10-Q 1 form10q-125931_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 SEPTEMBER 30, 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 November 14, 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 32
   
ITEM 3 – QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK 48
   
ITEM 4 – CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES 48
   
PART II - OTHER INFORMATION 49
   
ITEM 1 LEGAL PROCEEDINGS 49
   
ITEM 1A  RISK FACTORS 49
   
ITEM 2 UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS 49
   
ITEM 3 DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES 49
   
ITEM 4 MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES 50
   
ITEM 5 OTHER INFORMATION 50
   
ITEM 6 EXHIBITS 50
   
SIGNATURES 51
   
EXHIBIT INDEX 52

 

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)

 

   September 30,
2012
   December 31,
2011
 
Assets          
Cash and due from banks  $31,843,399   $60,421,044 
Available-for-sale investment securities, at fair value (Notes 3 and 11)   55,831,000    56,705,000 
Loans, less allowance for loan and lease losses of $5,193,852 at September 30, 2012
   and $5,468,758 at December 31, 2011 (Note 4, 5, and 11)
   228,200,861    224,531,870 
Bank premises and equipment, net   7,918,597    8,167,976 
Cash surrender value of bank-owned life insurance   7,921,419    7,693,480 
Other real estate owned   1,140,547    1,140,547 
Accrued interest receivable and other assets   7,092,505    7,860,783 
Total assets  $339,948,328   $366,520,700 
Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity          
Deposits:          
Noninterest-bearing  $105,968,329   $128,453,106 
Interest-bearing   189,396,041    187,424,263 
Total deposits   295,364,370    315,877,369 
Accrued interest payable and other liabilities   4,327,420    4,044,919 
Short-term debt       1,000,000 
Junior subordinated deferrable interest debentures   3,093,000    3,093,000 
Total liabilities   302,784,790    324,015,288 
Commitments and contingencies (Note 6)          
Shareholders’ equity:          
Serial preferred stock - no par value; 10,000,000 shares authorized, issued and
   outstanding – none at September 30, 2012 and 7,700 shares class B and 385
   shares class C at December 31, 2011 (Note 4)
       7,898,800 
Common stock - no par value; 30,000,000 shares authorized; issued and outstanding –
   2,784,593 shares at September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011
   27,704,938    27,534,291 
Retained earnings   8,346,229    6,257,800 
Accumulated other comprehensive income, net of taxes (Note 3)   1,112,371    814,521 
Total shareholders’ equity   37,163,538    42,505,412 
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity  $339,948,328   $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   For the Nine Months   
   Ended September 30,   Ended September 30,     
   2012   2011   2012   2011 
Interest Income:                    
Interest and fees on loans  $3,265,028   $3,571,222   $9,838,590   $10,504,252 
Interest on investment securities:                    
Taxable   165,654    243,019    538,509    713,956 
Exempt from Federal income taxes   180,863    176,645    589,526    500,338 
Interest on deposits in banks   16,913    16,377    61,822    50,310 
Total interest income   3,628,458    4,007,263    11,028,447    11,768,856 
Interest Expense:                    
Interest on deposits   235,920    391,074    738,026    1,171,661 
Interest on term debt   5    30,121    173    92,830 
Interest on junior subordinated deferrable interest debentures   29,688    28,072    89,369    83,914 
Total interest expense   265,613    449,267    827,568    1,348,405 
Net interest income before provision for loan losses   3,362,845    3,557,996    10,200,879    10,420,451 
Provision for loan losses       150,000        375,000 
Net interest income after provision for loan losses   3,362,845    3,407,996    10,200,879    10,045,451 
Non-Interest Income:                    
Service charges   170,141    178,366    523,808    524,664 
Gain on sale of available-for-sale investment securities, net       106,677    152,224    144,143 
Gain on sale of other real estate   1,208        1,208     
Mortgage loan brokerage fees   38,974    14,434    59,976    43,553 
Earnings on cash surrender value of life insurance policies   81,365    73,156    249,009    218,998 
Other   57,228    60,884    182,634    162,656 
Total non-interest income   348,916    433,517    1,168,859    1,094,014 
Non-Interest Expense:                    
Salaries and employee benefits   1,461,406    1,481,013    4,488,822    4,254,011 
Occupancy and equipment   354,921    344,857    992,898    1,014,643 
Other   683,082    730,304    2,077,412    2,347,226 
Total non-interest expense   2,499,409    2,556,174    7,559,132    7,615,880 
Income before provision for income taxes   1,212,352    1,285,339    3,810,606    3,523,585 
Provision for income taxes   373,000    459,000    1,220,000    1,213,000 
Net income  $839,352   $826,339   $2,590,606   $2,310,585 
Dividends accrued and discount accreted on preferred
shares (Note 10)
       104,913    93,209    312,433 
Net income available to common shareholders  $839,352   $721,426   $2,497,397   $1,998,152 
Cash dividends per share  $.04   $   $.08   $ 
Basic earnings per common share (Note 8)  $0.30   $0.26   $0.90   $0.72 
Diluted earnings per common share (Note 8)  $0.30   $0.26   $0.89   $0.72 

 

See notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

5

 

VALLEY COMMERCE BANCORP

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(UNAUDITED)

 

   For the Three Months   For the Nine Months 
   Ended September 30,   Ended September 30, 
   2012   2011   2012   2011 
Net Income  $839,352   $826,339   $2,590,606   $2,310,585 
Other Comprehensive Income:                    
Unrealized Gains on Investment Securities:                    
Unrealized holding gains arising during the period,
   net of income tax expense of $(270,908) and $(736,241) for
   the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011,
   respectively and $(197,528) and $(335,897) for the quarters
   ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
   282,492    480,377    387,434    1,052,922 
Less: Reclassification adjustment for realized gains included
   in net income, net of related income tax effects of $(62,640)
   and $(59,315) for the nine months ended September 30, 2012
   and 2011, respectively and $-0- and $(43,898) for the quarters
   ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
                    
        62,779    89,584    84,828 
Other Comprehensive Income   282,492    417,598    297,850    968,094 
Total Comprehensive Income  $1,121,844   $1,243,937   $2,888,456   $3,278,679 

 

6

 

VALLEY COMMERCE BANCORP

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

(UNAUDITED)

 

   For the Nine Months 
   Ended September 30, 
   2012   2011 
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:          
Net income  $2,590,606   $2,310,585 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:          
Provision for loan losses       375,000 
Increase (decrease) in deferred loan origination fees, net   39,922    (61,856)
Depreciation   411,581    412,592 
Gain on sale of available-for-sale investment securities, net   (152,224)   (144,143)
Amortization of premiums on investment securities, net   403,572    311,384 
Increase in cash surrender value of bank-owned life insurance   (227,939)   (199,837)
Stock-based compensation expense, net   170,648    102,425 
Loss (gain) on disposition of premises and equipment   1,003    (158)
Loss on sale of other real estate   1,208     
Decrease in accrued interest receivable and other assets   710,678    683,714 
Increase in accrued interest payable and other liabilities   74,233    215,418 
        Net cash provided by operating activities   4,023,288    4,005,124 
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:          
Proceeds from matured and called available-for-sale investment securities   4,203,288    75,000 
Proceeds from sales of available-for-sale investment securities   3,558,372    7,733,086 
Purchases of available-for-sale investment securities   (10,228,523)   (23,576,253)
Proceeds from principal repayments from available-for-sale
mortgage-backed securities
   6,073,921    3,975,946 
Redemption (purchase) of Federal Home Loan Bank Stock, net   57,600    (95,600)
Net (increase) decrease in loans   (4,035,719)   6,939,181 
Purchase of premises and equipment   (166,205)   (176,646)
Proceeds from sale of premises and equipment   3,000    600 
Proceeds from sale of other real estate   325,598     
        Net cash used in investing activities   (2,686,956)   (5,124,686)

 

Continued on next page.

 

7

 

VALLEY COMMERCE BANCORP

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

(UNAUDITED)

(Continued)

 

   For the Nine Months 
   Ended September 30, 
   2012   2011 
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:          
(Decrease) increase in noninterest-bearing and interest-bearing deposits  $(17,966,511)  $6,479,067 
Net decrease in time deposits   (2,546,489)   (10,915,298)
Redemption of preferred stock   (8,085,000)    
Proceed from exercised stock options       32,500 
Cash dividends paid on preferred stock   (93,209)   (312,433)
Cash dividends paid on common stock   (222,768)    
Principal payments on short-term debt   (1,000,000)   (257,842)
Cash paid to repurchase fractional shares       (2,529)
Net cash used in financing activities   (29,913,977)   (4,976,535)
Decrease in cash and cash equivalents   (28,577,645)   (6,096,097)
Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Year   60,421,044    32,667,967 
Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period  $31,843,399   $26,571,870 
Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information:          
Cash paid during the period for:          
Interest expense  $860,618   $1,380,994 
Income taxes  $660,000   $845,000 

 

 

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 September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, the results of its operations for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2012 and 2011 and its cash flows for the nine months ended September 30, 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.

 

On May 22, 2012 the Company declared a $0.04 cash dividend payable on June 28, 2012 for all shareholders of record on June 17, 2012 and on August 21, 2012 the Company declared a $0.04 cash dividend payable on September 27, 2012 for all shareholders of record on September 6, 2012.

9

  

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, as described further below.

 

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

 

   September 30, 2012 
       Gross   Gross   Estimated 
   Amortized   Unrealized   Unrealized   Fair 
   Cost   Gains   Losses   Value 
                     
Debt securities:                    
U.S. Government sponsored                    
entities and agencies  $5,592,422   $196,578   $   $5,789,000 
Mortgage-backed securities:                    
U.S. Government sponsored                    
entities and agencies   18,150,607    477,393        18,628,000 
Small Business Administration   10,988,685    356,315        11,345,000 
Obligations of states and                    
political subdivisions   19,209,106    885,583    (25,689)   20,069,000 
   $53,940,820   $1,915,869   $(25,689)  $55,831,000 

 

Net unrealized gains on available-for-sale investment securities totaling $1,890,180 were recorded, net of $777,809 in income taxes, as accumulated other comprehensive income within shareholders’ equity at September 30, 2012. There were no sales during the three month period ended September 30, 2012. Proceeds and gross realized gains from the sale of available-for-sale investment securities for the nine month period ended September 30, 2012 totaled $3,558,372 and $152,224, respectively. There were no investment securities sold at a loss during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 or 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 income taxes, 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 September 30, 2011 totaled $1,822,656 and $106,677, respectively. Proceeds and gross realized gains from the sale of available-for-sale investment securities for the nine month period ended September 30, 2011 totaled $7,733,086 and $144,143, respectively.

 

Investment securities with unrealized losses at September 30, 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:                              
Obligations of states and                              
political subdivisions  $187,000   $(4,162)  $1,134,000   $(21,527)  $1,321,000   $(25,689)
   $187,000   $(4,162)  $1,134,000   $(21,527)  $1,321,000   $(25,689)

 

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 sponsored                              
entities and 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 September 30, 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 September 30, 2012 and identified those that had an unrealized loss for at least a consecutive 12 month period, which had an unrealized loss at September 30, 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 downgraded 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.

11
Index

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

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 September 30, 2012 resulted in all unrealized losses in the investment portfolio being recognized in other comprehensive income.

 

Obligations of States and Political Subdivisions

 

At September 30, 2012, the Company held 51 obligations of states and political subdivision securities of which one was in a loss position for less than twelve months and two 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 and changes in market interest rates. 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 September 30, 2012 are summarized in the table below.

 

   Book   Market   Unrealized       State       Moody’s   S&P 
Description  Value   Value   Loss   Type   Issued   Insurer   Rating   Rating 
Du Page County SD  $ 591,063   $ 584,000   $ (7,063)    GO     IL     AGC     Aa     AA- 
Grand Lakes Util Dist   564,464    550,000    (14,464)   GO    TX    AGM    Aa3    AA- 
Gonzales USD   191,162    187,000    (4,162)   ZGO    CA    AGM    Aa3    AA- 
   $1,346,689   $1,321,000   $(25,689)                         

 

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 September 30, 2012.

 

The amortized cost and estimated fair value of investment securities at September 30, 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   4,020,828    4,138,000 
After five years through ten years   3,005,286    3,076,000 
After ten years   17,775,414    18,644,000 
    24,801,528    25,858,000 
Investment securities not due at a single          
maturity date:          
Mortgage-backed securities   29,139,292    29,973,000 
           
   $53,940,820   $55,831,000 

 

There were $36,788,000 and $38,367,000 of investment securities pledged to secure public deposits at September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively.

12

4.          LOANS

 

Outstanding loans are summarized below, in thousands:

 

   September 30,
2012
   December 31,
2011
 
Commercial  $39,976,678   $39,379,268 
Real estate – mortgage   172,715,551    165,685,966 
Real estate – construction   15,178,846    19,499,158 
Agricultural   3,909,712    3,730,466 
Consumer and other   1,999,533    2,051,455 
    233,780,320    230,346,313 
           
Deferred loan fees,  net   (385,607)   (345,685)
Allowance for loan and lease losses   (5,193,852)   (5,468,758)
   $228,200,861   $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 September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, and for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011 by portfolio segment and by impairment methodology:

 

As of and for the three months ended September 30, 2012
                        
     Real   Real       Consumer     
     Estate -   Estate-       And     
  Commercial   Mortgage   Construction   Agricultural   Other   Total 
Allowance for Credit Losses                              
Beginning balance:  $1,687,249   $554,269   $2,915,981   $45,320   $72,914   $5,275,733 
   Charge-offs                   (96,156)   (96,156)
   Recoveries   14,275                    14,275 
   Provision   (50,000)               50,000     
Ending balance allocated to portfolio segments  $1,651,524   $554,269   $2,915,981   $45,320   $26,758  $5,193,852 

 

As of and for the three months ended September 30, 2011
                         
      Real   Real       Consumer     
      Estate -   Estate -       And     
   Commercial   Mortgage   Construction   Agricultural   Other   Total 
Allowance for Credit Losses                              
Beginning balance:  $2,774,394   $798,059   $3,341,076   $45,320   $72,914   $7,031,763 
   Charge-offs   (1,598,464)               (200)   (1,598,664)
   Recoveries   5,234                200    5,434 
   Provision   150,000                    150,000 
Ending balance allocated to portfolio segments  $1,331,164   $798,059   $3,341,076   $45,320   $72,914   $5,588,533 

 

As of and for the nine months ended September 30, 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   $45,320   $72,914   $5,468,758 
   Charge-offs   (950)   (85,782)   (233,095)       (96,156)   (415,983)
   Recoveries   141,077                    141,077 
   Provision   (50,000)               50,000     
Ending balance allocated to portfolio segments  $1,651,524   $554,269   $2,915,981   $45,320   $26,758  $5,193,852 
Individually evaluated                              
   for impairment  $264,136   $133,742   $206,759   $   $   $604,637 
Collectively evaluated                              
   for impairment   1,387,388    420,527    2,709,222    45,320    26,758   4,589,215 
Total  $1,651,524   $554,269   $2,915,981   $45,320   $26,758  $5,193,852 



Loans
                              
Ending balance: individually                              
evaluated for impairment  $2,050,080   $5,812,152   $1,347,286   $   $   $9,209,518 
Ending balance: collectively                              
evaluated for impairment   37,926,598    166,903,399    13,831,560    3,909,712    1,999,533    224,570,802 
Total  $39,976,678   $172,715,551   $15,178,846   $3,909,712   $1,999,533   $233,780,320 

 

* The negative ending balance is attributable to charge-off of loss exposures that were not present at beginning of the period.

 

14
Index

 
5.          ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN AND LEASE LOSSES (Continued)

As of and for the nine months ended September 30, 2011
                         
      Real   Real       Consumer     
      Estate -   Estate -       And     
   Commercial   Mortgage   Construction   Agriculture   Other   Total 
Allowance for Credit Losses                              
Beginning balance:  $2,641,106   $608,792   $3,327,863   $40,409   $80,782   $6,698,952 
   Charge-offs   (1,602,820)               (200)   (1,603,000)
   Recoveries   17,409    99,992            200    117,601 
   Provision   275,469    89,275    13,213    4,911    (7,868)   375,000 
Ending balance allocated to  portfolio segments  $1,331,164   $798,059   $3,341,076   $45,320   $72,914   $5,588,533 
Individually evaluated                              
   for impairment  $93,455   $   $322,432   $   $   $415,887 
Collectively evaluated                              
   for impairment   1,237,709    798,059    3,018,644    45,320    72,914    5,172,646 
Total  $1,331,164   $798,059   $3,341,076   $45,320   $72,914   $5,588,533 



Loans
                              
Ending balance: individually                              
   evaluated for impairment  $1,051,718   $6,641,665   $2,900,116   $   $   $10,593,499 
Ending balance: collectively                              
   evaluated for impairment   44,198,199    162,357,694    19,879,915    4,374,635    2,156,112    232,966,555 
Total  $43,146,481   $155,716,029   $16,979,799   $4,374,635   $2,156,112   $222,373,056 

 

 

As of December 31, 2011                        
                        
     Real   Real            
     Estate -   Estate -      Consumer     
  Commercial   Mortgage   Construction   Agricultural   And 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   $3,730,466   $2,051,455   $219,535,822 
Total  $39,379,268   $165,685,966   $19,499,158   $3,730,466   $2,051,455   $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 except pools of homogeneous 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 September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011:

 

  Commercial Credit Exposure 
  Credit Risk Profile by Internally Assigned Grade    
As of September 30, 2012  Commercial   Real Estate –
Mortgage
   Real Estate –
Construction
   Agriculture   Consumer and
Other
   Total 
Grade:                              
Pass  $31,495,552   $146,706,832   $7,453,204   $3,909,712   $1,859,374   $191,424,674 
Watch   3,027,519    2,737,675    4,043,524        140,159    9,948,877 
Special Mention   3,055,512    7,348,183    1,512,378            11,916,073 
Substandard   2,398,095    15,922,861    2,169,740            20,490,696 
Doubtful                        
Total  $39,976,678   $172,715,551   $15,178,846   $3,909,712   $1,999,533   $233,780,320 

 

 

  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 September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011:

 

  30-89 Days
Past Due
   90 Days and
Still
Accruing
   Nonaccrual   Total
Past Due
   Current   Total 
As of September 30, 2012                              
 
Commercial:
                              
Commercial and  industrial  $2   $   $941,437   $941,437   $18,766,793   $19,708,230 
Commercial lines                   18,354,339    18,354,339 
Commercial guaranteed                   1,914,109    1,914,109 
Agricultural:                              
Agricultural                   3,570,841    3,570,841 
Agricultural Capital    assets                   338,871    338,871 
Real Estate-Construction:                              
Construction                   10,044,891    10,044,891 
Construction 1-4 family                   2,384,668    2,384,668 
Construction loan others           531,826    531,826    2,217,461    2,749,287 
Real Estate-Mortgage:                              
Mortgage 1-4 family                   7,723,097    7,723,097 
Real Estate       3,117,700    3,117,700    152,646,288    155,763,988      
Real Estate – Ag                   5,627,080    5,627,080 
Home Equity loans                   3,601,386    3,601,386 
Consumer and Other:                              
Auto                   119,400    119,400 
Consumer           143,256    143,256           
Other                   1,736,877    1,736,877 
Total  $   $   $4,590,963   $4,590,963   $229,189,357   $233,780,320 

 

  30-89 Days
Past Due
   90 Days and
Still
Accruing
   Nonaccrual   Total
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 
Real Estate-Mortgage:                              
Mortgage 1-4 family   200,000            200,000    10,062,785    10,262,85 
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 and Other:                              
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 

 

Foregone interest on nonaccrual loans totaled $470,990 and $539,503 for the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2012 and September 30, 2011, respectively. Foregone interest on nonaccrual loans totaled $14,355 and $70,767 for the three-month periods ended September 30, 2012, and September 30, 2011, respectively. There were no accruing loans past due 90 days or more at September 30, 2012 or December 31, 2011.

 

17
Index

 
5.          ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN AND LEASE LOSSES (Continued)

The following tables show information related to impaired loans as of September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011:

 

  Unpaid         
  Recorded   Principal   Related 
  Investment   Balance   Allowance 
Impaired loans as of September 30, 2012               
 
With no related allowance recorded:
               
Commercial  $1,614,411   $1,656,474   $ 
Agriculture            
Real estate – mortgage   5,155,383    6,736,029     
Real estate – construction   531,826    581,480     
Consumer and other            
With an allowance recorded:               
Commercial  $435,669   $443,540   $264,136 
Agriculture            
Real estate – mortgage   656,769    706,872    133,742 
Real estate – construction   815,460    1,884,461    206,759 
Consumer and other            
Total:               
Commercial  $2,050,080   $2,100,014   $264,136 
Agriculture            
Real estate – mortgage   5,812,152    7,442,901    133,742 
Real estate – construction   1,347,286    2,465,941    206,759 
Consumer and other            

 

  Unpaid         
  Recorded   Principal   Related 
  Investment   Balance   Allowance 
Impaired loans as of December 31, 2011               
 
With no related allowance recorded:
               
Commercial  $1,542,086   $1,542,086   $ 
Agriculture            
Real estate – mortgage   5,390,510    6,708,381     
Real estate – construction   2,473,029    3,832,712     
Consumer and other            
With an allowance recorded:               
Commercial  $479,488   $482,274   $230,074 
Agriculture            
Real estate – mortgage   696,307    722,848    169,013 
Real estate – construction   229,071    229,071    129,260 
Consumer and other            
Total:               
Commercial  $2,021,574   $2,024,360   $230,074 
Agriculture            
Real estate – mortgage   6,086,817    7,431,229    169,013 
Real estate – construction   2,702,100    4,061,783    129,260 
Consumer and other            

 

18
Index

 
5.          ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN AND LEASE LOSSES (Continued)

The following tables show information related to impaired loans for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011:

 

   For the three
months ended
September 30, 2012
   For the nine
months ended
September 30, 2012
 
                 
   Average   Interest   Average   Interest 
   Recorded   Income   Recorded   Income 
   Investment   Recognized   Investment   Recognized 
With no related allowance recorded:                    
Commercial  $1,787,906   $13,571   $1,945,508   $47,595 
Agriculture                
Real estate – mortgage   5,833,096    21,247    6,799,500    141,727 
Real estate – construction   1,010,418        927,416    129,389 
Consumer and other                
                     
With an allowance recorded:                    
Commercial  $642,072   $8,391   $467,240   $17,750 
Agriculture                
Real estate – mortgage   1,715,757    19,800    715,709    10,834 
Real estate – construction   1,921,093    24,270    1,915,407    80,318 
Consumer and other                
                     
Total:                    
Commercial  $2,429,978   $21,962   $2,412,748   $65,345 
Agriculture                
Real estate – mortgage   7,548,853    41,047    7,515,209    152,561 
Real estate – construction   2,931,511    24,270    2,842,823    209,707 
Consumer and other                

 

   For the three
months ended
September 30, 2011
   For the Nine
months ended
September 30, 2011
 
                 
   Average   Interest   Average   Interest 
   Recorded   Income   Recorded   Income 
   Investment   Recognized   Investment   Recognized 
With no related allowance recorded:                    
Commercial  $1,468,923   $831   $1,364,447   $1,750 
Agriculture                
Real estate – mortgage   5,999,987    8,611    7,760,925    19,431 
Real estate – construction   3,023,093    26,182    3,022,740    77,977 
Consumer and other                  
                     
With an allowance recorded:                    
Commercial  $750,678   $11,795   $96,890   $39,247 
Agriculture                
Real estate – mortgage   1,010,993    16,425        49,068 
Real estate – construction   1,048,240    2,965    1,047,517    8,759 
Consumer and other                
                     
Total:                    
Commercial  $2,219,601   $12,626   $1,461,337   $40,997 
Agriculture                
Real estate – mortgage   7,010,980    25,036    7,760,925    68,499 
Real estate – construction   4,071,333    29,147    4,070,257    86,736 
Consumer and other                

19
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 twelve loans identified as troubled debt restructures at September 30, 2012, two 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 concessions related to below market interest rates. When a troubled loan is restructured it is normally placed in nonaccrual status until it is evident that the borrower will perform in accordance with the modified terms. The Company’s policy is to require satisfactory payments for a minimum of six months 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 September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011 is set forth below:

 

   September 30, 2012   December 31, 2011 
   No. of 
Loans
   Amount   Specific loan
loss reserves
   No. of
Loans
   Amount   Specific loan
loss reserves
 
                         
Nonperforming Loans   5   $2,151,120   $65,710    5   $2,031,624   $85,528 
Performing Loans   7    1,846,103    405,185    6    1,809,850    273,806 
Total troubled debt
   restructured loans
   12   $3,997,223   $470,895    11   $3,841,474   $359,334 

   

20
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 nine month period ended September 30, 2012:

 

   Modifications         
   During the Nine Months
ended September 30, 2012
         
             
             
       Pre-Modification   Post-Modification 
       Outstanding Recorded   Outstanding Recorded 
   Number of Contracts   Investments   Investments 
             
Troubled Debt Restructuring:               
     Commercial  7   $2,037,347   $1,583,472 
     Real Estate – Mortgage  3    2,133,239    1,598,290 
     Real Estate-Construction  2    837,058    815,461 

 

   Modifications         
   During the Three Months
ended September 30, 2012
         
             
             
       Pre-Modification   Post-Modification 
       Outstanding Recorded   Outstanding Recorded 
   Number of Contracts   Investments   Investments 
             
Troubled Debt Restructuring:               
     Commercial  1   $391,588   $88,588 

 

A loan is considered to be in payment default once it is 90 days past due under the modified terms. There were no payment defaults during the nine months ended September 30, 2012 for loans modified as troubled debt restructurings within the twelve months ended September 30, 2011.

 

The troubled debt restructurings described above increased specific reserves on impaired loans by $471,000 and resulted in no charge offs during the nine months ended September 30, 2012.

 

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.

21
Index

 
5.          ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN AND LEASE LOSSES (Continued)

Loans modified during the three and nine month periods ending September 30, 2012 that do not meet the definition of troubled debt restructures are summarized below:

 

   For the nine
months ended
   For the three
months ended
 
   September 30,
2012
   September 30,
2012
 
         
Commercial  $4,934,563   $910,729 
Real Estate-Mortgage   2,551,092    2,397,888 
Real Estate-Construction   1,509,475    1,509,475 
Agricultural   560,000     
Consumer and Other   82,915     
           
Total  $9,638,045   $4,818,092 

 

 

6.          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 $26.5 million and $31.8 million and letters of credit of $485,000 and $475,000 at September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011.

 

At September 30, 2012, consumer loan commitments, which are generally unsecured, represent approximately 9% 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 54% of total commitments and are generally secured by various assets of the borrower. Real estate loan commitments represent the remaining 29% 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 September 30, 2012 or December 31, 2011.

22

7.         STOCK BASED COMPENSATION

 

The Company has two active share based compensation plans; the Valley Commerce Bancorp 2007 Equity Incentive Plan (“Incentive Plan”) for which 92,490 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.

 

During the three and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2011, the Company awarded 1,050 and 1,877 shares of restricted stock, respectively. The restricted stock will vest in two-years from the date of grant. There was no restricted stock granted during the 2012 periods.

 

During the nine-month period ended September 30, 2012, the Company awarded 23,461 incentive stock options and 57,500 nonqualified stock options to its officers and directors, respectively, at an average price of $8.40 per option. There were no options issued during the three month period ended September 30, 2012.

 

During the nine-month period ended September 30, 2011 there were 2,100 incentive stock options and 8,400 non-qualified stock options granted to the Company’s officers and directors, respectively, at a price of $7.81 per option. There were no stock options issued in the three month period ended September 30, 2011.

 

The fair value of each award granted is estimated on the grant date using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. Fair value of the grant is based on the weighted-average assumptions show in the table below.

 

   Nine Months Ended   Nine Months Ended 
   September 30, 2012   September 30, 2011 
Dividend yield  $    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   $5.27 

 

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 $170,648 and $102,425for the nine month periods ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively. Compensation cost related to stock options recognized in operating results was $38,406 and $17,547 for the three month periods ended September 30, 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 nine-month periods ended September 30, 2012 or 2011.

23
Index

 
7.          STOCK BASED COMPENSATION (Continued)

The following table summarizes information about stock option activity for the nine months ended September 30, 2012:

 

  

For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 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 cancelled                  
Options outstanding at September 30, 2012   69,092    10.21    5.89 years   $74,745(1)
Options vested or expected to vest
   after September 30, 2012
   47,716    10.14    4.45 years   $25,445(1)
Options exercisable at September 30, 2012   47,097    10.48    4.73 years   $46,087(1)
                     
Nonstatutory:                    
Options outstanding at January 1, 2012   68,554   $10.62           
Options granted   57,500    8.38           
Options exercised                  
Options cancelled                  
Options outstanding at September 30, 2012   126,054    9.60     5.89 years   $179,910(1)
Options vested or expected to vest
   after September 30, 2012
   88,926    8.22    3.45 years  $113,822(1)
Options exercisable at September 30, 2012   87,770    9.98     4.37 years   $113,822(1)

 

(1)17,943 non-statutory options and 29,519 incentive options are excluded from intrinsic value from table above because the exercise price is greater than the stock price at September 30, 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 September 30, 2012. There were no options exercised during the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011. There were no shares of restricted stock issued during the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2,877 during the 2011 period. There were 80,961 and 10,500 options granted during the periods ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively. The total fair value of shares vested during the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011 was $557,430 and $49,119, respectively.

 

Management estimates expected forfeitures and recognizes compensation costs only for those equity awards expected to vest. As of September 30, 2012, there was $267,316 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 1.29 years and will be adjusted for subsequent changes in estimated forfeitures.

24

8.          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   For the Nine Months 
   Ended September 30,   Ended September 30, 
   2012   2011   2012   2011 
Net Income:                    
Net income  $839,352   $826,339   $2,590,606   $2,310,585 
Dividends accrued and discounts                    
   accreted on preferred shares       104,913    93,209    312,433 
Net income allocated to common                    
   shareholders  $839,352   $721,426   $2,497,397   $1,998,152 
Earnings Per Share:                    
Basic earnings per share  $0.30   $0.26   $0.90   $0.72 
Diluted earnings per share  $0.30   $0.26   $0.89   $0.72 
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding:                    
Basic shares   2,784,593    2,764,890    2,784,593    2,763,285 
Diluted shares   2,801,392    2,771,668    2,792,100    2,770,382 

 

There were 47,462 options excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2012, respectively, and 108,909 excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2011, respectively, as they were identified as anti-dilutive.

25

9.          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. Differences arise between the Company’s effective tax rate and applicable statutory rates due primarily to non-taxable sources of income and non-deductible sources of expenses.

 

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 nine months ended September 30, 2012.

 

10.         SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

Common Stock

On May 22, 2012, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized a common stock repurchase plan. The plan provides for the repurchase of up to $3,000,000 of the Company’s Common Stock. The number price and timing of the repurchase is at the Company’s sole discretion. The stock repurchase plan will expire on May 22, 2013. There were no shares repurchased during the three or nine months ended September 30, 2012.

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.

26

11.          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.

 

Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011 are summarized below:

 

   September 30, 2012 
Description  Fair Value   Level 1   Level 2   Level 3 
                 
Available-for-sale investment securities                    
Debt securities:                    
      U.S. Government sponsored entities and agencies  $5,789,000   $   $5,789,000   $ 
Mortgage-backed securities:                    
U.S. Government sponsored agencies – residential   18,628,000        18,628,000     
      Small Business Administration   11,345,000        11,345,000     
Obligations of states and political subdivisions   20,069,000        20,069,000     
             Total assets measured at fair value  $55,831,000   $   $55,831,000   $ 

 

   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 agencies – residential   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   $ 

27
Index

 
11.          FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENT (Continued)

During the nine month period ended September 30, 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 September 30, 2012 or December 31, 2011.

 

Assets measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis as of September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011 are summarized below:

 

   Fair Value Measurements at September 30, 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:
                         
Commercial  $808,000   $   $   $808,000   $(35,000)
Real estate – mortgage   2,726,000            2,726,000    (51,000)
Real estate – construction   609,000            609,000    (78,000)
Consumer and other                   (96,156)
Other real estate owned   1,141,000            1,141,000      
   $5,284,000   $   $   $5,284,000   $(260,156)

 

   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:
                         
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)

 

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. Impaired loans with current appraisals that have been discounted to liquidation value through additional market research of comparable properties are 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

28
Index

 
11.          FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENT (Continued)

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Income. The recorded investment in impaired loans was $4,748,000 and $5,588,000 with a valuation allowance of $5,889,000 and $6,729,000 at September 30, 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 one commercial property in December 2011, resulting in $1,140,547 in other real estate owned at September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011. The Company foreclosed a real estate-construction property in May 2012, and sold it in July 2012.

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 September 30, 2012.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The carrying amounts and estimated fair values of financial instruments, at September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011 are as follows:

 

       Fair Value Measurements at September 30, 2012 Using: 
Financial assets:  Carrying Value   Level 1   Level 2   Level 3   Total Fair Value 
Cash and cash equivalents  $31,843,399   $31,843,399   $   $   $31,843,399 
Investment securities   55,831,000        55,831,000        55,831,000 
Loans, net   228,200,861            221,513,297    221,513,297 
FHLB stock   1,398,700                N/A 
Accrued interest receivable   1,150,030        365,187    784,843    1,150,030 
Financial liabilities:                         
Deposits  $295,364,370    189,406,019    105,968,329        295,374,348 
Junior subordinated deferrable                    
  interest debentures   3,093,000            835,110    835,110 
Accrued interest payable   48,619        21,195    27,424    48,619 

 

       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   $   $315,984,361   $   $315,984,361 
Short term debt   1,000,000        1,075,000        1,075,000 
Junior subordinated deferrable                            
  interest debentures   3,093,000            804,180    804,180 
Accrued interest payable   81,669        24,192    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.

29
Index

 
11.          FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENT (Continued)

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.

 

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.

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12.           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 11.

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.

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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.

32

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 $839,000, or $0.30 per diluted share for the three months ended September 30, 2012, compared to $826,000 or $0.26 per diluted share for the three months ended September 30, 2011. The Company earned net income of $2.6 million or $0.89 per diluted share, for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2012, compared to $2.3 million, or $0.72 per diluted share, for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2011. The annualized return on average assets was 0.99% for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 0.89% for the same period of 2011. The annualized return on average common shareholders’ equity for the nine month periods ended September 30, 2012 and 2011 was 9.04% and 7.70%, respectively. The increase in earnings in the three month periods ended September 30, 2012 was primarily due to decreased provision for loan losses and decreases in interest expense and non-interest expense. The increase in earnings in the nine month period ended September 30, 2012 was primarily due to decreases in provision for loan losses and interest expense, increased non-interest income, and decreased non-interest expense.

At September 30, 2012, the Company’s total assets were $339.9 million, a $26.6 million or 8% decrease from total assets of $366.5 at December 31, 2011, and a decrease of $741,000 or 0.2% compared to September 30, 2011. Total loans were $228.2 million at September 30, 2012, an increase of $3.7 million or 2% compared to December 31, 2011, and an increase of $1.1 million or 0.5% compared to September 30, 2011. The increase in loan volume in both periods was primarily attributable to increases in commercial real estate mortgage loans, offset by decreases in construction loans.

Total deposits were $295.4 million at September 30, 2012, a decrease of $20.5 million or 6% from total deposits of $315.9 million at December 31, 2011, and an increase of $5.5 million or 2% compared to September 30, 2011. The decline in deposits from year end 2011 resulted from the expected outflow of significant non-interest bearing deposits received in December 2011. 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. There were no brokered deposits at September 30, 2012 or December 31, 2011 compared to $9.1 million at September 30, 2011.

At September 30, 2012, the Company’s Leverage Ratio was 11.2% while its Tier 1 Risk-Based Capital Ratio and Total Risk-Based Capital Ratio were 15.2% and 16.5%, 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 September 30, 2011 were 12.7%, 17.5% and 18.8%, respectively. The Company’s capital ratios decreased during the nine months ended September 30, 2012 primarily due to the repurchase of $8.1 million of preferred stock issued under the U.S. Treasury Capital Purchase Program offset by net income earned during the period.

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Results of Operations for the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012 and 2011

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 nine-month periods indicated:

 

   Average balances and weighted average yields and costs 
   Nine Months ended September 30, 
   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  $30,543   $62    0.27%  $26,578   $50    0.25%
Available-for-sale investment securities:                              
Taxable   36,836    538    1.95%   40,920    715    2.34%
Exempt from Federal income taxes (1)   19,216    589    6.20%   16,035    500    6.32%
Total securities (1)   56,052    1,127    3.41%   56,955    1,215    3.46%
Loans (2) (3)   225,644    9,839    5.82%   233,148    10,504    6.02%
Total interest-earning assets (1)   312,239    11,028    4.85%   316,681    11,769    5.08%
                               
Noninterest-earning assets, net of allowance for loan losses   37,091              29,067           
Total assets  $349,330             $345,748           
                               
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY                              
Deposits:                              
Other interest bearing  $124,219   $364    0.39%  $121,391   $430    0.47%
Time deposits less than $100,000   20,555    108    0.70%   21,585    152    0.94%
Time deposits $100,000 or more   49,343    266    0.72%   61,249    589    1.29%
Total interest-bearing deposits   194,117    738    0.51%   204,225    1,171    0.77%
Term debt   8        %   2,425    93    5.13%
Junior subordinated deferrable interest debentures   3,093    90    3.89%   3,093    84    3.63%
Total interest-bearing liabilities   197,218    828    0.56%   209,743    1,348    0.86%
                               
Noninterest-bearing deposits   109,565              92,262           
Other liabilities   4,269              3,608           
Total liabilities   311,052              305,613           
Shareholders’ equity   38,278              40,135           
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity  $349,330             $345,748           
                               
Net interest income and margin (1)       $10,200    4.49%       $10,421    4.51%

 

(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 $129 and $107 interest received on nonaccrual loans for the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively. There was $12 and $63 interest reversed on loan transferred to nonaccrual status for the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
(3)  Interest income on loans includes amortized loan fees, net of costs, of $362 and $382 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 nine-month periods ended September 30, 2012 and 2011.

 

Changes in net interest income due to changes in volumes and rates
             
   Nine months ended September 30, 2012 vs. September 30, 2011 
   due to change in: 
   Average   Average     
   Volume   Rate (1)   Total 
             
(In thousands)               
Increase (decrease) in interest income:               
Due from banks  $7   $5   $12 
Investment securities               
Taxable   (72)   (105)   (177)
Exempt from Federal income taxes   151    (62)   89 
Total securities   79    (167)   (88)
Loans   (338)   (327)   (665)
Total interest income   (252)   (489)   (741)
                
Increase (decrease) in interest expense:               
Other interest bearing deposits   10    (76)   (66)
Time deposits less than $100,000   (7)   (37)   (44)
Time deposits $100,000 or more   (115)   (208)   (323)
Total interest-bearing deposits   (112)   (321)   (433)
Term debt   (93)       (93)
Junior subordinated deferrable interest debentures       6    6 
Total interest expense   (205)   (315)   (520)
Decrease in net interest income  $(47)  $(174)  $(221)

(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 $10.2 million for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2012 compared to $10.4 million for the same period of 2011, a decrease of $221,000 or 2%. Changes in the volumes of the Company’s interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities caused the Company’s net interest income to decrease by $47,000, and changes in interest rates on these same accounts caused net interest income to decrease by $174,000.

The decrease in net interest income was primarily caused by a reduction in investment securities and loan volumes offset by rate reductions on interest-bearing liabilities. The average rate paid on interest-bearing liabilities was 0.56% in the 2012 period compared to 0.86% in the 2011 period, a reduction of 30 basis points. Average total interest-bearing liabilities in the 2012 period decreased by $12.5 million or 6% compared to the 2011 period. This included a decrease of $12.9 million or 16% in average time deposits due to maturing time deposits that were not renewed. Average term debt decreased by $2.4 million or 100% due to scheduled maturities.

Total interest income for the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2012 and 2011 was $11.0 million and $11.8 million, respectively, a decrease of $741,000 or 6%, that was primarily attributable to decreased loan volume and investment security yield. Average loans decreased by $7.5 million or 3%. The Company’s interest income from loans decreased by $665,000 due to the impact of the average yield on loans decreasing from 6.02% in the 2011 period to 5.82% in the 2012 period, a change of 20 basis points. The decrease in the average yield on loans was due to older loans with higher rates maturing and being replaced with new loans reflecting the current rate environment. The decrease in average loan yield was primarily due to normal repricing activity. At September 30, 2012, approximately 68% of the Company’s loan portfolio was comprised of variable rate loans of which 49% were at their floor rate.

35

The yield on investment securities decreased from 3.46% in the 2011 period to 3.41% in the 2012 period due to sales of higher yielding taxable securities offset by purchases of tax exempt securities.

The Company’s net interest margin on a taxable equivalent basis decreased 2 basis points from 4.51% in the nine-month period ended September 30, 2011 to 4.49% in the nine-month period ended September 30, 2012 due to the factors discussed in this section which were largely offsetting.

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 nine months ended September 30, 2012 compared to a $375,000 provision for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2011. Management determined the provision for loan losses for the period ended September 30, 2012 after consideration of current economic conditions in the Bank’s primary markets and changes in the volume and valuation of impaired loans. See the sections below titled “Allowance for Loan Losses.”

Non-Interest Income

Non-interest income for the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2012 and 2011 totaled $1.2 million and $1.1 million, respectively, an increase of $75,000 or 7%. The components of non-interest income during each period were as follows:

 

Non-interest income

   Nine Months ended
September 30,
     
(in thousands)  2012   2011   Increase
(Decrease)
 
Service charges  $524   $525   $(1)
Gain on sale of available-for-sale investment securities   152    144    8 
Gain on sale of other real estate   1        1 
Mortgage loan brokerage fees   60    44    16 
Earnings on cash surrender value of life insurance policies   249    219    30 
Other   183    162    21 
    Total non-interest income  $1,169   $1,094   $75 

Mortgage loan brokerage fees increased by $16,000 due to increased real estate loan underwriting activity. The gain on sale of investment securities increased by $8,000 as the Company executed planned investment strategies. Earnings on cash surrender value of life insurance policies increased by $30,000 due to the purchase of an additional policy in the latter part 2011. The other category increased by $21,000 due to increased earnings on foreign customer ATM fees.

 

36

Non-Interest Expense

For the first nine months of 2012 and 2011, non-interest expense remained constant at $7.6 million. Salaries and employee benefit expense increased by $235,000 or 6% during the nine months ended September 30, 2012 mostly due to the expense of stock options granted in 2012. These increases were offset by a $208,000 or 48% decrease in FDIC insurance assessments. The decline in FDIC insurance expense relates to a change in the FDIC insurance assessment rules as a result of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act. These new rules broadened the assessment base, but also significantly lowered the assessment rates, causing a net favorable impact on our FDIC insurance premiums. There was also a $22,000 or 2% decrease in occupancy and equipment expense due to reduced levels of maintenance.

The following table describes the components of non-interest expense for the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2012 and 2011:

Non-interest expense

   Nine Months ended
September 30,
     
(in thousands)  2012   2011   Increase
(Decrease)
 
Salaries and employee benefits  $4,489   $4,254   $235 
Occupancy and equipment   993    1,015    (22)
Data processing   479    476    3 
Operations   258    264    (6)
Professional and legal   264    274    (10)
Advertising and business development   190    196    (6)
Telephone and postal   168    176    (8)
Supplies   126    158    (32)
Assessment and insurance   225    433    (208)
Other expenses   367    370    (3)
    Total non-interest expense  $7,559   $7,616   $(57)

Provision for Income Taxes

 

The provision for income taxes for the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2012 and 2011 was $1.2 million, for both periods. 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 for operating and providing loans, as well as jobs, in designated “Enterprise Zones.” The effective tax rates for these periods were 32.0%, and 34.5%, respectively. The decrease in the effective tax rate was primarily due to a decrease in taxable revenues.

 

37

Results of Operations for the Three Months Ended September 30, 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 September 30, 
   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  $24,105   $17    0.28%  $25,486   $16    0.25%
Available-for-sale investment securities:                              
Taxable   35,378    166    1.87%   41,830    243    2.30%
Exempt from Federal income taxes (1)   19,215    181    5.68%   16,648    177    6.39%
Total securities (1)   54,593    347    3.21%   58,478    420    3.47%
Loans (2) (3)   231,932    3,265    5.60%   231,973    3,571    6.11%
Total interest-earning assets (1)   310,630    3,629    4.77%   315,937    4,007    5.15%
                               
Noninterest-earning assets, net of allowance for loan losses   37,500              30,396           
Total assets  $348,130             $346,333           
                               
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY                              
Deposits:                              
Other interest bearing  $126,362   $121    0.38%  $119,841   $131    0.43%
Time deposits less than $100,000   20,024    34    0.68%   20,996    45    0.85%
Time deposits $100,000 or more   48,520    81    0.66%   59,804    215    1.43%
Total interest-bearing deposits   194,906    236    0.48%   200,641    391    0.77%
Term debt   3        %   2,325    30    5.12%
Junior subordinated deferrable interest debentures   3,093    30    3.86%   3,093    28    3.59%
Total interest-bearing liabilities   198,002    266    0.53%   206,059    449    0.86%
                               
Noninterest bearing deposits   109,113              95,054           
Other liabilities   4,214              3,936           
Total liabilities   311,329              305,049           
Shareholders’ equity   36,801              41,284           
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity  $348,130             $346,333           
                               
Net interest income and margin (1)       $3,363    4.43%       $3,558    4.58%

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 September 30, 2012 and 2011.

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

 
   Three months ended September 30, 2012 vs. 
   September 30, 2011 due to change in: 
   Average   Average     
   Volume   Rate (1)   Total 
             
(In thousands)               
Increase (decrease) in interest income:               
Due from banks  $(1)  $2   $1 
Investment securities               
Taxable   (37)   (40)   (77)
Exempt from Federal income taxes   41    (37)   4 
Total securities   4    (77)   (73)
Loans   (1)   (305)   (306)
Total interest income   2    (380)   (378)
                
Decrease in interest expense:               
Other interest-bearing deposits   7    (17)   (10)
Time deposits less than $100,000   (2)   (9)   (11)
Time deposits $100,000 or more   (40)   (94)   (134)
Total interest-bearing deposits   (35)   (120)   (155)
Term debt   (30)       (30)
Junior subordinated deferrable interest debentures       2    2 
Total interest expense   (65)   (118)   (183)
Increase (decrease) in net interest income  $67   $(262)  $(195)

(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 $3.4 million and $3.6 million for the three-month periods ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively a $195,000 or 5% decrease. 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 $67,000 and changes in interest rates on these same accounts caused net interest income to decrease by $262,000.

The decrease in net interest income was primarily caused by decreases in average investment securities volumes and declining yields on loans and investment securities offset by rate reductions on interest-bearing liabilities. The average rate paid on interest-bearing liabilities was 0.53% in the 2012 period compared to 0.86% in the 2011 period, a reduction of 33 basis points. Average total interest-bearing liabilities in the 2012 period decreased by $8.1 million or 4% compared to the 2011 period. This included a decrease of $12.3 million or 15% in average time deposits due to maturing time deposits that were not renewed, and a $2.3 million or 100% decrease in average term debt due to scheduled maturities.

Total interest income for the three-month periods ended September 30, 2012 decreased from $4.0 million at September 30, 2011 to $3.6 million at September 30, 2012, a decrease of $379,000 or 9%. The average yield on interest earning assets decreased from 5.15% in the 2011 period to 4.77% in the 2012 a decrease of 38 basis points.

The Company’s interest income from loans decreased by $306,000 due to the average yield on loans decreasing by 51 basis points, from 6.11% in the 2011 period to 5.60% in the 2012 period, due to older loans with higher rates maturing and being replaced with new loans reflecting the current rate environment. The yield on investment securities decreased from 3.47% in the 2011 period to 3.21% in the 2012 period due to the maturity of higher yielding securities. There was a $903,000 million or 2% decrease in average volume of investment securities that caused net interest to decrease by $73,000.

The Company’s net interest margin on a taxable equivalent basis decreased 15 basis points from 4.58% in the three-month period ended September 30, 2011 to 4.43% in the three-month period ended September 30, 2012. The decline in the Company’s net interest margin was primarily attributable to the decrease in the yield on average assets offset by the decrease in the average cost of funds.

39

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 September 30, 2012 and $150,000 during the three months ended September 30, 2011. Management determined the provision for loan losses for the period ended September 30, 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 September 30, 2012 and 2011 totaled $349,000 and $434,000, respectively, a decrease of $85,000 or 20%. The components of non-interest income during each period were as follows:

 

Non-interest income

 

   Three Months ended
September 30,
     
(in thousands)  2012   2011   Increase
(Decrease)
 
Service charges  $170   $179   $(9)
Gain on sale of available-for-sale investment securities, net       107    (107)
Gain on sale of other real estate   1        1 
Mortgage loan brokerage fees   39    15    24 
Earnings on cash surrender value of life insurance policies   81    73    8 
Other   58    60    (2)
    Total non-interest income  $349   $434   $(85)

 

Gain on sale of investment securities decreased by $107,000 in the 2012 period due to the absence of sales.

Service charges decreased by $9,000 due to reductions in NSF and overdraft activity. Mortgage loan brokerage fees increased by $24,000 due to increased real estate underwriting fees.

Non-Interest Expense

For the quarter ended September 30, 2012, non-interest expense totaled $2.5 million, consistent with the $2.6 million recorded during the third quarter of 2011. There was a $19,000 decrease in salaries and employee benefits due to reductions. There was a $19,000 or 27% decrease in advertising and business development expense due to the timing of media buys, and a $26,000 or 22% decrease in FDIC insurance assessments due to the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act that implemented a revised method for calculating assessments. There was a $12,000 or 21% reduction in supplies due to lower usage.

40

The following table describes the components of non-interest expense for the three-month periods ended September 30, 2012 and 2011:

Non-interest expense

 

   Three Months ended
September 30,
     
(in thousands)  2012   2011   Increase
(Decrease)
 
Salaries and employee benefits  $1,462   $1,481   $(19)
Occupancy and equipment   355    345    10 
Other real estate owned   9        9 
Data processing   157    154    3 
Operations   87    78    9 
Professional and legal   81    82    (1)
Advertising and business development   51    70    (19)
Telephone and postal   52    60    (8)
Supplies   44    56    (12)
Assessment and insurance   92    118    (26)
Other expenses   109    112    (3)
    Total non-interest expense  $2,499   $2,556   $(57)

  

Provision for Income Taxes

 

The provision for income taxes for the three-month periods ended September 30, 2012 and 2011 was $373,000 and $459,000, 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 30.8%, and 35.9%, respectively. The decrease in the effective tax rate was primarily due to an increase in tax-exempt income combined with a decrease in taxable revenues.

 

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 11 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

 

   September 30, 2012 
(in thousands)  Amortized
Cost
   Unrealized
Gain
   Unrealized
Loss
   Fair
Value
 
U.S. Government sponsored entities and agencies  $5,592   $197   $   $5,789 
Mortgage-backed securities:                    
U.S. Government sponsored entities and agencies   18,151    477        18,628 
Small Business Administration   10,989    356        11,345 
Obligations of states and political subdivisions   19,209    886    (26)   20,069 
Total  $53,941   $1,916   $(26)  $55,831 

 

 

   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)  September 30, 2012   December 31, 2011 
Commercial  $39,977    17%  $39,379    17%
Real estate – mortgage (1)   172,716    74    165,686    72 
Real estate – construction   15,179    6    19,499    8 
Agricultural   3,910    2    3,731    2 
Consumer and other   1,999    1    2,051    1 
   Subtotal   233,781    100%   230,346    100%
Deferred loan fees, net   (386)        (345)     
Allowance for loan and lease losses   (5,194)        (5,469)     
   Total loans, net  $228,201        $224,532      

 

(1) Consists primarily of commercial mortgage loans.

During the nine months ended September 30, 2012, loans increased in the category of commercial and real estate – mortgage. The increase was due to Company’s strong efforts to attract quality loans in the Company’s target markets. The decrease in Real estate – construction was due to scheduled maturities, paydowns, reclassifications, to Real-Estate-Mortgage upon funding take-out financing at the time of construction completion.

Nonperforming Assets

Non-performing loans at September 30, 2012 were comprised of nine customer relationships in nonaccrual status. Non-performing loans decreased during 2012, due to the charge-off of one real estate-mortgage loan, one real estate-construction loan and one commercial loan offset by the transfer of one consumer loan and one real estate-mortgage loan to nonaccrual status.

A summary of nonperforming assets is set forth below:        
             
Dollars in thousands            
   September 30, 2012   December 31, 2011   September 30, 2011 
                
Nonperforming Loans  $4,591   $5,646   $7,520 
Loans past due 90 days or more and               
    still accruing            
Total nonperforming loans   4,591    5,646    7,520 
                
Other real estate owned   1,141    1,141     
Total nonperforming assets  $5,732   $6,787   $7,520 
                
Specific Loss Reserve  $605   $528   $416 
% of  nonperforming assets to total gross loans   2.45%   2.95%   3.23%
Nonperforming loans to total net loans   2.01%   2.51%   3.31%
Nonperforming assets to total assets   1.69%   1.85%   2.21%
                

 

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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:

 

   September   December 
   2012   2011   2011 
Nonaccrual  $2,439,842   $5,116,070   $3,614,505 
Restructured nonaccrual loans   2,151,121    2,403,659    2,031,624 
   $4,590,963   $7,519,729   $5,646,129 
                
Nonaccrual loans to total loans   2.45%   3.23%   2.95%

 

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 September 30, 2012, the recorded investment in loans that were considered to be impaired totaled $9.2 million. The specific allowance for loan losses for impaired loans at September 30, 2012 totaled $605,000. At December 31, 2011, the recorded investment in loans 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.

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 $5.2 million or 2.23% of total loans at September 30, 2012. This compared to $5.6 million or 2.40% of total loans at September 30, 2011 and $5.5 million or 2.38% at December 31, 2011. The Company recorded $275,000 in net charge-offs during the nine months ended September 30, 2012 compared to $1.5 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2011, and $1.8 million during the twelve months ended December 31, 2011. The specific loss reserve was $605,000 and $528,000 at September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively. The general loan loss reserve was $4,589,000 or 1.97% of non-impaired loans and $4,941,000 or 2.15% of non-impaired loans at September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively.

As noted above the Company utilizes historical loss rates as a primary factor in calculating the inherent risk of loss of loans in the current loan portfolio. Historical loss rates are analyzed using a risk graded migration analysis covering a rolling twelve quarter period. During the most recent historical analysis performed by management, while the average net charge-off rate remained relatively consistent at 1.05% of average loans, improvements in risk grades within the loan portfolio since December 31, 2011 have resulted in less reserves being required. Specifically, since December 31, 2011, loans graded substandard decreased by $2.4 million or 10.5% and loans graded special mention decreased by $2.3 million or 16.1%. As the reserve rates applied to substandard loans may be substantially greater than the reserve rates applied to pass grade loans, changes in the mix of loan grades can have a significant impact on the calculated amount of required reserves. The improvement in loan risk grades resulted in a reduction in the calculated amount of general loan loss reserves of approximately $450,000 for the nine month period ended September 30, 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.

44

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
             
   Nine Months Ended   Nine Months Ended   Year Ended 
(dollars in thousands)  September 30, 2012   September 30, 2011   December 31, 2011 
             
Balance at beginning of period  $5,469   $6,699   $6,699 
Charge-offs:               
Commercial and agricultural       (1,603)   (1,603)
Real estate mortgage   (319)       (158)
Real estate construction           (192)
Consumer   (97)        
Total charge-offs   (416)   (1,603)   (1,953)
Recoveries:               
Commercial and agricultural   141    18    23 
Real estate mortgage       100    100 
Real estate construction            
Consumer            
Total recoveries   141    118    123 
 Net recoveries/(charge-offs)   (275)   (1,485)   (1,830)
Provision for loan losses       375    600 
Balance at end of period  $5,194   $5,589   $5,469 
Net recoveries (charge-offs) to average loans outstanding   -0.122%   -0.636%   -0.786%
Average loans outstanding  $225,996   $233,474   $232,698 
Ending allowance to total loans  outstanding   2.23%   2.40%   2.38%

Premises and Equipment

 

   September 30,
2012
   December 31,
2011
 
         
Furniture and equipment  $3,441,439   $3,301,573 
Premises   6,133,018    6,115,354 
Leasehold improvements   207,342    207,342 
Land   1,461,379    1,461,379 
    11,243,178    11,085,648 
           
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization   (3,324,581)   (2,917,672)
            Total  $7,918,597   $8,167,976 

Depreciation and amortization expense included in occupancy and equipment expense totaled $411,581, $412,592 and $550,630 for the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, and the year ended December 31, 2011. Depreciation and amortization expense included in occupancy and equipment expense totaled $138,219 and $140,197 for the three-month periods ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

45

Deposits

Total deposits were $295.4 million at September 30, 2012, a $20.5 million or 6% decrease from the December 31, 2011 total of $315.9 million. Interest-bearing deposits increased by $4.5 million or 4%. Noninterest bearing deposits decreased by $22.5 million or 18%, and time deposits decreased by $2.5 million or 4%, respectively, during the nine month period ended September 30, 2012. There were no brokered deposits at September 30, 2012 or December 31, 2011. The decrease in noninterest-bearing deposits was due to a single large deposit made at end of 2011 that was gradually withdrawn as anticipated.

Total deposits at September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011 are summarized in the following table:

 

Deposit Portfolio
(dollars in thousands)  September 30, 2012   December 31, 2011 
Non-interest bearing  $105,968    36%  $128,453    41%
Interest bearing   120,891    41    116,372    37 
Time deposits   68,505    23    71,052    22 
Total  $295,364    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 September 30, 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.

46

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 $3.1 million of junior subordinated deferrable interest debentures at September 30, 2012 was unchanged from December 31, 2011. The rate of interest paid on these debentures was 3.89% at September 30, 2012 compared to 3.65% at December 31, 2011.

Capital Resources

The Company’s shareholders’ equity was $37.2 million at September 30, 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 $2.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2012.

The Company paid cash dividends to shareholders in June 2012 and September 2012 in the amount of $111,384, for each period.

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 September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011:

 

Capital and capital adequacy ratios
     
   September 30, 2012   December 31, 2011 
(dollars in thousands)  Amount   Ratio   Amount   Ratio 
Leverage Ratio                    
Valley Commerce Bancorp and Subsidiary  $39,051    11.2%  $44,691    13.1%
Minimum regulatory requirement  $13,925    4.0%  $13,626    4.0%
                     
Valley Business Bank  $38,878    11.2%  $44,648    13.1%
Minimum requirement for “Well- Capitalized” institution  $17,407    5.0%  $17,032    5.0%
Minimum regulatory requirement  $13,918    4.0%  $13,621    4.0%
                     
Tier 1 Risk-Based Capital Ratio                    
Valley Commerce Bancorp and Subsidiary  $39,051    15.2%  $44,691    17.6%
Minimum regulatory requirement  $10,275    4.0%  $10,145    4.0%
                     
Valley Business Bank  $38,878    15.1%  $44,648    17.6%
Minimum requirement for “Well- Capitalized” institution  $15,403    6.0%  $15,214    6.0%
Minimum regulatory requirement  $10,269    4.0%  $10,142    4.0%
                     
Total Risk-Based Capital Ratio                    
Valley Commerce Bancorp and Subsidiary  $42,287    16.5%  $45,060    18.9%
Minimum regulatory requirement  $20,549    8.0%  $20,290    8.0%
                     
Valley Business Bank  $42,112    16.4%  $44,931    18.9%
Minimum requirement for “Well- Capitalized” institution  $25,672    10.0%  $25,396    10.0%
Minimum regulatory requirement  $20,538    8.0%  $20,285    8.0%

 

47

 

At September 30, 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 September 30, 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 September 30, 2012 is a decrease of 260 basis points.

Repurchases

On May 22, 2012, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized a common stock repurchase plan. The plan provides for the repurchase of up to $3,000,000 of the Company’s Common Stock. The number price and timing of the repurchase is at the Company’s sole discretion. The stock repurchase plan will expire on May 22, 2013. There were no shares repurchased during the three or nine months ended September 30, 2012.

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.

48

 

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.

 

49

 

ITEM 4 – MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

 

None.

 

 

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.

50

 

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: November 14, 2012 By: /s/ Allan W. Stone
    Allan W. Stone
    President and Chief Executive Officer
   
Date: November 14, 2012 By: /s/ Roy O. Estridge 
    Roy O. Estridge, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer

 

51

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

 

52