10-K 1 f10k_022714.htm FORM 10-K f10k_022714.htm
UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-K
(Mark one)
[X]
ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2013
or
[   ]
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
For the transition period from ______________ to______________.

Commission File Number: 001-09383
WESTAMERICA BANCORPORATION
(Exact name of the registrant as specified in its charter)

CALIFORNIA
94-2156203
(State or Other Jurisdiction
(I.R.S. Employer
of Incorporation or Organization)
Identification Number)

1108 FIFTH AVENUE, SAN RAFAEL, CALIFORNIA 94901
(Address of principal executive offices) (zip code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (707) 863-6000

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

 
Title of class:
  
Name of each exchange on which registered: 
  
 
Common Stock, no par value
  
The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC
  
 
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. YES [X] NO [   ]
 
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. YES [   ] NO [X]
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. YES [X] NO [   ]
 
Indicate by check mark if whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (section 232.405 of this chapter during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files.) YES [X] NO [   ]
 
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to item 405 of Regulation S-K (section 229.405) is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of the registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. [   ]
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, 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. (Check one):
 
Large accelerated filer [X]
Accelerated filer [   ]
Non-accelerated filer [   ]
Smaller reporting company [   ]
 
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). YES [   ] NO [X]

The aggregate market value of the Common Stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant as of June 30, 2013 as reported on the NASDAQ Global Select Market, was $1,169,919,408.79. Shares of Common Stock held by each executive officer and director and by each person who owns 5% or more of the outstanding Common Stock have been excluded in that such persons may be deemed to be affiliates. This determination of affiliate status is not necessarily a conclusive determination for other purposes.

Number of shares outstanding of each of the registrant’s classes of common stock, as of the close of business on February 18, 2014
26,409,146 Shares

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

Portions of the definitive Proxy Statement relating to registrant’s Annual Meeting of Shareholders, to be held on April 24, 2014, are incorporated by reference in Items 10, 11, 12, 13 and 14 of Part III to the extent described therein.

 
 
 
TABLE OF CONTENTS


 
 
Page
 
Item 1
Item 1A
Item 1B
Item 2
Item 3
Item 4
 
Item 5
Item 6
Item 7
Item 7A
Item 8
Item 9
Item 9A
Item 9B
 
Item 10
Item 11
Item 12
Item 13
Item 14
 
Item 15

 
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FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

 
This report on Form 10-K contains forward-looking statements about Westamerica Bancorporation for which it claims the protection of the safe harbor provisions contained in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Examples of forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to: (i) projections of revenues, expenses, income or loss, earnings or loss per share, the payment or nonpayment of dividends, capital structure and other financial items; (ii) statements of plans, objectives and expectations of the Company or its management or board of directors, including those relating to products or services; (iii) statements of future economic performance; and (iv) statements of assumptions underlying such statements.  Words such as "believes", "anticipates", "expects", "intends", "targeted", "projected", "continue", "remain", "will", "should", "may" and other similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements but are not the exclusive means of identifying such statements.

These forward-looking statements are based on Management’s current knowledge and belief and include information concerning the Company’s possible or assumed future financial condition and results of operations. A number of factors, some of which are beyond the Company’s ability to predict or control, could cause future results to differ materially from those contemplated. These factors include but are not limited to (1) the length and severity of difficulties in the global, national and California economies and the effects of government efforts to address those difficulties; (2) liquidity levels in capital markets; (3) fluctuations in asset prices including, but not limited to stocks, bonds, real estate, and commodities; (4) the effect of acquisitions and integration of acquired businesses; (5) economic uncertainty created by terrorist threats and attacks on the United States, the actions taken in response, and the uncertain effect of these events on the national and regional economies; (6) changes in the interest rate environment; (7) changes in the regulatory environment; (8) competitive pressure in the banking industry; (9) operational risks including a failure or breach in data processing systems or those of third party vendors and other service providers, including as a result of cyber attacks or fraud; (10) volatility of interest rate sensitive loans, deposits and investments; (11) asset/liability management risks and liquidity risks; (12) the effect of natural disasters, including earthquakes, fire, flood, drought, and other disasters, on the uninsured value of loan collateral, the financial condition of debtors and issuers of investment securities, the economic conditions affecting the Company’s market place, and commodities and asset values, and (13) changes in the securities markets. The Company undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements in this report. See also “Risk Factors” in Item 1A and other risk factors discussed elsewhere in this Report.




Westamerica Bancorporation (the “Company”) is a bank holding company registered under the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended (“BHCA”). Its legal headquarters are located at 1108 Fifth Avenue, San Rafael, California 94901. Principal administrative offices are located at 4550 Mangels Boulevard, Fairfield, California 94534 and its telephone number is (707) 863-6000. The Company provides a full range of banking services to individual and corporate customers in Northern and Central California through its subsidiary bank, Westamerica Bank (“WAB” or the “Bank”). The principal communities served are located in Northern and Central California, from Mendocino, Lake and Nevada Counties in the north to Kern County in the south. The Company’s strategic focus is on the banking needs of small businesses. In addition, the Bank owns 100% of the capital stock of Community Banker Services Corporation (“CBSC”), a company engaged in providing the Company and its subsidiaries with data processing services and other support functions.

The Company was incorporated under the laws of the State of California in 1972 as “Independent Bankshares Corporation” pursuant to a plan of reorganization among three previously unaffiliated Northern California banks. The Company operated as a multi-bank holding company until mid-1983, at which time the then six subsidiary banks were merged into a single bank named Westamerica Bank and the name of the holding company was changed to Westamerica Bancorporation.

The Company acquired five banks within its immediate market area during the early to mid 1990’s. In April 1997, the Company acquired ValliCorp Holdings, Inc., parent company of ValliWide Bank, the largest independent bank holding company headquartered in Central California. Under the terms of all of the merger agreements, the Company issued shares of its common stock in exchange for all of the outstanding shares of the acquired institutions. The subsidiary banks acquired were merged with and into WAB. These six aforementioned business combinations were accounted for as poolings-of-interests.

During the period 2000 through 2005, the Company acquired three additional banks. These acquisitions were accounted for using the purchase accounting method.

 
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On February 6, 2009, Westamerica Bank acquired the banking operations of County Bank (“County”) from the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”). The Bank and the FDIC entered loss-sharing agreements regarding future losses incurred on acquired loans and foreclosed loan collateral. Under the terms of the loss-sharing agreements, the FDIC absorbs 80 percent of losses and is entitled to 80 percent of loss recoveries on the first $269 million of losses, and absorbs 95 percent of losses and is entitled to 95 percent of loss recoveries on losses exceeding $269 million. The term for loss-sharing on residential real estate loans is ten years, while the term for loss-sharing on non-residential real estate loans is five years in respect to losses and eight years in respect to loss recoveries.On August 20, 2010, Westamerica Bank acquired assets and assumed liabilities of the former Sonoma Valley Bank (“Sonoma”) from the FDIC. The County and Sonoma acquired assets and assumed liabilities were measured at estimated fair values, as required by FASB ASC 805, Business Combinations.

Management made significant estimates and exercised significant judgment in accounting for these 2009 and 2010 acquisitions. Management judgmentally measured loan fair values based on loan file reviews (including borrower financial statements and tax returns), appraised collateral values, expected cash flows, and historical loss factors. Repossessed loan collateral was primarily valued based upon appraised collateral values. The Bank also recorded identifiable intangible assets representing the value of the core deposit customer bases based on Management’s evaluation of the cost of such deposits relative to alternative funding sources. In determining the value of the identifiable intangible assets, Management used significant estimates including average lives of deposit accounts, future interest rate levels, the cost of servicing various depository products, and other significant estimates. Management used quoted market prices to determine the fair value of investment securities, FHLB advances and other borrowings which were purchased and assumed.

At December 31, 2013, the Company had consolidated assets of approximately $4.8 billion, deposits of approximately $4.2 billion and shareholders’ equity of approximately $543 million. The Company and its subsidiaries employed 914 full-time equivalent staff as of December 31, 2013.

The Company’s annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and any amendments to those reports as well as beneficial ownership reports on Forms 3, 4 and 5 are available through the SEC’s website (http://www.sec.gov). Such documents are also available free of charge from the Company, as well as the Company’s director, officer and employee Code of Conduct and Ethics, by request to:

Westamerica Bancorporation
Corporate Secretary A-2M
Post Office Box 1200
Suisun City, California 94585-1200
 
Supervision and Regulation

The following is not intended to be an exhaustive description of the statutes and regulations applicable to the Company’s or the Bank’s business. The description of statutory and regulatory provisions is qualified in its entirety by reference to the particular statutory or regulatory provisions. Moreover, major new legislation and other regulatory changes affecting the Company, the Bank, and the financial services industry in general have occurred in the last several years and can be expected to occur in the future. The nature, timing and impact of new and amended laws and regulations cannot be accurately predicted.

Regulation and Supervision of Bank Holding Companies

The Company is a bank holding company subject to the BHCA. The Company reports to, is registered with, and may be examined by, the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (“FRB”). The FRB also has the authority to examine the Company’s subsidiaries. The Company is a bank holding company within the meaning of Section 3700 of the California Financial Code. As such, the Company and the Bank are subject to examination by, and may be required to file reports with, the Commissioner of the California Department of Business Oversight (the “Commissioner”).

The FRB has significant supervisory and regulatory authority over the Company and its affiliates. The FRB requires the Company to maintain certain levels of capital. See “Capital Standards.” The FRB also has the authority to take enforcement action against any bank holding company that commits any unsafe or unsound practice, or violates certain laws, regulations or conditions imposed in writing by the FRB. Under the BHCA, the Company is required to obtain the prior approval of the FRB before it acquires, merges or consolidates with any bank or bank holding company. Any company seeking to acquire, merge or consolidate with the Company also would be required to obtain the prior approval of the FRB.

 
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The Company is generally prohibited under the BHCA from acquiring ownership or control of more than 5% of any class of voting shares of any company that is not a bank or bank holding company and from engaging directly or indirectly in activities other than banking, managing banks, or providing services to affiliates of the holding company. However, a bank holding company, with the approval of the FRB, may engage, or acquire the voting shares of companies engaged, in activities that the FRB has determined to be closely related to banking or managing or controlling banks. A bank holding company must demonstrate that the benefits to the public of the proposed activity will outweigh the possible adverse effects associated with such activity.

The FRB generally prohibits a bank holding company from declaring or paying a cash dividend that would impose undue pressure on the capital of subsidiary banks or would be funded only through borrowing or other arrangements which might adversely affect a bank holding company’s financial position. Under the FRB policy, a bank holding company should not continue its existing rate of cash dividends on its common stock unless its net income is sufficient to fully fund each dividend and its prospective rate of earnings retention appears consistent with its capital needs, asset quality and overall financial condition. See the section entitled “Restrictions on Dividends and Other Distributions” for additional restrictions on the ability of the Company and the Bank to pay dividends.

Transactions between the Company and the Bank are restricted under Regulation W. The regulation codifies prior interpretations of the FRB and its staff under Sections 23A and 23B of the Federal Reserve Act. In general, subject to certain specified exemptions, a bank or its subsidiaries are limited in their ability to engage in “covered transactions” with affiliates: (a) to an amount equal to 10% of the bank’s capital and surplus, in the case of covered transactions with any one affiliate; and (b) to an amount equal to 20% of the bank’s capital and surplus, in the case of covered transactions with all affiliates. The Company is considered to be an affiliate of the Bank. A “covered transaction” includes, among other things, a loan or extension of credit to an affiliate; a purchase of securities issued by an affiliate; a purchase of assets from an affiliate, with some exceptions; and the issuance of a guarantee, acceptance or letter of credit on behalf of an affiliate.

Federal regulations governing bank holding companies and change in bank control (Regulation Y) provide for a streamlined and expedited review process for bank acquisition proposals submitted by well-run bank holding companies. These provisions of Regulation Y are subject to numerous qualifications, limitations and restrictions. In order for a bank holding company to qualify as “well-run,” both it and the insured depository institutions which it controls must meet the “well capitalized” and “well managed” criteria set forth in Regulation Y.

The Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (the “GLBA”), or the Financial Services Act of 1999, repealed provisions of the Glass-Steagall Act, which had prohibited commercial banks and securities firms from affiliating with each other and engaging in each other’s businesses. Thus, many of the barriers prohibiting affiliations between commercial banks and securities firms have been eliminated.

The BHCA was also amended by the GLBA to allow new “financial holding companies” (“FHCs”) to offer banking, insurance, securities and other financial products to consumers. Specifically, the GLBA amended section 4 of the BHCA in order to provide for a framework for the engagement in new financial activities. A bank holding company (“BHC”) may elect to become an FHC if all its subsidiary depository institutions are well capitalized and well managed. If these requirements are met, a BHC may file a certification to that effect with the FRB and declare that it elects to become an FHC. After the certification and declaration is filed, the FHC may engage either de novo or through an acquisition in any activity that has been determined by the FRB to be financial in nature or incidental to such financial activity. BHCs may engage in financial activities without prior notice to the FRB if those activities qualify under the list of permissible activities in section 4(k) of the BHCA. However, notice must be given to the FRB within 30 days after an FHC has commenced one or more of the financial activities. The Company has not elected to become an FHC.
 
Regulation and Supervision of Banks

The Bank is a California state-chartered Federal Reserve member bank and its deposits are insured by the FDIC. The Bank is subject to regulation, supervision and regular examination by the California Department of Business Oversight (“DBO”), and the Federal Reserve. The regulations of these agencies affect most aspects of the Bank’s business and prescribe permissible types of loans and investments, the amount of required reserves, requirements for branch offices, the permissible scope of its activities and various other requirements.

In addition to federal banking law, the Bank is also subject to applicable provisions of California law. Under California law, the Bank is subject to various restrictions on, and requirements regarding, its operations and administration including the maintenance of branch offices and automated teller machines, capital requirements, deposits and borrowings, shareholder rights and duties, and investment and lending activities.

 
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California law permits a state-chartered bank to invest in the stock and securities of other corporations, subject to a state-chartered bank receiving either general authorization or, depending on the amount of the proposed investment, specific authorization from the Commissioner. In addition, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Improvement Act (“FDICIA”) imposes limitations on the activities and equity investments of state chartered, federally insured banks. FDICIA also prohibits a state bank from making an investment or engaging in any activity as a principal that is not permissible for a national bank, unless the Bank is adequately capitalized and the FDIC approves the investment or activity after determining that such investment or activity does not pose a significant risk to the deposit insurance fund.

On July 21, 2010, financial regulatory reform legislation entitled the "Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act" (the "Dodd-Frank Act") was signed into law. The Dodd-Frank Act implements far-reaching changes across the financial regulatory landscape, including provisions that, among other things:

·
Centralized responsibility for consumer financial protection by creating a new agency, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, responsible for implementing, examining and enforcing compliance with federal consumer financial laws.
·
Restricted the preemption of state law by federal law and disallowed subsidiaries and affiliates of national banks from availing themselves of such preemption.
·
Applied the same leverage and risk-based capital requirements that would apply to insured depository institutions to most bank holding companies.
·
Required bank regulatory agencies to seek to make their capital requirements for banks countercyclical so that capital requirements increase in times of economic expansion and decrease in times of economic contraction.
·
Changed the assessment base for federal deposit insurance from the amount of insured deposits to consolidated assets less tangible capital, eliminated the ceiling on the size of the Deposit Insurance Fund ("DIF") and increased the floor of the size of the DIF.
·
Imposed comprehensive regulation of the over-the-counter derivatives market, which would include certain provisions that would effectively prohibit insured depository institutions from conducting certain derivatives businesses in the institution itself.
·
Required large, publicly traded bank holding companies to create a risk committee responsible for the oversight of enterprise risk management.
·
Implemented corporate governance revisions, including with regard to executive compensation and proxy access by shareholders, that would apply to all public companies, not just financial institutions.
·
Made permanent the $250 thousand limit for federal deposit insurance.
·
Repealed the federal prohibitions on the payment of interest on demand deposits, thereby permitting depository institutions to pay interest on business transaction and other accounts.
·
Amended the Electronic Fund Transfer Act ("EFTA") to, among other things, give the FRB the authority to establish rules regarding interchange fees charged for electronic debit transactions by payment card issuers having assets over $10 billion and to enforce a new statutory requirement that such fees be reasonable and proportional to the actual cost of a transaction to the issuer. While the Company’s assets are currently less than $10 billion, interchange fees charged by larger institutions may dictate the level of fees smaller institutions will be able to charge to remain competitive.

Many aspects of the Dodd-Frank Act are subject to rulemaking and implementation of new regulations and will take effect over several years, making it difficult to anticipate the overall financial impact on the Company, its customers or the financial industry more generally. Provisions in the legislation that affect the payment of interest on demand deposits and interchange fees may increase the costs associated with deposits as well as place limitations on certain revenues those deposits may generate.

Capital Standards

The federal banking agencies have risk-based capital adequacy guidelines intended to provide a measure of capital adequacy that reflects the degree of risk associated with a banking organization’s operations for both transactions resulting in assets being recognized on the balance sheet as assets, and the extension of credit facilities such as letters of credit and recourse arrangements, which are recorded as off balance sheet items. Under these guidelines, nominal dollar amounts of assets and credit equivalent amounts of off balance sheet items are multiplied by one of several risk adjustment percentages, which range from 0% for assets with low credit risk, such as certain U.S. government securities, to 100% for assets with relatively higher credit risk, such as certain loans. A banking organization’s risk-based capital ratios are obtained by dividing its qualifying capital by its total risk-adjusted assets and off balance sheet items.
 
 
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The federal banking agencies take into consideration concentrations of credit risk and risks from nontraditional activities, as well as an institution’s ability to manage those risks, when determining the adequacy of an institution’s capital. This evaluation is made as a part of the institution’s regular safety and soundness examination. The federal banking agencies also consider interest rate risk (related to the interest rate sensitivity of an institution’s assets and liabilities, and its off balance sheet financial instruments) in the evaluation of a bank’s capital adequacy.

As of December 31, 2013, the Company’s and the Bank’s respective ratios exceeded applicable regulatory requirements. See Note 9 to the consolidated financial statements for capital ratios of the Company and the Bank, compared to the standards for well capitalized depository institutions and for minimum capital requirements.

On July 2, 2013, the Federal Reserve Board approved a final rule that implements changes to the regulatory capital framework for all banking organizations. See the section entitled “Capital to Risk-Adjusted Assets” in Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations for the Company’s interpretation of the final rule in regard to its capital ratios.
 
Prompt Corrective Action and Other Enforcement Mechanisms

FDICIA requires each federal banking agency to take prompt corrective action to resolve the problems of insured depository institutions, including but not limited to those that fall below one or more prescribed minimum capital ratios.

An institution that, based upon its capital levels, is classified as “well capitalized,” “adequately capitalized” or “undercapitalized” may be treated as though it were in the next lower capital category if the appropriate federal banking agency, after notice and opportunity for hearing, determines that an unsafe or unsound condition or an unsafe or unsound practice warrants such treatment. At each successive lower capital category, an insured depository institution is subject to more restrictions. In addition to measures taken under the prompt corrective action provisions, commercial banking organizations may be subject to potential enforcement actions by the federal banking agencies for unsafe or unsound practices in conducting their businesses or for violations of any law, rule, regulation or any condition imposed in writing by the agency or any written agreement with the agency.

Safety and Soundness Standards

The Company’s ability to pay dividends to its shareholders is subject to the restrictions set forth in the California General Corporation Law (“CGCL”). The CGCL provides that a corporation may make a distribution to its shareholders if (i) the corporation’s retained earnings equal or exceed the amount of the proposed distribution plus unpaid accrued dividends, (if any) on securities with a dividend preference, or (ii) immediately after the dividend, the corporation’s total assets equal or exceed total liabilities plus unpaid accrued dividends (if any) on securities with a dividend preference.

FDICIA also implemented certain specific restrictions on transactions and required federal banking regulators to adopt overall safety and soundness standards for depository institutions related to internal control, loan underwriting and documentation, and asset growth. Among other things, FDICIA limits the interest rates paid on deposits by undercapitalized institutions, restricts the use of brokered deposits, limits the aggregate extensions of credit by a depository institution to an executive officer, director, principal shareholder or related interest, and reduces deposit insurance coverage for deposits offered by undercapitalized institutions for deposits by certain employee benefits accounts. The federal banking agencies may require an institution to submit an acceptable compliance plan as well as have the flexibility to pursue other more appropriate or effective courses of action given the specific circumstances and severity of an institution’s noncompliance with one or more standards.

Federal banking agencies require banks to maintain adequate valuation allowances for potential credit losses. The Company has an internal staff that continually reviews loan quality and reports to the Board of Directors. This analysis includes a detailed review of the classification and categorization of problem loans, assessment of the overall quality and collectability of the loan portfolio, consideration of loan loss experience, trends in problem loans, concentration of credit risk, and current economic conditions, particularly in the Bank’s market areas. Based on this analysis, Management, with the review and approval of the Board, determines the adequate level of allowance required. The allowance is allocated to different segments of the loan portfolio, but the entire allowance is available for the loan portfolio in its entirety.

Restrictions on Dividends and Other Distributions

The power of the board of directors of an insured depository institution to declare a cash dividend or other distribution with respect to capital is subject to statutory and regulatory restrictions which limit the amount available for such distribution depending upon the earnings, financial condition and cash needs of the institution, as well as general business conditions. FDICIA prohibits insured depository institutions from paying management fees to any controlling persons or, with certain limited exceptions, making capital distributions, including dividends, if, after such transaction, the institution would be undercapitalized.

 
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In addition to the restrictions imposed under federal law, banks chartered under California law generally may only pay cash dividends to the extent such payments do not exceed the lesser of retained earnings of the bank or the bank’s net income for its last three fiscal years (less any distributions to shareholders during this period). In the event a bank desires to pay cash dividends in excess of such amount, the bank may pay a cash dividend with the prior approval of the Commissioner in an amount not exceeding the greatest of the bank’s retained earnings, the bank’s net income for its last fiscal year or the bank’s net income for its current fiscal year.

The federal banking agencies also have the authority to prohibit a depository institution from engaging in business practices which are considered to be unsafe or unsound, possibly including payment of dividends or other payments under certain circumstances even if such payments are not expressly prohibited by statute.

Premiums for Deposit Insurance

Substantially all of the deposits of the Bank are insured up to applicable limits by the Deposit Insurance Fund ("DIF") of the FDIC and are subject to deposit insurance assessments to maintain the DIF. The FDIC utilizes a risk-based assessment system that imposes insurance premiums based upon a risk matrix that takes into account a bank's capital level, asset quality and supervisory rating ("CAMELS rating").

In November 2009, the FDIC issued a rule that required all insured depository institutions, with limited exceptions, to prepay their estimated quarterly risk-based assessments for the fourth quarter of 2009 and for all of 2010, 2011 and 2012.

In October 2010, the FDIC adopted a new DIF restoration plan to ensure that the DIF reserve ratio reaches 1.35% by September 30, 2020, as required by the Dodd-Frank Act. At least semi-annually, the FDIC will update its loss and income projections for the fund and, if needed, will increase or decrease assessment rates, following notice-and-comment rulemaking if required.

In November 2010, the FDIC issued a final rule to implement provisions of the Dodd-Frank Act that provide for temporary unlimited coverage for noninterest-bearing transaction accounts. The separate coverage for non-interest-bearing transaction accounts became effective on December 31, 2010 and terminated on December 31, 2012.

In February 2011, the FDIC issued a final rule changing the deposit insurance assessment base from total domestic deposits to average total assets minus average tangible equity, as required by the Dodd-Frank Act, effective April 1, 2011. The FDIC also issued a final rule revising the deposit insurance assessment system for “large” institutions having more than $10 billion in assets and another for "highly complex" institutions that have over $50 billion in assets and are fully owned by a parent with over $500 billion in assets. The Bank is neither a “large” nor “highly complex” institution. Under the new assessment rules, the initial base assessment rates range from 5 to 35 basis points, and after potential adjustments for unsecured debt and brokered deposits, assessment rates range from 2.5 to 45 basis points.

The Company cannot provide any assurance as to the effect of any future changes in its deposit insurance premium rates.

Community Reinvestment Act and Fair Lending Developments

The Bank is subject to certain fair lending requirements and reporting obligations involving home mortgage lending operations and Community Reinvestment Act (“CRA”) activities. The CRA generally requires the federal banking agencies to evaluate the record of financial institutions in meeting the credit needs of their local communities, including low and moderate income neighborhoods. In addition to substantive penalties and corrective measures that may be required for a violation of certain fair lending laws, the federal banking agencies may take compliance with such laws and CRA into account when regulating and supervising other activities including merger applications.

Financial Privacy Legislation and Customer Information Security

The GLBA, in addition to the previously described changes in permissible nonbanking activities permitted to banks, BHCs and FHCs, also required the federal banking agencies, among other federal regulatory agencies, to adopt regulations governing the privacy of consumer financial information. The Bank is subject to the FRB’s regulations in this area. The federal bank regulatory agencies have established standards for safeguarding nonpublic personal information about customers that implement provisions of the GLBA (the “Guidelines”). Among other things, the Guidelines require each financial institution, under the supervision and ongoing oversight of its Board of Directors or an appropriate committee thereof, to develop, implement and maintain a comprehensive written information security program designed to ensure the security and confidentiality of customer information, to protect against any anticipated threats or hazards to the security or integrity of such information, and to protect against unauthorized access to or use of such information that could result in substantial harm or inconvenience to any customer.

 
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U.S.A. PATRIOT Act

Title III of the Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Act of 2001 (“USA Patriot Act”) is the International Money Laundering Abatement and Anti-Terrorist Financing Act of 2001. It includes numerous provisions for fighting international money laundering and blocking terrorist access to the U.S. financial system. The goal of Title III is to prevent the U.S. financial system and the U.S. clearing mechanisms from being used by parties suspected of terrorism, terrorist financing and money laundering. The provisions of Title III of the USA Patriot Act which affect the Bank are generally set forth as amendments to the Bank Secrecy Act. These provisions relate principally to U.S. banking organizations’ relationships with foreign banks and with persons who are resident outside the United States. The USA Patriot Act does not impose any filing or reporting obligations for banking organizations, but does require certain additional due diligence and recordkeeping practices.

Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

The stated goals of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (“Sarbanes-Oxley”) are to increase corporate responsibility, to provide for enhanced penalties for accounting and auditing improprieties at publicly traded companies and to protect investors by improving the accuracy and reliability of corporate disclosures pursuant to the securities laws. Sarbanes-Oxley generally applies to all companies, both U.S. and non-U.S., that file or are required to file periodic reports under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”).

Sarbanes-Oxley includes very specific additional disclosure requirements and corporate governance rules, required the SEC and securities exchanges to adopt extensive additional disclosure, corporate governance and other related rules and mandates further studies of certain issues. Sarbanes-Oxley represents significant federal involvement in matters traditionally left to state regulatory systems, such as the regulation of the accounting profession, and to state corporate law, such as the relationship between a board of directors and management and between a board of directors and its committees and public company shareholders. Sarbanes-Oxley addresses, among other matters: (i) independent audit committees for reporting companies whose securities are listed on national exchanges or automated quotation systems (the “Exchanges”) and expanded duties and responsibilities for audit committees; (ii) certification of financial statements by the chief executive officer and the chief financial officer; (iii) the forfeiture of bonuses or other incentive-based compensation and profits from the sale of an issuer’s securities by directors and senior officers in the twelve month period following initial publication of any financial statements that later require restatement; (iv) a prohibition on insider trading during pension plan blackout periods; (v) disclosure of off-balance sheet transactions; (vi) a prohibition on personal loans to directors and officers under most circumstances with exceptions for certain normal course transactions by regulated financial institutions; (vii) expedited electronic filing requirements related to trading by insiders in an issuer’s securities on Form 4; (viii) disclosure of a code of ethics and filing a Form 8-K for a change or waiver of such code; (ix) accelerated filing of periodic reports; (x) the formation of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (“PCAOB”) to regulate public accounting firms and the audit of public companies that are subject to the securities laws; (xi) auditor independence; (xii) internal control evaluation and reporting; and (xiii) various increased criminal penalties for violations of securities laws.

Programs To Mitigate Identity Theft

In November 2007, federal banking agencies together with the National Credit Union Administration and Federal Trade Commission adopted regulations under the Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act of 2003 to require financial institutions and other creditors to develop and implement a written identity theft prevention program to detect, prevent and mitigate identity theft in connection with certain new and existing accounts. Covered accounts generally include consumer accounts and other accounts that present a reasonably foreseeable risk of identity theft. Each institution’s program must include policies and procedures designed to: (i) identify indicators, or “red flags,” of possible risk of identity theft; (ii) detect the occurrence of red flags; (iii) respond appropriately to red flags that are detected; and (iv) ensure that the program is updated periodically as appropriate to address changing circumstances. The regulations include guidelines that each institution must consider and, to the extent appropriate, include in its program.

 
- 8 -
 
Pending Legislation

Changes to state laws and regulations (including changes in interpretation or enforcement) can affect the operating environment of BHCs and their subsidiaries in substantial and unpredictable ways. From time to time, various legislative and regulatory proposals are introduced. These proposals, if codified, may change banking statutes and regulations and the Company’s operating environment in substantial and unpredictable ways. If codified, these proposals could increase or decrease the cost of doing business, limit or expand permissible activities or affect the competitive balance among banks, savings associations, credit unions and other financial institutions. The Company cannot accurately predict whether those changes in laws and regulations will occur, and, if those changes occur, the ultimate effect they would have upon our financial condition or results of operations. It is likely, however, that the current level of enforcement and compliance-related activities of federal and state authorities will continue and potentially increase.

Competition

In the past, the Bank’s principal competitors for deposits and loans have been major banks and smaller community banks, savings and loan associations and credit unions. To a lesser extent, competition was also provided by thrift and loans, mortgage brokerage companies and insurance companies. Other institutions, such as brokerage houses, mutual fund companies, credit card companies, and certain retail establishments have offered investment vehicles which also compete with banks for deposit business. Federal legislation in recent years has encouraged competition between different types of financial institutions and fostered new entrants into the financial services market.

Legislative changes, as well as technological and economic factors, can be expected to have an ongoing impact on competitive conditions within the financial services industry. While the future impact of regulatory and legislative changes cannot be predicted with certainty, the business of banking will remain highly competitive.


Readers and prospective investors in the Company’s securities should carefully consider the following risk factors as well as the other information contained or incorporated by reference in this report.

The risks and uncertainties described below are not the only ones facing the Company. Additional risks and uncertainties that Management is not aware of or focused on or that Management currently deems immaterial may also impair the Company’s business operations. This report is qualified in its entirety by these risk factors.

If any of the following risks actually occur, the Company’s financial condition and results of operations could be materially and adversely affected. If this were to happen, the value of the company’s securities could decline significantly, and investors could lose all or part of their investment in the Company’s common stock.

Market and Interest Rate Risk

Changes in interest rates could reduce income and cash flow.

The discussion in this report under “Item 7 Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Asset, Liability and Market Risk Management” and “- Liquidity and Funding” and “Item 7A Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk” is incorporated by reference in this paragraph. The Company’s income and cash flow depend to a great extent on the difference between the interest earned on loans and investment securities compared to the interest paid on deposits and other borrowings, and the Company’s success in competing for loans and deposits. The Company cannot control or prevent changes in the level of interest rates which fluctuate in response to general economic conditions, the policies of various governmental and regulatory agencies, in particular, the Federal Open Market Committee of the FRB, and pricing practices of the Company’s competitors. Changes in monetary policy, including changes in interest rates, will influence the origination of loans, the purchase of investments, the generation of deposits and other borrowings, and the rates received on loans and investment securities and paid on deposits and other liabilities.

Changes in capital market conditions could reduce asset valuations.

Capital market conditions, including liquidity, investor confidence, bond issuer credit worthiness, perceived counter-party risk, the supply of and demand for financial instruments, the financial strength of market participants, and other factors, can materially impact the value of the Company’s assets. An impairment in the value of the Company’s assets could result in asset write-downs, reducing the Company’s asset values, earnings, and equity.
 
 
- 9 -
 
Current market developments may adversely affect the Company’s industry, business and results of operations.
 
Declines in the housing market during recent years, with significantly reduced home prices and higher levels of foreclosures and unemployment, resulted in significant write-downs of asset values by financial institutions, including government-sponsored entities and major commercial and investment banks. These write-downs caused many financial institutions to seek additional capital, to merge with larger and stronger institutions and, in some cases, to fail. During the recent financial crisis and recession, liquidity within the financial system was challenged due to institutions evaluating counter-party risk, increasing margin requirements, and other liquidity reducing activities and actions. While liquidity returned to the United States financial system, a recurrence of economic weakness or asset valuation declines could reduce domestic liquidity levels. Further, global economic and financial difficulties, including within Europe, could reduce liquidity in the United States. The Company has no direct operating exposure to European sovereign debt; however, the Company clears daily transactions through large domestic banks which have global operations and exposure. Any resulting lack of available credit, volatility in the financial markets and reduced business activity could materially and adversely affect the Company’s business, financial condition and results of operations.
 
The weakness of other financial institutions could adversely affect the Company.
 
Financial services institutions are interrelated as a result of trading, clearing, counterparty, or other relationships.  The Company routinely executes transactions with counterparties in the financial services industry, including brokers and dealers, commercial banks, investment banks, and other institutional clients. Many of these transactions expose the Company to credit risk in the event of default of the Company’s counterparty or client. In addition, the Company’s credit risk may be increased when the collateral the Company holds cannot be realized or is liquidated at prices not sufficient to recover the full amount of the secured obligation. There is no assurance that any such losses would not materially and adversely affect the Company’s results of operations or earnings.

Shares of Company common stock eligible for future sale or grant of stock options could have a dilutive effect on the market for Company common stock and could adversely affect the market price.

The Articles of Incorporation of the Company authorize the issuance of 150 million shares of common stock (and two additional classes of 1 million shares each, denominated “Class B Common Stock” and “Preferred Stock”, respectively) of which approximately 26.5 million shares of common stock were outstanding at December 31, 2013. Pursuant to its stock option plans, at December 31, 2013, the Company had outstanding options for 2.1 million shares of common stock, of which 1.5 million were currently exercisable. As of December 31, 2013, 1.3 million shares of Company common stock remained available for grants under the Company’s stock option plans. Sales of substantial amounts of Company common stock in the public market could adversely affect the market price of its common stock.

The Company’s payment of dividends on common stock could be eliminated or reduced.
 
Holders of the Company’s common stock are entitled to receive dividends only when, as and if declared by the Company’s Board of Directors. Although the Company has historically paid cash dividends on the Company’s common stock, the Company is not required to do so and the Company’s Board of Directors could reduce or eliminate the Company’s common stock dividend in the future.
 
The Company could repurchase shares of its common stock at price levels considered excessive.

The Company repurchases and retires its common stock in accordance with Board of Directors-approved share repurchase programs. At December 31, 2013, approximately 1.5 million shares remained available to repurchase under such plans. The Company has been active in repurchasing and retiring shares of its common stock when alternative uses of excess capital, such as acquisitions, have been limited. The Company could repurchase shares of its common stock at price levels considered excessive, thereby spending more cash on such repurchases as deemed reasonable and effectively retiring fewer shares than would be retired if repurchases were affected at lower prices.
 
 
- 10 -
 
Risks Related to the Nature and Geographical Location of the Company’s Business

The Company invests in loans that contain inherent credit risks that may cause the Company to incur losses.

The Company can provide no assurance that the credit quality of the loan portfolio will not deteriorate in the future and that such deterioration will not adversely affect the Company. As described in this report under “Item 7 Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, Loan Portfolio Credit Risk,” $251 million of the Company’s purchased loans as of December 31, 2013 are indemnified by the FDIC; such indemnification expired February 6, 2014 for approximately 92 percent of the indemnified loans and expires February 6, 2019 for approximately 8 percent of the indemnified loans.  The risk inherent in such loans will increase with the expiration of FDIC indemnification.

The Company’s operations are concentrated geographically in California, and poor economic conditions may cause the Company to incur losses.

Substantially all of the Company’s business is located in California. A portion of the loan portfolio of the Company is dependent on real estate. At December 31, 2013, real estate served as the principal source of collateral with respect to approximately 58% of the Company’s loan portfolio. The Company’s financial condition and operating results will be subject to changes in economic conditions in California. The California economy is recovering from a severe recession. Much of the California real estate market  experienced a decline in values of varying degrees. This decline had an adverse impact on the business of some of the Company’s borrowers and on the value of the collateral for many of the Company’s loans. Generally, the counties surrounding and near San Francisco Bay have been recovering from the recent recession more soundly than counties in the California “Central Valley,” from Sacramento in the north to Bakersfield in the south. Approximately 27% of the Company’s loans are to borrowers in the California “Central Valley.” Economic conditions in California are subject to various uncertainties at this time, including the pace of recovery in construction and real estate sectors, the effect of drought on the agricultural sector and its infrastructure, and the California state government’s budgetary difficulties and fiscal condition. The Company can provide no assurance that conditions in the California economy will not deteriorate in the future and that such deterioration will not adversely affect the Company.

The markets in which the Company operates are subject to the risk of earthquakes and other natural disasters.

All of the properties of the Company are located in California. Also, most of the real and personal properties which currently secure a majority of the Company’s loans are located in California. California is prone to earthquakes, brush and forest fires, flooding, drought and other natural disasters. In addition to possibly sustaining uninsured damage to its own properties, if there is a major earthquake, flood, drought, fire or other natural disaster, the Company faces the risk that many of its borrowers may experience uninsured property losses, or sustained job interruption and/or loss which may materially impair their ability to meet the terms of their loan obligations. A major earthquake, flood, prolonged drought, fire or other natural disaster in California could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
 
Adverse changes in general business or economic conditions could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition and results of operations.
 
A sustained or continuing weakness or weakening in business and economic conditions generally or specifically in the principal markets in which the Company does business could have one or more of the following adverse impacts on the Company’s business:
·
a decrease in the demand for loans and other products and services offered by the Company;
·
an increase or decrease in the usage of unfunded credit commitments;
·
a decrease in the amount of deposits;
·
a decrease in non-depository funding available to the Company;
·
an impairment of certain intangible assets, such as goodwill;
·
an increase in the number of clients and counterparties who become delinquent, file for protection under bankruptcy laws or default on their loans or other obligations to the Company, which could result in a higher level of nonperforming assets, net charge-offs, provision for loan losses, and valuation adjustments on assets;
·
an impairment in the value of investment securities;
·
an impairment in the value of life insurance policies owned by the Company;
·
an impairment in the value of real estate owned by the Company.
 
The recent financial crisis led to the failure or merger of a number of financial institutions. Financial institution failures can result in further losses as a consequence of defaults on securities issued by them and defaults under contracts entered into with such entities as counterparties. Weak economic conditions can significantly weaken the strength and liquidity of financial institutions.
 
 
- 11 -
 
The Company’s financial performance generally, and in particular the ability of borrowers to pay interest on and repay principal of outstanding loans and the value of collateral securing those loans, is highly dependent upon on the business environment in the markets where the Company operates, in the State of California and in the United States as a whole. A favorable business environment is generally characterized by, among other factors, economic growth, healthy labor markets, efficient capital markets, low inflation, high business and investor confidence, and strong business earnings. Unfavorable or uncertain economic and market conditions can be caused by: declines in economic growth, high rates of unemployment, deflation, declines in business activity or consumer, investor or business confidence; limitations on the availability of or increases in the cost of credit and capital; increases in inflation or interest rates; natural disasters; or a combination of these or other factors.
 
Such business conditions could adversely affect the credit quality of the Company’s loans, the demand for loans, loan volumes and related revenue, securities valuations, amounts of deposits, availability of funding, results of operations and financial condition.
 
The value of securities in the Company’s investment securities portfolio may be negatively affected by disruptions in securities markets
 
The market for some of the investment securities held in the Company’s portfolio can be extremely volatile. Volatile market conditions may detrimentally affect the value of these securities, such as through reduced valuations due to the perception of heightened credit and liquidity risks. There can be no assurance that the declines in market value will not result in other than temporary impairments of these assets, which would lead to loss recognition that could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s net income and capital levels.

Regulatory Risks

Restrictions on dividends and other distributions could limit amounts payable to the Company.

As a holding company, a substantial portion of the Company’s cash flow typically comes from dividends paid by the Bank. Various statutory provisions restrict the amount of dividends the Company’s subsidiaries can pay to the Company without regulatory approval. A reduction in subsidiary dividends paid to the Company could limit the capacity of the Company to pay dividends. In addition, if any of the Company’s subsidiaries were to liquidate, that subsidiary’s creditors will be entitled to receive distributions from the assets of that subsidiary to satisfy their claims against it before the Company, as a holder of an equity interest in the subsidiary, will be entitled to receive any of the assets of the subsidiary.

Adverse effects of changes in banking or other laws and regulations or governmental fiscal or monetary policies could adversely affect the Company.

The Company is subject to significant federal and state regulation and supervision, which is primarily for the benefit and protection of the Company’s customers and not for the benefit of investors. In the past, the Company’s business has been materially affected by these regulations. As an example, the FRB amended Regulation E, which implements the Electronic Fund Transfer Act, in a manner that limits the ability of a financial institution to assess an overdraft fee for paying automated teller machine (ATM) and one-time debit card transactions that overdraw a consumer’s account, unless the consumer affirmatively consents, or opts in, to the institution’s payment of overdrafts for these transactions. Implementation of the new provisions significantly reduced overdraft fees assessed by the Bank.

Laws, regulations or policies, including accounting standards and interpretations currently affecting the Company and the Company’s subsidiaries, may change at any time. Regulatory authorities may also change their interpretation of these statutes and regulations. Therefore, the Company’s business may be adversely affected by any future changes in laws, regulations, policies or interpretations or regulatory approaches to compliance and enforcement including future acts of terrorism, major U.S. corporate bankruptcies and reports of accounting irregularities at U.S. public companies.

Additionally, the Company’s business is affected significantly by the fiscal and monetary policies of the federal government and its agencies. The Company is particularly affected by the policies of the FRB, which regulates the supply of money and credit in the United States of America. Among the instruments of monetary policy available to the FRB are (a) conducting open market operations in U.S. government securities, (b) changing the discount rates of borrowings by depository institutions, (c) changing interest rates paid on balances financial institutions deposit with the FRB, and (d) imposing or changing reserve requirements against certain borrowings by banks and their affiliates. These methods are used in varying degrees and combinations to directly affect the availability of bank loans and deposits, as well as the interest rates charged on loans and paid on deposits. The policies of the FRB may have a material effect on the Company’s business, results of operations and financial condition. Under long- standing policy of the FRB, a BHC is expected to act as a source of financial strength for its subsidiary banks. As a result of that policy, the Company may be required to commit financial and other resources to its subsidiary bank in circumstances where the Company might not otherwise do so.

 
- 12 -
 
Recently, the FRB has been providing vast amounts of liquidity into the banking system due to current economic and capital market conditions. The FRB has been purchasing large quantities of U.S. government securities, including agency-backed mortgage securities, increasing the demand for such securities thereby reducing interest rates. The FRB began reducing these activities in the fourth quarter 2013 which could reduce liquidity in the markets and cause interest rates to rise, thereby increasing funding costs to the Bank, reducing the availability of funds to the Bank to finance its existing operations, and causing fixed-rate investment securities and loans to decline in value.

Federal and state governments could pass legislation detrimental to the Company’s performance.

As an example, the Company could experience higher credit losses because of federal or state legislation or regulatory action that reduces the amount the Bank's borrowers are otherwise contractually required to pay under existing loan contracts. Also, the Company could experience higher credit losses because of federal or state legislation or regulatory action that limits or delays the Bank's ability to foreclose on property or other collateral or makes foreclosure less economically feasible.

The FDIC insures deposits at insured financial institutions up to certain limits. The FDIC charges insured financial institutions premiums to maintain the Deposit Insurance Fund. The FDIC may increase premium assessments to maintain adequate funding of the Deposit Insurance Fund.

The behavior of depositors in regard to the level of FDIC insurance could cause our existing customers to reduce the amount of deposits held at the Bank, and could cause new customers to open deposit accounts at the Bank. The level and composition of the Bank's deposit portfolio directly impacts the Bank's funding cost and net interest margin.

Systems, Accounting and Internal Control Risks

The accuracy of the Company’s judgments and estimates about financial and accounting matters will impact operating results and financial condition.

The discussion under “Item 7 Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Critical Accounting Policies” in this report and the information referred to in that discussion is incorporated by reference in this paragraph. The Company makes certain estimates and judgments in preparing its financial statements. The quality and accuracy of those estimates and judgments will have an impact on the Company’s operating results and financial condition.

The Company’s information systems may experience an interruption or breach in security.

The Company relies heavily on communications and information systems, including those of third party vendors and other service providers, to conduct its business. Any failure, interruption or breach in security of these systems could result in failures or disruptions in the Company’s data processing, accounting, customer relationship management and other systems. Communication and information systems failures can result from a variety of risks including, but not limited to, events that are wholly or partially out of the Company’s control, such as telecommunication line integrity, weather, terrorist acts, natural disasters, accidental disasters, unauthorized breaches of security systems, cyber attacks, and other events. Although the Company devotes significant resources to maintain and regularly upgrade its systems and processes that are designed to protect the security of the Company’s computer systems, software, networks and other technology assets and the confidentiality, integrity and availability of information belonging to the Company and its customers, there is no assurance that any such failures, interruptions or security breaches will not occur or, if they do occur, that they will be adequately corrected by the Company or its vendors. The occurrence of any such failures, interruptions or security breaches could damage the Company’s reputation, result in a loss of customer business, subject the Company to additional regulatory scrutiny, or expose the Company to litigation and possible financial liability, any of which could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition and results of operations.

The Company’s controls and procedures may fail or be circumvented.

Management regularly reviews and updates the Company’s internal control over financial reporting, disclosure controls and procedures, and corporate governance policies and procedures. The Company maintains controls and procedures to mitigate against risks such as processing system failures and errors, and customer or employee fraud, and maintains insurance coverage for certain of these risks. Any system of controls and procedures, however well designed and operated, is based in part on certain assumptions and can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurances that the objectives of the system are met. Events could occur which are not prevented or detected by the Company’s internal controls or are not insured against or are in excess of the Company’s insurance limits or insurance underwriters’ financial capacity. Any failure or circumvention of the Company’s controls and procedures or failure to comply with regulations related to controls and procedures could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, results of operations and financial condition.

 
- 13 -
 
The Company may have underestimated losses on purchased loans.
 
On February 6, 2009, the Bank acquired approximately $1.2 billion in loans and repossessed loan collateral of the former County Bank from the FDIC as its receiver. At December 31, 2013, $250.7 million in loans and $7.8 million in repossessed loan collateral remained outstanding.  On August 20, 2010, the Bank acquired approximately $217 million in loans and repossessed loan collateral of the former Sonoma Valley Bank from the FDIC as its receiver. At December 31, 2013, $53.8 million in loans and $-0- million in repossessed loan collateral remained outstanding. These purchased assets had suffered substantial deterioration at the respective acquisition dates, and the Company can provide no assurance that they will not continue to deteriorate now that they are the Bank’s assets. If Management’s estimates of purchased asset fair values as of the acquisition dates are higher than ultimate cash flows, the recorded carrying amount of the assets may need to be reduced with a corresponding charge to earnings, net of FDIC loss indemnification on former County Bank assets.


None


Branch Offices and Facilities

Westamerica Bank is engaged in the banking business through 92 branch offices in 21 counties in Northern and Central California. WAB believes all of its offices are constructed and equipped to meet prescribed security requirements.

The Company owns 33 banking  office locations and one centralized administrative service center facility and leases 67 facilities. Most of the leases contain renewal options and provisions for rental increases, principally for changes in the cost of living index, and for changes in other operating costs such as property taxes and maintenance.


Neither the Company nor any of its subsidiaries is a party to any material pending legal proceeding, nor is their property the subject of any material pending legal proceeding, other than ordinary routine legal proceedings arising in the ordinary course of the Company’s business. None of these proceedings is expected to have a material adverse impact upon the Company’s business, financial position or results of operations.


Not applicable

 
- 14 -
 


The Company’s common stock is traded on the NASDAQ Global Select Market (“NASDAQ”) under the symbol “WABC”. The following table shows the high and the low sales prices for the common stock, for each quarter, as reported by NASDAQ:
 
 
  
High
    
Low
  
2013:
            
First quarter
   $ 45.80     $ 42.59  
Second quarter
     46.56       41.76  
Third quarter
     50.78       45.73  
Fourth quarter
     57.59       48.29  
2012:
                
First quarter
   $ 49.53     $ 43.90  
Second quarter
     48.62       43.01  
Third quarter
     49.39       44.08  
Fourth quarter
     47.72       40.50  

As of January 31, 2014, there were approximately 6,500 shareholders of record of the Company’s common stock.

The Company has paid cash dividends on its common stock in every quarter since its formation in 1972. See Item 8, Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, Note 20 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for recent quarterly dividend information. It is currently the intention of the Board of Directors of the Company to continue payment of cash dividends on a quarterly basis. There is no assurance, however, that any dividends will be paid since they are dependent upon earnings, cash balances, financial condition and capital requirements of the Company and its subsidiaries as well as policies of the FRB pursuant to the BHCA. See Item 1, “Business - Supervision and Regulation.”

The notes to the consolidated financial statements included in this report contain additional information regarding the Company’s capital levels, capital structure, regulations affecting subsidiary bank dividends paid to the Company, the Company’s earnings, financial condition and cash flows, and cash dividends declared and paid on common stock.




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- 15 -
 
Stock performance

The following chart compares the cumulative return on the Company’s stock during the ten years ended December 31, 2013 with the cumulative return on the S&P 500 composite stock index and NASDAQ’S Bank Index. The comparison assumes $100 invested in each on December 31, 2003 and reinvestment of all dividends.

 
 
  
Period ending
  
   
2003
    
2004
    
2005
    
2006
    
2007
    
2008
  
Westamerica Bancorporation (WABC)
   $ 100.00     $ 119.66     $ 111.48     $ 109.15     $ 98.81     $ 116.43  
S&P 500 (SPX)
     100.00       110.87       116.31       134.66       142.05       89.51  
NASDAQ Bank Index (CBNK)
     100.00       113.64       111.45       126.83       101.60       79.73  

 
  
Period ending
  
   
2009
    
2010
    
2011
    
2012
    
2013
  
Westamerica Bancorporation (WABC)
   $ 129.73     $ 133.47     $ 108.91     $ 109.16     $ 149.37  
S&P 500 (SPX)
     113.20       130.28       133.00       154.26       204.18  
NASDAQ Bank Index (CBNK)
     66.74       76.20       68.19       80.96       114.72  



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- 16 -
 
The following chart compares the cumulative return on the Company’s stock during the five years ended December 31, 2013 with the cumulative return on the S&P 500 composite stock index and NASDAQ’S Bank Index. The comparison assumes $100 invested in each on December 31, 2008 and reinvestment of all dividends.

 
 
  
Period ending
  
   
2008
    
2009
    
2010
    
2011
    
2012
    
2013
  
Westamerica Bancorporation (WABC)
   $ 100.00     $ 111.42     $ 114.64     $ 93.54     $ 93.76     $ 128.29  
S&P 500 (SPX)
     100.00       126.47       145.55       148.59       172.34       228.11  
NASDAQ Bank Index (CBNK)
     100.00       83.71       95.57       85.53       101.55       143.89  

ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

The table below sets forth the information with respect to purchases made by or on behalf of Westamerica Bancorporation or any “affiliated purchaser” (as defined in Rule 10b-18(a)(3) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934), of common stock during the quarter ended December 31, 2013 (in thousands, except per share data).

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Period
  
 
 
 
 
(a)
Total
Number of
Shares
Purchased
    
 
 
 
(b)
Average
Price
Paid
per
Share
    
(c)
Total Number
of Shares
Purchased
as Part of
Publicly
Announced
Plans or
Programs*
    
(d)
Maximum
Number of
Shares that
May Yet Be
Purchased
Under the
Plans or
Programs
  
October 1 through October 31
     69     $ 52.39       69       1,725  
November 1 through November 30
     121       53.33       121       1,604  
December 1 through December 31
     136       54.78       136       1,468  
Total
     326       53.74       326       1,468  
                                 
*
Includes 4 thousand, 10 thousand and 4 thousand shares purchased in October, November and December, respectively, by the Company in private transactions with the independent administrator of the Company’s Tax Deferred Savings/Retirement Plan (ESOP). The Company includes the shares purchased in such transactions within the total number of shares authorized for purchase pursuant to the currently existing publicly announced program.

 
- 17 -
 
The Company repurchases shares of its common stock in the open market to optimize the Company’s use of equity capital and enhance shareholder value and with the intention of lessening the dilutive impact of issuing new shares under stock option plans, and other ongoing requirements.

Shares were repurchased during the fourth quarter of 2013 pursuant to a program approved by the Board of Directors on July 25, 2013 authorizing the purchase of up to 2 million shares of the Company’s common stock from time to time prior to September 1, 2014.





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- 18 -
 

The following financial information for the five years ended December 31, 2013 has been derived from the Company’s audited consolidated financial statements. This information should be read in conjunction with those statements, notes and other information included elsewhere herein.

WESTAMERICA BANCORPORATION
FINANCIAL SUMMARY
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
 
 Year ended December 31:
  
2013
    
2012
    
2011
    
2010
    
2009
  
Interest and loan fee income
   $ 154,396     $ 183,364     $ 207,979     $ 221,155     $ 241,949  
Interest expense
     4,671       5,744       8,382       12,840       19,380  
Net interest income
     149,725       177,620       199,597       208,315       222,569  
Provision for loan losses
     8,000       11,200       11,200       11,200       10,500  
Noninterest income:
                                        
Net losses from securities
     —       (1,287 )     —       —       —  
Gain on acquisition
     —       —       —       178       48,844  
Deposit service charges and other
     57,011       58,309       60,097       61,276       63,167  
Total noninterest income
     57,011       57,022       60,097       61,454       112,011  
Noninterest expense
                                        
Settlements
     —       —       2,100       43       158  
Other noninterest expense
     112,614       116,885       125,578       127,104       140,618  
Total noninterest expense
     112,614       116,885       127,678       127,147       140,776  
Income before income taxes
     86,122       106,557       120,816       131,422       183,304  
Provision for income taxes
     18,945       25,430       32,928       36,845       57,878  
Net income
     67,177       81,127       87,888       94,577       125,426  
Preferred stock dividends and discount accretion
     —       —       —       —       3,963  
Net income applicable to common equity
   $ 67,177     $ 81,127     $ 87,888     $ 94,577     $ 121,463  
Average common shares outstanding
     26,826       27,654       28,628       29,166       29,105  
Average diluted common shares outstanding
     26,877       27,699       28,742       29,471       29,353  
Shares outstanding at December 31
     26,510       27,213       28,150       29,090       29,208  
Per common share:
                                        
Basic earnings
   $ 2.50     $ 2.93     $ 3.07     $ 3.24     $ 4.17  
Diluted earnings
     2.50       2.93       3.06       3.21       4.14  
Book value at December 31
     20.48       20.58       19.85       18.74       17.31  
Financial Ratios:
                                        
Return on assets
     1.38 %     1.64 %     1.78 %     1.95 %     2.39 %
Return on common equity
     12.48 %     14.93 %     16.14 %     18.11 %     25.84 %
Net interest margin *
     4.08 %     4.79 %     5.32 %     5.54 %     5.42 %
Net loan losses to average loans
                                        
    Originated loans
     0.26 %     0.72 %     0.68 %     0.79 %     0.60 %
    Purchased covered loans
     0.62 %     0.18 %     0.16 %     —       —  
    Purchased non-covered loans
     0.61 %     0.11 %     —       —       —  
Efficiency ratio **
     50.11 %     46.01 %     45.77 %     44.13 %     39.74 %
Equity to assets
     11.20 %     11.31 %     11.08 %     11.06 %     10.16 %
Period End Balances:
                                        
Assets
   $ 4,847,055     $ 4,952,193     $ 5,042,161     $ 4,931,524     $ 4,975,501  
Originated loans
     1,523,284       1,664,183       1,862,607       2,029,541       2,201,088  
Purchased covered loans
     250,670       372,283       535,278       692,972       855,301  
Purchased non-covered loans
     53,790       74,891       125,921       199,571       —  
Allowance for loan losses
     31,693       30,234       32,597       35,636       41,043  
Investment securities
     2,211,680       1,981,677       1,561,556       1,252,212       1,111,143  
Deposits
     4,163,781       4,232,492       4,249,921       4,132,961       4,060,208  
Identifiable intangible assets and goodwill
     140,230       144,934       150,302       156,277       157,366  
Short-term borrowed funds
     62,668       53,687       115,689       107,385       128,134  
Federal Home Loan Bank advances
     20,577       25,799       26,023       61,698       85,470  
Term repurchase agreement
     10,000       10,000       10,000       —       99,044  
Debt financing and notes payable
     —       15,000       15,000       26,363       26,497  
Shareholders’ equity
     542,934       560,102       558,641       545,287       505,448  
Capital Ratios at Period End:
                                        
Total risk based capital
     16.18 %     16.33 %     15.75 %     15.50 %     14.50 %
Tangible equity to tangible assets
     8.56 %     8.64 %     8.35 %     8.15 %     7.22 %
Dividends Paid Per Common Share
   $ 1.49     $ 1.48     $ 1.45     $ 1.44     $ 1.41  
Common Dividend Payout Ratio
     60 %     51 %     47 %     45 %     34 %
____________
*
Yields on securities and certain loans have been adjusted upward to a “fully taxable equivalent” (“FTE”) basis, which is a non-GAAP financial measure, in order to reflect the effect of income which is exempt from federal income taxation at the current statutory tax rate.
**
The efficiency ratio is defined as noninterest expense divided by total revenue (net interest income on an FTE basis, which is a non-GAAP financial measure, and noninterest income).
 
 
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The following discussion addresses information pertaining to the financial condition and results of operations of Westamerica Bancorporation and subsidiaries (the “Company”) that may not be otherwise apparent from a review of the consolidated financial statements and related footnotes. It should be read in conjunction with those statements and notes found on pages 52 through 91, as well as with the other information presented throughout the Report.

Critical Accounting Policies

The Company’s consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America and follow general practices within the banking industry. Application of these principles requires the Company to make certain estimates, assumptions, and judgments that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. These estimates, assumptions, and judgments are based on information available as of the date of the financial statements; accordingly, as this information changes, the financial statements could reflect different estimates, assumptions, and judgments. Certain accounting policies inherently have a greater reliance on the use of estimates, assumptions and judgments and as such have a greater possibility of producing results that could be materially different than originally reported. Estimates, assumptions and judgments are necessary when assets and liabilities are required to be recorded at fair value, when a decline in the value of an asset not carried on the financial statements at fair value warrants an impairment writedown or valuation reserve to be established, or when an asset or liability needs to be recorded contingent upon a future event. Carrying assets and liabilities at fair value inherently results in more financial statement volatility. The fair values and the information used to record valuation adjustments for certain assets and liabilities are based either on quoted market prices or are provided by other third-party sources, when available.

The most significant accounting policies followed by the Company are presented in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements. These policies, along with the disclosures presented in the other financial statement notes and in this discussion, provide information on how significant assets and liabilities are valued in the financial statements and how those values are determined. Based on the valuation techniques used and the sensitivity of financial statement amounts to the methods, assumptions, and estimates underlying those amounts, Management has identified the allowance for loan losses accounting and purchased loan accounting to be the accounting areas requiring the most subjective or complex judgments, and as such could be most subject to revision as new information becomes available. A discussion of the factors affecting accounting for the allowance for loan losses and purchased loans is included in the “Loan Portfolio Credit Risk” discussion below.

Net Income

During the three years ended December 31, 2013, market interest rates declined to low levels. The Federal Reserve’s Federal Open Market Committee has maintained highly accommodative monetary policies to influence interest rates to low levels in order to provide stimulus to the economy following the “financial crisis” recession. In the fourth quarter 2013, the Open Market Committee began a gradual removal of its accommodative monetary policies. The Company’s principal source of revenue is net interest and loan fee income, which represents interest earned on loans and investment securities (“earning assets”) reduced by interest paid on deposits and other borrowings (“interest bearing liabilities”). The change in market interest rates in the three years ended December 31, 2013 has reduced the spread between interest rates on earning assets and interest bearing liabilities. As a result, the Company’s net interest income declined. The Company also earns revenue from service charges on deposit accounts, merchant processing services, debit card fees, and other fees (“noninterest income”). Service charges on deposit accounts are subject to laws and regulations; recent regulations and customer activity have caused service charges on deposit accounts to decline in the three years ended December 31, 2013; however, debit card fees and trust fees have increased due to higher transaction volumes and the Company’s sales efforts. The Company incurs noninterest expenses to deliver products and services to our customers. Management is focused on controlling noninterest expense levels.

 
- 20 -
 
Components of Net Income

Year ended December 31,
(Dollars in thousands except per share amounts)
  
 2013
    
 2012
    
 2011
  
Net interest and loan fee income *
   $ 167,737     $ 197,027     $ 218,867  
Provision for loan losses
     (8,000 )     (11,200 )     (11,200 )
Noninterest income
     57,011       57,022       60,097  
Noninterest expense
     (112,614 )     (116,885 )     (127,678 )
Income before income taxes *
     104,134       125,964       140,086  
Taxes *
     (36,957 )     (44,837 )     (52,198 )
Net income
   $ 67,177     $ 81,127     $ 87,888  
Net income per average fully-diluted common share
   $ 2.50     $ 2.93     $ 3.06  
Net income as a percentage of average shareholders’ equity
     12.48 %     14.93 %     16.14 %
Net income as a percentage of average total assets
     1.38 %     1.64 %     1.78 %
                         
*
Fully taxable equivalent (FTE)

Comparing 2013 to 2012, net income decreased $14.0 million or 17.2%, primarily due to lower net interest and loan fee income (FTE), partially offset by decreases in loan loss provision, noninterest expense and income tax provision (FTE). The lower net interest and loan fee income (FTE) was primarily caused by a lower average volume of loans and lower yields on interest-earning assets, partially offset by higher average balances of investments, lower average balances of interest-bearing liabilities and lower rates paid on interest-bearing deposits. The provision for loan losses was reduced, reflecting Management's evaluation of losses inherent in the loan portfolio; net loan losses and nonperforming loan volumes have declined relative to earlier periods. Noninterest expense decreased $4.3 million primarily due to reduced personnel costs, professional fees, loan administration costs, expenses related to other real estate owned and intangible asset amortization.

Comparing 2012 to 2011, net income decreased $6.8 million, primarily due to lower net interest income (FTE) and a $1.3 million loss on sale of securities, partially offset by decreases in noninterest expense and income tax provision (FTE). The lower net interest income (FTE) was primarily caused by a lower average volume of loans and lower yields on interest earning assets, partially offset by higher average balances of investments, lower average balances of interest-bearing liabilities and lower rates on interest-bearing deposits. The provision for loan losses remained the same, reflecting Management's evaluation of losses inherent in the loan portfolio. Noninterest expense declined primarily due to a $2.1 million settlement accrual in 2011 and reduced costs related to personnel and nonperforming assets.
 
Net Interest and Loan Fee Income (FTE)

The Company's primary source of revenue is net interest income, or the difference between interest income earned on loans and investment securities and interest expense paid on interest-bearing deposits and other borrowings. Comparing 2013 to 2012, net interest and loan fee income (FTE) decreased $29.3 million or 14.9% to $167.7 million. Net interest and loan fee income (FTE) in 2012 decreased $21.8 million or 10.0% from 2011, to $197.0 million.

Components of Net Interest and Loan Fee Income (FTE)

Year ended December 31,
(Dollars in thousands)
  
 2013
    
 2012
    
 2011
  
Interest and loan fee income
   $ 154,396     $ 183,364     $ 207,979  
Interest expense
     (4,671 )     (5,744 )     (8,382 )
FTE adjustment
     18,012       19,407       19,270  
Net interest and loan fee income (FTE)
   $ 167,737     $ 197,027     $ 218,867  
Net interest margin (FTE)
     4.08 %     4.79 %     5.32 %
                         
Comparing 2013 with 2012, net interest and loan fee income (FTE) decreased $29.3 million or 14.9%, primarily due to a lower average volume of loans (down $360 million) and lower yields on interest-earning assets (down 74 basis points), partially offset by higher average balances of investments (up $355 million), lower average balances of interest-bearing liabilities (down $161 million) and lower rates paid on interest-bearing deposits (down 2 basis points).

Loan volumes have declined due to problem loan workout activities, particularly with purchased loans, and reduced volumes of loan originations. In Management’s opinion, competitive loan pricing does not currently provide adequate forward earnings potential. As a result, the Company has not currently taken an aggressive posture relative to loan portfolio growth. Management has maintained relatively stable interest-earning asset volumes by increasing investment securities as loan volumes have declined.

 
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Yields on interest-earning assets have declined due to relatively low interest rates prevailing in the market. Management’s response to prevailing economic conditions and competitive loan pricing has been to reduce loan volumes, placing greater reliance on lower-yielding investment securities. Rates on interest-bearing deposits have declined to offset some of the decline in asset yields.

In 2013, interest and loan fee income (FTE) was down $30.4 million or 15.0% from 2012. The decrease resulted from a lower average volume of loans and lower yields on interest-earning assets, partially offset by higher average balances of investments. The total average balances of loans declined due to decreases in the average balances of commercial real estate loans (down $155 million), taxable commercial loans (down $63 million), consumer loans (down $57 million), residential real estate loans (down $53 million), tax-exempt commercial loans (down $22 million) and construction loans (down $11 million). The average investment portfolio increased largely due to higher average balances of corporate securities (up $205 million), collateralized mortgage obligations (up $172 million) and municipal securities (up $47 million), partially offset by  decreases in average balances of mortgage backed securities (down $37 million) and securities of U.S. government sponsored entities (down $30 million).

The average yield on the Company's earning assets decreased from 4.93% in 2012 to 4.19% in 2013. The composite yield on loans declined 41 basis points to 5.36% mostly due to lower yields on commercial real estate loans (down 45 basis points), consumer loans (down 62 basis points), residential real estate loans (down 14 basis points), taxable commercial loans (down 8 basis points) and tax-exempt loans (down 20 basis points). Nonperforming loans are included in average loan volumes used to compute loan yields; fluctuations in nonaccrual loan volumes impact loan yields. The yield on construction loans in 2013 was elevated due to interest received on nonaccrual loans and discount accretion on purchased loans. The investment yields in general declined due to market rates. The investment portfolio yield decreased 71 basis points to 3.13% in 2013 primarily due to lower yields on collateralized mortgage obligations and mortgage backed securities (down 65 basis points), municipal securities (down 55 basis points) and corporate securities (down 46 basis points).

Comparing 2013 with 2012, interest expense declined $1.1 million or 18.7% due to lower average balances of interest-bearing liabilities and lower rates paid on interest-bearing deposits. Lower-cost checking and savings deposits accounted for 86.3% of total average deposits in 2013 compared with 82.8% in 2012. Average interest-bearing liabilities fell $161 million in 2013 compared with 2012 primarily due to declines in the average balances of time deposits $100 thousand or more (down $120 million) and time deposits less than $100 thousand (down $36 million), preferred money market accounts (down $23 million) and customer sweep accounts (down $23 million), partially offset by increases in the average balances of regular savings (up $25 million) and money market savings (up $17 million). Rates paid on interest-bearing deposits averaged 0.14% in 2013 compared with 0.16% for 2012 as a result of decreases in rates paid on time deposits less than $100 thousand (down 10 basis points).

Comparing 2012 with 2011, net interest and loan fee income (FTE) declined $21.8 million mostly due to a lower average volume of loans (down $422 million) and lower yields on interest earning assets (down 59 basis points), partially offset by higher average balances of investments (up $424 million), lower average balances of interest-bearing liabilities (down $103 million) and lower rates on interest-bearing deposits (down 9 basis points).

Interest and loan fee income (FTE) was down $24.5 million or 10.8% from 2012 to 2011. The decrease resulted from a lower average volume of loans and lower yields on interest-earning assets, partially offset by higher average balances of investments. Average interest earning assets increased $2 million in 2012 compared with 2011 due to a $424 million increase in average investments, offset by a $422 million decrease in average loans. The average investment portfolio increased mostly due to higher average balances of collateralized mortgage obligations and mortgage backed securities (up $271 million), municipal securities (up $108 million) and corporate securities (up $92 million), partially offset by a $57 million decline in securities issued by U.S. government sponsored entities. The decrease in the average balance of the loan portfolio was attributable to decreases in average balances of commercial real estate loans (down $183 million), taxable commercial loans (down $118 million), construction loans (down $31 million), residential real estate loans (down $48 million), tax-exempt commercial loans (down $19 million) and consumer loans (down $22 million).

The average yield on earning assets in 2012 was 4.93% compared with 5.52% in 2011. The loan portfolio yield for 2012 compared with 2011 was lower by 22 basis points mostly due to lower yields on consumer loans (down 76 basis points), residential real estate loans (down 33 basis points) and tax-exempt commercial loans (down 35 basis points) and taxable commercial loans (down 9 basis points), partially offset by higher yields on commercial real estate loans (up 15 basis points). Nonperforming loans are included in average loan volumes used to compute loan yields; fluctuations in nonaccrual loan volumes impact loan yields. The yield on commercial real estate loans in 2012 and 2011 was elevated due to interest received on nonaccrual loans and discount accretion on purchased loans. The investment portfolio yield decreased 76 basis points to 3.84% from 2012 to 2011 primarily due to lower yields on collateralized mortgage obligations and mortgage backed securities (down 118 basis points), municipal securities (down 55 basis points), and securities of U.S. government sponsored entities (down 26 basis points), partially offset by a 5 basis points increase in yields on corporate securities which contain floating interest rate structures.

 
- 22 -
 
Interest expense was reduced by lowering rates paid on interest-bearing deposits and borrowings and by reducing the volume of higher-cost funding sources. Lower-cost checking and savings deposits accounted for 82.8% of total average deposits in 2012 compared with 79.6% in 2011. In 2012 interest expense declined $2.6 million or 31.5% from 2011, due to lower average balances of interest-bearing liabilities and lower rates paid on interest-bearing deposits. In 2012 average interest-bearing deposits fell $62 million compared with 2011 primarily due to declines in the average balances of time deposits $100 thousand or more (down $75 million), time deposits less than $100 thousand (down $49 million), and preferred money market savings (down $38 million), partially offset by increases in the average balances of money market checking accounts (up $41 million), money market savings (up $30 million) and regular savings (up $29 million). Average balances of debt financing declined $7 million due to the redemption of a $10 million subordinated note in August 2011. Increases were partially offset by higher average balances of term repurchase agreement (up $6 million). Rates paid on interest-bearing deposits averaged 0.16% in 2012 compared with 0.25% in 2011 mainly due to lower rates on money market savings (down 7 basis points), preferred money market savings (down 32 basis points), regular savings (down 5 basis points), time deposits $100 thousand and more (down 10 basis points) and time deposits less than $100 thousand (down 10 basis points).





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- 23 -
 
Summary of Average Balances, Yields/Rates and Interest Differential

The following tables present information regarding the consolidated average assets, liabilities and shareholders’ equity, the amounts of interest income earned from average interest earning assets and the resulting yields, and the amounts of interest expense incurred on average interest-bearing liabilities and the resulting rates. Average loan balances include nonperforming loans. Interest income includes reversal of previously accrued interest on loans placed on non-accrual status during the period and proceeds from loans on nonaccrual status only to the extent cash payments have been received and applied as interest income and accretion of purchased loan discounts. Yields on tax-exempt securities and loans have been adjusted upward to reflect the effect of income exempt from federal income taxation at the current statutory tax rate.

Distribution of Assets, Liabilities & Shareholders’ Equity and Yields, Rates & Interest Margin

   
Year Ended December 31, 2013
  
(Dollars in thousands)
  
Average
Balance
    
Interest
Income/
Expense
    
Yields/
Rates
  
Assets
                  
Investment securities:
                  
Available for sale
                  
Taxable
   $ 823,228     $ 14,685       1.78 %
Tax-exempt (1)
     186,101       10,435       5.61 %
Held to maturity
                        
Taxable
     431,246       7,516       1.74 %
Tax-exempt (1)
     714,515       34,961       4.89 %
Loans:
                        
Commercial
                        
Taxable
     256,638       16,042       6.25 %
Tax-exempt (1)
     106,871       6,264       5.86 %
Commercial real estate
     862,266       53,615       6.22 %
Real estate construction
     15,514       1,182       7.62 %
Real estate residential
     211,360       7,357       3.48 %
Consumer
     501,932       20,351       4.05 %
Total Loans (1)
     1,954,581       104,811       5.36 %
Interest-earning assets (1)
     4,109,671       172,408       4.19 %
Other assets
     754,191                  
Total assets
   $ 4,863,862                  
Liabilities and shareholders’ equity
                        
Deposits:
                        
Noninterest bearing demand
   $ 1,683,447       ––       ––  
Savings and interest-bearing transaction
     1,910,131       1,182       0.06 %
Time less than $100,000
     228,061       1,070       0.47 %
Time $100,000 or more
     341,184       1,096       0.32 %
Total interest-bearing deposits
     2,479,376       3,348       0.14 %
Short-term borrowed funds
     57,454       77       0.13 %
Federal Home Loan Bank advances
     25,499       480       1.88 %
Term repurchase agreement
     10,000       98       0.98 %
Debt financing and notes payable
     12,452       668       5.37 %
Total interest-bearing liabilities
     2,584,781       4,671       0.18 %
Other liabilities
     57,469                  
Shareholders’ equity
     538,165                  
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
   $ 4,863,862                  
Net interest spread (2)
                     4.01 %
Net interest income and interest margin (1)(3)
           $ 167,737       4.08 %
                         
____________
(1)
Amounts calculated on a fully taxable equivalent basis using the current statutory federal tax rate.
(2)
Net interest spread represents the average yield earned on interest earning assets less the average rate incurred on interest-bearing liabilities.
(3)
Net interest margin is computed by calculating the difference between interest income and expense, divided by the average balance of interest-earning assets. The net interest margin is greater than the net interest spread due to the benefit of noninterest-bearing demand deposits.

 
- 24 -
 
Distribution of Assets, Liabilities & Shareholders’ Equity and Yields, Rates & Interest Margin

   
Year Ended December 31, 2012
  
(Dollars in thousands)
  
Average
Balance
    
Interest
Income/
Expense
    
Yields/
Rates
  
Assets
                  
Investment securities:
                  
Available for sale
                  
Taxable
   $ 491,338     $ 11,430       2.33 %
Tax-exempt (1)
     214,268       12,603       5.88 %
Held to maturity
                        
Taxable
     460,381       9,916       2.15 %
Tax-exempt (1)
     634,482       35,277       5.56 %
Loans:
                        
Commercial
                        
Taxable
     319,235       20,216       6.33 %
Tax-exempt (1)
     128,887       7,815       6.06 %
Commercial real estate
     1,016,805       67,863       6.67 %
Real estate construction
     26,314       1,946       7.40 %
Real estate residential
     264,497       9,583       3.62 %
Consumer
     559,132       26,122       4.67 %
Total Loans (1)
     2,314,870       133,545       5.77 %
Interest-earning assets (1)
     4,115,339       202,771       4.93 %
Other assets
     838,963                  
Total assets
   $ 4,954,302                  
Liabilities and shareholders’ equity
                        
Deposits:
                        
Noninterest bearing demand
   $ 1,603,981       ––       ––  
Savings and interest-bearing transaction
     1,887,959       1,238       0.07 %
Time less than $100,000
     264,466       1,515       0.57 %
Time $100,000 or more
     460,833       1,530       0.33 %
Total interest-bearing deposits
     2,613,258       4,283       0.16 %
Short-term borrowed funds
     81,323       77       0.09 %
Federal Home Loan Bank advances
     25,916       483       1.86 %
Term repurchase agreement
     10,000       99       0.99 %
Debt financing and notes payable
     15,000       802       5.35 %
Total interest-bearing liabilities
     2,745,497       5,744       0.21 %
Other liabilities
     61,515                  
Shareholders’ equity
     543,309                  
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
   $ 4,954,302                  
Net interest spread (2)
                     4.72 %
Net interest income and interest margin (1)(3)
           $ 197,027       4.79 %
                         
____________
(1)
Amounts calculated on a fully taxable equivalent basis using the current statutory federal tax rate.
(2)
Net interest spread represents the average yield earned on interest earning assets less the average rate incurred on interest-bearing liabilities.
(3)
Net interest margin is computed by calculating the difference between interest income and expense, divided by the average balance of interest-earning assets. The net interest margin is greater than the net interest spread due to the benefit of noninterest-bearing demand deposits.

 
- 25 -
 
Distribution of Assets, Liabilities & Shareholders’ Equity and Yields, Rates & Interest Margin

   
Year Ended December 31, 2011
  
(Dollars in thousands)
  
Average
Balance
    
Interest
Income/
Expense
    
Yields/
Rates
  
Assets
                  
Money market assets and funds sold
   $ 430     $ ––       –– %
Investment securities:
                        
Available for sale
                        
Taxable
     445,527       11,166       2.51 %
Tax-exempt (1)
     258,867       15,989       6.18 %
Held to maturity
                        
Taxable
     188,751       6,238       3.30 %
Tax-exempt (1)
     483,255       29,878       6.18 %
Loans:
                        
Commercial
                        
Taxable
     437,581       28,087       6.42 %
Tax-exempt (1)
     148,144       9,494       6.41 %
Commercial real estate
     1,199,390       78,179       6.52 %
Real estate construction
     57,529       4,331       7.53 %
Real estate residential
     312,615       12,340       3.95 %
Consumer
     581,286       31,547       5.43 %
Total Loans (1)
     2,736,545       163,978       5.99 %
Interest-earning assets (1)
     4,113,375       227,249       5.52 %
Other assets
     837,379                  
Total assets
   $ 4,950,754                  
Liabilities and shareholders’ equity
                        
Deposits:
                        
Noninterest bearing demand
   $ 1,496,362       ––       ––  
Savings and interest-bearing transaction
     1,826,118       2,419       0.13 %
Time less than $100,000
     313,548       2,090       0.67 %
Time $100,000 or more
     535,866       2,296       0.43 %
Total interest-bearing deposits
     2,675,532       6,805       0.25 %
Short-term borrowed funds
     105,157       216       0.21 %
Federal Home Loan Bank advances
     41,741       520       1.25 %
Term repurchase agreement
     3,945       39       0.98 %
Debt financing and notes payable
     22,066       802       3.63 %
Total interest-bearing liabilities
     2,848,441       8,382       0.29 %
Other liabilities
     61,493                  
Shareholders’ equity
     544,458                  
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
   $ 4,950,754                  
Net interest spread (2)
                     5.23 %
Net interest income and interest margin (1)(3)
           $ 218,867       5.32 %
                         
____________
(1)
Amounts calculated on a fully taxable equivalent basis using the current statutory federal tax rate.
(2)
Net interest spread represents the average yield earned on interest earning assets less the average rate incurred on interest-bearing liabilities.
(3)
Net interest margin is computed by calculating the difference between interest income and expense, divided by the average balance of interest-earning assets. The net interest margin is greater than the net interest spread due to the benefit of noninterest-bearing demand deposits.
 
 
- 26 -
 
The following tables set forth a summary of the changes in interest income and interest expense due to changes in average assets and liability balances (volume) and changes in average interest yields/rates for the periods indicated. Changes not solely attributable to volume or yields/rates have been allocated in proportion to the respective volume and yield/rate components.

Summary of Changes in Interest Income and Expense

Years Ended December 31,
  
2013 Compared with 2012
  
(In thousands)
  
Volume
    
Yield/Rate
    
Total
  
Increase (decrease) in interest and loan fee income:
                  
Investment securities:
                  
Available for sale Taxable
   $ 6,370     $ (3,115 )   $ 3,255  
Tax- exempt (1)
     (1,607 )     (561 )     (2,168 )
Held to maturity Taxable
     (612 )     (1,788 )     (2,400 )
Tax- exempt (1)
     4,127       (4,443 )     (316 )
Loans:
                        
Commercial:
                        
Taxable
     (3,919 )     (255 )     (4,174 )
Tax- exempt (1)
     (1,300 )     (251 )     (1,551 )
Commercial real estate
     (9,871 )     (4,377 )     (14,248 )
Real estate construction
     (821 )     57       (764 )
Real estate residential
     (1,865 )     (361 )     (2,226 )
Consumer
     (2,548 )     (3,223 )     (5,771 )
Total loans (1)
     (20,324 )     (8,410 )     (28,734 )
Total decrease in interest and loan fee income (1)
     (12,046 )     (18,317 )     (30,363 )
Increase (decrease) in interest expense:
                        
Deposits:
                        
Savings/ interest-bearing
     12       (68 )     (56 )
Time less than $100,000
     (194 )     (251 )     (445 )
Time $100,000 or more
     (386 )     (48 )     (434 )
Total interest-bearing
     (568 )     (367 )     (935 )
Short-term borrowed funds
     (27 )     27       ––  
Federal Home Loan Bank advances
     (13 )     10       (3 )
Term repurchase agreement
     ––       (1 )     (1 )
Notes and mortgages payable
     (137 )     3       (134 )
Total decrease in interest expense
     (745 )     (328 )     (1,073 )
Decrease in net interest income (1)
   $ (11,301 )   $ (17,989 )   $ (29,290 )
                         
____________
(1)
Amounts calculated on a fully taxable equivalent basis using the current statutory federal tax rate.




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- 27 -
 
Summary of Changes in Interest Income and Expense

Years Ended December 31,
  
2012 Compared with 2011
  
(In thousands)
  
Volume
    
Yield/Rate
    
Total
  
Increase (decrease) in interest and loan fee income:
                  
Investment securities:
                  
Available for sale Taxable
   $ 1,112     $ (848 )   $ 264  
Tax- exempt (1)
     (2,644 )     (742 )     (3,386 )
Held to maturity Taxable
     6,464       (2,786 )     3,678  
Tax- exempt (1)
     8,659       (3,260 )     5,399  
Loans:
                        
Commercial:
                        
Taxable
     (7,497 )     (374 )     (7,871 )
Tax- exempt (1)
     (1,181 )     (498 )     (1,679 )
Commercial real estate
     (12,123 )     1,807       (10,316 )
Real estate construction
     (2,310 )     (75 )     (2,385 )
Real estate residential
     (1,788 )     (969 )     (2,757 )
Consumer
     (1,109 )     (4,316 )     (5,425 )
Total loans (1)
     (26,008 )     (4,425 )     (30,433 )
Total decrease in interest and loan fee income (1)
     (12,417 )     (12,061 )     (24,478 )
Increase (decrease) in interest expense:
                        
Deposits:
                        
Savings/ interest-bearing
     82       (1,263 )     (1,181 )
Time less than $100,000
     (301 )     (274 )     (575 )
Time $100,000 or more
     (291 )     (475 )     (766 )
Total interest-bearing
     (510 )     (2,012 )     (2,522 )
Short-term borrowed funds
     (41 )     (98 )     (139 )
Federal Home Loan Bank advances
     (37 )     ––       (37 )
Term repurchase agreement
     46       14       60  
Notes and mortgages payable
     (305 )     305       ––  
Total decrease in interest expense
     (847 )     (1,791 )     (2,638 )
Decrease in net interest income (1)
   $ (11,570 )   $ (10,270 )   $ (21,840 )
                         
____________
(1)
Amounts calculated on a fully taxable equivalent basis using the current statutory federal tax rate.

Provision for Loan Losses

The Company manages credit costs by consistently enforcing conservative underwriting and administration procedures and aggressively pursuing collection efforts with debtors experiencing financial difficulties. The provision for loan losses reflects Management's assessment of credit risk in the loan portfolio during each of the periods presented.

The Company provided $8.0 million, $11.2 million and $11.2 million for loan losses in 2013, 2012 and 2011. The reduced provision for loan losses for 2013 reflects Management’s current evaluation of credit quality for the loan portfolio. The Company recorded purchased County Bank and Sonoma Valley Bank loans at estimated fair value upon the acquisition dates, February 6, 2009 and August 20, 2010, respectively. Such estimated fair values were recognized for individual loans, although small balance homogenous loans were pooled for valuation purposes. The valuation discounts recorded for purchased loans included Management’s assessment of the risk of principal loss under economic and borrower conditions prevailing on the dates of purchase. The purchased County Bank loans are “covered” by loss-sharing agreements the Company entered with the FDIC which mitigates losses during the term of the agreements. Any deterioration in estimated value related to principal loss subsequent to the acquisition dates requires additional loss recognition through a provision for loan losses. No assurance can be given future provisions for loan losses related to purchased loans will not be necessary. For further information regarding credit risk, the FDIC loss-sharing agreements, net credit losses and the allowance for loan losses, see the “Loan Portfolio Credit Risk” and “Allowance for Credit Losses” sections of this report.

 
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Noninterest Income

Components of Noninterest Income

Years Ended December 31,
                  
(In thousands)
  
2013
    
2012
    
2011
  
Service charges on deposit accounts
   $ 25,693     $ 27,691     $ 29,523  
Merchant processing services
     9,031       9,734       9,436  
Debit card fees
     5,829       5,173       4,956  
Other service charges
     2,846       2,801       2,827  
ATM processing fees
     2,758       3,396       3,815  
Trust fees
     2,313       2,078       1,887  
Financial services commissions
     831       689       423  
Loss on sale of securities
     —       (1,287 )     —  
Other
     7,710       6,747       7,230  
Total
   $ 57,011     $ 57,022     $ 60,097  
                         
In 2013, noninterest income was $57.0 million, unchanged from 2012. In 2012 noninterest income included a $1.3 million loss realized from the sale of a collateralized mortgage obligation bond whose underlying support tranches began experiencing escalating losses. Service charges on deposits decreased $2.0 million or 7.2% due to declines in fees charged on overdrawn accounts and insufficient funds (down $1.1 million) and deficit fees charged on analyzed accounts (down $762 thousand). Merchant processing services income decreased $703 thousand mainly due to lower transaction volumes. ATM processing fees decreased $638 thousand primarily because the Bank customers had fewer transactions at non-Westamerica ATMs and other cash dispensing terminals. Offsetting these decreases were higher debit card fees (up $656 thousand) due to higher transaction volumes. Additionally, trust fees and financial services commissions increased $235 thousand and $142 thousand, respectively, from increased sales. Other noninterest income increased $963 thousand primarily due to higher recoveries of charged off purchased loans and life insurance proceeds.

In 2012, noninterest income decreased $3.1 million compared with 2011. The decline in 2012 noninterest income is partially due to a $1.3 million loss realized from the sale of a collateralized mortgage obligation bond whose underlying support tranches began experiencing escalating losses. Service charges on deposits decreased $1.8 million or 6.2% due to declines in fees charged on overdrawn and insufficient funds accounts (down $2.2 million), partially offset by higher deficit fees charged on analyzed accounts (up $298 thousand) and higher fees charged on checking accounts (up $134 thousand). ATM processing fees decreased $419 thousand or 11.0% primarily because the Bank customers had fewer transactions at non-Westamerica ATMs and other cash dispensing terminals. Merchant processing services income increased $298 thousand or 3.2% mainly due to increased transactions. Financial services commissions and trust fees increased $266 thousand and $191 thousand, respectively, from improved sales activities.



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Noninterest Expense

Components of Noninterest Expense

Years Ended December 31,
                  
(In thousands)
  
2013
    
2012
    
2011
  
Salaries and related benefits
   $ 56,633     $ 57,388     $ 58,501  
Occupancy
     15,137       15,460       16,209  
Outsourced data processing services
     8,548       8,531       8,844  
Amortization of intangible assets
     4,704       5,368       5,975  
Furniture and equipment
     3,869       3,775       3,837  
Professional fees
     3,057       3,217       4,802  
Courier service
     2,868       3,117       3,342  
Other Real Estate Owned
     1,035       1,235       2,458  
Settlements
     —       —       2,100  
Other
     16,763       18,794       21,610  
Total
   $ 112,614     $ 116,885     $ 127,678  
                         
Noninterest expense decreased $4.3 million or 3.7% in 2013 compared with 2012. Salaries and related benefits decreased $755 thousand or 1.3% primarily due to employee attrition. Amortization of identifiable intangibles decreased $664 thousand as such assets are amortized on a declining balance method. Occupancy expense decreased $323 thousand or 2.1% mainly due to lower lease rates on bank premises and utility costs. Expenses relating to other real estate owned decreased $200 thousand mainly due to lower writedowns. Professional fees declined $160 thousand or 5.0% due to lower legal fees associated with nonperforming assets. Other noninterest expense decreased $2.0 million primarily due to lower administration expenses related to nonperforming loans and decreases in postage, customer check printing expenses and correspondent bank service charges.

In 2012, noninterest expense decreased $10.8 million or 8.5% compared with 2011 partially due to a $2.1 million settlement accrual in 2011 and lower costs related to personnel and nonperforming assets. Additionally, the first quarter 2011 included $679 thousand in expenses related to pre-integration costs for the acquired Sonoma, primarily outsourced data processing and personnel costs. Sonoma operations were fully integrated in February 2011. Professional fees declined $1.6 million or 33.0% largely due to lower legal fees. Other real estate owned expense decreased $1.2 million or 49.8% mainly due to higher gains on sale of foreclosed assets and lower maintenance costs, partially offset by higher writedowns. Salaries and related benefits decreased $1.1 million or 1.9% primarily due to lower salaries resulting from employee attrition, partially offset by higher employee benefit costs. Occupancy expense declined $749 thousand or 4.6% mostly due to lower lease rates on bank premises and lower maintenance expense. Other noninterest expense decreased $2.8 million mostly due to lower operational losses, lower administration expenses relating to problem loans and decreases in stationery expenses and postage.

Provision for Income Tax

The income tax provision (FTE) was $37.0 million in 2013 compared with $44.8 million in 2012. The 2013 effective tax rate (FTE) was 35.5% compared to 35.6% in 2012. The effective tax rates without FTE adjustments were 22.0% and 23.9% for 2013 and 2012, respectively. The 2013 tax provision reflected tax-exempt life insurance proceeds and recognized California enterprise zone hiring credits for filed amended returns (2007-2009). The 2012 tax provision reflected a $968 thousand tax refund from an amended 2006 federal income tax return; this claim for tax refund was processed by the Internal Revenue Service in conjunction with the conclusion of an examination of the Company’s 2008 federal income tax return.

In 2012, the Company recorded an income tax provision (FTE) of $44.8 million compared with $52.2 million for 2011. The 2012 provision represents an effective tax rate (FTE) of 35.6%, compared with 37.3% for 2011. The effective tax rates without FTE adjustments were 23.9% and 27.3% for 2012 and 2011, respectively. The lower tax rate in 2012 was attributable to a $968 thousand tax refund from an amended 2006 federal income tax return. In addition, the decline in the tax rate is attributable to a higher proportion of pre-tax income represented by tax exempt elements, such as interest earned on municipal obligations and tax credits from investments in low-income housing.

 
- 30 -
 
On July 11, 2013, California’s Governor Jerry Brown signed two bills which end a 30-year-old enterprise zone tax incentive program and replace it with new incentives. Due to the passage of these bills, many California tax benefits will be phased out by the end of 2014. The Company has been realizing California tax benefits under the historical enterprise zone tax incentive program, including:

·
Exclusions of net interest income on loans funding economic activity within enterprise zones

·
Tax credits realized by hiring employees within enterprise zones; however, the economic value of the tax credits is partially offset by a reduction in deductible compensation expense by the amount of the tax credits.

Effective January 1, 2014, the new law eliminates the net interest deduction for enterprise zone loans and the hiring credits are significantly altered. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of the new laws on its tax provision, particularly hiring tax credits provided under the new laws, which replace expiring tax credits. However, the Company does not expect a significant change in its tax provision due to the new laws; the tax benefits recognized from the current enterprise zone tax incentive program for the year ended December 31, 2013 were $121 thousand, net of federal income tax consequences.

Investment Portfolio

The Company maintains a securities portfolio consisting of securities issued by U.S. Government sponsored entities, state and political subdivisions, corporations, and asset-backed and other securities. Investment securities are held in safekeeping by an independent custodian.

Management has maintained relatively stable interest-earning asset volumes by increasing investment securities as loan volumes have declined. The carrying value of the Company’s investment securities portfolio was $2.2 billion as of December 31, 2013, an increase of $230.0 million or 11.6% compared to December 31, 2012.

Management continually evaluates the Company’s investment securities portfolio in response to established asset/liability management objectives, changing market conditions that could affect profitability, and the level of interest rate risk to which the Company is exposed.  These evaluations may cause Management to change the level of funds the Company deploys into investment securities, change the composition of the Company’s investment securities portfolio, and change the proportion of investments allocated into the available for sale and held to maturity investment categories.

Investment securities assigned to the available for sale portfolio are generally used to supplement the Company's liquidity, provide a prudent yield, and provide collateral for public deposits and other borrowing facilities. Unrealized net gains and losses on available for sale securities are recorded as an adjustment to equity, net of taxes, but are not reflected in the current earnings of the Company. If Management determines depreciation, due to credit risk, in any available for sale security is “other than temporary,” a securities loss will be recognized as a charge to earnings. If a security is sold, any gain or loss is reflected in current earnings and the equity adjustment is reversed. At December 31, 2013, the Company held $1.1 billion in securities classified as investments available for sale, of which $366 million were floating rate securities. The duration of the available for sale portfolio was 2.2 years at December 31, 2013. At December 31, 2013, an unrealized gain, net of taxes, of $4.5 million related to these securities was included in shareholders' equity.

Securities assigned to the held to maturity portfolio earn a prudent yield, provide liquidity from maturities and paydowns, and provide collateral to pledge for federal, state and local government deposits and other borrowing facilities. At December 31, 2013, the held to maturity investment portfolio had a duration of 4.9 years and included $1.1 billion in fixed-rate and $25.0 million in floating rate securities. If Management determines depreciation in any held to maturity security is “other than temporary,” a securities loss will be recognized as a charge to earnings. The Company had no trading securities at December 31, 2013. For more information on investment securities, see the notes accompanying the consolidated financial statements.



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- 31 -
 
The following table shows the fair value carrying amount of the Company’s investment securities available for sale as of the dates indicated:

Available for Sale Portfolio
 
 
At December 31,
(In thousands)
  
 2013
    
 2012
    
 2011
  
U.S. Treasury securities
   $ 3,506     $ 3,558     $ 3,596  
Securities of U.S. Government sponsored entities
     130,492       49,525       117,472  
Residential mortgage backed securities
     34,176       56,932       90,408  
Commercial mortgage backed securities
     3,425       4,145       4,530  
Obligations of states and political subdivisions
     191,386       215,247       246,093  
Residential collateralized mortgage obligations
     252,896       221,105       51,164  
Asset-backed securities
     14,555       16,005       7,306  
FHLMC and FNMA stock
     13,372       2,880       1,847  
Corporate securities
     432,431       252,838       112,199  
Other securities
     3,142       3,401       4,138  
Total
   $ 1,079,381     $ 825,636     $ 638,753  
                         

The following table sets forth the relative maturities and contractual yields of the Company’s available for sale securities (stated at fair value) at December 31, 2013. Yields on state and political subdivision securities have been calculated on a fully taxable equivalent basis using the current federal statutory rate. Mortgage-backed securities are shown separately because they are typically paid in monthly installments over a number of years.

Available for Sale Maturity Distribution

 
At December 31, 2013
(Dollars in thousands)
  
 Within
one year
    
After one
but within
five years
    
After five
but within
ten years
    
After ten
 years
    
Mortgage-
 backed
    
 
 Other
    
 
 Total
  
U.S. Treasury securities
   $ ––     $ 3,506     $ ––     $ ––     $ ––     $ ––     $ 3,506  
Interest rate
     –– %     0.47 %     –– %     –– %     –– %     –– %     0.47 %
U.S. Government sponsored entities
     3,760       126,732       ––       ––       ––       ––       130,492  
Interest rate
     0.98 %     1.20 %     ––       ––       ––       ––       1.19 %
States and political subdivisions
     8,640       28,572       63,690       90,484       ––       ––       191,386  
Interest rate (FTE)
     3.92 %     5.03 %     5.80 %     5.98 %     ––       ––       5.69 %
Asset-backed securities
     ––       10,079       4,476       ––       ––       ––       14,555  
Interest rate
     ––       0.67 %     0.44 %     ––       ––       ––       0.60 %
Corporate securities
     63,209       369,222       ––       ––       ––       ––       432,431  
Interest rate
     1.65 %     1.43 %     ––       ––       ––       ––       1.46 %
Subtotal
     75,609       538,111       68,166       90,484       ––       ––       772,370  
Interest rate (FTE)
     1.88 %     1.55 %     5.45 %     5.98 %     ––       ––       2.44 %
Mortgage backed securities and residential collateralized mortgage obligations
     ––       ––       ––       ––       290,497       ––       290,497  
Interest rate
     ––       ––       ––       ––       1.86 %     ––       1.86 %
Other without set maturities
     ––       ––       ––       ––       ––       16,514       16,514  
Interest rate (FTE)
     ––       ––       ––       ––       ––       3.40 %     3.40 %
Total
   $ 75,609     $ 538,111     $ 68,166     $ 90,484     $ 290,497     $ 16,514     $ 1,079,381  
Interest rate (FTE)
     1.88 %     1.55 %     5.45 %     5.98 %     1.86 %     3.40 %     2.30 %
                                                         

 
- 32 -
 
The following table shows the amortized cost carrying amount and fair value of the Company’s investment securities held to maturity as of the dates indicated:

Held to Maturity Portfolio

At December 31,
(In thousands)
  
2013
    
2012
    
2011
  
Securities of U.S. Government sponsored entities
   $ 1,601     $ 3,232     $ ––  
Residential mortgage backed securities
     65,076       72,807       54,869  
Obligations of states and political subdivisions
     756,707       680,802       625,390  
Residential collateralized mortgage obligations
     308,915       399,200       242,544  
Total
   $ 1,132,299     $ 1,156,041     $ 922,803  
Fair value
   $ 1,112,676     $ 1,184,557     $ 947,493  
                         
The following table sets forth the relative maturities and contractual yields of the Company’s held to maturity securities at December 31, 2013. Yields on state and political subdivision securities have been calculated on a fully taxable equivalent basis using the current federal statutory rate. Mortgage-backed securities are shown separately because they are typically paid in monthly installments over a number of years.

Held to Maturity Maturity Distribution

 
At December 31, 2013
(Dollars in thousands)
  
 Within
One year
    
After one
but within
five years
    
After five
but within
ten years
    
After ten
 years
    
Mortgage-
 backed
    
 
 Total
  
Securities of U.S. Government sponsored entities
   $ ––     $ ––     $ 1,601     $ ––     $ ––     $ 1,601  
Interest rate
     –– %     –– %     1.50 %     –– %     –– %     1.50 %
States and political subdivisions
     9,639       187,051       313,029       246,988       ––       756,707  
Interest rate (FTE)
     5.65 %     4.98 %     4.05 %     4.61 %     ––       4.47 %
Subtotal
     9,639       187,051       314,630       246,988       ––       758,308  
Interest rate (FTE)
     5.65 %     4.98 %     4.04 %     4.61 %     ––       4.47 %
Mortgage backed securities and residential collateralized mortgage obligations
     ––       ––       ––       ––       373,991       373,991  
Interest rate
     ––       ––       ––       ––       1.77 %     1.77 %
Total
   $ 9,639     $ 187,051     $ 314,630     $ 246,988     $ 373,991     $ 1,132,299  
Interest rate (FTE)
     5.65 %     4.98 %     4.04 %     4.61 %     1.77 %     3.58 %
                                                 
In 2013, the Company reduced its positions in mortgage-related securities in an effort to manage extension risk. Extension risk represents the risk mortgages underlying the securities experience slower principal reductions as rising market interest rate cause a disincentive for borrowers to reduce principal balances; under such circumstances the Company will hold these securities for a longer period than anticipated at current yield levels rather than having the opportunity to reinvest cash flows at higher yields. The Company re-invested these proceeds, in part, into floating rate corporate bonds and federal agency, state and municipal bond holdings. As of December 31, 2013, substantially all of the Company’s investment securities continue to be investment grade rated by one or more major rating agencies. In addition to monitoring credit rating agency evaluations, Management performs its own evaluations regarding the credit worthiness of the issuer or the securitized assets underlying asset-backed securities.

At December 31, 2013, the Company’s investment securities portfolios included securities issued by 808 state and local government municipalities and agencies located within 47 states with a fair value of $932.6 million.  The largest exposure to any one municipality or agency was $5.3 million (fair value) represented by two revenue bonds.

At December 31, 2012, the Company’s investment securities portfolios included securities issued by 829 state and local government municipalities and agencies located within 45 states with a fair value of $917.8 million.  The largest exposure to any one municipality or agency was $5.4 million (fair value) represented by two revenue bonds.

The Company’s procedures for evaluating investments in securities issued by states, municipalities and political subdivisions are in accordance with guidance issued by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, “Investing in Securities without Reliance on Nationally Recognized Statistical Rating Agencies” (SR 12-15) and other regulatory guidance.  Credit ratings are considered in our analysis only as a guide to the historical default rate associated with similarly-rated bonds.  There have been no significant differences in our internal analyses compared with the ratings assigned by the third party credit rating agencies.

 
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The following tables summarize the total general obligation and revenue bonds in the Company’s investment securities portfolios as of dates indicated identifying the state in which the issuing government municipality or agency operates.

   
At December 31, 2013
  
   
Amortized
Cost
    
Fair
Value
  
   
(In thousands)
  
Obligations of states and political subdivisions:
            
General obligation bonds:
            
California
   $ 119,215     $ 119,360  
Texas
     57,433       56,594  
Pennsylvania
     48,722       47,394  
Other (37 states)
     375,640       371,215  
Total general obligation bonds
   $ 601,010     $ 594,563  
                 
Revenue bonds:
                
California
   $ 63,001     $ 64,246  
Pennsylvania
     29,537       28,898  
Colorado
     18,176       17,563  
Indiana
     17,811       17,031  
Other (37 states)
     213,254       210,336  
Total revenue bonds
   $ 341,779     $ 338,074  
Total obligations of states and political subdivisions
   $ 942,789     $ 932,637  
                 
 
   
At December 31, 2012
  
   
Amortized
Cost
    
Fair
Value
  
   
(In thousands)
  
Obligations of states and political subdivisions:
            
General obligation bonds:
            
California
   $ 96,102     $ 100,507  
Pennsylvania
     49,074       50,709  
Washington
     37,457       39,134  
Texas
     36,641       38,334  
Oregon
     31,303       33,241  
Illinois
     31,468       32,331  
Other (32 states)
     261,982       271,910  
Total general obligation bonds
   $ 544,027     $ 566,166  
                 
Revenue bonds:
                
California
   $ 73,550     $ 77,075  
Pennsylvania
     29,538       30,794  
Colorado
     21,706       22,439  
Washington
     19,051       20,155  
Other (37 states)
     193,699       201,189  
Total revenue bonds
   $ 337,544     $ 351,652  
Total obligations of states and political subdivisions
   $ 881,571     $ 917,818  
                 
 
 
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At December 31, 2013, the revenue bonds in the Company’s investment securities portfolios were issued by state and local government municipalities and agencies to fund public services such as water utility, sewer utility, recreational and school facilities, and general public and economic improvements. The revenue bonds were payable from 27 revenue sources.  The revenue sources that represent 5% or more individually of the total revenue bonds are summarized in the following table.

   
At December 31, 2013
  
   
Amortized
Cost
    
Fair
Value
  
   
(In thousands)
  
Revenue bonds by revenue source
            
Water
   $ 70,924     $ 70,948  
Sewer
     49,625       48,911  
Sales tax
     34,291       33,465  
Lease (abatement)
     21,821       22,033  
Lease (renewal)
     21,353       20,742  
Other
     143,765       141,975  
Total revenue bonds by revenue source
   $ 341,779     $ 338,074  
                 
At December 31, 2012, the revenue bonds in the Company’s investment securities portfolios were issued by state and local government municipalities and agencies to fund public services such as water utility, sewer utility, recreational and school facilities, and general public and economic improvements.  The revenue bonds were payable from 27 revenue sources.  The revenue sources that represent 5% or more individually of the total revenue bonds are summarized in the following table.

   
At December 31, 2012
  
   
Amortized
Cost
    
Fair
Value
  
   
(In thousands)
  
Revenue bonds by revenue source
            
Water
   $ 69,216     $ 73,170  
Sewer
     43,303       45,459  
Sales tax
     31,713       33,441  
Lease (abatement)
     25,324       26,382  
Lease (renewal)
     21,913       22,724  
Tax increment/allocation
     18,365       18,974  
Other
     127,710       131,502  
Total revenue bonds by revenue source
   $ 337,544     $ 351,652  
                 
See Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements for additional information related to the investment securities.

Loan Portfolio

For management purposes, the Company segregates its loan portfolio into three segments. Loans originated by the Company following its loan underwriting policies and procedures are separated from purchased loans. Former County Bank loans purchased from the FDIC with loss-sharing agreements (“purchased covered loans”) are segregated as are former Sonoma Valley Bank loans purchased from the FDIC without loss-sharing agreements (“purchased non-covered loans”). Loan volumes have declined due to problem loan workout activities, particularly with purchased loans, and reduced volumes of loan originations. In Management’s opinion, current levels of competitive loan pricing do not provide adequate forward earnings potential. As a result, the Company has not currently taken an aggressive posture relative to loan portfolio growth.

 
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The following table shows the composition of the loan portfolio of the Company by type of loan and type of borrower, on the dates indicated:

Originated Loan Portfolio

 At December 31,
(In thousands)
  
 2013
    
 2012
    
 2011
    
 2010
    
 2009
  
Commercial
   $ 338,824     $ 340,116     $ 398,446     $ 474,183     $ 498,594  
Commercial real estate
     596,653       632,927       704,655       757,140       801,008  
Real estate construction
     10,723       7,984       14,580       26,145       32,156  
Real estate residential
     176,196       222,458       271,111       310,196       371,197  
Consumer
     400,888       460,698       473,815       461,877       498,133  
Total loans
   $ 1,523,284     $ 1,664,183     $ 1,862,607     $ 2,029,541     $ 2,201,088  
                                         
Purchased Covered Loan Portfolio

 At December 31,
(In thousands)
  
 2013
    
 2012
    
 2011
    
 2010
    
 2009
  
Commercial
   $ 18,536     $ 50,984     $ 99,538     $ 168,985     $ 253,349  
Commercial real estate
     167,440       239,979       331,807       390,682       445,440  
Real estate construction
     3,173       7,007       13,876       28,380       40,460  
Real estate residential
     8,124       8,941       12,492       18,374       18,521  
Consumer
     53,397       65,372       77,565       86,551       97,531  
Total loans
   $ 250,670     $ 372,283     $ 535,278     $ 692,972     $ 855,301  
                                         
Purchased Non-covered Loan Portfolio

 At December 31,
(In thousands)
  
 2013
    
 2012
    
 2011
    
 2010
  
Commercial
   $ 6,799     $ 10,231     $ 15,378     $ 15,420  
Commercial real estate
     34,926       43,688       78,034       122,888  
Real estate construction
     ––       1,524       5,981       21,620  
Real estate residential
     737       2,636       3,124       7,055  
Consumer
     11,328       16,812       23,404       32,588  
Total loans
   $ 53,790     $ 74,891     $ 125,921     $ 199,571  
                                 
The following table shows the maturity distribution and interest rate sensitivity of commercial, commercial real estate, and construction loans at December 31, 2013. Balances exclude residential real estate loans and consumer loans totaling $650.7 million. These types of loans are typically paid in monthly installments over a number of years.

Loan Maturity Distribution

At December 31, 2013
(In thousands)
  
Within
One Year
    
One to
Five Years
    
After
Five Years
    
Total
  
Commercial and commercial real estate
   $ 455,710     $ 524,157     $ 183,311     $ 1,163,178  
Real estate construction
     13,896       ––       ––       13,896  
Total
   $ 469,606     $ 524,157     $ 183,311     $ 1,177,074  
Loans with fixed interest rates
   $ 176,428     $ 179,093     $ 72,798     $ 428,319  
Loans with floating or adjustable interest rates
     293,178       345,064       110,513       748,755  
Total
   $ 469,606     $ 524,157     $ 183,311     $ 1,177,074  
                                 
Commitments and Letters of Credit

The Company issues formal commitments on lines of credit to well-established and financially responsible commercial enterprises. Such commitments can be either secured or unsecured and are typically in the form of revolving lines of credit for seasonal working capital needs. Occasionally, such commitments are in the form of letters of credit to facilitate the customers’ particular business transactions. Commitment fees are generally charged for commitments and letters of credit. Commitments on lines of credit and letters of credit typically mature within one year. For further information, see the accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.

 
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Loan Portfolio Credit Risk

The risk that loan customers will not repay loans extended by the Bank is a significant risk to the Company. The Company closely monitors the markets in which it conducts its lending operations and follows a strategy to control exposure to loans with high credit risk. The Bank’s organization structure separates the functions of business development and loan underwriting; Management believes this segregation of duties avoids inherent conflicts of combining business development and loan approval functions. In measuring and managing credit risk, the Company adheres to the following practices.

·
The Bank maintains a Loan Review Department which reports directly to the Board of Directors. The Loan Review Department performs independent evaluations of loans and assigns credit risk grades to evaluated loans using grading standards employed by bank regulatory agencies. Those loans judged to carry higher risk attributes are referred to as “classified loans.” Classified loans receive elevated management attention to maximize collection.
 
·
The Bank maintains two loan administration offices whose sole responsibility is to manage and collect classified loans.
 
Classified loans with higher levels of credit risk are further designated as “nonaccrual loans.” Management places classified loans on nonaccrual status when full collection of contractual interest and principal payments is in doubt. Uncollected interest previously accrued on loans placed on nonaccrual status is reversed as a charge against interest income, net of estimated FDIC reimbursements under loss-sharing agreements. The Company does not accrue interest income on loans following placement on nonaccrual status. Interest payments received on nonaccrual loans are applied to reduce the carrying amount of the loan unless the carrying amount is well secured by loan collateral or covered by FDIC loss-sharing agreements. “Nonperforming assets” include nonaccrual loans, loans 90 or more days past due and still accruing, and repossessed loan collateral (commonly referred to as “Other Real Estate Owned”).

Nonperforming Assets
                              
   
At December 31,
  
   
2013
    
2012
    
2011
    
2010
    
2009
  
   
(In thousands)
  
Originated:
                              
Nonperforming nonaccrual loans
   $ 5,301     $ 10,016     $ 10,291     $ 20,845     $ 19,837  
Performing nonaccrual loans
     75       1,759       5,256       23       25  
Total nonaccrual loans
     5,376       11,775       15,547       20,868       19,862  
Accruing loans 90 or more days past due
     410       455       2,047       766       800  
Total nonperforming loans
     5,786       12,230       17,594       21,634       20,662  
Other real estate owned
     5,527       9,295       14,868       11,424       12,642  
Total nonperforming assets
   $ 11,313     $ 21,525     $ 32,462     $ 33,058     $ 33,304  
                                         
Purchased covered:
                                        
Nonperforming nonaccrual loans
   $ 11,672     $ 11,698     $ 9,388     $ 28,581     $ 66,965  
Performing nonaccrual loans
     636       1,323       4,924       18,564       18,183  
Total nonaccrual loans
     12,308       13,021       14,312       47,145       85,148  
Accruing loans 90 or more days past due
     -       155       241       355       210  
Total nonperforming loans
     12,308       13,176       14,553       47,500       85,358  
Other real estate owned
     7,793       13,691       19,135       21,791       23,297  
Total nonperforming assets
   $ 20,101     $ 26,867     $ 33,688     $ 69,291     $ 108,655  
                                         
Purchased non-covered:
                                        
Nonperforming nonaccrual loans
   $ 2,920     $ 7,038     $ 16,170     $ 29,311     $ -  
Performing nonaccrual loans
     698       461       7,037       9,852       -  
Total nonaccrual loans
     3,618       7,499       23,207       39,163       -  
Accruing loans 90 or more days past due
     -       4       34       1       -  
Total nonperforming loans
     3,618       7,503       23,241       39,164       -  
Other real estate owned
     -       3,366       11,632       2,196       -  
Total nonperforming assets
   $ 3,618     $ 10,869     $ 34,873     $ 41,360     $ -  
                                         
The Bank’s commercial loan customers are primarily small businesses and professionals. As a result, average loan balances are relatively small, providing risk diversification within the overall loan portfolio. At December 31, 2013, the Bank’s nonaccrual loans reflected this diversification: nonaccrual originated loans with a carrying value totaling $5 million comprised eleven borrowers, nonaccrual purchased covered loans with a carrying value totaling $12 million comprised 18 borrowers, and nonaccrual purchased non-covered loans with a carrying value totaling $4 million comprised ten borrowers.

 
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Management believes the overall credit quality of the loan portfolio is reasonably stable; however, classified and nonperforming assets could fluctuate from period to period. The performance of any individual loan can be affected by external factors such as the interest rate environment, economic conditions, and collateral values or factors particular to the borrower. No assurance can be given that additional increases in nonaccrual and delinquent loans will not occur in the future.

The former County Bank loans and repossessed loan collateral were purchased from the FDIC with indemnifying loss-sharing agreements. The loss-sharing agreements significantly reduce the credit risk of these purchased assets during the term of the agreements. Under the terms of the loss-sharing agreements, the FDIC absorbs 80 percent of losses and shares in 80 percent of loss recoveries on the first $269 million in losses on purchased covered assets (“First Tier”), and absorbs 95 percent of losses and shares in 95 percent of loss recoveries if losses on purchased covered assets exceed $269 million (“Second Tier”). The loss-sharing agreement on covered residential real estate assets expires February 6, 2019 and the loss-sharing agreement on covered non-residential assets expired February 6, 2014 as to losses and expires February 6, 2017 as to loss recoveries.

The purchased covered assets are primarily located in the California Central Valley, including Merced County. This geographic area currently has some of the weakest economic conditions within California and has experienced significant declines in real estate values. Management expects higher loss rates on purchased covered assets than on originated assets.

The Bank recorded purchased covered assets at estimated fair value on the February 6, 2009 acquisition date. The credit risk discount ascribed to the $1.3 billion acquired loan and repossessed loan collateral portfolio was $161 million representing estimated losses inherent in the assets at the acquisition date.

Purchased Covered County Bank Assets
                                
(In thousands)
                                
At
  
   
At December 31,
    
February 6,
  
   
2013
    
2012
    
2011
    
2010
    
2009
    
2009
  
                                     
Non-residential assets
   $ 247,116     $ 384,285     $ 567,041     $ 736,367     $ 924,755     $ 1,298,526  
Residential assets
     21,278       25,570       31,311       33,285       33,452       40,955  
Total indemnified assets
     268,394       409,855       598,352       769,653       958,206       1,339,481  
Credit risk discount
     (10,933 )     (26,128 )     (46,282 )     (61,784 )     (93,251 )     (161,203 )
Other adjustments
     1,002       2,247       2,343       6,894       13,643       5,407  
Carrying value of covered assets
   $ 258,463     $ 385,974     $ 554,413     $ 714,763     $ 878,598     $ 1,183,685  
                                                 
Comprised of:
                                                
Purchased covered loans
   $ 250,670     $ 372,283     $ 535,278     $ 692,972     $ 855,301     $ 1,174,353  
Covered other real estate owned
     7,793       13,691       19,135       21,791       23,297       9,332  
Carrying value of covered assets
   $ 258,463     $ 385,974     $ 554,413     $ 714,763     $ 878,598     $ 1,183,685  
                                                 
Aggregate indemnified losses from February 6, 2009 through December 31, 2013 have been $146 million, which includes principal losses, loss in value of other real estate owned, loss on sale of other real estate owned, and reimbursement of incurred collection and asset management expenses such as legal fees, property taxes, appraisals and other customary expenses. Purchased covered asset principal losses have been primarily offset against the estimated credit risk discount, although some losses exceeding the purchase date estimated credit risk discount have been provided for and charged-off against the allowance for credit losses.

Purchased covered assets are evaluated for risk classification without regard to FDIC indemnification such that Management can identify purchased covered assets with potential payment problems and devote appropriate credit administration practices to maximize collections. Classified purchased covered assets without regard to FDIC indemnification totaled $67 million and $122 million at December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively.

As noted above, FDIC loss indemnification of covered non-residential assets expired February 6, 2014; loss exposure on such assets after February 6, 2014 will be represented by such assets’ carrying values at such time. Loss exposure for loans is mitigated by the borrowers’ financial condition and ability to repay their loans, loan collateral values, the amount of credit risk discount remaining at such time, any existing borrower guarantees which are perfected and have economic value, and the allowance for credit losses. Loss exposure for other real estate owned is mitigated by the value of the repossessed loan collateral, less disposition costs.

 
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The Bank recorded former Sonoma Valley Bank loans at estimated fair value on the August 20, 2010 acquisition date. The credit risk discount ascribed to the $257 million acquired loan portfolio was $43 million representing estimated losses inherent in the loans at the acquisition date.

Purchased Sonoma Valley Bank Loans
                          
(In thousands)
                          
At
  
   
At December 31,
    
August 20,
  
   
2013
    
2012
    
2011
    
2010
    
2010
  
                               
Total loans
   $ 57,035     $ 80,117     $ 136,132     $ 231,953     $ 256,664  
Credit risk discount
     (3,245 )     (5,226 )     (10,211 )     (32,382 )     (43,000 )
Carrying value of loans
   $ 53,790     $ 74,891     $ 125,921     $ 199,571     $ 213,664  
                                         
Allowance for Credit Losses

The Company’s allowance for credit losses represents Management’s estimate of credit losses inherent in the loan portfolio. In evaluating credit risk for loans, Management measures loss potential of the carrying value of loans. As described above, payments received on nonaccrual loans may be applied against the principal balance of the loans until such time as full collection of the remaining recorded balance is expected. Further, the carrying value of purchased loans includes fair value discounts assigned at the time of purchase under the provisions of FASB ASC 805, Business Combinations, and FASB ASC 310-30, Loans or Debt Securities with Deteriorated Credit Quality. The allowance for credit losses represents Management’s estimate of credit losses in excess of these reductions to the carrying value of loans within the loan portfolio.



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The following table summarizes the allowance for credit losses, chargeoffs and recoveries of the Company for the periods indicated:

Year ended December 31,
(Dollars in thousands)
  
2013
    
2012
    
2011
    
2010
    
2009
  
Analysis of the Allowance for Credit Losses
                              
Balance, beginning of period
   $ 32,927     $ 35,290     $ 38,329     $ 43,736     $ 47,563  
  Provision for loan losses
     8,000       11,200       11,200       11,200       10,500  
  Provision for unfunded commitments
     ––       ––       ––       ––       (400 )
  Loans charged off:
                                        
Commercial
     (2,857 )     (6,851 )     (8,280 )     (6,844 )     (6,066 )
Commercial real estate
     (997 )     (1,202 )     (1,332 )     (1,256 )     ––  
Real estate construction
     ––       (2,217 )     (2,167 )     (1,668 )     (1,333 )
Real estate residential
     (109 )     (1,156 )     (739 )     (1,686 )     (506 )
Consumer and other installment
     (4,097 )     (5,685 )     (6,754 )     (8,814 )     (9,362 )
Purchased covered loans
     (2,286 )     (953 )     (987 )     ––       ––  
Purchased non-covered loans
     (385 )     (110 )     ––       ––       ––  
  Total chargeoffs
     (10,731 )     (18,174 )     (20,259 )     (20,268 )     (17,267 )
  Recoveries of loans previously charged off:
                                        
Commercial
     1,575       1,317       3,129       948       490  
Commercial real estate
     191       203       ––       4       ––  
Real estate construction
     ––       224       1       ––       664  
Consumer and other installment
     2,152       2,723       2,890       2,709       2,186  
Purchased covered loans
     272       144       ––       ––       ––  
  Total recoveries
     4,190       4,611       6,020       3,661       3,340  
  Net loan losses
     (6,541 )     (13,563 )     (14,239 )     (16,607 )     (13,927 )
  Balance, end of period
   $ 34,386     $ 32,927     $ 35,290     $ 38,329     $ 43,736  
Components:
                                        
Allowance for loan losses
   $ 31,693     $ 30,234     $ 32,597     $ 35,636     $ 41,043  
Liability for off-balance sheet credit exposure
     2,693       2,693       2,693       2,693       2,693  
Allowance for credit losses
   $ 34,386     $ 32,927     $ 35,290     $ 38,329     $ 43,736  
Net loan losses:
                                        
  Originated loans
   $ (4,142 )   $ (12,644 )   $ (13,252 )   $ (16,607 )   $ (13,927 )
  Purchased covered loans
     (2,014 )     (809 )     (987 )     ––       ––  
  Purchased non-covered loans
     (385 )     (110 )     ––       ––       ––  
Net loan losses as a percentage of average loans:
                                        
  Originated loans
     0.26 %     0.72 %     0.68 %     0.79 %     0.60 %
  Purchased covered loans
     0.62 %     0.18 %     0.16 %     –– %     –– %
  Purchased non-covered loans
     0.61 %     0.11 %     –– %     –– %     –– %

The Company's allowance for credit losses is maintained at a level considered appropriate to provide for losses that can be estimated based upon specific and general conditions. These include conditions unique to individual borrowers, as well as overall credit loss experience, the amount of past due, nonperforming and classified loans, FDIC loss-sharing indemnification, recommendations of regulatory authorities, prevailing economic conditions and other factors. A portion of the allowance is specifically allocated to impaired loans whose full collectability of principal is uncertain. Such allocations are determined by Management based on loan-by-loan analyses. The Company evaluates all classified loans and nonaccrual loans with outstanding principal balances in excess of $500 thousand, and all “troubled debt restructured” loans for impairment. A second allocation is based in part on quantitative analyses of historical credit loss experience, in which historical originated classified credit balances are analyzed using a statistical model to determine standard loss rates for originated loans. The results of this analysis are applied to originated classified loan balances to allocate the allowance to the respective segments of the loan portfolio. In addition, originated loans with similar characteristics not usually criticized using regulatory guidelines are analyzed based on the historical loss rates and delinquency trends, grouped by the number of days the payments on these loans are delinquent. Last, allocations are made to originated non-classified commercial and commercial real estate loans based on historical loss rates and other statistical data.

 
- 40 -
 
Purchased loans were not underwritten using the Company’s credit policies and practices. Thus, the historical loss rates for originated loans are not applied to estimate credit losses for purchased loans. Purchased loans were recorded on the date of purchase at estimated fair value; fair value discounts include a component for estimated credit losses. The Company evaluates all nonaccrual purchased loans with outstanding principal balances in excess of $500 thousand for impairment; the impaired loan value is compared to the recorded investment in the loan, which has been reduced by the credit default discount estimated on the date of purchase. If Management’s impairment analysis determines the impaired loan value is less than the recorded investment in the purchased loan, an allocation of the allowance for credit losses is established, net of estimated FDIC indemnification. For all other purchased loans, Management evaluates post-acquisition historical credit losses on purchased loans, credit default discounts on purchased loans, and other data to evaluate the likelihood of realizing the recorded investment of purchased loans. Management establishes allocations of the allowance for credit losses for any estimated deficiency.

The remainder of the allowance is considered to be unallocated. The unallocated allowance is established to provide for probable losses that have been incurred as of the reporting date but not reflected in the allocated allowance. The unallocated allowance addresses additional qualitative factors consistent with Management's analysis of the level of risks inherent in the loan portfolio, which are related to the risks of the Company's general lending activity. Included in the unallocated allowance is the risk of losses that are attributable to national or local economic or industry trends which have occurred but have not yet been recognized in loan chargeoff history (external factors). The external factors evaluated by the Company and the judgmental amount of unallocated reserve assigned by Management as of December 31, 2013 are: economic and business conditions $1 million, external competitive issues $800 thousand, and other factors. Also included in the unallocated allowance is the risk of losses attributable to general attributes of the Company's loan portfolio and credit administration (internal factors). The internal factors evaluated by the Company and the judgmental amount of unallocated reserve assigned by Management are: loan review system $800 thousand, adequacy of lending Management and staff $800 thousand, loan policies and procedures $800 thousand, purchased loans $1 million, concentrations of credit $800 thousand, and other factors. By their nature, these risks are not readily allocable to any specific loan category in a statistically meaningful manner and are difficult to quantify with a specific number. Management assigns a range of estimated risk to the qualitative risk factors described above based on Management's judgment as to the level of risk, and assigns a quantitative risk factor from the range of loss estimates to determine the appropriate level of the unallocated portion of the allowance.

The following table presents the allocation of the allowance for credit losses as of December 31 for the years indicated:

At December 31,
  
2013
    
2012
    
2011
    
2010
    
2009
  
(Dollars in thousands)
  
Allocation
of the
Allowance
Balance
    
Loans as
Percent
of Total
Loans
    
Allocation
of the
Allowance
Balance
    
Loans as
Percent
of Total
Loans
    
Allocation
of the
Allowance
Balance
    
Loans as
Percent
of Total
Loans
    
Allocation
of the
Allowance
Balance
    
Loans as
Percent
of Total
Loans
    
Allocation
of the
Allowance
Balance
    
Loans as
Percent
of Total
Loans
  
Originated loans:
                                                            
  Commercial
   $ 5,663       18 %   $ 8,179       16 %   $ 7,672       16 %   $ 9,878       16 %   $ 9,190       17 %
  Commercial real estate
     12,070       33 %     10,072       30 %     10,611       28 %     9,607       26 %     9,918       26 %
  Real estate construction
     639       — %     484       — %     2,376       — %     3,559       1 %     2,968       1 %
  Real estate residential
     405       10 %     380       10 %     781       11 %     617       10 %     1,529       12 %
  Consumer installment & other
     3,695       22 %     3,613       22 %     3,270       19 %     6,982       16 %     8,424       16 %
Purchased covered loans
     1,561       14 %     1,005       18 %     —       21 %     —       24 %     —       28 %
Purchased non-covered loans
     —       3 %     —       4 %     —       5 %     —       7 %     —       — %
Unallocated portion
     10,353       — %     9,194       — %     10,580       — %     7,686       — %     11,707       — %
Total
   $ 34,386       100 %   $ 32,927       100 %   $ 35,290       100 %   $ 38,329       100 %   $ 43,736       100 %
                                                                                 

   
Allowance for Credit Losses
For the Year Ended December 31, 2013
  
   
Commercial
    
Commercial
Real Estate
    
Construction
    
Residential
Real Estate
    
Consumer
Installment
and Other
    
Purchased
Non-covered
Loans
    
Purchased
Covered
Loans
    
Unallocated
    
Total
  
   
(In thousands)
  
Allowance for loan losses:
                                                      
Balance at beginning of period
   $ 6,445     $ 10,063     $ 484     $ 380     $ 3,194     $ -     $ 1,005     $ 8,663     $ 30,234  
Additions:
                                                                        
Provision
     (1,158 )     2,813       118       134       1,949       385       2,570       1,189       8,000  
Deductions:
                                                                        
Chargeoffs
     (2,857 )     (997 )     -       (109 )     (4,097 )     (385 )     (2,286 )     -       (10,731 )
Recoveries
     1,575       191       -       -       2,152       -       272       -       4,190  
Net loan losses
     (1,282 )     (806 )     -       (109 )     (1,945 )     (385 )     (2,014 )     -       (6,541 )
Balance at end of period
     4,005       12,070       602       405       3,198       -       1,561       9,852       31,693  
Liability for off-balance sheet credit exposure
     1,658       -       37       -       497       -       -       501       2,693  
Total allowance for credit losses
   $ 5,663     $ 12,070     $ 639     $ 405     $ 3,695     $ -     $ 1,561     $ 10,353     $ 34,386  
                                                                         
 
 
- 41 -
 
 
   
Allowance for Credit Losses and Recorded Investment in Loans Evaluated for Impairment
At December 31, 2013
  
   
Commercial
    
Commercial
Real Estate
    
Construction
    
Residential
Real Estate
    
Consumer
Installment
and Other
    
Purchased
Non-covered
Loans
    
Purchased
Covered Loans
    
Unallocated
    
Total
  
   
(In thousands)
  
Allowance for credit losses:
                                                      
Individually evaluated for impairment
   $ 100     $ 1,243     $ -     $ -     $ -     $ -     $ 153     $ -     $ 1,496  
Collectively evaluated for impairment
     5,563       10,827       639       405       3,695       -       1,408       10,353       32,890  
Purchased loans with evidence of credit deterioration
     -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -  
Total
   $ 5,663     $ 12,070     $ 639     $ 405     $ 3,695     $ -     $ 1,561     $ 10,353     $ 34,386  
Carrying value of loans:
                                                                        
Individually evaluated for impairment
   $ 3,901     $ 3,357       -       -       -     $ 3,785     $ 9,999       -     $ 21,042  
Collectively evaluated for impairment
     334,923       593,296       10,723       176,196       400,888       47,571       238,169       -       1,801,766  
Purchased loans with evidence of credit deterioration
     -       -       -       -       -       2,434       2,502       -       4,936  
Total
   $ 338,824     $ 596,653     $ 10,723     $ 176,196     $ 400,888     $ 53,790     $ 250,670     $ -     $ 1,827,744  
                                                                         
Management considers the $34.4 million allowance for credit losses to be adequate as a reserve against credit losses inherent in the loan portfolio as of December 31, 2013.

See Note 3 to the consolidated financial statements for additional information related to the loan portfolio, loan portfolio credit risk, and allowance for credit losses.

Asset/Liability and Market Risk Management

Asset/liability management involves the evaluation, monitoring and management of interest rate risk, market risk, liquidity and funding. The fundamental objective of the Company's management of assets and liabilities is to maximize its economic value while maintaining adequate liquidity and a conservative level of interest rate risk.

Interest Rate Risk

Interest rate risk is a significant market risk affecting the Company. Many factors affect the Company’s exposure to interest rates, such as general economic and financial conditions, customer preferences, historical pricing relationships, and re-pricing characteristics of financial instruments.  Assets and liabilities may mature or re-price at different times. Assets and liabilities may re-price at the same time but by different amounts. Short-term and long-term market interest rates may change by different amounts. The timing and amount of cash flows of various assets or liabilities may shorten or lengthen as interest rates change. In addition, the changing levels of interest rates may have an impact on loan demand, demand for various deposit products, credit losses, and other elements of earnings such as account analysis fees on commercial deposit accounts and correspondent bank service charges.

The Company’s earnings are affected not only by general economic conditions, but also by the monetary and fiscal policies of the U.S. and its agencies, particularly the Federal Reserve Board (the “FRB”).  The monetary policies of the FRB can influence the overall growth of loans, investment securities, and deposits and the level of interest rates earned on assets and paid for liabilities.  The nature and impact of future changes in monetary policies are generally not predictable.

The Federal Open Market Committee’s January 29, 2014 press release stated “The Committee also reaffirmed its expectation that the current exceptionally low target range for the federal funds rate of 0 to 1/4 percent will be appropriate at least as long as the unemployment rate remains above 6-1/2 percent, inflation between one and two years ahead is projected to be no more than a half percentage point above the Committee's 2 percent longer-run goal, and longer-term inflation expectations continue to be well anchored. In determining how long to maintain a highly accommodative stance of monetary policy, the Committee will also consider other information, including additional measures of labor market conditions, indicators of inflation pressures and inflation expectations, and readings on financial developments. The Committee continues to anticipate, based on its assessment of these factors, that it likely will be appropriate to maintain the current target range for the federal funds rate well past the time that the unemployment rate declines below 6-1/2 percent, especially if projected inflation continues to run below the Committee's 2 percent longer-run goal. When the Committee decides to begin to remove policy accommodation, it will take a balanced approach consistent with its longer-run goals of maximum employment and inflation of 2 percent”. In this context, Management’s most likely earnings forecast for the twelve months ending December 31, 2014 assumes market interest rates remain relatively stable and yields on newly originated or refinanced loans and on purchased investment securities will reflect current interest rates, which are lower than yields on the Company’s older dated loans and investment securities.

In adjusting the Company's asset/liability position, Management attempts to manage interest rate risk while enhancing the net interest margin and net interest income. At times, depending on expected increases or decreases in general interest rates, the relationship between long and short term interest rates, market conditions and competitive factors, Management may adjust the Company's interest rate risk position in order to manage its net interest margin and net interest income. The Company's results of operations and net portfolio values remain subject to changes in interest rates and to fluctuations in the difference between long and short term interest rates.

 
- 42 -
 
The Company’s asset and liability position ranged from slightly to modestly “liability sensitive” at December 31, 2013, depending on the interest rate assumptions applied to the simulation model employed by Management to measure interest rate risk. A “liability sensitive” position results in a slightly larger change in interest expense than in interest income resulting from application of assumed interest rate changes. Simulation estimates depend on, and will change with, the size and mix of the actual and projected balance sheet at the time of each simulation. Management’s interest rate risk management is currently biased toward stable interest rates in the near-term, and ultimately, rising interest rates. Management continues to monitor the interest rate environment as well as economic conditions and other factors it deems relevant in managing the Company's exposure to interest rate risk.

The Company does not currently engage in trading activities or use derivative instruments to control interest rate risk, even though such activities may be permitted with the approval of the Company's Board of Directors.

Market Risk - Equity Markets

Equity price risk can affect the Company. As an example, any preferred or common stock holdings, as permitted by banking regulations, can fluctuate in value. Management regularly assesses the extent and duration of any declines in market value, the causes of such declines, the likelihood of a recovery in market value, and its intent to hold securities until a recovery in value occurs. Declines in value of preferred or common stock holdings that are deemed “other than temporary” could result in loss recognition in the Company's income statement.

Fluctuations in the Company's common stock price can impact the Company's financial results in several ways. First, the Company has regularly repurchased and retired its common stock; the market price paid to retire the Company's common stock can affect the level of the Company's shareholders' equity, cash flows and shares outstanding. Second, the Company's common stock price impacts the number of dilutive equivalent shares used to compute diluted earnings per share. Third, fluctuations in the Company's common stock price can motivate holders of options to purchase Company common stock through the exercise of such options thereby increasing the number of shares outstanding. Finally, the amount of compensation expense associated with share based compensation fluctuates with changes in and the volatility of the Company's common stock price.

Market Risk - Other

Market values of loan collateral can directly impact the level of loan charge-offs and the provision for loan losses. The financial condition and liquidity of debtors issuing bonds and debtors whose mortgages or other obligations are securitized can directly impact the credit quality of the Company’s investment portfolio requiring the Company to recognize other than temporary impairment charges. Other types of market risk, such as foreign currency exchange risk and commodity price risk, are not significant in the normal course of the Company's business activities.

Liquidity and Funding

The objective of liquidity management is to manage cash flow and liquidity reserves so that they are adequate to fund the Company's operations and meet obligations and other commitments on a timely basis and at a reasonable cost. The Company achieves this objective through the selection of asset and liability maturity mixes that it believes best meet its needs. The Company's liquidity position is enhanced by its ability to raise additional funds as needed in the wholesale markets.
 
In recent years, the Company's deposit base has provided the majority of the Company's funding requirements. This relatively stable and low-cost source of funds, along with shareholders' equity, provided 97 percent and 96 percent of funding for average total assets in the years 2013 and 2012, respectively. The stability of the Company’s funding from customer deposits is reliant on the confidence clients have in the Company. The Company places a very high priority in maintaining this confidence through conservative credit and capital management practices and by maintaining an appropriate level of liquidity reserves.
 
Effective December 31, 2010, the Dodd-Frank Act required unlimited FDIC deposit insurance on all non-interest bearing transaction accounts and mandated participation by all member banks. This requirement and mandate expired on December 31, 2012, at which time unlimited FDIC insurance on non-interest bearing transaction accounts came to an end. Upon expiration, the standard maximum FDIC insurance coverage returned to $250,000 for non-interest bearing transaction accounts. The change in deposit insurance has not had a significant impact to the Company's deposit levels.
 
 
- 43 -
 
During 2012 and 2013, non-deposit funding has been obtained through short-term borrowings, a term repurchase agreement, Federal Home Loan Bank advances, and long-term debt financing. These non-deposit sources of funds comprise a modest portion of total funding.
 
Liquidity is further provided by assets such as balances held at the Federal Reserve Bank, investment securities, and amortizing loans. The Company's investment securities portfolio provides a substantial secondary liquidity reserve. The Company held $2.2 billion in total investment securities at December 31, 2013. Under certain deposit, borrowing and other arrangements, the Company must hold and pledge investment securities as collateral. At December 31, 2013, such collateral requirements totaled approximately $779 million.
 
Liquidity risk can result from the mismatching of asset and liability cash flows, or from disruptions in the financial markets. The Company performs liquidity stress tests on a periodic basis to evaluate the sustainability of its liquidity. Under the stress testing, the Company assumes outflows of funds increase beyond expected levels. Measurement of such heightened outflows considers the composition of the Company’s deposit base, including any concentration of deposits, non-deposit funding such as short-term borrowings and Federal Home Loan Bank advances, and unfunded lending commitments. The Company evaluates its stock of highly liquid assets to meet the assumed higher levels of outflows. Highly liquid assets include cash and amounts due from other banks from daily transaction settlements, reduced by branch cash needs and Federal Reserve Bank reserve requirements, and investment securities based on regulatory risk-weighting guidelines. Based on the results of the most recent liquidity stress test, Management is satisfied with the liquidity condition of the Bank and the Company. However, no assurance can be given the Bank or Company will not experience a period of reduced liquidity.
 

Management will monitor the Company’s cash levels throughout 2014. Loan demand from credit-worthy borrowers will be dictated by economic and competitive conditions. The Company aggressively solicits non-interest bearing demand deposits and money market checking deposits, which are the least sensitive to changes in interest rates. The growth of these deposit balances is subject to heightened competition, the success of the Company's sales efforts, delivery of superior customer service, new regulations and market conditions. The Company does not aggressively solicit higher-costing time deposits; as a result, Management anticipates such deposits will decline. Changes in interest rates, most notably rising interest rates, could impact deposit volumes. Depending on economic conditions, interest rate levels, and a variety of other conditions, deposit growth may be used to fund loans, reduce borrowings or purchase investment securities. However, due to possible concerns such as uncertainty in the general economic environment, competition and political uncertainty, loan demand and levels of customer deposits are not certain. Shareholder dividends are expected to continue subject to the Board's discretion and continuing evaluation of capital levels, earnings, asset quality and other factors.

Westamerica Bancorporation ("Parent Company") is a separate entity apart from Westamerica Bank (“Bank”) and must provide for its own liquidity. In addition to its operating expenses, the Parent Company is responsible for the payment of dividends declared for its shareholders, and interest and principal on any outstanding debt. The $15 million note issued by the Parent Company, as described in Note 7 to the consolidated financial statements, matured and was repaid October 31, 2013. Substantially all of the Parent Company's revenues are obtained from subsidiary dividends and service fees. The Bank’s dividends paid to the Parent Company and proceeds from the exercise of stock options provided adequate cash flow for the Parent Company in 2013 and 2012 to pay shareholder dividends of $40 million and $41 million, respectively, and retire common stock in the amount of $57 million and $51 million, respectively. Payment of dividends to the Parent Company by the Bank is limited under California and Federal laws. The Company believes these regulatory dividend restrictions will not have an impact on the Parent Company's ability to meet its ongoing cash obligations.

Contractual Obligations

The following table sets forth the known contractual obligations, except short-term borrowing arrangements and post-retirement benefit plans, of the Company:

At December 31, 2013
(In thousands)
  
Within
One Year
    
Over One to
Three Years
    
Over Three to
Five Years
    
After
Five Years
    
Total
  
Term Repurchase Agreement
   $ 10,000     $ ––     $ ––     $ ––     $ 10,000  
Federal Home Loan Bank advances
     ––       20,577       ––       ––       20,577  
Operating Lease Obligations
     8,357       9,280       3,069       594       21,300  
Purchase Obligations
     7,884       15,768       ––       ––       23,652  
Total
   $ 26,241     $ 45,625     $ 3,069     $ 594     $ 75,529  
                                         
 
 
- 44 -
 
Federal Home Loan Bank advances and operating lease obligations may be retired prior to the contractual maturity as discussed in the notes to the consolidated financial statements. The purchase obligation consists of the Company’s minimum liability under a contract with a third-party automation services provider.

Capital Resources

The Company has historically generated high levels of earnings, which provides a means of raising capital. The Company's net income as a percentage of average shareholders' equity (“return on equity” or “ROE”) has been 12.5% in 2013, 14.9% in 2012 and 16.1% in 2011. The Company also raises capital as employees exercise stock options. Capital raised through the exercise of stock options totaled $21.5 million in 2013, $7.6 million in 2012 and $14.4 million in 2011.

The Company paid common dividends totaling $40.1 million in 2013, $41.0 million in 2012 and $41.7 million in 2011, which represent dividends per common share of $1.49, $1.48 and $1.45, respectively. The Company's earnings have historically exceeded dividends paid to shareholders. The amount of earnings in excess of dividends provides the Company resources to finance growth and maintain appropriate levels of shareholders' equity. In the absence of profitable growth opportunities, the Company has repurchased and retired its common stock as another means to return earnings to shareholders. The Company repurchased and retired 1.2 million shares valued at $57.3 million in 2013, 1.1 million shares valued at $51.5 million in 2012 and 1.3 million shares valued at $60.5 million in 2011.

The Company's primary capital resource is shareholders' equity, which was $542.9 million at December 31, 2013 compared with $560.1 million at December 31, 2012. For 2013, the Company earned $67.2 million in net income, raised $21.5 million from the issuance of stock in connection with exercises of employee stock options, paid $40.1 million in common dividends, and repurchased $57.3 million in common stock.

The Company's ratio of equity to total assets was 11.20% at December 31, 2013 and 11.31% at December 31, 2012.

The Company performs capital stress tests on a periodic basis to evaluate the sustainability of its capital. Under the stress testing, the Company assumes various scenarios such as deteriorating economic and operating conditions, unanticipated asset devaluations, and significant operational lapses. The Company measures the impact of these scenarios on its earnings and capital. Based on the results of the most recent stress tests, Management is satisfied with the capital condition of the Bank and the Company. However, no assurance can be given the Bank or Company will not experience a period of reduced earnings or a reduction in capital from unanticipated events and circumstances.

Capital to Risk-Adjusted Assets

The following summarizes the ratios of regulatory capital to risk-adjusted assets for the Company on the dates indicated:

At December 31,
  
2013
    
2012
    
Minimum
Regulatory
Requirement
    
Well
Capitalized
  
Tier I Capital
     14.71 %     15.06 %     4.00 %     6.00 %
Total Capital
     16.18 %     16.33 %     8.00 %     10.00 %
Leverage ratio
     8.55 %     8.56 %     4.00 %     5.00 %
                                 
The following summarizes the ratios of capital to risk-adjusted assets for the Bank on the dates indicated:

At December 31,
  
2013
    
2012
    
Minimum
Regulatory
Requirement
    
Well
Capitalized
  
Tier I Capital
     13.26 %     14.14 %     4.00 %     6.00 %
Total Capital
     14.93 %     15.62 %     8.00 %     10.00 %
Leverage ratio
     7.67 %     7.99 %     4.00 %     5.00 %
                                 
FDIC-covered assets are generally 20% risk-weighted due to the FDIC indemnification, which expires on February 6, 2019 as to residential real estate covered assets and expired on February 6, 2014 as to non-residential real estate covered assets. Subsequent to such dates, previously FDIC-indemnified assets will generally be included in the 100% risk-weight category.

 
- 45 -
 
On July 2, 2013, the Federal Reserve Board approved a final rule that implements changes to the regulatory capital framework for all banking organizations. The rule’s provisions which would most affect the regulatory capital requirements of the Company and the Bank:

·
Introduce a new “Common Equity Tier 1” capital measurement,
·
Establish higher minimum levels of capital,
·
Introduce a “capital conservation buffer,” and
·
Increase the risk-weighting of certain assets, in particular construction loans, loans on nonaccrual status, loans 90 days or more past due, and deferred tax assets.

Under the final rule, a banking organization that is not subject to the “advanced approaches rule” may make a one-time election not to include most elements of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, including net-of-tax unrealized gains and losses on available for sale investment securities, in regulatory capital and instead effectively use the existing treatment under the general risk-based capital rules. Neither the Company nor the Bank are subject to the “advanced approaches rule” and intend to make the election not to include most elements of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income in regulatory capital.

Generally, banking organizations that are not subject to the “advanced approaches rule” must begin complying with the final rule on January 1, 2015; on such date, the Company and the Bank become subject to the revised definitions of regulatory capital, the new minimum regulatory capital ratios, and various regulatory capital adjustments and deductions according to transition provisions and timelines. All banking organizations must begin calculating standardized total risk-weighted assets on January 1, 2015. The transition period for the capital conservation buffer for all banking organizations will begin on January 1, 2016 and end January 1, 2019. Any bank subject to the rule which is unable to maintain its “capital conservation buffer” will be restricted in the payment of discretionary executive compensation and shareholder distributions, such as dividends and share repurchases.

The final rule does not supersede the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Improvement Act (FDICIA) requiring federal banking agencies to take prompt corrective action (PCA) to resolve problems of insured depository institutions. The final rule revises the PCA thresholds to incorporate the higher minimum levels of capital, including the newly proposed “common equity tier 1” ratios.

Management has evaluated the capital structure and assets for the Company and the Bank as of December 31, 2013 assuming (1) the Federal Reserve’s final rule was currently fully phased-in and (2) the FDIC indemnification of the Bank’s purchased covered assets had expired, causing an increase in risk-weightings on such assets. Based on this evaluation, the Company and the Bank currently maintain capital in excess of all the final rule regulatory ratios, as follows:

   
Final Rule
Minimum
Capital
Requirement
    
"Well-capitalized"
Under PCA
Proposal
    
Final Rule
Minimum
Plus "Capital
Conservation
Buffer"
    
Proforma Measurements as of
December 31, 2013 Assuming Final
Rule Fully Phased-in and
Covered Asset Indemnification
Expired
  
                     
Company
    
Bank
  
Capital Measurement:
                          
Leverage
     4.00 %     5.00 %     4.00 %     8.16 %     7.35 %
Common Equity Tier 1
     4.50 %     6.50 %     7.00 %     12.84 %     11.65 %
Tier I Capital
     6.00 %     8.00 %     8.50 %     12.84 %     11.65 %
Total Capital
     8.00 %     10.00 %     10.50 %     14.19 %     12.99 %
 
The Company and the Bank intend to maintain regulatory capital in excess of the highest regulatory standard. The Company and the Bank routinely project capital levels by analyzing forecasted earnings, credit quality, securities valuations, shareholder dividends, asset volumes, share repurchase activity, stock option exercise proceeds, and other factors. Based on current capital projections, the Company and the Bank expect to maintain regulatory capital levels exceeding the highest effective regulatory standard and pay quarterly dividends to shareholders. No assurance can be given that changes in capital management plans will not occur.

 
- 46 -
 
Deposit Categories

The Company primarily attracts deposits from local businesses and professionals, as well as through retail savings and checking accounts, and, to a more limited extent, certificates of deposit.

The following table summarizes the Company’s average daily amount of deposits and the rates paid for the periods indicated:

Deposit Distribution and Average Rates Paid

 
  
2013
    
2012
    
2011
  
Years Ended December 31, (Dollars in thousands)
  
Average
Balance
    
Percentage
of Total
Deposits
    
Rate
    
Average
Balance
    
Percentage
of Total
Deposits
    
Rate
    
Average
Balance
    
Percentage
of Total
Deposits
    
Rate
  
Noninterest bearing demand
   $ 1,683,447       40.4 %     — %   $ 1,603,981       38.0 %     — %   $ 1,496,362       35.9 %     — %
Interest bearing:
                                                                        
Transaction
     758,771       18.2 %     0.03 %     754,979       17.9 %     0.04 %     713,754       17.1 %     0.10 %
Savings
     1,151,360       27.7 %     0.08 %     1,132,980       26.9 %     0.08 %     1,112,364       26.7 %     0.15 %
Time less than $100 thousand
     228,061       5.5 %     0.47 %     264,466       6.3 %     0.57 %     313,548       7.5 %     0.67 %
Time $100 thousand or more
     341,184       8.2 %     0.32 %     460,833       10.9 %     0.33 %     535,866       12.8 %     0.43 %
Total*
   $ 4,162,823       100.0 %     0.08 %   $ 4,217,239       100.0 %     0.10 %   $ 4,171,894       100.0 %     0.16 %
                                                                         
* The rates for total deposits reflect value of noninterest bearing deposits.

The Company’s strategy includes building the value of its deposit base by building balances of lower-costing deposits and avoiding reliance on higher-costing time deposits. From 2011 to 2013 the deposit composition shifted from higher costing time deposits to lower costing checking and savings accounts. The Company’s average balances of checking and savings accounts represented 86% of average balances of total deposits in 2013 compared with 83% in 2012 and 80% in 2011.

Total time deposits were $492.8 million and $642.6 million at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.  The following table sets forth, by time remaining to maturity, the Company’s total domestic time deposits. The Company has no foreign time deposits.

Time Deposits Maturity Distribution

 
(In thousands)
  
December 31,
2013
  
2014  
   $ 401,627  
2015   
     39,375  
2016
     23,092  
2017
     13,103  
2018
     13,357  
Thereafter
     2,213  
Total
   $ 492,767  
         
The following sets forth, by time remaining to maturity, the Company’s domestic time deposits in amounts of $100 thousand or more:

Time Deposits Over $100,000 Maturity Distribution

 
(In thousands)
  
December 31,
2013
  
Three months or less
   $ 179,981  
Over three through six months
     31,586  
Over six through twelve months
     39,841  
Over twelve months
     47,446  
Total
   $ 298,854  
         
 
 
- 47 -
 
Short-term Borrowings

The following table sets forth the short-term borrowings of the Company:

Short-Term Borrowings Distribution

   
At December 31,
  
(In thousands)
  
2013
    
2012
    
2011
  
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase the securities
   $ 62,668     $ 53,687     $ 115,689  
Total short term borrowings
   $ 62,668     $ 53,687     $ 115,689  
                         
Further detail of federal funds purchased and other borrowed funds is as follows:

Years Ended December 31,
                  
(Dollars in thousands)
  
2013
    
2012
    
2011
  
Federal funds purchased balances and rates paid on outstanding amount:
                  
Average balance for the year
   $ 8     $ 8     $ 96  
Maximum month-end balance during the year
     —       —       —  
Average interest rate for the year
     0.60 %     0.58 %     0.11 %
Average interest rate at period end
     — %     — %     — %
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase the securities balances and rates paid on outstanding amount:
                        
Average balance for the year
   $ 57,446     $ 81,315     $ 103,127  
Maximum month-end balance during the year
     66,640       116,974       115,689  
Average interest rate for the year
     0.07 %     0.07 %     0.15 %
Average interest rate at period end
     0.07 %     0.07 %     0.09 %
FHLB advances balances and rates paid on outstanding amount:
                        
    Average balance for the year
   $ 25,499     $ 25,916     $ 41,741  
    Maximum month-end balance during the year
     25,780       26,004       61,619  
    Average interest rate for the year
     1.88 %     1.86 %     1.25 %
    Average interest rate at period end
     1.96 %     1.88 %     1.84 %
Term repurchase agreement balances and rates paid on outstanding amount:
                        
Average balance for the year
   $ 10,000     $ 10,000     $ 3,945  
Maximum month-end balance during the year
     10,000       10,000       10,000  
Average interest rate for the year
     0.98 %     0.99 %     0.98 %
Average interest rate at period end
     0.97 %     0.97 %     0.97 %
Line of credit balances and rates paid on outstanding amount:
                        
Average balance for the year
   $ —     $ —     $ 1,933  
Maximum month-end balance during the year
     —       —       10,150  
Average interest rate for the year
     — %     — %     2.95 %
Average interest rate at period end
     — %     — %     — %

Financial Ratios

The following table shows key financial ratios for the periods indicated:

At and for the years ended December 31,
  
2013
    
2012
    
2011
  
Return on average total assets
     1.38 %     1.64 %     1.78 %
Return on average common shareholders’ equity
     12.48 %     14.93 %     16.14 %
Average shareholders’ equity as a percentage of:
                        
Average total assets
     11.06 %     10.97 %     11.00 %
Average total loans
     27.53 %     23.47 %     19.90 %
Average total deposits
     12.93 %     12.88 %     13.05 %
Common dividend payout ratio
     60 %     51 %     47 %

 
- 48 -
 

The Company does not currently engage in trading activities or use derivative instruments to control interest rate risk, even though such activities may be permitted with the approval of the Company’s Board of Directors.

Credit risk and interest rate risk are the most significant market risks affecting the Company, and equity price risk can also affect the Company’s financial results. These risks are described in the preceding sections regarding “Loan Portfolio Credit Risk,” and “Asset/Liability and Market Risk Management.” Other types of market risk, such as foreign currency exchange risk and commodity price risk, are not significant in the normal course of the Company’s business activities.
 

INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


 
- 49 -
 

Management of Westamerica Bancorporation and subsidiaries (the “Company”) is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, and for performing an assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2013. Internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. The Company’s system of internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the Company; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the Company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of Management and Directors of the Company; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of the Company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Management performed an assessment of the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2013 based upon criteria in Internal Control — Integrated Framework (1992) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (“COSO”). Based on this assessment, Management determined that the Company’s internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2013 based on the criteria in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (1992) issued by COSO.

The Company’s independent registered public accounting firm has issued an attestation report on Management’s assessment of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. This report is included below.

Dated: February 27, 2014
 
 
 
 
 
- 50 -
 

The Board of Directors and Stockholders
Westamerica Bancorporation:

We have audited Westamerica Bancorporation and subsidiaries (the Company) internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2013, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework (1992) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audit also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

In our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2013, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework (1992) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheets of the Company as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, and the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, changes in shareholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2013, and our report dated February 27, 2014 expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial statements.
 
 
/s/  KPMG LLP  
KPMG LLP  
 
San Francisco, California
February 27, 2014
 
 
- 51 -
 
WESTAMERICA BANCORPORATION

   
At December 31,
  
   
2013
    
2012
  
   
(In thousands)
  
Assets
            
Cash and due from banks
   $ 472,028     $ 491,382  
Investment securities available for sale
     1,079,381       825,636  
Investment securities held to maturity, with fair values of $1,112,676 at December 31, 2013 and $1,184,557 at December 31, 2012
     1,132,299       1,156,041  
Purchased covered loans
     250,670       372,283  
Purchased non-covered loans
     53,790       74,891  
Originated loans
     1,523,284       1,664,183  
Allowance for loan losses
     (31,693 )     (30,234 )
Total loans
     1,796,051       2,081,123  
Non-covered other real estate owned
     5,527       12,661  
Covered other real estate owned
     7,793       13,691  
Premises and equipment, net
     37,314       38,639  
Identifiable intangibles, net
     18,557       23,261  
Goodwill
     121,673       121,673  
Other assets
     176,432       188,086  
Total Assets
   $ 4,847,055     $ 4,952,193  
                 
Liabilities
                
Deposits:
                
Noninterest bearing deposits
   $ 1,740,182     $ 1,676,071  
Interest bearing deposits
     2,423,599       2,556,421  
Total deposits
     4,163,781       4,232,492  
Short-term borrowed funds
     62,668       53,687  
Federal Home Loan Bank advances
     20,577       25,799  
Term repurchase agreement
     10,000       10,000  
Debt financing
     —       15,000  
Other liabilities
     47,095       55,113  
Total Liabilities
     4,304,121       4,392,091  
                 
Shareholders’ Equity
                
Common Stock (no par value), authorized - 150,000 shares Issued and outstanding – 26,510 at December 31, 2013 and 27,213 at December 31, 2012
     378,946       372,012  
Deferred compensation
     2,711       3,101  
Accumulated other comprehensive income
     4,313       14,625  
Retained earnings
     156,964       170,364  
Total Shareholders’ Equity
     542,934       560,102  
Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity 
   $ 4,847,055     $ 4,952,193  
                 
See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.
 
 
- 52 -
 
WESTAMERICA BANCORPORATION
 
   
For the Years Ended December 31,
  
   
2013
    
2012
    
2011
  
   
(In thousands, except per share data)
  
Interest and Loan Fee Income
                  
Loans
   $ 102,626     $ 130,820     $ 160,673  
Investment securities available for sale
     21,822       19,810       21,594  
Investment securities held to maturity
     29,948       32,734       25,712  
Total Interest and Loan Fee Income     154,396       183,364       207,979  
Interest Expense
                        
Deposits
     3,348       4,283       6,805  
Short-term borrowed funds
     77       77       216  
Federal Home Loan Bank advances
     480       483       520  
Term repurchase agreement
     98       99       39  
Debt financing
     668       802       802  
Total Interest Expense     4,671       5,744       8,382  
Net Interest Income
     149,725       177,620       199,597  
Provision for Loan Losses
     8,000       11,200       11,200  
Net Interest Income After Provision for Loan Losses     141,725       166,420       188,397  
Noninterest Income
                        
Service charges on deposit accounts
     25,693       27,691       29,523  
Merchant processing services
     9,031       9,734       9,436  
Debit card fees
     5,829       5,173       4,956  
Other service fees
     2,846       2,801       2,827  
ATM processing fees
     2,758       3,396       3,815  
Trust fees
     2,313       2,078       1,887  
Financial services commissions
     831       689       423  
Loss on sale of securities
     —       (1,287 )     —  
Other
     7,710       6,747       7,230  
Total Noninterest Income     57,011       57,022       60,097  
Noninterest Expense
                        
Salaries and related benefits
     56,633       57,388       58,501  
Occupancy
     15,137       15,460       16,209  
Outsourced data processing services
     8,548       8,531       8,844  
Amortization of identifiable intangibles
     4,704       5,368       5,975  
Furniture and equipment
     3,869       3,775       3,837  
Professional fees
     3,057       3,217       4,802  
Courier service
     2,868       3,117       3,342  
Other real estate owned
     1,035       1,235       2,458  
Settlements
     —       —       2,100  
Other
     16,763       18,794       21,610  
Total Noninterest Expense     112,614       116,885       127,678  
Income Before Income Taxes
     86,122       106,557       120,816  
Provision for income taxes
     18,945       25,430       32,928  
Net Income
   $ 67,177     $ 81,127     $ 87,888  
Average Common Shares Outstanding
     26,826       27,654       28,628  
Diluted Average Common Shares Outstanding
     26,877       27,699       28,742  
Per Common Share Data
                        
Basic earnings
   $ 2.50     $ 2.93     $ 3.07  
Diluted earnings
     2.50       2.93       3.06  
Dividends paid
     1.49       1.48       1.45  
 
See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.
 
 
- 53 -
 
WESTAMERICA BANCORPORATION


   
For the Years Ended December 31,
  
   
2013
    
2012
    
2011
  
   
(In thousands)
  
                   
Net income
   $ 67,177     $ 81,127     $ 87,888  
Other comprehensive (loss) income:
                        
(Decrease) increase in net unrealized gains on securities available for sale
     (17,855 )     5,557       19,282  
Deferred tax benefit (expense)
     7,507       (2,337 )     (8,108 )
(Decrease) increase in net unrealized gains on securities available for sale, net of tax
     (10,348 )     3,220       11,174  
Post-retirement benefit transition obligation amortization
     61       61       61  
Deferred tax expense
     (25 )     (25 )     (25 )
Post-retirement benefit transition obligation amortization, net of tax
     36       36       36  
Total other comprehensive (loss) income
     (10,312 )     3,256       11,210  
Total comprehensive income
   $ 56,865     $ 84,383     $ 99,098  
                         
See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.
 
 
- 54 -
 
WESTAMERICA BANCORPORATION

 
  
Common
Shares
Outstanding
    
 
Common
Stock
    
Accumulated
Deferred
Compensation
    
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (loss)
    
 
Retained
Earnings
    
Total
  
                                     
Balance, December 31, 2010
     29,090     $ 378,885     $ 2,724     $ 159     $ 163,519     $ 545,287  
Net income for the year 2011
                                     87,888       87,888  
Other comprehensive income
                             11,210               11,210  
Exercise of stock options
     360       14,374                               14,374  
Tax benefit decrease upon exercise of stock options
             (248 )                             (248 )
Restricted stock activity
     15       455       336                       791  
Stock based compensation
             1,425                               1,425  
Stock awarded to employees
     2       89                               89  
Purchase and retirement of stock
     (1,317 )     (17,205 )                     (43,300 )     (60,505 )
Dividends
                                     (41,670 )     (41,670 )
Balance, December 31, 2011
     28,150       377,775       3,060       11,369       166,437       558,641  
Net income for the year 2012
                                     81,127       81,127  
Other comprehensive income
                             3,256               3,256  
Exercise of stock options
     185       7,635                               7,635  
Tax benefit decrease upon exercise of stock options
             (119 )                             (119 )
Restricted stock activity
     11       482       41                       523  
Stock based compensation
             1,450                               1,450  
Stock awarded to employees
     2       93                               93  
Purchase and retirement of stock
     (1,135 )     (15,304 )                     (36,195 )     (51,499 )
Dividends
                                     (41,005 )     (41,005 )
Balance, December 31, 2012
     27,213       372,012       3,101       14,625       170,364       560,102  
Net income for the year 2013
                                     67,177       67,177  
Other comprehensive loss
                             (10,312 )             (10,312 )
Exercise of stock options
     479       21,499                               21,499  
Tax benefit decrease upon exercise of stock options
             (298 )                             (298 )
Restricted stock activity
     15       1,068       (390 )                     678  
Stock based compensation
             1,397                               1,397  
Stock awarded to employees
     2       107                               107  
Purchase and retirement of stock
     (1,199 )     (16,839 )                     (40,481 )     (57,320 )
Dividends
                                     (40,096 )     (40,096 )
Balance, December 31, 2013
     26,510     $ 378,946     $ 2,711     $ 4,313     $ 156,964     $ 542,934  
                                                 
See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.
 
 
- 55 -
 
WESTAMERICA BANCORPORATION

   
For the Years Ended December 31,
  
   
2013
    
2012
    
2011
  
   
(In thousands)
  
Operating Activities:
                  
Net income
   $ 67,177     $ 81,127     $ 87,888  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
                        
Depreciation and amortization/accretion
     18,015       14,074       14,253  
Loan loss provision
     8,000       11,200       11,200  
Net amortization of deferred loan fees
     (420 )     (506 )     (434 )
Decrease (increase) in interest income receivable
     1,249       2,396       (172 )
(Increase) decrease in deferred tax asset
     (1,618 )     (6,952 )     2,094  
Decrease in other assets
     5,814       142       2,773  
Stock option compensation expense
     1,397       1,450       1,425  
Tax benefit decrease upon exercise of stock options
     298       119       248  
(Decrease) increase in income taxes payable
     (1,677 )     (1,439 )     2,074  
Decrease in interest expense payable
     (274 )     (334 )     (1,338 )
(Decrease) increase in other liabilities
     (12,510 )     17,147       431  
Loss on sale of securities available for sale
     —       1,287       —  
Gain on sale of real estate and other assets
     (548 )     (1,056 )     (1,200 )
Write-down/net loss(gain) on sale/ of premises and equipment
     17       117       (398 )
Originations of mortgage loans for resale
     (501 )     (675 )     (595 )
Proceeds from sale of mortgage loans originated for resale
     509       707       616  
Net write-down/loss on sale of foreclosed assets
     387       660       1,528  
Net Cash Provided By Operating Activities
     85,315       119,464       120,393  
Investing Activities:
                        
Net repayments of loans
     274,774       385,042       341,515  
Proceeds from FDIC1 loss-sharing agreement 
     7,069       28,423       7,658  
Purchases of investment securities available for sale
     (418,745 )     (384,363 )     (290,610 )
Proceeds from sale/maturity/calls of securities available for sale
     144,886       203,036       331,933  
Purchases of investment securities held to maturity
     (196,536 )     (484,002 )     (428,511 )
Proceeds from maturity/calls of securities held to maturity
     217,652       232,226       95,898  
Purchases of premises and equipment
     (1,693 )     (4,834 )     (3,309 )
Proceeds from sale of premises and equipment
     —       —       640  
Purchases of FRB2/FHLB3 securities 
     —       —       (14,069 )
Proceeds from sale of FRB2/FHLB3/FHLMC4 securities 
     3,166       2,088       1,829  
Proceeds from sale of foreclosed assets
     20,349       28,081       24,671  
Net Cash Provided By Investing Activities     50,922       5,697       67,645  
Financing Activities:
                        
Net change in deposits
     (68,357 )     (16,835 )     118,131  
Net change in short-term borrowings and FHLB3 advances 
     3,981       (62,001 )     (16,868 )
Repayments of notes payable
     (15,000 )     —       (10,000 )
Exercise of stock options/issuance of shares
     21,499       7,635       14,374  
Tax benefit decrease upon exercise of stock options
     (298 )     (119 )     (248 )
Retirement of common stock including repurchases
     (57,320 )     (51,499 )     (60,505 )
    Common stock dividends paid
     (40,096 )     (41,005 )     (41,670 )
Net Cash (Used In) Provided By Financing Activities
     (155,591 )     (163,824 )     3,214  
Net Change In Cash and Due from Banks
     (19,354 )     (38,663 )     191,252  
Cash and Due from Banks at Beginning of Year
     491,382       530,045       338,793  
Cash and Due from Banks at End of Year
   $ 472,028     $ 491,382     $ 530,045  
Supplemental Disclosures:
                        
Supplemental disclosure of noncash activities:
                        
Loans transferred to other real estate owned
   $ 8,643     $ 11,619     $ 39,453  
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow activity:
                        
Interest paid for the period
     5,452       6,814       11,271  
Income tax payments for the period
     22,562       34,111       28,826  
 
See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.
1 Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”)
2 Federal Reserve Bank (“FRB”)
3 Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”)
4 Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp. (“FHLMC”)
 
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WESTAMERICA BANCORPORATION

Note 1: Business and Accounting Policies

Westamerica Bancorporation, a registered bank holding company (the “Company”), provides a full range of banking services to corporate and individual customers in Northern and Central California through its subsidiary bank, Westamerica Bank (the “Bank”). The Bank is subject to competition from both financial and nonfinancial institutions and to the regulations of certain agencies and undergoes periodic examinations by those regulatory authorities.

The Company has evaluated events and transactions subsequent to the balance sheet date. Based on this evaluation, the Company is not aware of any events or transactions that occurred subsequent to the balance sheet date but prior to filing that would require recognition or disclosure in its consolidated financial statements.

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

The consolidated financial statements are prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. The following is a summary of significant policies used in the preparation of the accompanying financial statements.

Accounting Estimates. Certain accounting policies underlying the preparation of these financial statements require Management to make estimates and judgments about future economic and market conditions. These estimates and judgments may affect reported amounts of assets and liabilities, revenues and expenses, and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities. Although the estimates contemplate current conditions and how Management expects them to change in the future, it is reasonably possible that in 2014 actual conditions could be worse than anticipated in those estimates, which could materially affect our results of operations and financial conditions. The most significant of these involve the Allowance for Credit Losses, as discussed below under “Allowance for Credit Losses,” estimated fair values of purchased loans, as discussed below under “Purchased Loans,” and the evaluation of other than temporary impairment, as discussed below under “Securities.”

Principles of Consolidation. The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and all the Company’s subsidiaries. Significant intercompany transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. The Company does not maintain or conduct transactions with any unconsolidated special purpose entities.

Cash Equivalents. Cash equivalents include Due From Banks balances which are readily convertible to known amounts of cash and are generally 90 days or less from maturity at the time of initiation, presenting insignificant risk of changes in value due to interest rate changes.

Securities. Investment securities consist of debt securities of the U.S. Treasury, government sponsored entities, states, counties,  municipalities, corporations, mortgage-backed securities, asset-backed securities and equity securities. Securities transactions are recorded on a trade date basis. The Company classifies its debt and marketable equity securities in one of three categories: trading, available for sale or held to maturity. Trading securities are bought and held principally for the purpose of selling them in the near term. Trading securities are recorded at fair value with unrealized gains and losses included in earnings. Held to maturity securities are those debt securities which the Company has the ability and intent to hold until maturity. Held to maturity securities are recorded at cost, adjusted for the amortization of premiums or accretion of discounts. Securities not included in trading or held to maturity are classified as available for sale. Available for sale securities are recorded at fair value. Unrealized gains and losses, net of the related tax effect, on available for sale securities are included in other comprehensive income.

The Company utilizes third-party sources to value its investment securities; securities individually valued using quoted prices in active markets are classified as Level 1 assets in the fair value hierarchy, and securities valued using quoted prices in active markets for similar securities (commonly referred to as “matrix” pricing) are classified as Level 2 assets in the fair value hierarchy. The Company validates the reliability of third-party provided values by comparing individual security pricing for a sample of securities between more than one third-party source. When third-party information is not available, valuation adjustments are estimated in good faith by Management.

 
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A decline in the market value of any available for sale or held to maturity security below amortized cost that is deemed other than temporary results in a charge to earnings and the establishment of a new cost basis for the security. Unrealized investment securities losses are evaluated at least quarterly to determine whether such declines in value should be considered “other than temporary” and therefore be subject to immediate loss recognition in income. Although these evaluations involve significant judgment, an unrealized loss in the fair value of a debt security is generally deemed to be temporary when the fair value of the security is below the carrying value primarily due to changes in risk-free interest rates, there has not been significant deterioration in the financial condition of the issuer, and the Company does not intend to sell or be required to sell the securities before recovery of its amortized cost. An unrealized loss in the value of an equity security is generally considered temporary when the fair value of the security declined primarily due to current market conditions and not deterioration in the financial condition of the issuer, the Company expects the fair value of the security to recover in the near term and the Company does not intend to sell or be required to sell the securities before recovery of its amortized cost. Other factors that may be considered in determining whether a decline in the value of either a debt or an equity security is “other than temporary” include ratings by recognized rating agencies, actions of commercial banks or other lenders relative to the continued extension of credit facilities to the issuer of the security, the financial condition, capital strength and near-term prospects of the issuer, and recommendations of investment advisors or market analysts.

The Company follows the guidance issued by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, “Investing in Securities without Reliance on Nationally Recognized Statistical Rating Agencies” (SR 12-15) and other regulatory guidance when performing investment security pre-purchase analysis or evaluating investment securities for impairment. Credit ratings issued by recognized rating agencies are considered in the Company’s analysis only as a guide to the historical default rate associated with similarly-rated bonds.

Purchase premiums are amortized and purchase discounts are accreted over the estimated life of the related investment security as an adjustment to yield using the effective interest method. Unamortized premiums, unaccreted discounts, and early payment premiums are recognized as a component of gain or loss on sale upon disposition of the related security. Interest and dividend income are recognized when earned. Realized gains and losses from the sale of available for sale securities are included in earnings using the specific identification method.

Nonmarketable Equity Securities. Nonmarketable equity securities include securities that are not publicly traded, such as Visa Class B common stock, and securities acquired to meet regulatory requirements, such as Federal Home Loan Bank and Federal Reserve Bank stock, which are restricted. These restricted securities are accounted for under the cost method and are included in other assets. The Company reviews those assets accounted for under the cost method at least quarterly for possible declines in value that are considered “other than temporary”. The Company’s review typically includes an analysis of the facts and circumstances of each investment, the expectations for the investment’s cash flows and capital needs, the viability of its business model and any exit strategy. The asset value is reduced when a decline in value is considered to be other than temporary. The Company recognizes the estimated loss in noninterest income.

Loans. Loans are stated at the principal amount outstanding, net of unearned discount and unamortized deferred fees and costs. Interest is accrued daily on the outstanding principal balances. Loans which are more than 90 days delinquent with respect to interest or principal, unless they are well secured and in the process of collection, and other loans on which full recovery of principal or interest is in doubt, are placed on nonaccrual status. Interest previously accrued on loans placed on nonaccrual status is charged against interest income. In addition, some loans secured by real estate with temporarily impaired values and commercial loans to borrowers experiencing financial difficulties are placed on nonaccrual status (“performing nonaccrual loans”) even though the borrowers continue to repay the loans as scheduled. When the ability to fully collect nonaccrual loan principal is in doubt, payments received are applied against the principal balance of the loans on a cost-recovery method until such time as full collection of the remaining recorded balance is expected. Any additional interest payments received after that time are recorded as interest income on a cash basis. Performing nonaccrual loans are reinstated to accrual status when improvements in credit quality eliminate the doubt as to the full collectability of both interest and principal. Certain consumer loans or auto receivables are charged off against the allowance for credit losses when they become 120 days past due.

The Company evaluates all classified loans and nonaccrual loans with outstanding principal balances in excess of $500 thousand, and all “troubled debt restructured” loans for impairment. The Company recognizes a loan as impaired when, based on current information and events, it is probable that it will be unable to collect both the contractual interest and principal payments as scheduled in the loan agreement. Income recognition on impaired loans conforms to that used on nonaccrual loans. In certain circumstances, the Company might agree to restructured loan terms with borrowers experiencing financial difficulties; such restructured loans are evaluated under ASC 310-40, “Troubled Debt Restructurings by Creditors.” In general, a restructuring constitutes a troubled debt restructuring when the Company, for reasons related to a borrower’s financial difficulties, grants a concession to the borrower it would not otherwise consider. Loans are evaluated on an individual basis. The Company follows its general nonaccrual policy for troubled debt restructurings. Performing troubled debt restructurings are reinstated to accrual status when improvements in credit quality eliminate the doubt as to full collectability of both principal and interest.

 
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Nonrefundable fees and certain costs associated with originating or acquiring loans are deferred and amortized as an adjustment to interest income over the contractual loan lives. Upon prepayment, unamortized loan fees, net of costs, are immediately recognized in interest income. Other fees, including those collected upon principal prepayments, are included in interest income when received. Loans held for sale are identified upon origination and are reported at the lower of cost or market value on an aggregate loan basis.

Purchased Loans.  Purchased loans are recorded at estimated fair value on the date of purchase. Impaired purchased loans are accounted for under FASB ASC 310-30, Loans and Debt Securities with Deteriorated Credit Quality, when the loans have evidence of credit deterioration since origination and it is probable at the date of acquisition that the Company will not collect all contractually required principal and interest payments. Evidence of credit quality deterioration as of the purchase date may include attributes such as past due and nonaccural status. Generally, purchased loans that meet the Company’s definition for nonaccrual status fall within the scope of FASB ASC 310-30. The difference between contractually required payments at acquisition and the cash flows expected to be collected at acquisition is referred to as the nonaccretable difference. Subsequent decreases to the expected cash flows will generally result in a provision for loan losses. Subsequent increases in cash flows result in a reversal of the provision for loan losses to the extent of prior charges, or a reclassification of the difference from nonaccretable to accretable with a positive impact on interest income. Any excess of expected cash flows over the estimated fair value is referred to as the accretable yield and is recognized into interest income over the remaining life of the loan when there is a reasonable expectation about the amount and timing of such cash flows. For covered purchased loans with an accretable difference, the corresponding FDIC receivable is amortized over the shorter of the contractual term of the indemnification asset or the remaining life of the loan.  Further, the Company elected to analogize to ASC 310-30 and account for all other loans that had a discount due in part to credit not within the scope of ASC 310-30 using the same methodology.

Covered Loans. Loans covered under loss-sharing or similar credit protection agreements with the FDIC are reported in loans exclusive of the expected reimbursement cash flows from the FDIC. Covered loans are initially recorded at fair value at the acquisition date. Subsequent decreases in the amount expected to be collected results in a provision for loan losses and a corresponding increase in the estimated FDIC reimbursement, with the estimated net loss impacting earnings. Interest previously accrued on covered loans placed on nonaccrual status is charged against interest income, net of estimated FDIC reimbursements of such accrued interest. The FDIC reimburses the Company up to 80% of 90 days interest on covered loans.

Allowance for Credit Losses. The allowance for credit losses is established through provisions for credit losses charged to income. Losses on loans, including impaired loans, are charged to the allowance for loan losses when all or a portion of the recorded amount of a loan is deemed to be uncollectible. Recoveries of loans previously charged off are credited to the allowance when realized. The Company’s allowance for credit losses is maintained at a level considered adequate to provide for losses that can be estimated based upon specific and general conditions. These include conditions unique to individual borrowers, as well as overall credit loss experience, the amount of past due, nonperforming and classified loans, recommendations of regulatory authorities, prevailing economic conditions, FDIC loss-sharing or similar credit protection agreements and other factors. A portion of the allowance is specifically allocated to impaired loans whose full collectability is uncertain. Such allocations are determined by Management based on loan-by-loan analyses. The Company evaluates all classified loans and nonaccrual loans with outstanding principal balances in excess of $500 thousand, and all “troubled debt restructured” loans for impairment. A second allocation is based in part on quantitative analyses of historical credit loss experience, in which criticized and classified loan balances identified through an internal loan review process are analyzed using a statistical model to determine standard loss rates. The results of this analysis are applied to current criticized and classified loan balances to allocate the reserve to the respective commercial, commercial real estate, and construction segments of the loan portfolio. In addition, residential real estate and consumer loans which have similar characteristics and are not usually criticized using regulatory guidelines are analyzed and reserves established based on the historical loss rates and delinquency trends, grouped by the number of days the payments on these loans are delinquent. Last, allocations are made to non-criticized and non-classified commercial, commercial real estate and construction loans based on historical loss rates. The remainder of the reserve is considered to be unallocated. The unallocated allowance is established to provide for probable losses that have been incurred as of the reporting date but not reflected in the allocated allowance. It addresses additional qualitative factors consistent with Management’s analysis of the level of risks inherent in the loan portfolio, which are related to the risks of the Company’s general lending activity. Included in the unallocated allowance is the risk of losses that are attributable to national or local economic or industry trends which have occurred but have not yet been recognized in past loan charge-off history (external factors). The external factors evaluated by the Company include: economic and business conditions, external competitive issues, and other factors. Also included in the unallocated allowance is the risk of losses that are attributable to general attributes of the Company’s loan portfolio and credit administration (internal factors). The internal factors evaluated by the Company include: loan review system, adequacy of lending Management and staff, loan policies and procedures, problem loan trends, concentrations of credit, and other factors. By their nature, these risks are not readily allocable to any specific category in a statistically meaningful manner and are difficult to quantify with a specific number.

 
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Liability for Off-Balance Sheet Credit Exposures. A liability for off-balance sheet credit exposures is established through expense recognition. Off-balance sheet credit exposures relate to letters of credit and unfunded loan commitments for commercial,  construction and consumer loans. Historical credit loss factors for commercial, construction and consumer loans are applied to the amount of these off-balance sheet credit exposures to estimate inherent losses.

Other Real Estate Owned. Other real estate owned is comprised of property acquired through foreclosure proceedings, acceptances of deeds-in-lieu of foreclosure and, if applicable, vacated bank properties. Losses recognized at the time of acquiring property in full or partial satisfaction of debt are charged against the allowance for credit losses. Other real estate owned is recorded at the fair value of the collateral, generally based upon an independent property appraisal, less estimated disposition costs. Losses incurred subsequent to acquisition due to any decline in annual independent property appraisals are recognized as noninterest expense. Routine holding costs, such as property taxes, insurance and maintenance, and losses from sales and dispositions, are recognized as noninterest expense.

Covered Other Real Estate Owned.  Other real estate owned covered under loss-sharing agreements with the FDIC is reported exclusive of expected reimbursement cash flows from the FDIC. Upon transferring covered loan collateral to covered other real estate owned status, the covered loan collateral is recorded at fair value, generally based upon an independent property appraisal, less estimated disposition costs with losses charged against acquisition date fair value discounts; the amount of losses exceeding acquisition date fair value discounts are recognized as noninterest expense inclusive of expected reimbursement cash flows from the FDIC.  Subsequent losses incurred due to any decline in annual independent property appraisal valuations are recognized as noninterest expense inclusive of expected reimbursement cash flows from the FDIC.

Premises and Equipment. Premises and equipment are stated at cost, less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Depreciation is computed substantially on the straight-line method over the estimated useful life of each type of asset. Estimated useful lives of premises and equipment range from 20 to 50 years and from 3 to 20 years, respectively. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the terms of the lease or their estimated useful life, whichever is shorter.

Intangible Assets. Intangible assets are comprised of goodwill, core deposit intangibles and other identifiable intangibles acquired in business combinations. Intangible assets with definite useful lives are amortized on an accelerated basis over their respective estimated useful lives not exceeding 15 years. If an event occurs that indicates the carrying amount of an intangible asset may not be recoverable, Management reviews the asset for impairment. Any goodwill and any intangible asset acquired in a purchase business combination determined to have an indefinite useful life is not amortized, but is evaluated for impairment annually. The Company has the option to first assess qualitative factors to determine the likelihood of impairment pursuant to FASB ASU 2011-08, Testing for Goodwill Impairment. Although the Company has the option to first assess qualitative factors when determining if impairment exists, the Company has opted to perform a quantitative analysis to determine if an impairment exists.

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets. The Company reviews its long-lived and certain intangible assets for impairment whenever events or changes indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. If such assets are considered to be impaired, the impairment to be recognized is measured by the amount by which the carrying amount of the assets exceeds the fair value of the assets. Assets to be disposed of are reported at the lower of the carrying amount or fair value less costs to sell.

Income Taxes. The Company and its subsidiaries file consolidated tax returns. The Company accounts for income taxes in accordance with FASB ASC 740, Income Taxes, resulting in two components of income tax expense: current and deferred. Current income tax expense approximates taxes to be paid or refunded for the current period. The Company determines deferred income taxes using the balance sheet method. Under this method, the net deferred tax asset or liability is based on the tax effects of the differences between the book and tax bases of assets and liabilities, and recognizes enacted changes in tax rates and laws in the period in which they occur. Deferred income tax expense results from changes in deferred tax assets and liabilities between periods. Deferred tax assets are recognized subject to Management’s judgment that realization is more likely than not. A tax position that meets the more likely than not recognition threshold is measured to determine the amount of benefit to recognize. The tax position is measured at the largest amount of benefit that is greater than fifty percent likely of being realized upon settlement. Interest and penalties are recognized as a component of income tax expense.

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities. The Company’s accounting policy for derivative instruments requires the Company to recognize those items as assets or liabilities in the statement of financial position and measure them at fair value. Hybrid financial instruments are single financial instruments that contain an embedded derivative. The Company’s accounting policy is to record certain hybrid financial instruments at fair value without separating the embedded derivative.

Stock Options. The Company applies FASB ASC 718 – Compensation – Stock Compensation, to account for stock based awards granted to employees using the fair value method. The Company recognizes compensation expense for restricted performance share grants over the relevant attribution period. Restricted performance share grants have no exercise price, therefore, the intrinsic value is measured using an estimated per share price at the vesting date for each restricted performance share. The estimated per share price is adjusted during the attribution period to reflect actual stock price performance. The Company’s obligation for unvested outstanding restricted performance share grants is classified as a liability until the vesting date due to a cash settlement feature, at which time the issued shares become classified as shareholders’ equity.

 
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Extinguishment of Debt. Gains and losses, including fees, incurred in connection with the early extinguishment of debt are charged to current earnings as reductions in noninterest income.

Postretirement Benefits. The Company uses an actuarial-based accrual method of accounting for post-retirement benefits.

Other. Securities and other property held by the Bank in a fiduciary or agency capacity are not included in the financial statements since such items are not assets of the Company or its subsidiaries.

Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements

In 2013, the Company adopted the following new accounting guidance:

FASB ASU 2012-06, Subsequent Accounting for an Indemnification Asset Recognized at the Acquisition Date as a Result of a Government-Assisted Acquisition of a Financial Institution, was issued October 2012 to provide guidance for consistently measuring an indemnification asset subsequent to acquisition.  Subsequent accounting for changes in the measurement of the indemnification asset should be on the same basis as a change in the assets subject to indemnification. Any amortization of changes in value is limited to the shorter of the contractual term of the indemnification agreement or the remaining life of the indemnified assets. The Company’s historical accounting treatment is consistent with ASU 2012-06, and therefore there was no effect on the Company’s financial statements at January 1, 2013, when adopted.

FASB ASU 2013-02, Reporting of Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, was issued February 2013 requiring an entity to provide information about the amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income by component. In addition, an entity is required to present, either on the face of the statement where net income is presented or in the notes, significant amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income by the respective line items of net income but only if the amount reclassified is required under U.S. GAAP to be reclassified to net income in its entirety in the same reporting period. For other amounts that are not required under U.S. GAAP to be reclassified in their entirety to net income, an entity is required to cross-reference to other disclosures required under U.S. GAAP that provide additional detail about those amounts. The adoption of the update did not have a material effect on the Company’s financial statements at January 1, 2013, the date adopted. The Company’s only item reclassified out of other comprehensive income to net income is the amortization of unrecognized post retirement benefit transition obligation, which is immaterial for purposes of disclosure.

Recently Issued Accounting Standards

FASB ASU 2014-01, Investments- Equity Method and Joint Ventures (Topic 323): Accounting for Investments in Qualified Affordable Housing Projects, was issued January 2014 to permit reporting entities to make an accounting policy election to account for their investments in qualified affordable housing projects using the proportional amortization method if certain conditions are met. Under the proportional amortization method, an entity amortizes the initial cost of the investment in proportion to the tax credits and other tax benefits received and recognizes the net investment performance in the income statement as a component of income tax expense (benefit). For those investments in qualified affordable housing projects not accounted for using the proportional amortization method, the investment should be accounted for as an equity method investment or a cost method investment in accordance with GAAP.  The policy election must be applied consistently to all qualified affordable housing project investments.

The update also requires a reporting entity to disclose information regarding its investments in qualified affordable housing projects, and the effect of the measurement of its investments in qualified affordable housing projects and the related tax credits on its financial position and results of operations.

Management is evaluating the impact that the change in accounting policy would have on the Company’s financial statements.  Management does not expect the adoption of this update to have a material effect on the financial statements when adopted on January 1, 2015.

FASB ASU 2013-11, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists, was issued July 2013 to provide guidance on the financial statement presentation of an unrecognized tax benefit when a net operating loss carryforward, a similar loss, or a tax credit carryforward exists.  The update provides that an unrecognized tax benefit, or a portion of an unrecognized tax benefit, should be presented in the financial statements as a reduction to a deferred tax asset for a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss or a tax credit carryforward, unless an exception applies.  The Company does not expect the adoption of this update to have a material effect on the financial statements when adopted on January 1, 2014.

 
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Note 2: Investment Securities

The amortized cost, gross unrealized gains and losses, and fair value of the available for sale investment securities portfolio follow:

   
Investment Securities Available for Sale
At December 31, 2013
  
 
 
 
  
Amortized
Cost
    
Gross
Unrealized
Gains
    
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
    
Fair
Value
  
   
(In thousands)
  
U.S. Treasury securities
   $ 3,500     $ 9     $ (3 )   $ 3,506  
Securities of U.S. Government sponsored entities
     131,080       75       (663 )     130,492  
Residential mortgage-backed securities
     32,428       1,763       (15 )     34,176  
Commercial mortgage-backed securities
     3,411       19       (5 )     3,425  
Obligations of states and political subdivisions
     186,082       5,627       (323 )     191,386  
Residential collateralized mortgage obligations
     266,890       730       (14,724 )     252,896  
Asset-backed securities
     14,653       3       (101 )     14,555  
FHLMC and FNMA stock
     804       12,568       —       13,372  
Corporate securities
     430,794       2,901       (1,264 )     432,431  
Other securities
     2,049       1,251       (158 )     3,142  
Total
   $ 1,071,691     $ 24,946     $ (17,256 )   $ 1,079,381  
                                 
The amortized cost, gross unrealized gains and losses, and fair value of the held to maturity investment securities portfolio follow:

   
Investment Securities Held to Maturity
At December 31, 2013
  
 
 
  
Amortized
Cost
    
Gross
Unrealized
Gains
    
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
    
Fair
Value
  
   
(In thousands)
  
Securities of U.S. Government sponsored entities
   $ 1,601     $ —     $ (4 )   $ 1,597  
Residential mortgage-backed securities
     65,076       854       (624 )     65,306  
Obligations of states and political subdivisions
     756,707       6,211       (21,667 )     741,251  
Residential collateralized mortgage obligations
     308,915       1,209       (5,602 )     304,522  
Total
   $ 1,132,299     $ 8,274     $ (27,897 )   $ 1,112,676  
                                 
 
 
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The amortized cost, gross unrealized gains and losses, and fair value of the available for sale investment securities portfolio follow:

   
Investment Securities Available for Sale
At December 31, 2012
  
 
 
 
  
Amortized
Cost
    
Gross
Unrealized
Gains
    
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
    
Fair
Value
  
   
(In thousands)
  
U.S. Treasury securities
   $ 3,520     $ 38     $ —     $ 3,558  
Securities of U.S. Government sponsored entities
     49,335       207       (17 )     49,525  
Residential mortgage-backed securities
     53,078       3,855       (1 )     56,932  
Commercial mortgage-backed securities
     4,076       69       —       4,145  
Obligations of states and political subdivisions
     200,769       14,730       (252 )     215,247  
Residential collateralized mortgage obligations
     219,613       1,786       (294 )     221,105  
Asset-backed securities
     16,130       18       (143 )     16,005  
FHLMC and FNMA stock
     824       2,061       (5 )     2,880  
Corporate securities
     250,655       3,009       (826 )     252,838  
Other securities
     2,091       1,370       (60 )     3,401  
Total
   $ 800,091     $ 27,143     $ (1,598 )   $ 825,636  
                                 
The amortized cost, gross unrealized gains and losses, and fair value of the held to maturity investment securities portfolio follow:

   
Investment Securities Held to Maturity
At December 31, 2012
  
 
 
  
Amortized
Cost
    
Gross
Unrealized
Gains
    
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
    
Fair
Value
  
   
(In thousands)
  
Securities of U.S. Government sponsored entities
   $ 3,232     $ 43     $ —     $ 3,275  
Residential mortgage-backed securities
     72,807       2,090       (10 )     74,887  
Obligations of states and political subdivisions
     680,802       23,004       (1,235 )     702,571  
Residential collateralized mortgage obligations
     399,200       5,185       (561 )     403,824  
Total
   $ 1,156,041     $ 30,322     $ (1,806 )   $ 1,184,557  
                                 
The amortized cost and fair value of securities by contractual maturity are shown in the following tables at the dates indicated:

   
At December 31, 2013
  
 
 
  
Securities Available
for Sale
    
Securities Held
to Maturity
  
 
 
  
Amortized
Cost
    
Fair
Value
    
Amortized
Cost
    
Fair
Value
  
   
(In thousands)
  
Maturity in years:
                        
1 year or less
   $ 75,385     $ 75,609     $ 9,639     $ 9,900  
Over 1 to 5 years
     536,333       538,111       187,051       189,827  
Over 5 to 10 years
     66,669       68,166       314,630       310,104  
Over 10 years
     87,722       90,484       246,988       233,017  
Subtotal
     766,109       772,370       758,308       742,848  
Mortgage-backed securities and residential collateralized mortgage obligations
     302,729       290,497       373,991       369,828  
Other securities
     2,853       16,514       —       —  
Total
   $ 1,071,691     $ 1,079,381     $ 1,132,299     $ 1,112,676  
                                 
 
 
- 63 -
 

   
At December 31, 2012
  
 
 
  
Securities Available
for Sale
    
Securities Held
to Maturity
  
 
 
  
Amortized
Cost
    
Fair
Value
    
Amortized
Cost
    
Fair
Value
  
 
  
(In thousands)
  
Maturity in years:
                        
1 year or less
   $ 40,380     $ 40,686     $ 10,265     $ 10,496  
Over 1 to 5 years
     309,293       312,480       167,162       171,769  
Over 5 to 10 years
     59,817       63,540       227,603       236,608  
Over 10 years
     110,919       120,467       279,004       286,973  
Subtotal
     520,409       537,173       684,034       705,846  
Mortgage-backed securities and residential collateralized mortgage obligations
     276,767       282,182       472,007       478,711  
Other securities
     2,915       6,281       —       —  
Total
   $ 800,091     $ 825,636     $ 1,156,041     $ 1,184,557  
                                 
Expected maturities of mortgage-backed securities can differ from contractual maturities because borrowers have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties. In addition, such factors as prepayments and interest rates may affect the yield on the carrying value of mortgage-backed securities. At December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, the Company had no high-risk collateralized mortgage obligations as defined by regulatory guidelines.

An analysis of gross unrealized losses of the available for sale investment securities portfolio follows:

   
Investment Securities Available for Sale
At December 31, 2013
  
 
  
Less than 12 months
    
12 months or longer
    
Total
  
 
 
  
 
Fair Value
    
Unrealized
Losses
    
 
Fair Value
    
Unrealized
Losses
    
 
Fair Value
    
Unrealized
Losses
  
 
  
(In thousands)
  
U.S. Treasury securities
   $ 2,994     $ (3 )   $ —     $ —     $ 2,994     $ (3 )
Securities of U.S. Government sponsored entities
     91,669       (663 )     —       —       91,669       (663 )
Residential mortgage-backed securities
     864       (15 )     —       —       864       (15 )
Commercial mortgage-backed securities
     1,072       (5 )     —       —       1,072       (5 )
Obligations of states and political subdivisions
     17,516       (222 )     3,214       (101 )     20,730       (323 )
Residential collateralized mortgage obligations
     187,848       (12,326 )     40,575       (2,398 )     228,423       (14,724 )
Asset-backed securities
     5,002       (1 )     4,475       (100 )     9,477       (101 )
Corporate securities
     117,751       (1,087 )     9,824       (177 )     127,575       (1,264 )
Other securities
     —       —       1,842       (158 )     1,842       (158 )
Total
   $ 424,716     $ (14,322 )   $ 59,930     $ (2,934 )   $ 484,646     $ (17,256 )
                                                 
 
 
- 64 -
 
An analysis of gross unrealized losses of the held to maturity investment securities portfolio follows:

   
Investment Securities Held to Maturity
At December 31, 2013
  
 
  
Less than 12 months
    
12 months or longer
    
Total
  
 
 
  
 
Fair Value
    
Unrealized
Losses
    
 
Fair Value
    
Unrealized
Losses
    
 
Fair Value
    
Unrealized
Losses
  
   
(In thousands)
  
Securities of U.S. Government sponsored entities
   $ 1,597     $ (4 )   $ —     $ —     $ 1,597     $ (4 )
Residential  mortgage-backed securities
     38,396       (616 )     392       (8 )     38,788       (624 )
Obligations of states and political subdivisions
     355,797       (14,893 )     64,427       (6,774 )     420,224       (21,667 )
Residential collateralized mortgage obligations
     214,981       (5,175 )     14,120       (427 )     229,101       (5,602 )
Total
   $ 610,771     $ (20,688 )   $ 78,939     $ (7,209 )   $ 689,710     $ (27,897 )
                                                 
The unrealized losses on the Company’s investment securities were caused by market conditions for these types of investments, particularly risk-free interest rates which rose between December 31, 2012 and December 31, 2013, causing bond prices to decline. The Company evaluates securities on a quarterly basis including changes in security ratings issued by ratings agencies, changes in the financial condition of the issuer, and, for mortgage-related and asset-backed securities, delinquency and loss information with respect to the underlying collateral, changes in the levels of subordination for the Company’s particular position within the repayment structure and remaining credit enhancement as compared to expected credit losses of the security. Substantially all of these securities continue to be investment grade rated by one or more major rating agencies. In addition to monitoring credit rating agency evaluations, Management performs its own evaluations regarding the credit worthiness of the issuer or the securitized assets underlying asset backed securities.

The Company does not intend to sell any investments and has concluded that it is more likely than not that it will not be required to sell the investments prior to recovery of the amortized cost basis. Therefore, the Company does not consider these investments to be other-than-temporarily impaired as of December 31, 2013.

The fair values of the investment securities could decline in the future if the general economy deteriorates, inflation increases, credit ratings decline, the issuer’s financial condition deteriorates, or the liquidity for securities declines. As a result, other than temporary impairments may occur in the future.

As of December 31, 2013, $778,588 thousand of investment securities were pledged to secure public deposits, short-term borrowed funds, and term repurchase agreements, compared to $850,421 thousand at December 31, 2012.

 
- 65 -
 
An analysis of gross unrealized losses of the available for sale investment securities portfolio follows:

   
Investment Securities Available for Sale
At December 31, 2012
  
 
  
Less than 12 months
    
12 months or longer
    
Total
  
 
 
  
 
Fair Value
    
Unrealized
Losses
    
 
Fair Value
    
Unrealized
Losses
    
 
Fair Value
    
Unrealized
Losses
  
 
  
(In thousands)
  
Securities of U.S. Government sponsored entities
   $ 9,983     $ (17 )   $ ––     $ ––     $ 9,983     $ (17 )
Residential mortgage-backed securities
     103       (1 )     11       ––       114       (1 )
Obligations of states and political subdivisions
     2,080       (23 )     8,928       (229 )     11,008       (252 )
Residential collateralized mortgage obligations
     72,803       (294 )     ––       ––       72,803       (294 )
Asset-backed securities
     —       —       5,828       (143 )     5,828       (143 )
FHLMC and FNMA stock
     —       —       1       (5 )     1       (5 )
Corporate securities
     53,570       (423 )     24,597       (403 )     78,167       (826 )
Other securities
     —       —       1,940       (60 )     1,940       (60 )
Total
   $ 138,539     $ (758 )   $ 41,305     $ (840 )   $ 179,844     $ (1,598 )
                                                 
An analysis of gross unrealized losses of the held to maturity investment securities portfolio follows:

   
Investment Securities Held to Maturity
At December 31, 2012
  
 
  
Less than 12 months
    
12 months or longer
    
Total
  
 
 
  
 
Fair Value
    
Unrealized
Losses
    
 
Fair Value
    
Unrealized
Losses
    
 
Fair Value
    
Unrealized
Losses
  
   
(In thousands)
  
Residential  mortgage-backed securities
   $ 113     $ —     $ 664     $ (10 )   $ 777     $ (10 )
Obligations of states and political subdivisions
     69,839       (1,205 )     4,275       (30 )     74,114       (1,235 )
Residential collateralized mortgage obligations
     26,683       (386 )     9,353       (175 )     36,036       (561 )
Total
   $ 96,635     $ (1,591 )   $ 14,292     $ (215 )   $ 110,927     $ (1,806 )
                                                 
During 2012, the Company transferred one residential collateralized mortgage obligation with a carrying value of $9,077 thousand from the held to maturity portfolio to the available for sale portfolio. The residential collateralized mortgage obligation was subsequently sold due to a decline in the credit worthiness from increased losses on subordinate tranches resulting in proceeds of $7,790 thousand and a realized loss on sale of $1,287 thousand.

 
- 66 -
 
The following table provides information about the amount of interest income earned on investment securities which is fully taxable and which is exempt from regular federal income tax:

   
For the Year
Ended December 31,
  
   
2013
    
2012
    
2011
  
   
(In thousands)
  
Taxable:
                  
    Mortgage related securities
   $ 13,291     $ 14,696     $ 11,834  
    Other
     8,910       6,650       5,570  
    Total fully taxable
     22,201       21,346       17,404  
Tax-exempt from regular federal income tax
     29,569       31,198       29,902  
Total interest income from investment securities
   $ 51,770     $ 52,544     $ 47,306  
                         
Note 3: Loans and Allowance for Credit Losses

A summary of the major categories of loans outstanding is shown in the following tables:
 
   
At December 31, 2013
  
   
Commercial
    
Commercial
Real Estate
    
Construction
    
Residential
Real Estate
    
Consumer
Installment
& Other
    
Total
  
   
(In thousands)
  
Originated loans
   $ 338,824     $ 596,653     $ 10,723     $ 176,196     $ 400,888     $ 1,523,284  
Purchased covered loans:
                                                
    Impaired
     5       2,835       -       -       247       3,087  
    Non impaired
     20,061       172,727       3,223       8,558       53,947       258,516  
    Purchase discount
     (1,530 )     (8,122 )     (50 )     (434 )     (797 )     (10,933 )
Purchased non-covered loans:
                                                
    Impaired
     635       2,520       -       -       147       3,302  
    Non impaired
     6,890       33,192       -       999       12,652       53,733  
    Purchase discount
     (726 )     (786 )     -       (262 )     (1,471 )     (3,245 )
        Total
   $ 364,159     $ 799,019     $ 13,896     $ 185,057     $ 465,613     $ 1,827,744  
                                                 

   
At December 31, 2012
  
   
Commercial
    
Commercial
Real Estate
    
Construction
    
Residential
Real Estate
    
Consumer
Installment
& Other
    
Total
  
   
(In thousands)
  
Originated loans
   $ 340,116     $ 632,927     $ 7,984     $ 222,458     $ 460,698     $ 1,664,183  
Purchased covered loans:
                                                
    Impaired
     308       7,585       1,824       -       257       9,974  
    Non impaired
     59,135       247,534       5,462       9,374       66,932       388,437  
    Purchase discount
     (8,459 )     (15,140 )     (279 )     (433 )     (1,817 )     (26,128 )
Purchased non-covered loans:
                                                
    Impaired
     1,261       6,763       -       -       297       8,321  
    Non impaired
     9,840       38,673       1,619       3,110       18,554       71,796  
    Purchase discount
     (870 )     (1,748 )     (95 )     (474 )     (2,039 )     (5,226 )
        Total
   $ 401,331     $ 916,594     $ 16,515     $ 234,035     $ 542,882     $ 2,111,357  
                                                 
 
 
- 67 -
 
Changes in the carrying amount of impaired purchased covered loans were as follows:

   
For the Years Ended December 31,
  
   
2013
    
2012
  
Impaired purchased covered loans
  
(In thousands)
  
Carrying amount at the beginning of the period
   $ 7,865     $ 18,591  
Reductions during the period
     (5,363 )     (10,726 )
Carrying amount at the end of the period
   $ 2,502     $ 7,865  
                 
Changes in the carrying amount of impaired purchased non-covered loans were as follows:

   
For the Years Ended December 31,
  
   
2013
    
2012
  
Impaired purchased non-covered loans
  
(In thousands)
  
Carrying amount at the beginning of the period
   $ 6,764     $ 15,572  
Reductions during the period
     (4,330 )     (8,808 )
Carrying amount at the end of the period
   $ 2,434     $ 6,764  
                 
Changes in the accretable yield for purchased loans were as follows:
 
   
For the Years Ended December 31,
  
   
2013
    
2012
  
Accretable Yield:
  
(In thousands)
  
Balance at the beginning of the period
   $ 4,948     $ 9,990  
Reclassification from nonaccretable difference
     12,504       12,121  
Accretion
     (14,947 )     (17,163 )
Balance at the end of the period
   $ 2,505     $ 4,948  
                 
Accretion
   $ (14,947 )   $ (17,163 )
Reduction in FDIC indemnification asset
     11,438       13,207  
(Increase) in interest income
   $ (3,509 )   $ (3,956 )
                 
The following summarizes activity in the allowance for credit losses:
 
 
   
Allowance for Credit Losses
For the Year Ended December 31, 2013
  
   
Commercial
    
Commercial
Real Estate
    
Construction
    
Residential
Real Estate
    
Consumer
Installment
and Other
    
Purchased
Non-covered
Loans
    
Purchased
Covered
Loans
    
Unallocated
    
Total
  
   
(In thousands)
  
Allowance for loan losses:
                                                      
Balance at beginning of period
   $ 6,445     $ 10,063     $ 484     $ 380     $ 3,194     $ -     $ 1,005     $ 8,663     $ 30,234  
Additions:
                                                                        
Provision
     (1,158 )     2,813       118       134       1,949       385       2,570       1,189       8,000  
Deductions:
                                                                        
Chargeoffs
     (2,857 )     (997 )     -       (109 )     (4,097 )     (385 )     (2,286 )     -       (10,731 )
Recoveries
     1,575       191       -       -       2,152       -       272       -       4,190  
Net loan losses
     (1,282 )     (806 )     -       (109 )     (1,945 )     (385 )     (2,014 )     -       (6,541 )
Balance at end of period
     4,005       12,070       602       405       3,198       -       1,561       9,852       31,693  
Liability for off-balance sheet credit exposure
     1,658       -       37       -       497       -       -       501       2,693  
Total allowance for credit losses
   $ 5,663     $ 12,070     $ 639     $ 405     $ 3,695     $ -     $ 1,561     $ 10,353     $ 34,386  
                                                                         
 
 
- 68 -
 

   
Allowance for Credit Losses
For the Year Ended December 31, 2012
  
   
Commercial
    
Commercial
Real Estate
    
Construction
    
Residential
Real Estate
    
Consumer
Installment
and Other
    
Purchased
Non-covered
Loans
    
Purchased
Covered
Loans
    
Unallocated
    
Total
  
   
(In thousands)
  
Allowance for loan losses:
                                                      
Balance at beginning of period
   $ 6,012     $ 10,611     $ 2,342     $ 781     $ 3,072     $ -     $ -     $ 9,779     $ 32,597  
Additions:
                                                                        
Provision
     5,967       451       135       755       3,084       110       1,814       (1,116 )     11,200  
Deductions:
                                                                        
Chargeoffs
     (6,851 )     (1,202 )     (2,217 )     (1,156 )     (5,685 )     (110 )     (953 )     -       (18,174 )
Recoveries
     1,317       203       224       -       2,723       -       144       -       4,611  
Net loan losses
     (5,534 )     (999 )     (1,993 )     (1,156 )     (2,962 )     (110 )     (809 )     -       (13,563 )
Balance at end of period
     6,445       10,063       484       380       3,194       -       1,005       8,663       30,234  
Liability for off-balance sheet credit exposure
     1,734       9       -       -       419       -       -       531       2,693  
Total allowance for credit losses
   $ 8,179     $ 10,072     $ 484     $ 380     $ 3,613     $ -     $ 1,005     $ 9,194     $ 32,927  
                                                                         
 
   
Allowance for Credit Losses
For the Year Ended December 31, 2011
  
   
Commercial
    
Commercial
Real Estate
    
Construction
    
Residential
Real Estate
    
Consumer
Installment
and Other
    
Purchased
Covered
Loans
    
Unallocated
    
Total
  
   
(In thousands)
  
Allowance for loan losses:
                                                
Balance at beginning of period
   $ 8,094     $ 9,607     $ 3,260     $ 617     $ 6,372     $ -     $ 7,686     $ 35,636  
Additions:
                                                                
Provision
     3,069       2,336       1,248       903       564       987       2,093       11,200  
Deductions:
                                                                
Chargeoffs
     (8,280 )     (1,332 )     (2,167 )     (739 )     (6,754 )     (987 )     -       (20,259 )
Recoveries
     3,129       -       1       -       2,890       -       -       6,020  
Net loan losses
     (5,151 )     (1,332 )     (2,166 )     (739 )     (3,864 )     (987 )     -       (14,239 )
Balance at end of period
     6,012       10,611       2,342       781       3,072       -       9,779       32,597  
Liability for off-balance sheet credit exposure
     1,660       -       34       -       198       -       801       2,693  
Total allowance for credit losses
   $ 7,672     $ 10,611     $ 2,376     $ 781     $ 3,270     $ -     $ 10,580     $ 35,290  
                                                                 
The allowance for credit losses and recorded investment in loans evaluated for impairment follow:

   
Allowance for Credit Losses and Recorded Investment in Loans Evaluated for Impairment
At December 31, 2013
  
   
Commercial
    
Commercial
Real Estate
    
Construction
    
Residential Real
Estate
    
Consumer
Installment and
Other
    
Purchased Non-
covered Loans
    
Purchased
Covered Loans
    
Unallocated
    
Total
  
   
(In thousands)
  
Allowance for credit losses:
                                                      
Individually evaluated for impairment
   $ 100     $ 1,243     $ -     $ -     $ -     $ -     $ 153     $ -     $ 1,496  
Collectively evaluated for impairment
     5,563       10,827       639       405       3,695       -       1,408       10,353       32,890  
Purchased loans with evidence of credit deterioration
     -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -  
Total
   $ 5,663     $ 12,070     $ 639     $ 405     $ 3,695     $ -     $ 1,561     $ 10,353     $ 34,386  
Carrying value of loans:
                                                                        
Individually evaluated for impairment
   $ 3,901     $ 3,357       -       -       -     $ 3,785     $ 9,999       -     $ 21,042  
Collectively evaluated for impairment
     334,923       593,296       10,723       176,196       400,888       47,571       238,169       -       1,801,766  
Purchased loans with evidence of credit deterioration
     -       -       -       -       -       2,434       2,502       -       4,936  
Total
   $ 338,824     $ 596,653     $ 10,723     $ 176,196     $ 400,888     $ 53,790     $ 250,670     $ -     $ 1,827,744  
                                                                         
 
   
Allowance for Credit Losses and Recorded Investment in Loans Evaluated for Impairment
At December 31, 2012
  
   
Commercial
    
Commercial
Real Estate
    
Construction
    
Residential
Real Estate
    
Consumer
Installment and
Other
    
Purchased Non-
covered Loans
    
Purchased
Covered Loans
    
Unallocated
    
Total
  
   
(In thousands)
  
Allowance for credit losses:
                                                      
Individually evaluated for impairment
   $ 1,865     $ 134     $ -     $ -     $ 100     $ -     $ 753     $ -     $ 2,852  
Collectively evaluated for impairment
     6,314       9,938       484       380       3,513       -       252       9,194       30,075  
Purchased loans with evidence of credit deterioration
     -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -  
Total
   $ 8,179     $ 10,072     $ 484     $ 380     $ 3,613     $ -     $ 1,005     $ 9,194     $ 32,927  
Carrying value of loans:
                                                                        
Individually evaluated for impairment
   $ 5,153     $ 4,161     $ -     $ -     $ -     $ 3,029     $ 16,680     $ -     $ 29,023  
Collectively evaluated for impairment
     334,963       628,766       7,984       222,458       460,698       65,098       347,738       -       2,067,705  
Purchased loans with evidence of credit deterioration
     -       -       -       -       -       6,764       7,865       -       14,629  
Total
   $ 340,116     $ 632,927     $ 7,984     $ 222,458     $ 460,698     $ 74,891     $ 372,283     $ -     $ 2,111,357  
                                                                         
The Bank’s customers are small businesses, professionals and consumers. Given the scale of these borrowers, corporate credit rating agencies do not evaluate the borrowers’ financial condition. The Bank maintains a Loan Review Department which reports directly to the Board of Directors. The Loan Review Department performs independent evaluations of loans and assigns credit risk grades to evaluated loans using grading standards employed by bank regulatory agencies. Loans judged to carry lower-risk attributes are assigned a “pass” grade, with a minimal likelihood of loss. Loans judged to carry higher-risk attributes are referred to as “classified loans,” and are further disaggregated, with increasing expectations for loss recognition, as “substandard,” “doubtful,” and “loss.” Loan Review evaluations occur every calendar quarter.  If the Bank becomes aware of deterioration in a borrower’s performance or financial condition between Loan Review examinations, assigned risk grades will be re-evaluated promptly. Credit risk grades assigned by the Loan Review Department are subject to review by the Bank’s regulatory authority during regulatory examinations.

 
- 69 -
 
The following summarizes the credit risk profile by internally assigned grade:
 
   
Credit Risk Profile by Internally Assigned Grade
At December 31, 2013
  
   
Commercial
    
Commercial
Real Estate
    
Construction
    
Residential
Real Estate
    
Consumer
Installment and
Other
    
Purchased
Non-covered
Loans
    
Purchased
Covered
Loans (1)
    
Total
  
   
(In thousands)
  
Grade:
                                                
Pass
   $ 329,667     $ 554,991     $ 10,274     $ 174,113     $ 399,377     $ 41,490     $ 196,882     $ 1,706,794  
Substandard
     8,142       41,662       449       2,083       1,127       14,587       64,624       132,674  
Doubtful
     1,015       -       -       -       19       958       97       2,089  
Loss
     -       -       -       -       365       -       -       365  
Default risk purchase discount
     -       -       -       -       -       (3,245 )     (10,933 )     (14,178 )
Total
   $ 338,824     $ 596,653     $ 10,723     $ 176,196     $ 400,888     $ 53,790     $ 250,670     $ 1,827,744  
                                                                 
(1) Credit risk profile reflects internally assigned grade of purchased covered loans without regard to FDIC indemnification.
 
   
Credit Risk Profile by Internally Assigned Grade
At December 31, 2012
  
   
Commercial
    
Commercial
Real Estate
    
Construction
    
Residential
Real Estate
    
Consumer
Installment and
Other
    
Purchased
Non-covered
Loans
    
Purchased
Covered
Loans (1)
    
Total
  
   
(In thousands)
  
Grade:
                                                
Pass
   $ 324,452     $ 599,472     $ 7,518     $ 219,655     $ 459,076     $ 51,901     $ 274,976     $ 1,937,050  
Substandard
     11,413       33,455       466       2,803       1,158       27,066       122,815       199,176  
Doubtful
     4,251       -       -       -       46       1,145       470       5,912  
Loss
     -       -       -       -       418       5       150       573  
Default risk purchase discount
     -       -       -       -       -       (5,226 )     (26,128 )     (31,354 )
Total
   $ 340,116     $ 632,927     $ 7,984     $ 222,458     $ 460,698     $ 74,891     $ 372,283     $ 2,111,357  
                                                                 
 (1) Credit risk profile reflects internally assigned grade of purchased covered loans without regard to FDIC indemnification.

The following tables summarize loans by delinquency and nonaccrual status:

   
Summary of Loans by Delinquency and Nonaccrual Status
At December 31, 2013
  
   
Current and
Accruing
    
30-59 Days
Past Due and
Accruing
    
60-89 Days
Past Due and
Accruing
    
Past Due 90
days or More
and Accruing
    
Nonaccrual
    
Total Loans
  
   
(In thousands)
  
Commercial
   $ 336,497     $ 677     $ 383     $ -     $ 1,267     $ 338,824  
Commercial real estate
     586,619       4,012       2,473       -       3,549       596,653  
Construction
     10,275       -       -       -       448       10,723  
Residential real estate
     173,082       2,789       325       -       -       176,196  
Consumer installment & other
     396,725       3,035       606       410       112       400,888  
Total originated loans
     1,503,198       10,513       3,787       410       5,376       1,523,284  
Purchased non-covered loans
     45,755       4,237       180       -       3,618       53,790  
Purchased covered loans
     236,577       845       940       -       12,308       250,670  
Total
   $ 1,785,530     $ 15,595     $ 4,907     $ 410     $ 21,302     $ 1,827,744  
                                                 

 
- 70 -
 
 
   
Summary of Loans by Delinquency and Nonaccrual Status
At December 31, 2012
  
   
Current and
Accruing
    
30-59 Days
Past Due and
Accruing
    
60-89 Days
Past Due and
Accruing
    
Past Due 90
days or More
and Accruing
    
Nonaccrual
    
Total Loans
  
   
(In thousands)
  
Commercial
   $ 333,474     $ 754     $ 278     $ -     $ 5,610     $ 340,116  
Commercial real estate
     616,276       7,941       2,809       -       5,901       632,927  
Construction
     7,984       -       -       -       -       7,984  
Residential real estate
     220,032       1,510       683       -       233       222,458  
Consumer installment & other
     455,007       4,021       1,184       455       31       460,698  
Total originated loans
     1,632,773       14,226       4,954       455       11,775       1,664,183  
Purchased non-covered loans
     65,567       1,757       64       4       7,499       74,891  
Purchased covered loans
     352,619       4,811       1,677       155       13,021       372,283  
Total
   $ 2,050,959     $ 20,794     $ 6,695     $ 614     $ 32,295     $ 2,111,357  
                                                 
The following is a summary of the effect of nonaccrual loans on interest income:

   
For the Years Ended
December 31,
  
 
  
2013
    
2012
    
2011
  
   
(In thousands)
  
Interest income that would have been recognized had the loans performed in accordance with their original terms
   $ 2,816     $ 4,337     $ 7,132  
Less: Interest income recognized on nonaccrual loans
     (1,352 )     (2,605 )     (4,290 )
Total reduction of interest income
   $ 1,464     $ 1,732     $ 2,842  
                         
There were no commitments to lend additional funds to borrowers whose loans were on nonaccrual status at December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012.

The following summarizes impaired loans:

   
Impaired Loans
At December 31, 2013
  
   
Recorded
Investment
    
Unpaid
Principal
Balance
    
Related
Allowance
  
   
(In thousands)
  
Impaired loans with no related allowance recorded:
  
    Commercial
   $ 3,931     $ 4,498     $ -  
    Commercial real estate
     11,002       13,253       -  
    Construction
     2,483       2,947       -  
    Consumer installment and other
     2,014       2,133       -  
                         
Impaired loans with an allowance recorded:
          
    Commercial
     1,000       2,173       100  
    Commercial real estate
     9,773       12,482       1,396  
                         
Total:
                        
    Commercial
   $ 4,931     $ 6,671     $ 100  
    Commercial real estate
     20,775       25,735       1,396  
    Construction
     2,483       2,947       -  
    Consumer installment and other
     2,014       2,133       -  

 
 
- 71 -
 
 
 
   
Impaired Loans
At December 31, 2012
  
   
Recorded
Investment
    
Unpaid
Principal
Balance
    
Related
Allowance
  
   
(In thousands)
  
Impaired loans with no related allowance recorded:
  
    Commercial
   $ 3,100     $ 9,506     $ -  
    Commercial real estate
     24,135       27,972       -  
    Construction
     2,363       2,992       -  
    Residential real estate
     668       668       -  
    Consumer installment and other
     2,328       2,616       -  
                         
Impaired loans with an allowance recorded:
          
    Commercial
     12,129       13,739       2,588  
    Commercial real estate
     4,038       4,038       164  
                         
Total:
                        
    Commercial
   $ 15,229     $ 23,245     $ 2,588  
    Commercial real estate
     28,173       32,010       164  
    Construction
     2,363       2,992       -  
    Residential real estate
     668       668       -  
    Consumer installment and other
     2,328       2,616       -  

Impaired loans include troubled debt restructured loans. Impaired loans at December 31, 2013, included $5,453 thousand of restructured loans, including $529 thousand that were on nonaccrual status. Impaired loans at December 31, 2012, included $6,678 thousand of restructured loans, including $988 thousand that were on nonaccrual status.

   
Impaired Loans
  
   
For the Years Ended
  
   
December 31, 2013
    
December 31, 2012
  
   
Average
Recorded
Investment
    
Recognized
Interest
Income
    
Average
Recorded
Investment
    
Recognized
Interest
Income
  
   
(In thousands)
    
(In thousands)
  
Commercial
   $ 10,566     $ 222     $ 12,996     $ 239  
Commercial real estate
     27,186       763       28,420       1,225  
Construction
     2,400       80       6,651       216  
Residential real estate
     362       -       818       -  
Consumer installment and other
     1,469       38       2,611       43  
  Total
   $ 41,983     $ 1,103     $ 51,496     $ 1,723  
                                 
The following tables provide information on troubled debt restructurings:

   
Troubled Debt Restructurings
At December 31, 2013
  
   
Number of
Contracts
    
Pre-Modification
Carrying Value
    
Period-End
Carrying Value
    
Period-End
Individual
Impairment
Allowance
  
   
(In thousands)
  
Commercial
     4     $ 3,427     $ 3,164     $ -  
Commercial real estate
     2       2,291       2,289       -  
Total
     6     $ 5,718     $ 5,453     $ -  
                                 
 
 
- 72 -
 
 
   
Troubled Debt Restructurings
At December 31, 2012
  
   
Number of
Contracts
    
Pre-Modification
Carrying Value
    
Period-End
Carrying Value
    
Period-End
Individual
Impairment
Allowance
  
   
(In thousands)
  
Commercial
     3     $ 1,318     $ 1,196     $ 797  
Commercial real estate
     2       5,391       5,482       -  
Total
     5     $ 6,709     $ 6,678     $ 797  
                                 
 
   
Troubled Debt Restructurings
At December 31, 2011
  
   
Number of
Contracts
    
Pre-Modification
Carrying Value
    
Period-End
Carrying Value
    
Period-End
Individual
Impairment
Allowance
  
   
(In thousands)
  
Commercial
     2     $ 326     $ 321     $ -  
Construction
     1       3,183       3,126       1,794  
Total
     3     $ 3,509     $ 3,447     $ 1,794  
                                 
During the year ended December 31, 2013, the Company modified five loans with a total carrying value of $4,966 thousand that were considered troubled debt restructurings. The concessions granted in the five restructurings completed in 2013 consisted of modification of payment terms to lower the interest rate and extend the maturity date to allow for deferred principal repayment. During the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, the Company modified three loans in each period with carrying values totaling $5,821 thousand and $3,509 thousand, respectively that were considered troubled debt restructurings. The concessions granted in the restructurings completed in 2012 and 2011 largely consisted of modifications of payment terms extending maturity dates to allow for deferred principal repayment. During the year ended December 31, 2013 a commercial real estate loan with a carrying value of $3,954 thousand defaulted within 12 months of the modification date. During the year ended December 31, 2012, troubled debt restructured construction and commercial loans with carrying values totaling $3,068 thousand and $988 thousand, respectively, defaulted. During the year ended December 31, 2011, no troubled debt restructurings defaulted. A troubled debt restructuring is considered to be in default when payments are ninety days or more past due.

The Company pledges loans to secure borrowings from the Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB). The carrying value of the FHLB advances was $20,577 thousand and $25,799 thousand at December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively. The loans restricted due to collateral requirements approximate $24,242 thousand and $32,084 thousand at December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively. The amount of loans pledged exceeds collateral requirements. The FHLB does not have the right to sell or repledge such loans.

There were no loans held for sale at December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012.

Note 4: Concentration of Credit Risk

The Company’s business activity is with customers in Northern and Central California. The loan portfolio is well diversified within the Company’s geographic market, although the Company has significant credit arrangements that are secured by real estate collateral. In addition to real estate loans outstanding as disclosed in Note 3, the Company had loan commitments and standby letters of credit related to real estate loans of $61,447 thousand and $69,345 thousand at December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively. The Company requires collateral on all real estate loans with loan-to-value ratios at origination generally no greater than 75% on commercial real estate loans and no greater than 80% on residential real estate loans.

 
- 73 -
 
Note 5: Premises, Equipment and Other Assets

Premises and equipment consisted of the following:
 
   
At December 31,
  
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
Cost
    
Accumulated
Depreciation
and
Amortization
    
 
 
Net Book
Value
  
   
(In thousands)
  
2013
                  
Land                                                                                   
   $ 11,983     $ —     $ 11,983  
Buildings and improvements
     41,092       (22,321 )     18,771  
Leasehold improvements
     5,761       (4,453 )     1,308  
Furniture and equipment
     18,365       (13,113 )     5,252  
Total
   $ 77,201     $ (39,887 )   $ 37,314  
2012
                        
Land
   $ 11,983     $ —     $ 11,983  
Buildings and improvements
     44,009       (24,237 )     19,772  
Leasehold improvements
     6,175       (4,569 )     1,606  
Furniture and equipment
     18,805       (13,527 )     5,278  
Total
   $ 80,972     $ (42,333 )   $ 38,639  
                         
Depreciation and amortization of premises and equipment included in noninterest expense amounted to $3,001 thousand in 2013, $2,626 thousand in 2012 and $2,798 thousand in 2011.

Other assets consisted of the following:
 
   
At December 31,
  
 
  
2013
    
2012
  
   
(In thousands)
  
Cost method equity investments:
            
Federal Reserve Bank stock (1)                                                                                                
   $ 14,069     $ 14,069  
Federal Home Loan Bank stock (2)                                                                                                
     4,188       7,353  
Other investments
     376       376  
Total cost method equity investments
     18,633       21,798  
Life insurance cash surrender value
     43,896       45,579  
 Deferred taxes receivable
     53,281       42,449  
 Limited partnership investments
     18,198       20,631  
 Interest receivable
     18,925       20,274  
 FDIC indemnification receivable
     4,032       13,847  
 Prepaid assets
     5,229       11,679  
 Other assets
     14,238       11,829  
Total other assets
   $ 176,432     $ 188,086  
                 
(1) A bank applying for membership in the Federal Reserve System is required to subscribe to stock in the Federal Reserve Bank (FRB) in a sum equal to six percent of the paid-up capital stock and surplus. One-half of the amount of the bank's subscription shall be paid to the FRB and the remaining half will be subject to call when deemed necessary by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System.

(2) Borrowings from the Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) must be supported by capital stock holdings. The minimum activity-based requirement is 4.7% of the outstanding advances. The requirement may be adjusted from time to time by the FHLB within limits established in the FHLB's Capital Plan.

Note 6: Goodwill and Identifiable Intangible Assets

The Company has recorded goodwill and other identifiable intangibles associated with purchase business combinations. Goodwill is not amortized, but is periodically evaluated for impairment. The Company did not recognize impairment during the years ended December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012. Identifiable intangibles are amortized to their estimated residual values over their expected useful lives. Such lives and residual values are also periodically reassessed to determine if any amortization period adjustments are indicated. During the year ended December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, no such adjustments were recorded.

 
- 74 -
 
The carrying values of goodwill were:

   
At December 31,
  
   
2013
    
2012
  
   
(In thousands)
  
Goodwill
   $ 121,673     $ 121,673  

The gross carrying amount of intangible assets and accumulated amortization was:

 
  
At December 31,
  
 
  
2013
    
2012
  
   
Gross
Carrying
Amount
    
Accumulated
Amortization
    
Gross
Carrying
Amount
    
Accumulated
Amortization
  
   
(In thousands)
  
Core Deposit Intangibles
   $ 56,808     $ (39,242 )   $ 56,808     $ (34,938 )
Merchant Draft Processing Intangible
     10,300       (9,309 )     10,300       (8,909 )
Total Intangible Assets
   $ 67,108     $ (48,551 )   $ 67,108     $ (43,847 )
                                 
As of December 31, 2013, the current year and estimated future amortization expense for intangible assets was as follows:

   
Core
Deposit
Intangibles
    
Merchant
Draft
Processing
Intangible
    
Total
  
   
(In thousands)
  
Twelve months ended December 31, 2013 (actual)
   $ 4,304     $ 400     $ 4,704  
Estimate for year ended December 31,                        
2014
     3,946       324       4,270  
2015
     3,594       262       3,856  
2016
     3,292       212       3,504  
2017
     2,913       164       3,077  
2018
     1,892       29       1,921  

Note 7: Deposits and Borrowed Funds

The following table provides additional detail regarding deposits.

   
Deposits
At December 31,
  
 
  
2013
    
2012
  
   
(In thousands)
  
Noninterest bearing
   $ 1,740,182     $ 1,676,071  
Interest bearing:
                
  Transaction
     763,088       748,818  
  Savings
     1,167,744       1,165,032  
  Time
     492,767       642,571  
    Total deposits
   $ 4,163,781     $ 4,232,492  
                 
Demand deposit overdrafts of $3,002 thousand and $6,307 thousand were included as loan balances at December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively. Interest expense for aggregate time deposits with individual account balances in excess of $100 thousand was $1,096 thousand in 2013, $1,530 thousand in 2012 and $2,296 thousand in 2011.

Short-term borrowed funds of $62,668 thousand and $53,687 thousand at December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively, represent securities sold under agreements to repurchase the securities. As the Company is obligated to repurchase the securities, the transfer of the securities is accounted for as a secured borrowing rather than a sale. Securities sold under repurchase agreements are held in the custody of independent securities brokers. The carrying amount of the securities approximates $113,902 thousand and $74,497 thousand at December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively. The short-term borrowed funds mature on an overnight basis.

 
- 75 -
 
Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”) advances with carrying value of $20,577 thousand at December 31, 2013 and $25,799 thousand at December 31, 2012 are secured by residential real estate loans, the amount of such loans approximates $24,242 thousand at December 31, 2013 and $32,084 thousand at December 31, 2012. The FHLB advances are due in full at par value upon their maturity dates: $20,000 thousand mature in January 2015. The FHLB advances may be paid off prior to such maturity dates subject to prepayment fees.

The $10,000 thousand term repurchase agreement at December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012 represents securities sold under an agreement to repurchase the securities. As the Company is obligated to repurchase the securities, the transfer of the securities is accounted for as a secured borrowing rather than a sale. Securities sold under repurchase agreements are held in the custody of independent securities brokers. The carrying amount of the related securities is approximately $11,278 thousand at December 31, 2013 and $11,987 thousand at December 31, 2012. The term repurchase agreement matures in full in August 2014.

The Company has a $35,000 thousand unsecured line of credit which had no outstanding balance at December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012. The line of credit interest rate is a variable rate of 2.0% per annum, payable monthly on outstanding advances. Advances may be made up to the unused credit limit under the line of credit through March 19, 2014.

Debt financing of $15,000 thousand is a note issued by Westamerica Bancorporation on October 31, 2003 which matured and was repaid October 31, 2013.

The following table summarizes deposits and borrowed funds of the Company for the periods indicated:

   
Balance
At
December 31,
2013
    
Average
Balance
Year Ended
December 31,
2013
    
 
Weighted
Average
Rate
    
Balance
At
December 31,
2012
    
Average
Balance
Year Ended
December 31,
2012
    
 
Weighted
Average
Rate
  
(Dollars in thousands)
            
Time deposits over $100 thousand
   $ 298,854     $ 341,184       0.32 %   $ 419,082     $ 460,833       0.33 %
Securities sold under repurchase agreements
     62,668       57,446       0.07       53,687       81,315       0.07  
Federal Home Loan Bank advances
     20,577       25,499       1.88       25,799       25,916       1.86  
Term repurchase agreement
     10,000       10,000       0.98       10,000       10,000       0.99  
Federal funds purchased
     —       8       0.60       —       8       0.58  

   
For the years ended December 31,
  
 
  
2013
    
2012
  
   
Highest
Balance at
Any Month-end
    
Highest
Balance at
Any Month-end
  
   
(In thousands)
  
Securities sold under repurchase agreements
   $ 66,640     $ 116,974  
Federal Home Loan Bank advances
     25,780       26,004  
Term repurchase agreement
     10,000       10,000  

Note 8: Shareholders’ Equity

The Company grants stock options and restricted performance shares to employees in exchange for employee services, pursuant to the shareholder-approved 1995 Stock Option Plan, which was last amended and restated in 2012. Nonqualified stock option grants (“NQSO”) are granted with an exercise price equal to the fair market value of the related common stock on the grant date.  NQSO generally become exercisable in equal annual installments over a three-year period with each installment vesting on the anniversary date of the grant. Each NQSO has a maximum ten-year term. A restricted performance share grant becomes vested after three years of being awarded, provided the Company has attained its performance goals for such three-year period.

 
- 76 -
 
The following table summarizes information about stock options granted under the Plan as of December 31, 2013. The intrinsic value is calculated as the difference between the market value as of December 31, 2013 and the exercise price of the shares. The market value as of December 31, 2013 was $56.46 as reported by the NASDAQ Global Select Market:
 
         
Options Outstanding
    
Options Exercisable
  
 
 
Range of
Exercise
Price
    
Number
Outstanding
at 12/31/2013
(in
thousands)
    
Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value
(in
thousands)
    
Weighted
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Life (yrs)
    
 
Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
    
Number
Exercisable
at 12/31/2013
(in
thousands)
    
Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value
(in
thousands)
    
Weighted
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Life (yrs)
    
 
Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
  
                                                       
$40 – 45       355     $ 4,557       8.6     $ 44       44     $ 591       5.1     $ 43  
45 – 50       616       5,375       4.0       48       443       3,564       2.4       48  
50 – 55       880       4,232       3.8       52       801       3,786       3.5       52  
55 – 60       227       —       6.0       57       227       —       6.0       57  
$40 – 60       2,078     $ 14,164       4.9       50       1,515     $ 7,941       3.6       51  
                                                                       
 
The Company applies the Roll-Geske option pricing model (Modified Roll) to determine grant date fair value of stock option grants. This model modifies the Black-Scholes Model to take into account dividends and American options. During the twelve months ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, the Company granted 322 thousand, 296 thousand and 275 thousand stock options, respectively. The following weighted average assumptions were used in the option pricing to value stock options granted in the periods indicated:

For the twelve months ended December 31,
  
2013
    
2012
    
2011
  
Expected volatility*1 
     17 %     21 %     18 %
Expected life in years*2 
     4.8       4.8       4.7  
Risk-free interest rate*3 
     0.74 %     0.72 %     1.83 %
Expected dividend yield
     3.57 %     3.20 %     3.14 %
Fair value per award
   $ 4.61     $ 5.61     $ 5.55  
                         
*1
Measured using daily price changes of Company’s stock over respective expected term of the option and the implied volatility derived from the market prices of the Company’s stock and traded options.
*2
The number of years that the Company estimates that the options will be outstanding prior to exercise
*3
The risk-free rate over the expected life based on the US Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of the grant

Employee stock option grants are being expensed by the Company over the grants’ three year vesting period. The Company issues new shares upon the exercise of options. The number of shares authorized to be issued for options at December 31, 2013 is 1,312 thousand.

A summary of option activity during the twelve months ended December 31, 2013 is presented below:

   
Shares
(In
Thousands)
    
Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
    
Weighted
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Term (years)
  
Outstanding at January 1, 2013
     2,328     $ 49.53        
Granted
     322       43.71        
Exercised
     (478 )     44.98        
Forfeited or expired
     (94 )     49.80        
Outstanding at December 31, 2013
     2,078       49.66       4.9  
Exercisable at December 31, 2013
     1,515       51.25       3.6  
                         
A summary of the Company’s nonvested option activity during the twelve months ended December 31, 2013 is presented below:

 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
Shares
(In
Thousands)
    
Weighted
Average
Grant
Date
Fair Value
  
Nonvested at January 1, 2013
     521          
Granted
     322          
Vested
     (254 )        
Forfeited
     (26 )        
Nonvested at December 31, 2013
     563     $ 5.05  
                 

 
- 77 -
 
The weighted average estimated grant date fair value for options granted under the Company’s stock option plan during the twelve months ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 was $4.61, $5.61 and $5.55 per share, respectively. The total remaining unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested awards as of December 31, 2013 is $1,365 thousand and the weighted average period over which the cost is expected to be recognized is 1.7 years.

The total intrinsic value of options exercised during the twelve months ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 was $2,058 thousand, $767 thousand and $2,309 thousand, respectively. The total fair value of RPSs that vested during the twelve months ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 was $678 thousand, $734 thousand and $1,197 thousand, respectively. The total fair value of options vested during the twelve months ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 was $1,514 thousand, $1,321 thousand and $1,381 thousand, respectively. The decrease in tax benefits recognized for the tax deductions from the exercise of options totaled $298 thousand, $119 thousand and $248 thousand, respectively, for the twelve months ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011.

A summary of the status of the Company’s restricted performance shares as of December 31, 2013 and 2012 and changes during the twelve months ended on those dates, follows (in thousands):

   
2013
    
2012
  
Outstanding at January 1,
     54       50  
Granted
     20       20  
Issued upon vesting
     (15 )     (15 )
Forfeited
     —       (1 )
Outstanding at December 31,
     59       54  
                 
As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, the restricted performance shares had a weighted-average contractual life of 1.3 years and 1.3 years, respectively. The compensation cost that was charged against income for the Company’s restricted performance shares granted was $1,338 thousand, $710 thousand and $540 thousand for the twelve months ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. There were no stock appreciation rights or incentive stock options granted in the twelve months ended December 31, 2013 and 2012.

On February 13, 2009, the Company issued a warrant to purchase 246,640 shares of the Company’s common stock at an exercise price of $50.92 per share. The warrants remain outstanding at December 31, 2013.

The Company repurchases and retires its common stock in accordance with Board of Directors approved share repurchase programs. At December 31, 2013, approximately 1,468 thousand shares remained available to repurchase under such plans.

Shareholders have authorized two additional classes of stock of one million shares each, to be denominated “Class B Common Stock” and “Preferred Stock,” respectively, in addition to the 150 million shares of common stock presently authorized. At December 31, 2013, no shares of Class B Common Stock or Preferred Stock were outstanding.

Note 9: Risk-Based Capital

The Company and the Bank are subject to various regulatory capital adequacy requirements administered by federal and state agencies. The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Improvement Act of 1991 (“FDICIA”) required that regulatory agencies adopt regulations defining five capital tiers for banks: well capitalized, adequately capitalized, undercapitalized, significantly undercapitalized and critically undercapitalized. Failure to meet minimum capital requirements can initiate discretionary actions by regulators that, if undertaken, could have a direct, material effect on the Company’s financial statements. Quantitative measures, established by the regulators to ensure capital adequacy, require that the Company and the Bank maintain minimum ratios of capital to risk-weighted assets. There are two categories of capital under the guidelines. Tier 1 capital includes common shareholders’ equity and qualifying preferred stock less goodwill, identifiable intangible assets, and other adjustments including the unrealized net gains and losses, after taxes, on available for sale securities. Tier 2 capital includes preferred stock not qualifying for Tier 1 capital, mandatory convertible debt, subordinated debt, certain unsecured senior debt and the allowance for loan losses, subject to limitations within the guidelines. Under the guidelines, capital is compared to the relative risk of the Company’s assets, derived from applying one of four risk weights (0%, 20%, 50% and 100%) to various categories of assets and unfunded commitments to extend credit, primarily based on the credit risk of the counterparty. The capital amounts and classification are also subject to qualitative judgments by the regulators about components, risk weighting and other factors.

As of December 31, 2013, the Company and the Bank met all capital adequacy requirements to which they are subject.

 
- 78 -
 
The Company and the Bank are well capitalized under the FDICIA regulatory framework for prompt corrective action. To be well capitalized, the institution must maintain a total risk-based capital ratio as set forth in the following table and not be subject to a capital directive order. The following tables show capital ratios for the Company and the Bank as of December 31, 2013 and 2012:

 
 
 
              
For Capital
Adequacy Purposes
    
To Be Well
Capitalized Under
the FDICIA
Prompt Corrective
Action Provisions
  
At December 31, 2013
  
Amount
    
Ratio
    
Amount
    
Ratio
    
Amount
    
Ratio
  
   
(Dollars in thousands)
  
Total Capital (to risk-weighted assets)
                                    
Consolidated Company
   $ 446,331       16.18 %   $ 220,745       8.00 %   $ 275,931       10.00 %
Westamerica Bank
     406,418       14.93 %     217,730       8.00 %     272,162       10.00 %
Tier 1 Capital (to risk-weighted assets)
                                                
Consolidated Company
     405,798       14.71 %     110,372       4.00 %     165,559       6.00 %
Westamerica Bank
     360,809       13.26 %     108,865       4.00 %     163,297       6.00 %
Leverage Ratio *
                                                
Consolidated Company
     405,798       8.55 %     189,762       4.00 %     237,203       5.00 %
Westamerica Bank
     360,809       7.67 %     188,109       4.00 %     235,137       5.00 %
                                                 

 
 
              
For Capital
Adequacy Purposes
    
To Be Well
Capitalized Under
the FDICIA
Prompt Corrective
Action Provisions
  
At December 31, 2012
  
Amount
    
Ratio
    
Amount
    
Ratio
    
Amount
    
Ratio
  
   
(Dollars in thousands)
  
Total Capital (to risk-weighted assets)
                                    
Consolidated Company
   $ 444,205       16.33 %   $ 217,627       8.00 %   $ 272,033       10.00 %
Westamerica Bank
     418,746       15.62 %     214,452       8.00 %     268,065       10.00 %
Tier 1 Capital (to risk-weighted assets)
                                                
Consolidated Company
     409,763       15.06 %     108,813       4.00 %     163,220       6.00 %
Westamerica Bank
     378,921       14.14 %     107,226       4.00 %     160,839       6.00 %
Leverage Ratio *
                                                
Consolidated Company
     409,763       8.56 %     191,396       4.00 %     239,245       5.00 %
Westamerica Bank
     378,921       7.99 %     189,788       4.00 %     237,236       5.00 %
                                                 
*
The leverage ratio consists of Tier 1 capital divided by average assets, excluding certain intangible assets, during the most recent calendar quarter. The minimum leverage ratio guideline is 3.00% for banking organizations that do not anticipate significant growth and that have well-diversified risk, excellent asset quality, high liquidity, good earnings and, in general, are considered top-rated, strong banking organizations.

FDIC-covered assets are included in the 20% risk-weight category until the loss-sharing agreements terminate; the residential loss-sharing agreement expires February 6, 2019 and the non-residential loss-sharing agreement expired (as to losses) February 6, 2014.

Note 10: Income Taxes

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for future tax consequences attributable to differences between the amounts reported in the financial statements of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax basis and operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. Amounts for the current year are based upon estimates and assumptions as of the date of these financial statements and could vary significantly from amounts shown on the tax returns as filed.

 
- 79 -
 
The components of the net deferred tax asset are as follows:

   
At December 31,
  
 
  
2013
    
2012
  
   
(In thousands)
  
Deferred tax asset
            
Allowance for credit losses                                                                                                
   $ 14,309     $ 13,700  
State franchise taxes                                                                                                
     3,249       4,162  
Deferred compensation                                                                                                
     7,991       8,278  
Real estate owned                                                                                                
     2,095       2,211  
Purchased assets and assumed liabilities                                                                                                
     5,294       4,732  
Post-retirement benefits                                                                                                
     1,059       1,210  
Employee benefit accruals
     5,321       5,648  
VISA Class B shares
     1,554       1,479  
Limited partnership investments
     1,299       1,037  
Impaired capital assets
     20,793       20,819  
Capital loss carryforward
     —       47  
Leases
     123       —  
Premises and equipment
     690       444  
Other
     654       64  
Subtotal deferred tax asset
     64,431       63,831  
Valuation allowance
     —       —  
 Total deferred tax asset
     64,431       63,831  
Deferred tax liability
                
Net deferred loan fees
     383       429  
Intangible assets
     7,408       9,219  
Securities available for sale
     3,233       10,741  
Leases
     —       752  
Other
     126       241  
Total deferred tax liability
     11,150       21,382  
Net deferred tax asset
   $ 53,281     $ 42,449  
                 
Based on Management’s judgment, a valuation allowance is not needed to reduce the gross deferred tax asset because it is more likely than not that the gross deferred tax asset will be realized through recoverable taxes or future taxable income. Net deferred tax assets are included with interest receivable and other assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

The provision for federal and state income taxes consists of amounts currently payable and amounts deferred are as follows:

   
For the Years Ended December 31,
  
 
  
2013
    
2012
    
2011
  
   
(In thousands)
  
Current income tax expense:
                  
Federal
   $ 13,975     $ 22,368     $ 18,393  
State
     8,597       11,456       13,322  
Total current     22,572       33,824       31,715  
Deferred income tax (benefit) expense:
                        
Federal
     (2,518 )     (7,280 )     1,839  
State
     (1,109 )     (1,114 )     (626 )
Total deferred     (3,627 )     (8,394 )     1,213  
Provision for income taxes
   $ 18,945     $ 25,430     $ 32,928  
                         
 
 
- 80 -
 

The provision for income taxes differs from the provision computed by applying the statutory federal income tax rate to income before taxes, as follows:

   
For the Years Ended December 31,
  
   
2013
    
2012
    
2011
  
   
(In thousands)
  
Federal income taxes due at statutory rate
   $ 30,142     $ 37,295     $ 42,285  
Reductions in income taxes resulting from:
                        
Interest on state and municipal securities and loans not taxable for federal income tax purposes
     (11,565 )     (12,494 )     (12,423 )
State franchise taxes, net of federal income tax benefit
     4,712       6,722       8,252  
Tax credits
     (3,190 )     (3,684 )     (3,560 )
Dividend received deduction
     (32 )     (28 )     (25 )
Cash value life insurance
     (747 )     (953 )     (728 )
Other
     (375 )     (1,428 )     (873 )
Provision for income taxes
   $ 18,945     $ 25,430     $ 32,928  
                         
At December 31, 2013, the company had no net operating loss and general tax credit carryforwards for tax return purposes.

A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amounts of unrecognized tax benefits follow:

   
2013
    
2012
  
   
(In thousands)
  
Balance at January 1,
   $ 747     $ 496  
Additions for tax positions taken in the current period
     483       238  
Reductions for tax positions taken in the current period
     —       —  
Additions for tax positions taken in prior years
     212       13  
Reductions for tax positions taken in prior years
     —       —  
Decreases related to settlements with taxing authorities
     —       —  
Decreases as a result of a lapse in statute of limitations
     (5 )     —  
Balance at December 31,
   $ 1,437     $ 747  
                 
The Company does not anticipate any significant increase or decrease in unrecognized tax benefits during 2014. Unrecognized tax benefits at December 31, 2013 and 2012 include accrued interest and penalties of $85 thousand and $65 thousand, respectively. If recognized, the entire amount of the unrecognized tax benefits would affect the effective tax rate.

The Company classifies interest and penalties as a component of the provision for income taxes. The tax years ended December 31, 2013, 2012, 2011 and 2010 remain subject to examination by the Internal Revenue Service. The tax years ended December 31, 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010 and 2009 remain subject to examination by the California Franchise Tax Board. Additionally, the Company has agreed to extend the statute of limitations on its 2008 and 2007 California franchise tax returns in respect of ongoing examinations by the California Franchise Tax Board. The deductibility of these tax positions will be determined through examination by the appropriate tax jurisdictions or the expiration of the tax statute of limitations.

Note 11: Fair Value Measurements

The Company uses fair value measurements to record fair value adjustments to certain assets and liabilities and to determine fair value disclosures.  Available for sale investment securities are recorded at fair value on a recurring basis.  Additionally, from time to time, the Company may be required to record at fair value other assets on a nonrecurring basis, such as other real estate owned, impaired loans, certain loans held for investment, investment securities held to maturity, and other assets.  These nonrecurring fair value adjustments typically involve the lower-of-cost-or-fair value accounting of individual assets.

In accordance with the Fair Value Measurement and Disclosure topic of the Codification, the Company bases its fair values on the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in the principal market or most advantageous market for an asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date under current market conditions.  A fair value measurement reflects all of the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability, including assumptions about the risk inherent in a particular valuation technique, the effect of a restriction on the sale or use of an asset, and the risk of nonperformance.

 
- 81 -
 
The Company groups its assets and liabilities measured at fair value into a three-level hierarchy, based on the markets in which the assets and liabilities are traded and the reliability of the assumptions used to determine fair value. When the valuation assumptions used to measure the fair value of the asset or liability are categorized within different levels of the fair value hierarchy, the asset or liability is categorized in its entirety within the lowest level of the hierarchy. These levels are:

Level 1 – Valuation is based upon quoted prices for identical instruments traded in active exchange markets, such as the New York Stock Exchange.  Level 1 includes U.S. Treasury, equity and federal agency securities, which are traded by dealers or brokers in active markets.  Valuations are obtained from readily available pricing sources for market transactions involving identical assets or liabilities.

Level 2 – Valuation is based upon quoted prices 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 in the market. Level 2 includes mortgage-backed securities, corporate securities, asset-backed securities, municipal bonds and residential collateralized mortgage obligations.

Level 3 – Valuation is generated from model-based techniques that use significant assumptions not observable in the market. These unobservable assumptions reflect the Company’s estimates of assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. Valuation techniques include use of option pricing models, discounted cash flow models and similar techniques.

The Company relies on independent vendor pricing services to measure fair value for investment securities available for sale and investment securities held to maturity. The Company employs three pricing services. To validate the pricing of these vendors, the Company routinely randomly selects securities for pricing by two or more of the vendors; significant pricing differences, if any, are evaluated using all available independent quotes with the lowest quote generally used as the fair value estimate. In addition, the Company conducts “other than temporary impairment (OTTI)” analysis on a quarterly basis; securities selected for OTTI analysis include all securities at a market price below 95 percent of par value and with a market to book ratio below 95:100. As with any valuation technique used to estimate fair value, changes in underlying assumptions used could significantly affect the results of current and future values. Accordingly, these fair value estimates may not be realized in an actual sale of the securities.

When the Company changes its valuation assumptions for measuring financial assets and financial liabilities at fair value, either due to changes in current market conditions or other factors, it may need to transfer those assets or liabilities to another level in the hierarchy based on the new assumptions used. The Company recognizes these transfers at the end of the reporting period that the transfers occur. For the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, there were no transfers in or out of levels 1, 2 or 3.

Assets Recorded at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis

The table below presents assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis.

   
Fair Value
    
Quoted Prices
in Active
Markets for
Identical
Assets
(Level 1)
    
Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2 )
    
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3 )
  
   
(In thousands)
  
Investment securities available for sale:
                    
At December 31, 2013
   $ 1,079,381     $ 148,670     $ 930,711     $ -  
At December 31, 2012
   $ 825,636     $ 57,424     $ 768,212     $ -  
 
 
 
- 82 -
 
Assets Recorded at Fair Value on a Nonrecurring Basis

The Company may be required, from time to time, to measure certain assets at fair value on a nonrecurring basis in accordance with GAAP. These adjustments to fair value usually result from application of lower-of-cost or fair-value accounting of individual assets. For assets measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis that were recorded in the balance sheet at December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, the following table provides the level of valuation assumptions used to determine each adjustment and the carrying value of the related assets at period end.

   
At December 31, 2013
  
   
Fair Value
    
Level 1
    
Level 2
    
Level 3
    
Total Losses
  
   
(In thousands)
  
Non-covered other real estate owned
   $ 5,527     $ -     $ 5,527     $ -     $ (787 )
Covered other real estate owned
     7,793       -       7,793       -       (27 )
Originated impaired loans
     2,605       -       900       1,705       -  
Purchased covered impaired loans
     7,067       -       7,067       -       (233 )
    Total assets measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis
   $ 22,992     $ -     $ 21,287     $ 1,705     $ (1,047 )
                                         
 
   
At December 31, 2012
  
   
Fair Value
    
Level 1
    
Level 2
    
Level 3
    
Total Losses
  
   
(In thousands)
  
Non-covered other real estate owned
   $ 6,618     $ -     $ 6,618     $ -     $ (1,360 )
Covered other real estate owned
     7,929       -       7,929       -       (371 )
Originated impaired loans
     5,197       -       3,097       2,100       (3,158 )
Purchased covered impaired loans
     6,684       -       2,224       4,460       (83 )
    Total assets measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis
   $ 26,428     $ -     $ 19,868     $ 6,560     $ (4,972 )
                                         
Level 2 – Valuation is based upon independent market prices or appraised value of the collateral, less 10% for selling costs, generally.  Level 2 includes other real estate owned that has been measured at fair value upon transfer to foreclosed assets and impaired loans collateralized by real property where a specific reserve has been established or a charge-off has been recorded. Losses on other real estate owned represent losses recognized in earnings during the period subsequent to its initial classification as foreclosed assets.
 
Level 3 – Valuation is based upon estimated liquidation values of loan collateral.  The value of level 3 assets can also include a component of real estate, which is valued as described for level 2 inputs, when collateral for the impaired loan includes both business assets and real estate.  Level 3 includes impaired loans where a specific reserve has been established or a charge-off has been recorded.

Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The following section describes the valuation methodologies used by the Company for estimating fair value of financial instruments not recorded at fair value in the balance sheet.

Cash and Due from Banks  Cash and due from banks represent U.S. dollar denominated coin and currency, deposits at the Federal Reserve Bank and correspondent banks, and amounts being settled with other banks to complete the processing of  customers’ daily transactions. Collectively, the Federal Reserve Bank and financial institutions operate a market in which cash and due from banks transactions are processed continuously in significant daily volumes honoring the face value of the U.S. dollar.

Investment Securities Held to Maturity  The fair values of investment securities were estimated using quoted prices as described above for Level 1 and Level 2 valuation.

Loans  Loans were separated into two groups for valuation. Variable rate loans, except for those described below, which reprice frequently with changes in market rates were valued using historical cost. Fixed rate loans and variable rate loans that have reached their minimum contractual interest rates were valued by discounting the future cash flows expected to be received from the loans using current interest rates charged on loans with similar characteristics. Additionally, the allowance for loan losses of $31,693 thousand at December 31, 2013 and $30,234 thousand at December 31, 2012 and the fair value discount due to credit default risk associated with purchased covered and purchased non-covered loans of $10,933 thousand and $3,245 thousand, respectively at December 31, 2013 and purchased covered and purchased non-covered loans of $26,128 thousand and $5,226 thousand, respectively at December 31, 2012 were applied against the estimated fair values to recognize estimated future defaults of contractual cash flows. The Company does not consider these values to be a liquidation price for the loans.

 
- 83 -
 
FDIC Indemnification Receivable  The fair value of the FDIC indemnification receivable recorded in Other Assets was estimated by discounting estimated future cash flows using current market rates for financial instruments with similar characteristics.

Deposit Liabilities  Deposits with no stated maturity such as checking accounts, savings accounts and money market accounts can be readily converted to cash or used to settle transactions at face value through the broad financial system operated by the Federal Reserve Bank and financial institutions. The fair value of deposits with no stated maturity is equal to the amount payable on demand. The fair values of time deposits were estimated by discounting estimated future contractual cash flows using current market rates for financial instruments with similar characteristics.

Short-Term Borrowed Funds  The carrying amount of securities sold under agreement to repurchase and other short-term borrowed funds approximate fair value due to the relatively short period of time between their origination and their expected realization.

Federal Home Loan Bank Advances  The fair values of FHLB advances were estimated by using redemption amounts quoted by the Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco.

Term Repurchase Agreement  The fair value of the term repurchase agreement was estimated by using interpolated yields for financial instruments with similar characteristics.

Debt Financing  The fair value of debt financing was estimated by using interpolated yields for financial instruments with similar characteristics.

The table below is a summary of fair value estimates for financial instruments and the level of the fair value hierarchy within which the fair value measurements are categorized, excluding financial instruments recorded at fair value on a recurring basis. The values assigned do not necessarily represent amounts which ultimately may be realized. In addition, these values do not give effect to discounts to fair value which may occur when financial instruments are sold in larger quantities.  The carrying amounts in the following table are recorded in the balance sheet under the indicated captions.

The Company has not included assets and liabilities that are not financial instruments, such as goodwill, long-term relationships with deposit, merchant processing and trust customers, other purchased intangibles, premises and equipment, deferred taxes and other assets and liabilities. The total estimated fair values do not represent, and should not be construed to represent, the underlying value of the Company.
 
   
At December 31, 2013
  
   
Carrying
Amount
    
Estimated
Fair Value
    
Quoted
Prices in
Active
Markets for
Identical
Assets
(Level 1)
    
Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2 )
    
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3 )
  
Financial Assets:
  
(In thousands)
  
    Cash and due from banks
   $ 472,028     $ 472,028     $ 472,028     $ -     $ -  
    Investment securities held to maturity
     1,132,299       1,112,676       1,597       1,111,079       -  
    Loans
     1,796,051       1,800,625       -       -       1,800,625  
    Other assets - FDIC indemnification receivable
     4,032       4,032       -       -       4,032  
                                         
Financial Liabilities:
                                        
    Deposits
   $ 4,163,781     $ 4,162,935     $ -     $ 3,671,014     $ 491,921  
    Short-term borrowed funds
     62,668       62,668       -       62,668       -  
    Federal Home Loan Bank advances
     20,577       20,558       20,558       -       -  
    Term repurchase agreement
     10,000       10,054       -       10,054       -  
 
 
- 84 -
 
 
   
At December 31, 2012
  
   
Carrying
Amount
    
Estimated
Fair Value
    
Quoted
Prices in
Active
Markets for
Identical
Assets
(Level 1)
    
Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2 )
    
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3 )
  
Financial Assets:
  
(In thousands)
  
    Cash and due from banks
   $ 491,382     $ 491,382     $ 491,382     $ -     $ -  
    Investment securities held to maturity
     1,156,041       1,184,557       3,275       1,181,282       -  
    Loans
     2,081,123       2,090,712       -       -       2,090,712  
    Other assets - FDIC indemnification receivable
     13,847       13,834       -       -       13,834  
                                         
Financial Liabilities:
                                        
    Deposits
   $ 4,232,492     $ 4,232,239     $ -     $ 3,589,921     $ 642,318  
    Short-term borrowed funds
     53,687       53,687       -       53,687       -  
    Federal Home Loan Bank advances
     25,799       26,150       26,150       -       -  
    Term repurchase agreement
     10,000       10,135       -       10,135       -  
    Debt financing
     15,000       15,645       -       15,645       -  

The majority of the Company’s standby letters of credit and other commitments to extend credit carry current market interest rates if converted to loans. No premium or discount was ascribed to these commitments because virtually all funding would be at current market rates.

Note 12: Lease Commitments

Thirty-three banking offices and a centralized administrative service center are owned and 67 facilities are leased. Substantially all the leases contain renewal options and provisions for rental increases, principally for cost of living index. The Company also leases certain pieces of equipment.

Minimum future rental payments under noncancelable operating leases as of December 31, 2013 are as follows:

   
(In thousands)
  
2014
   $ 8,357  
2015
     6,301  
2016
     2,979  
2017
     1,900  
2018
     1,169  
Thereafter
     594  
Total minimum lease payments
   $ 21,300  
         
The total minimum lease payments have not been reduced by minimum sublease rentals of $5,101 thousand due in the future under noncancelable subleases. Total rentals for premises were $8,953 thousand in 2013, $9,252 thousand in 2012 and $9,738 thousand in 2011. Total sublease rentals were $1,852 thousand in 2013, $1,883 thousand in 2012 and $1,979 thousand in 2011. Total rentals for premises, net of sublease income, included in noninterest expense were $7,101 thousand in 2013, $7,369 thousand in 2012 and $7,759 thousand in 2011.

Note 13: Commitments and Contingent Liabilities

Loan commitments are agreements to lend to a customer provided there is no violation of any condition established in the agreement. Commitments generally have fixed expiration dates or other termination clauses. Since many of the commitments are expected to expire without being drawn upon, the total commitment amounts do not necessarily represent future funding requirements. Loan commitments are subject to the Company’s normal credit policies and collateral requirements. Unfunded loan commitments were $320,934 thousand and $339,651 thousand at December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively. Standby letters of credit commit the Company to make payments on behalf of customers when certain specified future events occur. Standby letters of credit are primarily issued to support customers’ short-term financing requirements and must meet the Company’s normal credit policies and collateral requirements. Financial and performance standby letters of credit outstanding totaled $31,777 thousand and $32,347 thousand at December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively. The Company also had commitments for commercial and similar letters of credit of $344 thousand and $344 thousand at December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively.

 
- 85 -
 
Due to the nature of its business, the Company is subject to various threatened or filed legal cases. Based on the advice of legal counsel, the Company does not expect such cases will have a material, adverse effect on its financial position or results of operations. Legal liabilities are accrued when obligations become probable and the amount is reasonably estimable. Legal costs related to covered assets are eighty percent indemnified under loss-sharing agreements with the FDIC if certain conditions are met.

Note 14: Retirement Benefit Plans

The Company sponsors a qualified defined contribution Deferred Profit-Sharing Plan covering substantially all of its salaried employees with one or more years of service. The costs charged to noninterest expense related to discretionary Company contributions to the Deferred Profit-Sharing Plan were $1,200 thousand in 2013, $1,200 thousand in 2012 and $1,200 thousand in 2011.

The Company also sponsors a qualified defined contribution Tax Deferred Savings/Retirement Plan (ESOP) covering salaried employees who become eligible to participate upon completion of a 90-day introductory period. The Tax Deferred Savings/ Retirement Plan (ESOP) allows employees to defer, on a pretax or after-tax basis, a portion of their salaries as contributions to this Plan. Participants may invest in several funds, including one fund that invests primarily in Westamerica Bancorporation common stock. The Company funds contributions to match participating employees’ contributions, subject to certain limits. The matching contributions charged to compensation expense were $1,214 thousand in 2013, $1,255 thousand in 2012 and $1,283 thousand in 2011.

The Company offers a continuation of group insurance coverage to eligible employees electing early retirement, for the period from the date of retirement until age 65. For eligible employees the Company pays a portion of these early retirees’ group insurance premiums. The Company also reimburses a portion of Medicare Part B premiums for all qualifying retirees over age 65 and, if eligible, their spouses. Eligibility for post-retirement medical benefits is based on age and years of service, and restricted to employees hired prior to February 1, 2006 who elect early retirement prior to January 1, 2018. The Company uses an actuarial-based accrual method of accounting for post-retirement benefits. The Company used a December 31 measurement date for determining post-retirement medical benefit calculations.

The following tables set forth the net periodic post-retirement benefit cost and the change in the benefit obligation for the years ended December 31 and the funded status of the post-retirement benefit plan as of December 31:

Net Periodic Benefit Cost

   
At December 31,
  
   
2013
    
2012
    
2011
  
   
(In thousands)
  
Service cost
   $ (153 )   $ (340 )   $ (35 )
Interest cost
     110       143       175  
Amortization of unrecognized transition obligation
     61       61       61  
Net periodic cost (benefit)
     18       (136 )     201  
                         
Other Changes in Benefit Obligations Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income                        
                         
Amortization of unrecognized transition obligation, net of tax     (36 )     (36 )      (36 ) 
Total recognized in net periodic (benefit) cost and accumulated other comprehensive income
   $ (18 )   $ (172 )    $ 165  
                         
The remaining transition obligation cost for this post-retirement benefit plan that will be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive income into net periodic benefit cost over the next fiscal year is $61 thousand.

 
- 86 -
 
Obligation and Funded Status

   
For the years ended December 31,
  
   
2013
    
2012
    
2011
  
Change in benefit obligation
  
(In thousands)
  
Benefit obligation at beginning of year
   $ 2,755     $ 3,117     $ 3,178  
Service cost
     (153 )     (340 )     (35 )
Interest cost
     110       143       175  
Benefits paid
     (168 )     (165 )     (201 )
Benefit obligation at end of year
   $ 2,544     $ 2,755     $ 3,117  
Accumulated post-retirement benefit obligation attributable to:
                        
Retirees
   $ 1,443     $ 1,654     $ 2,363  
Fully eligible participants
     983       856       537  
Other
     118       245       217  
Total
   $ 2,544     $ 2,755     $ 3,117  
Fair value of plan assets
   $ —     $ —     $ —  
Accumulated post-retirement benefit obligation in excess of plan assets
   $ 2,544     $ 2,755     $ 3,117  
                         
Additional Information

Assumptions
 
   
At December 31,
  
   
2013
    
2012
    
2011
  
Weighted-average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations as of December 31
                  
Discount rate
     4.80 %     4.00 %     4.60 %
Weighted-average assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit cost as of December 31
                        
Discount rate
     4.00 %     4.60 %     5.50 %

The above discount rate is based on the Corporate Aa 25-year rate, the term of which approximates the term of the benefit obligations. The Company reserves the right to terminate or alter post-employment health benefits. Post-retirement medical benefits are currently fixed amounts without provision for future increases; as a result, the assumed annual average rate of inflation used to measure the expected cost of benefits covered by this program is zero percent for 2014 and beyond.

Assumed benefit inflation rates are not applicable for this program.
 
 
  
Estimated future benefit
 payments
(In thousands)
  
2014
   $ 170  
2015
     174  
2016
     179  
2017
     186  
2018
     188  
Years 2019-2023
     859  

Note 15: Related Party Transactions

Certain of the Directors, executive officers and their associates have had banking transactions with subsidiaries of the Company in the ordinary course of business. With the exception of the Company’s Employee Loan Program, all outstanding loans and commitments included in such transactions were made on substantially the same terms, including interest rates and collateral, as those prevailing at the time for comparable transactions with other persons, did not involve more than a normal risk of collectability, and did not present other favorable features. As part of the Employee Loan Program, all employees, including executive officers, are eligible to receive mortgage loans at one percent below Westamerica Bank’s prevailing interest rate at the time of loan origination. All loans to executive officers under the Employee Loan Program are made by Westamerica Bank in compliance with the applicable restrictions of Section 22(h) of the Federal Reserve Act.

 
- 87 -
 
The table below reflects information concerning loans to certain directors and executive officers and/or family members during 2013 and 2012:

 
  
2013
    
2012
  
   
(In thousands)
  
Beginning balance
   $ 1,056     $ 1,099  
Originations
     —       —  
Principal reductions
     (43 )     (43 )
At December 31,
   $ 1,013     $ 1,056  
Percent of total loans outstanding
     0.06 %     0.05 %
                 
Note 16: Regulatory Matters

Payment of dividends to the Company by the Bank is limited under regulations for state chartered banks. The amount that can be paid in any calendar year, without prior approval from regulatory agencies, cannot exceed the net profits (as defined) for the preceding three calendar years less dividends paid. Under this regulation, the Bank obtained approval for dividends paid to the Company during 2013. The Company consistently has paid quarterly dividends to its shareholders since its formation in 1972.

The Bank is required to maintain reserves with the Federal Reserve Bank equal to a percentage of its reservable deposits. The Bank’s daily average on deposit at the Federal Reserve Bank was $304,834 thousand in 2013 and $345,772 thousand in 2012, which amounts exceed the Bank’s required reserves.

Note 17: Other Comprehensive Income

The components of other comprehensive (loss) income and other related tax effects were:
 
   
2013
  
 
  
Before tax
    
Tax effect
    
Net of tax
  
Securities available for sale:
  
(In thousands)
  
Net unrealized losses arising during the year
   $ (17,855 )   $ 7,507     $ (10,348 )
Reclassification of (losses) gains included in net income
     —       —       —  
Net unrealized gains arising during the year
     (17,855 )     7,507       (10,348 )
Post-retirement benefit obligation
     61       (25 )     36  
Other comprehensive loss
   $ (17,794 )   $ 7,482     $ (10,312 )
                         

   
2012
  
 
  
Before tax
    
Tax effect
    
Net of tax
  
Securities available for sale:
  
(In thousands)
  
Net unrealized gains arising during the year
   $ 5,557     $ (2,337 )   $ 3,220  
Reclassification of gains (losses) included in net income
     —       —       —  
Net unrealized gains arising during the year
     5,557       (2,337 )     3,220  
Post-retirement benefit obligation
     61       (25 )     36  
Other comprehensive income
   $ 5,618     $ (2,362 )   $ 3,256  
                         

   
2011
  
 
  
Before tax
    
Tax effect
    
Net of tax
  
Securities available for sale:
  
(In thousands)
  
Net unrealized gains arising during the year
   $ 19,282     $ (8,108 )   $ 11,174  
Reclassification of gains (losses) included in net income
     —       —       —  
Net unrealized gains arising during the year
     19,282       (8,108 )     11,174  
Post-retirement benefit obligation
     61       (25 )     36  
Other comprehensive income
   $ 19,343     $ (8,133 )   $ 11,210  
                         
 
 
- 88 -
 
Cumulative other comprehensive income (loss) balances were:

 
 
 
 
  
Post-
retirement
Benefit
Obligation
    
Net
Unrealized
gains(losses)
on securities
    
Cumulative
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
  
   
(In thousands)
  
 Balance, December 31, 2010
   $ (250 )   $ 409     $ 159  
Net change
     36       11,174       11,210  
Balance, December 31, 2011
     (214 )     11,583       11,369  
Net change
     36       3,220       3,256  
Balance, December 31, 2012
     (178 )     14,803       14,625  
Net change
     36       (10,348 )     (10,312 )
Balance, December 31, 2013
   $ (142 )   $ 4,455     $ 4,313  
                         
Note 18: Earnings Per Common Share

The table below shows earnings per common share and diluted earnings per common share. Basic earnings per common share are computed by dividing net income by the average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per common share are computed by dividing net income by the average number of common shares outstanding during the period plus the impact of common stock equivalents.

   
2013
    
2012
    
2011
  
   
(In thousands, except per share data)
  
Net income (numerator)
   $ 67,177     $ 81,127     $ 87,888  
Basic earnings per common share
                        
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding — basic (denominator)
     26,826       27,654       28,628  
Basic earnings per common share
   $ 2.50     $ 2.93     $ 3.07  
Diluted earnings per common share
                        
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding — basic
     26,826       27,654       28,628  
Add exercise of options reduced by the number of shares that could have been purchased with the proceeds of such exercise
     51       45       114  
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding — diluted (denominator)
     26,877       27,699       28,742  
Diluted earnings per common share
   $ 2.50     $ 2.93     $ 3.06  

For the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011, options to purchase 1,575 thousand, 2,049 thousand and 1,553 thousand shares of common stock, respectively, were outstanding but not included in the computation of diluted earnings per common share because the option exercise price exceeded the fair value of the stock such that their inclusion would have had an anti-dilutive effect.

Note 19: Westamerica Bancorporation (Parent Company Only)

Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income

   
For the Years Ended December 31,
  
 For the years ended December 31,
  
2013
    
2012
    
2011
  
   
(In thousands)
  
Dividends from subsidiaries
   $ 88,754     $ 88,755     $ 106,756  
Interest income
     14       8       11  
Other income
     8,684       7,907       7,780  
Total income
     97,452       96,670       114,547  
Interest on borrowings
     707       820       859  
Salaries and benefits
     7,120       7,090       6,620  
Other expense
     2,174       1,734       2,356  
Total expenses
     10,001       9,644       9,835  
Income before taxes and equity in undistributed income of subsidiaries
     87,451       87,026       104,712  
Income tax benefit
     732       1,847       699  
Earnings of subsidiaries less than subsidiary dividends
     (21,006 )     (7,746 )     (17,523 )
Net income
     67,177       81,127       87,888  
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax
     (10,312 )     3,256       11,210  
Comprehensive income
   $ 56,865     $ 84,383     $ 99,098  
                         
 
 
- 89 -
 
Balance Sheets

   
At December 31,
  
   
2013
    
2012
  
Assets
  
(In thousands)
  
Cash
   $ 12,839     $ 13,219  
Money market assets and investment securities available for sale
     1,300       1,461  
Investment in Westamerica Bank
     503,219       534,467  
Investment in non-bank subsidiaries
     457       458  
Premises and equipment, net
     9,932       9,983  
Accounts receivable from Westamerica Bank
     303       613  
Other assets
     32,351       30,897  
Total assets
   $ 560,401     $ 591,098  
Liabilities
                
Debt financing and notes payable
   $ —     $ 15,000  
Accounts payable to Westamerica Bank
     1,583       660  
Other liabilities
     15,884       15,336  
Total liabilities
     17,467       30,996  
Shareholders’ equity
     542,934       560,102  
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
   $ 560,401     $ 591,098  
                 
Statements of Cash Flows

   
For the years ended December 31,
  
   
2013
    
2012
    
2011
  
   
(In thousands)
  
Operating Activities
                  
Net income
   $ 67,177     $ 81,127     $ 87,888  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
                        
Depreciation and amortization
     312       297       126  
Decrease (increase) in accounts receivable from affiliates
     26       105       (18 )
Increase in other assets
     (926 )     (1,960 )     (1,951 )
Stock option compensation expense
     1,397       1,450       1,425  
Tax benefit decrease upon exercise of stock options
     298       119       248  
(Benefit) provision for deferred income tax
     (769 )     (1,306 )     963  
Increase in other liabilities
     2,573       1,182       217  
Earnings of subsidiaries less than subsidiary dividends
     21,006       7,746       17,523  
(Gain on sales) Writedown of property and equipment
     (259 )     1,504       599  
Net cash provided by operating activities
     90,835       90,264       107,020  
Investing Activities
                        
Purchases of premises and equipment
     —       (420 )     (1,154 )
Net decrease in short term investments
     —       —       341  
Net cash used in investing activities     —       (420 )     (813 )
Financing Activities
                        
Net change in short-term debt
     —       —       (1,000 )
Net reductions in notes payable and long-term borrowings
     (15,000 )     —       (10,000 )
Exercise of stock options/issuance of shares
     21,499       7,635       14,374  
Tax benefit decrease upon exercise of stock options
     (298 )     (119 )     (248 )
Retirement of common stock including repurchases
     (57,320 )     (51,499 )     (60,505 )
Dividends
     (40,096 )     (41,005 )     (41,670 )
Net cash used in financing activities     (91,215 )     (84,988 )     (99,049 )
Net change in cash
     (380 )     4,856       7,158  
Cash at beginning of year
     13,219       8,363       1,205  
Cash at end of year   $ 12,839     $ 13,219     $ 8,363  
Supplemental Cash Flow Disclosures:
                        
    Supplemental disclosure of cash flow activity:
                        
    Interest paid for the period
   $ 840     $ 1,105     $ 1,794  
    Income tax payments for the period
     22,562       34,111       28,826  
 
 
- 90 -
 
Note 20: Quarterly Financial Information
(Unaudited)

   
For the Three Months Ended
  
   
March 31,
    
June 30,
    
September 30,
    
December 31,
  
   
(In thousands, except per share data and
price range of common stock)
  
2013
                        
Interest and loan fee income
   $  40,465     $  39,269     $  37,956     $  36,706  
Net interest income
      39,213        38,050        36,780        35,682  
Provision for credit losses
      2,800        1,800        1,800        1,600  
Noninterest income
      14,278        14,284        14,419        14,030  
Noninterest expense
      28,677        28,192        27,758        27,987  
Income before taxes
      22,014        22,342        21,641        20,125  
Net income
      17,271        17,112        16,738        16,056  
Basic earnings per common share
      0.64        0.64        0.63        0.60  
Diluted earnings per common share
      0.64        0.64        0.63        0.60  
Dividends paid per common share
      0.37        0.37        0.37        0.38  
Price range, common stock
     42.59 - 45.80       41.76 - 46.56       45.73 - 50.78       48.29 - 57.59  
2012
                                                
Interest and loan fee income
   $  48,298     $  46,901     $  45,272     $  42,893  
Net interest income
      46,739        45,429        43,890        41,562  
Provision for credit losses
      2,800        2,800        2,800        2,800  
Noninterest income
      14,669        13,533        14,626        14,194  
Noninterest expense
      30,034        29,349        29,269        28,233  
Income before taxes
      28,574        26,813        26,447        24,723  
Net income
      21,005        20,964        20,022        19,136  
Basic earnings per share
      0.75        0.76        0.73        0.70  
Diluted earnings per share
      0.75        0.75        0.73        0.70  
Dividends paid per share
      0.37        0.37        0.37        0.37  
Price range, common stock
     43.90 - 49.53       43.01 - 48.62       44.08 - 49.39       40.50 - 47.72  
2011
                                                
Interest and loan fee income
   $  52,494     $  53,088     $  51,976     $  50,421  
Net interest income
      50,191        50,935        49,905        48,566  
Provision for credit losses
      2,800        2,800        2,800        2,800  
Noninterest income
      14,743        15,292        15,205        14,857  
Noninterest expense
      31,323        34,309        31,383        30,663  
Income before taxes
      30,811        29,118        30,927        29,960  
Net income
      22,382        21,269        22,432        21,805  
Basic earnings per share
      0.77        0.74        0.79        0.77  
Diluted earnings per share
      0.77        0.74        0.79        0.77  
Dividends paid per share
      0.36        0.36        0.36        0.37  
Price range, common stock
     49.25 - 56.96       46.91 - 52.53       36.32 - 50.52       36.34 - 46.73  
 
 
- 91 -
 

The Board of Directors and Shareholders
Westamerica Bancorporation:

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Westamerica Bancorporation and subsidiaries (the Company) as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, and the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, changes in shareholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2013. These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits.

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

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2013, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), Westamerica Bancorporation’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2013, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework (1992) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO), and our report dated February 27, 2014 expressed an unqualified opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

 
/s/ KPMG LLP  
KPMG LLP  
 
San Francisco, California
February 27, 2014
 
 
 
 
- 92 -
 

None.


The Company’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer have evaluated the effectiveness of the Company’s “disclosure controls and procedures,” as such term is defined in Rule 13a-15(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, as of December 31, 2013.

Based upon their evaluation, the principal executive officer and principal financial officer concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective to ensure that material information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported as and when required and that such information is communicated to the Company’s management, including the principal executive officer and the principal financial officer, to allow for timely decisions regarding required disclosures. The evaluation did not identify any change in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the quarter ended December 31, 2013 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting and the attestation Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm are found on pages 50- 51, immediately preceding the financial statements.


None.
 
 

 
 
- 93 -
 


The information regarding Directors of the Registrant and compliance with Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 required by this Item 10 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K is incorporated by reference from the information contained under the captions “Board of Directors and Committees”, “Proposal 1 — Election of Directors” and “Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance” in the Company’s Proxy Statement for its 2014 Annual Meeting of Shareholders which will be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

Executive Officers

The executive officers of the Company and Westamerica Bank serve at the pleasure of the Board of Directors and are subject to annual appointment by the Board at its first meeting following the Annual Meeting of Shareholders. It is anticipated that each of the executive officers listed below will be reappointed to serve in such capacities at that meeting.

 
Name of Executive 
  
 
Position                                                          
  
Held
Since
David L. Payne
  
Mr. Payne, born in 1955, is the Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company. Mr. Payne is President and Chief Executive Officer of Gibson Printing and Publishing Company and Gibson Radio and Publishing Company which are newspaper, commercial printing and real estate investment companies headquartered in Vallejo, California.
  
1984
John “Robert” Thorson
  
Mr. Thorson, born in 1960, is Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer for the Company. Mr. Thorson joined Westamerica Bancorporation in 1989, was Vice President and Manager of Human Resources from 1995 until 2001 and was Senior Vice President and Treasurer from 2002 until 2005.
  
2005
Jennifer J. Finger
  
Ms. Finger, born in 1954, is Senior Vice President and Treasurer for the Corporation. Ms. Finger joined Westamerica Bancorporation in 1997, was Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer until 2005.
  
2005
Dennis R. Hansen
  
Mr. Hansen, born in 1950, is Senior Vice President and Manager of the Operations and Systems Administration of Community Banker Services Corporation. Mr. Hansen joined Westamerica Bancorporation in 1978 and was Senior Vice President and Controller for the Company until 2005.
  
2005
David L. Robinson
  
Mr. Robinson, born in 1959, is Senior Vice President and Banking Division Manager of Westamerica Bank. Mr. Robinson joined Westamerica Bancorporation in 1993 and has held several banking positions, most recently, Senior Vice President and Southern Banking Division Manager until 2007.
  
2007
Russell W. Rizzardi
  
Mr. Rizzardi, born in 1955, is Senior Vice President and Chief Credit Administrator of Westamerica Bank. Mr. Rizzardi joined Westamerica Bank in 2007. He has been in the banking industry since 1979 and was previously with Wells Fargo Bank and U.S. Bank.
  
2008

The Company has adopted a Code of Ethics (as defined in Item 406 of Regulation S-K of the Securities Act of 1933) that is applicable to its senior financial officers including its chief executive officer, chief financial officer, and principal accounting officer.


The information required by this Item 11 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K is incorporated by reference from the information contained under the captions “Executive Compensation” in the Company’s Proxy Statement for its 2014 Annual Meeting of Shareholders which will be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

 
- 94 -
 

The information required by this Item 12 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K is incorporated by reference from the information contained under the caption “Stock Ownership” in the Company’s Proxy Statement for its 2014 Annual Meeting of Shareholders which will be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

Securities Authorized For Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans

The following table summarizes the status of the Company’s equity compensation plans as of December 31, 2013 (in thousands, except exercise price):

Plan category
  
Number of securities
to be issued upon
exercise of outstanding
options, warrants
and rights
  
Weighted-average
exercise price of
outstanding options,
warrants and rights
  
Number of securities
remaining available for
future issuance under
equity compensation
plans (excluding
securities reflected
in column (a))
   
(a)
  
(b)
  
(c)
Equity compensation plans approved by security holders
     2,078     $ 50       1,312  
Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders
     —       N/A       —  
Total
     2,078     $ 50       1,312  
                         

The information required by this Item 13 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K is incorporated by reference from the information contained under the caption “Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions” in the Company’s Proxy Statement for its 2014 Annual Meeting of Shareholders which will be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.


The information required by this Item 14 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K is incorporated by reference from the information contained under the caption “Proposal 3 – Ratify Selection of Independent Auditor” in the Company’s Proxy Statement for its 2014 Annual Meeting of Shareholders which will be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.




(a)
1.
Financial Statements:
 
See Index to Financial Statements on page 49. The financial statements included in Item 8 are filed as part of this report.
     
(a)
2.
Financial statement schedules required. No financial statement schedules are filed as part of this report since the required information is included in the consolidated financial statements, including the notes thereto, or the circumstances requiring inclusion of such schedules are not present.
     
(a)
3.
Exhibits:
 
The exhibit list required by this item is incorporated by reference to the Exhibit Index filed with this report.


 
- 95 -
 

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

WESTAMERICA BANCORPORATION
 
/s/ John “Robert” Thorson  
John “Robert” Thorson
Senior Vice President
and Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)
 
Date: February 27, 2014

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities and on the date indicated.

Signature 
  
 Title                                                                                
  
 Date                        
         
/s/ David L. Payne 
  
Chairman of the Board and Directors
  
February 27, 2014
David L. Payne
  
President and Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)
    
         
/s/ John “Robert” Thorson 
  
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
  
February 27, 2014
John “Robert” Thorson
   (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)    
         
/s/ Etta Allen 
  
Director
  
February 27, 2014
Etta Allen
        
         
/s/ Louis E. Bartolini 
  
Director
  
February 27, 2014
Louis E. Bartolini
        
         
/s/ E. Joseph Bowler 
  
Director
  
February 27, 2014
E. Joseph Bowler
        
         
/s/ Arthur C. Latno, Jr. 
  
Director
  
February 27, 2014
Arthur C. Latno, Jr.
        
         
/s/ Patrick D. Lynch 
  
Director
  
February 27, 2014
Patrick D. Lynch
        
         
/s/ Catherine C. MacMillan 
  
Director
  
February 27, 2014
Catherine C. MacMillan
        
         
/s/ Ronald A. Nelson 
  
Director
  
February 27, 2014
Ronald A. Nelson
        
         
/s/ Edward B. Sylvester 
  
Director
  
February 27, 2014
Edward B. Sylvester
        
 
 
- 96 -
 

Exhibit
Number
 
3(a)
Restated Articles of Incorporation (composite copy), incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3(a) to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1997, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 30, 1998.
3(b)
By-laws, as amended (composite copy), incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3(b) to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2009, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 26, 2010.
3(c)
Certificate of Determination of Fixed Rate Cumulative Perpetual preferred Stock, Series A of Westamerica Bancorporation dated February 10, 2009, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 to the Registrant’s Form 8-K, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 13, 2009.
4(c)
Warrant to Purchase Common Stock pursuant to the Letter Agreement between the Company and the United States Department of the Treasury dated February 13, 2009 incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Registrant’s Form 8-K, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 19, 2009.
10(a)*
Amended and Restated Stock Option Plan of 1995, incorporated by reference to Exhibit A to the Registrant’s definitive Proxy Statement pursuant to Regulation 14(a) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 17, 2003.
10(d)*
Westamerica Bancorporation Chief Executive Officer Deferred Compensation Agreement by and between Westamerica Bancorporation and David L. Payne, dated December 18, 1998 incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(e) to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1999, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 29, 2000.
10(e)*
Description of Executive Cash Bonus Program incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(e) to Exhibit 2.1 of Registrant’s Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 11, 2005.
10(f)*
Non-Qualified Annuity Performance Agreement with David L. Payne dated November 19, 1997 incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(f) to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2004, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 15, 2005.
10(g)*
Amended and Restated Westamerica Bancorporation Stock Option Plan of 1995 Nonstatutory Stock Option Agreement Form incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(g) to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2004, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 15, 2005.
10(h)*
Amended and Restated Westamerica Bancorporation Stock Option Plan of 1995 Restricted Performance Share Grant Agreement Form incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(h) to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2004, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 15, 2005.
10(i)*
Amended Westamerica Bancorporation and Subsidiaries Deferred Compensation Plan (As restated effective January 1, 2005) dated December 31, 2008 incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(i) to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 27, 2009.
10(j)*
Amended and Restated Westamerica Bancorporation Deferral Plan (Adopted October 26, 1995) dated December 31, 2008 incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(j) to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 27, 2009.
10(k)*
Form of Restricted Performance Share Deferral Election pursuant to the Westamerica Bancorporation Deferral Plan incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(i) to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2005, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 10, 2006.
10(l)
Purchase and Assumption Agreement by and between Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation and Westamerica Bank dated February 6, 2009, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.2 to the Registrant’s Form 8-K, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 11, 2009.
10(m)
Letter Agreement between the Company and the United States Department of the Treasury dated February 13, 2009 incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Form 8-K, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 19, 2009.
10(r)
Data Processing Agreement by and between Fidelity Information Services and Westamerica Bancorporation incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(r) to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 27, 2012.
10(s)*
Amended and Restated Stock Option Plan of 1995, incorporated by reference to Exhibit A to the Registrant’s definitive Proxy Statement pursuant to Regulation 14(a) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 13, 2012.
11.1
Statement re computation of per share earnings incorporated by reference to Note 18 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements of this report.
14
Code of Ethics incorporated by reference to Exhibit 14 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2003, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 10, 2004.
21
Subsidiaries of the registrant.
23(a)
Consent of KPMG LLP
31.1
Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Securities Exchange Act Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a)
31.2
Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Securities Exchange Act Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a)
32.1
Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
 
 
 
 
32.2
Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
101**
Pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T, the following financial information from the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the period ended December 31, 2013, is formatted in XBRL interactive data files: (i) Consolidated Statements of Income for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2013; (ii) Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 2013, and December 31, 2012; (iii) Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2013, (iv) Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2013; (v) Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2013 and (vi) Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
____________
*
Indicates management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.
**
As provided in Rule 406T of Regulation S-T, this information is furnished and not filed for purposes of Sections 11 and 12 of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

The Company will furnish to shareholders a copy of any exhibit listed above, but not contained herein, upon written request to the Office of the Corporate Secretary A-2M, Westamerica Bancorporation, P.O. Box 1200, Suisun City, California 94585-1200, and payment to the Company of $.25 per page.