 2012, the Company repurchased all of the Series B and Series C Preferred stock from the Treasury for a total of $8,126,965, which includes the redemption amount of $8,085,000 plus accrued but unpaid dividends of $41,965. The repurchase of the Preferred shares terminated the Company’s continuing obligations under the Purchase Agreement.

 

12. Fair Value Measurement

 

The Company measures fair value under the fair value hierarchy described below.

 

Level 1: Quoted prices for identical instruments traded in active exchange markets.

 

Level 2: Quoted prices (unadjusted) for similar instruments in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active and model-based valuation techniques for which all significant assumptions are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data.

 

Level 3: Model based techniques that use one significant assumption not observable in the market. These unobservable assumptions reflect the Company’s estimates of assumptions that market participants would use on pricing the asset or liability. Valuation techniques include management judgment and estimation which may be significant.

 

In certain cases, the inputs used to measure fair value may fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy. In such cases, the level in the fair value hierarchy within which the fair value measurement in its entirety falls has been determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety. The Company’s assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement in its entirety requires judgment, and considers factors specific to the asset or liability.

 

Management monitors the availability of observable market data to assess the appropriate classification of financial instruments within the fair value hierarchy. Changes in economic conditions or model-based valuation techniques may require the transfer of financial instruments from one fair value level to another. In such instances, the transfer is reported at the beginning of the reporting period.

 

Management evaluates the significance of transfers between levels based upon the nature of the financial instrument and size of the transfer relative to total assets, total liabilities or total earnings.

 

 

24
Index
 

12.           FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENT (Continued)

Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011 are summarized below:

 

   March 31, 2012 
Description  Fair Value   Level 1   Level 2   Level 3 
                 
Available-for-sale investment securities                    
Debt securities:                    
      U.S. Government sponsored entities and agencies  $5,917,000   $   $5,917,000   $ 
Mortgage-backed securities:                    
      U.S. Government sponsored agencies - residential   21,852,000        21,852,000     
      Small Business Administration   12,224,000        12,224,000     
Obligations of states and political subdivisions   19,636,000        19,636,000     
             Total assets measured at fair value  $59,629,000   $   $59,629,000   $ 

 

   December 31, 2011 
Description  Fair Value   Level 1   Level 2   Level 3 
                 
Available-for-sale investment securities                    
Debt securities:                    
      U.S. Government sponsored entities and agencies  $6,038,000   $   $6,038,000   $ 
Mortgage-backed securities:                    
      U.S. Government sponsored entities and agencies   18,017,000        18,017,000     
      Small Business Administration   12,630,000        12,630,000     
Obligations of states and political subdivisions   20,020,000        20,020,000     
             Total assets measured at fair value  $56,705,000   $   $56,705,000   $ 

 

 

25
Index
 

12.           FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENT (Continued)

During the three month period ended March 31, 2012 and year ended December 31, 2011, there were no transfers in or out of Levels 1, 2, or 3.

 

The fair value of investment securities available for sale equals quoted market price, if available. If quoted market prices for identical securities are not available then fair value are estimated by independent sources using pricing models and/or quoted prices of investment securities with similar characteristics or discounted cash flows. The Company has categorized all of its investment securities available-for-sale as level 2, since U.S. Agency MBS are mainly priced in this manner. Changes in fair market value are recorded in other comprehensive income.

 

The Company had no liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of March 31, 2012 or December 31, 2011.

 

Assets measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis as of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011 are summarized below:

    

   Fair Value Measurements at March 31, 2012 Using 
       Quoted Prices in   Significant Other   Significant     
       Active Markets for   Observable   Unobservable     
       Identical Assets   Inputs   Inputs   Total Gains 
   Total Fair Value   (Level 1)   (Level 2)   (Level 3)   (Losses) 
Assets:                         
Impaired loans at:                         
Commercial  $1,697,000   $   $   $1,697,000   $(173,000)
Real estate – mortgage   1,879,000            1,879,000    (179,000)
Real estate - construction   953,000            953,000    (341,000)
Other real estate owned   1,141,000              1,141,000     
   $5,670,000   $   $   $5,670,000   $(693,000)

 

   Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2011 Using 
       Quoted Prices in   Significant Other   Significant     
       Active Markets for   Observable   Unobservable     
       Identical Assets   Inputs   Inputs   Total Gains 
   Total Fair Value   (Level 1)   (Level 2)   (Level 3)   (Losses) 
Assets:                         
Impaired loans at:                         
Commercial  $1,848,000   $   $   $1,848,000   $(397,000)
Real estate – mortgage   1,917,000            1,917,000    (227,000)
Real estate - construction   1,295,000            1,295,000    (61,000)
Other real estate owned   1,141,000            1,141,000     
   $6,201,000   $   $   $6,201,000   $(685,000)

 

26
Index
 

12.           FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENT (Continued)

Impaired loans (loans which are not expected to repay all principal and interest amounts due in accordance with the original contractual terms) are measured at an observable market price (if available) or at the fair value of the loan’s collateral (if collateral dependent). Fair value of the loan’s collateral is determined by appraisals or independent valuation which is then adjusted for the estimated costs related to liquidation of the collateral. Management monitors the availability of observable market data to assess the appropriate classifications of financial instruments within the fair value hierarchy. Changes in economic conditions or model-based valuation techniques may require the transfer of financial instruments from one fair value level to another. Management’s ongoing review of appraisal information may also result in additional discounts or adjustments to the valuation based upon more recent market sales activity or more current appraisal information derived form properties of similar type and/or locale. A significant portion of the Bank’s impaired loans are measured using the estimated fair market value of the collateral less the estimated costs to sell. The Company has categorized its impaired loans as level 3. The Bank’s appraisal policy generally requires impaired loans to be appraised at six month intervals. Certain impaired loans with current appraisals have been discounted to liquidation value through additional market research of comparable properties, but are still included in Level 3 due to the inherent uncertainty of the appraisal process. Impaired loans that were included in Level 2 prior to 2012 would now be included in Level 3 based on this rationale. Any fair value adjustments are recorded in the period incurred as provision for loan losses expense on the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Income. The recorded investment in impaired loans was $5,750,000 and $5,588,000 with a valuation allowance of $1.2 million and $528,000 at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively.

Other real estate owned (OREO) consists of assets acquired through or instead of loan foreclosure are initially recorded at fair value less costs to sell, establishing a new cost basis. These assets are subsequently accounted for at lower of cost or fair value less estimated costs to sell. If fair value declines subsequent to foreclosure, a valuation allowance is recorded through expense. Operating costs after acquisition are expensed. The Company foreclosed on one commercial property in December 31, 2011, resulting in $1,140,547 in other real estate owned at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011.

Appraisals for both collateral-dependent impaired loans and other real estate owned are performed by certified general appraisers (for commercial properties) or certified residential appraisers (for residential properties) whose qualifications and licenses have been reviewed and verified by management of the Company. Upon receipt of an appraisal, management reviews the assumptions and approaches utilized in the appraisal as well as the overall resulting fair value in comparison with via independent data sources such as recent market data or industry-wide statistics. On an annual basis, the Company compares the actual selling price of comparable properties that have been sold to the most recent appraised value to determine what additional adjustment, if any, should be made to the appraisal value to arrive at fair value. The most common adjustment to reported appraised values are discounts linked to the estimated decline in value over the passage of time since the last appraisal. Historically the discount factor has ranged from 5% to 30% with the weighted average adjustment for these unobservable inputs at March 31, 2012 being 24%

The Company did not change the methodology used to determine fair value for any financial instruments during 2012. There were no transfers between Level 1, Level 2, or Level 3 fair value measurements during the three months ended March 31, 2012.

 

27
Index
 

12.           FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENT (Continued)

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

 

The carrying amounts and estimated fair values of financial instruments, at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011 are as follows:

 

(Dollars in thousands)      Fair Value Measurements at March 31, 2012 Using: 
Financial assets:  Carrying
Value
   Level 1   Level 2   Level 3   Total Fair
Value
 
Cash and cash equivalents  $49,332,217   $49,332,217   $   $   $49,332,217 
Investment securities   59,629,000        59,629,000        59,629,000 
Loans, net   216,972,326            213,498,156    213,498,156 
FHLB stock   1,456,300                N/A 
Accrued interest receivable   1,122,742        388,581    734,161    1,122,742 
Financial liabilities:                         
Deposits  $308,118,019   $237,811,360   $70,407,089   $   $308,218,449 
Junior subordinated deferrable                     
  interest debentures   3,093,000            804,180    804,180 
Accrued interest payable   50,974    2,054    20,979    27,941    50,974 

 

 

(Dollars in thousands)      Fair Value Measurements at December  31, 2011 Using: 
Financial assets:  Carrying
Value
   Level 1   Level 2   Level 3   Total Fair
Value
 
Cash and cash equivalents  $60,421,044   $60,421,044   $   $   $60,421,044 
Investment securities   56,705,000        56,705,000        50,705,000 
Loans, net   224,531,870            221,237,510    221,237,510 
FHLB stock   1,456,300                N/A 
Accrued interest receivable   1,202,043        428,113    773,930    1,202,043 
Financial liabilities:                         
Deposits  $315,877,369   $244,932,850   $71,051,511   $   $315,984,361 
Junior subordinated deferrable                    
  interest debentures   3,093,000            804,180    804,180 
Accrued interest payable   81,669    1,927    22,265    57,477    81,669 

 

These estimates do not reflect any premium or discount that could result from offering the Company's entire holdings of a particular financial instrument for sale at one time, nor do they attempt to estimate the value of anticipated future business related to the instruments. In addition, the tax ramifications related to the realization of unrealized gains and losses can have a significant effect on fair value estimates and have not been considered in any of these estimates.

  

The following methods and assumptions were used by management to estimate the fair value of its financial instruments:

 

Cash and cash equivalents: The carrying amounts of cash and short-term instruments approximate fair values and are classified as Level 1.

 

Investment securities: Fair values for securities available for sale are generally determined by matrix pricing, which is a mathematical technique widely used in the industry to value debt securities without relying exclusively on quoted prices for the specific securities but rather by relying on the securities’ relationship to other benchmark quoted securities (Level 2).

 

Loans: Fair values of loans, excluding loans held for sale, are estimated as follows:  For variable rate loans that reprice frequently and with no significant change in credit risk, fair values are based on carrying values resulting in a Level 3 classification. Fair values for other loans are estimated using discounted cash flow analyses, using interest rates currently being offered for loans with similar terms to borrowers of similar credit quality resulting in a Level 3 classification.  Impaired loans are valued at the lower of cost or fair value. The methods utilized to estimate the fair value of loans do not necessarily represent an exit price.

 

28
Index
 

12.           FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENT (Continued)

FHLB stock: It was not practicable to determine the fair value of the FHLB stock due to restrictions placed on its transferability.

 

Deposits: The fair values disclosed for demand deposits, including interest and non-interest demand accounts, savings, and certain types of money market account) are, by definition, equal to the carrying amount at the reporting date resulting in a Level 1 classification. Fair values for fixed rate certificates of deposit are estimated using a discounted cash flows calculation that applies interest rates currently being offered on certificates to a schedule of aggregated expected monthly maturities on time deposits resulting in a Level 2 classification.

 

Junior subordinated deferrable interest debentures: The fair values of the Company’s Subordinated Debentures are estimated using discounted cash flow analyses based on the current borrowing rates for similar types of borrowing arrangements resulting in a Level 3 classification.

 

Accrued interest receivable/payable: The fair value of accrued interest receivable and payable is based on the fair value hierarchy of the related asset or liability.

 

Commitments to extend credit and letters of credit: The fair value of commitments are estimated using the fees currently charged to enter into similar agreements and are not significant and, therefore, not presented. Commitments to extend credit are primarily for variable rate loans and letters of credit.

 

Because no market exists for a significant portion of the Company's financial instruments, fair value estimates are based on judgments regarding current economic conditions, risk characteristics of various financial instruments and other factors. Those estimates that are subjective in nature and involve uncertainties and matters of significant judgment and therefore cannot be determined with precision are included in Level 3. Changes in assumptions could significantly affect the fair values presented.

13. RECENT ACCOUNTING DEVELOPMENTS

 

In May, 2011, the FASB issued an amendment to achieve common fair value measurement and disclosure requirements between U.S. and International accounting principles. Overall, the guidance is consistent with existing U.S. accounting principles; however, there are some amendments that change a particular principle or requirement for measuring fair value or for disclosing information about fair value measurements. The amendments in this guidance are effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2011. The effect of adopting this standard did not have a material effect on the Company’s operating results or financial condition, but the additional disclosures are included in Note 12.

In June 2011, the FASB amended existing guidance and eliminated the option to present the components of other comprehensive income as part of the statement of changes in shareholders’ equity. The amendment requires that comprehensive income be presented in either a single continuous statement or in two separate consecutive statements. The amendments in this guidance are effective as of the beginning of a fiscal reporting year, and interim periods within that year, that begins after December 15, 2011. Early adoption is permitted. The implementation of the amended accounting guidance changed the presentation of the components of comprehensive income for the Company from a component of the consolidated statement of shareholder’s equity to a separate statement following the consolidated statement of income.

 

29

ITEM 2 – MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

Certain matters discussed in this report constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.  All statements contained herein that are not historical facts, such as statements regarding the company’s current business strategy and the Company’s plans for future development and operations, are based upon current expectations.  These statements are forward-looking in nature and involve a number of risks and uncertainties.  Such risks and uncertainties include, among others: (1) significant increases in competitive pressure in the banking and financial services industries; (2) changes in the interest rate environment, which could reduce anticipated or actual margins; (3) changes in the regulatory environment; (4) general economic conditions, either nationally or regionally and especially in the Company’s primary service area failing to improve or continuing to deteriorate and resulting in, among other things, a deterioration in credit quality and increases in the provision for loan loss; (5) operational risks, including data processing systems failures or fraud; (6) changes in business conditions and inflation; (7) changes in technology; (8) changes in monetary and tax policies; and (9) changes in the securities markets; (10) civil disturbances or terrorist threats or acts, or apprehension about the possible future occurrences or acts of this type; (11) outbreak or escalation of hostilities in which the United States is involved, any declaration of war by the U.S. Congress or any other national or international calamity, crisis or emergency; (12) changes in laws and regulations; (13) new or recently issued accounting pronouncements; (14) government policies, regulations, and their enforcement (including Bank Secrecy Act-related matters, taxing statutes and regulations; (15) restrictions on dividends that our subsidiaries are allowed to pay to us; (16) the ability to satisfy requirements related to the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and other regulation on internal control; and (17) management’s ability to manage these and other risks. Therefore, the information set forth in such forward-looking statements should be carefully considered when evaluation the business prospects of the Company.

 

When the Company uses in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q the words “anticipate,” “estimate,” “expect,” “project,” “intend,” “commit,” “believe” and similar expressions, the Company intends to identify forward-looking statements.  Such statements are not guarantees of performance and are subject to certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions, including those described in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.  Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those anticipated, estimated, expected, projected, intended, committed or believed.  The future results and shareholder values of the Company may differ materially from those expressed in these forward-looking statements.  Many of the factors that will determine these results and values are beyond the Company’s ability to control or predict. The Company undertakes no obligation to revise or publicly release the results of any revision to these forward-looking statements. For those statements, the Company claims the protection of the safe harbor for forward-looking statements contained in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.

 

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) maintains a web site which contains reports, proxy statements, and other information pertaining to registrants that file electronically with the SEC, including the Company.

 

The internet address is: www.sec.gov. In addition, our periodic and current reports are available free of charge on our website at www.valleybusinessbank.net as soon as reasonably practicable after such material is electronically filed with, or furnished to, the SEC.

 

30

  

Introduction

Overview

 

Valley Commerce Bancorp (the Company) is the holding company for Valley Business Bank (the Bank), a California state chartered bank.  The Company’s principal business is to provide financial services through its banking subsidiary in its primary market areas of Tulare and Fresno Counties in California. The Company derives its income primarily from interest and fees earned on loans and, to a lesser extent, interest on investment securities, fees for services provided to deposit customers, and fees from the brokerage of loans. The Bank’s major operating expenses are interest paid on deposits and borrowings and general operating expenses, consisting primarily of salaries and employee benefits and, to a lesser extent, occupancy and equipment, data processing, FDIC insurance premiums, and operations. The Company does not currently conduct any operations other than through the Bank.

 

The Company earned net income of $859,000, or $0.27 per diluted share for the three months ended March 31, 2012, compared to $625,000 or $0.19 per diluted share for the three months ended March 31, 2011. The annualized return on average assets was 0.98% for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 0.73% for the same period of 2011. The annualized return on average common shareholders’ equity for the three month periods ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 was 8.19% and 6.48%, respectively. The increase in earnings was primarily due to decreases in the provision for loan losses and FDIC assessment insurance.

At March 31, 2012, the Company’s total assets were $350.1 million, a $16.5 million decrease or 4% from total assets of $366.5 million at December 31, 2011, and an increase of $5.6 million or 2% compared to March 31, 2011. Total loans, net of the allowance for loan and lease losses, were $217.0 million at March 31, 2012, a decrease of $7.6 million or 3% compared to December 31, 2011, and a decrease of $4.9 million or 2% compared to March 31, 2011. The decline in loan volume in both periods was primarily attributable to loan paydowns and fewer opportunities for commercial real estate mortgage lending due to slow economic growth.

Total deposits were $308.1 million at March 31, 2012, a decrease of $7.8 million or 2% from total deposits of $315.9 million at December 31, 2011, and an increase of $11.4 million or 4% compared to March 31, 2011. The decline in deposits from year end resulted from the expected seasonal outflow of non-interest bearing deposits that were received in December of the prior year. The Company’s long term growth strategy is based on acquiring core deposits in its local market rather than relying heavily on brokered time deposits or other wholesale funding sources.

At March 31, 2012, the Company’s Leverage Ratio was 10.6% while its Tier 1 Risk-Based Capital Ratio and Total Risk-Based Capital Ratio were 15.0% and 16.3%, respectively. At December 31, 2011, the Company’s Leverage Ratio was 13.1% while its Tier 1 Risk-Based Capital Ratio and Total Risk-Based Capital Ratio were 17.6% and 18.9%, respectively. The Leverage, Tier 1 Risk-Based Capital and Total Risk-Based Capital Ratios at March 31, 2011 were 12.2%, 17.0%, and 18.2%, respectively. The Company’s capital ratios decreased during the three months ended March 31, 2012 primarily due to the repurchase of $8.1 million of preferred stock issued under the U.S. Treasury’s Capital Purchase Program offset by net income earned during the period.

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Results of Operations for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2012

Net Interest Income

The following table presents the Company’s average balance sheet, including weighted average yields and rates on a taxable-equivalent basis, for the three-month periods indicated:

 

   Average balances and weighted average yields and costs
Three Months ended March 31,
 
   2012   2011 
       Interest   Average       Interest   Average 
   Average   income/   yield/   Average   income/   yield/ 
(dollars in thousands)  Balance   Expense   Cost   Balance   Expense   Cost 
ASSETS                        
Due from banks  $38,030   $25    0.26%  $32,304   $20    0.25%
Available-for-sale investment securities:                              
        Taxable   37,244    189    2.04%   36,730    208    2.30%
        Exempt from Federal income taxes (1)   18,772    223    7.24%   14,922    153    6.30%
   Total securities (1)   56,016    412    3.78%   51,652    361    3.45%
Loans (2) (3)   224,832    3,297    5.90%   233,277    3,512    6.11%
     Total interest-earning assets (1)   318,878    3,734    4.85%   317,233    3,893    5.08%
                               
Noninterest-earning assets, net of allowance for loan losses   34,299              29,385           
      Total assets  $353,177             $346,618           
                               
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY                              
Deposits:                              
  Other interest bearing  $120,708   $118    0.39%  $124,301   $153    0.50%
  Time deposits less than $100,000   20,945    38    0.73%   22,248    56    1.02%
  Time deposits $100,000 or more   49,979    97    0.78%   61,307    188    1.24%
  Total interest-bearing deposits   191,632    253    0.53%   207,856    397    0.77%
Long-term debt   22        -%    2,530    32    5.13%
Junior subordinated deferrable interest debentures   3,093    30    3.90%   3,093    28    3.67%
     Total interest-bearing liabilities   194,747    283    0.58%   213,479    457    0.87%
                               
Noninterest bearing deposits   111,563              90,373           
Other liabilities   4,713              3,637           
   Total liabilities   311,023              307,489           
Shareholders’ equity   42,154              39,129           
   Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity  $353,177             $346,618           
                               
Net interest income and margin (1)       $3,451    4.50%       $3,436    4.49%

 

(1) Interest income is not presented on a taxable-equivalent basis, however, the average yield was calculated on a taxable-equivalent basis by using a marginal tax rate of 34%.
(2) Nonaccrual loans are included in total loans. Interest income is included on nonaccrual loans only to the extent cash payments have been received. There was $253,000 and $233,000 in foregone interest on nonaccrual loans for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
(3) Interest income on loans includes amortized loan fees, net of costs, of $122,000 and $123,000 for 2012 and 2011, respectively.

 

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The following table sets forth a summary of the changes in interest income and interest expense from changes in average earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities (volume) and changes in average interest rates for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2012 and 2011.

Changes in net interest income due to changes in volumes and rates

 

   Three months ended March  31, 2012 vs. 
   March 31, 2011 due to change in: 
   Average   Average     
   Volume   Rate (1)   Total 
             
(In thousands)            
Increase (decrease) in interest income:               
Due from banks  $4   $1   $5 
Investment securities               
        Taxable   3    (22)   (19)
        Exempt from Federal income taxes   60    10    70 
        Total securities   63    (12)   51 
Loans   (128)   (87)   (215)
    Total interest income   (61)   (98)   (159)
                
Decrease in interest expense:               
Other interest-bearing deposits   (4)   (31)   (35)
Time deposits less than $100,000   (3)   (15)   (18)
Time deposits $100,000 or more   (35)   (56)   (91)
             Total interest-bearing deposits   (42)   (102)   (144)
Long-term debt   (32)       (32)
Junior subordinated deferrable interest debentures       2    2 
    Total interest expense   (74)   (100)   (174)
    Increase (decrease) in net interest income  $13   $2   $15 

(1)Factors contributing to both changes in rate and volume have been attributed to changes in rates.

Net interest income before the provision for loan losses was $3.5 million for the three-month period ended March 31, 2012 compared to $3.4 million for the same period of 2011, an increase of $15,000 or 0.4%. Changes in the volumes of the Company’s interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities caused the Company’s net interest income to increase by $13,000 and changes in interest rates on these same accounts caused net interest income to increase by $2,000.

The increase in net interest income was caused by a reduction in the Company’s cost of funds and volume of interest-bearing liabilities. This was offset by decreases in both average loan volume and declining yields on loans and investment securities. The average rate paid on interest-bearing liabilities was 0.58% in the 2012 period compared to 0.87% in the 2011 period, a reduction of 29 basis points. Average total interest-bearing liabilities in the 2012 period decreased by $18.7 million or 9% compared to the 2011 period. This included a decrease of $12.6 million or 15% in average time deposits due to the payoff of brokered time deposits and maturing time deposits that were not renewed, and a $2.5 million or 99% decrease in the Company’s average long-term debt due to scheduled maturities.

Total interest income decreased from $3.9 million for the three-months ended at March 31, 2011 to $3.7 million for the three-months ended at March 31, 2012, a decrease of $159,000 or 4%. The primary cause for the decline in total interest income was reduction in the average loan volume during the quarter. The Company’s interest income from loans decreased by $215,000 due to an $8.4 million decrease in average loan volume. The average yield on loans decreased from 6.11% in the 2011 period to 5.90% in the 2012 period. The average yield on interest earning assets decreased from 5.08% in the 2011 period to 4.85% in the 2012 period. The yield on investment securities increased from 3.45% in the 2011 period to 3.78% in the 2012 period due to a $4.4 million or 8% increase in average volume. This caused earnings on investment securities to increase by $51,000 or 14%.

The Company’s net interest margin on a taxable equivalent basis increased 1 basis point from 4.49% in the three-month period ended March 31, 2011 to 4.50% in the three-month period ended March 31, 2012. The increase in the Company’s net interest margin was primarily attributable to the average cost of funds decreasing at a greater rate than average asset yields.

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Provision for Loan Losses

The provision for loan losses, which is included in operations to support management’s estimate of the required level of the allowance for loan losses, is based on credit experience and management’s ongoing evaluation of loan portfolio risk and economic conditions. There was no loan loss provision recorded during the three months ended March 31, 2012 compared to a $225,000 provision for the three-month period ended March 31, 2011. Management determined the provision for loan losses for the period ended March 31, 2012 after careful consideration of current economic conditions in the Bank’s primary markets and changes in the volume of impaired loans. See the sections below titled “Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses.”

Non-Interest Income

Non-interest income for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 totaled $359,000 and $327,000, respectively, an increase of $32,000 or 10%. The components of non-interest income during each period were as follows:

 

Non-interest income

 

   Three Months ended
March 31,
     
(in thousands)  2012   2011   Increase
(Decrease)
 
Service charges  $179   $169   $10 
Gain on sale of available-for-sale investment securities, net   28    14    14 
Mortgage loan brokerage fees   6    22    (16)
Earnings on cash surrender value of life insurance policies   86    72    14 
Other   60    50    10 
    Total non-interest income  $359   $327   $32 

Service charges increased by $10,000 due to increased service and analysis charges. Mortgage loan brokerage fees decreased by $16,000 due to fewer underwriting opportunities and continuations of strict secondary market conditions. Gain on sale of investment securities increased by $14,000 as the Company executed planned investment strategies. Earnings on cash surrender value of life insurance policies increased $14,000 due to the purchase of an additional policy in 2011.

Non-Interest Expense

For the quarter ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, non-interest expense totaled $2.5 million and $2.6 million, respectively, a decrease of $46,000 or 2%. Salaries and employee benefits expense increased by $135,000 or 9% to $1.6 million due to new hires and stock option compensation expense recorded during the quarter. This was offset by a $16,000 or 16% decrease in operation expenses and a $139,000 or 81% decrease in FDIC insurance assessments. The decline in FDIC insurance expense relates to a decline in the rate charged to the Bank by the FDIC. Effective April 1, 2011, the FDIC insurance assessment rules changed as a result of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act. These new rules changed the assessment base from total deposits to average total assets less tangible capital, but also significantly lowered the assessment rates, causing a net favorable impact on our FDIC insurance premiums.

 

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The following table describes the components of non-interest expense for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2012 and 2011:

Non-interest expense

   Three Months ended
March 31,
     
  (in thousands)  2012   2011   Increase
(Decrease)
 
Salaries and employee benefits  $1,585   $1,450   $135 
Occupancy and equipment   322    321    1 
Other real estate owned   (7)       (7)
Data processing   159    166    (7)
Operations   82    98    (16)
Professional and legal   94    103    (9)
Advertising and business development   52    51    1 
Telephone and postal   59    64    (5)
Supplies   46    46     
Assessment and insurance   33    172    (139)
Other expenses   104    104     
    Total non-interest expense  $2,529   $2,575   $(46)

 

Provision for Income Taxes

 

The provision for income taxes for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 was $422,000 and $337,000, respectively. The difference in the effective tax rate compared to the statutory tax rate is primarily the result of the Company’s investment in municipal securities and Company-owned life insurance policies whose income is exempt from Federal taxes. In addition, the Company receives certain tax benefits from the State of California Franchise Tax Board for operating and providing loans, as well as jobs, in designated “Enterprise Zones.” The effective tax rates for these periods were 32.9%, and 35.0%, respectively. The decrease in the effective tax rate was primarily due to increases in revenues from tax exempt sources.

 

Financial Condition

 

Fair Value

 

The Company determines the fair values of financial instruments according to the guidance for fair value measurements and related disclosures. The guidance establishes a hierarchical disclosure framework associated with the level of observable pricing scenarios utilized in measuring financial instruments at fair value. The degree of judgment utilized in measuring the fair value of financial instruments generally correlates to the level of the observable pricing scenario. Financial instruments with readily available active quoted prices or for which fair value can be measured from actively quoted prices generally will have a higher degree of observable pricing and a lesser degree of judgment utilized in measuring fair value. Conversely, financial instruments rarely traded or not quoted will generally have little or no observable pricing and a higher degree of judgment utilized in measuring fair value. Observable pricing scenarios are impacted by a number of factors, including the type of financial instruments, whether the financial instrument is new to the market and not yet established and the characteristics specific to the transaction. See Note 12 of the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information about the financial instruments carried at fair value.

 

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Investment Securities

All existing investment securities are classified as available-for-sale securities. In classifying its investments as available-for-sale, the Company reports securities at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses excluded from earnings and reported, net of taxes, as accumulated other comprehensive income or loss within shareholders’ equity.

The following tables set forth the estimated market value of available-for-sale investment securities at the dates indicated:

 

Market value of securities available for sale

 

 

   March 31, 2012 
(in thousands)  Amortized
Cost
   Unrealized
Gain
   Unrealized
Loss
   Fair
Value
 
U.S. Government sponsored entities and agencies  $5,760   $169   $(12)  $5,917 
Mortgage-backed securities:                    
  U.S. Government sponsored entities and agencies   21,523    361    (32)   21,852 
  Small Business Administration   11,898    326        12,224 
Obligations of states and political subdivisions   19,185    564    (113)   19,636 
              Total  $58,366   $1,420   $(157)  $59,629 

 

 

   December 31, 2011 
(in thousands)  Amortized
Cost
   Unrealized
Gain
   Unrealized
Loss
   Fair
Value
 
U.S. Government sponsored entities and agencies  $5,868   $177   $(7)  $6,038 
Mortgage-backed securities:                    
  U.S. Government sponsored entities and agencies   17,680    352    (15)   18,017 
  Small Business Administration   12,345    285        12,630 
Obligations of states and political subdivisions   19,428    644    (52)   20,020 
              Total  $55,321   $1,458   $(74)  $56,705 

 

Management periodically evaluates each investment security for other than temporary impairment, relying primarily on industry analyst reports, observation of market conditions and interest rate fluctuations. Management believes it will be able to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the underlying investment securities and considers declines in the fair value of individual securities to be temporary.

The current investment portfolio has significant short and medium term cash flows from bond maturities and principal payments on mortgage backed securities. These funds can be used to fund new loans or reinvest in securities and should permit the Company to take advantage of future market rate increases to increase yields on both the loan and investment portfolios.

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 Loans

The Company’s lending activities are geographically concentrated in the South San Joaquin Valley, primarily in Tulare and Fresno counties. The Company offers both fixed and floating rate loans and obtains collateral in the form of real property, business assets, and deposit accounts, but looks to business and personal cash flows as the primary source of repayment.

The following table sets forth the breakdown of loans outstanding by type at the dates indicated by amount and percentage of the portfolio:

 

(dollars in  thousands)  March 31, 2012   December 31, 2011 
Commercial  $36,070    16%  $39,379    17%
Real estate – mortgage (1)   162,856    73    165,686    72 
Real estate – construction   18,582    8    19,499    8 
Agricultural   3,407    2    3,730    2 
Consumer and other   1,866    1    2,051    1 
   Subtotal   222,781    100%   230,346    100%
Deferred loan fees, net   (337)        (346)     
Allowance for loan and lease losses   (5,472)        (5,469)     
   Total loans, net  $216,972        $224,532      

 

(1) Consists primarily of commercial mortgage loans.

During the three months ended March 31, 2012, loans mostly declined in the categories of commercial and real-estate mortgage. The decline in loans was due to the volume of normal loan paydowns exceeding the volume of new loans originated by the Company and strong competition for quality loans in the Company’s target markets.

Nonperforming Assets

 

Non-performing loans at March 31, 2012 were comprised of eleven customer relationships in nonaccrual status. Nonperforming loans increased during 2012 due to the transfer of two real estate mortgage loans and one commercial loan to nonaccrual status.

 

A summary of nonperforming assets is set forth below:

 

   March 31,
2012
   December 31,
2011
   March 31,
2011
 
 (dollars in  thousands)            
Nonperforming loans  $5,753   $5,646   $7,185 
Loans past due 90 days or more and               
    still accruing            
Total nonperforming loans  $5,753   $5,646   $7,185 
                
Other real estate owned  $1,141   $1,141   $ 
Other vehicles owned            
Total nonperforming assets  $6,894   $6,787   $7,185 
                
Specific loss reserve  $1,221   $528   $2,004 
% of nonperforming assets to total loans   3.09%   2.95%   3.24%
Nonperforming loans to total loans   2.65%   2.51%   3.24%
Nonperforming assets to total assets   1.97%   1.85%   2.09%

 

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Composition of Nonaccrual, Past Due and Restructured Loans

A summary of nonaccrual, restructured and past due loans is set forth below:

   March   December 
   2012   2011   2011 
Nonaccrual  $2,847,653   $3,332,582   $3,614,505 
Restructured nonaccrual loans   2,905,351    3,852,525    2,031,624 
   $5,753,004   $7,185,107   $5,646,129 
                
                
Nonaccrual loans to total loans   2.65%   3.24%   2.51%

Our financial statements are prepared on the accrual basis of accounting, including the recognition of interest income on loans. Interest income from nonaccrual loans is recorded only if collection of principal in full is not in doubt and when and if received.

Impaired Loans

A loan is considered impaired when collection of all amounts due according to the original contractual terms is not probable. The category of impaired loans is not coextensive with the category of nonaccrual loans, although the two categories may overlap in part or in full. At March 31, 2012, the recorded investment in twenty-five loans spread among twenty customer relationships that were considered to be impaired totaled $11.6 million. The specific allowance for loan losses for impaired loans at March 31, 2012 totaled $1.2 million. At December 31, 2011, the recorded investment in nineteen loans spread among fifteen customer relationships that were considered to be impaired totaled $10.8 million. The specific allowance for loan losses for impaired loans at December 31, 2011 totaled $528,000. The reduction in impaired loans was due to normal principal repayments during the three months ended March 31, 2012. The portion of the ALLL relating to specific impaired loans was $1.2 million at March 31, 2012 and $528 thousand at December 31, 2011.

Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses

The Company maintains an allowance for loan and lease losses to provide for estimated credit losses that, as of the balance sheet date, it is probable the Company will incur. Loans determined to be impaired are evaluated individually by management for determination of the specific loss, if any, that exists as of the balance sheet date. In addition, reserve factors are assigned to currently performing loans based on historical loss rates as adjusted for current economic conditions, trends in the level and volume of past due and classified loans, and other qualitative factors.

The allowance for loan and lease losses totaled $5.5 million or 2.46% of total loans at March 31, 2012. This compared to $6.9 million or 3.03% of total loans at March 31, 2011 and $5.5 million or 2.38% at December 31, 2011. The Company recorded $3,000 in recoveries during the three months ended March 31, 2012 compared to recoveries of $7,000 during the three months ended March 31, 2011, and net charge-offs of $1.8 million during the twelve months ended December 31, 2011.

During the quarter ended March 31, 2012, management identified approximately $741,000 in loans from non-impaired to impaired status. The transfer of these loans to impaired status resulted in an individual evaluation of impairment and a corresponding increase in the allowance for loan and lease losses related to impaired loans of $187,000. In addition, the loan loss allowance related to loans previously identified as impaired increased by $506,000 due to continued deterioration in collateral. In addition, management’s analysis of loans collectively reviewed for impairment resulted in a decrease in the allowance for loan and lease losses of approximately $690,000 due to; a reduction in the volume of total loans, and certain historical charge-offs recorded prior to 2009 no longer being included in the Company’s twelve quarter historical loss analysis. As a result, no additional provision for loan losses was required during the quarter ended March 31, 2012.

The allowance for loan and lease losses is established through charges to earnings in the form of the provision for loan losses. Loan losses are charged to and recoveries are credited to the allowance for loan and lease losses. The allowance for loan and lease losses is maintained at a level deemed appropriate by management to provide for known and inherent risks in loans. The adequacy of the allowance for loan and lease losses is based upon management’s continuing assessment of various factors affecting the collectability of loans; including current economic conditions, maturity of the portfolio, size of the portfolio, industry concentrations, borrower credit history, collateral, the existing allowance for loan and lease losses, independent credit reviews, current charges and recoveries to the allowance for loan and lease losses and the overall quality of the portfolio as determined by management, regulatory agencies, and independent credit review consultants retained by the Company. There is no precise method of predicting specific losses or amounts which may ultimately be charged off on particular segments of the loan portfolio. The collectability of a loan is subjective to some degree, but must relate to the borrower’s financial condition, cash flow, quality of the borrower’s management expertise, collateral and guarantees, and state of the local economy.

 

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The following table summarizes the changes in the allowance for loan and lease losses for the periods indicated:

Changes in allowance for loan and lease losses

 

   Three Months Ended   Three Months Ended   Year Ended 
(dollars in thousands)  March 31, 2012   March 31, 2011   December 31, 2011 
             
Balance at beginning of period  $5,469   $6,699   $6,699 
Charge-offs:               
Commercial and agricultural           (1,603)
Real estate mortgage           (158)
Real estate construction           (192)
Consumer            
Total charge-offs           (1,953)
Recoveries:               
Commercial and agricultural   3    7    23 
Real estate mortgage           100 
Real estate construction            
Consumer            
Total recoveries   3    7    123 
Net recoveries/(charge-offs)   3    7    (1,830)
Provision for loan losses       225    600 
Balance at end of period  $5,472   $6,931   $5,469 
Net charge-offs to average loans outstanding   0.001%   0.003%   -0.786%
Average loans outstanding  $225,171   $233,647   $232,698 
Ending allowance to total loans  outstanding   2.46%   3.03%   2.38%

 

Premises and Equipment

 

    March 31,
2012
   December 31,
2011
 
         
Furniture and equipment  $3,305,429   $3,301,573 
Premises   6,115,354    6,115,354 
Leasehold improvements   207,342    207,342 
Land   1,461,379    1,461,379 
           
           
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization   (2,966,673)   (2,917,672)
            Total  $8,122,831   $8,167,976 

Depreciation and amortization expense included in occupancy and equipment expense totaled $136,103 and $135,534 for the three-month period ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

 

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Deposits

Total deposits were $308.1 million at March 31, 2012, a $7.8 million or 2% decrease from the December 31, 2011 total of $315.9 million. Interest-bearing deposits increased by $7.8 million or 7% and time deposits decreased by $645,000 or 1%, respectively, during the three month period ended March 31, 2012. There were no brokered deposits at March 31, 2012 or December 31, 2011.

Total deposits at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011 are summarized in the following table:

Deposit Portfolio
   (dollars in thousands) March 31, 2012     December 31, 2011 
Non-interest bearing  $113,512    37%  $128,453    41%
Interest bearing   124,199    40    116,372    37 
Time deposits   70,407    23    71,052    22 
Total  $308,118    100%  $315,877    100%

 

Federal Home Loan Bank Borrowings

The Company has utilized borrowings from the FHLB during periods when market conditions for growing the deposit base were unfavorable and for risk management purposes. At March 31, 2012, the Company had no outstanding fixed rate debt from the Federal Home Loan Bank compared to $1.0 million at December 31, 2011. The remaining principal balance of debt matured in January 2012.

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Junior Subordinated Deferrable Interest Debentures

Junior subordinated deferrable interest debentures were issued in connection with the Company’s issuance of trust preferred securities for gross proceeds of $3.0 million in the second quarter of 2003. The $3.0 million of junior subordinated deferrable interest debentures at March 31, 2012 was unchanged from December 31, 2011. The rate of interest paid on these debentures was 3.90% at March 31, 2012 compared to 3.65% at December 31, 2011.

Capital Resources

The Company’s shareholders’ equity was $35.2 million at March 31, 2012 and $42.5 million at December 31, 2011. The decrease resulted primarily from the $8.1 million repurchase of preferred stock that had been issued under the United States Treasury Capital Purchase Program in 2009 offset by net income of $859,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2012.

Management considers capital needs as part of its strategic planning process. The ability to obtain capital is dependent upon the capital markets as well as the Company’s performance. Management regularly evaluates sources of capital and the timing required to meet its strategic objectives.

The following table summarizes the Company’s Risk-Based Capital Ratios as of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011:

 

Capital and capital adequacy ratios

 

   March 31, 2012   December 31, 2011 
(dollars in thousands)  Amount   Ratio   Amount   Ratio 
Leverage Ratio                
Valley Commerce Bancorp and Subsidiary  $37,447    10.6%  $44,691    13.1%
Minimum regulatory requirement  $14,127    4.0%  $13,626    4.0%
                     
Valley Business Bank  $37,273    10.6%  $44,648    13.1%
Minimum requirement for “Well-Capitalized” institution  $17,659    5.0%  $17,032    5.0%
Minimum regulatory requirement  $14,122    4.0%  $13,621    4.0%
                     
Tier 1 Risk-Based Capital Ratio                    
Valley Commerce Bancorp and Subsidiary  $37,447    15.0%  $44,691    17.6%
Minimum regulatory requirement  $9,979    4.0%  $10,145    4.0%
                     
Valley Business Bank  $37,273    15.0%  $44,648    17.6%
Minimum requirement for “Well-Capitalized” institution  $14,969    6.0%  $15,214    6.0%
Minimum regulatory requirement  $9,979    4.0%  $10,142    4.0%
                     
Total Risk-Based Capital Ratio                    
Valley Commerce Bancorp and Subsidiary  $47,083    16.3%  $45,060    18.9%
Minimum regulatory requirement  $19,959    8.0%  $20,290    8.0%
                     
Valley Business Bank  $46,904    16.2%  $44,931    18.9%
Minimum requirement for “Well-Capitalized” institution  $24,949    10.0%  $25,356    10.0%
Minimum regulatory requirement  $19,959    8.0%  $20,285    8.0%

 

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Capital Resources (continued)

At March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, all of the Company’s capital ratios were in excess of minimum regulatory requirements, and Valley Business Bank exceeded the minimum requirements of a “well capitalized” institution.

Trust preferred securities are included in Tier 1 Capital subject to regulatory limitation. At March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, $3.0 million of trust securities was included in Tier 1 Capital.

On March 21, 2012, pursuant to the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 and following receipt of all necessary regulatory approvals, the Company repurchased the Series B and Series C Preferred Stock which was sold to the United States Department of Treasury in January 2009. The purchase price was $8,085,000 comprised of 7,700 shares of Series B Preferred Stock at $1,000 per share and 385 shares of Series C Preferred Stock at $1,000 per share. The Company had no preferred stock remaining after the transaction and made a pro-rated final dividend payment of $41,965 on the transaction date. The amount of preferred stock issued to the Treasury represented approximately 3% of the Company’s risk adjusted assets and served as Tier 1 capital. Accordingly, the impact to the Company’s risk-based capital ratios at March 31, 2012 is a decrease of 260 basis points.

Liquidity

Liquidity is the ability to provide funds to meet customers’ loan and deposit needs and to fund operations in a timely and cost effective manner. The Company’s primary source of funds is deposits. On an ongoing basis, management anticipates funding needs for loans, asset purchases, maturing deposits, and other needs and initiates deposit promotions as needed. Management measures the Company’s liquidity position monthly through the use of short-term and medium-term internal liquidity calculations. These are monitored on an ongoing basis by the Board of Directors and the Company’s Asset Liability Management Committee.

The Company has a successful history of establishing and retaining deposit relationships with business customers and periodically utilizes collateralized borrowing lines and wholesale funding resources to supplement local deposit growth. These include borrowing lines with FHLB, FRB, and correspondent banks, and utilization of brokered time deposits.

 

ITEM 3 – QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

 

Not applicable.

 

ITEM 4 – CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

 

(a) EVALUATION OF DISCLOSURE CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Based on their evaluation as of the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, the Company’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer have concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”)) are effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Company in reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in Securities and Exchange Commission rules and forms.

 

(b) CHANGES IN INTERNAL CONTROLS

There was no change in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting identified in connection with the evaluation described in paragraph (a) above that occurred during the Company’s last fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

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PART II – OTHER INFORMATION

 

 

ITEM 1 – LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

 

From time to time, the Company is a party to claims and legal proceedings arising in the ordinary course of business. In the opinion of the Company’s management, the amount of ultimate liability with respect to such proceedings will not have a material adverse effect on the financial condition or results of operations of the Company.

 

ITEM 1A – RISK FACTORS

 

In addition to the other information set forth in this report, the factors discussed in Part I, “Item 1A – Risk Factors” in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011 could materially affect its business, financial condition or future results. The risks described in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K are not the only risks facing the Company. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known or currently deemed to be immaterial also may materially adversely affect the Company’s business, financial condition and/or operating results.

 

ITEM 2 – CHANGES IN SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

 

None.

 

ITEM 3 – DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

 

None.

 

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ITEM 4 – MINE SAFTEY DISCLOSURES

 

Not applicable to the Company’s operations as a financial institution.

 

ITEM 5 – OTHER INFORMATION

 

None.

 

ITEM 6 – EXHIBITS

 

An Exhibit Index has been attached as part of this quarterly report and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

 

 

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SIGNATURES

In accordance with the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Company caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

  

  VALLEY COMMERCE BANCORP
   
Date: May 15, 2012 By: /s/ Allan W. Stone
    Allan W. Stone, President and Chief Executive Officer
   
Date: May 15, 2012 By: /s/Roy O. Estridge 
    Roy O. Estridge, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer

 

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Exhibit Index

 

 

31.1 Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification
31.2 Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification
32.1 Section 1350 Certifications

 

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