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, 2009.

¨
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: 000-32987

UNITED SECURITY BANCSHARES
 (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

CALIFORNIA
 
91-2112732
(State or other jurisdiction of
 
(I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization)
 
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 ¨  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 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).
Yes o 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 ¨   Accelerated filer x  Non-accelerated filer ¨   Small reporting company ¨

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

Aggregate market value of the Common Stock held by non-affiliates as of the last business day of the registrant's most recently completed second fiscal quarter - June 30, 2008:   $121,168,727

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, 2009: 12,129,506  



TABLE OF CONTENTS

Facing Page
 
   
Table of Contents
 
   
 
       
 
Item 1. 
Financial Statements
 
       
   
Consolidated Balance Sheets
3
   
Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income
4
   
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders' Equity
5
   
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
6
   
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
7
       
 
Item 2.
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
21
       
   
Overview
21
   
Results of Operations
24
   
Financial Condition
28
   
Asset/Liability Management – Liquidity and Cash Flow
35
   
Regulatory Matters
36
       
 
Item 3.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
37
       
   
Interest Rate Sensitivity and Market Risk
37
       
 
Item 4. 
Controls and Procedures
39
       
PART II. Other Information
 
       
 
Item 1.
Legal Proceedings
40
 
Item 1A.  
Risk Factors
40
 
Item 2.
Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
40
 
Item 3.
Defaults Upon Senior Securities
40
 
Item 4.
Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
40
 
Item 5.
Other Information
40
 
Item 6.
Exhibits
41
       
Signatures
42

2


PART I. Financial Information

United Security Bancshares and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Balance Sheets – (unaudited)
March 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008

   
March 31,
   
December 31,
 
    (in thousands except shares)
 
2009
   
2008
 
Assets
           
   Cash and due from banks
  $ 14,610     $ 19,426  
   Federal funds sold
    0       0  
        Cash and cash equivalents
    14,610       19,426  
   Interest-bearing deposits in other banks
    3,968       20,431  
   Investment securities available for sale (at fair value)
    87,621       92,749  
   Loans and leases
    542,969       544,551  
     Unearned fees
    (1,054 )     (1,234 )
     Allowance for credit losses
    (10,448 )     (11,529 )
       Net loans
    531,467       531,788  
   Accrued interest receivable
    2,757       2,394  
   Premises and equipment – net
    13,959       14,285  
   Other real estate owned
    29,116       30,153  
   Intangible assets
    2,716       3,001  
   Goodwill
    10,417       10,417  
   Cash surrender value of life insurance
    14,596       14,460  
   Investment in limited partnership
    2,595       2,702  
   Deferred income taxes - net
    8,297       7,138  
   Other assets
    11,272       12,133  
Total assets
  $ 733,391     $ 761,077  
                 
Liabilities & Shareholders' Equity
               
Liabilities
               
   Deposits
               
     Noninterest bearing
  $ 142,832     $ 149,529  
     Interest bearing
    379,308       358,957  
        Total deposits
    522,140       508,486  
   Federal funds purchased
    49,185       66,545  
   Other borrowings
    64,000       88,500  
   Accrued interest payable
    480       648  
   Accounts payable and other liabilities
    5,859       5,362  
   Junior subordinated debentures (at fair value)
    11,887       11,926  
        Total liabilities
    653,551       681,467  
                 
Shareholders' Equity
               
Common stock, no par value 20,000,000 shares authorized, 12,129,506 and 12,010,372 issued and outstanding, in 2009 and 2008, respectively 
    35,776       34,811  
Retained earnings
    47,720       47,722  
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
    (3,656 )     (2,923 )
          Total shareholders' equity
    79,840       79,610  
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity
  $ 733,391     $ 761,077  

See notes to consolidated financial statements
 
3


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

   
Quarters Ended March 31,
 
   (In thousands except shares and EPS)
 
2009
   
2008
 
Interest Income:
           
   Loans, including fees
  $ 8,067     $ 11,352  
   Investment securities – AFS – taxable
    1,190       1,318  
   Investment securities – AFS – nontaxable
    15       24  
   Federal funds sold
    0       16  
   Interest on deposits in other banks
    40       34  
        Total interest income
    9,312       12,744  
Interest Expense:
               
   Interest on deposits
    1,705       4,201  
   Interest on other borrowings
    459       558  
         Total interest expense
    2,164       4,759  
Net Interest Income Before Provision for Credit Losses
    7,148       7,985  
Provision for Credit Losses
    1,351       265  
Net Interest Income
    5,797       7,720  
Noninterest Income:
               
   Customer service fees
    989       1,197  
   Gain on redemption of securities
    0       24  
   Loss on sale of other real estate owned
    (77 )     0  
   Loss on swap ineffectiveness
    0       9  
   (Loss) gain on fair value of financial liability
    (59 )     540  
   Shared appreciation income
    9       110  
   Other
    279       453  
        Total noninterest income
    1,141       2,333  
Noninterest Expense:
               
   Salaries and employee benefits
    2,223       2,842  
   Occupancy expense
    942       964  
   Data processing
    42       80  
   Professional fees
    400       309  
   Director fees
    66       64  
   Amortization of intangibles
    228       278  
   Correspondent bank service charges
    107       130  
   Impairment loss on core deposit intangible
    57       624  
   Impairment loss on investment securities (total other-than
               
      temporary loss of $3.9 million, net of $3.7 million
               
      recognized in other comprehensive income, pre-tax)
    163       0  
   Impairment loss on OREO
    166       0  
   Loss on California tax credit partnership
    107       108  
   OREO expense
    305       32  
   Other
    863       685  
        Total noninterest expense
    5,669       6,116  
Income Before Taxes on Income
    1,269       3,937  
Provision for Taxes on Income
    348       1,437  
Net Income
  $ 921     $ 2,500  
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax:
               
Unrealized loss on available for sale securities, interest rate swap, and past service costs of employee benefit plans - net income tax benefit of $(489) and $(131)
    (733 )     (227 )
Comprehensive Income
  $ 188     $ 2,273  
Net income per common share
               
  Basic
  $ 0.08     $ 0.20  
  Diluted
  $ 0.08     $ 0.20  
Shares on which net income per common shares
               
  were based
               
  Basic
    12,129,723       12,204,870  
  Diluted
    12,129,723       12,214,490  

See notes to consolidated financial statements

4


United Security Bancshares and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders' Equity
Periods Ended March 31, 2009

   
Common
stock
   
Common
stock
         
Accumulated
Other
       
   
Number
         
Retained
   
Comprehensive
       
   (In thousands except shares)
 
of Shares
   
Amount
   
Earnings
   
Income (Loss)
   
Total
 
Balance January 1, 2008
    11,855,192       32,587       49,997       (153 )     82,431  
                                         
  Director/Employee stock options exercised
    8,000       70                       70  
  Net changes in unrealized loss
                                       
       on available for sale securities
                                       
       (net of income tax benefit of $147)
                            (250 )     (250 )
  Net changes in unrealized loss
                                       
     on interest rate swaps
                                       
     (net of income tax of $1)
                            2       2  
  Net changes in unrecognized past service
                                       
    cost on employee benefit plans
                                       
    (net of income tax of $14)
                            21       21  
  Dividends on common stock ($0.13 per share)
                    (1,539 )             (1,539 )
  Repurchase and cancellation of common shares
    (29,626 )     (452 )                     (452 )
  Stock-based compensation expense
            32                       32  
  Net Income
                    2,500               2,500  
Balance March 31, 2008 (Unaudited)
    11,833,566       32,237       50,958       (380 )     82,815  
                                         
  Net changes in unrealized loss
                                       
     on available for sale securities
                                       
     (net of income tax benefit of $1,763)
                            (2,615 )     (2,615 )
  Net changes in unrecognized past service
                                       
    cost on employee benefit plans
                                       
    (net of income tax of $48)
                            72       72  
  Dividends on common stock ($0.13 per share)
                    (1,542 )             (1,542 )
  1% common stock dividend
    236,181       3,264       (3,264 )             0  
  Repurchase and cancellation of common shares
    (59,375 )     (767 )                     (767 )
  Stock-based compensation expense
            77                       77  
  Net Income
                    1,570               1,570  
Balance December 31, 2008
    12,010,372       34,811       47,722       (2,923 )     79,610  
                                         
  Net changes in unrealized loss
                                       
     on available for sale securities
                                       
     (net of income tax benefit of $489)
                            (733 )     (733 )
  Dividends on common stock (cash-in-lieu)
                    (4 )             (4 )
  1% common stock dividend
    119,622       919       (919 )             0  
  Repurchase and cancellation of common shares
    (488 )     (4 )                     (4 )
  Other
            37                       37  
  Stock-based compensation expense
            13                       13  
  Net Income
                    921               921  
Balance March 31, 2009 (Unaudited)
    12,129,506     $ 35,776     $ 47,720     $ (3,656 )   $ 79,840  

See notes to consolidated financial statements

5


United Security Bancshares and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (unaudited)

   
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
   (In thousands)
 
2009
   
2008
 
Cash Flows From Operating Activities:
           
  Net income
  $ 921     $ 2,500  
  Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided by operating activities:
               
     Provision for credit losses
    1,351       265  
     Depreciation and amortization
    640       703  
     Accretion of investment securities
    (20 )     (37 )
     Gain on redemption of securities
    0       (24 )
     Decrease (increase) in accrued interest receivable
    (363 )     425  
     Decrease in accrued interest payable
    (168 )     (647 )
     Decrease in unearned fees
    (179 )     (228 )
     Increase in income taxes payable
    894       1,435  
     Stock-based compensation expense
    13       33  
     Decrease in accounts payable and accrued liabilities
    (476 )     (622 )
     Loss on sale of other real estate owned
    77       0  
     Impairment loss on other real estate owned
    166       0  
     Impairment loss on core deposit intangible
    57       624  
     Impairment loss on investment securities
    163       0  
     Gain on swap ineffectiveness
    0       (9 )
     Increase in surrender value of life insurance
    (136 )     (193 )
     Loss (gain) on fair value option of financial liabilities
    59       (540 )
     Loss on tax credit limited partnership interest
    107       108  
     Net decrease (increase) in other assets
    337       (1,210 )
  Net cash provided by operating activities
    3,443       2,583  
                 
Cash Flows From Investing Activities:
               
  Net decrease in interest-bearing deposits with banks
    16,464       169  
  Purchases of  available-for-sale securities
    0       (24,666 )
  Maturities and calls of available-for-sale securities
    3,784       11,096  
  Net redemption from limited partnerships
    0       (42 )
  Investment in other bank stock
    0       (72 )
  Proceeds from sale of investment in title company
    99       0  
  Net (increase) decrease in loans
    (1,883 )     18,948  
  Proceeds from sales of foreclosed assets
    0       43  
  Net proceeds from settlement of other real estate owned
    1,515       0  
  Capital expenditures for premises and equipment
    (59 )     (178 )
  Net cash provided by investing activities
    19,920       5,298  
                 
Cash Flows From Financing Activities:
               
  Net increase in demand deposit and savings accounts
    1,561       13,950  
  Net increase (decrease) in certificates of deposit
    12,092       (34,072 )
  Net decrease in federal funds purchased
    (17,360 )     (7,280 )
  Net (decrease) increase in FHLB term borrowings
    (24,500 )     18,000  
  Proceeds from Director/Employee stock options exercised
    0       70  
  Repurchase and retirement of common stock
    33       (452 )
  Payment of dividends on common stock
    (5 )     (1,483 )
  Net cash used in financing activities
    (28,179 )     (11,267 )
                 
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents
    (4,816 )     (3,386 )
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
    19,426       25,300  
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
  $ 14,610     $ 21,914  

See notes to consolidated financial statements

6


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 2008 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.

Certain reclassifications have been made to the 2008 financial statements to conform to the classifications used in 2009. Effective January 1, 2009, the Company reclassified a contingent asset that represents a claim from an insurance company related to a charged-off lease portfolio, including specific reserves, from loans to other assets. Management believes the asset is better reflected, given its nature, as an asset other than loans. In periods prior to March 31, 2009, the contingent asset had been included in impaired and nonaccrual loan balances. All periods presented have been retroactively adjusted for the reclassification to other assets and therefore amounts have been excluded from loans and reserves for credit losses, including impaired and nonaccrual balances for periods prior to March 31, 2009. The amounts reclassified for reporting purposes for the various periods presented in this 10-Q are shown below.

Reclassification Amount  (in 000's)
 
12/31/2008
   
3/31/2008
   
12/31/2007
 
Lease principal claim included in gross loans
  $ 5,425     $ 5,425     $ 5,425  
Allowance for credit losses
    (3,542 )     (3,526 )     (3,470 )
  Net balance transferred to other assets
  $ 1,883     $ 1,899     $ 1,955  

New Accounting Standards:
 
In April of 2009, the FASB issued Staff Position No. FAS 107-1, “Interim Disclosures About Fair Value of Financial Instruments.” This position extends the disclosure requirements of SFAS No. 107, “Disclosures About Fair Value of Financial Instruments,” to interim financial statements of publicly traded companies. Staff Position No. FAS 107-1 is effective for interim periods ending after June 15, 2009 with early adoption permitted for periods ending after March 15, 2009. The Company is evaluating the enhanced disclosure requirements around fair value of financial instruments and does not anticipate a material impact on the Consolidated Financial Statements. The Company will adopt Staff Position No. FAS 107-1 for the period ending June 30, 2009.

In April 2009, the FASB issued Staff Position No. FAS 115-2 and FAS 124-2, “Recognition and Presentation of Other-Than-Temporary Impairments.” This FASB staff position amends the other-than-temporary impairment guidance in U.S. generally accepted accounting principles for debt securities. If an entity determines that it has other-than-temporary impairment on its securities, it must recognize the credit loss on the securities in the income statement. The credit loss is defined as the difference between the present value of the cash flows expected to be collected and the amortized cost basis. The staff position expands disclosures about other-than-temporary impairment and requires that the annual disclosures in FASB Statement No. 115 and FSP FAS 115-1 and FAS 124-1 be made for interim reporting periods. This FASB staff position becomes effective for interim reporting periods ending after June 15, 2009, with early adoption permitted for periods ending after March 15, 2009. The Company adopted this FASB staff position for the interim reporting period ending March 31, 2009. See Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements for the impact on the Company of adopting FSP No. FAS 115-2 and FAS 124-2.
 
7


In April 2009, the FASB issued Staff Position No. FAS 157-4, “Determining Fair Value When the Volume and Level of Activity for the Asset or Liability Have Significantly Decreased and Identifying Transactions That Are Not Orderly.” This FASB staff position provides additional guidance on determining fair value when the volume and level of activity for the asset or liability have significantly decreased when compared with normal market activity for the asset or liability. A significant decrease in the volume or level of activity for the asset of liability is an indication that transactions or quoted prices may not be determinative of fair value because transactions may not be orderly. In that circumstance, further analysis of transactions or quoted prices is needed, and an adjustment to the transactions or quoted prices may be necessary to estimate fair value. This FASB staff position becomes effective for interim reporting periods ending after June 15, 2009, with early adoption permitted for periods ending after March 15, 2009. The Company adopted this FASB staff position for the interim reporting period ending March 31, 2009 and it did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position or results of operations.

In April 2009, the Securities and Exchange Commission issued Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 111 (“SAB 111”). SAB 111 amends Topic 5.M. in the Staff Accounting Bulletin series entitled “Other Than Temporary Impairment of Certain Investments Debt and Equity Securities.” On April 9, 2009, the FASB issued Staff Position No. FAS 115-2 and FAS 124-2, “Recognition and Presentation of Other-Than-Temporary Impairments.” SAB 111 maintains the previous views related to equity securities and amends Topic 5.M. to exclude debt securities from its scope. SAB 111 was effective for the Company as of March 31, 2009. There was no material impact to the Company’s consolidated financial position or results of operations upon adoption.

2.     Investment Securities Available for Sale

Following is a comparison of the amortized cost and approximate fair value of securities available-for-sale, as of March 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008:

         
Gross
   
Gross
   
Fair Value
 
   (In thousands)
 
Amortized
   
Unrealized
   
Unrealized
   
(Carrying
 
 
 
Cost
   
Gains
   
Losses
   
Amount)
 
March 31, 2009:                                 
U.S. Government agencies
  $ 41,449     $ 1,776     $ (1 )   $ 43,224  
Collateralized mortgage obligations
    36,773       556       (7,468 )     29,861  
Obligations of state and political subdivisions
    1,252       29       0       1,281  
Other investment securities
    13,909       0       (654 )     13,255  
    $ 93,383     $ 2,361     $ (8,123 )   $ 87,621  
December 31, 2008:
                               
U.S. Government agencies
  $ 43,110     $ 1,280     $ (204 )   $ 44,186  
Collateralized mortgage obligations
    39,068       189       (4,991 )     34,266  
Obligations of state and political subdivisions
    1,252       28       0       1,280  
Other investment securities
    13,880       0       (863 )     13,017  
    $ 97,310     $ 1,497     $ (6,058 )   $ 92,749  

Included in other investment securities at March 31, 2009 are a short-term government securities mutual fund totaling $7.4 million, a CRA-qualified mortgage fund totaling $4.9 million, and a money-market mutual fund totaling $909,000. Included in other investment securities at December 31, 2008, is a short-term government securities mutual fund totaling $7.2 million, a CRA-qualified mortgage fund totaling $4.9 million, and an overnight money-market mutual fund totaling $880,000. The short-term government securities mutual fund invests in debt securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government, its agencies or instrumentalities, with a maximum duration equal to that of a 3-year U.S. Treasury Note.

There were no realized gains on sales of available-for-sale securities during the three months ended March 31, 2009. There were no realized losses on sales or calls of available-for-sale securities during the three months ended March 31, 2009, but there were other-than-temporary impairment losses totaling $163,000 on two of the Company’s collateralized mortgage obligations (see discussion below.) There were realized gains totaling $24,000 on calls of available-for-sale securities during the three months ended March 31, 2008. There were no realized gains or losses on sales of available-for-sale securities during the three months ended March 31, 2008.

Securities that have been temporarily impaired less than 12 months at March 31, 2009 are comprised of two collateralized mortgage obligations and one U.S. government agency security with a total weighted average life of 0.5 years. As of March 31, 2009, there were three collateralized mortgage obligations and two other investment securities with a total weighted average life of 2.8 years that have been temporarily impaired for twelve months or more.
 
8


The following summarizes the total of temporarily impaired and other-than-temporarily impaired investment securities at March 31, 2009 (see discussion below for other than temporarily impaired securities included here):

   
Less than 12 Months
   
12 Months or More
   
Total
 
  (In thousands)
 
Fair Value
         
Fair Value
         
Fair Value
       
   
(Carrying
   
Unrealized
   
(Carrying
   
Unrealized
   
(Carrying
   
Unrealized
 
 
 
Amount)
   
Losses
   
Amount)
   
Losses
   
Amount)
   
Losses
 
Securities available for sale:                                     
U.S. Government agencies
  $ 143     $ (1 )   $ 0     $ 0     $ 143     $ (1 )
Collateralized mortgage obligations
    6,870       (68 )     9,350       (7,400 )     16,220       (7,468 )
Obligations of state and political subdivisions
    0       0       0       0       0       0  
 Other investment securities
    0       0       12,346       (654 )     12,346       (654 )
  Total impaired securities
  $ 7,013     $ (69 )   $ 21,696     $ (8,054 )   $ 28,709     $ (8,123 )

Securities that have been temporarily impaired less than 12 months at March 30, 2008 are comprised of three collateralized mortgage obligations with a total weighted average life of 4.7 years. As of March 31, 2008, there were two U.S. government agency securities and two municipal agency securities with a total weighted average life of 1.6 years that have been temporarily impaired for twelve months or more.

The following summarizes temporarily impaired investment securities at March 31, 2008:

   
Less than 12 Months
   
12 Months or More
   
Total
 
  (In thousands)
 
Fair Value
         
Fair Value
         
Fair Value
       
   
(Carrying
   
Unrealized
   
(Carrying
   
Unrealized
   
(Carrying
   
Unrealized
 
 
 
Amount)
   
Losses
   
Amount)
   
Losses
   
Amount)
   
Losses
 
Securities available for sale:                                     
U.S. Government agencies
  $ 0     $ 0     $ 5,971     $ (65 )   $ 5,971     $ (65 )
U.S. Government agency collateralized mortgage obligations
    18,363       (990 )     0       0       18,363       (990 )
Obligations of state and political subdivisions
    0       0       0       0       0       0  
 Other investment securities
    0       0       12,623       (377 )     12,623       (377 )
  Total impaired securities
  $ 18,363     $ (990 )   $ 18,594     $ (442 )   $ 36,957     $ (1,432 )

At March 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008, available-for-sale securities with an amortized cost of approximately $78.1 million and $81.4 million (fair value of $76.1 million and $79.6 million) were pledged as collateral for public funds, and treasury tax and loan balances.

 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 Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 115, “Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities.” However, certain purchased beneficial interests, including non-agency mortgage-backed securities, asset-backed securities, and collateralized debt obligations, are evaluated using the model outlined in EITF Issue No. 99-20, “Recognition of Interest Income and Impairment on Purchased Beneficial Interests and Beneficial Interests that Continue to be Held by a Transfer in Securitized Financial Assets.”

In determining OTTI under the SFAS No. 115 model, the Company considers many factors, 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 entity 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.
 
9


The second segment of the portfolio uses the OTTI guidance provided by EITF 99-20 that is specific to purchased beneficial interests including non-agency collateralized mortgage obligations. Under the EITF 99-20 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.

When other-than-temporary-impairment occurs under either model, the amount of the other-than-temporary-impairment recognized in earnings depends on whether an entity 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 other factors shall be recognized in other comprehensive 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, 2009, the decline in market value for all but three (see below) of the impaired securities is attributable to changes in interest rates and illiquidity, and not credit quality. Because the Company does not have the intent to sell these impaired securities and it is likely that it will not be required to sell the securities before their anticipated recovery, the Company does not consider these securities to be other-than-temporarily impaired at March 31, 2009.

At March 31, 2009, the Company had three non-agency collateralized mortgage obligations which have been impaired more than twelve months. The three non-agency collateralized mortgage obligations had a market value of $9.5 million and unrealized losses of approximately $7.7 million at March 31, 2009. These non-agency mortgage-backed securities were rated less than high credit quality at March 31, 2009 and are within the scope of EITF 99-20. Pursuant to EITF 99-20, the Company evaluated OTTI by comparing the present value of expected cash flows to previous estimates to determine whether there had been adverse changes in cash flows during the quarter. The OTTI evaluation was conducted utilizing the services of a third party specialist and consultant in MBS and CMO products. The cash flow assumptions used in the evaluation included a number of factors including changes in delinquency rates, anticipated prepayment speeds, loan-to-value ratios, changes in agency ratings, and market prices. As a result of the impairment evaluation, the Company determined that there had been adverse changes in cash flows in two of the three non-agency collateralized mortgage obligations reviewed, and concluded that these two non-agency collateralized mortgage obligations were other-than-temporarily impaired. The two securities had other-than-temporary-impairment losses of $3.9 million, of which $163,000 was recorded as expense and $3.7 million was recorded in other comprehensive income. These three securities remained classified as available for sale at March 31, 2009.

The following table details the two non-agency collateralized mortgage obligations with other-than-temporary-impairment, their credit rating at March 31, 2009, the related credit losses recognized in earnings, and impairment losses in other comprehensive income:

   
RALI 2006-QS1G A10
   
RALI 2006 QS8 A1
       
   
Rated Caa
   
Rated Caa
   
Total
 
Amortized cost
  $ 6,494,043     $ 1,901,117     $ 8,395,160  
Credit loss (expense)
    (131,337 )     (31,956 )     (163,293 )
Other impairment (OCI)
    (2,903,041 )     (792,655 )     (3,695,696 )
Carrying amount
    3,459,665       1,076,506       4,536,171  
Total impairment
  $ (3,034,378 )   $ (824,611 )   $ (3,858,989 )
 
10

 
The total other comprehensive income (OCI) balance of $3.7 million in the above table is included in unrealized losses of 12 months or more at March 31, 2009.

3.    Loans and Leases

Loans include the following:
 
   
March 31,
   
% of
   
December 31,
   
% of
 
   (In thousands)
 
2009
   
Loans
   
2008
   
Loans
 
Commercial and industrial
  $ 232,454       42.8 %   $ 223,581       41.1 %
Real estate – mortgage
    124,113       22.9 %     126,689       23.3 %
Real estate – construction
    112,825       20.8 %     119,884       21.9 %
Agricultural
    52,280       9.6 %     52,020       9.6 %
Installment/other
    19,971       3.7 %     20,782       3.8 %
Lease financing
    1,326       0.2 %     1,595       0.3 %
  Total Gross Loans
  $ 542,969       100.0 %   $ 544,551       100.0 %

Loans over 90 days past due and still accruing totaled $838,000 and $680,000 at March 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008, respectively. Nonaccrual loans totaled $52.6 million and $45.7 million at March 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008, respectively.

An analysis of changes in the allowance for credit losses is as follows:

   
March 31,
   
December 31,
   
March 31,
 
   (In thousands)
 
2009
   
2008
   
2008
 
Balance, beginning of year
  $ 11,530     $ 7,431     $ 7,431  
Provision charged to operations
    1,351       9,598       265  
Losses charged to allowance
    (2,599 )     (5,616 )     (357 )
Recoveries on loans previously charged off
    166       117       60  
Balance at end-of-period
  $ 10,448     $ 11,530     $ 7,399  

The allowance for credit losses represents management's estimate of the risk inherent in the loan portfolio based on the current economic conditions, collateral values and economic prospects of the borrowers. The formula allowance for unfunded loan commitments totaling $272,000 and $313,000 at March 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008, respectively, is carried in other liabilities. The Company’s market areas of the San Joaquin Valley, the greater Oakhurst area, East Madera County, and Santa Clara County, have all been impacted by the economic downturn related to depressed real estate markets and the tightening of liquidity markets. The Company has taken these events into account when reviewing estimates of factors that may impact the allowance for credit losses.

The Company grades “problem” or “classified” loans according to certain risk factors associated with individual loans within the loan portfolio. Classified loans consist of loans which have been graded substandard, doubtful, or loss based upon inherent weaknesses in the individual loans or loan relationships. Classified loans include not only impaired loans (as defined under SFAS No. 114), but also loans which based upon inherent weaknesses result in a risk grading of substandard, doubtful, or loss. The following table summarizes the Company’s classified loans at March 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008.

   
March 31,
   
December 31,
 
   (in 000's)
 
2009
   
2008
 
Impaired loans
  $ 58,030     $ 48,946  
Classified loans not considered impaired
    23,157       33,758  
   Total classified loans
  $ 81,187     $ 82,704  

11


The following table summarizes the Company’s investment in loans for which impairment has been recognized for the periods presented:

  
    (in thousands)
 
March 31, 
2009
   
December 31,
2008
   
March 31, 
2008
 
Total impaired loans at period-end
  $ 58,030     $ 48,946     $ 15,262  
Impaired loans which have specific allowance
    29,711       25,541       2,909  
Total specific allowance on impaired loans
    4,393       4,972       611  
Total impaired loans which as a result of write-downs or the fair value of the collateral, did not have a specific allowance
    28,319       23,405       12,353  
                         
      (in thousands)
 
YTD – 3/31/09
   
YTD - 12/31/08
   
YTD – 3/31/08
 
Average recorded investment in impaired loans during period
  $ 56,201     $ 31,677     $ 15,232  
Income recognized on impaired loans during period
    0       0       0  

4.    Deposits

Deposits include the following:
   
March 31, December 31,
 
  (In thousands)
 
2009
   
2008
 
Noninterest-bearing deposits
  $ 142,832     $ 149,529  
Interest-bearing deposits:
               
   NOW and money market accounts
    146,567       136,612  
   Savings accounts
    35,890       37,586  
   Time deposits:
               
      Under $100,000
    64,141       66,128  
      $100,000 and over
    132,710       118,631  
Total interest-bearing deposits
    379,308       358,957  
Total deposits
  $ 522,140     $ 508,486  

5.     Short-term Borrowings/Other Borrowings

At March 31, 2009, the Company had collateralized and uncollateralized lines of credit with the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco and other correspondent banks aggregating $207.0 million, as well as Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”) lines of credit totaling $79.9 million. At March 31, 2009, the Company had total outstanding balances of $64.0 million drawn against its FHLB line of credit, and $49.2 million in overnight borrowing at the Federal Reserve Discount Window. The weighted average cost of borrowings outstanding at March 31, 2009 was 0.65%. The $64.0 million in FHLB borrowings outstanding at March 31, 2009 are summarized in the table below.

FHLB term borrowings at March 31, 2009 (in 000’s):
 
Term
 
Balance at 3/31/09
   
Fixed Rate
 
Maturity
3-month
  $ 20,000       0.38 %
6/30/09
3-month
    33,000       0.35 %
6/30/09
2 year
    11,000       2.67 %
2/11/10
    $ 64,000       0.76 %  

At December 31, 2008, the Company had collateralized and uncollateralized lines of credit with the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco and other correspondent banks aggregating $242.7 million, as well as Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”) lines of credit totaling $97.1 million. At December 31, 2008, the Company had total outstanding balances of $155.0 million in borrowings, including $66.5 million in federal funds purchased from the Federal Reserve Discount Window at an average rate of 0.50%, and $88.5 million drawn against its FHLB lines of credit.
 
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 and certain qualifying mortgage loans. All lines of credit are on an “as available” basis and can be revoked by the grantor at any time.

12


6.     Supplemental Cash Flow Disclosures

   
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
   (In thousands)
 
2009
   
2008
 
Cash paid during the period for:
           
     Interest
  $ 2,232     $ 5,407  
     Income Taxes
  $ 59       2  
Noncash investing activities:
               
     Dividends declared not paid
  $ 4     $ 1,539  
     Loans transferred to foreclosed assets
  $ 721     $ 772  

7.    Common Stock Dividend

On March 24, 2009, 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 10, 2009, an additional 119,622 shares were issued to shareholders on April 22, 2008. Because the stock dividend was considered a “small stock dividend”, approximately $919,000 was transferred from retained earnings to common stock based upon the $7.69 closing price of the Company’s common stock on the declaration date of March 24, 2009. Fractional shares were paid in cash, with a cash-in-lieu of payment of approximately $4,000. Other than for earnings-per-share calculations, shares issued for the stock dividend have been treated prospectively from March 31, 2009 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,
 
   (In thousands except earnings per share data)
 
2009
   
2008
 
Net income available to common shareholders
  $ 921     $ 2,500  
                 
Weighted average shares issued
    12,130       12,205  
   Add: dilutive effect of stock options
    0       9  
Weighted average shares outstanding adjusted for potential dilution
    12,130       12,214  
                 
Basic earnings per share
  $ 0.08     $ 0.20  
Diluted earnings per share
  $ 0.08     $ 0.20  
Anti-dilutive shares excluded from earnings per share calculation
    178       47  

The Company’s average weighted 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 of record on April 10, 2008.

9.    Common Stock Repurchase Plan

Since August 2001, the Company’s Board of Directors has approved three separate consecutive plans to repurchase, as conditions warrant, up to approximately 5% of the Company’s common stock on the open market or in privately negotiated transactions. The duration of the stock repurchase programs has been open-ended and the timing of purchases depends on market conditions. As each new stock repurchase plan was approved, the previous plan was cancelled.
 
13

 
On May 16, 2007, the Board of Directors approved the third and most recent stock repurchase plan to repurchase, as conditions warrant, up to 610,000 shares of the Company's common stock on the open market or in privately negotiated transactions. The repurchase plan represents approximately 5.00% of the Company's currently outstanding common stock. The duration of the program is open-ended and the timing of purchases will depend on market conditions. Concurrent with the approval of the new repurchase plan, the Company canceled the remaining 75,733 shares available under the previous 2004 repurchase plan.
 
During the three months ended March 31, 2009, 488 shares were repurchased at a total cost of $3,700 and an average per share price of $7.50.

10.  Stock Based Compensation
 
All share-based payments to employees, including grants of employee stock options, are recognized in the financial statements based on the grant-date fair value of the award. The fair value is amortized over the requisite service period (generally the vesting period).
 
Included in salaries and employee benefits for the three months ended March 31, 2009 and 2008 is $13,000 and $33,000 of share-based compensation, respectively. The related tax benefit on share-based compensation recorded in the provision for income taxes was not material to either quarter.
 
A summary of the Company’s options as of January 1, 2009 and changes during the three months ended March 31, 2009 is presented below.

         
Weighted
         
Weighted
 
         
Average
         
Average
 
   
2005
   
Exercise
   
1995
   
Exercise
 
 
 
Plan
   
Price
   
Plan
   
Price
 
Options outstanding January 1, 2009
    159,645     $ 16.13       16,322     $ 11.96  
      1% common stock dividend
    1,597       (0.16 )     163       (0.11 )
Options outstanding March 31, 2009
    161,242     $ 15.97       16,485     $ 11.85  
                                 
Options exercisable at March 31, 2009
    93,346     $ 15.86       16,485     $ 11.85  
 
As of March 31, 2009 and 2008, there was $68,000 and $191,000, respectively, of total unrecognized compensation expense related to nonvested stock options. This cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of approximately 0.5 years and 1.0 years, respectively. No stock options were exercised during the three months ended March 31, 2009. The Company received $70,000 in cash proceeds on options exercised during the three months ended March 31, 2008. No tax benefits were realized on stock options exercised during the three months ended March 31, 2008, because all options exercised during the periods were incentive stock options.

   
Period Ended
   
Period Ended
 
   
March 31, 
2009
   
March 31,
 2008
 
Weighted average grant-date fair value of stock options granted
    n/a       n/a  
Total fair value of stock options vested
  $ 68,690     $ 70,850  
Total intrinsic value of stock options exercised
    n/a     $ 55,000  
 
The Company determines fair value at grant date using the Black-Scholes-Merton pricing model that takes into account the stock price at the grant date, the exercise price, the expected life of the option, the volatility of the underlying stock and the expected dividend yield and the risk-free interest rate over the expected life of the option.
 
The weighted average assumptions used in the pricing model are noted in the table below. The expected term of options granted is derived using the simplified method, which is based upon the average period between vesting term and expiration term of the options. The risk free rate for periods within the contractual life of the option is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of the grant. Expected volatility is based on the historical volatility of the Bank's stock over a period commensurate with the expected term of the options. The Company believes that historical volatility is indicative of expectations about its future volatility over the expected term of the options.
 
14

 
For options vested as of January 1, 2006 or granted after January 1, 2006, and valued in accordance with FAS 123R, the Company expenses the fair value of the option on a straight-line basis over the vesting period for each separately vesting portion of the award. The Company estimates forfeitures and only recognizes expense for those shares expected to vest. Based upon historical evidence, the Company has determined that because options are granted to a limited number of key employees rather than a broad segment of the employee base, expected forfeitures, if any, are not material. No options were granted during the three months ended March 31, 2009 or 2008.
 
The Black-Scholes-Merton option valuation model requires the input of highly subjective assumptions, including the expected life of the stock based award and stock price volatility. The assumptions listed about represent management's best estimates, but these estimates involve inherent uncertainties and the application of management judgment. As a result, if other assumptions had been used, the Company's recorded stock-based compensation expense could have been materially different from that previously reported by the Company. In addition, the Company is required to estimate the expected forfeiture rate and only recognize expense for those shares expected to vest. The Company’s current expected forfeiture rate is zero. If the Company's actual forfeiture rate is materially different from the estimate, the share-based compensation expense could be materially different.

11.  Taxes – FIN48

The Company adopted the provisions of FASB Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes” (FIN48), on January 1, 2007. FIN 48 clarifies SFAS No. 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes,” to indicate a criterion 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 of FIN48, 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 and a 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. The Company is not currently aware of any tax jurisdictions where the Company or any subsidiary is subject examination by federal, state, or local taxing authorities before 2001. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has not examined the Company’s or any subsidiaries federal tax returns since before 2001, and the Company currently is not aware of any examination planned or contemplated by the IRS. The California Franchise Tax Board (FTB) concluded an audit of the Company’s 2004 state tax return during the fourth quarter of 2007, resulting in a disallowance of approximately $19,000 related to Enterprise Zone loan interest deductions taken during 2004. The $19,000 was recorded as a component of tax expense for the year ended December 31, 2007.

During the second quarter of 2006, the FTB issued the Company a letter of proposed adjustments to, and assessments for, (as a result of examination of the tax years 2001 and 2002) certain tax benefits taken by the REIT during 2002. The Company continues to review the information available from the FTB and its financial advisors and believes that the Company's position has merit.  The Company is pursing its tax claims and will defend its use of these entities and transactions. The Company will continue to assert its administrative protest and appeal rights pending the outcome of litigation by another taxpayer presently in process on the REIT issue in the Los Angeles Superior Court (City National v. Franchise Tax Board).

The Company reviewed its REIT tax position as of January 1, 2007 (adoption date) and again during subsequent quarters since that time in light of the adoption of FIN48. The Bank, with guidance from advisors believes that the case has merit with regard to points of law, and that the tax law at the time allowed for the deduction of the consent dividend. However, the Bank, with the concurrence of advisors, cannot conclude that it is “more than likely” (as defined in FIN48) that the Bank will prevail in its case with the FTB. As a result of the implementation of FIN48, the Company recognized approximately a $1.3 million increase in the liability for unrecognized tax benefits (included in other liabilities), which was accounted for as a reduction to the January 1, 2007 balance of retained earnings. The adjustment provided at adoption included penalties proposed by the FTB of $181,000 and interest totaling $210,000. During each of the years ended December 31, 2007 and December 31, 2008, the Company recorded an additional $87,000 in interest liability pursuant to the provisions of FIN48. The Company had approximately $566,000 accrued for the payment of interest and penalties at December 31, 2008. Subsequent to the initial adoption of FIN48, it is the Company’s policy to recognize interest expense related to unrecognized tax benefits, and penalties, as a component tax expense. A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows (in 000’s):
 
15


Balance  at January 1, 2009
  $ 1,472  
Additions for tax provisions of prior years
    22  
Balance at March 31, 2009
  $ 1,494  

12.  Fair Value Adjustments - Junior Subordinated Debt/Trust Preferred Securities
 
Effective January 1, 2007, the Company elected early adoption of SFAS No.159, “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities, including an amendment of FASB Statement No. 115”. The Company also adopted the provisions of SFAS No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements”, effective January 1, 2007, in conjunction with the adoption of SFAS No. 159. SFAS No. 159 generally permits the measurement of selected eligible financial instruments at fair value at specified election dates. The Company elected the fair value option pursuant to SFAS No. 159 for its junior subordinated debt issued under USB Capital Trust II. The rate paid on the junior subordinated debt issued under USB Capital Trust II is 3-month LIBOR plus 129 basis points, and is adjusted quarterly.
 
At March 31, 2009 the Company performed a fair value measurement analysis on its junior subordinated debt pursuant to SFAS No. 157 using a cash flow valuation 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 market spread from LIBOR of approximately 5.0% which was determined to be reasonable in the current market rate environment. Although there is little market data in the current relatively illiquid credit markets, and the market spread is higher than historical spreads, we believe 5.0% market spread and resultant 6.2% discount rate used is appropriate considering guidance in FSP FAS 157-4. The market spread was determined from historical trends in market spreads between treasury securities and corporate bonds.
 
The fair value calculation performed at March 31, 2009 resulted in a pretax loss adjustment of $59,000 ($34,000, net of tax) for the quarter ended March 31, 2009. The previous year’s fair value calculation performed at March 31, 2008 resulted in a pretax gain adjustment of $540,000 ($315,000, net of tax) for the quarter ended March 31, 2008.

13.  Fair Value Measurements– SFAS No. 157

Effective January 1, 2007, the Company adopted SFAS 157, “Fair Value Measurements”, concurrent with its early adoption of SFAS No. 159. SFAS No. 157 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 statement applies whenever other accounting pronouncements require or permit fair value measurements.

The fair value hierarchy under SFAS No. 157 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 Company performs fair value measurements on certain assets and liabilities as the result of the application of accounting guidelines and pronouncements that were relevant prior to the adoption of SFAS No. 157. Some fair value measurements, such as for available-for-sale securities (AFS) and interest rate swaps are performed on a recurring basis, while others, such as impairment of loans, goodwill and other intangibles, are performed on a nonrecurring basis.
 
16


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, 2009 (in 000’s):
 
   
March 31,
   
Quoted Prices in
Active Markets
for Identical
Assets
   
Significant Other
Observable Inputs
   
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
 
Description of Assets
 
2009
   
(Level 1)
   
(Level 2)
   
(Level 3)
 
AFS Securities (2)
  $ 87,722     $ 13,356     $ 64,852     $ 9,514  
Impaired Loans (1)
    25,317               2,105     $ 23,212  
Core deposit intangibles (1)
    1,107                       1,107  
Total
  $ 114,146     $ 13,356     $ 66,957     $ 33,833  
 
(1)
nonrecurring
(2)
Includes $101 in equity securities reported in other assets on the balance sheet
 
   
March 31,
   
Quoted Prices in
Active Markets
for Identical
Assets
   
Significant Other
Observable Inputs
   
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
 
Description of Liabilities
 
2009
   
(Level 1)
   
(Level 2)
   
(Level 3)
 
Junior subordinated debt
  $ 11,887                 $ 11,887  
Total
  $ 11,887     $ 0     $ 0     $ 11,887  

The following tables summarize the Company’s assets and liabilities that were measured at fair value on a recurring and nonrecurring basis during the year ended December 31, 2008 (in 000’s):
 
   
December 31,
   
Quoted Prices in
Active Markets
for Identical
Assets
   
Significant Other
Observable Inputs
   
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
 
Description of Assets
 
2008
   
(Level 1)
   
(Level 2)
   
(Level 3)
 
AFS securities (2)
  $ 92,870     $ 13,138     $ 66,932     $ 12,800  
Purchased intangible asset (1)
    206                     $ 206  
Impaired loans (1)
    20,569               4,602     $ 15,967  
Core deposit intangible (1)
    1,283                     $ 1,283  
Total
  $ 114,928     $ 13,138     $ 71,534     $ 30,256  

(1)
Nonrecurring items
(2) 
Includes $121 in equity securities reported in other assets on the balance sheet

   
December 31,
   
Quoted Prices in
Active Markets
for Identical
Assets
   
Significant Other
Observable Inputs
   
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
 
Description of Liabilities
 
2008
   
(Level 1)
   
(Level 2)
   
(Level 3)
 
Junior subordinated debt
  $ 11,926                 $ 11,926  
  Total
  $ 11,926     $ 0     $ 0     $ 11,926  

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 are 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 spread forward 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 in other comprehensive income as the securities are available for sale. At March 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008, the Company held three non-agency (private-label) collateralized mortgage obligations (CMO’s). Fair value of these securities (as well as review for other-than-temporary impairment) was performed by a third-party securities broker specializing in CMO’s. Fair value was based upon estimated cash flows which included assumptions about future prepayments, default rates, and the impact of credit risk on this type of investment security. Although the pricing of the CMO’s has certain aspects of Level 2 pricing, many of the pricing inputs are based upon unobservable assumptions of future economic trends and as a result the Company considers this to be Level 3 pricing.
 
17


Fair value measurements for impaired loans are performed pursuant to SFAS No. 114, and are based upon either collateral values supported by appraisals, or observed market prices. 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.

The fair value of the junior subordinated debt was determined based upon a valuation discounted cash flows model utilizing observable market rates and credit characteristics for similar instruments. In its analysis, the Company used characteristics that distinguish 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. For the three month period ended March 31, 2009, management utilized a market spread from the forward 3-month LIBOR curve based upon spreads between U.S. treasury securities and corporate bonds to determine appropriate levels of risk premium in the current economic environment. The Company believes the inputs to the model are subjective enough to the fair value determination of the junior subordinated debt to make them Level 3 inputs.

The nonrecurring fair value measurements performed during the quarter ended March 31, 2009 resulted in a pretax fair value impairment adjustment of $57,000 ($33,000 net of tax) to the core deposit intangible asset. The adjustment is reflected as a component of noninterest expense for the quarter ended March 31, 2009.

The following tables provide a reconciliation of assets and liabilities at fair value using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) on a recurring and non-recurring basis during the quarters ended March 31, 2009 and 2008 (in 000’s):

   
3/31/09
   
3/31/09
   
3/31/09
   
3/31/08
 
 
 
Impaired
loans
   
CMO’s
   
Intangible
assets
   
Impaired
loans
 
Reconciliation of Assets:                                 
Beginning balance
  $ 15,967     $ 12,800     $ 1,489     $ 2,211  
Total gains or (losses) included in earnings (or other comprehensive income)
    (3,685 )     (3,286 )     (176 )     5  
Transfers in and/or out of Level 3
    10,930       0       (206 )     (17 )
Ending balance
  $ 23,212     $ 9,514     $ 1,107     $ 2,199  
                                 
The amount of total gains or (losses) for the period included in earnings (or other comprehensive income) attributable to the change in unrealized gains or losses relating to assets still held at the reporting date
  $ (1,256 )   $ (3,286 )   $ (176 )   $ 27  
 
   
3/31/2009
   
3/31/2008
 
 
 
Junior Sub
Debt
   
Junior Sub
Debt
 
Reconciliation of Liabilities:                 
Beginning balance
  $ 11,926     $ 0  
                 
Total gains included in earnings (or changes in net assets)
    (39 )     (540 )
Transfers in and/or out of Level 3
    0       13,317  
Ending balance
  $ 11,887     $ 12,777  
                 
The amount of total gains for the period included in earnings attributable to the change in unrealized gains or losses relating to liabilities still held at the reporting date
  $ (39 )   $ (540 )

 
18

 
During the quarter ended March 31, 2008, the Company reclassified approximately $12.8 million in junior subordinated debt from Level 2 to Level 3 because certain significant inputs for the fair value measurement became unobservable. The fair value of junior subordinated debt was again considered a Level 3 input at March 31, 2009. This re-class was primarily the result of continued credit market and liquidity deterioration in which credit markets for trust preferred securities became effectively inactive during the period.

14.  Goodwill and Intangible Assets

At December 31, 2008 the Company had $10.4 million of goodwill, $2.3 million of core deposit intangibles, and $206,000 of other identified intangible assets which were recorded in connection with various business combinations and purchases. The following table summarizes the carrying value of those assets at December 31, 2008 and March 31, 2009.

   
March 31, 2009
   
December 31, 2008
 
Goodwill
  $ 10,417     $ 10,417  
Core deposit intangible assets
    2,538       2,795  
Other identified intangible assets
    178       206  
   Total goodwill and intangible assets
  $ 13,133     $ 13,418  

Core deposit intangibles and other identified intangible assets are amortized over their useful lives, while goodwill is not amortized. The Company conducts periodic impairment analysis on goodwill and intangible assets and goodwill at least annually or more often as conditions require.

Goodwill: The largest component of goodwill is approximately $8.8 million related to the Legacy merger (Campbell operating unit) completed during February 2007. The Company conducted its annual impairment testing of the goodwill related to the Campbell operation unit effective March 31st. Impairment testing for goodwill is a two-step process.

The first step is to identify potential impairment, which involves determining and comparing the fair value of the operating unit with its carrying value. If the fair value of the operating unit exceeds its carrying value, goodwill is not impaired. If the carrying value exceeds fair value, there is an indication of possible impairment and the second step is performed to determine the amount of the impairment, if any. The fair value determined in the step one testing was determined based on a discounted cash flow methodology using estimated market discount rates and projections of future cash flows for the Campbell operating unit.  In addition to projected cash flows, the Company also utilized other market metrics including industry multiples of earnings and price-to-book ratios to estimate what a market participant would pay for the operating unit in the current business environment. 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. The current impairment analysis was impacted by to a large degree by the current economic environment, including significant declines in interest rates, and depressed valuations within the financial industry. Based on the results of step one of the impairment analysis, the Company concluded that the potential for goodwill impairment exists and, therefore, step-two testing will be required to determine if there is goodwill impairment and the amount of goodwill that might be impaired, if any.

The second step will compare the fair value of the Campbell operating unit to the aggregate fair values of its individual assets, liabilities and identified intangibles. The Company cannot reasonably estimate the fair values of Campbell’s individual assets, liabilities and identified intangibles at the current time. During the second quarter of 2009, the Company will utilize the services of an independent valuation firm to assist in determining the fair value of the Campbell operating unit under step-two guidelines and whether goodwill impairment, if any, exists.
 
19


Core Deposit Intangibles: During the first quarter of 2009, the Company performed an annual impairment analysis of the core deposit intangible assets associated with the Legacy Bank merger completed during February 2007 (Campbell operating unit). The core deposit intangible asset, which totaled $3.0 million at the time of merger, is being amortized over an estimated life of approximately seven years. As a result, the Company recognized $119,000 and $164,000 in amortization expense during the first quarter of 2009 and 2008, respectively.

During the impairment analysis performed as of March 31, 2009, it was determined that the original deposits purchased from Legacy Bank during February 2007 continue to decline faster than originally anticipated. As a result of increased deposit runoff, particularly in noninterest-bearing checking accounts and savings accounts, the estimated value of the Campbell core deposit intangible was determined to be $1,107,000 at March 31, 2009 rather than the pre-adjustment carrying value of $1,164,000. As a result of the impairment analysis, the Company recorded a pre-tax impairment loss of $57,000 ($33,000, net of tax) reflected as a component of noninterest expense for the quarter ended March 31, 2009.

As a result of impairment testing of core deposit intangible assets related to the Campbell operating unit conducted during the first quarter of 2008, the Company recorded a pre-tax impairment loss of $624,000 ($364,000, net of tax) reflected as a component of noninterest expense for the quarter ended March 31, 2008.
 
20


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) expected cost savings from recent acquisitions are not realized, and, vii) 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, 2008.

The Company has made certain reclassifications to the 2008 financial information to conform to the classifications used in 2009. Effective January 1, 2009, the Company reclassified a contingent asset that represents a claim from an insurance company related to a charged-off lease portfolio, including specific reserves, from loans to other assets. Management believes the asset is better reflected, given its nature, as an asset other than loans (see Note 1 for more details). All periods presented have been retroactively adjusted for the reclassification to other assets and therefore amounts have been excluded from loans and reserves for credit losses, including impaired and nonaccrual balances for periods prior to March 31, 2009.

The Company currently has eleven banking branches, which provide financial services in Fresno, Madera, Kern, and Santa Clara counties in the state of California.

Trends Affecting Results of Operations and Financial Position

The following table summarizes the three-month and year-to-date averages of the components of interest-bearing assets as a percentage of total interest-bearing assets and the components of interest-bearing liabilities as a percentage of total interest-bearing liabilities:

   
YTD Average
   
YTD Average
   
YTD Average
 
   
3/31/09
   
12/31/08
   
3/31/08
 
Loans and Leases
    83.89 %     84.11 %     83.80 %
Investment securities available for sale
    14.06 %     14.41 %     15.47 %
Interest-bearing deposits in other banks
    2.05 %     1.40 %     0.45 %
Federal funds sold
    0.00 %     0.08 %     0.28 %
    Total earning assets
    100.00 %     100.00 %     100.00 %
                         
NOW accounts
    8.21 %     7.92 %     7.91 %
Money market accounts
    19.85 %     22.89 %     21.88 %
Savings accounts
    7.05 %     7.50 %     7.73 %
Time deposits
    33.00 %     42.51 %     53.58 %
Other borrowings
    29.64 %     16.84 %     6.45 %
Subordinated debentures
    2.25 %     2.34 %     2.45 %
     Total interest-bearing liabilities
    100.00 %     100.00 %     100.00 %

The Company’s overall operations are impacted by a number of factors, including not only interest rates and margin spreads, which impact 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.
 
21


Continued weakness in the real estate markets and the general economy have impacted the Company’s operations during the past several quarters although, the Company continues its business development and expansion efforts throughout a diverse market area.

With market rates of interest declining 100 basis points during the fourth quarter of 2007, and another 400 basis points during the year ended December 31, 2008, the Company continues to experience compression of its net interest margin. The Company’s net interest margin was 4.48% for the three months ended March 31, 2009, as compared to 4.36% for the year ended December 31, 2008, and 4.67% for the three months ended March 31, 2008. With approximately 67% of the loan portfolio in floating rate instruments at March 31, 2009, the effects of market rates continue to impact loan yields. Loans yielded 6.03% during the three months ended March 31, 2009, as compared to 6.81% for the year ended December 31, 2008, and 7.91% for the three months ended March 31, 2008. With the rapid decline in market rates of interest experienced during 2008, deposit repricing was slow to follow the decline in loan rates during the second half of 2008. However, with stock market declines, combined with more substantial FDIC insurance coverage, deposit rates declined during the fourth quarter of 2008 as investors sought safety in bank deposits. Borrowing rates declined significantly during the fourth quarter of 2008 and remained low during the first quarter of 2009, resulting in overnight and short-term borrowing rates of less than 0.50% during the quarter ended March 31, 2009. The Company has benefited from these rate declines, as it has continued to utilize overnight and short-term borrowing lines through the Federal Reserve and Federal Home Loan Bank to a greater degree. The Company’s average cost of funds was 1.68% for the three months ended March 31, 2009 as compared to 2.75% for the year ended December 31, 2008, and 3.55% for the three months ended March 31, 2008.

Total noninterest income of $1.1 million reported for the three months ended March 31, 2009 decreased $1.2 million or 51.1% as compared to the three months ended March 31, 2008, resulting in part to changes in SFAS No. 159 fair market value adjustments between the two three-month periods on the Company’s junior subordinated debt. Noninterest income continues to be driven by customer service fees, which totaled $989,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2009, representing a decrease of $208,000 or 17.4% over the $1.2 million in customer service fees reported for the three months ended March 31, 2008. Although we believe the decline in current economic conditions has had an impact on the level of customer service fees, decreases in ATM fees between the two periods presented resulting from the loss of a contract during 2008 to provide multiple ATM’s in a single location have also adversely impacted the level of customer service fees. Customer service fees represented 86.7% and 51.3% of total noninterest income for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively.

Noninterest expense decreased approximately $447,000 or 7.3% between the three-month periods ended March 31, 2008 and March 31, 2009. While impairment losses on the Company’s core deposit intangible assets decreased $567,000 between the three-month periods ended March 31, 2008 and 2009, the Company had impairment charges during the first quarter of 2009 of $166,000 on other real estate owned through foreclosure, and $163,000 on investment securities. Salary expense decreased $619,000 or 21.8% between the quarters ended March 31, 2008 and March 31, 2009, primarily as the result of declines in accrued bonuses and employee incentives between the two periods.

On March 24, 2009, the Company’s Board of Directors again declared a one-percent (1%) stock dividend on the Company’s outstanding common stock. The stock dividend replaces quarterly cash dividends and reflects a similar value. Although the Company's capital position remains strong, the change in the dividend from cash to stock begun during the third quarter of 2008 was employed as a precaution against uncertainties in the 1-4 family residential real estate market and the potential impact on the Company's construction and related land and lot loan portfolio. 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 future growth opportunities. Based upon the number of outstanding common shares on the record date of April 10, 2009, an additional 119,622 shares were issued to shareholders on April 22, 2009. 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.

The Company has sought to maintain a strong, yet conservative balance sheet during the three months ended March 31, 2009 with only minor decreases in net loans during the period. Total assets decreased approximately $27.7 million during the three months ended March 31, 2009, with a decrease of $21.6 million in interest-bearing deposits in other banks and investment securities as the Company decreased its borrowing exposure during the quarter. Average loans comprised approximately 86% of overall average earning assets during the three months ended March 31, 2009.
 
22


Nonperforming assets remained high during the quarter ended March 31, 2009 as real estate markets continue to suffer from the mortgage crisis which began during mid-2007. Nonaccrual loans increased $6.9 million from the balance reported at December 31, 2008, and increased $35.7 million from the balance reported at March 31, 2008, to a balance of $52.6 million at March 31, 2009. 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 $9.1 million during the three months ended March 31, 2009 to a balance of $58.0 million at March 31, 2009. Other real estate owned through foreclosure decreased $1.0 million between December 31, 2008 and March 31, 2009, as sales of existing OREO exceeded the amount of the single new property that was transferred to OREO during the first quarter of 2009. As a result of these events, nonperforming assets as a percentage of total assets increased from 9.96% at December 31, 2008 to 11.33% at March 31, 2009.

As the economy has declined along with asset valuations, increased emphasis has been placed on impairment analysis of both tangible and intangible assets on the balance sheet. As of March 31, 2009, the Company conducted annual impairment testing on the largest component of its outstanding balance of goodwill, that of the Campbell operating unit (resulting from the Legacy merger during February 2007.) In part, as a result of the severe decline in interest rates and other economic factors within the industry, we could not conclude that there was not a possibility of goodwill impairment under the current economic conditions. We cannot reasonably estimate at this time if there is actually impairment of goodwill related to the Campbell operating unit, and if so, what that the goodwill impairment amount would be. As a result, during the second quarter of 2009 we will utilize an independent valuation service to determine the aggregate fair value of the individual assets, liabilities, and identifiable intangible assets of the Campbell operating unit in question to determine if the goodwill related to that operating unit is impaired, and if so, how much the impairment is.

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. Increased charge-offs and significant provisions for loan losses made during the three months ended March 31, 2009 impacted earnings during the first quarter of 2009, but the provision made to the allowance for credit losses, totaling $1.3 million during the first quarter of 2009, along with the allowance for loan losses, is adequate to cover inherent losses in the loan portfolio. Loan and lease charge-offs totaling $2.6 million during the quarter ended March 31, 2009 included the charge-off of a single unsecured commercial loan relationship totaling $1.6 million.

Deposits increased by $13.7 million during the three months ended March 31, 2009, with increases experienced in both interest-bearing checking accounts and time deposit of $100,000 or more. Increases in time deposits of $100,000 or more were largely the result of additional brokered deposits taken during the first quarter of 2009 in an effort to decrease the reliance on borrowed funds as the cost of those brokered deposits became more attractive.

The Company continues to utilize overnight borrowings and other term credit lines to a large degree, with borrowings totaling $113.1 million at March 31, 2009 as compared to $155.0 million at December 31, 2008. The average rate of those term borrowings was 0.65% at March 31, 2009 as compared to 0.93% at December 31, 2008, representing a cost reduction of 28 basis points between the two period-ends. Although the Company continues to realize significant interest expense reductions by utilizing these overnight and term borrowings lines, the use of such lines are monitored closely to ensure sound balance sheet management in light of the current economic and credit environment.

The cost of the Company’s subordinated debentures issued by USB Capital Trust II has remained low as market rates have changed little during the quarter ended March 31, 2009. With pricing at 3-month-LIBOR plus 129 basis points, the effective cost of the subordinated debt was 2.53% at March 31, 2009, representing a rate reduction of 23 basis points between December 31, 2008 and March 31, 2009. Pursuant to SFAS No. 159, the Company recorded a $59,000 pretax fair value loss ($34,000 net of tax) on its junior subordinated debt bringing the total cumulative gain recorded on the debt to $3.7 million at March 31, 2009.

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 declined during much of 2008, a condition which still persists at this time. The past year has presented significant challenges for the banking industry with tightening credit markets, weakening real estate markets, and increased loan losses adversely affecting the industry.

The Company continually evaluates its strategic business plan as economic and market factors change in its market area. Growth and increasing market share will be of primary importance during 2009 and beyond. The banking industry is currently experiencing continued pressure on net margins as well as asset quality resulting from conditions in the sub-prime real estate market, and a general deterioration in credit markets. As a result, market rates of interest and asset quality will continue be an important factor in the Company’s ongoing strategic planning process.

23

 
Results of Operations

For the three months ended March 31, 2009, the Company reported net income of $921,000 or $0.08 per share ($0.08 diluted) as compared to $2.5 million or $0.20 per share ($0.20 diluted) for the three months ended March 31, 2008. The decline in earnings between the two quarters ended March 31, 2008 and 2009 is primarily the result of a decline in interest rate margins combined with an increase in provisions for loan losses.

The Company’s return on average assets was 0.50% for the three-month period ended March 31, 2009 as compared to 1.29% for the three-month period ended March 31, 2008. The Bank’s return on average equity was 4.46% for the three months ended March 31, 2009 as compared to 11.79% for the same three-month period of 2008.

Net Interest Income

Net interest income before provision for credit losses totaled $7.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2009, representing a decrease of $837,000, or 10.5% when compared to the $8.0 million reported for the same three months of the previous year. The decrease in quarterly net interest income between 2008 and 2009 is primarily the result of decreased yields on interest-earning assets, which more than offset the decreased yields on interest-bearing liabilities. Additionally, the Company experienced decreases in the volume of interest-earning assets.

The Bank's net interest margin, as shown in Table 1, decreased to 4.48% at March 31, 2009 from 4.67% at March 31, 2008, a decrease of 19 basis point (100 basis points = 1%) between the two periods. Average market rates of interest have decreased significantly between the three-month periods ended March 31, 2008 and 2009. The prime rate averaged 3.25% for the three months ended March 31, 2009 as compared to 6.23% for the comparative three months of 2008.

Table 1. Distribution of Average Assets, Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity:
Interest rates and Interest Differentials
Three Months Ended March 31, 2009 and 2008

   
2009
   
2008
 
(dollars in thousands)
 
Average
Balance
   
Interest
   
Yield/
Rate
   
Average
Balance
   
Interest
   
Yield/
Rate
 
 
Assets:
                                   
Interest-earning assets:
                                   
Loans and leases (1)
  $ 542,512     $ 8,067       6.03 %   $ 576,924     $ 11,352       7.91 %
Investment Securities – taxable
    89,676       1,190       5.38 %     104,503       1,318       5.07 %
Investment Securities – nontaxable (2)
    1,252       15       4.86 %     2,010       24       4.80 %
Interest-bearing  deposits in other banks
    13,287       40       1.22 %     3,083       34       4.44 %
Federal funds sold  and reverse repos
    10       0       0.00 %     1,912       16       3.37 %
Total interest-earning assets
    646,737     $ 9,312       5.84 %     688,432     $ 12,744       7.45 %
Allowance for credit losses
    (11,416 )                     (7,406 )                
Noninterest-bearing assets:
                                               
Cash and due from banks
    18,120                       23,505                  
Premises and equipment, net
    14,146                       15,443                  
Accrued interest receivable
    2,277                       3,130                  
Other real estate owned
    29,754                       7,021                  
Other assets
    48,883                       46,841                  
Total average assets
  $ 748,501                     $ 776,966                  
Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity:
                                               
Interest-bearing liabilities:
                                               
NOW accounts
  $ 42,848     $ 57       0.54 %   $ 42,551     $ 56       0.53 %
Money market accounts
    103,624       519       2.03 %     117,732       757       2.59 %
Savings accounts
    36,783       70       0.77 %     41,579       162       1.57 %
Time deposits
    172,288       1,059       2.49 %     288,262       3,226       4.50 %
Other borrowings
    154,754       356       0.93 %     34,727       330       3.82 %
Junior subordinated debentures
    11,727       103       3.56 %     13,166       228       6.96 %
Total interest-bearing liabilities
    522,024     $ 2,164       1.68 %     538,017     $ 4,759       3.56 %
Noninterest-bearing liabilities:
                                               
Noninterest-bearing checking
    139,669                       146,312                  
Accrued interest payable
    667                       1,396                  
Other liabilities
    5,656                       6,222                  
Total Liabilities
    668,016                       691,947                  
                                                 
Total shareholders' equity
    80,485                       85,019                  
Total average liabilities and
                                               
shareholders' equity
  $ 748,501                     $ 776,966                  
Interest income as a percentage
                                               
of average earning assets
                    5.84 %                     7.45 %
Interest expense as a percentage
                                               
of average earning assets
                    1.36 %                     2.78 %
Net interest margin
                    4.48 %                     4.67 %
 
 
24

 

(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 $386,000 and $817,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively.

(2)
Applicable nontaxable securities yields have not been calculated on a tax-equivalent basis because they are not material to the Company’s results of operations.

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, 2009 compared to March 31, 2008
 
(In thousands)
 
Total
   
Rate
   
Volume
 
Increase (decrease) in interest income:
                 
Loans and leases
  $ (3,285 )   $ (2,640 )   $ (645 )
Investment securities available for sale
    (137 )     67       (204 )
Interest-bearing deposits in other banks
    6       42       (36 )
Federal funds sold and securities purchased
                       
under agreements to resell
    (16 )     (8 )     (8 )
Total interest income
    (3,432 )     (2,539 )     (893 )
Increase (decrease) in interest expense:
                       
Interest-bearing demand accounts
    (237 )     (171 )     (66 )
Savings accounts
    (92 )     (75 )     (17 )
Time deposits
    (2,167 )     (1,145 )     (1,022 )
Other borrowings
    26       (406 )     432  
Subordinated debentures
    (125 )     (102 )     (23 )
Total interest expense
    (2,595 )     (1,899 )     (696 )
Increase (decrease) in net interest income
  $ (837 )   $ (640 )   $ (197 )

For the three months ended March 31, 2009, total interest income decreased approximately $3.4 million, or 26.9% as compared to the three-month period ended March 31, 2008. Earning asset volumes decreased in all earning-asset categories between the three month periods, with the largest decrease experienced in loans.

For the three months ended March 31, 2009, total interest expense decreased approximately $2.6 million, or 54.5% as compared to the three-month period ended March 31, 2008. Between those two periods, average interest-bearing liabilities decreased by $16.0 million, and the average rates paid on these liabilities decreased by 188 basis points.

 
25

 

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. Such factors consider the allowance for credit losses to be adequate when it 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, 2009, the provision to the allowance for credit losses amounted to $1.4 million as compared to $265,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2008. The amount provided to the allowance for credit losses during the first three months of 2009 brought the allowance to 1.93% of net outstanding loan balances at March 31, 2009, as compared to 2.12% of net outstanding loan balances at December 31, 2008, and 1.30% at March 31, 2008.

Noninterest Income

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, 2009 as compared to the three months ended March 31, 2008:

 
(In thousands)
 
2009
   
2008
   
Amount of
Change
   
Percent
 Change
 
Customer service fees
  $ 989     $ 1,197     $ (208 )     -17.38
Gain on redemption of securities
    0       24       (24 )     -100.00 %
Loss on sale of OREO
    (77 )     0       (77 )      
Proceeds from bank-owned life insurance
    0       0       0          
Gain (loss) on swap ineffectiveness
    0       9       (9 )     -100.00 %
(Loss) gain on fair value of financial liabilities
    (59 )     540       (599 )     -110.93 %
Shared appreciation income
    9       110       (101 )     -91.82 %
Other
    279       453       (174 )     -38.41 %
Total noninterest income
  $ 1,141     $ 2,333     $ (1,192 )     -51.09 %

Noninterest income for the three months ended March 31, 2009 decreased $1.2 million or 51.1% when compared to the same period of 2008. Net decreases in total noninterest income experienced during 2009 were in large part the result of SFAS No. 157 fair value loss adjustments on the Company’s junior subordinated debt totaling $59,000 during the three months ended March 31, 2009, which represents a decrease of $599,000 from the fair market value gains recognized during the three months ended March 31, 2008. Customer service fees decreased $208,000 or 17.4% between the two three-month periods presented, primarily resulting from decreases in ATM fees as well as declining revenues from the Company’s financial services department, which more than offset increases in service fees on deposit accounts. Decreases in ATM fees between the two periods presented are primarily the result of the loss of a contract during 2008 to provide multiple ATM’s in a single location.

Noninterest Expense

The following table sets forth the amount and percentage changes in the categories presented for the three months ended March 31, 2009 as compared to the three months ended March 31, 2008:

Table 4. Changes in Noninterest Expense

 
(In thousands)
 
2009
   
2008
   
Amount of
Change
   
Percent
 Change
 
Salaries and employee benefits
  $ 2,223     $ 2,842     $ (619 )     -21.78 %
Occupancy expense
    942       964       (22 )     -2.28 %
Data processing
    42       80       (38 )     -47.50 %
Professional fees
    400       309       91       29.45 %
Directors fees
    66       64       2       3.13 %
Amortization of intangibles
    228       278       (50 )     -17.99 %
Correspondent bank service charges
    107       130       (23 )     -17.69 %
Impairment loss on core deposit intangible
    57       624       (567 )     -90.87 %
Impairment loss on investment securities
    163       0       163        
Impairment loss on OREO
    166       0       166        
Loss on California tax credit partnership
    107       108       (1 )     -0.93 %
OREO expense
    305       32       273       853.13 %
Other
    863       685       178       25.99 %
Total expense
  $ 5,669     $ 6,116     $ (447 )     -7.31 %
 
 
26

 

The net decrease in noninterest expense between the three months ended March 31, 2008 and 2009 is comprised of reductions in salaries, bonus incentives, and overhead expenses, increases in OREO, legal, and other expenses associated with nonperforming and foreclosed loans, as well as changes in the components of impairment losses taken on various assets of the Company. As the economy has declined over the past year, the Company has streamlined certain departments to more effectively control costs where the levels of business are lower than they have been historically.

While impairment losses on core deposit intangible assets decreased $567,000 or 90.9% between the quarters ended March 31, 2008 and 2009, additional impairment losses were recorded during the first quarter of 2009 on other of the Company’s assets. Impairment losses totaling $166,000 were realized on OREO during the three months ended March 31, 2009 as OREO properties were further written-down to fair value as new valuations were received. In addition, the Company recognized $163,000 in impairment losses on two of its non-agency collateralized mortgage obligations which were determined to be other-than-temporarily impaired. The amount expensed as impairment losses on the two securities represents the identified credit-related portion of the impairment pursuant to FSP FAS 115-2 which the Company adopted effective March 31, 2009. Although there are some indications of improvement in current economic conditions, a prolonged recessionary period could result in additional impairment losses in the future.

The Company recognized stock-based compensation expense of $13,000 and $33,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively. This expense is included in noninterest expense under salaries and employee benefits. The Company expects stock-based compensation expense to be about $13,000 per quarter during the remainder of 2009. Under the current pool of stock options, stock-based compensation expense will decline to approximately $6,000 per quarter during 2010, then decline after that through 2011. If new stock options are issued, or existing options fail to vest, for example, due to unexpected forfeitures, actual stock-based compensation expense in future periods will change.

Income Taxes

On January 1, 2007 the Company adopted Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Interpretation 48 (FIN 48), Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes: an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109”. FIN 48 clarifies SFAS No. 109, Accounting for Income Taxes”, to indicate a criterion 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 of FIN48, 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.

Pursuant to FIN 48, the Company reviewed its REIT tax position as of January 1, 2007 (adoption date), and then has again reviewed its position each subsequent quarter since adoption. The Bank, with guidance from advisors, believes that the case has merit with regard to points of law, and that the tax law at the time allowed for the deduction of the consent dividend. However, the Bank, with the concurrence of advisors, cannot conclude that it is “more than likely” (as defined in FIN48) that the Bank will prevail in its case with the FTB. As a result of this determination, effective January 1, 2007 the Company recorded an adjustment of $1.3 million to beginning retained earnings upon adoption of FIN48 to recognize the potential tax liability under the guidelines of the interpretation. The adjustment includes amounts for assessed taxes, penalties, and interest. During the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007, the Company increased the unrecognized tax liability by an additional $87,000 in interest for each of the two years, bringing the total recorded tax liability under FIN48 to $1.5 million at December 31, 2008. The Company has determined that there has been no material change to its position on the REIT from that at December 31, 2008, and as a result recorded an additional $21,000 in interest liability during the quarter ended March 31, 2009. It is the Company’s policy to recognize interest and penalties under FIN48 as a component of income tax expense. The Company has reviewed all of its tax positions as of March 31, 2009, and has determined that, other than the REIT, there are no other material amounts that should be recorded under the guidelines of FIN48.
 
27


Financial Condition

Total assets decreased $27.7 million, or 3.64% to a balance of $733.4 million at March 31, 2009, from the balance of $761.1 million at December 31, 2008, and decreased $28.7 million or 3.77% from the balance of $762.1 million at March 31, 2008. Total deposits of $522.1 million at March 31, 2009 increased $13.7 million, or 2.69% from the balance reported at December 31, 2008, but decreased $92.4 million from the balance of $614.5 million reported at March 31, 2008. Between December 31, 2008 and March 31, 2009, loans decreased $1.6 million, or 0.29% to a balance of $543.0 million, while investment securities decreased by $5.1 million, or 5.53%, and interest-bearing deposits in other banks decreased $16.5 million or 80.58%.

Earning assets averaged approximately $646.7 million during the three months ended March 31, 2009, as compared to $688.4 million for the same three-month period of 2008. Average interest-bearing liabilities decreased to $522.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2009, as compared to $538.0 million for the comparative three-month period of 2008.

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 its earning assets. Loans totaled $543.0 million at March 31, 2009, a decrease of $1.6 million or 0.29% when compared to the balance of $544.6 million at December 31, 2008, and a decrease of $29.61 million or 5.17% when compared to the balance of $572.6 million reported at March 31, 2008. Loans on average decreased $34.4 million or 5.96% between the three-month periods ended March 31, 2008 and March 31, 2009, with loans averaging $542.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2009, as compared to $576.9 million for the same three-month period of 2008.

During the first three months of 2009, decreases were experienced in all loan categories except commercial and industrial loans, and to a lesser degree, agricultural loans. The largest declines were experienced in construction loans and real estate mortgage loans, as a result of soft real estate markets and declines in new home sales within the Company’s market area. The following table sets forth the amounts of loans outstanding by category at March 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008, the category percentages as of those dates, and the net change between the two periods presented.

Table 5. Loans

   
March 31, 2009
   
December 31, 2008
 
   
Dollar
   
% of
   
Dollar
   
% of
   
Net
   
%
 
   (In thousands)
 
Amount
   
Loans
   
Amount
   
Loans
   
Change
   
Change
 
Commercial and industrial
  $ 232,454       42.8 %   $ 223,581       41.1 %   $ 8,873       3.97 %
Real estate – mortgage
    124,113       22.9 %     126,689       23.3 %     (2,576 )     -2.03 %
Real estate – construction
    112,825       20.8 %     119,884       21.9 %     (7,059 )     -5.89 %
Agricultural
    52,280       9.6 %     52,020       9.6 %     260       0.50 %
Installment/other
    19,971       3.7 %     20,782       3.8 %     (811 )     -3.90 %
Lease financing
    1,326       0.2 %     1,595       0.3 %     (269 )     -16.85 %
  Total Gross Loans
  $ 542,969       100.0 %   $ 544,551       100.0 %   $ (1,582 )     -0.29 %

The overall average yield on the loan portfolio was 6.03% for the three months ended March 31, 2009, as compared to 7.91% for the three months ended March 31, 2008, and decreased between the two periods primarily as the result of a significant decline in average market rates of interest between the two periods. At March 31, 2009, 67.0% of the Company's loan portfolio consisted of floating rate instruments, as compared to 64.0% of the portfolio at December 31, 2008, with the majority of those tied to the prime rate.

Deposits

Total deposits increased during the period to a balance of $522.1 million at March 31, 2009 representing an increase of $13.7 million, or 2.69% from the balance of $508.5 million reported at December 31, 2008, and a decrease of $92.4 million, or 15.03% from the balance reported at March 31, 2008. During the first three months of 2009, increases were experienced in time deposits of $100,000 or more, as well as interest-bearing checking accounts. The decrease of $92.4 million in total deposits between the three months ended March 31, 2008 and 2009 was primarily the result of a decrease in brokered time deposits, as maturing brokered deposits were replaced with less expensive overnight and short-term borrowings.

 
28

 

The following table sets forth the amounts of deposits outstanding by category at March 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008, and the net change between the two periods presented.

Table 6. Deposits

   
March 31,
   
December 31,
   
Net
   
Percentage
 
(In thousands)
 
2009
   
2008
   
Change
   
Change
 
Noninterest bearing deposits
  $ 142,832     $ 149,529     $ (6,697 )     -4.48 %
Interest bearing deposits:
                               
NOW and money market accounts
    146,567       136,612       9,955       7.29 %
Savings accounts
    35,890       37,586       (1,696 )     -4.51 %
Time deposits:
                               
Under $100,000
    64,141       66,128       (1,987 )     -3.01 %
$100,000 and over
    132,710       118,631       14,079       11.87 %
Total interest bearing deposits
    379,308       358,957       20,351       5.67 %
Total deposits
  $ 522,140     $ 508,486     $ 13,654       2.69 %

The Company's deposit base consists of two major components represented by noninterest-bearing (demand) deposits and interest-bearing deposits. Interest-bearing deposits consist of time certificates, NOW and money market accounts and savings deposits. Total interest-bearing deposits increased $20.4 million, or 5.67% between December 31, 2008 and March 31, 2009, while noninterest-bearing deposits decreased $6.7 million, or 4.48% between the same two periods presented.

Core deposits, consisting of all deposits other than time deposits of $100,000 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 70.3% and 71.9% of the total deposit portfolio at March 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008, respectively. Brokered deposits totaled $105.1 million at March 31, 2009 as compared to $93.4 million at December 31, 2008 and $103.0 million at March 31, 2008. The Company continues to utilize more cost-effective overnight borrowing lines through Federal Reserve Discount Window, but in an effort to reduce its reliance on borrowed funds, the Company has recently increased the level of brokered deposits as rates of those deposits have become more attractive.

On a year-to-date average (refer to Table 1), the Company experienced a decrease of $141.2 million or 22.19% in total deposits between the three-month periods ended March 31, 2008 and March 31, 2009. Between these two periods, average interest-bearing deposits decreased $134.6 million or 27.51%, while total noninterest-bearing checking decreased $6.6 million or 4.54% on a year-to-date average basis.

Short-Term Borrowings

The Company had collateralized and uncollateralized lines of credit aggregating $207.0 million, as well as FHLB lines of credit totaling $79.9 million at March 31, 2009. 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. All lines of credit are on an “as available” basis and can be revoked by the grantor at any time. At March 31, 2009, the Company had $64.0 million borrowed against its FHLB lines of credit, and $49.2 million in overnight borrowings at the Federal Reserve Discount Window. The $64.0 million in FHLB borrowings outstanding at March 31, 2009 is summarized below. The Company had collateralized and uncollateralized lines of credit aggregating $242.7 million, as well as FHLB lines of credit totaling $97.1 million at December 31, 2008.

FHLB term borrowings at March 31, 2009 (in 000’s):
                   
Term
 
Balance at 3/31/09
   
Rate
   
Maturity
3 months
  $ 20,000       0.38 %    
6/30/09
3 months
    33,000       0.35 %    
6/30/09
2 year
    11,000       2.67 %    
2/11/10
    $ 64,000       0.67 %      
 
 
29

 

Asset Quality and Allowance for Credit Losses

Lending money is the Company's principal business activity, and ensuring appropriate evaluation, diversification, and control of credit risks is a primary management responsibility. Implicit in lending activities is the fact that losses will be experienced and that the amount of such losses will vary from time to time, 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 collectibility 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 during 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 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 SFAS No. 5. Those loans, which are determined to be impaired under SFAS No. 114, are not subject to the general reserve analysis under SFAS No. 5, and evaluated individually for specific impairment.

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, or for problem graded loans which may   require reserves in excess of the formula allowance,
-
and the unallocated allowance

In addition, the allowance analysis also incorporates the results of measuring impaired loans as provided in:

-
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 114, “Accounting by Creditors for Impairment of a Loan” and
-
SFAS 118, “Accounting by Creditors for Impairment of a Loan - Income Recognition and Disclosures.”

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 collectibility of the portfolio as of the evaluation date. 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 past twelve quarters (three years) 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 homogenous in nature and are therefore pooled by risk grade. These homogenous loans include consumer installment and home equity loans. Special mention loans are currently performing but are potentially 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 loans categorized as substandard, doubtful, and loss. At March 31, 2009 problem graded or “classified” loans totaled $81.2 million or 15.0% of gross loans as compared to $82.7 million or 15.0% of gross loans at December 31, 2008.

 
30

 

Specific allowances are established based on management’s periodic evaluation of loss exposure inherent in classified loans, impaired loans, and other loans in which management believes there is a probability that a loss has been incurred in excess of the amount determined by the application of the formula allowance.

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, 2009 and December 31, 2008.

   
Balance
   
Balance
 
(in 000's)
 
March 31, 2009
   
December 31,2008
 
Specific allowance – impaired loans
  $ 4,393     $ 4,972  
Formula allowance – special mention and classified loans
    2,377     $ 2,865  
Total allowance for special mention and classified loans
    6,770       7,837  
                 
Formula allowance for pass loans
    3,677       3,551  
Unallocated allowance
    1       142  
Total allowance
  $ 10,448     $ 11,530  

Impaired loans increased approximately $9.1 million between December 31, 2008 and March 31, 2009. The specific allowance related to those impaired loans decreased $580,000 between December 31, 2008 and March 31, 2009. The formula allowance related to loans that are not impaired (including special mention and substandard) decreased approximately $488,000 between December 31, 2008 and March 31, 2009, as the result of decreases in the volume of substandard and special mention loans. The level of “pass” loans and the related formula allowance remained relatively stable between December 31, 2008 and March 31, 2009.

At March 31, 2009, the Company segregated approximately $19.4 million of the total $77.9 million in substandard classified loans for purposes of the quarterly analysis of the adequacy of the allowance for credit losses under SFAS No. 5. Many of these loans had been downgraded to substandard because the borrowers had other direct or indirect lending relationships which were classified as substandard or impaired. The $19.4 million in substandard loans consists of ten borrowing relationships, which although classified as substandard, the Company believes are performing and therefore do not warrant the same loss factors as other substandard loans in the portfolio. The adequacy of the allowance for credit losses related to this $19.4 million pool of substandard loans was based upon current payment history, loan-to-value ratios, future anticipated performance, and other various factors. The formula allowance for credit losses related to these substandard loans totaled $1.2 million at both March 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008. This formula reserve is included in the formula allowance for special mention and classified loans totaling $2.4 million in the table above.

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 probable 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. They 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. Other than for the segregation of approximately $19.4 million in substandard loans at March 31, 2009 discussed above, there were no changes in estimation methods or assumptions that affected the methodology for assessing the adequacy of the allowance for credit losses during the nine months ended March 31, 2009.

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 Criticized Asset Reports which are reviewed by senior management. With this information, the migration analysis and the impaired loan analysis are performed on a quarterly basis and adjustments are made to the allowance as deemed necessary.

 
31

 

Impaired loans are calculated under SFAS No. 114, and are 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 also may 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, restructured debt, and performing loans in which full payment of principal or interest is not expected. Management bases the measurement of these impaired loans 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, 2009 and 2008, the Company's recorded investment in loans for which impairment has been identified totaled $58.0 million and $15.3 million, respectively. Included in total impaired loans at March 31, 2009, are $29.7 million of impaired loans for which the related specific allowance is $4.4 million, as well as $28.8 million 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 March 31, 2008 included $2.9 million of impaired loans for which the related specific allowance is $611,000, as well as $12.4 million 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. The average recorded investment in impaired loans was $56.2 million during the first three months of 2009 and $15.3 million during the first three months of 2008. 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 is performing under the current contractual terms, income is recognized under the accrual method. For the three months ended March 31, 2009 and 2008, the Company recognized no income on such loans.

As with nonaccrual loans, the greatest volume in impaired loans during the three months ended March 31, 2009 is in real estate construction loans, with that loan category comprising more than 58% of total impaired loans at March 31, 2009. Although construction loans are generally collateral dependent and the related collateral is considered adequate to cover the loan’s carrying value in many cases, the specific reserve related to impaired construction loans has increased approximately $381,000 since December 31, 2008 as property valuations continued to decline. 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, approximately $48.5 million or 83.6% are secured by real estate, and $52.7 million of total impaired 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, and developing that land if required, and to develop 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, 2009 and December 31, 2008.

   
 
   
 
   
Balance
   
Reserve
 
  (in 000’s)
 
Balance
March 31, 2009
   
Reserve
March 31, 2009
   
December 31,
2008
   
December 31,
2008
 
Commercial and industrial
  $ 17,346     $ 1,382     $ 12,244     $ 2,340  
Real estate – mortgage
    2,490       225       3,689       226  
Real estate – construction
    34,025       2,719       28,927       2,338  
Agricultural
    4,169       68       4,086       68  
Installment/other
    0       0       0       0  
Lease financing
    0       0       0       0  
Total
  $ 58,030     $ 4,394     $ 48,946     $ 4,972  
 
 
32

 

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 creating pressure on loan pricing. With interest rates decreasing 100 basis points during the fourth quarter of 2007, another 400 basis points during 2008, indications are that the economy will continue to suffer in the near future as a result of sub-prime lending problems, a weakened real estate market, and tight credit markets. Both business and consumer spending have slowed during the past several quarters, and current GDP projections for the next year have softened significantly. It is difficult to determine to what degree the Federal Reserve will adjust short-term interest rates in its efforts to influence the economy, or what magnitude government economic support programs will reach. It is likely that the business environment in California will continue to be influenced by these domestic as well as global events. The local market has remained relatively more stable economically during the past several years than other areas of the state and the nation, which have experienced more volatile economic trends, including significant deterioration of residential real estate markets. Although the local area residential housing markets have been hit hard, they continue to perform better than other parts of the state, which should bode 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 primarily as a result of the areas’ agricultural dynamics, however unemployment rates have increased recently as the national economy has declined. It is difficult to predict what impact this will have on the local economy. The Company believes that the Central San Joaquin Valley will continue to grow and diversify as property and housing costs remain reasonable relative to other areas of the state.  Management recognizes increased risk of loss due to the Company's exposure from 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 periods indicated.

Table 7. Allowance for Credit Losses - Summary of Activity (unaudited)

   
March 31,
   
March 31,
 
(In thousands)
 
2009
   
2008
 
Total loans outstanding at end of period before
           
deducting allowances for credit losses
  $ 541,915     $ 571,086  
Average net loans outstanding during period
    542,512       576,924  
                 
Balance of allowance at beginning of period
    11,530       7,431  
Loans charged off:
               
Real estate
    (105 )     (219 )
Commercial and industrial
    (2,404 )     (60 )
Lease financing
    (25 )     (4 )
Installment and other
    (65 )     (19 )
Total loans charged off
    (2,599 )     (302 )
Recoveries of loans previously charged off:
               
Real estate
    0       1  
Commercial and industrial
    160       59  
Lease financing
    0       0  
Installment and other
    6       0  
Total loan recoveries
    166       60  
Net loans charged off
    (2,433 )     (242 )
                 
Provision charged to operating expense
    1,351       265  
Balance of allowance for credit losses
               
at end of period
  $ 10,448     $ 7,454  
                 
Net loan charge-offs to total average loans (annualized)
    1.82 %     0.17 %
Net loan charge-offs to loans at end of period (annualized)
    1.82 %     0.17 %
Allowance for credit losses to total loans at end of period
    1.93 %     1.31 %
Net loan charge-offs to allowance for credit losses (annualized)
    94.44 %     13.06 %
Net loan charge-offs to provision for credit losses (annualized)
    180.09 %     91.32 %
 
 
33

 

At March 31, 2009 and 2008, $272,000 and $518,000, respectively, of the formula allowance is allocated to unfunded loan commitments and is, therefore, carried separately in other liabilities. Management believes that the 1.93% credit loss allowance at March 31, 2009 is adequate to absorb known and inherent risks in the loan portfolio. No assurance can be given, however, that the economic conditions which may adversely affect the Company's service areas or other circumstances will not be reflected in increased losses in the loan portfolio.

It is the Company's policy to discontinue the accrual of interest income on loans for which reasonable doubt exists with respect to the timely collectibility of interest or principal due to the ability of the borrower to 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, and interest collected is thereafter credited to principal to the extent necessary to eliminate doubt as to the collectibility of the net carrying amount of the loan. Management may grant exceptions to this policy if the loans are well secured and in the process of collection.

Table 8. Nonperforming Assets

   
March 31,
   
December 31,
 
(In thousands)
 
2009
   
2008
 
Nonaccrual Loans
  $ 52,619     $ 45,671  
Restructured Loans (1)
    1,372       0  
Total nonperforming loans
    53,991       45,671  
Other real estate owned
    29,116       30,153  
Total nonperforming assets
  $ 83,107     $ 75,824  
                 
Loans past due 90 days or more, still accruing
  $ 838     $ 680  
Nonperforming loans to total gross loans
    9.94 %     8.39 %
Nonperforming assets to total gross loans
    15.31 %     13.92 %
(1) Included in nonaccrual loans at March 31, 2009 are restructured loans totaling $4.4 million.

Non-performing assets have increased $7.3 million or 9.61% between December 31, 2008 and March 31, 2009 as depressed real estate markets and related sectors continue to impact credit markets and the general economy. Nonaccrual loans increased $6.9 million between December 31, 2008 and March 31, 2009, with construction loans comprising approximately 61% of total nonaccrual loans at March 31, 2009, and commercial and industrial loans comprising an additional 27%. The following table summarizes the nonaccrual totals by loan category for the periods shown.

   
Balance
   
Balance
   
Change from
 
Nonaccrual Loans (in 000's):
 
March 31,
2009
   
December 31,
2008
   
December 31,
2008
 
Commercial and industrial
  $ 14,083     $ 9,507     $ 4,576  
Real estate - mortgage
    2,188       3,714       (1,526 )
Real estate - construction
    32,131       28,927       3,204  
Agricultural
    4,169       3,406       763  
Installment/other
    0       55       (55 )
Lease financing
    48       62       (14 )
  Total Nonaccrual Loans
  $ 52,619     $ 45,671     $ 6,948  

Increases in nonaccrual construction loans are the result of a significant slowdown in new housing starts and the resultant depreciation in land, and both partially completed and completed construction projects. As with impaired loans, a large percentage of nonaccrual loans were made for the purpose of residential construction, residential and commercial acquisition and development, and land development. Non-performing assets totaled 15.31% of total loans at March 31, 2009 as compared to 13.92% of total loans at December 31, 2008.

 
34

 

The Company purchased a schedule of payments collateralized by Surety Bonds and lease payments in September 2001 that have a current balance owing of $5.4 million plus interest. The leases have been nonperforming since June 2002 (see “Asset Quality and Allowance for Credit Losses” section of Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations contained in the Company’s 2007 Annual Report on Form 10-K). For reporting purposes at December 31, 2008, the impaired lease portfolio was on non-accrual status and had a specific allowance allocation of $3.5 million, and a net carrying value of $1.9 million. The specific allowance was determined based on an estimate of expected future cash flows.

The Company believes that under generally accepted accounting principles a total loss of principal is not probable, and the specific allowance of $3.5 million calculated for the impaired lease portfolio at December 31, 2008 under SFAS No. 114 is in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. During the first quarter of 2009, the Company evaluated its position with regard to the nonperforming lease portfolio, and determined that because the ultimate payoff of the lease portfolio would come from the underlying surety bonds rather than individual leases, the portfolio was better classified as a receivable to be included in other assets rather than classified as loans. As a result, the Company reclassified the net lease amount of $1.9 million ($5.4 million in gross leases less $3.5 million is specific reserve) from loans to other assets effective January 1, 2009. All periods presented in this 10-Q for the period ended March 31, 2009 have been restated to reflect the transfer of the nonperforming lease portfolio from loans to other assets. The Company will continue to review the lease portfolio receivable for impairment on a quarterly basis. As of March 31, 2009, the Company concluded that there was no additional impairment of the lease portfolio receivable.

Loans past due more than 30 days are receiving increased management attention and are monitored for increased risk. The Company continues to move past due loans to nonaccrual status in its ongoing effort to recognize loan problems at an earlier point in time when they may be dealt with more effectively. As impaired loans, nonaccrual and restructured loans are reviewed for specific reserve allocations and the allowance for credit losses is adjusted accordingly.

Except for the loans included in the above table, or those otherwise included in the impaired loan totals, there were no loans at March 31, 2009 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.

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 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.  The borrowings are generally short-term and more closely match the repricing characteristics of floating rate loans, which comprise approximately 67.0% of the Company’s loan portfolio at March 31, 2009. 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.

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, 2009, the Bank had 72.5% of total assets in the loan portfolio and a loan to deposit ratio of 103.8%, as compared to 69.9% of total assets in the loan portfolio and a loan to deposit ratio of 106.8% at December 31, 2008. Liquid assets at March 31, 2009 include cash and cash equivalents totaling $14.6 million as compared to $19.4 million at December 31, 2008. Other sources of liquidity include collateralized and uncollateralized lines of credit from other banks, the Federal Home Loan Bank, and from the Federal Reserve Bank totaling $286.9 million at March 31, 2009.

 
35

 

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. During the three months ended March 31, 2009, cash dividends paid by the Bank to the parent company totaled $200,000.

Cash Flow

Cash and cash equivalents have declined during the two three-month periods ended March 31, 2008 and 2009 with period-end balances as follows (from Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows – in 000’s):

   
Balance
 
December 31, 2007
  $ 25,300  
March 31, 2008
  $ 21,914  
December 31, 2008
  $ 19,426  
March  31, 2009
  $ 14,610  

Cash and cash equivalents decreased $4.8 million during the three months ended March 31, 2009, as compared to a decrease of $3.4 million during the three months ended March 31, 2008.

The Company has maintained positive cash flows from operations, which amounted to $3.4 million, and $2.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2009, and March 31, 2008, respectively. The Company experienced net cash inflows from investing activities totaling $19.9 million during the three months ended March 31, 2009, as maturities of interest-bearing deposits in other banks, and principal paydowns on investment securities, exceeded other investing requirements during the period. The Company experienced net cash inflows from investing activities totaling $5.3 million during the three months ended March 31, 2008 as loan paydowns and principal paydowns on investment securities exceeded purchases of investment securities and other investing activities during that three-month period.

Net cash flows from financing activities, including deposit growth and borrowings, have traditionally provided funding sources for loan growth, but during the quarters ended March 31, 2009 and 2008, the Company experienced net cash outflows totaling $28.2 million and $11.3 million, respectively. For the quarter ended March 31, 2009, reductions in borrowings exceeded increases in deposits, while for the quarter ended March 31, 2008, declines in time deposits and overnight borrowings exceeded increases in demand deposit and savings accounts, as well as longer-term borrowings. The Company has the ability to decrease loan growth, increase deposits and borrowings, or a combination of both to manage balance sheet liquidity.

Regulatory Matters

Capital Adequacy

The Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (“Board of Governors”) has adopted regulations requiring 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% 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.

The Board of Governors has also adopted a statement of policy, supplementing its leverage capital ratio requirements, which provides definitions of qualifying total capital (consisting of Tier 1 capital and Tier 2 supplementary capital, including the allowance for loan losses up to a maximum of 1.25% of risk-weighted assets) and sets forth minimum risk-based capital ratios of capital to risk-weighted assets. Insured institutions are required to maintain a ratio of qualifying total capital to risk weighted assets of 8%, at least one-half (4%) of which must be in the form of Tier 1 capital.

 
36

 

The following table sets forth the Company’s and the Bank's actual capital positions at March 31, 2009 and the minimum capital requirements for both under the regulatory guidelines discussed above:

Table 9. Capital Ratios

   
Company
   
Bank
       
   
Actual
   
Actual
   
Minimum
 
   
Capital Ratios
   
Capital Ratios
   
Capital Ratios
 
Total risk-based capital ratio
    13.70 %     13.22 %     10.00 %
Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets
    12.44 %     11.96 %     6.00 %
Leverage ratio
    11.30 %     10.88 %     5.00 %

As is indicated by the above table, the Company and the Bank exceeded all applicable regulatory capital guidelines at March 31, 2009. Management believes that, under the current regulations, both will continue to meet their minimum capital requirements in the foreseeable future.

Dividends

The primary source of funds with which dividends will be paid to shareholders is from cash dividends received by the Company from the Bank. During the first three months of 2009, the Company has received $200,000 in cash dividends from the Bank, from which the Company paid $4,000 in cash dividends to shareholders.

Under California state banking law, 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 California State Department of Financial Institutions, in an amount not exceeding the greater of: (i) the Bank’s retained earnings; (ii) its net income for the last fiscal year; or (iii) its net income for the current fiscal year. During 2008, the Bank paid dividends of $4.3 million to the Company. Because the distributions made by the Bank to the Holding Company over the past three fiscal years equal the amount of the Bank’s net income for the last three years, at December 31, 2008, the Bank has been required during 2009 to gain approval of the California State Department of Financial Institutions before paying dividends to the holding company. With positive earnings during the first quarter of 2009, the Bank expects to be able to pay sufficient dividends to the holding company to cover their current cash flow requirements.

Reserve Balances

The Bank is required to maintain average reserve balances with the Federal Reserve Bank. At March 31, 2009 the Bank's qualifying balance with the Federal Reserve was approximately $25,000 consisting of balances held with the Federal Reserve.

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

Interest Rate Sensitivity and Market Risk

There have been no material changes in the Company’s quantitative and qualitative disclosures about market risk as of March 31, 2009 from those presented in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008.

The Board of Directors has adopted an interest rate risk policy which establishes maximum decreases in net interest income of 12% and 15% in the event of a 100 BP and 200 BP increase or decrease in market interest rates over a twelve month period. Based on the information and assumptions utilized in the simulation model at March 31, 2009, the resultant projected impact on net interest income falls within policy limits set by the Board of Directors for all rate scenarios run.

The Company's interest rate risk policy establishes maximum decreases in the Company's market value of equity of 12% and 15% in the event of an immediate and sustained 100 BP and 200 BP increase or decrease in market interest rates. As shown in the table below, the percentage changes in the net market value of the Company's equity are within policy limits for both rising and falling rate scenarios.

 
37

 

The following sets forth the analysis of the Company's market value risk inherent in its interest-sensitive financial instruments as they relate to the entire balance sheet at March 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008 ($ in thousands). Fair value estimates are subjective in nature and involve uncertainties and significant judgment and, therefore, cannot be determined with absolute precision. Assumptions have been made as to the appropriate discount rates, prepayment speeds, expected cash flows and other variables. Changes in these assumptions significantly affect the estimates and as such, the obtained fair value may not be indicative of the value negotiated in the actual sale or liquidation of such financial instruments, nor comparable to that reported by other financial institutions. In addition, fair value estimates are based on existing financial instruments without attempting to estimate future business.

   
March 31, 2009
   
December 31, 2008
 
            
Change in
 
Estimated
MV
   
Change in
MV
   
Change in
MV
   
Estimated
MV
   
Change in
MV
   
Change in
MV
 
Rates
 
of Equity
   
of Equity $
   
of Equity $
   
Of Equity
   
of Equity $
   
of Equity %
 
+ 200 BP
  $ 82,349     $ 9,359       12.82 %   $ 78,206     $ 2,935       3.90 %
+ 100 BP
    79,140       6,149       8.42 %     77,483       2,212       2.94 %
   0 BP
    72,991       0       0.00 %     75,270       0       0.00 %
 - 100 BP
    73,029       38       0.05 %     76,528       1,258       1.67 %
 - 200 BP
    75,323       2,332       3.20 %     78,732       3,462       4.60 %
                                                 
 
 
38

 

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

a) As of the end of the period covered by this report, the Company carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s management, including the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures, as defined in the Securities and Exchange Act Rule 13(a)-15(e). Based on that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective on a timely manner to alert them to material information relating to the Company which is required to be included in the Company’s periodic Securities and Exchange Commission filings.

(b) Changes in Internal Controls over Financial Reporting: During the quarter ended March 31, 2009, the Company did not make any significant changes in, nor take any corrective actions regarding, its internal controls over financial reporting or other factors that could significantly affect these controls.

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, 2008.
 
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

Purchases of Equity Securities by Affiliates and Associated Purchasers

               
Total Number of
   
Maximum Number
 
         
Weighted
   
Shares Purchased
   
of Shares That May
 
   
Total Number
   
Average
   
as Part of Publicly
   
Yet be Purchased
 
   
Of Shares
   
Price Paid
   
Announced Plan
   
Under the Plans
 
Period
 
Purchased
   
Per Share
   
or Program
   
or Programs
 
 01/01/09 to 01/31/09
    0             0       175,327  
 02/01/09 to 02/28/09
    488     $ 7.50       488       174,839  
 03/01/09 to 03/31/09
    0             0       174,839  
                                 
 Total first quarter 2009
    488     $ 7.50       488          
 
On August 30, 2001 the Company announced that its Board of Directors approved a plan to repurchase, as conditions warrant, up to 280,000 shares (560,000 shares adjusted for May 2006 stock split) of the Company's common stock on the open market or in privately negotiated transactions. The duration of the program was open-ended and the timing of purchases was dependent on market conditions. A total of 215,423 shares (430,846 shares adjusted for May 2006 stock split) had been repurchased under that plan as of December 31, 2003, at a total cost of $3.7 million.
 
On February 25, 2004 the Company announced a second stock repurchase plan under which the Board of Directors approved a plan to repurchase, as conditions warrant, up to 276,500 shares (553,000 shares adjusted for May 2006 stock split) of the Company's common stock on the open market or in privately negotiated transactions. As with the first plan, the duration of the new program is open-ended and the timing of purchases will depend on market conditions. Concurrent with the approval of the new repurchase plan, the Board terminated the 2001 repurchase plan and canceled the remaining 64,577 shares (129,154 shares adjusted for May 2006 stock split) yet to be purchased under the earlier plan.
 
On May 16, 2007, the Company announced another stock repurchase plan to repurchase, as conditions warrant, up to 610,000 shares of the Company's common stock on the open market or in privately negotiated transactions. The repurchase plan represents approximately 5.00% of the Company's currently outstanding common stock. The duration of the program is open-ended and the timing of purchases will depend on market conditions. Concurrent with the approval of the new repurchase plan, the Company canceled the remaining 75,733 shares available under the 2004 repurchase plan. During the year ended December 31, 2007, 512,332 shares were repurchased at a total cost of $10.1 million and an average per share price of $19.71. Of the shares repurchased during 2007, 166,660 shares were repurchased under the 2004 plan at an average cost of $20.46 per shares, and 345,672 shares were repurchased under the 2007 plan at an average cost of $19.35 per share. During the year ended December 31, 2008, 89,001 shares were repurchased at a total cost of $1.2 million and an average per share price of $13.70.
 
During the three months ended March 31, 2009, 488 shares were repurchased at a total cost of $3,600 at an average per share price of $7.50.
 
Item 3. Not applicable
 
Item 4. . Not applicable
 
Item 5. Not applicable

 
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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 Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 128, Earnings per Share, is provided in Note 7 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 10, 2009
     /S/ Dennis R. Woods
 
 
  Dennis R. Woods
 
  President and
 
Chief Executive Officer
   
       /S/ Kenneth L. Donahue
 
 
  Kenneth L. Donahue
 
Senior Vice President and
 
    Chief Financial Officer
 
 
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