UBFO-2015.03.31-Q1
Table of Contents

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
 
FORM 10-Q

x
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED MARCH 31, 2015

o
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE  ACT OF 1934 FOR THE TRANSITION PERIOD FROM             TO             .

Commission file number: 000-32897

UNITED SECURITY BANCSHARES
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
 
CALIFORNIA
 
91-2112732
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
 
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
 
 
 
2126 Inyo Street, Fresno, California
 
93721
(Address of principal executive offices)
 
(Zip Code)

Registrants telephone number, including area code    (559) 248-4943

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes o  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 for the past 90 days. Yes x No

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§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 o           

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act).
 Large accelerated filer o
Accelerated filer o
Non-accelerated filer o
Small reporting company x
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). Yes o  No  x

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.

Common Stock, no par value
(Title of Class)

Shares outstanding as of April 30, 2015: 15,579,335

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Facing Page

Table of Contents


PART I. Financial Information
 
 
 
 
 
 
Item 1.Financial Statements
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Item 1.
 
Item 1A.
 
Item 2.
 
Item 3.
 
Item 4.
 
Item 5.
 
Item 6.
 
 
 
 

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Table of Contents

PART I. Financial Information


United Security Bancshares and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Balance Sheets – (unaudited)
March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014
(in thousands except shares)
March 31, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
Assets
 
 
 
Cash and non-interest bearing deposits in other banks
$
18,812

 
$
21,348

Cash and due from Federal Reserve Bank
66,666

 
82,229

Cash and cash equivalents
85,478

 
103,577

Interest-bearing deposits in other banks
1,523

 
1,522

Investment securities available for sale (at fair value)
46,898

 
48,301

Loans
492,245

 
457,919

Unearned fees and unamortized loan origination costs, net
315

 
(324
)
Allowance for credit losses
(11,290
)
 
(10,771
)
Net loans
481,270

 
446,824

Accrued interest receivable
1,984

 
1,927

Premises and equipment – net
11,331

 
11,550

Other real estate owned
14,010

 
14,010

Goodwill
4,488

 
4,488

Cash surrender value of life insurance
17,845

 
17,717

Investment in limited partnerships
959

 
871

Deferred income taxes - net
6,849

 
6,853

Other assets
5,789

 
5,529

Total assets
$
678,424

 
$
663,169

 
 
 
 
Liabilities & Shareholders' Equity
 

 
 

Liabilities
 

 
 

Deposits
 

 
 

Noninterest bearing
$
227,537

 
$
215,439

Interest bearing
350,730

 
349,934

Total deposits
578,267

 
565,373

 
 
 
 
Accrued interest payable
42

 
40

Accounts payable and other liabilities
5,733

 
4,815

Junior subordinated debentures (at fair value)
10,238

 
10,115

Total liabilities
594,280

 
580,343

 
 
 
 
Shareholders' Equity
 

 
 

Common stock, no par value 20,000,000 shares authorized, 15,579,335 issued and outstanding at March 31, 2015, and 15,425,086 at December 31, 2014
50,106

 
49,271

Retained earnings
34,130

 
33,730

Accumulated other comprehensive loss
(92
)
 
(175
)
Total shareholders' equity
84,144

 
82,826

Total liabilities and shareholders' equity
$
678,424

 
$
663,169


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United Security Bancshares and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Income
(Unaudited)
 
 
Three months ended March 31,
(In thousands except shares and EPS)
2015
 
2014
Interest Income:
 
 
 
Loans, including fees
$
6,279

 
$
5,475

Investment securities – AFS – taxable
214

 
228

Interest on deposits in FRB
46

 
83

Interest on deposits in other banks
2

 
2

Total interest income
6,541

 
5,788

Interest Expense:
 

 
 

Interest on deposits
259

 
262

Interest on other borrowings
58

 
61

Total interest expense
317


323

Net Interest Income Before Provision (Recovery) for Credit Losses
6,224

 
5,465

Provision (Recovery) for Credit Losses
459

 
(47
)
Net Interest Income
5,765

 
5,512

Noninterest Income:
 

 
 

Customer service fees
833

 
794

Increase in cash surrender value of bank-owned life insurance
128

 
127

Loss on fair value of financial liability
(125
)
 
(345
)
Other
85

 
141

Total noninterest income
921

 
717

Noninterest Expense:
 
 
 
Salaries and employee benefits
2,431

 
2,526

Occupancy expense
940

 
873

Data processing
31

 
41

Professional fees
348

 
180

Regulatory assessments
246

 
233

Director fees
56

 
56

Amortization of intangibles

 
47

Correspondent bank service charges
19

 
29

Loss on California tax credit partnership
30

 
23

Net cost on operation of OREO
68

 
281

Other
539

 
506

Total noninterest expense
4,708

 
4,795

Income Before Provision for Taxes
1,978

 
1,434

Provision for Taxes on Income
750

 
526

Net Income
$
1,228

 
$
908


 
 
 
Net Income per common share
 
 
 
Basic
$
0.08

 
$
0.06

Diluted
$
0.08

 
$
0.06

Shares on which net income per common shares were based
 
 
 
Basic
15,579,335

 
15,554,688

Diluted
15,581,162

 
15,559,409


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United Security Bancshares and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
(Unaudited)

(In thousands)
Three months ended March 31, 2015
 
Three months ended March 31, 2014
Net Income
$
1,228

 
$
908

 
 
 
 
Unrealized holdings gains (losses) on securities
120

 
(49
)
Unrealized gains on unrecognized post-retirement costs
19

 
16

Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax
139

 
(33
)
Tax (expense) benefit related to securities
(48
)
 
19

Tax expense related to unrecognized post-retirement costs
(8
)
 
(6
)
Total other comprehensive income (loss)
83

 
(20
)
Comprehensive income
$
1,311

 
$
888



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United Security Bancshares and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders' Equity
(unaudited)
 
Common stock
 
 
 
 
 
 
(In thousands except shares)
Number of Shares
 
Amount
 
Retained Earnings
 
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
 
 Total
 
 
 
 
Balance December 31, 2013
14,799,888

 
$
45,778

 
$
30,884

 
$
(119
)
 
$
76,543

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  Other comprehensive loss
 

 
 

 
 

 
(20
)
 
(20
)
Common stock dividends
147,946

 
853

 
(853
)
 
 

 

Stock-based compensation expense
 

 
9

 
 

 
 

 
9

Net income
 

 
 

 
908

 
 

 
908

Balance March 31, 2014
14,947,834

 
$
46,640

 
$
30,939

 
$
(139
)
 
$
77,440

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other comprehensive loss
 

 
 

 
 

 
(36
)
 
(36
)
Common stock dividends
453,330

 
2,517

 
(2,517
)
 
 

 

Common stock issuance
23,922

 
95

 
 

 
 

 
95

Stock-based compensation expense
 

 
19

 
 

 
 

 
19

Net income
 

 
 

 
5,308

 
 

 
5,308

Balance December 31, 2014
15,425,086

 
$
49,271

 
$
33,730

 
$
(175
)
 
$
82,826

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  Other comprehensive income
 

 
 

 
 

 
83

 
83

Common stock dividends
154,249

 
828

 
(828
)
 
 

 

Stock-based compensation expense
 

 
7

 
 

 
 

 
7

Net income
 

 
 

 
1,228

 
 

 
1,228

Balance March 31, 2015
15,579,335

 
$
50,106

 
$
34,130

 
$
(92
)
 
$
84,144



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United Security Bancshares and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (unaudited)
 
Three months ended March 31,
(In thousands)
2015
 
2014
Cash Flows From Operating Activities:
 
 
 
Net Income
$
1,228

 
$
908

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

 
 

Provision (recovery of provision) for credit losses
459

 
(47
)
Depreciation and amortization
355

 
329

Amortization of investment securities
65

 
47

Accretion of investment securities
(6
)
 
(9
)
(Increase) decrease in accrued interest receivable
(57
)
 
53

Decrease in accrued interest payable
2

 
2

Decrease in accounts payable and accrued liabilities
(1
)
 
(35
)
(Decrease) increase in unearned fees
(639
)
 
218

Increase in income taxes payable
801

 
666

Stock-based compensation expense
7

 
9

Benefit for deferred income taxes
(51
)
 
(142
)
Increase in cash surrender value of bank-owned life insurance
(128
)
 
(127
)
Loss on fair value option of financial liabilities
125

 
345

Loss on tax credit limited partnership interest
30

 
23

Amortization of CDI

 
47

Net decrease in other assets
(126
)
 
(186
)
Net cash provided by operating activities
2,064

 
2,101

 
 
 
 
Cash Flows From Investing Activities:
 

 
 

Net increase in interest-bearing deposits with banks
(1
)
 
(1
)
Purchases of available-for-sale securities

 
(10,192
)
Principal payments of available-for-sale securities
1,464

 
980

Net increase in loans
(34,266
)
 
(17,001
)
Investment in limited partnership
(119
)
 
(70
)
Capital expenditures of premises and equipment
(136
)
 
(215
)
Net cash used in investing activities
(33,058
)
 
(26,499
)
 
 
 
 
Cash Flows From Financing Activities:
 

 
 

Net increase in demand deposits and savings accounts
13,414

 
23,923

Net (decrease) increase in certificates of deposit
(519
)
 
1,870

Net cash provided by financing activities
12,895

 
25,793

 
 
 
 
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents
(18,099
)
 
1,395

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
103,577

 
135,212

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
$
85,478

 
$
136,607

 

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United Security Bancshares and Subsidiaries - Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - (Unaudited)
 
1.
Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting and Reporting Policies
 
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of United Security Bancshares, and its wholly owned subsidiary United Security Bank (the “Bank”) and two bank subsidiaries, USB Investment Trust (the “REIT”) and United Security Emerging Capital Fund, (collectively the “Company” or “USB”). Intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

These unaudited financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles for interim financial information on a basis consistent with the accounting policies reflected in the audited financial statements of the Company included in its 2014 Annual Report on Form 10-K. These interim financial statements do not include all of the information and footnotes required by generally accepted accounting principles for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of a normal, recurring nature) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. Operating results for the interim periods presented are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for any other interim period or for the year as a whole.

Recently Issued Accounting Standards:

In January 2014, FASB issued ASU 2014-04, Receivables - Troubled Debt Restructurings by Creditors.  The amendments in this ASU clarify that an in substance repossession or foreclosure occurs, and a creditor is considered to have received physical possession of residential real estate property collateralizing a consumer mortgage loan, upon either (1) the creditor obtaining legal title to the residential real estate property upon completion of a foreclosure or (2) the borrower conveying all interest in the residential real estate property to the creditor to satisfy that loan through completion of a deed in lieu of foreclosure or through a similar legal agreement.  Additionally, the amendments require interim and annual disclosure of both (1) the amount of foreclosed residential real estate property held by the creditor and (2) the recorded investment in consumer mortgage loans collateralized by residential real estate property that are in the process of foreclosure according to local requirements of the applicable jurisdiction.  The amendments in this ASU are effective for public business entities for annual periods, and interim periods within those annual periods, beginning after December 15, 2014.  An entity can elect to adopt the amendments in this ASU using either a modified retrospective transition method or a prospective transition method.  Early adoption is permitted.  The adoption of this update did not have a significant impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

In January 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2014-01 Accounting for Investments in Qualified Affordable Housing Projects. This ASU provides "guidance on accounting for investments by a reporting entity in flow-through limited liability entities that manage or invest in affordable housing projects that qualify for the low-income housing tax credit." It allows the proportional amortization method to be used by a reporting entity if certain conditions are met. The ASU also defines when a qualified affordable housing project through a limited liability entity should be tested for impairment. If a qualified affordable housing project does not meet the conditions for using the proportional amortization method, the investment should be accounted for using an equity method investment or a cost method investment. The ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2014, and interim periods therein. The Company will continue to account for our low-income housing tax credit investments using the equity method subsequent to the adoption of ASU 2014-01 and does not expect any impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

2.
Investment Securities

Following is a comparison of the amortized cost and fair value of securities available-for-sale, as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014:
(in 000's)
 Amortized Cost
 
Gross Unrealized Gains
 
Gross Unrealized Losses
 
Fair Value (Carrying Amount)
March 31, 2015
 
 
 
Securities available for sale:
 
 
 
U.S. Government agencies
$
11,559

 
$
403

 
$

 
$
11,962

U.S. Government collateralized mortgage obligations
30,674

 
404

 

 
31,078

Mutual Funds
4,000

 

 
(142
)
 
3,858

Total securities available for sale
$
46,233

 
$
807

 
$
(142
)
 
$
46,898


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(in 000's)
 Amortized Cost
 
Gross Unrealized Gains
 
Gross Unrealized Losses
 
Fair Value (Carrying Amount)
December 31, 2014
 
 
 
Securities available for sale:
 
 
 
U.S. Government agencies
$
12,097

 
$
399

 
$

 
$
12,496

U.S. Government collateralized mortgage obligations
31,659

 
336

 
(13
)
 
31,982

Mutual Funds
4,000

 

 
(177
)
 
3,823

Total securities available for sale
$
47,756

 
$
735

 
$
(190
)
 
$
48,301

 
The amortized cost and fair value of securities available for sale at March 31, 2015, by contractual maturity, are shown below. Actual maturities may differ from contractual maturities because issuers have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties. Contractual maturities on collateralized mortgage obligations cannot be anticipated due to allowed paydowns. Mutual funds are included in the "due in one year or less" category below.
 
March 31, 2015
 
Amortized Cost
 
Fair Value (Carrying Amount)
(in 000's)
 
Due in one year or less
$
4,000

 
$
3,858

Due after one year through five years
25

 
25

Due after five years through ten years

 

Due after ten years
11,534

 
11,937

Collateralized mortgage obligations
30,674

 
31,078

 
$
46,233

 
$
46,898


There were no realized gains or losses on sales of available-for-sale securities for the three month periods ended March 31, 2015 and March 31, 2014. There were no other-than-temporary impairment losses for the three month periods ended March 31, 2015 and March 31, 2014.

At March 31, 2015, available-for-sale securities with an amortized cost of approximately $20,055,098 (fair value of $20,667,748) were pledged as collateral for FHLB borrowings and public funds balances.

The Company had no held-to-maturity or trading securities at March 31, 2015 or December 31, 2014.

Management periodically evaluates each available-for-sale investment security in an unrealized loss position to determine if the impairment is temporary or other-than-temporary.

The following summarizes temporarily impaired investment securities:


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(in 000's)
Less than 12 Months
 
12 Months or More
 
Total
March 31, 2015
Fair Value (Carrying Amount)
 
 Unrealized Losses
 
Fair Value (Carrying Amount)
 
 Unrealized Losses
 
Fair Value (Carrying Amount)
 
 Unrealized Losses
Securities available for sale:
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. Government agencies
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

U.S. Government agency collateral mortgage obligations

 

 

 

 

 

Mutual Funds

 

 
3,858

 
(142
)
 
3,858

 
(142
)
Total impaired securities
$

 
$

 
$
3,858

 
$
(142
)
 
$
3,858

 
$
(142
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
December 31, 2014
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Securities available for sale:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

U.S. Government agencies
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

U.S. Government agency collateral mortgage obligations
6,478

 
(13
)
 

 

 
6,478

 
(13
)
Mutual Funds

 

 
3,823

 
(177
)
 
3,823

 
(177
)
Total impaired securities
$
6,478

 
$
(13
)
 
$
3,823

 
$
(177
)
 
$
10,301

 
$
(190
)
 
Temporarily impaired securities at March 31, 2015, were comprised of one mutual fund.

The Company evaluates investment securities for other-than-temporary impairment (OTTI) at least quarterly, and more frequently when economic or market conditions warrant such an evaluation. The investment securities portfolio is evaluated for OTTI by segregating the portfolio into two general segments and applying the appropriate OTTI model. Investment securities classified as available for sale or held-to-maturity are generally evaluated for OTTI under ASC Topic 320, Investments – Debt and Equity Instruments. Certain purchased beneficial interests, including non-agency mortgage-backed securities, asset-backed securities, and collateralized debt obligations, are evaluated under ASC Topic 325-40, Beneficial Interest in Securitized Financial Assets.

In the first segment, the Company considers many factors in determining OTTI, including: (1) the length of time and the extent to which the fair value has been less than cost, (2) the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer, (3) whether the market decline was affected by macroeconomic conditions, and (4) whether the Company has the intent to sell the debt security or more likely than not will be required to sell the debt security before its anticipated recovery. The assessment of whether an other-than-temporary decline exists involves a high degree of subjectivity and judgment and is based on the information available to the Company at the time of the evaluation.
 
The second segment of the portfolio uses the OTTI guidance that is specific to purchased beneficial interests including private label mortgage-backed securities. Under this model, the Company compares the present value of the remaining cash flows as estimated at the preceding evaluation date to the current expected remaining cash flows. An OTTI is deemed to have occurred if there has been an adverse change in the remaining expected future cash flows.
 
Other-than-temporary-impairment occurs when the Company intends to sell the security or more likely than not will be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost basis less any current-period credit loss. If an entity intends to sell or more likely than not will be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost basis less any current-period credit loss, the other-than-temporary-impairment shall be recognized in earnings equal to the entire difference between the investment’s amortized cost basis and its fair value at the balance sheet date. If an entity does not intend to sell the security and it is not more likely than not that the entity will be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost basis less any current-period loss, the other-than-temporary-impairment shall be separated into the amount representing the credit loss and the amount related to all other factors. The amount of the total other-than-temporary-impairment related to the credit loss is recognized in earnings, and is determined based on the difference between the present value of cash flows expected to be collected and the current amortized cost of the security. The amount of the total other-than-temporary-impairment related to

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other factors shall be recognized in other comprehensive (loss) income, net of applicable taxes. The previous amortized cost basis less the other-than-temporary-impairment recognized in earnings shall become the new amortized cost basis of the investment.

At March 31, 2015, the decline in market value of the impaired mutual fund is attributable to changes in interest rates, and not credit quality. Because the Company does not have the intent to sell this impaired security and it is not more likely than not that it will be required to sell the security before its anticipated recovery, the Company does not consider this security to be other-than-temporarily impaired at March 31, 2015.

3.
Loans

Loans are comprised of the following:
(in 000's)
March 31, 2015

 
December 31, 2014

Commercial and business loans
$
59,834

 
$
60,422

Government program loans
1,881

 
1,947

Total commercial and industrial
61,715

 
62,369

Real estate – mortgage:
 

 
 

Commercial real estate
158,426

 
154,672

Residential mortgages
77,067

 
59,095

Home Improvement and Home Equity loans
1,086

 
1,110

Total real estate mortgage
236,579

 
214,877

RE construction and development
147,292

 
137,158

Agricultural
34,747

 
31,713

Installment
11,912

 
11,802

Total Loans
$
492,245

 
$
457,919

 
The Company's loans are predominantly in the San Joaquin Valley and the greater Oakhurst/East Madera County area, as well as the Campbell area of Santa Clara County. Although the Company does participate in loans with other financial institutions, they are primarily in the state of California.

Commercial and industrial loans represent 12.5% of total loans at March 31, 2015 and are generally made to support the ongoing operations of small-to-medium sized commercial businesses. Commercial and industrial loans have a high degree of industry diversification and provide working capital, financing for the purchase of manufacturing plants and equipment, or funding for growth and general expansion of businesses. A substantial portion of commercial and industrial loans are secured by accounts receivable, inventory, leases, or other collateral including real estate. The remainder are unsecured; however, extensions of credit are predicated upon the financial capacity of the borrower. Repayment of commercial loans is generally from the cash flow of the borrower.

Real estate mortgage loans, representing 48.1% of total loans at March 31, 2015, are secured by trust deeds on primarily commercial property, but are also secured by trust deeds on single family residences. Repayment of real estate mortgage loans generally comes from the cash flow of the borrower.

Commercial real estate mortgage loans comprise the largest segment of this loan category and are available on all types of income producing and commercial properties, including: office buildings, shopping centers; apartments and motels; owner occupied buildings; manufacturing facilities and more. Commercial real estate mortgage loans can also be used to refinance existing debt. Although real estate associated with the business is the primary collateral for commercial real estate mortgage loans, the underlying real estate is not the source of repayment. Commercial real estate loans are made under the premise that the loan will be repaid from the borrower's business operations, rental income associated with the real property, or personal assets.

Residential mortgage loans are provided to individuals to finance or refinance single-family residences. Residential mortgages are not a primary business line offered by the Company, and a majority are conventional mortgages that were purchased as a pool. Most residential mortgages originated by the Company are of a shorter term than conventional mortgages, with maturities ranging from 3 to 15 years on average.


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Home Equity loans comprise a relatively small portion of total real estate mortgage loans, and are offered to borrowers for the purpose of home improvements, although the proceeds may be used for other purposes. Home equity loans are generally secured by junior trust deeds, but may be secured by 1st trust deeds.

Real estate construction and development loans, representing 29.9% of total loans at March 31, 2015, consist of loans for residential and commercial construction projects, as well as land acquisition and development, or land held for future development. Loans in this category are secured by real estate including improved and unimproved land, as well as single-family residential, multi-family residential, and commercial properties in various stages of completion. All real estate loans have established equity requirements. Repayment on construction loans generally comes from long-term mortgages with other lending institutions obtained at completion of the project.

Agricultural loans represent 7.1% of total loans at March 31, 2015 and are generally secured by land, equipment, inventory and receivables. Repayment is from the cash flow of the borrower.

Installment loans represent 2.4% of total loans at March 31, 2015 and generally consist of loans to individuals for household, family and other personal expenditures such as credit cards, automobiles or other consumer items.

In the normal course of business, the Company is party to financial instruments with off-balance sheet risk to meet the financing needs of its customers. At March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, these financial instruments include commitments to extend credit of $100,927,000 and $105,434,000, respectively, and standby letters of credit of $3,785,000 and $3,800,000, respectively. These instruments involve elements of credit risk in excess of the amount recognized on the balance sheet. The contract amounts of these instruments reflect the extent of the involvement the Company has in off-balance sheet financial instruments.

The Company’s exposure to credit loss in the event of nonperformance by the counterparty to the financial instrument for commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit is represented by the contractual amounts of those instruments. The Company uses the same credit policies as it does for on-balance sheet instruments.

Commitments to extend credit are agreements to lend to a customer, as long as there is no violation of any condition established in the contract. A majority of these commitments are at floating interest rates based on the Prime rate. Commitments generally have fixed expiration dates. The Company evaluates each customer's creditworthiness on a case-by-case basis. The amount of collateral obtained, if deemed necessary, is based on management's credit evaluation. Collateral held varies but includes accounts receivable, inventory, leases, property, plant and equipment, residential real estate and income-producing properties.

Standby letters of credit are generally unsecured and are issued by the Company to guarantee the performance of a customer to a third party. The credit risk involved in issuing letters of credit is essentially the same as that involved in extending loans to customers.


12

Table of Contents

Past Due Loans

The Company monitors delinquency and potential problem loans on an ongoing basis through weekly reports to the Loan Committee and monthly reports to the Board of Directors. The following is a summary of delinquent loans at March 31, 2015 (in 000's):
March 31, 2015
Loans
30-60 Days Past Due
 
Loans
61-89 Days Past Due
 
Loans
90 or More
Days Past Due
 
Total Past Due Loans
 
Current Loans
 
Total Loans
 
Accruing
Loans 90 or
More Days Past Due
Commercial and Business Loans
$

 
$

 
$
962

 
$
962

 
$
58,872

 
$
59,834

 
$

Government Program Loans

 

 

 

 
1,881

 
1,881

 

Total Commercial and Industrial

 

 
962

 
962

 
60,753

 
61,715

 

Commercial Real Estate Loans

 

 

 

 
158,426

 
158,426

 

Residential Mortgages

 
87

 

 
87

 
76,980

 
77,067

 

Home Improvement and Home Equity Loans
70

 

 
58

 
128

 
958

 
1,086


16

Total Real Estate Mortgage
70

 
87

 
58

 
215

 
236,364

 
236,579

 
16

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
RE Construction and Development Loans

 

 

 

 
147,292

 
147,292

 

Agricultural Loans
123

 

 

 
123

 
34,624

 
34,747

 

Consumer Loans
805

 

 

 
805

 
10,814

 
11,619

 

Overdraft protection Lines

 

 

 

 
88

 
88

 

Overdrafts

 

 

 

 
205

 
205

 

Total Installment
805

 

 

 
805

 
11,107

 
11,912

 

Total Loans
$
998

 
$
87

 
$
1,020

 
$
2,105

 
$
490,140

 
$
492,245

 
$
16


The following is a summary of delinquent loans at December 31, 2014 (in 000's):
December 31, 2014
Loans
30-60 Days Past Due
 
Loans
61-89 Days Past Due
 
Loans
90 or More
Days Past Due
 
Total Past Due Loans
 
Current Loans
 
Total Loans
 
Accruing
Loans 90 or
More Days Past Due
Commercial and Business Loans
$
962

 
$

 
$

 
$
962

 
$
59,460

 
$
60,422

 
$

Government Program Loans
445

 

 

 
445

 
1,502

 
1,947

 

Total Commercial and Industrial
1,407

 

 

 
1,407

 
60,962

 
62,369

 

Commercial Real Estate Loans
463

 

 

 
463

 
154,209

 
154,672

 

Residential Mortgages

 
90

 
162

 
252

 
58,843

 
59,095

 

Home Improvement and Home Equity Loans
43

 

 
42

 
85

 
1,025

 
1,110

 

Total Real Estate Mortgage
506

 
90

 
204

 
800

 
214,077

 
214,877

 

RE Construction and Development Loans

 

 

 

 
137,158

 
137,158

 

Agricultural Loans

 

 

 

 
31,713

 
31,713

 

Consumer Loans
67

 

 

 
67

 
11,428

 
11,495

 

Overdraft protection Lines

 

 

 

 
92

 
92

 

Overdrafts

 

 

 

 
215

 
215

 

Total Installment
67

 

 

 
67

 
11,735

 
11,802

 

Total Loans
$
1,980

 
$
90

 
$
204

 
$
2,274

 
$
455,645

 
$
457,919

 
$


Nonaccrual Loans

Commercial, construction and commercial real estate loans are placed on non-accrual status under the following circumstances:

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- When there is doubt regarding the full repayment of interest and principal.

- When principal and/or interest on the loan has been in default for a period of 90-days or more, unless the asset is both well secured and in the process of collection that will result in repayment in the near future.

- When the loan is identified as having loss elements and/or is risk rated "8" Doubtful.

Other circumstances which jeopardize the ultimate collectability of the loan including certain troubled debt restructurings, identified loan impairment, and certain loans to facilitate the sale of OREO.
 
Loans meeting any of the preceding criteria are placed on non-accrual status and the accrual of interest for financial statement purposes is discontinued. Previously accrued but unpaid interest is reversed and charged against interest income.

All other loans where principal or interest is due and unpaid for 90 days or more are placed on non-accrual and the accrual of interest for financial statement purposes is discontinued. Previously accrued but unpaid interest is reversed and charged against interest income.

When a loan is placed on non-accrual status and subsequent payments of interest (and principal) are received, the interest received may be accounted for in two separate ways.

Cost recovery method: If the loan is in doubt as to full collection, the interest received in subsequent payments is diverted from interest income to a valuation reserve and treated as a reduction of principal for financial reporting purposes.

Cash basis: This method is only used if the recorded investment or total contractual amount is expected to be fully collectible, under which circumstances the subsequent payments of interest are credited to interest income as received.

Loans on non-accrual status are usually not returned to accrual status unless all delinquent principal and/or interest has been brought current, there is no identified element of loss, and current and continued satisfactory performance is expected (loss of the contractual amount not the carrying amount of the loan). Return to accrual is generally demonstrated through the timely receipt of at least six monthly payments on a loan with monthly amortization.

Nonaccrual loans totaled $10,907,000 and $9,935,000 at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively. There were no remaining undisbursed commitments to extend credit on nonaccrual loans at March 31, 2015 or December 31, 2014.

The following is a summary of nonaccrual loan balances at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 (in 000's).
 
March 31, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
Commercial and Business Loans
$
962

 
$
12

Government Program Loans
388

 
421

Total Commercial and Industrial
1,350

 
433

 
 
 
 
Commercial Real Estate Loans
2,646

 
3,145

Residential Mortgages
1,178

 
1,174

Home Improvement and Home Equity Loans
42

 
42

Total Real Estate Mortgage
3,866

 
4,361

 
 
 
 
RE Construction and Development Loans
5,075

 
5,141

 Agricultural Loans

 

 
 
 
 
Consumer Loans
616

 

Overdraft protection Lines

 

Overdrafts

 

Total Installment
616

 

Total Loans
$
10,907

 
$
9,935



14

Table of Contents

Impaired Loans

A loan is considered impaired when based on current information and events, it is probable that the Company will be unable to collect all amounts due, including principal and interest, according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement.

The Company applies its normal loan review procedures in making judgments regarding probable losses and loan impairment. The Company evaluates for impairment those loans on non-accrual status, graded doubtful, graded substandard or those that are troubled debt restructures. The primary basis for inclusion in impaired status under generally accepted accounting pronouncements is that it is probable that the Bank will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement.

A loan is not considered impaired if there is merely an insignificant delay or shortfall in the amounts of payments and the Company expects to collect all amounts due, including interest accrued, at the contractual interest rate for the period of the delay.

Review for impairment does not include large groups of smaller balance homogeneous loans that are collectively evaluated to estimate the allowance for loan losses. The Company’s present allowance for loan losses methodology, including migration analysis, captures required reserves for these loans in the formula allowance.

For loans determined to be impaired, the Company evaluates impairment based upon either the fair value of underlying collateral, discounted cash flows of expected payments, or observable market price.

-
For loans secured by collateral including real estate and equipment, the fair value of the collateral less selling costs will determine the carrying value of the loan. The difference between the recorded investment in the loan and the fair value, less selling costs, determines the amount of impairment. The Company uses the measurement method based on fair value of collateral when the loan is collateral dependent and foreclosure is probable.

-
The discounted cash flow method of measuring the impairment of a loan is used for unsecured loans or for loans secured by collateral where the fair value cannot be easily determined. Under this method, the Company assesses both the amount and timing of cash flows expected from impaired loans. The estimated cash flows are discounted using the loan's effective interest rate. The difference between the amount of the loan on the Bank's books and the discounted cash flow amounts determines the amount of impairment to be provided. This method is used for most of the Company’s troubled debt restructurings or other impaired loans where some payment stream is being collected.

-
The observable market price method of measuring the impairment of a loan is only used by the Company when the sale of loans or a loan is in process.
 
The method for recognizing interest income on impaired loans is dependent on whether the loan is on nonaccrual status or is a troubled debt restructuring. For income recognition, the existing nonaccrual and troubled debt restructuring policies are applied to impaired loans. Generally, except for certain troubled debt restructurings which are performing under the restructure agreement, the Company does not recognize interest income received on impaired loans, but reduces the carrying amount of the loan for financial reporting purposes.

Loans other than certain homogeneous loan portfolios are reviewed on a quarterly basis for impairment. Impaired loans are written down to estimated realizable values by the establishment of specific reserves for loan utilizing the discounted cash flow method, or charge-offs for collateral-based impaired loans, or those using observable market pricing.
 

15

Table of Contents

The following is a summary of impaired loans at, and for the three months ended March 31, 2015 (in 000's).
March 31, 2015
Unpaid
Contractual
Principal Balance
 
Recorded
Investment
With No Allowance (1)
 
Recorded
Investment
With Allowance (1)
 
Total
Recorded Investment
 
Related Allowance
 
Average
Recorded Investment
 
Interest Recognized
Commercial and Business Loans
$
1,875

 
$
696

 
$
1,182

 
$
1,878

 
$
1,024

 
$
1,439

 
$
15

Government Program Loans
388

 
388

 

 
388

 

 
404

 
8

Total Commercial and Industrial
2,263

 
1,084

 
1,182

 
2,266

 
1,024

 
1,843

 
23

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial Real Estate Loans
2,646

 
1,322

 
1,324

 
2,646

 
455

 
2,895

 
48

Residential Mortgages
4,369

 
1,732

 
2,836

 
4,568

 
175

 
4,448

 
53

Home Improvement and Home Equity Loans
42

 
42

 

 
42

 

 
42

 

Total Real Estate Mortgage
7,057

 
3,096

 
4,160

 
7,256

 
630

 
7,385

 
101

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
RE Construction and Development Loans
6,283

 
5,554

 
733

 
6,287

 
40

 
6,329

 
100

Agricultural Loans
28

 
29

 

 
29

 

 
30

 
2

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Consumer Loans
694

 
82

 
1,232

 
1,314

 
503

 
1,314

 
21

Overdraft protection Lines

 

 

 

 

 

 

Overdrafts

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total Installment
694

 
82

 
1,232

 
1,314

 
503

 
1,314

 
21

Total Impaired Loans
$
16,325

 
$
9,845

 
$
7,307

 
$
17,152

 
$
2,197

 
$
16,901

 
$
247


(1) The recorded investment in loans includes accrued interest receivable of $827,000.



16

Table of Contents

The following is a summary of impaired loans at, and for the year ended, December 31, 2014 (in 000's).

December 31, 2014
Unpaid
Contractual
Principal Balance
 
Recorded
Investment
With No Allowance (1)
 
Recorded
Investment
With Allowance (1)
 
Total
Recorded Investment
 
Related Allowance
 
Average
Recorded Investment
 
Interest Recognized
Commercial and Business Loans
$
996

 
$
770

 
$
230

 
$
1,000

 
$
64

 
$
847

 
$
76

Government Program Loans
421

 
421

 

 
421

 

 
250

 
28

Total Commercial and Industrial
1,417

 
1,191

 
230

 
1,421

 
64

 
1,097

 
104

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial Real Estate Loans
3,145

 
1,794

 
1,351

 
3,145

 
478

 
5,765

 
244

Residential Mortgages
4,315

 
1,474

 
2,852

 
4,326

 
170

 
4,564

 
188

Home Improvement and Home Equity Loans
42

 
42

 

 
42

 

 
11

 
3

Total Real Estate Mortgage
7,502

 
3,310

 
4,203

 
7,513

 
648

 
10,340

 
435

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
RE Construction and Development Loans
6,367

 
6,371

 

 
6,371

 

 
3,362

 
209

Agricultural Loans
32

 
32

 

 
32

 

 
37

 
9

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Consumer Loans
695

 
655

 
45

 
700

 
3

 
209

 
37

Overdraft protection Lines

 

 

 

 

 

 

Overdrafts

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total Installment
695

 
655

 
45

 
700

 
3

 
209

 
37

Total Impaired Loans
$
16,013

 
$
11,559

 
$
4,478

 
$
16,037

 
$
715

 
$
15,045

 
$
794


(1) The recorded investment in loans includes accrued interest receivable of $24,000.

In most cases, the Company uses the cash basis method of income recognition for impaired loans. In the case of certain troubled debt restructurings for which the loan is performing under the current contractual terms for a reasonable period of time, income is recognized under the accrual method.

The average recorded investment in impaired loans for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 was $16,901,000 and $15,269,000, respectively. Interest income recognized on impaired loans for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 was approximately $247,000 and $155,000, respectively.

Troubled Debt Restructurings

In certain circumstances, when the Company grants a concession to a borrower as part of a loan restructuring, the restructuring is accounted for as a troubled debt restructuring (TDR). TDRs are reported as a component of impaired loans.

A TDR is a type of restructuring in which the Company, for economic or legal reasons related to the borrower's financial difficulties, grants a concession (either imposed by court order, law, or agreement between the borrower and the Bank) to the borrower that it would not otherwise consider. Although the restructuring may take different forms, the Company's objective is to maximize recovery of its investment by granting relief to the borrower.

A TDR may include, but is not limited to, one or more of the following:

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Table of Contents


- A transfer from the borrower to the Company of receivables from third parties, real estate, other assets, or an equity interest in the borrower is granted to fully or partially satisfy the loan.

- A modification of terms of a debt such as one or a combination of:

The reduction (absolute or contingent) of the stated interest rate.
The extension of the maturity date or dates at a stated interest rate lower than the current market rate for new debt with similar risk.
The reduction (absolute or contingent) of the face amount or maturity amount of debt as stated in the instrument or agreement.
The reduction (absolute or contingent) of accrued interest.
For a restructured loan to return to accrual status there needs to be, among other factors, at least 6 months successful payment history. In addition, the Company performs a financial analysis of the credit to determine whether the borrower has the ability to continue to meet payments over the remaining life of the loan. This includes, but is not limited to, a review of financial statements and cash flow analysis of the borrower. Only after determination that the borrower has the ability to perform under the terms of the loans, will the restructured credit be considered for accrual status. Although the Company does not have a policy which specifically addresses when a loan may be removed from TDR classification, as a matter of practice, loans classified as TDRs generally remain classified as such until the loan either reaches maturity or its outstanding balance is paid off.

The following tables illustrates TDR activity for the periods indicated:
 
Three Months Ended March 31, 2015
($ in 000's)
Number of
Contracts
 
Pre-
Modification
Outstanding
Recorded
Investment
 
Post-
Modification
Outstanding
Recorded
Investment
 
Number of Contracts in Default
 
Recorded Investment on Defaulted TDRs
Troubled Debt Restructurings
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial and Business Loans
1

 
$
258

 
$
256

 

 
$

Government Program Loans

 

 

 

 

Commercial Real Estate Term Loans

 

 

 

 

Single Family Residential Loans

 

 

 

 

Home Improvement and Home Equity Loans

 

 

 

 

RE Construction and Development Loans

 

 

 

 

Agricultural Loans

 

 

 

 

Consumer Loans

 

 

 

 

Overdraft protection Lines

 

 

 

 

Total Loans
1

 
$
258

 
$
256

 

 
$


18

Table of Contents

 
Three Months Ended  
 March 31, 2014
($ in 000's)
Number of
Contracts
 
Pre-
Modification
Outstanding
Recorded
Investment
 
Post-
Modification
Outstanding
Recorded
Investment
 
Number of Contracts in Default
 
Recorded Investment on Defaulted TDRs
Troubled Debt Restructurings
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial and Business Loans

 
$

 
$

 

 
$

Government Program Loans

 

 

 

 

Commercial Real Estate Term Loans

 

 

 

 

Single Family Residential Loans

 

 

 
2

 
217

Home Improvement and Home Equity Loans

 

 

 

 

RE Construction and Development Loans

 

 

 
2

 
394

Agricultural Loans

 

 

 

 

Consumer Loans

 

 

 

 

Overdraft protection Lines

 

 

 

 

Total Loans

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
611


The Company makes various types of concessions when structuring TDRs including rate reductions, payment extensions, and forbearance. At March 31, 2015, the Company had 32 restructured loans totaling $14,803,000 as compared to 33 restructured loans totaling $15,000,000 at December 31, 2014.
 
The following tables summarize TDR activity by loan category for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and March 31, 2014 (in 000's).
Year Ended March 31, 2015
Commercial and Industrial
 
Commercial Real Estate
 
Residential Mortgages
 
Home Equity
 
RE Construction Development
 
Agricultural
 
Installment
& Other
 
Total
Beginning balance
$
1,306

 
$
2,713

 
$
4,225

 
$

 
$
6,029

 
$
32

 
$
695

 
$
15,000

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Defaults
(962
)
 

 

 

 

 

 

 
(962
)
Additions

 

 
256

 

 

 

 

 
256

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Principal reductions
859

 
(67
)
 
(199
)
 

 
(79
)
 
(4
)
 
(1
)
 
509

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Ending balance
$
1,203

 
$
2,646

 
$
4,282

 
$

 
$
5,950

 
$
28

 
$
694

 
$
14,803

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Allowance for loan loss
$
1,024

 
$
455

 
$
175

 
$

 
$
40

 
$

 
$
503

 
$
2,197




19

Table of Contents

Year Ended March 31, 2014
Commercial and Industrial
 
Commercial Real Estate
 
Residential Mortgages
 
Home Equity
 
RE Construction Development
 
Agricultural
 
Installment
& Other
 
Total
Beginning balance
$
675

 
$
1,468

 
$
5,273

 
$

 
$
1,551

 
$
44

 
$
48

 
$
9,059

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Defaults

 

 
(217
)
 

 
(394
)
 

 

 
(611
)
Additions

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Principal reductions
(15
)
 
(23
)
 
(243
)
 

 
(272
)
 
(3
)
 
(1
)
 
(557
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Ending balance
$
660

 
$
1,445

 
$
4,813

 
$

 
$
885

 
$
41

 
$
47

 
$
7,891

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Allowance for loan loss
$
48

 
$
432

 
$
217

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
697


Credit Quality Indicators

As part of its credit monitoring program, the Company utilizes a risk rating system which quantifies the risk the Company estimates it has assumed during the life of a loan. The system rates the strength of the borrower and the facility or transaction, and is designed to provide a program for risk management and early detection of problems.

For each new credit approval, credit extension, renewal, or modification of existing credit facilities, the Company assigns risk ratings utilizing the rating scale identified in this policy. In addition, on an on-going basis, loans and credit facilities are reviewed for internal and external influences impacting the credit facility that would warrant a change in the risk rating. Each loan credit facility is to be given a risk rating that takes into account factors that materially affect credit quality.

When assigning risk ratings, the Company evaluates two risk rating approaches, a facility rating and a borrower rating as follows:

Facility Rating:

The facility rating is determined by the analysis of positive and negative factors that may indicate that the quality of a particular loan or credit arrangement requires that it be rated differently from the risk rating assigned to the borrower. The Company assesses the risk impact of these factors:

Collateral - The rating may be affected by the type and quality of the collateral, the degree of coverage, the economic life of the collateral, liquidation value and the Company's ability to dispose of the collateral.

Guarantees - The value of third party support arrangements varies widely. Unconditional guaranties from persons with demonstrable ability to perform are more substantial than that of closely related persons to the borrower who offer only modest support.

Unusual Terms - Credit may be extended on terms that subject the Company to a higher level of risk than indicated in the rating of the borrower.

Borrower Rating:

The borrower rating is a measure of loss possibility based on the historical, current and anticipated financial characteristics of the borrower in the current risk environment. To determine the rating, the Company considers at least the following factors:

-    Quality of management
-    Liquidity
-    Leverage/capitalization
-    Profit margins/earnings trend
-    Adequacy of financial records
-    Alternative funding sources
-    Geographic risk
-    Industry risk

20

Table of Contents

-    Cash flow risk
-    Accounting practices
-    Asset protection
-    Extraordinary risks

The Company assigns risk ratings to loans other than consumer loans and other homogeneous loan pools based on the following scale. The risk ratings are used when determining borrower ratings as well as facility ratings. When the borrower rating and the facility ratings differ, the lowest rating applied is:

-
Grades 1 and 2 – These grades include loans which are given to high quality borrowers with high credit quality and sound financial strength. Key financial ratios are generally above industry averages and the borrower’s strong earnings history or net worth. These may be secured by deposit accounts or high-grade investment securities.

-
Grade 3 – This grade includes loans to borrowers with solid credit quality with minimal risk. The borrower’s balance sheet and financial ratios are generally in line with industry averages, and the borrower has historically demonstrated the ability to manage economic adversity. Real estate and asset-based loans assigned this risk rating must have characteristics, which place them well above the minimum underwriting requirements for those departments. Asset-based borrowers assigned this rating must exhibit extremely favorable leverage and cash flow characteristics, and consistently demonstrate a high level of unused borrowing capacity.

-
Grades 4 and 5 – These include “pass” grade loans to borrowers of acceptable credit quality and risk. The borrower’s balance sheet and financial ratios may be below industry averages, but above the lowest industry quartile. Leverage is above and liquidity is below industry averages. Inadequacies evident in financial performance and/or management sufficiency are offset by readily available features of support, such as adequate collateral, or good guarantors having the liquid assets and/or cash flow capacity to repay the debt. The borrower may have recognized a loss over three or four years, however recent earnings trends, while perhaps somewhat cyclical, are improving and cash flows are adequate to cover debt service and fixed obligations. Real estate and asset-borrowers fully comply with all underwriting standards and are performing according to projections would be assigned this rating. These also include grade 5 loans which are “leveraged” or on management’s “watch list.” While still considered pass loans (loans given a grade 5), the borrower’s financial condition, cash flow or operations evidence more than average risk and short term weaknesses, these loans warrant a higher than average level of monitoring, supervision and attention from the Company, but do not reflect credit weakness trends that weaken or inadequately protect the Company’s credit position. Loans with a grade rating of 5 are not normally acceptable as new credits unless they are adequately secured or carry substantial endorser/guarantors.

-
Grade 6 – This grade includes “special mention” loans which are loans that are currently protected but are potentially weak. This generally is an interim grade classification and should usually be upgraded to an Acceptable rating or downgraded to Substandard within a reasonable time period. Weaknesses in special mention loans may, if not checked or corrected, weaken the asset or inadequately protect the Company’s credit position at some future date. Special mention loans are often loans with weaknesses inherent from the loan origination, loan servicing, and perhaps some technical deficiencies. The main theme in special mention credits is the distinct probability that the classification will deteriorate to a more adverse class if the noted deficiencies are not addressed by the loan officer or loan management.

-
Grade 7 – This grade includes “substandard” loans which are inadequately supported by the current sound net worth and paying capacity of the borrower or of the collateral pledged, if any. Substandard loans have a well-defined weakness or weaknesses that may impair the regular liquidation of the debt. Substandard loans exhibit a distinct possibility that the Company will sustain some loss if the deficiencies are not corrected. Substandard loans also include impaired loans.

-
Grade 8 - This grade includes “doubtful” loans which exhibit the same characteristics as the Substandard loans with the added characteristic that the weaknesses make collection or liquidation in full, on the basis of currently existing facts, conditions and values, highly questionable and improbable. The possibility of loss is extremely high, but because of certain important and reasonably specific pending factors, which may work to the advantage and strengthening of the loan, its classification as an estimated loss is deferred until its more exact status may be determined. Pending factors include a proposed merger, acquisition, or liquidation procedures, capital injection, perfecting liens on additional collateral and refinancing plans.

-
Grade 9 - This grade includes loans classified “loss” which are considered uncollectible and of such little value that their continuance as bankable assets is not warranted. This classification does not mean that the asset has absolutely no

21

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recovery or salvage value, but rather it is not practical or desirable to defer writing off the asset even though partial recovery may be achieved in the future.
 
The Company did not carry any loans graded as loss at March 31, 2015 or December 31, 2014.

The following tables summarize the credit risk ratings for commercial, construction, and other non-consumer related loans for March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014:
 
Commercial and Industrial
 
Commercial RE
 
RE Construction and Development
 
Agricultural
 
Total
March 31, 2015
 
 
 
 
(in 000's)
 
 
 
 
Grades 1 and 2
$
400

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
400

Grade 3
4,011

 
4,783

 

 

 
8,794

Grades 4 and 5 – pass
55,242

 
149,491

 
125,759

 
34,634

 
365,126

Grade 6 – special mention

 

 

 
113

 
113

Grade 7 – substandard
2,062

 
4,152

 
21,533

 

 
27,747

Grade 8 – doubtful

 

 

 

 

Total
$
61,715

 
$
158,426

 
$
147,292

 
$
34,747

 
$
402,180

 
Commercial and Industrial
 
Commercial RE
 
RE Construction and Development
 
Agricultural
 
Total
December 31, 2014
 
 
 
 
(in 000's)
 
 
 
 
Grades 1 and 2
$
591

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
591

Grade 3
2,012

 
4,808

 
775

 

 
7,595

Grades 4 and 5 – pass
58,179

 
144,230

 
114,766

 
31,600

 
348,775

Grade 6 – special mention
342

 
1,095

 

 
113

 
1,550

Grade 7 – substandard
1,245

 
4,539

 
21,617

 

 
27,401

Grade 8 – doubtful

 

 

 

 

Total
$
62,369

 
$
154,672

 
$
137,158

 
$
31,713

 
$
385,912

 
The Company follows consistent underwriting standards outlined in its loan policy for consumer and other homogeneous loans but, does not specifically assign a risk rating when these loans are originated. Consumer loans are monitored for credit risk and are considered “pass” loans until some issue or event requires that the credit be downgraded to special mention or worse.

The following tables summarize the credit risk ratings for consumer related loans and other homogeneous loans for March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014:
 
March 31, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
 
Residential Mortgages
 
Home
Improvement and Home Equity
 
Installment
 
Total
 
Residential Mortgages
 
Home
Improvement and Home Equity
 
Installment
 
Total
(in 000's)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Not graded
$
55,166

 
$
1,014

 
$
9,725

 
$
65,905

 
$
38,207

 
$
1,038

 
$
10,287

 
$
49,532

Pass
18,652

 
30

 
922

 
19,604

 
17,887

 
30

 
865

 
18,782

Special Mention
215

 

 

 
215

 
216

 

 

 
216

Substandard
3,034

 
42

 
1,265

 
4,341

 
2,785

 
42

 
650

 
3,477

Total
$
77,067

 
$
1,086

 
$
11,912

 
$
90,065

 
$
59,095

 
$
1,110

 
$
11,802

 
$
72,007

 
Allowance for Loan Losses

The Company analyzes risk characteristics inherent in each loan portfolio segment as part of the quarterly review of the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses. The following summarizes some of the key risk characteristics for the eleven segments of the loan portfolio (Consumer loans include three segments):

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Table of Contents


Commercial and business loans – Commercial loans are subject to the effects of economic cycles and tend to exhibit increased risk as economic conditions deteriorate, or if the economic downturn is prolonged. The Company considers this segment to be one of higher risk given the size of individual loans and the balances in the overall portfolio.
 
Government program loans – This is a relatively a small part of the Company’s loan portfolio, but has historically had a high percentage of loans that have migrated from pass to substandard given there vulnerability to economic cycles.
 
Commercial real estate loans – This segment is considered to have more risk in part because of the vulnerability of commercial businesses to economic cycles as well as the exposure to fluctuations in real estate prices because most of these loans are secured by real estate. Losses in this segment have however been historically low because most of the loans are real estate secured, and the bank maintains appropriate loan-to-value ratios.
 
Residential mortgages – This segment is considered to have low risk factors both from the Company and peer statistics. These loans are secured by first deeds of trust. The losses experienced over the past twelve quarters are isolated to approximately twelve loans and are generally the result of short sales.
 
Home improvement and home equity loans – Because of their junior lien position, these loans have an inherently higher risk level. Because residential real estate has been severely distressed in the recent past, the anticipated risk for this loan segment has increased.
 
Real estate construction and development loans –In a normal economy, this segment of loans is considered to have a higher risk profile due to construction and market value issues in conjunction with normal credit risks. Although residential real estate markets have improved, they are still distressed on a historical basis, and therefore carry higher risk.
 
Agricultural loans – This segment is considered to have risks associated with weather, insects, and marketing issues. In addition, concentrations in certain crops or certain agricultural areas can increase risk.

Installment loans (Includes consumer loans, overdrafts, and overdraft protection lines) – This segment is higher risk because many of the loans are unsecured.

The following summarizes the activity in the allowance for credit losses by loan category for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 (in 000's).
Three Months Ended
Commercial and Industrial
 
Real Estate Mortgage
 
RE Construction Development
 
 Agricultural
 
Installment & Other
 
Commercial Lease Financing
 
 Unallocated
 
Total
March 31, 2015
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Beginning balance
$
1,219

 
$
1,653

 
$
6,278

 
$
481

 
$
293

 
$

 
$
847

 
$
10,771

Provision for credit losses
834

 
84

 
(99
)
 
12

 
466

 

 
(838
)
 
459

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Charge-offs
(215
)
 

 

 

 

 

 
(3
)
 
(218
)
Recoveries
237

 
7

 
30

 

 
2

 

 
2

 
278

Net recoveries
22

 
7

 
30

 

 
2

 

 
(1
)
 
60

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Ending balance
$
2,075

 
$
1,744

 
$
6,209

 
$
493

 
$
761

 
$

 
$
8

 
$
11,290

Period-end amount allocated to:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Loans individually evaluated for impairment
1,024

 
630

 
40

 

 
503

 

 

 
2,197

Loans collectively evaluated for impairment
1,051

 
1,114

 
6,169

 
493

 
258

 

 
8

 
9,093

Ending balance
$
2,075

 
$
1,744

 
$
6,209

 
$
493

 
$
761

 
$

 
$
8

 
$
11,290



23

Table of Contents

Three Months Ended
Commercial and Industrial
 
Real Estate Mortgage
 
RE Construction Development
 
 Agricultural
 
Installment & Other
 
Commercial Lease Financing
 
 Unallocated
 
Total
March 31, 2014
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Beginning balance
$
2,340

 
$
1,862

 
$
5,533

 
$
583

 
$
275

 
$

 
$
395

 
$
10,988

Recovery of provision for credit losses
(825
)
 
(150
)
 
1,080

 
(174
)
 
18

 
(46
)
 
50

 
(47
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Charge-offs
(3
)
 
(74
)
 
(60
)
 

 
(5
)
 

 

 
(142
)
Recoveries
116

 
6

 
92

 
3

 
22

 
46

 

 
285

Net charge-offs
113

 
(68
)
 
32

 
3

 
17

 
46

 

 
143

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Ending balance
$
1,628

 
$
1,644

 
$
6,645

 
$
412

 
$
310

 
$
0

 
$
445

 
$
11,084

Period-end amount allocated to:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Loans individually evaluated for impairment
48

 
649

 

 

 

 

 

 
697

Loans collectively evaluated for impairment
1,580

 
995

 
6,645

 
412

 
310

 
0

 
445

 
10,387

Ending balance
$
1,628

 
$
1,644

 
$
6,645

 
$
412

 
$
310

 
$
0

 
$
445

 
$
11,084



The following summarizes information with respect to the loan balances at March 31, 2015 and 2014.
 
March 31, 2015
 
March 31, 2014
 
Loans
Individually
Evaluated for Impairment
 
Loans
Collectively
Evaluated for Impairment
 
Total Loans
 
Loans
Individually
Evaluated for Impairment
 
Loans
Collectively
Evaluated for Impairment
 
Total Loans
(in 000's)
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial and Business Loans
$
1,878

 
$
57,956

 
$
59,834

 
$
806

 
$
63,090

 
$
63,896

Government Program Loans
388

 
1,493

 
1,881

 

 
1,896

 
1,896

Total Commercial and Industrial
2,266

 
59,449

 
61,715

 
806

 
64,986

 
65,792

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial Real Estate Loans
2,646

 
155,780

 
158,426

 
8,558

 
151,606

 
160,164

Residential Mortgage Loans
4,568

 
72,499

 
77,067

 
4,926

 
44,241

 
49,167

Home Improvement and Home Equity Loans
42

 
1,044

 
1,086

 

 
1,336

 
1,336

Total Real Estate Mortgage
7,256

 
229,323

 
236,579

 
13,484

 
197,183

 
210,667

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
RE Construction and Development Loans
6,287

 
141,005

 
147,292

 
890

 
101,077

 
101,967

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Agricultural Loans
29

 
34,718

 
34,747

 
42

 
24,295

 
24,337

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Installment Loans
1,314

 
10,598

 
11,912

 
47

 
9,135

 
9,182

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total Loans
$
17,152

 
$
475,093

 
$
492,245

 
$
15,269

 
$
396,676

 
$
411,945



24

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4.
Deposits

Deposits include the following:
 
(in 000's)
March 31, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
Noninterest-bearing deposits
$
227,537

 
$
215,439

Interest-bearing deposits:
 

 
 

NOW and money market accounts
212,626

 
211,290

Savings accounts
60,478

 
60,499

Time deposits:
 

 
 

Under $250,000
65,917

 
65,844

$250,000 and over
11,709

 
12,301

Total interest-bearing deposits
350,730

 
349,934

Total deposits
$
578,267

 
$
565,373

 
 
 
 
Total brokered deposits included in time deposits above
$
13,009

 
$
11,480

 
5.
Short-term Borrowings/Other Borrowings

At  March 31, 2015, the Company had collateralized lines of credit with the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco totaling $313,928,000, as well as Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) lines of credit totaling $5,590,000. At March 31, 2015, the Company had an uncollateralized line of credit with Pacific Coast Bankers Bank ("PCBB") totaling $10,000,000. All lines of credit are on an “as available” basis and can be revoked by the grantor at any time. These lines of credit have interest rates that are generally tied to the Federal Funds rate or are indexed to short-term U.S. Treasury rates or LIBOR. FHLB advances are collateralized by all of the Company’s stock in the FHLB, investment securities, and certain qualifying mortgage loans. As of March 31, 2015, $5,868,000 in investment securities at FHLB were pledged as collateral for FHLB advances. Additionally, $441,949,000 in real estate secured loans were pledged at March 31, 2015, as collateral for borrowing lines with the Federal Reserve Bank totaling $313,928,000. At March 31, 2015, the Company had no outstanding borrowings.
 
At December 31, 2014, the Company had collateralized lines of credit with the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco totaling $286,993,000, as well as Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”) lines of credit totaling $5,814,000. At December 31, 2014, the Company had an uncollateralized line of credit with Pacific Coast Bankers Bank ("PCBB") totaling $10,000,000. These lines of credit generally have interest rates tied to the Federal Funds rate or are indexed to short-term U.S. Treasury rates or LIBOR. FHLB advances are collateralized by all of the Company’s stock in the FHLB, investment securities, and certain qualifying mortgage loans. As of December 31, 2014, $6,106,000 in investment securities at FHLB were pledged as collateral for FHLB advances. Additionally, $406,358,000 in real estate-secured loans were pledged at December 31, 2014, as collateral for used and unused borrowing lines with the Federal Reserve Bank totaling $286,993,000. All lines of credit are on an “as available” basis and can be revoked by the grantor at any time. At December 31, 2014, the Company had no outstanding borrowings.

6.
Supplemental Cash Flow Disclosures
 
 
Three months ended March 31,
(in 000's)
2015
 
2014
Cash paid during the period for:
 
 
 
Interest
$
315

 
$
264

Income taxes
$

 
$

Noncash investing activities:
 

 
 

Loans transferred to foreclosed assets
$

 
$
516



25

Table of Contents

7.
Common Stock Dividend

On March 24, 2015, the Company’s Board of Directors declared a one-percent (1%) stock dividend on the Company’s outstanding common stock. Based upon the number of outstanding common shares on the record date of April 6, 2015, 154,249 additional shares were issued to shareholders on April 17, 2015. Because the stock dividend was considered a “small stock dividend,” approximately $828,327 was transferred from retained earnings to common stock based upon the $5.32 closing price of the Company’s common stock on the declaration date of March 24, 2015. There were no fractional shares paid. Except for earnings-per-share calculations, shares issued for the stock dividend have been treated prospectively for financial reporting purposes. For purposes of earnings per share calculations, the Company’s weighted average shares outstanding and potentially dilutive shares used in the computation of earnings per share have been restated after giving retroactive effect to a 1% stock dividend to shareholders for all periods presented.

8.
Net Income per Common Share

The following table provides a reconciliation of the numerator and the denominator of the basic EPS computation with the numerator and the denominator of the diluted EPS computation:
 
 
Three months ended March 31,
 
2015
 
2014
Net income available to common shareholders (in 000's)
$
1,228

 
$
908

 
 
 
 
Weighted average shares issued
15,579,335

 
15,554,688

Add: dilutive effect of stock options
1,827

 
4,721

Weighted average shares outstanding adjusted for potential dilution
15,581,162

 
15,559,409

 
 
 
 
Basic earnings per share
$
0.08

 
$
0.06

Diluted earnings per share
$
0.08

 
$
0.06

Anti-dilutive stock options excluded from earnings per share calculation
118,000

 
167,000


9.
Taxes on Income
 
The Company periodically reviews its tax positions under the accounting standards related to uncertainty in income taxes, which defines the criteria that an individual tax position would have to meet for some or all of the income tax benefit to be recognized in a taxable entity’s financial statements. Under the guidelines, an entity should recognize the financial statement benefit of a tax position if it determines that it is more likely than not that the position will be sustained on examination. The term “more likely than not” means a likelihood of more than 50 percent. In assessing whether the more-likely-than-not criterion is met, the entity should assume that the tax position will be reviewed by the applicable taxing authority and all available information is known to the taxing authority.

The Company periodically evaluates its deferred tax assets to determine whether a valuation allowance is required based upon a determination that some or all of the deferred assets may not be ultimately realized. At March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the Company had no recorded valuation allowance.
 
The Company and its subsidiary file income tax returns in the U.S federal jurisdiction, and several states within the U.S. There are no filings in foreign jurisdictions. During 2014, the Company began the process to amend its state tax returns for the years 2009 through 2012 to file a combined report on a unitary basis with the Company and USB Investment Trust. The amended return for 2009 was filed during 2014 and the amended returns for 2010, 2011, and 2012 will be filed during 2015 once the FTB accepts the 2009 amended return. The Company's policy is to recognize any interest or penalties related to uncertain tax position in income tax expense.

10.
Junior Subordinated Debt/Trust Preferred Securities
 
Effective September 30, 2009 and beginning with the quarterly interest payment due October 1, 2009, the Company elected to defer interest payments on the Company's $15.0 million of junior subordinated debentures relating to its trust preferred securities. The terms of the debentures and trust indentures allow for the Company to defer interest payments for up to 20

26

Table of Contents

consecutive quarters without default or penalty. During the period that the interest deferrals were elected, the Company continued to record interest expense associated with the debentures. As of June 30, 2014, the Company ended the extension period, paid all accrued and unpaid interest, and is currently making quarterly interest payments. The Company may redeem the junior subordinated debentures at anytime at par.
 
The fair value guidance generally permits the measurement of selected eligible financial instruments at fair value at specified election dates. Effective January 1, 2008, the Company elected the fair value option for its junior subordinated debt issued under USB Capital Trust II. The Company believes the election of fair value accounting for the junior subordinated debentures better reflects the true economic value of the debt instrument on the balance sheet. The rate paid on the junior subordinated debt issued under USB Capital Trust II is 3-month LIBOR plus 1.29, and is adjusted quarterly.
 
At March 31, 2015 the Company performed a fair value measurement analysis on its junior subordinated debt using a cash flow model approach to determine the present value of those cash flows. The cash flow model utilizes the forward 3-month LIBOR curve to estimate future quarterly interest payments due over the thirty-year life of the debt instrument. These cash flows were discounted at a rate which incorporates a current market rate for similar-term debt instruments, adjusted for additional credit and liquidity risks associated with the junior subordinated debt. Although there is little market data in the current relatively illiquid credit markets, we believe the 6.46% discount rate used represents what a market participant would consider under the circumstances based on current market assumptions.
 
The fair value calculation performed at March 31, 2015 resulted in a pretax loss adjustment of $125,000 ($73,000, net of tax) for the three months ended March 31, 2015, compared to a pretax loss adjustment of $345,000 ($203,000, net of tax) for the three months ended March 31, 2014. Fair value gains and losses are reflected as a component of noninterest income.


11.
Fair Value Measurements and Disclosure
 
The following summary disclosures are made in accordance with the guidance provided by ASC Topic 825, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures (formerly Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 107, Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial Instruments), which requires the disclosure of fair value information about both on- and off-balance sheet financial instruments where it is practicable to estimate that value.
 
Generally accepted accounting guidance clarifies the definition of fair value, describes methods used to appropriately measure fair value in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and expands fair value disclosure requirements. This guidance applies whenever other accounting pronouncements require or permit fair value measurements.

The fair value hierarchy prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value into three broad levels (Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3). Level 1 inputs are unadjusted quoted prices in active markets (as defined) for identical assets or liabilities that the reporting entity has the ability to access at the measurement date. Level 2 inputs are inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. Level 3 inputs are unobservable inputs for the asset or liability, and reflect the reporting entity’s own assumptions about the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability (including assumptions about risk).
 
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 at the periods indicated:

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Table of Contents

March 31, 2015
(in 000's)
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:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
85,478

 
$
85,478

 
$
85,478

 
$

 
$

Interest-bearing deposits
1,523

 
1,523

 

 
1,523

 

Investment securities
46,898

 
46,898

 
3,858

 
43,040

 

Loans
481,270

 
475,202

 

 

 
475,202

Accrued interest receivable
1,984

 
1,984

 

 
1,984

 

Financial Liabilities:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Deposits:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Noninterest-bearing
227,537

 
227,537

 
227,537

 

 

NOW and money market
212,626

 
212,626

 
212,626

 

 

Savings
60,478

 
60,478

 
60,478

 

 

Time deposits
77,626

 
78,275

 

 

 
78,275

Total deposits
578,267

 
578,916

 
500,641

 
 

 
78,275

Junior subordinated debt
10,238

 
10,238

 

 

 
10,238

Accrued interest payable
42

 
42

 

 
42

 

December 31, 2014
(in 000's)
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:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
103,577

 
$
103,577

 
$
103,577

 
$

 
$

Interest-bearing deposits
1,522

 
1,522

 

 
1,522

 

Investment securities
48,301

 
48,301

 
3,823

 
44,478

 

Loans
446,824

 
441,186

 

 

 
441,186

Accrued interest receivable
1,927

 
1,927

 

 
1,927

 

Financial Liabilities:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Deposits:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Noninterest-bearing
215,439

 
215,439

 
215,439

 

 

NOW and money market
211,290

 
211,290

 
211,290

 

 

Savings
60,499

 
60,499

 
60,499

 

 

Time deposits
78,145

 
78,239

 

 

 
78,239

Total deposits
565,373

 
565,467

 
487,228

 

 
78,239

Junior subordinated debt
10,115

 
10,115

 

 

 
10,115

Accrued interest payable
40

 
40

 

 
40

 

 
The Company performs fair value measurements on certain assets and liabilities as the result of the application of current accounting guidelines. Some fair value measurements, such as available-for-sale securities (AFS) and junior subordinated debt are performed on a recurring basis, while others, such as impairment of loans, other real estate owned, goodwill and other intangibles, are performed on a nonrecurring basis.

The Company’s Level 1 financial assets consist of money market funds and highly liquid mutual funds for which fair values are based on quoted market prices. The Company’s Level 2 financial assets include highly liquid debt instruments of U.S. government agencies, collateralized mortgage obligations, and debt obligations of states and political subdivisions, whose fair

28

Table of Contents

values are obtained from readily-available pricing sources for the identical or similar underlying security that may, or may not, be actively traded. The Company’s Level 3 financial assets include certain impaired loans, other real estate owned, goodwill, and intangible assets where the assumptions may be made by us or third parties about assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. From time to time, the Company recognizes transfers between Level 1, 2, and 3 when a change in circumstances warrants a transfer. There were no significant transfers in or out of Level 1 and Level 2 fair value measurements during the three months ended March 31, 2015.

The following methods and assumptions were used in estimating the fair values of financial instruments:
 
Cash and Cash Equivalents - The carrying amounts reported in the balance sheets for cash and cash equivalents approximate their estimated fair values.
 
Interest-bearing Deposits – Interest bearing deposits in other banks consist of fixed-rate certificates of deposits. Accordingly, fair value has been estimated based upon interest rates currently being offered on deposits with similar characteristics and maturities.
 
Investments – Available for sale securities are valued based upon open-market price quotes obtained from reputable third-party brokers that actively make a market in those securities. Market pricing is based upon specific CUSIP identification for each individual security. To the extent there are observable prices in the market, the mid-point of the bid/ask price is used to determine fair value of individual securities. If that data is not available for the last 30 days, a Level 2-type matrix pricing approach based on comparable securities in the market is utilized. Level-2 pricing may include using a forward spread from the last observable trade or may use a proxy bond like a TBA mortgage to come up with a price for the security being valued. Changes in fair market value are recorded through other comprehensive loss as the securities are available for sale.

Loans - Fair values of variable rate loans, which reprice frequently and with no significant change in credit risk, are based on carrying values adjusted for credit risk.  Fair values for all other loans, except impaired loans, are estimated using discounted cash flows over their remaining maturities, using interest rates at which similar loans would currently be offered to borrowers with similar credit ratings and for the same remaining maturities. The allowance for loan loss is considered to be a reasonable estimate of loan discount for credit quality concerns.
 
Impaired Loans - Fair value measurements for impaired loans are performed pursuant to authoritative accounting guidance and are based upon either collateral values supported by appraisals, observed market prices, or discounted cash flows. Changes are not recorded directly as an adjustment to current earnings or comprehensive income, but rather as an adjustment component in determining the overall adequacy of the loan loss reserve. Such adjustments to the estimated fair value of impaired loans may result in increases or decreases to the provision for credit losses recorded in current earnings. Collateral dependent loans are measured for impairment using the fair value of the collateral.

Other Real Estate Owned - Nonrecurring adjustments to certain commercial and residential real estate properties classified as other real estate owned (OREO) are measured at the lower of carrying amount or fair value, less costs to sell.  Fair values are generally based on third party appraisals of the property, resulting in a Level 3 classification.  In cases where the carrying amount exceeds the fair value, less costs to sell, an impairment loss is recognized.

Deposits – In accordance with authoritative accounting guidance, fair values for transaction and savings accounts are equal to the respective amounts payable on demand (i.e., carrying amounts). The Company believes that the fair value of these deposits is clearly greater than that prescribed under authoritative accounting guidance. Fair values of fixed-maturity certificates of deposit were estimated using the rates currently offered for deposits with similar remaining maturities.

Junior Subordinated Debt – The fair value of the junior subordinated debt was determined based upon a discounted cash flows model utilizing observable market rates and credit characteristics for similar debt instruments. In its analysis, the Company used characteristics that market participants generally use, and considered factors specific to (a) the liability, (b) the principal (or most advantageous) market for the liability, and (c) market participants with whom the reporting entity would transact in that market. Cash flows are discounted at a rate which incorporates a current market rate for similar-term debt instruments, adjusted for credit and liquidity risks associated with similar junior subordinated debt and circumstances unique to the Company. The Company believes that the subjective nature of theses inputs, due primarily to the current economic environment, require the junior subordinated debt to be classified as a Level 3 fair value.
 
Accrued Interest Receivable and Payable - The carrying value of these instruments is a reasonable estimate of fair value.
 

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Off-Balance Sheet Instruments - Off-balance sheet instruments consist of commitments to extend credit, standby letters of credit and derivative contracts. Fair values of commitments to extend credit are estimated using the interest rate currently charged to enter into similar agreements, taking into account the remaining terms of the agreements and the present counterparties’ credit standing. There was no material difference between the contractual amount and the estimated value of commitments to extend credit at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014.
 
Fair values of standby letters of credit are based on fees currently charged for similar agreements. The fair value of commitments generally approximates the fees received from the customer for issuing such commitments. These fees are not material to the Company’s consolidated balance sheet and results of operations.
 
The following table provides a description of the valuation technique, unobservable input, and qualitative information about the unobservable inputs for the Company’s assets and liabilities classified as Level 3 and measured at fair value on a recurring basis at March 31, 2015 and 2014:
March 31, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
Financial Instrument
Valuation Technique
Unobservable Input
Weighted Average
 
Financial Instrument
Valuation Technique
Unobservable Input
Weighted Average
Junior Subordinated Debt
Discounted cash flow
Discount Rate
6.46%
 
Junior Subordinated Debt
Discounted cash flow
Discount Rate
6.87%

Management believes that the credit risk adjusted spread utilized in the fair value measurement of the junior subordinated debentures carried at fair value is indicative of the nonperformance risk premium a willing market participant would require under current market conditions, that is, the inactive market. Management attributes the change in fair value of the junior subordinated debentures during the period to market changes in the nonperformance expectations and pricing of this type of debt, and not as a result of changes to our entity-specific credit risk. The narrowing of the credit risk adjusted spread above the Company’s contractual spreads has primarily contributed to the negative fair value adjustments. Generally, an increase in the credit risk adjusted spread and/or a decrease in the three month LIBOR swap curve will result in positive fair value adjustments (and decrease the fair value measurement).  Conversely, a decrease in the credit risk adjusted spread and/or an increase in the three month LIBOR swap curve will result in negative fair value adjustments (and increase the fair value measurement).
 

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The following tables summarize the Company’s assets and liabilities that were measured at fair value on a recurring and non-recurring basis as of March 31, 2015 (in 000’s):
Description of Assets
March 31, 2015
 
Quoted Prices in
Active Markets
for Identical
Assets
(Level 1)
 
Significant Other
Observable Inputs
(Level 2)
 
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
AFS Securities (2):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. Government agencies
$
11,962

 
$

 
$
11,962

 
$

U.S. Government collateralized mortgage obligations
31,078

 

 
31,078

 

Mutual Funds
3,858

 
3,858

 

 

Total AFS securities
$
46,898

 
$
3,858

 
$
43,040

 
$

Impaired loans (1):
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Commercial and industrial

 

 

 

Real estate mortgage

 

 

 

RE construction & development

 

 

 

Agricultural

 

 

 

Installment/Other

 

 

 

Total impaired loans
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

Other real estate owned (1)

 

 

 

Total
$
46,898

 
$
3,858

 
$
43,040

 
$

Description of Liabilities
March 31, 2015
 
Quoted Prices
in Active
Markets for
Identical
Assets
(Level 1)
 
Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
 
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
Junior subordinated debt (2)
$
10,238

 

 

 
$
10,238

Total
$
10,238

 

 

 
$
10,238

 
(1)Nonrecurring
(2)Recurring

The following tables summarize the Company’s assets and liabilities that were measured at fair value on a recurring and non-recurring basis as of December 31, 2014 (in 000’s):


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Description of Assets
December 31, 2014
 
Quoted Prices
in Active
Markets for
Identical
Assets
(Level 1)
 
Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
 
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
AFS Securities (2):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. Government agencies
$
12,496

 
$

 
$
12,496

 
$

U.S. Government collateralized mortgage obligations
31,982

 

 
31,982

 

Mutual Funds
3,823

 
3,823

 

 

Total AFS securities
48,301

 
3,823

 
44,478

 
$

Impaired Loans (1):
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Commercial and industrial

 

 

 

Real estate mortgage
42

 

 

 
42

RE construction & development

 

 

 

Agricultural

 

 

 

Installment/Other

 

 

 

Total impaired loans
$
42

 
$

 
$

 
$
42

Other real estate owned (1)

 

 

 

Total
$
48,343

 
$
3,823

 
$
44,478

 
$
42

Description of Liabilities
December 31, 2014
 
Quoted Prices
in Active
Markets for
Identical
Assets
(Level 1)
 
Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
 
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
Junior subordinated debt (2)
$
10,115

 
$

 
$

 
$
10,115

Total
$
10,115

 
$

 
$

 
$
10,115

 
(1)Nonrecurring
(2)Recurring

The Company recorded no impairment loss on other real estate owned during the three months ended March 31, 2015 or 2014.

The following table presents quantitative information about Level 3 fair value measurements for the Company's assets measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis at December 31, 2014. The Company had no assets measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis at March 31, 2015 (in 000's).
December 31, 2014
Financial Instrument
Fair Value
Valuation Technique
Unobservable Input
Range, Weighted Average
Impaired Loans:
 
 
 
 
Real estate mortgage
42

Sales Comparison Approach
Adjustment for difference between comparable sales
1%-16%, 13.2%

The following tables provide a reconciliation of assets and liabilities at fair value using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) on a recurring basis during the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 (in 000’s):

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Three Months Ended March 31, 2015
 
Three Months Ended March 31, 2014
Reconciliation of Liabilities:
Junior
Subordinated
Debt
 
Junior
Subordinated
Debt
Beginning balance
$
10,115

 
$
11,125

Total losses included in earnings
(125
)
 
(345
)
Capitalized interest
248

 
752

Ending balance
$
10,238

 
$
11,532

The amount of total losses for the period included in earnings attributable to the change in unrealized gains or losses relating to liabilities still held at the reporting date
$
(125
)
 
$
(345
)


12.
Goodwill and Intangible Assets

At March 31, 2015, the Company had goodwill in the amount of $4,488,000 in connection with various business combinations and purchases. This amount was unchanged from the balance of $4,488,000 at December 31, 2014. While goodwill is not amortized, the Company does conduct periodic impairment analysis on goodwill at least annually or more often as conditions require.

Goodwill: The largest component of goodwill is related to the Legacy merger (Campbell reporting unit) completed during February 2007 and totaled approximately $2.9 million at March 31, 2015. The Company completed a "Step 0" analysis for the Campbell reporting unit as of March 31, 2015 and March 31, 2014, with no goodwill impairment.

Under the Step 0 analysis, the Company has the option to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether the existence of events or circumstances leads to a determination that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. If, after assessing the totality of events or circumstances, the Company determines it is not more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, then performing the two-step impairment test is unnecessary. Determining the fair value involves a significant amount of judgment, including estimates of changes in revenue growth, changes is discount rates, competitive forces within the industry, and other specific industry and market valuation conditions. Based on the results of the Step 0 impairment analysis at March 31, 2015, the Company concluded that that the fair value of the reporting unit exceeds it carrying value. Therefore, goodwill was not impaired.
Core Deposit Intangibles: The core deposit intangible asset related to the Legacy Bank Merger, which totaled $3.0 million at the time of merger, was amortized over an estimated life of approximately seven years. At March 31, 2015, there was no remaining carrying value of the core deposit intangible related to the Legacy Bank merger. The Company recognized no amortization expense related to the Legacy operating unit during the three months ended March 31, 2015. The Company recognized no amortization expense related to the Legacy operating unit during the three months ended March 31, 2014. At March 31, 2015, there was no remaining carrying value of core deposit intangible related to the Taft branch acquisitions completed in April 2004.

 The Company did not record an impairment loss for the three months ended March 31, 2015 or March 31, 2014.
 
13.
Subsequent Events
 
Subsequent events are events or transactions that occur after the balance sheet date but before financial statements are issued. Recognized subsequent events are events or transactions that provide additional evidence about conditions that existed at the date of the balance sheet, including the estimates inherent in the process of preparing financial statements.  Unrecognized subsequent events are events that provide evidence about conditions that did not exist at the date of the balance sheet but arose after that date.  Management has reviewed events occurring through the date the consolidated financial statements were issued.


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Item 2  - Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Overview

Certain matters discussed or incorporated by reference in this Quarterly Report of Form 10-Q are forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, those described in Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the following factors: i) competitive pressures in the banking industry and changes in the regulatory environment; ii) exposure to changes in the interest rate environment and the resulting impact on the Company’s interest rate sensitive assets and liabilities; iii) decline in the health of the economy nationally or regionally which could reduce the demand for loans or reduce the value of real estate collateral securing most of the Company’s loans; iv) credit quality deterioration that could cause an increase in the provision for loan losses; v) Asset/Liability matching risks and liquidity risks; volatility and devaluation in the securities markets, vi) failure to comply with the regulatory agreements under which the Company is subject, vii) expected cost savings from recent acquisitions are not realized, and, viii) potential impairment of goodwill and other intangible assets. Therefore, the information set forth therein should be carefully considered when evaluating the business prospects of the Company. For additional information concerning risks and uncertainties related to the Company and its operations, please refer to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014.

United Security Bancshares (the “Company” or “Holding Company") is a California corporation incorporated during March of 2001 and is registered with the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System as a bank holding company under the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended. United Security Bank (the “Bank”) is a wholly-owned bank subsidiary of the Company and was formed in 1987. References to the Company are references to United Security Bancshares (including the Bank). References to the Bank are to United Security Bank, while references to the Holding Company are to the parent-only, United Security Bancshares. The Company currently has eleven banking branches, which provide financial services in Fresno, Madera, Kern, and Santa Clara counties in the state of California.

 On March 23, 2010, United Security Bancshares (the "Company") and its wholly owned subsidiary, United Security Bank (the "Bank"), entered into a formal written agreement (the “Agreement”) with the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco (the “Federal Reserve”) as a result of a regulatory examination that was conducted by the Federal Reserve and the California Department of Financial Institutions (the “DFI”) in June 2009. That examination found significant increases in nonperforming assets, both classified loans and OREO, during 2008 and 2009, and heightened concerns about the Bank’s use of brokered and other wholesale funding sources to fund loan growth, which created increased risk to equity capital and potential volatility in earnings. Under the terms of the Agreement, the Company and the Bank agreed, among other things: to maintain a sound process for determining, documenting, and recording an adequate allowance for loan and lease losses; to improve the management of the Bank's liquidity position and funds management policies; to maintain sufficient capital at the Company and Bank level; and to improve the Bank’s earnings and overall condition. The Company and Bank also agreed not to increase or guarantee any debt, purchase or redeem any shares of stock, declare or pay any cash dividends, or pay interest on the Company's junior subordinated debt or trust preferred securities, without prior written approval from the Federal Reserve. The Company generates no revenue of its own and, as such, relies on dividends from the Bank to pay its operating expenses and interest payments on the Company’s junior subordinated debt. Effective November 19, 2014, the Federal Reserve terminated the Agreement with the Bank and the Company and replaced it with an informal supervisory agreement that requires, among other things, obtaining written approval from the Federal Reserve prior to the payment of dividends from the Bank to the Company or the payment of dividends by the Company or interest on the Company’s junior subordinated debt. The inability of the Bank to pay cash dividends to the Company may hinder the Company’s ability to meet its ongoing operating obligations. (For more information on the Agreement see the “Regulatory Matters” section included in this Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.)

On May 20, 2010, the DFI (now known as the Department of Business Oversight (the “DBO”)) issued a formal written order (the “Order”) pursuant to a consent agreement with the Bank as a result of the same June 2009 joint regulatory examination. The terms of the Order were essentially similar to the Federal Reserve’s Agreement, except for a few additional requirements.  On September 24, 2013, the Bank entered into an informal Memorandum of Understanding (the “MOU”) with the DBO and on October 15, 2013, the Order was terminated. The Order and the MOU require the Bank to maintain a ratio of tangible shareholder’s equity to total tangible assets equal to or greater than 9.0% and also requires the DBO’s approval for the Bank to pay a dividend to the Company. Accordingly, reflecting the Company’s and the Bank’s improved financial condition and performance, as of November 19, 2014, the Bank and the Company have been relieved of all formal regulatory agreements. Some of the governance and procedures established by the Agreement and the Order remain in place, including submission of certain plans and reports to the Federal Reserve and DBO, the Bank’s obligation to maintain a 9.0% tangible shareholder’s equity ratio, and the requirement to seek approvals from the Federal Reserve and the DBO for either the Bank or the Company to pay dividends and for the Company to pay interest on its outstanding junior subordinated debt. While no assurances can be

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given as to future regulatory approvals, over the last four quarters the DBO and the Federal Reserve have been approving the Bank's payment of dividends to the Company to cover the Company's operating expenses and its interest payments and the Company's payment of quarterly interest on the junior subordinated debt. The Bank is currently in full compliance with the requirements of the MOU including its deadlines.
(For more information on the Agreement see the “Regulatory Matters” section included in this Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.)

Trends Affecting Results of Operations and Financial Position

The Company’s overall operations are impacted by a number of factors, including not only interest rates and margin spreads, which impact the results of operations, but also the composition of the Company’s balance sheet. One of the primary strategic goals of the Company is to maintain a mix of assets that will generate a reasonable rate of return without undue risk, and to finance those assets with a low-cost and stable source of funds. Liquidity and capital resources must also be considered in the planning process to mitigate risk and allow for growth. Net interest income before provision for credit losses has increased between the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, totaling $6,224,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2015 as compared to $5,465,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2014. The increase in net interest income between 2014 and 2015 was primarily the result of a shift in the asset mix as well as a decline in the Company’s cost of funding between the two periods.

Average interest-earning assets increased approximately $10,865,000 between the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014. Components of the $10,865,000 increase in average earning assets between 2014 and 2015 included an increase of $71,504,000 in loans, a $2,952,000 increase in investment securities, partially offset by a decrease of $63,598,000 in overnight funds sold to the Federal Reserve Bank. During the past year, the Company’s cost of interest-bearing liabilities have continued to decline, with the average cost of interest-bearing liabilities dropping from 0.38% during the three months ended March 31, 2014, to 0.36% during the three months ended March 31, 2015.

The following table summarizes the year-to-date averages of the components of interest-earning assets as a percentage of total interest-earning assets and the components of interest-bearing liabilities as a percentage of total interest-bearing liabilities:
 
YTD Average
3/31/15
 
YTD Average
12/31/14
 
YTD Average
3/31/14
Loans and Leases
78.67%
 
71.78%
 
67.87%
Investment securities available for sale
8.05%
 
8.36%
 
7.69%
Interest-bearing deposits in other banks
0.26%
 
0.26%
 
0.26%
Interest-bearing deposits in FRB
13.02%
 
19.60%
 
24.18%
Total interest-earning assets
100.00%
 
100.00%
 
100.00%
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOW accounts
22.08%
 
17.99%
 
17.10%
Money market accounts
36.80%
 
40.86%
 
41.44%
Savings accounts
16.93%
 
14.99%
 
13.75%
Time deposits
21.41%
 
23.12%
 
24.47%
Subordinated debentures
2.78%
 
3.04%
 
3.24%
Total interest-bearing liabilities
100.00%
 
100.00%
 
100.00%

Since the Bank primarily conducts banking operations in California’s Central Valley, its operations and cash flows are subject to changes in the economic conditions in California’s Central Valley. Our business results are dependent in large part upon the business activity, population, income levels, deposits and real estate activity in the Central Valley, and continued adverse economic conditions could have a material adverse effect upon us. In addition, the Central Valley remains largely dependent on agriculture. A downturn in agriculture and agricultural related business could indirectly and adversely affect the Company as many borrowers and customers are involved in, or are impacted to some extent, by the agricultural industry. The state of California is currently experiencing the worst drought in recorded history, and it is not possible to predict at present how long the drought may last.

The residential real estate markets in the five county region from Merced to Kern have shown strengthening improvement since 2013 and those trends continued into the first quarter of 2015. The severe declines in residential construction and home prices

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that began in 2008 continue to show signs of easing and reversing direction. The sustained period of double-digit price declines from 2008 – 2011 adversely impacted the Company’s operations and increased the levels of nonperforming assets, increased expenses related to foreclosed properties, and decreased profit margins. As the Company continues its business development and expansion efforts throughout its market areas, a primary focus is reduction of nonperforming assets while providing customers options to work through this difficult economic period. Options include combinations of rate and term concessions, as well as forbearance agreements with borrowers. Median sales prices and number of housing starts improved in the five county region from Merced to Kern between June 2013 to March 2015. Total nonperforming loans increased slightly during the three months ended March 31, 2015, totaling $16,699,000 at March 31, 2015 compared to $15,576,000 reported at December 31, 2014.

As a result of a modest improvement in the economy, the Company has experienced improvement in the loan portfolio between 2014 and 2015. During the three months ended March 31, 2015, the Company experienced increases in real estate construction development and real estate mortgage loans, but experienced decreases in commercial and industrial loans, compared to the same period ended March 31, 2014. Loans increased $34,326,000 between December 31, 2014 and March 31, 2015, and increased $80,300,000 between March 31, 2014 and March 31, 2015. Commercial and industrial loans decreased $654,000 between December 31, 2014 and March 31, 2015 and decreased $4,077,000 between March 31, 2014 and March 31, 2015. Real estate mortgage loans increased $21,702,000 between December 31, 2014 and March 31, 2015, and $25,912,000 between March 31, 2014 and March 31, 2015. The increases in real estate mortgage loans are due to residential mortgage loan pools purchased in September 2014 and February 2015. Agricultural loans increased $3,034,000 between December 31, 2014 and March 31, 2015 and increased $10,410,000 between March 31, 2014 and March 31, 2015.  Commercial real estate loans (a component of real estate mortgage loans) have remained as a significant percentage of total loans over the past year, amounting to 32.18%, 33.78%, and 38.88%, of the total loan portfolio at March 31, 2015, December 31, 2014, and March 31, 2014, respectively. Residential mortgage loans are not generally a large part of the Company’s loan portfolio, but some residential mortgage loans have been made over the past several years to facilitate take-out loans for construction borrowers when they were not able to obtain permanent financing elsewhere. These loans are generally 30-year amortizing loans with maturities of between three and five years. Residential mortgages totaled $77,067,000 or 15.66% of the portfolio at March 31, 2015, $59,095,000, or 12.91% of the portfolio at December 31, 2014, and $49,167,000 or 11.94% of the portfolio at March 31, 2014. Loan participations purchased comprised $824,000 or 0.20% of the portfolio at March 31, 2014. The bank held no loan participation purchases at December 31, 2014 or March 31, 2015. Loan participations sold decreased from $8,599,000, or 2.09%, of the portfolio at March 31, 2014, to $6,230,000, or 1.4% of the portfolio, at December 31, 2014, and $6,123,000, or 1.2% of the portfolio, at March 31, 2015.

Although market rates of interest are at historically low levels, the Company’s disciplined deposit pricing efforts have helped maintain adequate margins. The Company’s net interest margin increased to 4.25% for the three months ended March 31, 2015, when compared to 3.81% for the three months ended March 31, 2014. The net interest margin has improved due to growth of the loan portfolio, which is a higher yielding asset, compared to overnight investments with the Federal Reserve Bank. The Company has successfully sought to mitigate the low-interest rate environment with loan floors included in new and renewed loans when practical. Loans yielded 5.46% during the three months ended March 31, 2015, as compared to 5.62% for the three months ended March 31, 2014.  The decrease in the Company’s cost of funds over the past year has mitigated the impact of declining yields on earning assets. The Company’s average cost of funds was 0.36% for the three months ended March 31, 2015, as compared to 0.38% for the three months ended March 31, 2014. The Company does not intend to increase its current level of brokered deposits, the level of brokered deposits is expected to remain level at least in the short-term. Currently CDARs reciprocal deposits are the only brokered deposits in the Company. The CDARs reciprocal deposit is preferred by some depositors.

Total noninterest income of $921,000 reported for the three months ended March 31, 2015 increased $204,000 or 28.45% as compared to the three months ended March 31, 2014. Noninterest income continues to be driven by customer service fees, which totaled $833,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2015 as compared to $794,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2014. However, the increase in noninterest income between the two periods was primarily the result of a $220,000 decrease in fair value of financial liability.

Noninterest expense decreased approximately $87,000 or 1.81% between the three months ended March 31, 2014 and March 31, 2015. The decrease experienced during the three months ended March 31, 2015, was primarily the result of decreases of $213,000 in the net operating cost on OREO and $95,000 in salary and employee benefits, partially offset by increases in professional fees and occupancy expenses.

On March 24, 2015, the Company’s Board of Directors declared a one-percent (1%) quarterly stock dividend on the Company’s outstanding common stock. The Company believes, given the current uncertainties in the economy and unprecedented declines in real estate valuations in our markets, it is prudent to retain capital in this environment, and better position the Company for

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future growth opportunities. Based upon the number of outstanding common shares on the record date of April 6, 2015, an additional 154,249 shares were issued to shareholders. For purposes of earnings per share calculations, the Company’s weighted average shares outstanding and potentially dilutive shares used in the computation of earnings per share have been restated after giving retroactive effect to the 1% stock dividends to shareholders for all periods presented.

The Company has sought to maintain a strong, yet conservative balance sheet while continuing to reduce the level of nonperforming assets and improve liquidity during the three months ended March 31, 2015. Total assets increased approximately $15,255,000 during the three months ended March 31, 2015, including an increase of $34,446,000 in net loans , partially offset by decreases of $15,563,000 in overnight investments with Federal Reserve Bank and $1,403,000 in investment securities. Total deposits increased $12,894,000, including an increase of $12,098,000 in noninterest-bearing deposits and $1,336,000 in NOW and money market accounts, partially offset by decreases of $519,000 in time deposits during the three months ended March 31, 2015. Average loans comprised approximately 78.67% and 67.86% of overall average earning assets during the three months ended March 31, 2015 and March 31, 2014, respectively.

Nonperforming assets, which are primarily related to the real estate loan and other real estate owned portfolio, remained high during the three months ended March 31, 2015, increasing $1,123,000 from a balance of $29,586,000 at December 31, 2014 to a balance of $30,709,000 at March 31, 2015. Nonaccrual loans totaling $10,907,000 at March 31, 2015, increased $972,000 from the balance of $9,935,000 reported at December 31, 2014. In determining the adequacy of the underlying collateral related to these loans, management monitors trends within specific geographical areas, loan-to-value ratios, appraisals, and other credit issues related to the specific loans. Impaired loans increased $1,115,000 during the three months ended March 31, 2015 with a balance of $17,152,000 at March 31, 2015. Other real estate owned through foreclosure remained the same, at a balance of $14,010,000 for the periods ended December 31, 2014 and March 31, 2015. Nonperforming assets as a percentage of total assets increased slightly from 4.46% at December 31, 2014 to 4.53% at March 31, 2015.

The following table summarizes various nonperforming components of the loan portfolio, the related allowance for credit losses and provision for credit losses for the periods shown.
(in 000's)
March 31, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
 
March 31, 2014
Provision (recovery of provision) for credit losses during period
$
459

 
$
(845
)
 
$
(47
)
Allowance as % of nonperforming loans
67.61
%
 
69.15
%
 
72.70
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
Nonperforming loans as % total loans
3.39
%
 
3.40
%
 
3.70
%
Restructured loans as % total loans
3.01
%
 
3.28
%
 
1.92
%

Management continues to monitor economic conditions in the real estate market for signs of further deterioration or improvement which may impact the level of the allowance for loan losses required to cover identified losses in the loan portfolio. Greater focus has been placed on monitoring and reducing the level of problem assets, while working with borrowers to find more options, including loan restructures, to work through these difficult economic times. Restructured loans comprise of 32 loans totaling $14,803,000 at March 31, 2015, compared to 33 loans totaling $15,000,000 at December 31, 2014.

The Company recorded a provision of $459,000 to the allowance for credit losses during the three months ended March 31, 2015, as compared to a negative provision of $47,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2014. Net loan and lease recoveries during the three months ended March 31, 2015 totaled $60,000 as compared to net recoveries of $143,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2014. The Company charged-off, or had partial charge-offs on, 2 loans during the three months ended March 31, 2015, as compared to 6 loans during the same period ended March 31, 2014, and 13 loans during the year ended December 31, 2014. The annualized percentage net recoveries to average loans were 0.05% and 0.15% for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, as compared to net recoveries of 0.15% for the year ended December 31, 2014.

Deposits increased by $12,894,000 during the three months ended March 31, 2015, primarily due to increases experienced in non-interest bearing deposits. The Company continues to maintain a low reliance on brokered deposits, while maintaining sufficient liquidity. Currently, the Company does not utilize wholesale funding sources. Brokered deposits totaled $13,009,000 or 2.25% of total deposits at March 31, 2015, as compared to $11,480,000, or 2.03%, of total deposits at December 31, 2014, and $13,656,000, or 2.40%, of total deposits at March 31, 2014.


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The cost of the Company’s subordinated debentures issued by USB Capital Trust II has remained low as market rates have remained low during the first quarter of 2015. With pricing at 3-month-LIBOR plus 129 basis points, the effective cost of the subordinated debt was 1.57% at March 31, 2015, as compared to 1.55% at December 31, 2014. Pursuant to fair value accounting guidance, the Company has recorded $125,000 in pretax fair value loss on its junior subordinated debt during the three months ended March 31, 2015, bringing the total cumulative gain recorded on the debt to $5,284,000 at March 31, 2015.

The Company continues to emphasize relationship banking and core deposit growth, and has focused greater attention on its market area of Fresno, Madera, and Kern Counties, as well as Campbell, in Santa Clara County. The San Joaquin Valley and other California markets continue to exhibit weak demand for construction lending and commercial lending from small and medium size businesses, as commercial and residential real estate markets have shown improvements but still remain depressed, compared with prior years.

Results of Operations

On a year-to-date basis, the Company reported net income of $1,228,000 or $0.08 per share ($0.08 diluted) for the three months ended March 31, 2015, as compared to $908,000 or $0.06 per share ($0.06 diluted) for the same period in 2014. The Company’s return on average assets was 0.74% for the three months ended March 31, 2015, as compared to 0.55% for the three months ended March 31, 2014. The Bank’s return on average equity was 5.94% for the three months ended March 31, 2015, as compared to 4.77% for the three months ended March 31, 2014.

Net Interest Income

Net interest income before provision for credit losses totaled $6,224,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2015, representing an increase of $759,000, or 13.89%, when compared to the $5,465,000 reported for the same period of the previous year.

The Company’s year-to-date net interest margin, as shown in Table 1, increased to 4.25% at March 31, 2015 from 3.81% at March 31, 2014, an increase of 44 basis points (100 basis points = 1%) between the two periods. While average market rates of interest have remained level between the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 (the Prime rate remained at 3.25% during both periods), the Company’s earning asset mix has improved with an increase in loans and investment securities which positively impacted the net margin between the two periods.


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Table of Contents

Table 1. Distribution of Average Assets, Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity:
Interest rates and Interest Differentials
Three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014
 
 
 
2015
 
 
 
 
 
2014
 
 
(dollars in 000's)
Average Balance
 
Interest
 
Yield/Rate
 
Average Balance
 
Interest
 
Yield/Rate
 
 
 
 
 
 
Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest-earning assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Loans and leases (1)
$
466,781

 
$
6,279

 
5.46
%
 
$
395,277

 
$
5,475

 
5.62
%
Investment Securities – taxable
47,756

 
214

 
1.82
%
 
44,804

 
228

 
2.06
%
Interest-bearing  deposits in other banks
1,522

 
2

 
0.53
%
 
1,515

 
2

 
0.54
%
Interest-bearing  deposits in FRB
77,257

 
46

 
0.24
%
 
140,855

 
83

 
0.24
%
Total interest-earning assets
593,316

 
$
6,541

 
4.47
%
 
582,451

 
$
5,788

 
4.03
%
Allowance for credit losses
(10,821
)
 
 

 
 

 
(11,015
)
 
 

 
 

Noninterest-earning assets:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Cash and due from banks
21,209

 
 

 
 

 
20,570

 
 

 
 

Premises and equipment, net
11,458

 
 

 
 

 
12,088

 
 

 
 

Accrued interest receivable
1,493

 
 

 
 

 
1,300

 
 

 
 

Other real estate owned
14,010

 
 

 
 

 
13,979

 
 

 
 

Other assets
42,221

 
 

 
 

 
47,098

 
 

 
 

Total average assets
$
672,886

 
 

 
 

 
$
666,471

 
 

 
 

Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Interest-bearing liabilities:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

NOW accounts
$
79,909

 
$
26

 
0.13
%
 
$
58,788

 
$
15

 
0.10
%
Money market accounts
133,209

 
105

 
0.32
%
 
142,395

 
120

 
0.34
%
Savings accounts
61,277

 
42

 
0.28
%
 
47,273

 
21

 
0.18
%
Time deposits
77,497

 
86

 
0.45
%
 
84,099

 
106

 
0.51
%
Other borrowings

 

 
0.00
%
 

 

 
0.00
%
Junior subordinated debentures
10,079

 
58

 
2.33
%
 
11,151

 
61

 
2.22
%
Total interest-bearing liabilities
361,971

 
$
317

 
0.36
%
 
343,706

 
$
323

 
0.38
%
Noninterest-bearing liabilities:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Noninterest-bearing checking
219,707

 
 

 
 

 
238,030

 
 

 
 

Accrued interest payable
80

 
 

 
 

 
69

 
 

 
 

Other liabilities
7,251

 
 

 
 

 
7,377

 
 

 
 

Total Liabilities
589,009

 
 

 
 

 
589,182

 
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total shareholders' equity
83,877

 
 

 
 

 
77,289

 
 

 
 

Total average liabilities and shareholders' equity
$
672,886

 
 

 
 

 
$
666,471

 
 

 
 

Interest income as a percentage  of average earning assets
 

 
 

 
4.47
%
 
 

 
 

 
4.03
%
Interest expense as a percentage of average earning assets
 

 
 

 
0.22
%
 
 

 
 

 
0.22
%
Net interest margin
 

 
 

 
4.25
%
 
 

 
 

 
3.81
%

(1)
Loan amounts include nonaccrual loans, but the related interest income has been included only if collected for the period prior to the loan being placed on a nonaccrual basis. Loan interest income includes loan fees of approximately $110,000 and $78,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.


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Table of Contents

Both the Company's net interest income and net interest margin are affected by changes in the amount and mix of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities, referred to as "volume change." Both are also affected by changes in yields on interest-earning assets and rates paid on interest-bearing liabilities, referred to as "rate change." The following table sets forth the changes in interest income and interest expense for each major category of interest-earning asset and interest-bearing liability, and the amount of change attributable to volume and rate changes for the periods indicated.

Table 2.  Rate and Volume Analysis

 
Increase (decrease) in the three months ended March 31, 2015 compared to
March 31, 2014
(in 000's)
Total
 
Rate
 
Volume
Increase (decrease) in interest income:
 
 
 
 
 
Loans and leases
$
804

 
$
(162
)
 
$
966

Investment securities available for sale
(14
)
 
(28
)
 
14

Interest-bearing deposits in other banks

 

 

Interest-bearing deposits in FRB
(37
)
 
1

 
(38
)
Total interest income
753

 
(189
)
 
942

Increase (decrease) in interest expense:
 

 
 

 
 

Interest-bearing demand accounts
(4
)
 
(12
)
 
8

Savings and money market accounts
21

 
14

 
7

Time deposits
(20
)
 
(12
)
 
(8
)
Other borrowings

 

 

Subordinated debentures
(3
)
 
3

 
(6
)
Total interest expense
(6
)
 
(7
)
 
1

Increase in net interest income
$
759

 
$
(182
)
 
$
941

 
For the three months ended March 31, 2015, total interest income increased approximately $753,000 or 13.01% as compared to the three months ended March 31, 2014. Earning asset volumes increased in investment securities available for sale and loans and leases, which on average increased $2,952,000 and $71,504,000, respectively, between the two periods. The average rates on loans decreased 16 basis points between the two periods, and the average rate on investment securities increased approximately 24 basis points during the three months ended March 31, 2015 as compared to the same period of 2014.  

For the three months ended March 31, 2015, total interest expense decreased approximately $6,000, or 1.86% as compared to the three months ended March 31, 2014. Between those two periods, average interest-bearing liabilities increased by $18,265,000, while the average rates paid on these liabilities decreased by 2 basis points.

Provisions for credit losses are determined on the basis of management's periodic credit review of the loan portfolio, consideration of past loan loss experience, current and future economic conditions, and other pertinent factors. Management believes its estimate of the allowance for credit losses adequately covers estimated losses inherent in the loan portfolio. Based on the condition of the loan portfolio, management believes the allowance is sufficient to cover risk elements in the loan portfolio. For the three months ended March 31, 2015, the provision to the allowance for credit losses amounted to a provision of $459,000 as compared to a recovery of the provision of $47,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2014.

The provision allocated during the first quarter brought the allowance to 2.29% of outstanding loan balances at March 31, 2015, as compared to 2.35% of outstanding loan balances at December 31, 2014, and 2.69% at March 31, 2014.

Table 3. Changes in Noninterest Income

The following table sets forth the amount and percentage changes in the categories presented for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014:


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Table of Contents

 
     (in 000's)
Three Months Ended March 31, 2015
 
Three Months Ended March 31, 2014
 
Amount of
Change
 
Percent
 Change
Customer service fees
$
833

 
$
794

 
$
39

 
4.91
 %
Increase in cash surrender value of BOLI
128

 
127

 
1

 
0.79
 %
Loss on fair value of financial liability
(125
)
 
(345
)
 
220

 
(63.77
)%
Other
85

 
141

 
(56
)
 
(39.72
)%
Total noninterest income
$
921

 
$
717

 
$
204

 
28.45
 %

Noninterest income for the three months ended March 31, 2015 increased $204,0000 or 28.45% when compared to the same period of 2014. Customer service fees, the primary component of noninterest income, increased $39,000 or 4.91% between the two periods presented. The increase in noninterest income of $204,000 between the two periods includes a reduction in the loss on fair value of financial liability. The change in the fair value of financial liability was primarily caused by a modest decline in the LIBOR yield curve as compared to the previous quarter.

Noninterest Expense

The following table sets forth the amount and percentage changes in the categories presented for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014:

Table 4. Changes in Noninterest Expense

 
     (in 000's)
Three Months Ended March 31, 2015
 
Three Months Ended March 31, 2014
 
Amount of
Change
 
Percent
 Change
Salaries and employee benefits
$
2,431

 
$
2,526

 
$
(95
)
 
(3.76
)%
Occupancy expense
940

 
873

 
67

 
7.67
 %
Data processing
31

 
41

 
(10
)
 
(24.39
)%
Professional fees
348

 
180

 
168

 
93.33
 %
FDIC/DFI insurance assessments
246

 
233

 
13

 
5.58
 %
Director fees
56

 
56

 

 
 %
Amortization of intangibles

 
47

 
(47
)
 
(100.00
)%
Correspondent bank service charges
19

 
29

 
(10
)
 
(34.48
)%
Loss on California tax credit partnership
30

 
23

 
7

 
30.43
 %
Net cost on operation and sale of OREO
68

 
281

 
(213
)
 
(75.80
)%
Other
539

 
506

 
33

 
6.52
 %
Total expense
$
4,708

 
$
4,795

 
$
(87
)
 
(1.81
)%

Noninterest expense decreased $87,000 between the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014. The net decrease in noninterest expense between the comparative periods is primarily the result of decreases in net costs of operation on OREO as well as salaries and employee benefits, partially offset by increases in professional fees. and occupancy expenses.

Income Taxes

The Company’s income tax expense is impacted to some degree by permanent taxable differences between income reported for book purposes and income reported for tax purposes, as well as certain tax credits which are not reflected in the Company’s pretax income or loss shown in the statements of income and comprehensive income. As pretax income or loss amounts become smaller, the impact of these differences become more significant and are reflected as variances in the Company’s effective tax rate for the periods presented. In general, the permanent differences and tax credits affecting tax expense have a positive impact and tend to reduce the effective tax rates shown in the Company’s statements of operations and comprehensive income.

The Company reviews its current tax positions at least quarterly based accounting standards related to uncertainty in income taxes which includes the criteria that an individual tax position would have to meet for some or all of the income tax benefit to be recognized in a taxable entity’s financial statements. Under the income tax guidelines, an entity should recognize the financial statement benefit of a tax position if it determines that it is more likely than not that the position will be sustained on examination.

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Table of Contents

The term “more likely than not” means a likelihood of more than 50 percent.” In assessing whether the more-likely-than-not criterion is met, the entity should assume that the tax position will be reviewed by the applicable taxing authority.
 
The Company has reviewed all of its tax positions as of March 31, 2015, and has determined that, there are no material amounts that should be recorded under the current income tax accounting guidelines.

Financial Condition

Total assets increased $15,255,000, or 2.30% to a balance of $678,424,000 at March 31, 2015, from the balance of $663,169,000 at December 31, 2014, and increased $15,515,000, or 2.34%, from the balance of $662,909,000 at March 31, 2014. Total deposits of $578,267,000 at March 31, 2015, increased $12,894,000, or 2.28%, from the balance reported at December 31, 2014, and increased $9,985,000, or 1.76%, from the balance of $568,282,000 reported at March 31, 2014. Cash and cash equivalents decreased $18,099,000, or 17.47%, between December 31, 2014 and March 31, 2015; net loans increased $34,446,000, or 7.71%, to a balance of $481,270,000; and investment securities decreased $1,403,000, or 2.90%, during the first quarter of 2015.

Earning assets averaged approximately $593,316,000 during the three months ended March 31, 2015, as compared to $582,451,000 for the same period in 2014. Average interest-bearing liabilities increased to $361,971,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2015, from $343,706,000 reported for the comparative period of 2014.

Loans and Leases

The Company's primary business is that of acquiring deposits and making loans, with the loan portfolio representing the largest and most important component of earning assets. Loans totaled $492,245,000 at March 31, 2015, an increase of $34,326,000, or 7.50%, when compared to the balance of $457,919,000 at December 31, 2014, and an increase of $80,300,000, or 19.49%, when compared to the balance of $411,945,000 reported at March 31, 2014. Loans on average increased $71,504,000, or 18.09%, between the three months ended March 31, 2014 and March 31, 2015, with loans averaging $466,781,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2015, as compared to $395,277,000 for the same period of 2014.

During the first quarter of 2015, a decrease of $654,000 was experienced in commercial and industrial loans.  Real estate construction and real estate mortgage loans increased $10,134,000 or 7.39%, and $21,702,000 or 10.10%, respectively, during the first quarter of 2015.

The following table sets forth the amounts of loans outstanding by category at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the category percentages as of those dates, and the net change between the two periods presented.

Table 5. Loans
 
 
March 31, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
 
 
 
 
(in 000's)
Dollar Amount
 
% of Loans
 
Dollar Amount
 
% of Loans
 
Net Change
 
% Change
Commercial and industrial
$
61,715

 
12.5
%
 
$
62,369

 
13.6
%
 
$
(654
)
 
(1.05
)%
Real estate – mortgage
236,579

 
48.1
%
 
214,877

 
46.9
%
 
21,702

 
10.10
 %
RE construction & development
147,292

 
29.9
%
 
137,158

 
30.0
%
 
10,134

 
7.39
 %
Agricultural
34,747

 
7.1
%
 
31,713

 
6.9
%
 
3,034

 
9.57
 %
Installment/other
11,912

 
2.4
%
 
11,802

 
2.7
%
 
110

 
0.93
 %
Total Gross Loans
$
492,245

 
100.0
%
 
$
457,919

 
100.0
%
 
$
34,326

 
7.50
 %

The overall average yield on the loan portfolio was 5.46% for the three months ended March 31, 2015, as compared to 5.62% for the three months ended March 31, 2014. At March 31, 2015, 42.1% of the Company's loan portfolio consisted of floating rate instruments, as compared to 39.9% of the portfolio at December 31, 2014, with the majority of those tied to the prime rate. Approximately 30.0% or $62,224,000 of the floating rate loans have rate floors at March 31, 2015, making them effectively fixed-rate loans for certain increases in interest rates, and fixed-rate loans for all decreases in interest rates. Approximately $4,431,000 of the $62,224,000 in loans with floors have floor spreads of 100 basis points or more, meaning that interest rates would need to increase more than 1% (or 100 basis points) before the rates on those loans would increase and effectively become floating rate loans again. Of the $62,224,000 in loans which comprise floating rate loans with floors, $5,245,000 will mature in one year or less, and $5,266,000 will mature in less than two years.

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Table of Contents


Deposits

Total deposits were $578,267,000 at March 31, 2015, representing an increase of $12,894,000, or 2.28% from the balance of $565,373,000 reported at December 31, 2014, and an increase of $9,985,000, or 1.76% from the balance of $568,282,000 reported at March 31, 2014.

The following table sets forth the amounts of deposits outstanding by category at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, and the net change between the two periods presented.

Table 6. Deposits
 
(in 000's)
March 31, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
 
Net
Change
 
Percentage
Change
Noninterest bearing deposits
$
227,537

 
$
215,439

 
$
12,098

 
5.62
 %
Interest bearing deposits:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

NOW and money market accounts
212,626

 
211,290

 
1,336

 
0.63
 %
Savings accounts
60,478

 
60,499

 
(21
)
 
-0.03
 %
Time deposits:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Under $250,000
65,917

 
65,844

 
73

 
0.11
 %
$250,000 and over
11,709

 
12,301

 
(592
)
 
-4.81
 %
Total interest bearing deposits
350,730

 
349,934

 
796

 
0.23
 %
Total deposits
$
578,267

 
$
565,373

 
$
12,894

 
2.28
 %

The Company's deposit base consists of two major components represented by noninterest bearing (demand) deposits and interest bearing deposits, totaling $227,537,000 and $350,730,000 at March 31, 2015, respectively. Interest bearing deposits consist of time certificates, NOW and money market accounts, and savings deposits. Total interest bearing deposits increased $796,000, or 0.23%, between December 31, 2014 and March 31, 2015, and noninterest bearing deposits increased $12,098,000, or 5.62% between the same two periods presented. Included in the increase of $796,000 in interest bearing deposits during the three months ended March 31, 2015, is an increase of $1,336,000 in NOW and money market accounts, partially offset by a decrease of $592,000 in time deposits with balances of over $250,000.

Core deposits, as defined by the Company as consisting of all deposits other than time deposits of $250,000 or more, and brokered deposits, continue to provide the foundation for the Company's principal sources of funding and liquidity. These core deposits amounted to 88.83% and 88.21% of the total deposit portfolio at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively. Brokered deposits totaled $13,009,000 at March 31, 2015, as compared to $11,480,000 at December 31, 2014, and $13,656,000 at March 31, 2014. Brokered deposits were 2.25% and 2.03% of total deposits at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively.

On a year-to-date average, the Company experienced an increase of $1,014,000, or 0.18%, in total deposits between the three months ended March 31, 2015 and March 31, 2014. Between these two periods, average interest bearing deposits increased $19,337,000 or 5.81%, while total noninterest-bearing deposits decreased $18,323,000, or 7.70%, on a year-to-date average basis.

Short-Term Borrowings

At March 31, 2015, the Company had collateralized lines of credit with the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco totaling $313,928,000, as well as Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) lines of credit totaling $5,590,000. At March 31, 2015, the Company had an uncollateralized line of credit with Pacific Coast Bankers Bank ("PCBB") totaling $10,000,000. These lines of credit generally have interest rates tied to either the Federal Funds rate, short-term U.S. Treasury rates, or LIBOR. All lines of credit are on an “as available” basis and can be revoked by the grantor at any time. At March 31, 2015 and March 31, 2014, the Company had no outstanding borrowings. The Company had collateralized FRB lines of credit of $286,993,000, collateralized FHLB lines of credit totaling $5,814,000, and an uncollateralized lines of credit with PCBB of $10,000,000 at December 31, 2014.

Asset Quality and Allowance for Credit Losses

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Table of Contents


Lending money is the Company's principal business activity, and ensuring appropriate evaluation, diversification, and control of credit risks is a primary management responsibility. Losses are implicit in lending activities and the amount of such losses will vary, depending on the risk characteristics of the loan portfolio as affected by local economic conditions and the financial experience of borrowers.

The allowance for credit losses is maintained at a level deemed appropriate by management to provide for known and inherent risks in existing loans and commitments to extend credit. The adequacy of the allowance for credit losses is based upon management's continuing assessment of various factors affecting the collectability of loans and commitments to extend credit; including current economic conditions, past credit experience, collateral, and concentrations of credit. There is no precise method of predicting specific losses or amounts which may ultimately be charged off on particular segments of the loan portfolio. The conclusion that a loan may become uncollectible, either in part or in whole is judgmental and subject to economic, environmental, and other conditions which cannot be predicted with certainty. When determining the adequacy of the allowance for credit losses, the Company follows, in accordance with GAAP, the guidelines set forth in the Revised Interagency Policy Statement on the Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses (“Statement”) issued by banking regulators in December 2006. The Statement is a revision of the previous guidance released in July 2001, and outlines characteristics that should be used in segmentation of the loan portfolio for purposes of the analysis including risk classification, past due status, type of loan, industry or collateral. It also outlines factors to consider when adjusting the loss factors for various segments of the loan portfolio, and updates previous guidance that describes the responsibilities of the board of directors, management, and bank examiners regarding the allowance for credit losses. Securities and Exchange Commission Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 102 was released during July 2001, and represents the SEC staff’s view relating to methodologies and supporting documentation for the Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses that should be observed by all public companies in complying with the federal securities laws and the Commission’s interpretations.  It is also generally consistent with the guidance published by the banking regulators.

The allowance for loan losses includes an asset-specific component, as well as a general or formula-based component. The Company segments the loan and lease portfolio into eleven (11) segments, primarily by loan class and type, that have homogeneity and commonality of purpose and terms for analysis under the formula-based component of the allowance. Those loans which are determined to be impaired under current accounting guidelines are not subject to the formula-based reserve analysis, and evaluated individually for specific impairment under the asset-specific component of the allowance.

The Company’s methodology for assessing the adequacy of the allowance for credit losses consists of several key elements, which include:

- the formula allowance
- specific allowances for problem graded loans identified as impaired
- and the unallocated allowance

The formula allowance is calculated by applying loss factors to outstanding loans and certain unfunded loan commitments. Loss factors are based on the Company’s historical loss experience and on the internal risk grade of those loans and, may be adjusted for significant factors that, in management's judgment, affect the collectability of the portfolio as of the evaluation date. Factors that may affect collectability of the loan portfolio include:
 
Levels of, and trends in delinquencies and nonaccrual loans;
Trends in volumes and term of loans;
Effects of any changes in lending policies and procedures including those for underwriting, collection, charge-off, and recovery;
Experience, ability, and depth of lending management and staff;
National and local economic trends and conditions and;
Concentrations of credit that might affect loss experience across one or more components of the portfolio, including high-balance loan concentrations and participations.

Management determines the loss factors for problem graded loans (substandard, doubtful, and loss), special mention loans, and pass graded loans, based on a loss migration model. The migration analysis incorporates loan losses over the previous quarters as determined by management (time horizons adjusted as business cycles or environment changes) and loss factors are adjusted to recognize and quantify the loss exposure from changes in market conditions and trends in the Company’s loan portfolio. For purposes of this analysis, loans are grouped by internal risk classifications, which are “pass”, “special mention”, “substandard”, “doubtful”, and “loss". Certain loans are homogeneous in nature and are therefore pooled by risk grade. These homogeneous loans include consumer installment and home equity loans. Special mention loans are currently performing but are potentially

44

Table of Contents

weak, as the borrower has begun to exhibit deteriorating trends, which if not corrected, could jeopardize repayment of the loan and result in further downgrade. Substandard loans have well-defined weaknesses which, if not corrected, could jeopardize the full satisfaction of the debt. A loan classified as “doubtful” has critical weaknesses that make full collection of the obligation improbable. Classified loans, as defined by the Company, include impaired loans and loans categorized as substandard, doubtful, and loss which are not considered impaired. At March 31, 2015, “classified” loans totaled $35,524,000 or 7.2% of gross loans as compared to $34,358,000 or 7.5% of gross loans at December 31, 2014.

Loan participations are reviewed for allowance adequacy under the same guidelines as other loans in the Company’s portfolio, with an additional participation factor added, if required, for specific risks associated with participations. In general, participations are subject to certain thresholds set by the Company, and are reviewed for geographic location as well as the well-being of the underlying agent bank.

Specific allowances are established based on management’s periodic evaluation of loss exposure inherent in impaired loans. For impaired loans, specific allowances are determined based on the net realizable value of the underlying collateral, the net present value of the anticipated cash flows, or the market value of the underlying assets. Formula allowances for classified loans, excluding impaired loans, are determined on the basis of additional risks involved with individual loans that may be in excess of risk factors associated with the loan portfolio as a whole. The specific allowance is different from the formula allowance in that the specific allowance is determined on a loan-by-loan basis based on risk factors directly related to a particular loan, as opposed to the formula allowance which is determined for a pool of loans with similar risk characteristics, based on past historical trends and other risk factors which may be relevant on an ongoing basis.

The unallocated portion of the allowance is based upon management’s evaluation of various conditions that are not directly measured in the determination of the formula and specific allowances. The conditions may include, but are not limited to, general economic and business conditions affecting the key lending areas of the Company, credit quality trends, collateral values, loan volumes and concentrations, and other business conditions.

The following table summarizes the specific allowance, formula allowance, and unallocated allowance at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, as well as classified loans at those period-ends.

(in 000's)
March 31, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
Specific allowance – impaired loans
$
2,197

 
$
715

Formula allowance – classified loans not impaired
2,287

 
2,450

Formula allowance – special mention loans
11

 
39

Total allowance for special mention and classified loans
4,495

 
3,204

 
 
 
 
Formula allowance for pass loans
6,787

 
6,739

Unallocated allowance
8

 
847

Total allowance for loan losses
$
11,290

 
$
10,790

 
 
 
 
Impaired loans
17,152

 
16,037

Classified loans not considered impaired
18,372

 
18,321

Total classified loans
$
35,524

 
$
34,358

Special mention loans not considered impaired
$
328

 
$
1,766


Impaired loans increased $1,115,000 between December 31, 2014 and March 31, 2015 and the specific allowance related to impaired loans increased $1,482,000 between December 31, 2014 and March 31, 2015. The formula allowance related to unimpaired loans (including special mention and substandard) decreased by $191,000 between December 31, 2014 and March 31, 2015. The level of “pass” loans increased approximately $17,173,000 between December 31, 2014 and March 31, 2015. The related formula allowance increased $48,000 during the same period. The formula allowance for “pass loans” is derived from the loan loss factors under migration analysis. Due to improvements in lending policies and loan review quality, less reserve is required for pass loans.


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Table of Contents

The Company’s methodology includes features that are intended to reduce the difference between estimated and actual losses. The specific allowance portion of the analysis is designed to be self-correcting by taking into account the current loan loss experience based on that portion of the portfolio. By analyzing the estimated losses inherent in the loan portfolio on a quarterly basis, management is able to adjust specific and inherent loss estimates using the most recent information available. In performing the periodic migration analysis, management believes that historical loss factors used in the computation of the formula allowance need to be adjusted to reflect current changes in market conditions and trends in the Company’s loan portfolio. There are a number of other factors which are reviewed when determining adjustments in the historical loss factors. Those factors include 1) trends in delinquent and nonaccrual loans, 2) trends in loan volume and terms, 3) effects of changes in lending policies, 4) concentrations of credit, 5) competition, 6) national and local economic trends and conditions, 7) experience of lending staff, 8) loan review and Board of Directors oversight, 9) high balance loan concentrations, and 10) other business conditions.

The general reserve requirements (ASC 450-70) decreased with the continued strengthening of local, state, and national economies and their impact on our local lending base, which has resulted in a lower qualitative component for the general reserve calculation. These positive factors were partially offset by the Company including OREO financial results in loss history and extending the look back period used to capture the loss history for the quantitative portion of the ALLL. In the third quarter of 2013, the look back period was changed from 4 years to stake-in-the-ground (December 31, 2005), in an effort to include higher losses experienced during the credit crisis. Changes in the mix of historical losses in the look back period resulted in a reallocation of the general reserve component of the allowance amount within the various loan segments as compared to December 31, 2014, as loss experience by segment has fluctuated over time. The stake-in-the-ground methodology requires the Company to use December 31, 2005, as the starting point of the look back period to capture loss history. Time horizons are subject to Management's assessment of the current period, taking into consideration changes in business cycles and environment changes.

Management and the Company’s lending officers evaluate the loss exposure of classified and impaired loans on a weekly/monthly basis and through discussions and officer meetings as conditions change. The Company’s Loan Committee meets weekly and serves as a forum to discuss specific problem assets that pose significant concerns to the Company, and to keep the Board of Directors informed through committee minutes. All special mention and classified loans are reported quarterly on Problem Asset Reports and Impaired Loan Reports and are reviewed by senior management. Migration analysis and impaired loan analysis are performed on a quarterly basis and adjustments are made to the allowance as deemed necessary. The Board of Directors is kept abreast of any changes or trends in problem assets on a monthly basis, or more often if required.

The specific allowance for impaired loans is measured based on the present value of the expected future cash flows discounted at the loan's effective interest rate or the fair value of the collateral if the loan is collateral dependent. The amount of impaired loans is not directly comparable to the amount of nonperforming loans disclosed later in this section. The primary differences between impaired loans and nonperforming loans are: i) all loan categories are considered in determining nonperforming loans while impaired loan recognition is limited to commercial and industrial loans, commercial and residential real estate loans, construction loans, and agricultural loans, and ii) impaired loan recognition considers not only loans 90 days or more past due, restructured loans and nonaccrual loans but may also include problem loans other than delinquent loans.

The Company considers a loan to be impaired when, based upon current information and events, it believes it is probable the Company will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement.  Impaired loans include nonaccrual loans, troubled debt restructures, and performing loans in which full payment of principal or interest is not expected. Management bases the measurement of these impaired loans either on the fair value of the loan's collateral or the expected cash flows on the loans discounted at the loan's stated interest rates. Cash receipts on impaired loans not performing to contractual terms and that are on nonaccrual status are used to reduce principal balances. Impairment losses are included in the allowance for credit losses through a charge to the provision, if applicable.

At March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the Company's recorded investment in impaired loans totaled $17,152,000 and $16,037,000, respectively. Included in total impaired loans at March 31, 2015, are $7,307,000 of impaired loans for which the related specific allowance is $2,197,000, as well as $9,845,000 of impaired loans that, as a result of write-downs or the sufficiency of the fair value of the collateral, did not have a specific allowance. Total impaired loans at December 31, 2014 included $4,478,000 of impaired loans for which the related specific allowance was $715,000 as well as $11,559,000 in impaired loans that, as a result of write-downs or the sufficiency of the fair value of the collateral, did not have a specific allowance. The average recorded investment in impaired loans was $16,901,000 during the first quarter of 2015. In most cases, the Company uses the cash basis method of income recognition for impaired loans. In the case of certain troubled debt restructuring, for which the loan has been performing for a prescribed period of time under the current contractual terms, income is recognized under the accrual method. At March 31, 2015, included in impaired loans, are troubled debt restructures totaling $14,803,000. Included in these troubled debt restructures are loans totaling $9,011,000, which are on nonaccrual

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status. The remaining troubled debt restructures, totaling $5,792,000, are current with regards to payments, and are performing according to the modified contractual terms.

The largest category of impaired loans at March 31, 2015 is real estate mortgage, comprising approximately 42.30% of total impaired loans at March 31, 2015. Additionally, commercial and industrial and real estate construction loans combined represent approximately another 49.87% of total impaired loan balances at March 31, 2015. Of the $2,266,000 in commercial and industrial impaired loans reported at March 31, 2015, one loan, with a recorded investment of $64,199, is secured by real estate. Specific collateral related to impaired loans is reviewed for current appraisal information, economic trends within geographic markets, loan-to-value ratios, and other factors that may impact the value of the loan collateral. Adjustments are made to collateral values as needed for these factors. Of total impaired loans at March 31, 2015, approximately $12,918,000 or 75.3% are secured by real estate. The majority of impaired real estate construction and development loans are for the purpose of residential construction, residential and commercial acquisition and development, and land development. Residential construction loans are made for the purpose of building residential 1-4 single family homes. Residential and commercial acquisition and development loans are made for the purpose of purchasing land, developing that land if required, and developing real estate or commercial construction projects on those properties. Land development loans are made for the purpose of converting raw land into construction-ready building sites. The following table summarizes the components of impaired loans and their related specific reserves at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014.
 
 
Impaired Loan Balance
 
Reserve
 
Impaired Loan Balance
 
Reserve
(in 000’s)
March 31, 2015
 
March 31, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
 
December 31, 2014
Commercial and industrial
$
2,266

 
$
1,024

 
$
1,421

 
$
64

Real estate – mortgage
7,256

 
630

 
7,513

 
648

RE construction & development
6,287

 
40

 
6,371

 

Agricultural
29

 

 
32

 

Installment/other
1,314

 
503

 
700

 
3

Total Impaired Loans
$
17,152

 
$
2,197

 
$
16,037

 
$
715


Included in impaired loans are loans modified in troubled debt restructurings (TDRs), where concessions have been granted to borrowers experiencing financial difficulties in an attempt to maximize collection. The Company makes various types of concessions when structuring TDRs including rate reductions, payment extensions, and forbearance. At March 31, 2015, approximately $6,927,000 of the total $14,803,000 in TDRs was comprised of real estate mortgages. An additional $5,951,000 was related to real estate construction and development loans.
 
Total troubled debt restructurings decreased 1.31% at March 31, 2015 compared to December 31, 2014. Nonaccrual TDRs decreased by 3.72% while accruing TDRs increased by 2.68% over the same period. Within TDR categories, total residential mortgages and real estate construction TDRs showed a decrease of 0.69%. The majority of these credits are related to real estate construction projects that slowed significantly or stalled. The Company has pursued restructuring the qualified credits while the construction industry recovers in order to allow developers an opportunity to finish projects at a slower pace. Concessions granted in these circumstances include lengthened maturities, lower lot release prices, or rate reductions that enable the borrower to finish the construction projects and repay loans to the Company. The Company has had general success in its restructuring efforts even though not all restructured efforts will be entirely successful.


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The following table summarizes TDRs by type, classified separately as nonaccrual or accrual, which are included in impaired loans at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014.
 
Total TDRs
 
Nonaccrual TDRs
 
Accruing TDRs
(in 000's)
March 31, 2015
 
March 31, 2015
 
March 31, 2015
Commercial and industrial
$
1,203

 
$
388

 
$
815

Real estate - mortgage:
 

 
 

 
 

Commercial real estate
2,646

 
2,646

 

Residential mortgages
4,281

 
902

 
3,379

Home equity loans

 

 

Total real estate mortgage
6,927

 
3,548

 
3,379

RE construction & development
5,951

 
5,075

 
876

Agricultural
28

 

 
28

Installment/other
694

 

 
694

Commercial lease financing

 

 

Total Troubled Debt Restructurings
$
14,803

 
$
9,011

 
$
5,792

 
 
Total TDRs
 
Nonaccrual TDRs
 
Accruing TDRs
 (in 000's)
December 31, 2014
 
December 31, 2014
 
December 31, 2014
Commercial and industrial
$
1,306

 
$
421

 
$
885

Real estate - mortgage:
 

 
 

 
 

Commercial real estate
2,713

 
2,713

 

Residential mortgages
4,225

 
1,084

 
3,141

Home equity loans

 

 

Total real estate mortgage
6,938

 
3,797

 
3,141

RE construction & development
6,029

 
5,141

 
888

Agricultural
32

 

 
32

Installment/other
695

 

 
695

Commercial lease financing

 

 

Total Troubled Debt Restructurings
$
15,000

 
$
9,359

 
$
5,641


Of the $14,803,000 in total TDRs at March 31, 2015, $9,011,000 were on nonaccrual status at period-end. Of the $15,000,000 in total TDRs at December 31, 2014, $9,359,000 were on nonaccrual status at period-end. As of March 31, 2015, the Company has no commercial real estate (CRE) workouts whereby an existing loan was restructured into multiple new loans (i.e., A Note/B Note structure).
 
For a restructured loan to return to accrual status there needs to be at least 6 months successful payment history. In addition, the Company’s Credit Administration performs a financial analysis of the credit to determine whether the borrower has the ability to continue to perform successfully over the remaining life of the loan. This includes, but is not limited to, a review of financial statements and a cash flow analysis of the borrower. Only after determining that the borrower has the ability to perform under the terms of the loans will the restructured credit be considered for accrual status.
 

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The following table summarizes special mention loans by type at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014.
(in thousands)
March 31, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
Commercial and industrial
$

 
$
342

Real estate - mortgage:
 

 
 

Commercial real estate

 
1,095

Residential mortgages
215

 
216

Home equity loans

 

Total real estate mortgage
215

 
1,311

RE construction & development

 

Agricultural
113

 
113

Installment/other

 

Commercial lease financing

 

Total Special Mention Loans
$
328

 
$
1,766

 
The Company focuses on competition and other economic conditions within its market area and other geographical areas in which it does business, which may ultimately affect the risk assessment of the portfolio. The Company continues to experience increased competition from major banks, local independents and non-bank institutions which creates pressure on loan pricing. Low interest rates and a weak economy continue to dominate, even though real estate prices show signs of stabilization. The Company continues to place increased emphasis on reducing both the level of nonperforming assets and the level of losses on the disposition of these assets. It is in the best interest of both the Company and the borrowers to seek alternative options to foreclosure in an effort to reduce the impacts on the  real estate market. As part of this strategy, the Company has increased its level of troubled debt restructurings, when it makes economic sense. While business and consumer spending show improvement in recent quarters, current GDP remains anemic. It is difficult to forecast what impact the Federal Reserve actions to hold rates low will have on the economy. The local market has remained more relatively stable economically during the past several years than some areas of the state and the nation, where more volatile economic impacts were experienced, including more severe deterioration of residential real estate markets. Although the local area residential housing markets have been hard hit, they continue to perform better than some parts of the state which bodes well for sustained, but slower growth in the Company’s market areas of Fresno and Madera, Kern, and Santa Clara Counties. Local unemployment rates in the San Joaquin Valley remain high compared with other regions but are historically high as a result of the area's agricultural dynamics.  The Company believes that the Central San Joaquin Valley will continue to grow and diversify as property and housing costs remain low relative to other areas of the state. Management recognizes increased risk of loss due to the Company's exposure to local and worldwide economic conditions, as well as potentially volatile real estate markets, and takes these factors into consideration when analyzing the adequacy of the allowance for credit losses.

The following table provides a summary of the Company's allowance for possible credit losses, provisions made to that allowance, and charge-off and recovery activity affecting the allowance for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and March 31, 2014.


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Table 7. Allowance for Credit Losses - Summary of Activity
 
(in 000's)
March 31, 2015
 
March 31, 2014
Total loans outstanding at end of period before deducting allowances for credit losses
$
492,560

 
$
411,423

Average loans outstanding during period
466,781

 
395,277

 
 
 
 
Balance of allowance at beginning of period
10,771

 
10,988

Loans charged off:
 

 
 

Real estate

 
(134
)
Commercial and industrial
(215
)
 
(3
)
Installment and other
(3
)
 
(5
)
Total loans charged off
(218
)
 
(142
)
Recoveries of loans previously charged off:
 

 
 

Real estate
37

 
98

Commercial and industrial
237

 
119

Installment and other
4

 
68

Total loan recoveries
278

 
285

Net loans recovered
60

 
143

 
 
 
 
Provision charged to operating expense
459

 
(47
)
Balance of allowance for credit losses at end of period
$
11,290

 
$
11,084

 
 
 
 
Net loan (recoveries) charge-offs to total average loans (annualized)
(0.05
)%
 
(0.15
)%
Net loan (recoveries) charge-offs to loans at end of period (annualized)
(0.05
)%
 
(0.14
)%
Allowance for credit losses to total loans at end of period
2.29
 %
 
2.69
 %
Net loan (recoveries) charge-offs to allowance for credit losses (annualized)
(2.13
)%
 
(5.16
)%
Provision for credit losses to net (recoveries) charge-offs (annualized)
3,060.00
 %
 
131.47
 %

Total loan charge-offs increased $76,000 during the three months ended March 31, 2015 when compared to the three months ended March 31, 2014. Loan recoveries totaled $278,000 during the three months ended March 31, 2015, decreasing by $7,000 from the same period in 2014.

At March 31, 2015 and March 31, 2014, $282,000 and $233,000, respectively, of the formula allowance is allocated to unfunded loan commitments and is, therefore, reported separately in other liabilities. Management believes that the 2.29% credit loss allowance at March 31, 2015 is adequate to absorb known and inherent risks in the loan portfolio. No assurance can be given, however, regarding economic conditions or other circumstances which may adversely affect the Company's service areas and result in losses to the loan portfolio.

It is the Company's policy to discontinue the accrual of interest income on loans when reasonable doubt exists with respect to the timely collectability of interest or principal due or the ability of the borrower to otherwise comply with the terms of the loan agreement. Such loans are placed on nonaccrual status whenever the payment of principal or interest is 90 days past due, or earlier when the conditions warrant. Interest collected is thereafter credited to principal. Management may grant exceptions to this policy if the loans are well secured and in the process of collection.


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Table 8. Nonperforming Assets
 
(in 000's)
March 31, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
Nonaccrual Loans (1)
$
10,907

 
$
9,935

Restructured Loans
5,792

 
5,641

Total nonperforming loans
16,699

 
15,576

Other real estate owned
14,010

 
14,010

Total nonperforming assets
$
30,709

 
$
29,586

 
 
 
 
Nonperforming loans to total gross loans
3.39
%
 
3.40
%
Nonperforming assets to total assets
4.53
%
 
4.46
%
Allowance for loan losses to nonperforming loans
67.61
%
 
69.15
%
 
(1)
Included in nonaccrual loans at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 are restructured loans totaling $9,011,000 and $9,359,000, respectively.

Non-performing loans increased $1,123,000 between December 31, 2014 and March 31, 2015. Nonaccrual loans increased $972,000 between December 31, 2014 and March 31, 2015, with real estate mortgage and real estate construction loans comprising approximately 81.97% of total nonaccrual loans at March 31, 2015. The following table summarizes the nonaccrual totals by loan category for the periods shown. The ratio of the allowance for loan losses to nonperforming loans decreased from 69.15% at December 31, 2014 to 67.61% at March 31, 2015.
 (in 000's)
 
Balance
 
Balance
 
Change from
Nonaccrual Loans:
March 31, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
 
December 31, 2014
Commercial and industrial
$
1,350

 
$
433

 
$
917

Real estate - mortgage
3,866

 
4,361

 
(495
)
RE construction & development
5,075

 
5,141

 
(66
)
Agricultural

 

 
0

Installment/other
616

 

 
616

Total Nonaccrual Loans
$
10,907

 
$
9,935

 
$
972


Loans past due more than 30 days receive increased management attention and are monitored for increased risk. The Company continues to move past due loans to nonaccrual status in an ongoing effort to recognize and address loan problems as early and most effectively as possible. As impaired loans, nonaccrual and restructured loans are reviewed for specific reserve allocations, the allowance for credit losses is adjusted accordingly.

Except for the nonaccrual loans included in the above table, or those included in the impaired loan totals, there were no loans at March 31, 2015 where the known credit problems of a borrower caused the Company to have serious doubts as to the ability of such borrower to comply with the present loan repayment terms and which would result in such loan being included as a nonaccrual, past due, or restructured loan at some future date.

Asset/Liability Management – Liquidity and Cash Flow

The primary function of asset/liability management is to provide adequate liquidity and maintain an appropriate balance between interest-sensitive assets and interest-sensitive liabilities.


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Liquidity

Liquidity management may be described as the ability to maintain sufficient cash flows to fulfill financial obligations, including loan funding commitments and customer deposit withdrawals, without straining the Company’s equity structure. To maintain an adequate liquidity position, the Company relies on, in addition to cash and cash equivalents, cash inflows from deposits and short-term borrowings, repayments of principal on loans and investments, and interest income received. The Company's principal cash outflows are for loan origination, purchases of investment securities, depositor withdrawals and payment of operating expenses.

The Company continues to emphasize liability management as part of its overall asset/liability strategy. Through the discretionary acquisition of short term borrowings, the Company has, when needed, been able to provide liquidity to fund asset growth while, at the same time, better utilizing its capital resources, and better controlling interest rate risk.  This does not preclude the Company from selling assets such as investment securities to fund liquidity needs but, with favorable borrowing rates, the Company has maintained a positive yield spread between borrowed liabilities and the assets which those liabilities fund. If, at some time, rate spreads become unfavorable, the Company has the ability to utilize an asset management approach and, either control asset growth or fund further growth with maturities or sales of investment securities. At March 31, 2015, the Company had no borrowings, as its deposit base currently provides funding sufficient to support its asset values.

The Company's liquid asset base which generally consists of cash and due from banks, federal funds sold, securities purchased under agreements to resell (“reverse repos”) and investment securities, is maintained at a level deemed sufficient to provide the cash outlay necessary to fund loan growth as well as any customer deposit runoff that may occur. Additional liquidity requirements may be funded with overnight or term borrowing arrangements with various correspondent banks, FHLB and the Federal Reserve Bank. Within this framework is the objective of maximizing the yield on earning assets. This is generally achieved by maintaining a high percentage of earning assets in loans, which historically have represented the Company's highest yielding asset. At March 31, 2015, the Bank had 72.60% of total assets in the loan portfolio and a loan to deposit ratio of 85.18%, as compared to 69.00% of total assets in the loan portfolio and a loan to deposit ratio of 80.94% at December 31, 2014. Liquid assets at March 31, 2015, include cash and cash equivalents totaling $85,478,000 as compared to $103,577,000 at December 31, 2014. Other sources of liquidity include collateralized lines of credit from the Federal Home Loan Bank, and from the Federal Reserve Bank totaling $329,518,000 and an uncollateralized line of credit from Pacific Coast Banker's Bank (PCBB) of $10,000,000 at March 31, 2015.

The liquidity of the parent company, United Security Bancshares, is primarily dependent on the payment of cash dividends by its subsidiary, United Security Bank, subject to limitations imposed by the Financial Code of the State of California. The Bank currently has limited ability to pay dividends or make capital distributions (see Dividends section included in Regulatory Matters of this Management’s Discussion). The limited ability of the Bank to pay dividends may impact the ability of the Company to fund its ongoing liquidity requirements including ongoing operating expenses, as well as quarterly interest payments on the Company’s junior subordinated debt (Trust Preferred Securities.) Since the quarter ended March 31, 2009, the Bank has been precluded from paying a cash dividend to the Company. To conserve cash and capital resources, the Company elected at March 31, 2009 to defer the payment of interest on its junior subordinated debt beginning with the quarterly payment due October 1, 2009. During the second quarter of 2014, the Bank received approval from the Federal Reserve Bank to upstream a dividend to the parent company for the purpose of payment of deferred interest on the Company's junior subordinated debt.  During the three months ended March 31, 2015, the Company received $110,000 in cash dividends from the Bank.

Cash Flow

The period-end balances of cash and cash equivalents for the periods shown are as follows (from Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows – in 000’s):

 
Balance
December 31, 2013
$
135,212

March 31, 2014
$
136,607

December 31, 2014
$
103,577

March 31, 2015
$
85,478


Cash and cash equivalents decreased $18,099,000 during the three months ended March 31, 2015, as compared to an increase of $1,395,000 during the three months ended March 31, 2014.

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The Company had a net cash inflow from operations of $2,064,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and a cash inflow from operations totaling $2,101,000 for the period ended March 31, 2014. The Company experienced net cash outflows from investing activities totaling $33,058,000 from an increase in the loan portfolio due to the purchase of a residential mortgage loan pool during the three months ended March 31, 2015. For the three months ended March 31, 2014, the Company experienced net cash outflows from investing activities of $26,499,000 due to an increase in loan volume and purchases of investment securities.

During the three months ended March 31, 2015, the Company experienced net cash inflows from financing activities totaling $12,895,000, primarily as the result of increases in demand deposits accounts. For the three months ended March 31, 2014, the Company experienced net cash inflows of $25,793,000 from financing activities due to increases in demand deposit and savings accounts.

The Company has the ability to increase or decrease loan growth, increase or decrease deposits and borrowings, or a combination of both to manage balance sheet liquidity.

Regulatory Matters

Regulatory Agreement with the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco

On March 23, 2010, United Security Bancshares (the "Company") and its wholly owned subsidiary, United Security Bank (the "Bank"), entered into a formal written agreement (the “Agreement”) with the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco (the “Federal Reserve”) as a result of a regulatory examination that was conducted by the Federal Reserve and the California Department of Financial Institutions (the “DFI”) in June 2009. That examination found significant increases in nonperforming assets, both classified loans and OREO, during 2008 and 2009, and heightened concerns about the Bank’s use of brokered and other wholesale funding sources to fund loan growth, which created increased risk to equity capital and potential volatility in earnings.
 
Under the terms of the Agreement, the Company and the Bank agreed, among other things: to maintain a sound process for determining, documenting, and recording an adequate allowance for loan and lease losses; to improve the management of the Bank's liquidity position and funds management policies; to maintain sufficient capital at the Company and Bank level; and to improve the Bank’s earnings and overall condition. The Company and Bank also agreed not to increase or guarantee any debt, purchase or redeem any shares of stock, declare or pay any cash dividends, or pay interest on the Company's junior subordinated debt or trust preferred securities, without prior written approval from the Federal Reserve. The Company generates no revenue of its own and, as such, relies on dividends from the Bank to pay its operating expenses and interest payments on the Company’s junior subordinated debt.

Effective November 19, 2014, the Federal Reserve terminated the Agreement with the Bank and the Company and replaced it with an informal supervisory agreement that requires, among other things, obtaining written approval from the Federal Reserve prior to the payment of dividends from the Bank to the Company or the payment of dividends by the Company or interest on the Company’s junior subordinated debt. The inability of the Bank to pay cash dividends to the Company may hinder the Company’s ability to meet its ongoing operating obligations.

Regulatory Order from the California Department of Business Oversight

On May 20, 2010, the DFI (now known as the Department of Business Oversight (the “DBO”)) issued a formal written order (the “Order”) pursuant to a consent agreement with the Bank as a result of the same June 2009 joint regulatory examination. The terms of the Order were essentially similar to the Federal Reserve’s Agreement, except for a few additional requirements.   

On September 24, 2013, the Bank entered into an informal Memorandum of Understanding (the “MOU”) with the DBO and on October 15, 2013, the Order was terminated. The Order and the MOU require the Bank to maintain a ratio of tangible shareholder’s equity to total tangible assets equal to or greater than 9.0% and also requires the DBO’s approval for the Bank to pay a dividend to the Company.

Accordingly, reflecting the Company’s and the Bank’s improved financial condition and performance, as of November 19, 2014, the Bank and the Company have been relieved of all formal regulatory agreements. Some of the governance and procedures established by the Agreement and the Order remain in place, including submission of certain plans and reports to the Federal Reserve and DBO, the Bank’s obligation to maintain a 9.0% tangible shareholder’s equity ratio, and the requirement to seek approvals from the Federal Reserve and the DBO for either the Bank or the Company to pay dividends and for the Company to pay interest on its outstanding junior subordinated debt. While no assurances can be given as to future

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regulatory approvals, over the last three quarters the DBO and the Federal Reserve have been approving the Bank's payment of dividends to the Company to cover the Company's operating expenses and its interest payments and the Company's payment of quarterly interest on the junior subordinated debt.

The Bank is currently in full compliance with the requirements of the MOU including its deadlines.

Capital Adequacy

The Company (on a consolidated basis) and the Bank are subject to various regulatory capital requirements adopted by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (the “Board of Governors”).  Failure to meet minimum capital requirements can initiate certain mandates and possible additional discretionary actions by regulators that, if undertaken, could have a direct material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.  Under capital adequacy guidelines and the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action, the consolidated Company and the Bank must meet specific capital guidelines that involve quantitative measures of their assets, liabilities, and certain off-balance sheet items as calculated under regulatory accounting practices. The capital amounts and classification are also subject to qualitative judgments by the regulators about components, risk weightings, and other factors. Prompt corrective action provisions are not applicable to bank holding companies.

Quantitative measures established by the capital adequacy guidelines require insured institutions to maintain a minimum leverage ratio of Tier 1 capital (the sum of common stockholders' equity, noncumulative perpetual preferred stock and minority interests in consolidated subsidiaries, minus intangible assets, identified losses and investments in certain subsidiaries, plus unrealized losses or minus unrealized gains on available for sale securities) to total assets. Institutions which have received the highest composite regulatory rating and which are not experiencing or anticipating significant growth are required to maintain a minimum leverage capital ratio of 3% of Tier 1 capital to total assets. All other institutions are required to maintain a minimum leverage capital ratio of at least 100 to 200 basis points above the 3% minimum requirement.

In addition to the general capital adequacy guidelines, pursuant to the DBO’s MOU the Bank is required to maintain a ratio of tangible shareholder’s equity to total tangible assets equal to or greater than 9.0%. For purposes of the MOU, “tangible shareholders’ equity” is defined as shareholders’ equity minus intangible assets. The Bank’s ratio of tangible shareholders’ equity to total tangible assets was 13.3% and 12.8% at March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

 The Company has adopted a capital plan that includes guidelines and trigger points to ensure sufficient capital is maintained at the Bank and the Company, and that capital ratios are maintained at a level deemed appropriate under regulatory guidelines given the level of classified assets, concentrations of credit, ALLL, current and projected growth, and projected retained earnings. The capital plan also contains contingency strategies to obtain additional capital as required to fulfill future capital requirements for both the Bank, as a separate legal entity, and the Company on a consolidated basis.

The following table sets forth the Company’s and the Bank's actual capital positions at March 31, 2015, as well as the minimum capital requirements and requirements to be well capitalized under prompt corrective action provisions (Bank required only) under the regulatory guidelines discussed above:

Table 9. Capital Ratios
 

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Ratio at March 31, 2015
 
Ratio at December 31, 2014
 
Minimum for Capital Adequacy
 
Minimum requirement for "Well Capitalized" Institution
Total capital to risk weighted assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Company
16.39%
 
17.29%
 
8.00%
 
N/A
Bank
16.50%
 
16.91%
 
8.00%
 
10.00%
Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Company
15.13%
 
16.03%
 
6.00%
 
N/A
Bank
15.24%
 
15.65%
 
6.00%
 
8.00%
Common equity tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Company
13.52%
 
N/A
 
4.50%
 
N/A
Bank
15.24%
 
N/A
 
4.50%
 
6.50%
Tier 1 capital to adjusted average assets (leverage)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Company
13.15%
 
12.49%
 
4.00%
 
N/A
Bank
13.24%
 
12.25%
 
4.00%
 
5.00%

The Federal Reserve and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation approved final capital rules in July 2013, that substantially amend the existing capital rules for banks. These new rules reflect, in part, certain standards initially adopted by the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision in December 2010 (which standards are commonly referred to as “Basel III”) as well as requirements contemplated by the Dodd-Frank Act.
The final rules set a new common equity tier 1 requirement and higher minimum tier 1 requirements for all banking organizations. They also place limits on capital distributions and certain discretionary bonus payments if a banking organization does not maintain a buffer of common equity tier 1 capital above minimum capital requirements. The rules revise the prompt corrective action framework to incorporate the new regulatory capital minimums. They also enhance risk sensitivity and address weaknesses identified over recent years with the measure of risk-weighted assets.
As of March 31, 2015, the Company and the Bank meets all capital adequacy requirements to which they are subject. Management believes that, under the current regulations, both will continue to meet their minimum capital requirements in the foreseeable future.

Dividends

Dividends paid to shareholders by the Company are subject to restrictions set forth in the California General Corporation Law. The California General Corporation Law provides that a corporation may make a distribution to its shareholders if retained earnings immediately prior to the dividend payout are at least equal to the amount of the proposed distribution.  The primary source of funds with which dividends will be paid to shareholders will come from cash dividends received by the Company from the Bank.

As noted earlier, the Company and the Bank have entered into an informal agreement with the Federal Reserve Bank and Department of Business Oversight that, among other things, requires prior approval before paying a cash dividend or otherwise making a distribution of stock, increasing debt, repurchasing the Company’s common stock, or any other action which would reduce capital of either the Bank or the Company.  In addition, under the agreement with the Federal Reserve Bank, the Company is now prohibited from making interest payments on the junior subordinated debentures without prior approval of the Federal Reserve Bank. During the year ended March 31, 2015, the Bank’s cash dividends of $110,000 paid to the Company were approved by the Federal Reserve and the DBO and funded the Company’s operating costs and payments of interest on its junior subordinated debentures.

The Bank, as a state-chartered bank, is subject to dividend restrictions set forth in California state banking law and administered by the Commissioner of the California Department of Business Oversight (“Commissioner”). Under such restrictions, the Bank may not pay cash dividends in an amount which exceeds the lesser of the retained earnings of the Bank or the Bank’s net income for the last three fiscal years (less the amount of distributions to shareholders during that period of time). If the above test is not met, cash dividends may only be paid with the prior approval of the Commissioner, in an amount not exceeding the Bank’s net income for its last fiscal year or the amount of its net income for the current fiscal year. Such restrictions do not apply to stock dividends, which generally require neither the satisfaction of any tests nor the approval of the

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Commissioner. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the Commissioner finds that the shareholders’ equity is not adequate or that the declarations of a dividend would be unsafe or unsound, the Commissioner may order the state bank not to pay any dividend. The FRB may also limit dividends paid by the Bank. As noted above, the terms of the informal agreement with the Federal Reserve prohibit both the Company and the Bank from paying dividends without prior approval of the Federal Reserve.

Reserve Balances

The Bank is required to maintain average reserve balances with the Federal Reserve Bank. During 2005, the Company implemented a deposit reclassification program, which allows the Company to reclassify a portion of transaction accounts to non-transaction accounts for reserve purposes. The deposit reclassification program was provided by a third-party vendor, and has been approved by the Federal Reserve Bank.  At March 31, 2015, the bank was not subject to a reserve requirement.


Item 4. Controls and Procedures

Conclusion Regarding the Effectiveness of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

The Company maintains disclosure controls and procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in Exchange Act reports is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer as appropriate, to allow for timely decisions regarding required disclosure. In designing and evaluating our disclosure controls and procedures, our management recognizes that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving the desired control objectives, and our management is required to apply its judgment in evaluating the cost-benefit relationship of possible controls and procedures.
 
As of March 31, 2015, the end of the period covered by this report, an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures was carried out. Based on the foregoing, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective at the reasonable assurance level.

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

There have not been any changes in the Company's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the quarter ended March 31, 2015, that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
 
The Company does not expect that its disclosure controls and procedures and internal control over financial reporting will prevent all error and fraud.  A control procedure, no matter how well conceived and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the control procedure are met.  Because of the inherent limitations in all control procedures, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, within the Company have been detected.  These inherent limitations include the realities that judgments in decision-making can be faulty, and that breakdowns in controls or procedures can occur because of simple error or mistake.  Additionally, controls can be circumvented by the individual acts of some persons, by collusion of two or more people, or by management override of the control.  The design of any control procedure is based in part upon certain assumptions about the likelihood of future events, and there can be no assurance that any design will succeed in achieving its stated goals under all potential future conditions; over time, controls become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.  Because of the inherent limitations in a cost-effective control procedure, misstatements due to error or fraud may occur and not be detected.


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PART II. Other Information

Item 1. Not applicable
 
Item 1A. There have been no material changes to the risk factors disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014.
 
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
 
None during the quarter ended March 31, 2015.
 
Item 3. Not applicable
 
Item 4. Not applicable
 
Item 5. Not applicable
 
Item 6. Exhibits:

(a)
Exhibits:
11
Computation of Earnings per Share*
31.1
Certification of the Chief Executive Officer of United Security Bancshares pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
31.2
Certification of the Chief Financial Officer of United Security Bancshares pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
32.1
Certification of the Chief Executive Officer of United Security Bancshares pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
32.2
Certification of the Chief Financial Officer of United Security Bancshares pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
 
* Data required by Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 260, Earnings per Share, is provided in Note 8 to the consolidated financial statements in this report.

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Signatures

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

 
 
United Security Bancshares
 
 
 
Date:
May 8, 2015
/S/ Dennis R. Woods
 
 
Dennis R. Woods
 
 
President and
 
 
Chief Executive Officer
 
 
 
 
 
/S/ Bhavneet Gill
 
 
Bhavneet Gill
 
 
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

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