Filed by Bowne Pure Compliance
Table of Contents

 
 
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
 
FORM 10-Q
 
     
þ   QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2008
OR
     
o   TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from                      to                     
Commission File Number 000 — 51044
 
COMMUNITY BANCORP
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
 
     
Nevada   01-0668846
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation)   (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
     
400 South 4th Street, Suite 215, Las Vegas, NV   89101
(Address of principal executive offices)   (Zip Code)
(702) 878 — 0700
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes þ No o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
             
Large accelerated filer o   Accelerated filer þ   Non-accelerated filer o   Smaller reporting company o
        (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)    
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes o No þ
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.
     
Title of Class   Outstanding as of October 31, 2008
     
Common Stock, $0.001 par value   10,249,874 shares
 
 

 

 


 

COMMUNITY BANCORP

TABLE OF CONTENTS
         
    Page  
 
       
PART I — FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
       
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    37  
 
       
    38  
 
       
PART II — OTHER INFORMATION
 
       
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    39  
 
       
CERTIFICATIONS
       
 
       
 Exhibit 31.1
 Exhibit 31.2
 Exhibit 32.1

 

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PART I — FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements (Unaudited)
         
    Page  
 
       
    4  
 
       
    5  
 
       
    6  
 
       
    7  
 
       

 

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COMMUNITY BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Unaudited)
                 
    September 30,     December 31,  
    2008     2007  
    (In thousands, except share data)  
ASSETS
               
Cash and due from banks
  $ 14,175     $ 19,243  
Interest bearing deposits in other banks
    739       141  
Federal funds sold
    73,881       20  
 
           
 
               
Cash and cash equivalents
    88,795       19,404  
 
               
Interest bearing certificate of deposits at other financial institutions
    2,000        
Securities available for sale, at fair value
    60,212       88,217  
Securities held to maturity, at amortized cost (fair value of $645 as of September 30, 2008 and $817 as of December 31, 2007)
    632       801  
Required equity investments, at cost
    9,748       14,014  
Loans, net of allowance for loan losses of $34,332 as of September 30, 2008 and $17,098 as of December 31, 2007
    1,441,518       1,396,890  
Premises and equipment, net
    23,476       27,535  
Other real estate owned
    10,666        
Accrued interest and dividends receivable
    6,354       8,046  
Deferred income taxes, net
    1,575       1,503  
Bank owned life insurance
    10,816       10,521  
Goodwill
    113,636       113,636  
Core deposit intangible, net of accumulated amortization of $3,483 as of September 30, 2008 and $2,478 as of December 31, 2007
    6,476       7,481  
Other assets
    11,639       5,473  
 
           
 
               
Total assets
  $ 1,787,543     $ 1,693,521  
 
           
 
               
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
               
Liabilities
               
Deposits:
               
Non-interest bearing
  $ 135,568     $ 170,725  
Interest bearing:
               
Demand
    659,726       672,567  
Savings
    17,493       28,465  
Time, $100,000 or more
    199,867       171,664  
Other time
    416,187       187,041  
 
           
 
               
Total deposits
    1,428,841       1,230,462  
 
               
Borrowings
    46,849       146,684  
Accrued interest payable and other liabilities
    8,049       9,090  
Junior subordinated debt
    72,166       72,166  
 
           
 
               
Total liabilities
    1,555,905       1,458,402  
 
           
 
               
Commitments and Contingencies (Note 9)
               
 
               
Stockholders’ equity
               
Preferred stock, par value: $0.001; shares authorized: 20,000,000 at September 30, 2008 and none at December 31, 2007; shares issued: none
           
Common stock, par value: $0.001; shares authorized: 50,000,000 at September 30, 2008 and 30,000,000 at December 31, 2007; shares issued: 10,602,990 as of September 30, 2008 (including 139,694 shares of unvested restricted stock) and 10,620,529 as of December 31, 2007 (including 161,137 shares of unvested restricted stock)
    11       11  
Additional paid-in capital
    170,192       168,931  
Retained earnings
    67,893       72,797  
Accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax
    226       64  
 
           
 
    238,322       241,803  
Less cost of treasury stock, 350,575 shares as of September 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007
    (6,684 )     (6,684 )
 
           
Total stockholders’ equity
    231,638       235,119  
 
           
 
               
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
  $ 1,787,543     $ 1,693,521  
 
           
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited).

 

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COMMUNITY BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
(Unaudited)
                                 
    For the three months ended     For the nine months ended  
    September 30,     September 30,     September 30,     September 30,  
    2008     2007     2008     2007  
    (In thousands, except per share data)  
Interest and dividend income:
                               
Loans, including fees
  $ 23,278     $ 31,613     $ 77,336     $ 90,986  
Securities and investments
    888       1,345       2,955       4,229  
Federal funds sold
    431       301       458       1,348  
 
                       
 
                               
Total interest and dividend income
    24,597       33,259       80,749       96,563  
 
                               
 
                       
Interest expense:
                               
Deposits
    9,962       12,279       28,720       34,902  
Borrowings
    663       1,209       3,063       3,510  
Junior subordinated debt
    1,042       1,543       3,230       4,616  
 
                       
 
                               
Total interest expense
    11,667       15,031       35,013       43,028  
 
                       
 
                               
Net interest income before provision for loan losses
    12,930       18,228       45,736       53,535  
 
                               
Provision for loan losses
    8,000       533       26,394       1,501  
 
                       
 
                               
Net interest income after provision for loan losses
    4,930       17,695       19,342       52,034  
 
                       
 
                               
Non-interest income:
                               
Service charges and other income
    824       621       2,225       1,806  
Bank owned life insurance
    97       111       295       340  
Net swap settlements
    (108 )     52       (223 )     144  
Rental income
    35       38       122       114  
Gain on sale of securities
                196       4  
(Loss) gain on sale of property
    (3 )           1,207        
Net gain on sale of loans
                      285  
 
                       
 
                               
Total non-interest income
    845       822       3,822       2,693  
 
                       
 
                               
Non-interest expense:
                               
Salaries, wages and employee benefits
    4,606       5,337       15,701       16,638  
Occupancy, equipment and depreciation
    1,351       1,351       3,924       3,774  
Core deposit intangible amortization
    335       335       1,005       1,005  
Data processing
    295       246       828       829  
Advertising and public relations
    387       651       1,169       1,388  
Professional fees
    463       486       1,669       1,186  
Telephone and postage
    153       214       479       608  
Stationery and supplies
    171       189       573       547  
Directors fees
    106       71       342       249  
Insurance
    469       170       1,129       429  
Software maintenance
    175       106       494       327  
Loan related
    266       74       489       251  
Foreclosed assets, net
    798             952        
Loss on interest rate swaps
    191             206        
Other operating expenses
    590       813       1,788       1,893  
 
                       
 
                               
Total non-interest expense
    10,356       10,043       30,748       29,124  
 
                       
 
                               
(Loss) income before income tax provision
    (4,581 )     8,474       (7,584 )     25,603  
Income tax (benefit) provision
    (1,621 )     2,943       (2,680 )     8,980  
 
                       
 
                               
Net (loss) income
    (2,960 )     5,531       (4,904 )     16,623  
 
                               
Other comprehensive income — unrealized gain on available-for-sale securities, net of income taxes of $176, $351, $150 and $89, respectively
    388       640       162       195  
 
                       
 
                               
Comprehensive (loss) income
  $ (2,572 )   $ 6,171     $ (4,742 )   $ 16,818  
 
                       
 
                               
(LOSS) EARNINGS PER SHARE:
                               
Basic
  $ (0.29 )   $ 0.53     $ (0.49 )   $ 1.59  
 
                       
 
                               
Diluted
  $ (0.29 )   $ 0.53     $ (0.49 )   $ 1.59  
 
                       
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited).

 

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COMMUNITY BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
For the nine months ended
(Unaudited)
                 
    September 30,     September 30,  
    2008     2007  
    (In thousands)  
 
Cash flows from operating activities:
               
Net (loss) income
  $ (4,904 )   $ 16,623  
Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income to net cash provided by operating activities:
               
Depreciation of premises and equipment
    1,432       1,441  
Gain on sales of fixed assets
    (1,207 )     (20 )
Change in fair value of other real estate owned
    870        
Amortization of core deposit intangible
    1,005       1,005  
Loss on interest rate swaps
    206        
Income from bank owned life insurance
    (295 )     (340 )
Gain on sale of loans
          (285 )
Gain on sale of securities
    (196 )     (4 )
Proceeds from sales of loans held for sale
          3,559  
Originations of loans held for sale
          (2,458 )
Deferred taxes, net
    (222 )     1,308  
Provision for loan losses
    26,394       1,501  
Share-based compensation expense
    1,292       740  
Net amortization (accretion) of investment premium and discount
    45       (100 )
Decrease (increase) in accrued interest receivable
    1,692       (977 )
(Increase) decrease in other assets
    (6,166 )     441  
Decrease in accrued interest payable and other liabilities
    (1,247 )     (667 )
Income from required equity investments — stock dividends
    (281 )     (183 )
 
           
 
               
Net cash provided by operating activities
    18,418       21,584  
 
           
 
               
Cash flows from investing activities:
               
 
               
Net increase in loans
    (86,885 )     (119,791 )
(Payments) receipts on net swap settlements
    (223 )     144  
Proceeds from maturities of and principal paydowns on securities held to maturity
    169       444  
Purchase of securities available for sale
    (1,152 )     (4,685 )
Proceeds from maturities, calls and principal paydowns of securities available for sale
    29,590       18,714  
Proceeds from sale of securities available for sale
    30       3,272  
Purchase of investments from other financial institutions
    (2,000 )      
Net investment in required equity investments
    4,547       (6,948 )
Purchase of premises and equipment
    (1,187 )     (2,698 )
Proceeds from sale of other real estate owned
    4,550        
Proceeds from sale of premises and equipment
    5,021       20  
 
           
 
               
Net cash used in investing activities
    (47,540 )     (111,528 )
 
           
 
               
Cash flows from financing activities:
               
Net (decrease) increase in borrowings
    (96,081 )     23,572  
Net increase in deposits
    198,379       82,627  
Repayment of long-term debt
    (3,754 )      
Redemption of long-term subordinated debentures
          (15,464 )
Purchase of treasury stock
          (985 )
Excess tax benefit related to exercise of stock options
    (31 )     51  
Proceeds from exercise of stock options
          265  
 
           
 
               
Net cash provided by financing activities
    98,513       90,066  
 
               
 
           
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents
    69,391       122  
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of the year
    19,404       46,116  
 
           
 
               
Cash and cash equivalents, end of the period
  $ 88,795     $ 46,238  
 
           
 
               
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
               
Interest paid
  $ 34,748     $ 42,512  
 
           
Income taxes paid
  $ 3,003     $ 9,904  
 
           
Transfer of loans to other real estate owned
  $ 16,086     $  
 
           
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited).

 

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COMMUNITY BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Note 1. Nature of Business
Community Bancorp is a bank holding company headquartered in Las Vegas, Nevada with four wholly-owned subsidiaries: 1) Community Bank of Nevada, 2) Community Bank of Arizona, 3) Community Bancorp (NV) Statutory Trust II and 4) Community Bancorp (NV) Statutory Trust III. Community Bancorp exists primarily for the purpose of holding the stock of its wholly-owned subsidiaries and facilitating their activities. Community Bancorp and its consolidated subsidiaries discussed below are collectively referred to herein as the “Company.”
Community Bank of Nevada is a Nevada state chartered bank providing a full range of commercial and consumer bank products through thirteen branches located in the greater Las Vegas area.
Community Bank of Arizona is an Arizona state chartered bank providing a full range of commercial and consumer bank products through three branches located in the greater Phoenix, Arizona area. Community Bank of Arizona was acquired in September 2006.
The statutory trusts were formed for the exclusive purpose of issuing and selling trust preferred securities (see Note 2 and Note 8). The trust preferred securities issued through Community Bancorp (NV) Statutory Trust I were redeemed in September 2007 and management has dissolved this entity.
Community Bancorp’s principal source of income is currently dividends from its two bank subsidiaries, Community Bank of Nevada and Community Bank of Arizona. The expenses of Community Bancorp, including interest from junior subordinated debt, other long-term debt, salaries, legal, accounting and NASDAQ listing fees, have been and will generally be paid from dividends and management fees paid to Community Bancorp by its bank subsidiaries.
Note 2. Basis of Presentation
The unaudited consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Community Bancorp, Community Bank of Nevada and Community Bank of Arizona. Intercompany items and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. The statutory trusts are not consolidated, as disclosed in Note 8.
The interim consolidated financial statements are presented in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) for interim financial statements. The information furnished in these interim statements reflects all adjustments that are, in the opinion of management, necessary for the fair statement of results for the periods presented. All adjustments are of a normal and recurring nature. Results for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2008 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for any other interim period or for the year as a whole. Certain information and note disclosures normally included in annual financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP have been condensed or omitted. The unaudited consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited financial statements and notes included in the Consolidated Financial Statements in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007.
A consolidated statement of stockholders’ equity is not included as part of these interim financial statements since there have been no material changes, other than a net loss, during the nine months ended September 30, 2008.
Note 3. Significant Accounting Policies
Accounting policies are fully described in Note 2 of the Consolidated Financial Statements in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007 and there have been no material changes during the nine months ended September 30, 2008 (also see Note 4 and Note 17).
Note 4. Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In September 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued SFAS No. 157, Fair Value Measurements, which addresses how companies should measure fair value when they are required to use a fair value measure for recognition or disclosure purposes under GAAP. SFAS No. 157 provides a common definition of fair value to be used throughout GAAP. The FASB believes that the new standard will make the measurement of fair value more consistent and comparable and improve disclosures about those measures. SFAS No. 157 is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. The Company adopted SFAS No. 157 effective January 1, 2008. The adoption of SFAS No. 157 had no effect on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheet or Consolidated Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) (also see Note 17).

 

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In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159, The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities-Including an Amendment of FASB Statement No. 115. SFAS No. 159 permits an entity to choose to measure many financial instruments and certain other items at fair value. SFAS No. 159 applies to all reporting entities, including not-for-profit organizations, and contains financial statement presentation and disclosure requirements for assets and liabilities reported at fair value. For companies electing the fair value option for financial instruments under SFAS No. 159, unrealized gains and losses will be reported in earnings. SFAS No. 159 is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. However, early adoption was permitted subject to certain conditions including the adoption of SFAS No. 157 at the same time. The Company adopted SFAS No. 159 on January 1, 2008. The adoption of SFAS No. 159 had no effect on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheet and Consolidated Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss).
In March 2008, the FASB issued SFAS No. 161, Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities, an amendment of FASB Statement No. 133. SFAS No. 161 requires enhanced disclosures about derivative instruments and hedging activities. It is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after November 15, 2008. The Company is currently assessing the extent, if any, of any additional required disclosures.
On October 10, 2008, The FASB issued FASB Staff Position (FSP) FAS 157-3, Determining the Fair Value of a Financial Asset When the Market for That Asset is not Active. The FSP is effective October 10, 2008 and for prior periods for which financial statements have not been issued. FSP 157-3 clarifies the application of SFAS No. 157, in a market that is not active and provides an example to illustrate key considerations in determining the fair value of a financial asset when the market for that financial asset is not active. The issuance of FSP 157-3 and the Company’s adoption of FSP 157-3 had no effect on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheet or Consolidated Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss).
Note 5. Loans
The composition of the Company’s loan portfolio as of September 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007 is as follows:
                 
    September 30,     December 31,  
    2008     2007  
    (In thousands)  
 
               
Commercial and industrial
  $ 217,379     $ 210,614  
Real estate:
               
Commercial
    401,597       370,464  
Residential
    42,024       43,212  
Construction and land development
    813,412       789,185  
Consumer and other
    4,755       5,707  
 
           
Total gross loans
    1,479,167       1,419,182  
 
               
Less:
               
Allowance for loan losses
    34,332       17,098  
Net unearned loan fees and discounts
    3,317       5,194  
 
           
 
               
Total net loans
  $ 1,441,518     $ 1,396,890  
 
           

 

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Changes in the allowance for loan losses for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007 are as follow:
                                 
    For the three months     For the nine months  
    ended September 30,     ended September 30,  
    2008     2007     2008     2007  
    (In thousands)     (In thousands)  
 
                               
Balance at beginning of period
  $ 28,050     $ 15,985     $ 17,098     $ 14,973  
 
                               
Provision for loan losses
    8,000       533       26,394       1,501  
Less amounts charged off
    (1,798 )     (349 )     (9,469 )     (577 )
Recoveries of amounts charged off
    80       15       309       287  
 
                       
 
                               
Balance at end of period
  $ 34,332     $ 16,184     $ 34,332     $ 16,184  
 
                       
The Company’s allowance for loan losses increased to $34.3 million as of September 30, 2008, or 2.32% of total gross loans, compared to $17.1 million, or 1.20% of total gross loans, at December 31, 2007. The increase in the allowance for loan losses includes an increase in both the general allowance for loan losses and the specific allowance for loan losses on impaired loans.
Non-performing loans totaled $185.5 million, or 12.5% of total gross loans, at September 30, 2008, compared to $12.1 million, or 0.85% of total gross loans, at December 31, 2007. A $14.6 million specific allowance for loan losses was established for non-performing loans, which is a component of the $18.1 million specific allowance on impaired loans.
The following table sets forth information regarding non-performing loans as of September 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007:
                 
    September 30,     December 31,  
    2008     2007  
    (In thousands)  
 
               
Non-accrual loans, not restructured
  $ 185,539     $ 12,076  
Accruing loans past due 90 days or more
    8       20  
Restructured loans
           
 
           
Total non-performing loans
  $ 185,547     $ 12,096  
 
           
The composite of non-accrual loans as of September 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007 was as follows:
                                                 
    September 30, 2008     December 31, 2007  
    Non-Accrual             Percent of     Non-Accrual             Percent of  
    Balance     %     Total Loans     Balance     %     Total Loans  
    (In thousands, except percentage data)  
Commercial and industrial
  $ 3,516       1.9 %     0.24 %   $ 2,042       16.9 %     0.15 %
Real Estate:
                                               
Commercial
    21,970       11.8 %     1.48 %     4,291       35.5 %     0.30 %
Residential
    290       0.2 %     0.02 %           0.0 %     0.00 %
Construction and land development
    159,743       86.1 %     10.80 %     5,738       47.6 %     0.40 %
Consumer and Other
    20       0.0 %     0.00 %     5       0.0 %     0.00 %
 
                                   
 
                                               
Total Loans
  $ 185,539       100.0 %     12.54 %   $ 12,076       100.0 %     0.85 %
 
                                   
Impaired loans totaled $195.1 million at September 30, 2008, compared to $29.8 million at December 31, 2007. Impaired loans include all non-performing loans in the amount of $185.5 million and other loans in the amount of $9.6 million that, while currently performing, were deemed impaired by management. Management anticipates the losses associated with these loans will approximate $18.1 million and has established a specific allowance for loan losses in this amount
The following table sets forth information regarding impaired loans as of September 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007:
                 
    September 30,     December 31,  
    2008     2007  
    (In thousands)  
 
               
Impaired loans with a valuation allowance
  $ 58,962     $ 3,097  
Impaired loans without a valuation allowance
    136,182       26,702  
 
           
 
               
Total impaired loans
  $ 195,144     $ 29,799  
 
           
 
               
Average balance of impaired loans (1)
  $ 106,221     $ 15,163  
 
           
 
               
Related valuation allowance
  $ 18,063     $ 1,283  
 
           
 
               
Interest income recognized on impaired loans (1)
  $ 644     $ 1,551  
 
           
 
               
Interest income recognized on a cash basis on impaired loans (1)
  $ 318     $ 948  
 
           
     
(1)  
For the nine months ended September 30, 2008 and twelve months ended December 31, 2007.
Note 6. Other Real Estate Owned
OREO is real estate that is held for sale and is initially recorded at fair value, net of estimated disposition costs and is subsequently carried at the lower of its carrying amount or fair value. The Company’s OREO as of September 30, 2008 consists of six properties totaling $10.7 million, compared to no OREO at December 31, 2007. During the nine months ended September 30, 2008, the Company has foreclosed on eight properties totaling $16.1 million and sold two properties totaling $4.5 million which approximated the carrying value of the property at the time of sale. Subsequent to establishing the initial carrying value of the OREO, management has written down two properties by a combined total of $870,000.
OREO is evaluated to ensure the recorded amount is supported by its current fair value. Reductions in the carrying amount are recorded as necessary. Costs relating to the development and improvement of the OREO are capitalized to the extent that the total does not exceed the property’s net realizable value.
Note 7. Borrowings
The Company has commitments from the Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco (“FHLB”) for borrowings, which are collateralized by certain securities and a blanket lien on loans secured by real estate and all business loans. The agreement can be terminated by the FHLB at any time. As of September 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007, loans with a balance of approximately $253.6 million and $245.3 million, respectively, were pledged as collateral on advances from the FHLB as part of the blanket lien. The Company regularly uses the FHLB for short term and long term borrowings. FHLB term debt, which matures from January 2009 through March 2009, amounted to $36.0 million at September 30, 2008. Interest on all FHLB borrowings accrued at an average rate of 4.39% and 4.20% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008, respectively. Remaining available debt financing based upon the current collateral pledged through the FHLB amounted to $122.5 million at September 30, 2008.
In September 2008, the Company entered into a commitment with the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco (“FRB”) for borrowings, which are collateralized by certain securities and loans. The Company can terminate the agreement at any time by giving written notice. The borrowing capacity with the FRB totaled $252.7 million, none of which was used or outstanding as of September 30, 2008.

 

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The Company also has agreements with other lending institutions under which it can purchase up to $120.0 million of federal funds. The interest rate charged on borrowings is determined by the lending institutions at the time of borrowings. Each line is unsecured. As of September 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007, there were no federal funds purchased.

In September 2007, the Company borrowed $15.5 million and used the proceeds to redeem junior subordinated debt owed to Community Bancorp (NV) Statutory Trust I which used the proceeds to redeem its trust preferred issuances. The borrowing is unsecured, bears interest at the one month LIBOR plus 1.50% (equal to 3.97% at September 30, 2008), is payable in the amount of approximately $475,000 monthly with all unpaid interest and principal due on September 26, 2010 and requires the lender’s approval prior to issuing dividends to shareholders. The outstanding balance on the note was $10.5 million and $14.3 million as of September 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007, respectively.

At September 30, 2008, the Company was not in compliance with the debt service coverage ratio requirement of this loan agreement. The Company is currently negotiating a waiver from the lender of this requirement and is current on all scheduled interest and principal payments. In the event these negotiations are not successful, the Company has the right and ability to prepay the note without penalty.

Note 8. Junior Subordinated Debt
The Company had $72.2 million of subordinated debentures outstanding at September 30, 2008, which bore interest at an average rate of 5.74% and 5.98% for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2008, respectively. The subordinated debentures were issued in three separate series. Each issuance has a maturity of thirty years from its date of issue. The subordinated debentures were issued to trusts established by the Company, which in turn issued trust preferred securities. The proceeds from the issuance of the securities were used to fund the Company’s 2005 and 2006 acquisitions.
In accordance with FIN 46 (revised December 2004), Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities-an interpretation of ARB No. 51, statutory trusts are not reported on a consolidated basis. Therefore, the trust preferred debt securities of $70.0 million do not appear on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Instead, the junior subordinated debentures of $72.2 million payable by Community Bancorp to the statutory trusts and the investment in the statutory trusts common stock of $2.2 million (included in other assets) are reported on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
The Company has the option to defer payments of interest on the trust preferred securities for a period of up to five years, as long as the Company is not in default on the payment of interest. If the Company elects to defer payments of interest by extending the interest distribution period, then the Company may not declare or pay any dividends or distributions on, or redeem, purchase, acquire, or make a liquidation payment with respect to any of the Company’s common stock, until such time as all deferred interest is paid.
In the event of certain changes or amendments to regulatory requirements or federal tax rules, the debt is redeemable in whole. Certain obligations under these instruments are fully and unconditionally guaranteed by the Company and rank subordinate and junior in right of payment to all other liabilities of the Company.
In March 2005, the Federal Reserve Bank adopted a final rule that allows the continued inclusion of trust preferred securities in the Tier I capital of bank holding companies, subject to stricter quantitative limits and qualitative standards. Under the final ruling, qualifying mandatory preferred securities may be included in Tier I capital, subject to a limit of 25% of all core capital. Amounts of restricted core capital elements in excess of this limit generally may be included in Tier II capital. The quantitative limits become effective on March 31, 2009. As of September 30, 2008, the trust preferred securities have been included in Tier I capital for regulatory capital purposes up to the specified limit ($70.0 million).
Note 9. Commitments and Contingencies
Financial Instruments with Off-Balance Sheet Risk
The Company is party to financial instruments with off-balance sheet risk in the normal course of business in order to meet the financing needs of its customers. These financial instruments include commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit. They involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit risk in excess of amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
The Company’s exposure to credit loss for these commitments, in the event of nonperformance, is represented by the contractual amounts of those instruments. The Company uses the same credit policies in making commitments and conditional obligations as it does for on-balance sheet instruments.

 

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A summary of the contract amount of the Company’s exposure to off-balance sheet risk as of September 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007 is as follows:
                 
Outstanding commitments  
    September 30,     December 31,  
    2008     2007  
    (In thousands)  
 
               
Commitments to extend credit, including unsecured commitments of approximately $17,284 for 2008 and $28,137 for 2007
  $ 282,082     $ 430,093  
 
               
Credit card commitments, including unsecured amounts of approximately $848 for 2008 and $818 for 2007
    848       818  
 
               
Standby letters of credit, including unsecured commitments of approximately $2,263 for 2008 and $2,485 for 2007
    3,966       4,083  
 
           
 
               
 
  $ 286,896     $ 434,994  
 
           
Commitments to extend credit are agreements to lend to a customer as long as there are no violations of any condition established in the contract. Commitments generally have fixed expiration dates or other termination clauses and may require payment of a fee. Since many of the commitments are expected to expire without being drawn upon, the total commitment amounts do not necessarily represent future cash requirements. The Company evaluates each customer’s creditworthiness on a case-by-case basis. The amount of collateral obtained is based on management’s credit evaluation of the party. Collateral held varies, but may include accounts receivable; inventory; property and equipment; residential real estate; income-producing commercial properties; and owner-occupied commercial properties. The Company had approximately $989,000 and $877,000 at September 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007, respectively, reflected in other liabilities for losses associated with off-balance sheet risk associated with commitments to extend credit.
Standby letters of credit are conditional commitments issued by the Company to guarantee the performance of a customer to a third party. Those guarantees are primarily issued to support public and private borrowing arrangements. The credit risk involved in issuing letters of credit is essentially the same as that involved in extending loan facilities to customers. Collateral held varies as specified above and is required as the Company deems necessary. Essentially all letters of credit issued have expiration dates within one year. Upon entering into letters of credit, the Company records the related liability at fair value pursuant to FASB Interpretation No. 45 (“FIN 45”). Thereafter, the liability is evaluated pursuant to FASB Statement No. 5, Accounting for Contingencies. As of September 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007, the amount of the liability related to guarantees was approximately $10,000.
In connection with standby letters of credit, the Company recognizes the related commitment fee received from the third party as a liability at the inception of the guarantee arrangement pursuant to FIN 45. Commitment fees, where the likelihood of exercise of the commitment is remote, are generally recognized as service fee income on a straight line basis over the commitment period. All other commitment fees are deferred over the entire commitment period and are not recognized as service fee income until the expiration of the commitment period.
Financial Instruments with Concentrations of Credit Risk
The Company makes commercial, commercial real estate, residential real estate and consumer loans to customers primarily in the greater Las Vegas, Nevada and Phoenix, Arizona areas. Real estate loans accounted for approximately 85% of the total gross loans as of September 30, 2008. Substantially all of these loans are secured by first liens with an initial loan-to-value ratio of generally not more than 75%. Approximately 2% of total gross loans were unsecured as of September 30, 2008. The Company’s loans are expected to be repaid from cash flows or from proceeds from the sale of selected assets of the borrowers.
At September 30, 2008 the Company’s impaired loans totaled $195.1 million, including $185.5 million in non-accrual loans. Approximately 86% and 84% of the non-accrual loans and impaired loans, respectively, were related to borrowers in the greater Las Vegas, Nevada geographic region.
At September 30, 2008, eight customer balances totaling $615.9 million comprised 43.1% of total deposits. These customer balances constitute all brokered deposits at September 30, 2008. Of these deposits at September 30, 2008, $441.3 million were interest bearing wholesale demand deposits and $174.6 million were other time deposits.

 

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Lease Commitments
The Company leases certain branches and office facilities under operating leases. The Company has lease obligations for twelve of its branch locations and its corporate headquarters and administrative offices under various non-cancelable agreements with expiration dates through October 2018, which require various minimum annual rentals.
In January 2008, the Company also executed a new land lease agreement for property on which it will construct a new branch. The Company took possession of the property on March 21, 2008 and has commenced construction of the branch. The initial term of the lease is ten years with four ten year renewal options. Monthly rent will commence on the date the branch facility is open for business or at the latest in November 2008.
In April 2008, the Company executed a new land lease agreement for property on which it will construct a new branch. Construction of the branch will commence once the necessary improvements have been completed by the landlord as specified under the lease agreement. The initial term of the lease is ten years with two five year renewal options. The initial first year rent is approximately $153,000 and increases 3% annually.
In July 2008, the Company executed a sale/leaseback agreement for its Jones property. The term of the lease is for five years and includes two five year renewal options. The initial first year rent is approximately $210,000 and increases 3% annually. The lease also includes an early termination clause that states the Company has the absolute right to early termination of the lease following the first thirty-sixth months of the lease term. If early termination is elected, written notice must be provided to the landlord as specified in the lease agreement and the Company will also be subject to an early termination penalty.
Contingencies
In the normal course of business, the Company is involved in various legal proceedings. In the opinion of management, any liability resulting from such proceedings would not have a material adverse effect on the consolidated financial statements.
Note 10. Derivative Financial Instruments
During 2006, the Company originated two fixed rate loans with an aggregate principal balance of approximately $20.0 million. The Company also entered into two interest rate swap agreements with notional values equal to the principal balance of the two fixed rate loans. The interest rate swap agreements are LIBOR-based where the Company’s interest payments are based on a fixed interest rate and the Company’s receipt of interest payments are based on a variable interest rate. The Company retains any net swap settlement income and pays any net swap settlement expense. As the Company has not used hedge accounting, the net swap settlement has been recorded in non-interest income.
The interest rate swap agreements are recorded at fair value as required by SFAS No. 133 and as amended, by SFAS No. 155. The fair values of the swap agreements are reflected in other assets or other liabilities, as applicable and any amounts owed to the borrower are recorded in other liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheet. As a result of changes in market value associated with the interest rate swaps, a loss of $191,000 and $206,000 was recorded in the Company’s Consolidated Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008, respectively. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007, there was no corresponding gain or loss on interest rate swaps.
Fair values for the swap agreements are based upon quoted market prices.
Note 11. Stockholders’ Equity
At the Company’s annual stockholders’ meeting held May 29, 2008, the Company’s shareholders approved an amendment of the Articles of Incorporation, increasing the number of authorized shares of common stock from 30,000,000 to 50,000,000 and creating a new class of preferred stock in the amount of 20,000,000 shares that, if issued, will have such terms, rights and features as may be determined by the Board of Directors. All shares of stock have a par value of $.001.

 

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Note 12. Earnings (Loss) per Share
Basic (loss) earnings per share (“EPS”) are calculated on the basis of weighted-average number of common shares outstanding (excluding non-vested restricted stock) during the period. Diluted EPS reflects additional common shares that would have been outstanding if dilutive potential common shares had been issued. Potential common shares that may be issued by the Company relate to outstanding stock options and non-vested restricted stock, and are determined using the treasury stock method. The diluted loss per share for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008, was based only on the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding, as any common stock equivalents would have been antidilutive.
EPS has been computed based on the following:
                                                                                                 
    For the Three Months Ended September 30,     For the Nine Months Ended September 30,  
    2008     2007     2008     2007  
    (In thousands, except (loss) earnings per share data)     (In thousands, except (loss) earnings per share data)  
            Average                     Average                     Average                     Average        
    Net     Number     Per Share     Net     Number     Per Share     Net     Number     Per Share     Net     Number     Per Share  
    (Loss)     of Shares     Amounts     Income     of Shares     Amounts     (Loss)     of Shares     Amounts     Income     of Shares     Amounts  
 
                                                                                               
Basic EPS
  $ (2,960 )     10,110     $ (0.29 )   $ 5,531       10,395     $ 0.53     $ (4,904 )     10,109     $ (0.49 )   $ 16,623       10,410     $ 1.59  
Effect of dilutive securities:
                                                                                               
Stock options
                            58                                     68        
Restricted stock
                            44                                     15        
 
                                                                       
 
                                                                                               
Diluted EPS
  $ (2,960 )     10,110     $ (0.29 )   $ 5,531       10,497     $ 0.53     $ (4,904 )     10,109     $ (0.49 )   $ 16,623       10,493     $ 1.59  
 
                                                                       
Stock options and restricted stock that could potentially affect basic EPS in the future, that were not included in the computation of diluted EPS because they would have had an antidilutive effect, amounted to 669,000 shares and 695,000 shares for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008, respectively.
Note 13. Share-Based Compensation
Stock options
As of September 30, 2008, the Company has outstanding options under two share-based compensation plans. The related compensation cost was approximately $155,000 and $198,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively, and $531,000 and $615,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively. No share-based compensation was capitalized. No stock options were granted during the nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007.
Restricted stock
In August and September 2007, the Company issued a total of approximately 163,000 shares of restricted common stock to certain employees and directors. Restricted common stock issued to employees is subject to a three year cliff vesting and the directors restricted common stock vest annually over a three year period. Share-based compensation costs associated with the issuance of the restricted common stock is recognized on a straight-line basis over three years and amounted to approximately $253,000 and $761,000 for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2008, respectively. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007, the share-based compensation cost amounted to $125,000.
Stock appreciation rights
In July 2000, the Company’s Board of Directors approved the 2000 Stock Appreciation Rights Plan. The Company accounts for the Stock Appreciation Rights (“SAR”) using liability accounting which requires the Company to record the liability of the SAR at fair value, rather than intrinsic value. All outstanding SAR were settled, with cash payments made in April 2007 and, accordingly, there was no accrued liability for SAR at September 30, 2008. There was no SAR expense recognized for the three months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007. SAR expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007 was $0 and $32,000, respectively.
The compensation cost related to share-based compensation plans was included in salaries, wages and employee benefits expense for grants to employees and directors fees for grants to board members in the Consolidated Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss).

 

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Note 14. Segments
The Company provides a full range of banking services through its two consolidated subsidiaries, Community Bank of Nevada and Community Bank of Arizona. The Company currently manages its business with a primary focus on each bank subsidiary. Accordingly, the Company has two reportable segments. Community Bancorp’s financial information is included in the “Other” category, because it represents an overhead function rather than an operating segment.
                                                                 
    For the three months ended and as of September 30, 2008     For the nine months ended and as of September 30, 2008  
    Community     Community                     Community     Community              
    Bank of     Bank of                     Bank of     Bank of              
    Nevada     Arizona     Other (3)     Total     Nevada     Arizona     Other (3)     Total  
    (In thousands)     (In thousands)  
 
                                                               
Interest and dividend income
  $ 22,797     $ 1,783     $ 17     $ 24,597     $ 75,631     $ 5,120     $ (2 )   $ 80,749  
Interest expense
    9,704       829       1,134       11,667       29,483       1,994       3,536       35,013  
 
                                               
 
                                                               
Net interest income before provision for loan losses
    13,093       954       (1,117 )     12,930       46,148       3,126       (3,538 )     45,736  
Provision for loan losses
    7,600       400             8,000       24,119       2,275             26,394  
 
                                               
 
                                                               
Net interest income after provision for loan losses
    5,493       554       (1,117 )     4,930       22,029       851       (3,538 )     19,342  
Non-interest income
    797       48             845       3,685       137             3,822  
Non-interest expenses
    8,357       1,202       797       10,356       24,129       3,742       2,877       30,748  
 
                                               
 
                                                               
Segment pretax (loss) income
  $ (2,067 )   $ (600 )   $ (1,914 )   $ (4,581 )   $ 1,585     $ (2,754 )   $ (6,415 )   $ (7,584 )
 
                                               
 
                                                               
Segment assets (1)
                                  $ 1,639,147     $ 144,593     $ 3,803     $ 1,787,543  
 
                                                       
                                                                 
    For the three months ended and as of September 30, 2007     For the nine months ended and as of September 30, 2007  
    Community     Community                     Community     Community              
    Bank of     Bank of                     Bank of     Bank of              
    Nevada     Arizona     Other (3)     Total     Nevada     Arizona     Other (3)     Total  
    (In thousands)     (In thousands)  
 
                                                               
Interest and dividend income
  $ 31,590     $ 1,613     $ 56     $ 33,259     $ 91,890     $ 4,507     $ 166     $ 96,563  
Interest expense
    12,855       618       1,558       15,031       36,762       1,635       4,631       43,028  
 
                                               
 
                                                               
Net interest income before provision for loan losses
    18,735       995       (1,502 )     18,228       55,128       2,872       (4,465 )     53,535  
Provision for loan losses
    357       176             533       1,125       376             1,501  
 
                                               
 
                                                               
Net interest income after provision for loan losses
    18,378       819       (1,502 )     17,695       54,003       2,496       (4,465 )     52,034  
Non-interest income
    770       52             822       2,388       230       75       2,693  
Non-interest expenses
    8,275       909       859       10,043       24,762       2,656       1,706       29,124  
 
                                               
 
                                                               
Segment pretax income (loss)
  $ 10,873     $ (38 )   $ (2,361 )   $ 8,474     $ 31,629     $ 70     $ (6,096 )   $ 25,603  
 
                                               
 
                                                               
Segment assets (2)
                                  $ 1,582,481     $ 92,326     $ 3,052     $ 1,677,859  
 
                                                       
     
(1)  
Goodwill included in Community Bank of Nevada’s and Community Bank of Arizona’s segment assets amounted to $103.7 million and $9.9 million, respectively.
 
(2)  
Goodwill included in Community Bank of Nevada’s and Community Bank of Arizona’s segment assets amounted to $105.2 million and $9.9 million, respectively.
 
(3)  
Includes intersegment eliminations and reclassifications.

 

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Note 15. Quarterly Data
                                                 
    For the three months ended     For the three months ended  
    September 30,     June 30,     March 31,     September 30,     June 30,     March 31,  
    2008     2008     2008     2007     2007     2007  
    (In thousands, except per share data)  
 
                                               
Interest and dividend income
  $ 24,597     $ 26,197     $ 29,955     $ 33,259     $ 32,416     $ 30,888  
Interest expense
    11,667       10,670       12,676       15,031       14,618       13,379  
 
                                   
 
                                               
Net interest income before provision for loan losses
    12,930       15,527       17,279       18,228       17,798       17,509  
Provision for loan losses
    8,000       14,226       4,168       533       486       482  
 
                                   
 
                                               
Net interest income after provision for loan losses
    4,930       1,301       13,111       17,695       17,312       17,027  
 
                                               
Non-interest income
    845       821       2,156       822       1,004       867  
Non-interest expense
    10,356       9,282       11,110       10,043       9,623       9,458  
 
                                   
 
                                               
(Loss) income before income tax provision
    (4,581 )     (7,160 )     4,157       8,474       8,693       8,436  
Income tax (benefit) provision
    (1,621 )     (2,524 )     1,465       2,943       3,050       2,987  
 
                                   
 
                                               
Net (loss) income
  $ (2,960 )   $ (4,636 )   $ 2,692     $ 5,531     $ 5,643     $ 5,449  
 
                                   
 
                                               
Basic (loss) earnings per share
  $ (0.29 )   $ (0.46 )   $ 0.27     $ 0.53     $ 0.54     $ 0.52  
 
                                   
 
                                               
Diluted (loss) earnings per share
  $ (0.29 )   $ (0.46 )   $ 0.26     $ 0.53     $ 0.54     $ 0.52  
 
                                   
Note 16. Sale of Property
Warm Springs
On February 13, 2008, the Company completed the sale of its Warm Springs branch. Previously, the Company consolidated the branch’s activity with the Stephanie branch. The consolidation of the two branches and subsequent sale of the Warm Springs branch was implemented due to the close proximity of the two branches. The Stephanie branch was acquired in October 2006 through the acquisition of Valley Bancorp.
Gross proceeds from the sale were approximately $2.7 million (approximately $2.6 million after selling costs) and the related gain of approximately $1.2 million was recorded in non-interest income.
Jones Property
On July 21, 2008, the Company completed the sale of its Jones property (an administrative facility acquired as part of the Valley Bancorp acquisition). Gross proceeds from the sale were $2.6 million (approximately $2.5 million after selling costs) resulting in a gain of approximately $41,000.
Concurrent with the closing, the Company executed a leaseback agreement for the property. The term of the lease is for five years and includes two five year renewal options. The initial first year rent is approximately $210,000 and increases 3% annually. The lease also includes an early termination clause that states the Company has the absolute right to early termination of the lease following the first thirty-sixth months of the lease term. If early termination is elected, written notice must be provided to the landlord as specified in the lease agreement and the Company will also be subject to an early termination penalty.
In accordance with SFAS No. 28, Accounting for Sales with Leasebacks, an amendment of SFAS No. 13, the gain will be deferred and amortized over the initial term of the lease.

 

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Note 17. Fair Value Accounting
As discussed in Note 4, on January 1, 2008 the Company adopted SFAS No. 157, Fair Value Measurements, and SFAS No. 159, The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities-Including an Amendment of FASB Statement No. 115. The adoption of SFAS No. 157 and 159 had no affect on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheet or the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2008.
SFAS No. 157 defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value and expands disclosures about fair value. SFAS No. 159 permits an entity to choose to measure many financial instruments and certain other items at fair value and contains financial statement presentation and disclosure requirements for assets and liabilities for which the fair value option under this pronouncement is elected. Upon adoption of SFAS No. 159, none of the Company’s assets or liabilities were valued using the fair value option allowed under this pronouncement.
SFAS No. 157 also establishes a hierarchy for determining fair value measurement. The hierarchy includes three levels and is based upon the valuation techniques used to measure assets and liabilities. The three levels are as follow:
   
Level 1 — Inputs to the valuation methodology are quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities in active markets;
   
Level 2 — Inputs to the valuation methodology include quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, and inputs that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the financial instrument; and
   
Level 3 — Inputs to the valuation methodology are unobservable and significant to the fair value measurement.
The following is a description of the valuation methodologies used for instruments measured at fair value, as well as the general classification of such instruments pursuant to valuation methodology.
Securities available for sale, at fair value — Where quoted prices are available in an active market, securities are classified within level 1 of the hierarchy. Level 1 includes securities that have quoted prices in an active market for identical assets. If quoted market prices are not available, then fair values are estimated using pricing models, quoted prices of securities with similar characteristics or discounted cash flows. The Company has categorized its securities as level 2.
Impaired loans — SFAS No. 157 applies to loans measured for impairment using the practical expedients permitted by SFAS No. 114, Accounting by Creditors for Impairment of a Loan, including impaired loans measured at an observable market price (if available) or at the fair value of the loan’s collateral (if collateral dependent). Fair value of the loan’s collateral is determined by appraisals or independent valuation which is then adjusted for the cost related to liquidation of the collateral. The Company has categorized its impaired loans as level 2.
Interest rate swaps — The Company determines the fair value of its interest rate swaps based on termination estimates provided by the counter party to the swaps. These values are then validated by management using internal valuation models based on market information. The Company has categorized its interest rate swaps as level 2.

 

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The following table represents the assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis by the Company.
                                 
            Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using:  
            Quoted Prices in             Significant  
            Active Markets for     Significant Other     Unobservable  
            Identical Assets     Observable Inputs     Inputs  
Description   September 30, 2008     (Level 1)     (Level 2)     (Level 3)  
            (In thousands)  
 
                               
Assets:
                               
Securities available for sale, at fair value
  $ 60,212     $     $ 60,212     $  
 
                       
Total
  $ 60,212     $     $ 60,212     $  
 
                       
 
                               
Liabilities:
                               
Interest rate swaps (1)
  $ 586     $     $ 586     $  
 
                       
 
  $ 586     $     $ 586     $  
 
                       
     
(1)  
Included in accrued interest payable and other liabilities.
For the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2008, the increase in fair value of securities available for sale was $564,000 and $312,000, respectively, which is included in other comprehensive income (loss) (net of taxes). The change in fair value of interest rate swaps resulting in a loss of $191,000 and $206,000 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008, respectively, is included in non-interest expense. Methods of measuring fair values at September 30, 2008 for securities available-for-sale and interest rate swaps are consistent with those used in prior reporting periods.
Certain assets are measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis (e.g., the instruments are not measured at fair value on an ongoing basis but are subject to fair value adjustments when there is evidence of impairment). The following table represents the assets measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis by the Company.
                                 
            Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using:  
            Quoted Prices in             Significant  
            Active Markets for     Significant Other     Unobservable  
            Identical Assets     Observable Inputs     Inputs  
Description   September 30, 2008     (Level 1)     (Level 2)     (Level 3)  
            (In thousands)  
 
                               
Assets:
                               
Impaired loans with specific valuation allowance under
SFAS No. 114
  $ 40,899     $     $ 40,899     $  
 
                       
At September 30, 2008, impaired loans in the amount of $59.0 million (all collateral dependent) were written down to fair value of the underlying collateral, less cost to sell, through establishing a specific allowance for loan losses of $18.1 million. Methods of measuring fair values at September 30, 2008 for impaired loans are consistent with those used in prior reporting periods.
Note 18. Goodwill
Goodwill represents the excess of the consideration over the fair value of the net assets acquired through the 2005 and 2006 acquisitions of Bank of Commerce, Community Bank of Arizona and Valley Bancorp. Under SFAS No. 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, goodwill is not amortized but rather tested for impairment, at least annually. The Company’s annual testing of impairment was conducted as of October 1, 2007 for each of its reporting units (i.e., segments). No impairment of goodwill was identified at that time. In accordance with SFAS No. 142, goodwill of a reporting unit shall be tested for impairment between annual tests if an event or circumstance occurs that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carry value. The Company will perform its annual test of goodwill as of October 1, 2008, during the fourth quarter 2008 which might result in a reduction of the carrying value of goodwill and an impairment loss. Because goodwill is not included in the calculation of risk-based capital, the Company’s regulatory risk-based capital would not be impacted by this potential expense.

 

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Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Forward-Looking Statements
When used in this document, the words or phrases such as “will likely result in,” “management expects that,” “will continue,” “is anticipated,” “estimate,” “projected,” or similar expressions are intended to identify “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (“PSLRA”). Such forward looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause our actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Specific factors include, but are not limited to the current financial turmoil in the United States and abroad, the recent fluctuations in the U.S. capital and credit markets, loan production, balance sheet management, the economic condition of the markets in Las Vegas, Nevada, or Phoenix, Arizona and their deteriorating real estate sectors, net interest margin, loan quality, the ability to control costs and expenses, interest rate changes and financial policies of the United States government, our ability to manage systemic risks and control operating risks, and general economic conditions. Additional information on these and other factors that could affect financial results are included in “Item 1A. Risk Factors” of our Annual Report on Form 10K for the year ended December 31, 2007, and our other Securities and Exchange Commission filings. Readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which reflect management’s view only as of the date hereof. Community Bancorp undertakes no obligation to publicly revise these forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent events or circumstances. This statement is included for the express purpose of protecting Community Bancorp under the PSLRA’s safe harbor provisions. When relying on forward-looking statements to make decisions with respect to our Company, investors and others are cautioned to consider these and other risks and uncertainties.
EXECUTIVE OVERVIEW
Community Bancorp is a bank holding company headquartered in Las Vegas, Nevada, with four wholly-owned subsidiaries: 1) Community Bank of Nevada, 2) Community Bank of Arizona, 3) Community Bancorp (NV) Statutory Trust II and 4) Community Bancorp (NV) Statutory Trust III. Community Bancorp exists primarily for the purpose of holding the stock of its wholly-owned subsidiaries and facilitating their activities. In accordance with FIN 46 (revised December 2004), the statutory trusts are not reported on a consolidated basis. Community Bancorp and its consolidated subsidiaries are collectively referred to herein as the “Company.” Community Bank of Nevada and Community Bank of Arizona are collectively referred to herein as the “Banks.”
During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008, the Company continued to be challenged by difficult economic conditions in its primary markets as the deterioration of the real estate market that occurred during the second half of 2007 has continued throughout 2008. The deterioration in the real estate market is due to a variety of factors, the most significant of which has been the fallout from the defaults associated with the residential sub-prime market and Alt-A loans. While the Company does not engage in sub-prime lending or Alt-A loans, its markets have been affected by these factors.
Results of operations
   
The provision for loan losses increased to $8.0 million and $26.4 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008, respectively, compared to a provision for loan losses of $533,000 and $1.5 million for the same periods in 2007.
   
Interest and dividend income was adversely affected due to an increase in non-performing loans for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008.
   
As a result of the increased provision for loan losses and the adverse effect of the increase in non-performing loans on interest and dividend income (including the effect of non-earning assets on interest and dividend income), the Company recognized a loss for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008 of $3.0 million, or $0.29 per diluted share and $4.9 million, or $0.49 per diluted share, respectively, compared to net income of $5.5 million, or $0.53 per share, and $16.6 million, or $1.59 per diluted share, for the same periods in 2007.
Financial condition
   
The allowance for loan losses increased to $34.3 million, or 2.32% of total gross loans, at September 30, 2008, compared to $17.1 million, or 1.20% of total gross loans, at December 31, 2007.
   
Non-performing loans totaled $185.5 million, or 12.5% of total gross loans, at September 30, 2008, compared to $12.1 million, or 0.85% of total gross loans, at December 31, 2007.
   
Impaired loans, which include all non-performing loans, increased to $195.1 million at September 30, 2008, compared to $29.8 million at December 31, 2007.

 

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SUMMARY CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA AND OTHER DATA
(Unaudited)
                                                 
    3rd     3rd             Nine     Nine        
    Quarter     Quarter     Percentage     Months     Months     Percentage  
    2008     2007     Change     2008     2007     Change  
    (In thousands, except share and percentage data)     (In thousands, except share and percentage data)  
SHARE DATA
                                               
Earnings (loss) per share — basic
  $ (0.29 )   $ 0.53       (154.7 )%   $ (0.49 )   $ 1.59       (130.8 )%
Earnings (loss) per share — diluted
  $ (0.29 )   $ 0.53       (154.7 )%   $ (0.49 )   $ 1.59       (130.8 )%
Book value per share
    22.59     $ 22.37       1.0 %     22.59     $ 22.37       1.0 %
Shares outstanding at period end
    10,252,415       10,540,619       (2.7 )%     10,252,415       10,540,619       (2.7 )%
Weighted average shares outstanding — basic
    10,110,430       10,395,240       (2.7 )%     10,109,358       10,410,277       (2.9 )%
Weighted average shares outstanding — diluted (5)
    10,110,430       10,497,060       (3.7 )%     10,109,358       10,492,685       (3.7 )%
 
                                               
SELECTED OTHER BALANCE SHEET DATA
                                               
Average assets
  $ 1,822,461     $ 1,663,541       9.6 %   $ 1,758,552     $ 1,635,260       7.5 %
Average earning assets
  $ 1,651,177     $ 1,484,626       11.2 %   $ 1,587,091     $ 1,454,622       9.1 %
Average stockholders’ equity
  $ 234,721     $ 234,234       0.2 %   $ 237,759     $ 228,645       4.0 %
Gross loans
  $ 1,479,167     $ 1,373,661       7.7 %   $ 1,479,167     $ 1,373,661       7.7 %
 
                                               
SELECTED FINANCIAL RATIOS
                                               
Return on average assets
    (0.65 )%     1.32 %     (149.2 )%     (0.37 )%     1.36 %     (127.2 )%
Return on average stockholders’ equity
    (5.02 )%     9.37 %     (153.6 )%     (2.76 )%     9.72 %     (128.4 )%
Net interest margin (1)
    3.14 %     4.90 %     (35.9 )%     3.88 %     4.95 %     (21.6 )%
Efficiency ratio (2)
    75.18 %     52.72 %     42.6 %     62.04 %     51.80 %     19.8 %
 
                                               
Capital Ratios
                                               
Average stockholders’ equity to average assets
    12.88 %     14.08 %     (8.5 )%     13.52 %     13.98 %     (3.3 )%
Tier 1 leverage capital ratios
                                               
Consolidated Company
                            10.65 %     11.89 %     (10.4 )%
Community Bank of Nevada
                            10.60 %     11.74 %     (9.7 )%
Community Bank of Arizona
                            16.67 %     28.42 %     (41.3 )%
Tier 1 risk-based capital ratios
                                               
Consolidated Company
                            11.04 %     11.73 %     (5.9 )%
Community Bank of Nevada
                            10.96 %     11.44 %     (4.2 )%
Community Bank of Arizona
                            18.07 %     34.54 %     (47.7 )%
Total risk-based capital ratios
                                               
Consolidated Company
                            12.30 %     12.77 %     (3.7 )%
Community Bank of Nevada
                            12.22 %     12.47 %     (2.0 )%
Community Bank of Arizona
                            19.34 %     35.76 %     (45.9 )%
 
                                               
Asset Quality Ratios
                                               
Non-performing loans (3)
                          $ 185,547     $ 7,714       2,305.3 %
Non-performing assets (4)
                          $ 196,213     $ 7,714       2,443.6 %
Non-performing loans to total gross loans
                            12.54 %     0.56 %     2,139.3 %
Non-performing assets to total assets
                            10.98 %     0.46 %     2,287.0 %
Past due loans
                                               
30 – 59 days
                          $ 2,030     $ 4,599       (55.9 )%
60 – 89 days
                          $ 31,009     $ 1,057       2,833.7 %
Allowance for loan losses to total gross loans
                            2.32 %     1.18 %     96.6 %
Allowance for loan losses to non-performing loans
                            19 %     210 %     (91.2 )%
Net charge-offs to average loans (6)
    0.46 %     0.10 %     360.0 %     0.83 %     0.03 %     2,666.7 %
     
(1)  
Net interest margin represents net interest income on a tax equivalent basis as a percentage of average interest-earning assets.
 
(2)  
Efficiency ratio represents non-interest expenses, excluding provision for loan losses, as a percentage of the aggregate of net interest income and non-interest income.
 
(3)  
Non-performing loans are defined as loans that are past due 90 days or more plus loans placed in non-accrual status.
 
(4)  
Non-performing assets are defined as assets that are past due 90 days or more plus assets placed in non-accrual status and other real estate owned.
 
(5)  
Weighted average shares outstanding-diluted were equal to weighted average shares-basic for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008, as any common stock equivalents would have been anti-dilutive.
 
(6)  
Annualized.

 

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CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES
The Company’s accounting policies are integral to understanding the financial results reported. The most complex accounting policies require management’s judgment to ascertain the valuation of assets, liabilities, commitments and contingencies. The Company has established policies and procedures that are intended to ensure that the valuation methods are well-controlled and applied consistently from period to period. In addition, the policies and procedures are intended to ensure that the process for changing methodologies occurs in an appropriate manner. The following is a brief description of our current accounting policies involving significant management valuation judgments.
Allowance for loan losses. The allowance for loan losses represents the Company’s best estimate of the probable losses inherent in the existing loan portfolio. The allowance for loan losses is increased by the provision for loan losses charged to expense and reduced when loans charged-off exceed loan recoveries. The allowance for loan losses is evaluated at least quarterly. The quarterly evaluation includes management’s assessment of various factors affecting the collectibility of loans, including current economic conditions, past credit experience, delinquency status, the value of the underlying collateral, if any, and a continuing review of the portfolio of loans. In addition to assessing these various factors, management considers a number of quantitative and qualitative factors, including levels and trends of past due and non-accrual loans, asset classifications, loan grades, changes in the volume of loans, collateral value, historical loss experiences, peer group loss experiences, size and complexity of individual credits and economic conditions. The provision for loan losses contains a general and specific component. The general component is based on a portfolio segmentation based on risk grading, with a further evaluation of the various quantitative and qualitative factors noted above. The specific component is for impaired loans, where the expected or anticipated loss is measurable (e.g., impairment).
Available-for-sale securities. Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 115, Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities, requires that available-for-sale securities be carried at fair value. The Company believes this to be a “critical accounting estimate” in that the fair value of a security is based on quoted market prices or, if quoted market prices are not available, fair values are extrapolated from the quoted prices of similar instruments. See SFAS No. 157, Fair Value Measurements below.
Goodwill and other intangibles. Net assets of entities acquired in purchase transactions are recorded at fair value at the date of acquisition. Identified intangibles are amortized on a straight-line basis over the period benefited. Goodwill is not amortized, although it is reviewed for impairment on an annual basis or if events or circumstances indicate a potential impairment. The impairment test is performed in two phases. The first step of the goodwill impairment test compares the fair value of the reporting unit with its carrying amount, including goodwill. If the fair value of the reporting unit exceeds its carrying amount, goodwill of the reporting unit is considered not impaired; however, if the carrying amount of the reporting unit exceeds its fair value, an additional procedure must be performed. That additional procedure compares the implied fair value of the reporting unit’s goodwill (as defined in SFAS No. 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets) with the carrying amount of that goodwill. An impairment loss is recorded to the extent that the carrying amount of goodwill exceeds its implied fair value.
Other intangible assets subject to amortization are evaluated for impairment in accordance with SFAS No. 144, Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets. An impairment loss will be recognized if the carrying amount of the intangible asset is not recoverable and exceeds fair value. The carrying amount of the intangible is considered not recoverable if it exceeds the sum of the undiscounted cash flows expected to result from the use of the asset.
Share-based compensation. The Company recognizes share-based compensation expense under the provisions of the FASB issued Statement No. 123 (revised 2004) (“SFAS No. 123R”), Share-Based Payment, and SEC Staff Accounting Bulletins No. 107 (“SAB 107”) and No. 110 (“SAB 110”), which requires the measurement and recognition of all share-based compensation under the fair value method. In determining the fair value of stock options, the Company employed the following assumptions (no stock options have been issued since June 2006):
   
Expected volatility — based on the historical volatility of similar entities’ stock price that have been public for a period of time at least equal to the expected life of the option.
   
Expected term of the option — based on the simple average of the vesting term and the original contract term.
   
Risk-free rate — based upon the rate on a zero coupon U.S. Treasury bill, for periods within the expected term of the option.
   
Dividend yield — the Company currently has a no dividend policy and accordingly, no dividend yield is utilized.

 

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The fair value of restricted stock grants is based on the closing price of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant.
Segment reporting. With the acquisition of Community Bank of Arizona in September 2006, the Company expanded to the greater Phoenix, Arizona market. During the quarter ended December 31, 2006, certain changes were implemented in the management and reporting of the Company’s business units, resulting in two reportable operating segments: Community Bank of Nevada and Community Bank of Arizona.
Fair Value Measurements. Effective January 1, 2008 the Company adopted SFAS No. 157, Fair Value Measurements, and SFAS No. 159, The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities-Including an Amendment of FASB Statement No. 115. SFAS No. 157 defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value and expands disclosures about fair value.
SFAS No. 157 also establishes a hierarchy for determining fair value measurement. The hierarchy includes three levels and is based upon the valuation techniques used to measure assets and liabilities. The three levels are as follow:
   
Level 1 — Inputs to the valuation methodology are quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities in active markets;
   
Level 2 — Inputs to the valuation methodology include quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, and inputs that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the financial instrument; and
   
Level 3 — Inputs to the valuation methodology are unobservable and significant to the fair value measurement.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
As previously noted, the Company recorded a net loss of $3.0 million and $4.9 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008, respectively, compared to net income of $5.5 million and $16.6 million, respectively, for the same periods of 2007. The Company earns income from two primary sources: net interest income, which is the difference between interest income generated from interest earning assets and interest expense created by interest bearing liabilities; and non-interest income, of which a majority is fees and charges earned from customer services. Income from these sources is offset by the provision for loan losses, non-interest expense and income taxes.

 

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Net Interest Income and Net Interest Margin
The following table presents the net interest spread, net interest margin, average balances, interest income and expense, and average yields and rates by asset and liability components for the periods indicated.
Distribution, Rate and Yield Analysis of Net Interest Income
                                                 
    Three Months Ended September 30,  
    2008     2007  
            Interest     Annualized             Interest     Annualized  
    Average     Income/     Average     Average     Income/     Average  
    Balance     Expense     Rate/Yield (7)     Balance     Expense     Rate/Yield (7)  
    (In thousands, except percentage data)  
Assets:
                                               
Interest earning assets:
                                               
Loans (1)(2)
  $ 1,491,121     $ 23,278       6.21 %   $ 1,351,327     $ 31,613       9.28 %
Investment securities (3)(4)
    73,179       888       5.39 %     109,663       1,345       5.26 %
Federal funds sold
    86,877       431       1.97 %     23,636       301       5.05 %
 
                                       
Total interest earning assets (3)
    1,651,177       24,597       5.95 %     1,484,626       33,259       8.92 %
 
                                           
Non-interest earning assets:
                                               
Cash and due from banks
    17,331                       21,421                  
Goodwill and intangibles
    120,305                       122,996                  
Other assets
    33,648                       34,498                  
 
                                           
 
                                               
Total assets
  $ 1,822,461                     $ 1,663,541                  
 
                                           
 
                                               
Liabilities and stockholders’ equity:
                                               
Interest bearing liabilities:
                                               
Deposits:
                                               
Interest bearing demand
  $ 73,782       345       1.86 %   $ 73,048       524       2.85 %
Money market
    636,903       3,868       2.42 %     505,620       5,885       4.62 %
Savings
    19,993       70       1.39 %     35,820       306       3.39 %
Time
    558,644       5,679       4.04 %     423,741       5,564       5.21 %
 
                                       
Total interest bearing deposits
    1,289,322       9,962       3.07 %     1,038,229       12,279       4.69 %
 
                                               
Borrowings
    60,929       663       4.33 %     93,052       1,209       5.16 %
Junior subordinated debt
    72,166       1,042       5.74 %     86,790       1,543       7.05 %
 
                                       
Total interest bearing liabilities
    1,422,417       11,667       3.26 %     1,218,071       15,031       4.90 %
 
                                           
Non-interest bearing liabilities:
                                               
Demand deposits
    155,988                       200,972                  
Other liabilities
    9,335                       10,264                  
 
                                           
Total liabilities
    1,587,740                       1,429,307                  
Stockholders’ equity
    234,721                       234,234                  
 
                                           
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
  $ 1,822,461                     $ 1,663,541                  
 
                                           
 
                                               
Net interest income
          $ 12,930                     $ 18,228          
 
                                           
 
                                               
Net interest spread (3)(5)
                    2.69 %                     4.02 %
 
                                           
 
                                               
Net interest margin (3)(6)
                    3.14 %                     4.90 %
 
                                           
     
(1)  
Includes average non-accrual loans of $119.0 million and $3.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively.
 
(2)  
Net loan fees of $1.6 million and $2.2 million are included in the yield computations for the three months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively.
 
(3)  
Yields on securities, total interest-earning assets, net interest spread and net interest margin have been adjusted to a tax-equivalent basis.
 
   
These adjustments amounted to $103,000 and $109,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively.
 
(4)  
Includes securities available for sale, securities held to maturity, interest bearing deposits in other banks and required equity investments.
 
(5)  
Net interest spread represents the average yield earned on interest earning assets less the average rate paid on interest bearing liabilities.
 
(6)  
Net interest margin is computed by dividing net interest income, on a tax equivalent basis, by total average earning-assets.
 
(7)  
Yields are computed based on actual number of days during the period.

 

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    Nine Months Ended September 30,  
    2008     2007  
            Interest     Annualized             Interest     Annualized  
    Average     Income/     Average     Average     Income/     Average  
    Balance     Expense     Rate/Yield (7)     Balance     Expense     Rate/Yield (7)  
    (In thousands, except percentage data)  
Assets:
                                               
Interest earning assets:
                                               
Loans (1)(2)
  $ 1,473,918     $ 77,336       7.01 %   $ 1,305,660     $ 90,986       9.32 %
Investment securities (3)(4)
    82,461       2,955       5.30 %     114,505       4,229       5.32 %
Federal funds sold
    30,712       458       1.99 %     34,457       1,348       5.23 %
 
                                       
Total interest earning assets (3)
    1,587,091       80,749       6.82 %     1,454,622       96,563       8.91 %
 
                                           
Non-interest earning assets:
                                               
Cash and due from banks
    16,711                       23,227                  
Goodwill and intangibles
    120,636                       123,359                  
Other assets
    34,114                       34,052                  
 
                                           
 
                                               
Total assets
  $ 1,758,552                     $ 1,635,260                  
 
                                           
 
                                               
Liabilities and stockholders’ equity:
                                               
Interest bearing liabilities:
                                               
Deposits:
                                               
Interest bearing demand
  $ 73,494       1,058       1.92 %   $ 68,539       1,389       2.71 %
Money market
    634,170       12,802       2.70 %     495,324       17,152       4.63 %
Savings
    22,743       248       1.46 %     43,752       954       2.92 %
Time
    448,993       14,612       4.35 %     413,213       15,407       4.99 %
 
                                       
Total interest bearing deposits
    1,179,400       28,720       3.25 %     1,020,828       34,902       4.57 %
 
                                               
Borrowings
    95,834       3,063       4.27 %     91,077       3,510       5.15 %
Junior subordinated debt
    72,166       3,230       5.98 %     87,347       4,616       7.07 %
 
                                       
Total interest bearing liabilities
    1,347,400       35,013       3.47 %     1,199,252       43,028       4.80 %
 
                                           
Non-interest bearing liabilities:
                                               
Demand deposits
    164,103                       197,086                  
Other liabilities
    9,290                       10,277                  
 
                                           
Total liabilities
    1,520,793                       1,406,615                  
Stockholders’ equity
    237,759                       228,645                  
 
                                           
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
  $ 1,758,552                     $ 1,635,260                  
 
                                           
 
                                               
Net interest income
          $ 45,736                     $ 53,535          
 
                                           
 
                                               
Net interest spread (3)(5)
                    3.35 %                     4.11 %
 
                                           
 
                                               
Net interest margin (3)(6)
                    3.88 %                     4.95 %
 
                                           
     
(1)  
Includes average non-accrual loans of $57.9 million and $2.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively.
 
(2)  
Net loan fees of $5.4 million and $5.9 million are included in the yield computations for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively.
 
(3)  
Yields on securities, total interest-earning assets, net interest spread and net interest margin have been adjusted to a tax-equivalent basis. These adjustments amounted to $315,000 and $330,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively.
 
(4)  
Includes securities available for sale, securities held to maturity, interest bearing deposits in other banks and required equity investments.
 
(5)  
Net interest spread represents the average yield earned on interest earning assets less the average rate paid on interest bearing liabilities.
 
(6)  
Net interest margin is computed by dividing net interest income, on a tax equivalent basis, by total average earning-assets.
 
(7)  
Yields are computed based on actual number of days during the period.

 

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The following table sets forth, for the period indicated, the dollar amount of changes in interest earned for interest earning assets and paid for interest bearing liabilities and the amount of change attributable to (i) average daily balances (“volume”) and (ii) interest rates (“rate”):
                                                 
    Three months ended September 30, 2008     Nine months ended September 30, 2008  
    vs. 2007 increase (decrease) due to change in     vs. 2007 increase (decrease) due to change in  
    (In thousands)     (In thousands)  
    Volume     Rate     Total     Volume     Rate     Total  
 
                                               
Interest and dividend income:
                                               
Loans
  $ 3,012     $ (11,347 )   $ (8,335 )   $ 10,732     $ (24,382 )   $ (13,650 )
Investments securities
    (443 )     (14 )     (457 )     (1,151 )     (123 )     (1,274 )
Federal funds sold
    406       (276 )     130       (133 )     (757 )     (890 )
 
                                   
Total interest and dividend income
    2,975       (11,637 )     (8,662 )     9,448       (25,262 )     (15,814 )
 
                                   
Interest expense:
                                               
Interest bearing demand
    6       (185 )     (179 )     95       (426 )     (331 )
Money market
    1,272       (3,289 )     (2,017 )     4,002       (8,352 )     (4,350 )
Savings
    (102 )     (134 )     (236 )     (347 )     (359 )     (706 )
Time
    1,538       (1,423 )     115       1,266       (2,061 )     (795 )
Borrowings
    (370 )     (176 )     (546 )     178       (625 )     (447 )
Junior subordinated debt
    (236 )     (265 )     (501 )     (736 )     (650 )     (1,386 )
 
                                   
Total interest expense
    2,108       (5,472 )     (3,364 )     4,458       (12,473 )     (8,015 )
 
                                   
 
                                               
Net interest income
  $ 867     $ (6,165 )   $ (5,298 )   $ 4,990     $ (12,789 )   $ (7,799 )
 
                                   
Net interest income is derived from interest and dividends received on interest earning assets, less interest expense incurred on interest bearing liabilities. The most significant impact on the Company’s net interest income between periods is derived from the interaction of changes in volumes and rates. The volume of loans, investment securities and other interest earning assets, compared to the volume of interest bearing deposits and indebtedness, combined with the rate relationships, produces changes in the net interest income between periods.
For the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2008, interest and dividend income was $24.6 million and $80.7 million, respectively, compared to $33.3 million and $96.6 million, respectively, for the same periods in 2007. The decrease in interest and dividend income was due to the adverse effects of the increase in non-performing loans ($185.5 million at September 30, 2008) and lower yields on indexed loans. The Company’s average prime rate for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008, decreased 318 and 280 basis points, respectively, to 5.00% and 5.43%, respectively, compared to 8.18% and 8.23%, respectively, in the same periods in 2007, in response to the 325 basis point decrease in the interest rate target set by the Federal Open Market Committee (“FOMC”) from September 2007 through April 2008. Mitigating these downward pressures on interest and dividend income was an increase in loans outstanding resulting from organic growth and interest rate floors on loans which are active on approximately 50% of the Company’s indexed loans. As a result of these factors, the Company’s yields on loans for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008 decreased to 6.21% and 7.01%, respectively, compared to 9.28% and 9.32%, respectively, in the same periods in 2007.
For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008, interest expense was $11.7 million and $35.0 million, respectively, compared to $15.0 million and $43.0 million, respectively, for the same periods in 2007. The same FOMC action mentioned above affected the cost of interest bearing liabilities. The target average federal funds rate for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008 was 1.94% and 2.40%, respectively, a decrease of 313 basis points and 279 basis points, respectively, compared to 5.07% and 5.19%, respectively, for the same periods in 2007. The full impact of these decreases was not reflected in the cost of interest bearing liabilities as competitive pressures and the level of market rates do not always allow equal changes in interest rates paid. Unfavorable changes in funding liability mix also slowed the decrease in the average cost of funding liabilities as the Company funded its loan growth and increased liquidity with higher cost certificate of deposits and wholesale funds. As a result of these factors, the Company’s cost of interest bearing liabilities decreased to 3.26% and 3.47% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008, respectively, compared to 4.90% and 4.80%, respectively, for the same periods in 2007.
Based on the aforementioned factors, the Company’s net interest margin for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008, declined to 3.14% and 3.88%, respectively, compared to 4.90% and 4.95%, respectively, in the same periods in 2007.

 

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Provision for Loan Losses
The Company has established an allowance for loan losses through charges to earnings that are reflected in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) as “provision for loan losses.” Specifically, the provision for loan losses represents the amount charged against current period earnings to achieve an allowance for loan losses that, in management’s judgment, is adequate to address the risks in the Company’s loan portfolio. To quantify these risks, the Company performs a quarterly assessment of the losses inherent in its loan portfolio, as well as a detailed review of each significant loan with identified weaknesses.
The provision for loan losses was $8.0 million and $26.4 million, respectively, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008, compared to $533,000 and $1.5 million, respectively, in the same periods in 2007. The increase in the loan loss provision has resulted in a substantial increase in both the general and specific loan loss allowances which management deemed necessary due to the continued decline in economic conditions in the Company’s primary markets as the deterioration of the real estate market during the second half of 2007 has continued throughout 2008.
Non-Interest Income
The following table sets forth the various components of the Company’s non-interest income for the periods indicated:
                                                 
    Three months ended             Nine months ended        
    September 30,             September 30,        
    2008     2007     Increase     2008     2007     Increase  
    Amount     (decrease)     Amount     (decrease)  
    (In thousands)     (In thousands)  
 
                                               
Service charges and other income
  $ 824     $ 621     $ 203     $ 2,225     $ 1,806     $ 419  
Income from bank owned life insurance
    97       111       (14 )     295       340       (45 )
Net swap settlements
    (108 )     52       (160 )     (223 )     144       (367 )
Rental income
    35       38       (3 )     122       114       8  
Gain on sale of securities
                      196       4       192  
(Loss) gain on sale of property
    (3 )           (3 )     1,207             1,207  
Net gain on sales of loans
                            285       (285 )
 
                                   
 
                                               
Total non-interest income
  $ 845     $ 822     $ 23     $ 3,822     $ 2,693     $ 1,129  
 
                                   
Non-interest income increased to $845,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2008, compared to $822,000 in the same period in 2007. The increase resulted from greater service charges and other income generated from increased transaction fees (e.g., customer service charges and ATM fees), offset by lower yields on the bank owned life insurance and the recognition of net interest expense on the Company’s interest rate swaps (compared to net interest income in the prior period).
Non-interest income for the nine months ended September 30, 2008, increased to $3.8 million, compared to $2.7 million for the same period in 2007. The increase resulted from greater service charges and other income generated from increased transaction fees, an increase in the gain on sale of securities due to calls on outstanding debt (resulting in a required redemption of the securities) and the gain on sale of the Company’s Warm Springs property in February 2008 of approximately $1.2 million for which there was no corresponding amount in 2007. Offsetting these increases in non-interest income were lower yields on the bank owned life insurance, the recognition of net interest expense on the Company’s interest rate swaps (compared to net interest income in the prior period) and the gain on sale of loans in 2007 for which there was no corresponding amount in the current period.

 

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Non-Interest Expense
The following table sets forth the components of non-interest expense for the periods indicated:
                                                 
    Three months ended             Nine months ended        
    September 30,             September 30,        
    2008     2007     Increase     2008     2007     Increase  
    Amount     (decrease)     Amount     (decrease)  
    (In thousands)     (In thousands)  
 
                                               
Salaries, wages and employee benefits
  $ 4,606     $ 5,337     $ (731 )   $ 15,701     $ 16,638     $ (937 )
Occupancy, equipment and depreciation
    1,351       1,351             3,924       3,774       150  
Core deposit intangible amortization
    335       335             1,005       1,005        
Data processing
    295       246       49       828       829       (1 )
Advertising and public relations
    387       651       (264 )     1,169       1,388       (219 )
Professional fees
    463       486       (23 )     1,669       1,186       483  
Telephone and postage
    153       214       (61 )     479       608       (129 )
Stationery and supplies
    171       189       (18 )     573       547       26  
Directors fees
    106       71       35       342       249       93  
Insurance
    469       170       299       1,129       429       700  
Software maintenance
    175       106       69       494       327       167  
Loan related
    266       74       192       489       251       238  
Foreclosed assets, net
    798             798       952             952  
(Gain) loss on interest rate swaps
    191             191       206             206  
Other operating expenses
    590       813       (223 )     1,788       1,893       (105 )
 
                                   
 
                                               
Total non-interest expense
  $ 10,356     $ 10,043     $ 313     $ 30,748     $ 29,124     $ 1,624  
 
                                   
For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008, non-interest expense was $10.4 million and $30.7 million, respectively, compared to $10.0 million and $29.1 million for the same periods in 2007.
Salaries, wages and employee benefits decreased to $4.6 million and $15.7 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008, respectively, compared to $5.3 million and $16.6 million for the same periods in 2007. These decreases resulted primarily from lower incentive and commission expenses and a reduction in estimated 2008 bonuses due to slower asset growth and the Company’s current year financial performance, offset in part by annual salary increases during the first quarter of 2008 and increased share-based compensation costs associated with the issuance of restricted stock in August of 2007.
Advertising and public relations expenses decreased to $387,000 and $1.2 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008, respectively, compared to $651,000 and $1.4 million for the same periods in 2007. These decreases resulted from the completion in 2007 of advertising campaigns associated with the Company’s 2006 mergers and a decision by management to migrate to more cost effective media platforms.
Professional fees amounted to $463,000 and $1.7 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008, respectively, compared to $486,000 and $1.2 million for the same periods in 2007. The increase in professional fees for the nine months ended September 30, 2008, was primarily the result of increased fees associated with the Company’s quarterly reviews, tax compliance and annual audit and increases in legal and consulting costs associated with Securities and Exchange Commission reporting as well as an efficiency/compliance study of its Bank Secrecy Act function during the first six months of 2008.
Insurance expense was $469,000 and $1.1 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008, respectively, compared to $170,000 and $429,000 for the same periods in 2007. The increase for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008, was primarily related to higher Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) insurance expense resulting from deposit growth and increases in rates associated with the Federal Deposit Insurance Reform Act of 2005.
Loan related expenses totaled $266,000 and $489,000 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008, respectively, compared to $74,000 and $251,000 for the same periods in 2007. These increases are due primarily to greater legal expenses and appraisal costs associated with protecting the Company’s interest in the underlying collateral of loans due to the weakening economies and deterioration of the residential real estate sectors experienced in the Company’s primary markets.

 

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Foreclosed assets expenses amounted to $798,000 and $952,000 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008. These expenses represent legal expenses, filing fees, property taxes, appraisal costs and other costs associated with the foreclosure process as well as costs associated with the maintenance of the property prior to sale, any decrease in fair value on the foreclosed property prior to sale and the gain or loss on sale of the foreclosed property. There were no corresponding expenses in 2007.
The Company recognized a mark-to-market loss of $191,000 and $206,000 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008, respectively, associated with interest rate swaps entered into during 2006. Since the Company did not use hedge accounting for these swaps, any fair value adjustment is included in non-interest expense. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007 there was no corresponding loss on interest rate swaps.
Other operating expenses were $590,000 and $1.8 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008, respectively, compared to $813,000 and $1.9 million for the same periods in 2007. For the three months ended September 30. 2008 the decrease in other operating expenses resulted from the recognition of a loss on extinguishment of debt of $377,000 in 2007 for which there is no corresponding amount in 2008, offset in part by increases in correspondent bank charges of $103,000 and sundry and operational losses of $78,000. For the nine months ended September 30, 2008, other operating expenses were relatively stable as the 2008 reduction in these expenses due to the extinguishment of debt noted above were offset by increased expenses associated with correspondent bank charges, other employee expenses and sundry and operational losses.
Income Tax Expense
The Company’s income tax (benefit)/expense is the sum of two components, current tax (benefit)/expense and deferred tax (benefit)/expense. The current tax (benefit)/expense is the result of applying the current tax rate to the reportable (loss) or income for tax purposes. The deferred tax (benefit)/expense reflects the (loss)/income on which taxes are (received)/paid versus financial statement pre-tax (loss)/income, as some items of income and expense are recognized differently for income tax purposes than for the financial statements.
The Company recognized an income tax benefit of $1.6 million and $2.7 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008, respectively, representing an effective tax rate of 35.4% and 35.3%, respectively. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007 the Company recognized an income tax expense of $2.9 million and $9.0 million, respectively, representing an effective rate of 34.7% and 35.1%, respectively. The primary reason for the difference from the federal statutory tax rate of 35% is the inclusion of state taxes and reductions related to tax-advantaged investments in municipal obligations and bank owned life insurance.
Deferred income tax assets or liabilities reflect the estimated future tax effects attributable to differences as to when certain items of income or expense are reported in the financial statements versus when they are reported in the tax return. The Company had a net deferred tax asset of $1.6 million and $1.5 million as of September 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007, respectively. The change in deferred taxes was primarily attributable to the tax effect of the fair market value change in available-for-sale securities.

 

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FINANCIAL CONDITION
Investment Securities
The following table summarizes the amortized cost, fair value and distribution of the Company’s investment securities as of the dates indicated:
                                 
    As of September 30,     As of December 31,  
    2008     2007  
    Amortized     Fair     Amortized     Fair  
    Cost     Value     Cost     Value  
    (In thousands)  
Available for sale:
                               
U.S. Government-sponsored agencies
  $ 5,963     $ 6,041     $ 26,537     $ 26,811  
Municipal bonds
    19,345       19,614       20,750       20,982  
SBA loan pools
    333       332       501       497  
Mortgage-backed securities
    34,159       34,225       40,300       39,897  
Mutual funds
                30       30  
 
                       
 
                               
Total available for sale
  $ 59,800     $ 60,212     $ 88,118     $ 88,217  
 
                       
 
                               
Held to maturity:
                               
Municipal bonds
  $ 491     $ 503     $ 646     $ 661  
SBA loan pools
    141       142       155       156  
 
                       
 
                               
Total held to maturity
  $ 632     $ 645     $ 801     $ 817  
 
                       
 
                               
Total investment securities
  $ 60,432     $ 60,857     $ 88,919     $ 89,034  
 
                       
As of September 30, 2008, investment securities totaled $60.8 million, or 3.4% of total assets, compared to $89.0 million, or 5.3% of total assets, as of December 31, 2007. The decrease in the investment portfolio was due primarily to maturities and calls on securities. The related proceeds were used in part to fund the Company’s 2008 loan growth.
Available-for-sale securities totaled $60.2 million as of September 30, 2008, compared to $88.2 million at December 31, 2007. Available-for-sale securities as a percentage of total assets decreased to 3.4% as of September 30, 2008, compared to 5.2% at December 31, 2007. Securities held to maturity decreased to $632,000 at September 30, 2008 from $801,000 at December 31, 2007. For the nine months ended September 30, 2008, the tax equivalent yield on the average investment portfolio was 5.30%, representing a decrease of 2 basis points, compared to 5.32% for the same period in 2007.

 

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Loans
The following table sets forth the composition of the Company’s loan portfolio as of the dates indicated:
                 
    September 30,     December 31,  
    2008     2007  
    (In thousands)  
 
               
Commercial and industrial
  $ 217,379     $ 210,614  
Real estate:
               
Commercial
    401,597       370,464  
Residential
    42,024       43,212  
Construction and land development
    813,412       789,185  
Consumer and other
    4,755       5,707  
 
           
Total gross loans
    1,479,167       1,419,182  
 
               
Less:
               
Allowance for loan losses
    34,332       17,098  
Net unearned loan fees and discounts
    3,317       5,194  
 
           
 
               
Total net loans
  $ 1,441,518     $ 1,396,890  
 
           
The Company’s loan portfolio represents the largest single portion of earning assets. The quality and diversification of the Company’s loans are important considerations when reviewing the Company’s results of operations. The Company’s lending activities consist of commercial and industrial, commercial real estate, residential real estate, construction and land development and consumer and other. None of these categories of the loan portfolio contain residential sub-prime or Alt-A mortgages.
As of September 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007, total gross loans represented 82.7% and 83.8%, respectively of total assets.

 

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The following tables set forth the detailed composition of the Company’s loan portfolio and related amounts for impairment (specific allowance) and impaired loans as of September 30, 2008:
DETAIL COMPOSITE OF LOAN PORTFOLIO
                                         
            Specific     Total Impaired  
    Balance     Allowance     Total     Accruing     Non Accrual  
    (In thousands)  
Real Estate:
                                       
Total Construction & Land
                                       
Single Family
                                       
Single Family Residential
  $ 194,411     $ 10,723     $ 81,341     $ 2,970     $ 78,371  
Condominiums
    16,321                          
 
                             
Total Single Family
    210,732       10,723       81,341       2,970       78,371  
Multifamily
    45,954       3,714       28,698             28,698  
Retail
    336,399       410       46,038       1,904       44,134  
Industrial
    91,292                          
Office
    80,711             8,540             8,540  
Other
    48,324                          
 
                             
Total Construction & Land
    813,412       14,847       164,617       4,874       159,743  
 
                             
 
                                       
Commercial
                                       
Office
                                       
Owner occupied
    108,002       28       3,518       144       3,374  
Non owner occupied
    42,042                          
 
                             
Total Office
    150,044       28       3,518       144       3,374  
Retail
    126,169       55       2,012       450       1,562  
Industrial
    72,031       77       388       388        
Other
    53,353       100       17,034             17,034  
 
                             
Total Commercial
    401,597       260       22,952       982       21,970  
 
                             
 
                                       
Residential
    42,024       199       429       139       290  
 
                             
Total Real Estate
    1,257,033       15,306       187,998       5,995       182,003  
 
                                       
Commercial & Industrial
    217,379       2,739       7,126       3,610       3,516  
 
                                       
Consumer
    4,755       18       20             20  
 
                             
 
                                       
Total Gross Loans
    1,479,167     $ 18,063     $ 195,144     $ 9,605     $ 185,539  
 
                               
 
                                       
Allowance for loan losses
    34,332             $ 18,063                  
 
                                     
Deferred Fees, Net
    3,317                                  
 
                                     
Net Loans
  $ 1,441,518                                  
 
                                     

 

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DETAIL COMPOSITE OF CONSTRUCTION & LAND LOAN PORTFOLIO
                                         
            Specific     Total Impaired  
    Balance     Allowance     Total     Accruing     Non Accrual  
    (In thousands)  
Construction & Land
                                       
Construction
                                       
Single Family
                                       
Single Family Residential
  $ 26,374     $ 872     $ 8,482     $ 1,442     $ 7,040  
Condominiums
    16,321                          
 
                             
Total Single Family
    42,695       872       8,482       1,442       7,040  
Multifamily
    7,413       3,264       7,413             7,413  
Retail
    146,702       410       14,560       1,904       12,656  
Industrial
    26,735                          
Office
    39,776                          
Other
    18,641                          
 
                             
Total Construction
    281,962       4,546       30,455       3,346       27,109  
 
                             
 
                                       
Acquisition & Development
                                       
Single Family
    73,716       3,552       26,161             26,161  
Multifamily
    17,535       450       17,535             17,535  
Retail
    129,621             26,138             26,138  
Industrial
    18,027                          
Office
    25,373             6,290             6,290  
Other
    6,583                          
 
                             
Total Acquisition & Development
    270,855       4,002       76,124             76,124  
 
                             
 
                                       
Developed Land
                                       
Single Family
    30,413       1,805       5,029             5,029  
Multifamily
    21,006             3,750             3,750  
Retail
    36,890             4,040             4,040  
Industrial
    833                          
Office
    443                          
Other
    18,600                          
 
                             
Total Developed Land
    108,185       1,805       12,819             12,819  
 
                             
 
                                       
Raw Land
                                       
Single Family
    63,908       4,494       41,669       1,528       40,141  
Retail
    23,186             1,300             1,300  
Industrial
    45,697                          
Office
    15,119             2,250             2,250  
Other
    4,500                          
 
                             
Total Raw Land
    152,410       4,494       45,219       1,528       43,691  
 
                             
 
                                       
Total Construction & Land
  $ 813,412     $ 14,847     $ 164,617     $ 4,874     $ 159,743  
 
                             

 

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Non-performing Assets
Non-performing assets include non-accrual loans, loans past due 90 days or more still accruing interest and OREO. The following table sets forth information regarding non-performing assets as of the dates indicated:
                         
    September 30,     December 31,     September 30,  
    2008     2007     2007  
    (In thousands)  
 
                       
Non-accrual loans, not restructured
  $ 185,539     $ 12,076     $ 7,714  
Accruing loans past due 90 days or more
    8       20        
Restructured loans
                 
 
                 
Total non-performing loans (“NPLs”)
    185,547       12,096       7,714  
OREO
    10,666              
 
                 
Total non-performing assets (“NPAs”)
  $ 196,213     $ 12,096     $ 7,714  
 
                 
 
                       
Selected ratios
                       
NPLs to total gross loans
    12.54 %     0.85 %     0.56 %
NPAs to total gross loans and OREO
    13.17 %     0.85 %     0.56 %
NPAs to total assets
    10.98 %     0.71 %     0.46 %
The composite of non-accrual loans as of September 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007 was as follows:
                                                 
    September 30, 2008     December 31, 2007  
    Non-Accrual             Percent of     Non-Accrual             Percent of  
    Balance     %     Total Loans     Balance     %     Total Loans  
    (In thousands, except percentage data)  
Commercial and industrial
  $ 3,516       1.9 %     0.24 %   $ 2,042       16.9 %     0.15 %
Real Estate:
                                               
Commercial
    21,970       11.8 %     1.48 %     4,291       35.5 %     0.30 %
Residential
    290       0.2 %     0.02 %           0.0 %     0.00 %
Construction and land development
    159,743       86.1 %     10.80 %     5,738       47.6 %     0.40 %
Consumer and Other
    20       0.0 %     0.00 %     5       0.0 %     0.00 %
 
                                   
 
                                               
Total Loans
  $ 185,539       100.0 %     12.54 %   $ 12,076       100.0 %     0.85 %
 
                                   
Non-performing loans totaled $185.5 million, or 12.5% of total gross loans, at September 30, 2008, compared to $12.1 million, or 0.85% of total gross loans, at December 31, 2007. The increase in non-performing loans is due primarily to the weakening economies and deterioration in the residential real estate sectors experienced in the Company’s primary markets during the second half of 2007 and continuing throughout 2008. While all categories of the Company’s loan portfolio have been affected by the current economic downturn, acquisition and land development loans have experienced the largest increase due to the short-term nature of the loans and the decline in value of the underlying collateral (e.g. real estate).
Thirteen relationships comprise $147.1 million, or 79.3% of all non-performing loans, as of September 30, 2008. As all non-performing loans are deemed impaired, management has individually reviewed the underlying collateral value (less cost to sell) on each of these loans as part of its analysis of impaired loans. As a result of this comprehensive analysis, a $14.6 million specific allowance for loan losses was established for non-performing loans, which is a component of the $18.1 million specific allowance on impaired loans.
OREO is real estate that is held for sale and is initially recorded at fair value, net of estimated disposition costs and is subsequently carried at the lower of its carrying amount or fair value. The Company’s OREO as of September 30, 2008 consists of six properties totaling $10.7 million, compared to no OREO at December 31, 2007. During the nine months ended September 30, 2008, the Company has foreclosed on eight properties totaling $16.1 million and sold two properties totaling $4.5 million which approximated the carrying value of the property at the time of sale. Subsequent to establishing the initial carrying value of the OREO, management has written down two properties by a combined total of $870,000.

 

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Impaired Loans
Impaired loans are loans for which it is probable that the Company will not be able to collect all amounts due according to the original contractual terms of the loan agreement. The category of “impaired loans” includes all non-accrual loans, regardless of size, as well as other loans that management has reviewed and believes it is probable that the Company will not be able to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement.
The following table sets forth information regarding impaired loans as of the dates indicated:
                 
    September 30,     December 31,  
    2008     2007  
    (In thousands)  
 
               
Impaired loans with a valuation allowance
  $ 58,962     $ 3,097  
Impaired loans without a valuation allowance
    136,182       26,702  
 
           
 
               
Total impaired loans
  $ 195,144     $ 29,799  
 
           
 
               
Average balance of impaired loans (1)
  $ 106,221     $ 15,163  
 
           
 
               
Related valuation allowance
  $ 18,063     $ 1,283  
 
           
 
               
Interest income recognized on impaired loans (1)
  $ 644     $ 1,551  
 
           
 
               
Interest income recognized on a cash basis on impaired loans (1)
  $ 318     $ 948  
 
           
     
(1)  
For the nine months ended September 30, 2008 and twelve months ended December 31, 2007.
Impaired loans totaled $195.1 million at September 30, 2008, compared to $29.8 million at December 31, 2007. Impaired loans include all non-performing loans in the amount of $185.5 million and other loans in the amount of $9.6 million that, while currently performing, were deemed impaired by management. An analysis is performed on the collateral value (less cost to sell) of each impaired loan and a specific allowance for loan losses is established. Based on this comprehensive review of impaired loans, management anticipates the losses associated with these loans will approximate $18.1 million and has established a specific allowance for loan losses in this amount.
Based on current collateral values, management believes the specific allowance of $18.1 million as of September 30, 2008 is adequate. While collateral values have declined over the last year, conservative loan to values at the inception of the loans have been beneficial in mitigating increases in the specific loan loss allowance. All non-performing real estate loans were recently appraised and will continue to be reappraised as necessary. Although management expects a number non-performing loans to be paid-off prior to the sale of the underlying collateral, the marketing and sales of these properties is currently in process.

 

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Allowance for Loan Losses
The following table sets forth information regarding the Company’s allowance for loan losses for the dates indicated:
                                         
    Three Months     Nine Months             Three Months     Nine Months  
    Ended     Ended     Year Ended     Ended     Ended  
    September 30,     September 30,     December 31,     September 30,     September 30,  
    2008     2008     2007     2007     2007  
    (In thousands)  
 
                                       
Allowance for Loan Losses:
                                       
Balance at beginning of period
  $ 28,050     $ 17,098     $ 14,973     $ 15,985     $ 14,973  
 
                             
Charge-offs:
                                       
Commercial and industrial
    1,219       3,056       1,125       67       224  
Real Estate:
                                       
Commercial
          229                    
Residential
    528       1,789       228       211       227  
Construction and land development
    17       4,301                    
Consumer and other
    34       94       199       71       126  
 
                             
Total charge-offs
    1,798       9,469       1,552       349       577  
 
                             
Recoveries
                                       
Commercial and industrial
    50       268       294       14       286  
Real Estate:
                                       
Commercial
                             
Residential
    3       3       26              
Construction and land development
    18       29       1              
Consumer and other
    9       9       1       1       1  
 
                             
Total recoveries
    80       309       322       15       287  
 
                             
Net loans charge-offs (recoveries)
    1,718       9,160       1,230       334       290  
 
                             
Provision for loan losses
    8,000       26,394       3,355       533       1,501  
 
                             
 
                                       
Balance at end of period
  $ 34,332     $ 34,332     $ 17,098     $ 16,184     $ 16,184  
 
                             
 
                                       
Total gross loans
  $ 1,479,167     $ 1,479,167     $ 1,419,182     $ 1,373,661     $ 1,373,661  
Average gross loans (net of deferred fees)
    1,491,121       1,473,918       1,318,995       1,351,327       1,305,660  
Non-performing loans
    185,547       185,547       12,096       7,714       7,714  
Non-performing assets
    196,213       196,213       12,096       7,714       7,714  
 
                                       
Selected ratios:
                                       
Net charge-offs (recoveries) to average loans (annualized)
    0.46 %     0.83 %     0.09 %     0.10 %     0.03 %
Provision for loan losses to average loans (annualized)
    2.13 %     2.39 %     0.25 %     0.16 %     0.15 %
Allowance for loan losses to total gross loans outstanding at end of period
    2.32 %     2.32 %     1.20 %     1.18 %     1.18 %
Allowance for loan losses to total non-performing loans
    19 %     19 %     141 %     210 %     210 %

 

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The provision for loan losses was $8.0 million and $26.4 million, respectively, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008, compared to $533,000 and $1.5 million, respectively, in the same periods in 2007. The increase in the loan loss provision has resulted in a substantial increase in both the general and specific loan loss allowance which was deemed necessary by management due to the continued decline in economic conditions in the Company’s primary markets as the deterioration of the real estate market during the second half of 2007 continued throughout 2008.
   
General Allowance for Loan Losses (SFAS No. 5, Accounting for Contingencies)
 
     
The increase in the general allowance for loan losses (from $15.8 million at December 31, 2007 to $16.3 million at September 30, 2008) is a direct result of the difficult economic conditions that exist in the Company’s primary markets. Management’s assessment of these conditions is reflected in the general allowance. As of September 30, 2008, the general allowance was 1.27% of non-impaired loans, compared to 1.14% at December 31, 2007.
 
   
Specific Allowance for Loan Losses (SFAS No. 114, Accounting by Creditors for the Impairment of a Loan)
 
     
The increase in the specific allowance for loan losses (from $1.3 million at December 31, 2007 to $18.1 million at September 30, 2008), is a result of the difficult economic conditions in the Company’s primary markets. The specific allowance for loan losses is based on a review of all impaired loans. Management has individually reviewed each impaired loan and its underlying collateral value (less cost to sell). As a result of this analysis, an $18.1 million specific allowance for loan losses was established, representing management’s assessment of the anticipated losses on these loans in the event of foreclosure on the underlying collateral and subsequent sale of the property.
Management believes the level of allowance as of September 30, 2008 is adequate to absorb the estimated losses from any known or inherent risks in the loan portfolio. However, the Company’s results can be significantly influenced by changes in the credit quality of its borrowers. The Company’s allowance for loan losses, OREO, charged-off loans, non-performing loans, impaired loans and the provision for loan losses all increased significantly during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008, compared to the same periods in 2007. These increases are primarily the result of the weakening economies and deterioration of the residential real estate sectors experienced in the Company’s primary markets during the second half of 2007 and continuing throughout 2008 and the effect these conditions had on its commercial and industrial, commercial real estate, residential and construction and land development loans (e.g., increased charge-offs, an increase in the economic risk metrics and an increase in the valuation allowance for impaired loans). As a result, while management believes the allowance for loan losses is adequate to absorb the estimated losses from any known or inherent risks in the loan portfolio, any prolonged or further deterioration in the real estate markets with resulting declines in the value of real estate collateral may cause higher levels of non-performing assets and loan losses in future periods.
Goodwill
Goodwill represents the excess of the consideration over the fair value of the net assets acquired through the 2005 and 2006 acquisitions of Bank of Commerce, Community Bank of Arizona and Valley Bancorp. Under SFAS No. 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, goodwill is not amortized but rather tested for impairment, at least annually. The Company’s annual testing of impairment was conducted as of October 1, 2007 for each of its reporting units (i.e., segments). No impairment of goodwill was identified at that time. In accordance with SFAS No. 142, goodwill of a reporting unit shall be tested for impairment between annual tests if an event or circumstance occurs that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carry value. The Company will perform its annual test of goodwill as of October 1, 2008, during the fourth quarter 2008 which might result in a reduction of the carrying value of goodwill and an impairment loss. Because goodwill is not included in the calculation of risk-based capital, the Company’s regulatory risk-based capital would not be impacted by this potential expense.
Deposits
Total deposits increased by $198.4 million, or 16.1%, to $1.43 billion as of September 30, 2008, from $1.2 billion as of December 31, 2007. The increase in deposits were secured to reduce the Company’s FHLB borrowings (both short-term and maturing term debt), fund a substantial portion of the Company’s loan growth during the nine months ended September 30, 2008 and create additional liquidity.
The Company’s increase in deposits was accompanied by a shift in deposit mix as core deposits (non-interest bearing demand, non-broker interest bearing demand and savings) declined to $812.7 million at September 30, 2008, compared to $910.5 million at December 31, 2007, resulting in an increased reliance on wholesale money market funds and broker certificate of deposits. While the economic downturn had an adverse effect on customer deposits, the decrease in core deposits was primarily driven by customers’ negative reaction to economic conditions and adverse publicity of banks and other financial institutions. Management believes the recently enacted increase of FDIC insurance to $250,000 and unlimited insurance protection on non-interest bearing accounts should mitigate future erosion of core deposits.

 

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At September 30, 2008, eight customer balances totaling $615.9 million comprised 43.1% of total deposits. These customer balances constitute all brokered deposits at September 30, 2008. Of these deposits at September 30, 2008, $441.3 million were interest bearing wholesale demand deposits and $174.6 million were other time deposits.
Borrowings and Junior Subordinated Debt
The Company has commitments from the FHLB for borrowings, which are collateralized by certain securities and a blanket lien on loans secured by real estate and all business loans. The agreement can be terminated by the FHLB at any time. As of September 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007, loans with a balance of approximately $253.6 million and $245.3 million, respectively, were pledged as collateral on advances from the FHLB as part of the blanket lien. The Company regularly uses the FHLB for short term and long term borrowings. FHLB term debt, which matures from January 2009 through March 2009, amounted to $36.0 million at September 30, 2008. Interest on all FHLB borrowings accrued at an average rate of 4.39% and 4.20% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008, respectively. Remaining available debt financing based upon the current collateral pledged through the FHLB amounted to $122.5 million at September 30, 2008.
In September 2008, the Company entered into a commitment with the FRB for borrowings, which are collateralized by certain securities and loans. The Company can terminate its consent to be bound under the agreement at any time by giving written notice as specified under the agreement. The borrowing capacity with the FRB totaled $252.7 million, none of which was used or outstanding as of September 30, 2008.
The Company also has agreements with other lending institutions under which it can purchase up to $120.0 million of federal funds. The interest rate charged on borrowings is determined by the lending institutions at the time of borrowings. Each line is unsecured. As of September 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007, there were no federal funds purchased.

In September 2007, the Company borrowed $15.5 million and used the proceeds to redeem junior subordinated debt owed to Community Bancorp (NV) Statutory Trust I which used the proceeds to redeem its trust preferred issuances. The borrowing is unsecured, bears interest at the one month LIBOR plus 1.50% (equal to 3.97% at September 30, 2008), is payable in the amount of approximately $475,000 monthly with all unpaid interest and principal due on September 26, 2010 and requires the lender’s approval prior to issuing dividends to shareholders. The outstanding balance on the note was $10.5 million and $14.3 million as of September 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007, respectively.

At September 30, 2008, the Company was not in compliance with the debt service coverage ratio requirement of this loan agreement. The Company is currently negotiating a waiver from the lender of this requirement and is current on all scheduled interest and principal payments. In the event these negotiations are not successful, the Company has the right and ability to prepay the note without penalty.

The Company had $72.2 million of subordinated debentures outstanding at September 30, 2008, which bore interest at an average rate of 5.74% and 5.98% for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2008, respectively. The subordinated debentures were issued in three separate series. Each issuance has a maturity of thirty years from its date of issue. The subordinated debentures were issued to trusts established by the Company, which in turn issued trust preferred securities. The proceeds from the issuance of the securities were used to fund the Company’s 2005 and 2006 acquisitions.
In accordance with FIN 46 (revised December 2004), Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities-an interpretation of ARB No. 51, statutory trusts are not reported on a consolidated basis. Therefore, the trust preferred debt securities of $70.0 million do not appear on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Instead, the junior subordinated debentures of $72.2 million payable by Community Bancorp to the statutory trusts and the investment in the statutory trusts common stock of $2.2 million (included in other assets) are reported on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
REGULATORY MATTERS
The regulatory capital guidelines as well as the actual capital ratios for Community Bank of Nevada, Community Bank of Arizona and the Company as of September 30, 2008 are as follows:
                                         
                    Actual  
                    Community     Community        
    Minimum     Well     Bank of     Bank of     Community  
    Regulatory     Capitalized     Nevada     Arizona     Bancorp  
 
                                       
Tier 1 leverage capital
    4.00 %     5.00 %     10.60 %     16.67 %     10.65 %
Tier 1 risk-based capital
    4.00 %     6.00 %     10.96 %     18.07 %     11.04 %
Total risk-based capital
    8.00 %     10.00 %     12.22 %     19.34 %     12.30 %

 

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In March 2005, the Federal Reserve Bank adopted a final rule that allows the continued inclusion of trust preferred securities in the Tier I capital of bank holding companies, subject to stricter quantitative limits and qualitative standards. Under the final ruling, qualifying mandatory preferred securities may be included in Tier I capital, subject to a limit of 25% of all core capital. Amounts of restricted core capital elements in excess of this limit generally may be included in Tier II capital. After a four-year phase in period, the final quantitative limits become effective on March 31, 2009. As of September 30, 2008, the junior subordinated debentures have been included in Tier I capital for regulatory capital purposes up to the specified limit ($70.0 million). The Company anticipates that its Tier 1 leverage capital and Tier 1 risk-based capital ratios will remain above well–capitalized thresholds under the stricter quantitative and qualitative limits.
LIQUIDITY MANAGEMENT
The Company’s liquidity represented by cash and due from banks, federal funds sold and available-for-sale securities, is a result of its operating, investing and financing activities and related cash flows. In order to ensure funds are available at all times, the Company devotes resources to projecting the amount of funds that will be required and maintains relationships with a diversified customer base so that funds are accessible. The Company believes it has the ability to increase liquidity by soliciting higher levels of deposit accounts through promotional activities, wholesale funding, borrowing from its correspondent banks, the FRB and the FHLB.
Management believes the Company’s liquid assets are adequate to meet its cash flow needs for loan funding and deposit withdrawals. At September 30, 2008, the Company had $151.0 million in liquid assets comprised of $88.8 million in cash and cash equivalents, $2.0 million in interest bearing certificates of deposits at other financial institutions and $60.2 million in available-for-sale securities. The $43.4 million increase in liquidity since December 31, 2007 was primarily a result of increased federal funds sold held by the Company offset by lower available-for-sale securities resulting from scheduled maturities which were used in part to fund the Company’s 2008 loan growth.
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
Market risk is the risk of loss in a financial instrument arising from adverse changes in market prices, interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates, commodity prices and equity prices. The Company’s market risk arises primarily from interest rate risk inherent in its lending and deposit taking activities. Management uses various asset/liability strategies to manage the re-pricing characteristics of the Company’s earning assets and funding liabilities to ensure that exposure to interest rate fluctuations is within its guidelines of acceptable risk-taking. Hedging strategies, including the terms and pricing of loans and deposits, and managing the deployment of the Company’s securities are used to reduce mismatches in interest rate re-pricing opportunities of portfolio assets and their funding sources.
Interest rate risk is addressed by our Asset Liability Management Committee (“ALCO”) which is comprised of executive officers of the Company. The ALCO monitors interest rate risk by analyzing the potential impact on the net equity value and net interest income from potential changes in interest rates, and considers the impact of alternative strategies or changes in balance sheet structure. The ALCO manages the Company’s balance sheet in part to maintain, within acceptable ranges, the potential impact on net equity value and net interest income despite fluctuations in market interest rates.
Exposure to interest rate risk is reviewed on at least a quarterly basis by the ALCO and the Board of Directors. Interest rate risk exposure is measured using interest rate sensitivity analysis to determine the change in net portfolio value in the event of hypothetical changes in interest rates. If potential changes to net equity value and net interest income resulting from hypothetical interest rate changes are not within the limits established by the Board of Directors, management may adjust the asset and liability mix to bring interest rate risk within approved limits.

 

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Item 4. Controls and Procedures
Evaluation of Controls and Procedures
With the participation of management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)) were evaluated as of the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. Based upon that evaluation, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that:
(a)  
information required to be disclosed by the Company in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and the other reports which the Company files or submits under the Exchange Act would be accumulated and communicated to the Company’s management, including its Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure;
 
(b)  
information required to be disclosed by the Company in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and the other reports which the Company files or submits under the Exchange Act would be recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms; and
 
(c)  
the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective as of the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q to ensure that material information relating to the Company and its consolidated subsidiary is made known to them, particularly during the period for which periodic reports, including this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, are being prepared.
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
There were no changes during the period covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Exchange Act) that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, internal control over financial reporting.
PART II — OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1. Legal Proceedings
There have been no material changes in legal proceedings as described in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007.
Item 1A. Risk Factors
There have been no material changes in the discussion pertaining to risk factors that was provided in the December 31, 2007 Form 10-K.
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
Stock Repurchase Program
The Board of Directors at its regular meeting of July 25, 2007, authorized the purchase of up to 5% of the Company’s outstanding shares as of June 30, 2007, or 520,996 shares, over twelve months. The Company repurchased 316,200 shares under the July 2007 authorization. The repurchase authorization expired on July 25, 2008.
Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities
None.
Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
None.
Item 5. Other Information
During the quarter ended September 30, 2008, there were no changes to the procedures by which stockholders may recommend nominees to the Company’s Board of Directors.
Item 6. Exhibits
  31.1  
Rule 13a-14(a) Certification by Chief Executive Officer
 
  31.2  
Rule 13a-14(a) Certification by Chief Financial Officer
 
  32.1  
Section 1350 Certifications

 

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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Company has caused this Report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
         
  COMMUNITY BANCORP
 
 
  By:   /s/ Edward M. Jamison    
    Edward M. Jamison   
    President and Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer)   
 
  Dated: November 10, 2008
         
  COMMUNITY BANCORP
 
 
  By:   /s/ Patrick Hartman    
    Patrick Hartman   
    Executive Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial Officer)
(Chief Accounting Officer)
 
 
 
  Dated: November 10, 2008

 

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EXHIBITS INDEX
  31.1  
Rule 13a-14(a) Certification by Chief Executive Officer
 
  31.2  
Rule 13a-14(a) Certification by Chief Financial Officer
 
  32.1  
Section 1350 Certifications