Form 10-K
Table of Contents

 

 

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

FORM 10-K

 

 

FOR ANNUAL AND TRANSITION REPORTS

PURSUANT TO SECTIONS 13 OR 15(d) OF THE

SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

x ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

   For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008

 

¨ 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 000-49806

 

 

FIRST PACTRUST BANCORP, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

 

 

Maryland   04-3639825

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.)

610 Bay Boulevard, Chula Vista, California   91910
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)   (Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (619) 691-1519

 

 

Securities Registered Pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share

(Title of class)

Securities Registered Pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:

None

 

 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.    YES  ¨.    NO  x.

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.    YES  ¨.    NO  x.

Check whether the issuer (1) filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the past 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports) and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    YES  x.    NO  ¨.

Check if there is no disclosure of delinquent filers in response to Item 405 of Regulation S-K contained herein, and no disclosure will be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.  x

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 definition of “accelerated filer,” “large accelerated filer,” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check One):

Large accelerated filer  ¨    Accelerated filer  ¨    Non-accelerated filer  ¨    Smaller reporting company  x

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

The aggregate market value of the voting stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant, computed by reference to the closing price of such stock on the Nasdaq System as of June 30, 2008, was $34.0 million. (The exclusion from such amount of the market value of the shares owned by any person shall not be deemed an admission by the registrant that such person is an affiliate of the registrant.) As of March 5, 2009, there were issued and outstanding 4,232,465 shares of the Registrant’s Common Stock.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

PART III of Form 10-K—Portions of the Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held during April 2009.

 

 

 


Table of Contents

FIRST PACTRUST BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

FORM 10-K

December 31, 2008

INDEX

 

          Page
   PART I   

Item 1

   Business    3

Item 1A

   Risk Factors    33

Item 1B

   Unresolved Staff Comments    42

Item 2

   Properties    43

Item 3

   Legal Proceedings    43

Item 4

   Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders    43
   PART II   

Item 5

   Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters, and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities    44

Item 6

   Selected Financial Data    46

Item 7

   Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations    48

Item 7A

   Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk    60

Item 8

   Financial Statements and Supplementary Data    62

Item 9

   Changes in and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure    92

Item 9A

   Controls and Procedures    92

Item 9B

   Other Information    92
   PART III   

Item 10

   Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant    93

Item 11

   Executive Compensation    93

Item 12

   Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters    94

Item 13

   Certain Relationships and Related Transactions and Director Independence    94

Item 14

   Principal Accountant Fees and Services    94
   PART IV   

Item 15

   Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules    95
   Signatures    97

 

2


Table of Contents

PART I

Item 1. Business

General

First PacTrust Bancorp, Inc. (“the Company”) was incorporated under Maryland law in March 2002 to hold all of the stock of Pacific Trust Bank (“the Bank”). Maryland was chosen as the state of incorporation because it provides protections similar to Delaware with respect to takeover, indemnification and limitations on liability, with reduced franchise taxes. First PacTrust Bancorp, Inc. is a savings and loan holding company and is subject to regulation by the Office of Thrift Supervision. First PacTrust Bancorp, Inc. is a unitary thrift holding company, which means that it owns one thrift institution. As a thrift holding company, First PacTrust Bancorp, Inc., activities are limited to banking, securities, insurance and financial services-related activities. See “How We Are Regulated—First PacTrust Bancorp, Inc.” First PacTrust Bancorp, Inc. is not an operating company and has no significant assets other than all of the outstanding shares of common stock of Pacific Trust Bank, the net proceeds retained from its initial public offering completed in August 2002, and its loan to the First PacTrust Bancorp, Inc. 401(k) Employee Stock Ownership Plan. First PacTrust Bancorp, Inc. has no significant liabilities. The management of the Company and the Bank is substantially the same. The Company utilizes the support staff and offices of the Bank and pays the Bank for these services. If the Company expands or changes its business in the future, the Company may hire the Company’s own employees. Unless the context otherwise requires, all references to the Company include the Bank and the Company on a consolidated basis.

The Company is a community-oriented financial institution offering a variety of financial services to meet the needs of the communities we serve. The Company is headquartered in Chula Vista, California, a suburb of San Diego, California and has nine banking offices primarily serving San Diego and Riverside Counties in California. Our geographic market for loans and deposits is principally San Diego and Riverside counties.

The principal business consists of attracting retail deposits from the general public and investing these funds primarily in permanent loans secured by first mortgages on owner-occupied, one-to four- family residences and a variety of consumer loans. The Company also originates loans secured by multi-family and commercial real estate and, to a limited extent, commercial business loans.

The Company offers a variety of deposit accounts having a wide range of interest rates and terms, which generally include savings accounts, money market deposits, certificate accounts and checking accounts. The Company solicits deposits in the Company’s market area and, to a lesser extent from institutional depositors nationwide, and has accepted brokered deposits.

The principal executive offices of First PacTrust Bancorp, Inc. are located at 610 Bay Boulevard, Chula Vista, California, and its telephone number is (619) 691-1519.

The Company’s reports, proxy statements and other information the Company files with the SEC, as well as news releases, are available free of charge through the Company’s Internet site at http://www.firstpactrustbancorp.com. This information can be found on the First PacTrust Bancorp, Inc. “News” or “SEC Filings” pages of our Internet site. The annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, and amendments to those reports filed and furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act are available as soon as reasonably practicable after they have been filed with the SEC. Reference to the Company’s Internet address is not intended to incorporate any of the information contained on our Internet site into this document.

On November 21, 2008, pursuant to the Troubled Asset Relief Program Capital Purchase Program of the United States Department of the Treasury (“Treasury”), the Company sold to Treasury 19,300 shares of the Company’s Fixed Rate Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock Series A (the “Series A Preferred Stock”), liquidation preference amount of $1,000 per share, for an aggregate purchase price of $19.3 million, and concurrently issued to Treasury a ten-year warrant to purchase up to 280,795 shares of the Company’s common

 

3


Table of Contents

stock at an exercise price of $10.31 per share. By leveraging the funds received, the Company, since the November 19, 2008 funding date and through February 27, 2009, has purchased a total of $35.5 million of mortgage-backed securities that are collateralized with one-to four- family residential loans, and has originated $20.9 million of residential real estate first and second trust deed mortgage loans.

Forward-Looking Statements

This Form 10-K contains various forward-looking statements that are based on assumptions and describe our future plans and strategies and our expectations. These forward-looking statements are generally identified by words such as “believe,” “expect,” “intend,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “project,” or similar words. Our ability to predict results or the actual effect of future plans or strategies is uncertain. Factors which could cause actual results to differ materially from those estimated include, but are not limited to, changes in interest rates, general economic conditions, legislative/regulatory changes, monetary and fiscal policies of the U.S. Government, including policies of the U.S. Treasury and the Federal Reserve Board, the quality and composition of our loan and investment portfolios, demand for our loan products, deposit flows, our operating expenses, competition, demand for financial services in our market areas and accounting principles and guidelines. These risks and uncertainties should be considered in evaluating forward-looking statements, and you should not rely too much on these statements. We do not undertake, and specifically disclaim, any obligation to publicly revise any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of such statements or to reflect the occurrence of anticipated or unanticipated events.

Lending Activities

General. The Company’s mortgage loans carry either a fixed or an adjustable rate of interest. Mortgage loans generally are long-term and amortize on a monthly basis with principal and/or interest due each month. The Company also has loans in the portfolio which require interest only payments on a monthly basis or may have the potential for negative amortization. At December 31, 2008, the Company had a total of $347.6 million in interest only mortgage loans and $37.3 million in mortgage loans with potential for negative amortization. In 2005, the Company introduced a fully-transactional flexible mortgage product called the “Green Account.” The Green account is a first mortgage line of credit with an associated “clearing account” that allows all types of deposits and withdrawals to be performed, including direct deposit, check, debit card, ATM, ACH debits and credits, and internet banking and bill payment transactions. At December 31, 2008, the balance of the Company’s Green account loans totaled $219.1 million, or 27.5% of the company’s total loan portfolio. At December 31, 2008, the Company’s net loan portfolio totaled $793.0 million, which constituted 90.5% of our total assets. For further detailed information on the Green account, visit the Company’s website at www.pacifictrustbank.com.

Senior loan officers may approve loans to one borrower or group of related borrowers up to $1.5 million. The Executive Vice President of Lending may approve loans to one borrower or group of related borrowers up to $2.0 million. The President/CEO may approve loans to one borrower or group of related borrowers up to $2.5 million. The Management Loan Committee may approve loans to one borrower or group of related borrowers up to $8.0 million, with no single loan exceeding $4.0 million. The Board Loan Committee must approve loans over these amounts or outside our general loan policy.

At December 31, 2008, the maximum amount which the Company could have loaned to any one borrower and the borrower’s related entities, was approximately $12.1 million. The largest lending relationship to a single borrower or a group of related borrowers was a combination of commercial real estate, multi-family and single family loans totaling an aggregate loan exposure amount of $12.2 million. At the time of origination, total exposure was within the Company’s maximum loan to one borrower amount which has since declined primarily due to a reduction in capital. The properties securing these loans are located in Anaheim and San Diego, California. These loans were current as of December 31, 2008.

 

4


Table of Contents

The following table presents information concerning the composition of the Company’s loan portfolio in dollar amounts and in percentages as of the dates indicated.

 

    December 31,  
    2008     2007     2006     2005     2004  
    Amount     Percent     Amount     Percent     Amount     Percent     Amount     Percent     Amount     Percent  
    (Dollars in Thousands)  

Real Estate

                   

One- to four-family

  $ 460,316     56.92 %   $ 421,064     58.96 %   $ 515,891     69.46 %   $ 559,193     80.87 %   $ 517,564     81.90 %

Commercial, multi-family and land

    98,062     12.12       94,544     13.24       106,310     14.31       96,650     13.98       96,655     15.29  

Construction

    17,835     2.21       18,866     2.64       16,409     2.21       6,424     0.93       126     0.02  
                                                                     

Consumer:

                   

Home equity-real estate secured*

    229,518     28.38       175,702     24.60       100,545     13.54       25,550     3.69       12,905     2.04  

Automobile

    240     0.03       430     0.06       589     0.08       820     0.12       1,274     0.20  

Other

    1,646     0.20       2,123     0.30       2,355     0.32       2,196     0.32       2,746     0.44  

Commercial

    1,133     0.14       1,398     0.20       611     0.08       622     0.09       681     0.11  
                                                                     

Total loans

    808,750     100.00 %     714,127     100.00 %     742,710     100.00 %     691,455     100.00 %     631,951     100.00 %

Net deferred loan origination costs

    2,581         2,208         2,004         1,733         1,203    
                                                 

Allowance for loan losses

    (18,286 )       (6,240 )       (4,670 )       (4,691 )       (4,430 )  
                                                 

Total loans receivable, net

  $ 793,045       $ 710,095       $ 740,044       $ 688,497       $ 628,724    
                                                 

 

* At 12/31/08, this total includes $219.1 million of the Company’s Green account loans, of which $200.8 million is secured by one-to four- family properties, $14.9 million is secured by commercial properties, $2.5 million is secured by multi-family properties and $798 thousand is secured by land. At 12/31/07, this total includes $164.0 million of the Company’s Green account loans, of which $155.0 million is secured by one-to four- family properties, $6.2 million is secured by commercial properties, $2.3 million is secured by multi-family properties and $429 thousand is secured by land. At 12/31/06, this total included $87.3 million of the Company’s Green account loans, of which $84.4 million was secured by one- to four- family properties, $1.3 million was secured by multi-family properties and $1.7 million was secured by commercial properties. At 12/31/05, this total included $9.7 million of the Company’s Green account loans all of which were secured by one- to four- family properties.

 

5


Table of Contents

The following table shows the composition of the Company’s loan portfolio by fixed- and adjustable-rate at the dates indicated.

 

    December 31,  
    2008     2007     2006     2005     2004  
     Amount     Percent     Amount     Percent     Amount     Percent     Amount     Percent     Amount     Percent  
    (Dollars in Thousands)  

FIXED-RATE LOANS

                   

Real Estate

                   

One- to four-family

  $ 7,740     0.96 %   $ 10,440     1.46 %   $ 10,750     1.45 %   $ 13,061     1.89 %   $ 14,762     2.34 %

Commercial, multi-family and land

    69,915     8.64       70,061     9.81       67,444     9.08       47,253     6.83       33,684     5.33  

Construction

    —       —         —       —         —       —         —       —         —       —    
                                                                     

Other loans

                   

Consumer:

                   

Automobile

    240     .03       420     .06       546     0.07       721     0.10       1,003     0.16  

Home equity-real estate secured

    799     .10       429     .06       —       —         —       —         —       —    

Other

    125     .02       448     .06       381     0.05       369     0.05       401     0.06  

Commercial

    525     .06       500     .07       —       —         65     0.01       87     0.01  
                                                                     

Total fixed-rate loans

    79,344     9.81       82,298     11.52       79,121     10.65       61,469     8.88       49,937     7.90  

ADJUSTABLE-RATE

                   

Real Estate

                   

One- to four-family

    452,576     55.96       410,624     57.50       505,141     68.01       546,132     78.98       502,802     79.56  

Commercial, multi-family and land

    28,147     3.48       24,483     3.43       38,866     5.23       49,397     7.15       62,971     9.97  

Construction

    17,835     2.21       18,866     2.64       16,409     2.21       6,424     0.93       126     0.02  
                                                                     

Other loans

                   

Consumer:

                   

Automobile

    —       —         10     .00       43     0.01       99     0.01       271     0.04  

Home equity-real estate secured

    228,719     28.28       175,273     24.54       100,545     13.54       25,550     3.70       12,905     2.04  

Other

    1,521     .19       1,675     .24       1,974     0.27       1,827     0.27       2,345     0.37  

Commercial

    608     .07       898     .13       611     0.08       557     0.08       594     0.10  
                                                                     

Total adjustable-rate loans

    729,406     90.19       631,829     88.48       663,589     89.35       629,986     91.12       582,014     92.10  
                                                                     

Total loans

    808,750     100.00 %     714,127     100.00 %     742,710     100.00 %     691,455     100.00 %     631,951     100.00 %
                                                                     

Net deferred loan origination costs

    2,581         2,208         2,004         1,733         1,203    
                                                 

Allowance for loan losses

    (18,286 )       (6,240 )       (4,670 )       (4,691 )       (4,430 )  
                                                 

Total loans receivable, net

  $ 793,045       $ 710,095       $ 740,044       $ 688,497       $ 628,724    
                                                 

 

6


Table of Contents

The following schedule illustrates the contractual maturity of the Company’s loan portfolio at December 31, 2008.

 

     Real Estate                                   
     One- to Four-Family     Multi-family and
Commercial and Land
    Construction     Consumer     Commercial
Business
    Total       

Due During Years Ending

December 31,

   Amount    Weighted
Average
Rate
    Amount    Weighted
Average
Rate
    Amount    Weighted
Average
Rate
    Amount    Weighted
Average
Rate
    Amount    Weighted
Average
Rate
    Amount    Weighted
Average
Rate
 
     (Dollars in Thousands)  

2009(1)

   $ 1,122    7.00 %   $ 22,977    7.80 %   $ 17,835    9.26 %   $ 2,272    8.32 %   $ 489    12.90 %   $ 44,695    8.44 %

2010

     1,283    6.44       5,423    7.11       —      —         574    4.54       —      —         7,280    6.79  

2011 and 2012

     695    6.11       1,409    6.34       —      —         3,238    5.62       608    6.53       5,950    5.94  

2013 to 2017

     5,927    5.50       9,510    5.32       —      —         6,369    4.14       36    7.50       21,842    5.03  

2018 to 2032

     41,106    5.51       32,774    6.95       —      —         218,951    6.32       —      —         292,831    6.28  

2033 and following

     410,183    5.69       25,969    6.03       —      —         —      —         —      —         436,152    5.71  
                                                                              

Total

   $ 460,316    5.67 %   $ 98,062    6.75 %   $ 17,835    9.26 %   $ 231,404    6.27 %   $ 1,133    9.31 %   $ 808,750    6.06 %
                                                                              

 

(1) Includes demand loans, loans having no stated maturity and overdraft loans.

The following schedule illustrates the Company’s loan portfolio at December 31, 2008 as the loans reprice. Loans which have adjustable or renegotiable interest rates are shown as maturing in the period during which the loan reprices. The schedule does not reflect the effects of possible prepayments or enforcement of due-on-sale clauses.

 

     Real Estate                                   
     One- to Four-Family     Multi-family and
Commercial and Land
    Construction     Consumer     Commercial
Business
    Total       

Due During Years Ending
December 31,

   Amount    Weighted
Average
Rate
    Amount    Weighted
Average
Rate
    Amount    Weighted
Average
Rate
    Amount    Weighted
Average
Rate
    Amount    Weighted
Average
Rate
    Amount    Weighted
Average
Rate
 
     (Dollars in Thousands)  

2009(1)

   $ 166,655    5.19 %   $ 59,429    6.82 %   $ 17,835    9.26 %   $ 87,946    5.77 %   $ 1,097    9.37 %   $ 332,962    5.87 %

2010

     68,690    5.56       21,023    6.47       —      —         76,362    6.74       —      —         166,075    6.22  

2011 and 2012

     86,061    6.03       4,748    6.80       —      —         66,986    6.39       —      —         157,795    6.20  

2013 to 2017

     134,113    6.09       12,862    6.81       —      —         42    7.90       36    6.16       147,053    6.16  

2018 to 2032

     4,797    6.02       —      —         —      —         68    5.00       —      —         4,865    6.00  
                                                                              

Total

   $ 460,316    5.67 %   $ 98,062    6.75 %   $ 17,835    9.26 %   $ 231,404    6.27 %   $ 1,133    9.31 %   $ 808,750    6.06 %
                                                                              

 

(1) Includes demand loans, loans having no stated maturity and overdraft loans.

The total amount of loans due after December 31, 2008 which have predetermined interest rates is $56.9 million, while the total amount of loans due after such date which have floating or adjustable interest rates is $707.2 million.

 

7


Table of Contents

One- to Four-Family Residential Real Estate Lending. The Company focuses lending efforts primarily on the origination of loans secured by first mortgages on owner-occupied, one- to four-family residences in San Diego and Riverside counties, California. At December 31, 2008, one- to four-family residential mortgage loans totaled $652.9 million, or 80.7% of our gross loan portfolio including the portion of the Company’s “Green” account home equity loan portfolio that are first trust deeds. If the home equity “Green” account loans in first position are excluded, total one- to four-family residential mortgage loans totaled $460.3 million, or 56.9% of our gross loan portfolio.

The Company generally underwrites one- to four-family loans based on the applicant’s income and credit history and the appraised value of the subject property. Generally the Company lends up to 90% of the lesser of the appraised value or purchase price for one- to four-family residential loans. For loans with a loan-to-value ratio in excess of 80%, the Company generally charges a higher interest rate. The Company currently has a very limited quantity of loans with a loan-to-value ratio in excess of 80%. Properties securing our one- to four-family loans are appraised by independent fee appraisers approved by management. Generally, the Company requires borrowers to obtain title insurance, hazard insurance, and flood insurance, if necessary.

National and regional indicators of real estate values show declining prices in the Company’s general market area, however, the Company believes that the current loan loss reserves are adequate to cover current known losses. Further, the Company generally adjusts underwriting criteria by decreasing the appraisal value by 5.0% when underwriting mortgages in declining market areas.

The Company currently originates one- to four-family mortgage loans on either a fixed- or adjustable-rate basis, as consumer demand dictates. The Company’s pricing strategy for mortgage loans includes setting interest rates that are competitive with other local financial institutions.

Adjustable-rate mortgages, or “ARM” loans are offered with flexible initial and periodic repricing dates, ranging from one year to seven years through the life of the loan. The Company uses a variety of indices to reprice ARM loans. During the year ended December 31, 2008, the Company originated $103.8 million of one- to four-family ARM loans with terms up to 30 years, and $1.3 million of one- to four-family fixed-rate mortgage loans with terms up to 15 years.

One- to four-family loans may be assumable, subject to the Company’s approval, and may contain prepayment penalties. Most ARM loans are written using generally accepted underwriting guidelines. Mainly, due to the generally large loan size, these loans may not be readily saleable to Freddie Mac or Fannie Mae, but are saleable to other private investors. The Company’s real estate loans generally contain a “due on sale” clause allowing us to declare the unpaid principal balance due and payable upon the sale of the security property.

The Company no longer offers ARM loans which may provide for negative amortization of the principal balance. At December 31, 2008, the existing negative amortizing loans in the portfolio totaling $37.3 million have monthly interest rate adjustments after the specified introductory rate term, and annual maximum payment adjustments of 7.5% during the first five years of the loan. The principal balance on these loans may increase up to 110% of the original loan amount as a result of the payments not being sufficient to cover the interest due during the first five years of the loan term. These loans adjust to fully amortize after five years through contractual maturity, or upon the outstanding loan balance reaching 110% of the original loan amount with up to a 30-year term.

In addition, the Bank currently offers interest only loans and expects originations of these loans to continue. At December 31, 2008, the Company had a total of $347.6 million of interest only loans. These loans become fully amortized after the initial fixed rate period.

In order to remain competitive in our market areas, the Company, at times, originates ARM loans at initial rates below the fully indexed rate. The Company’s ARM loans generally provide for specified minimum and maximum interest rates, with a lifetime cap, and a periodic adjustment on the interest rate over the rate in effect on the date of origination. As a consequence of using caps, the interest rates on these loans may not be as rate sensitive as is the Company’s cost of funds.

 

8


Table of Contents

ARM loans generally pose different credit risks than fixed-rate loans, primarily because as interest rates rise, the borrower’s minimum monthly payment rises, increasing the potential for default.( See “Asset Quality—Non-performing Assets” and “Classified Assets.”) At December 31, 2008, the Company’s one- to four-family ARM loan portfolio totaled $452.6 million, or 56.0% of our gross loan portfolio. At that date, the fixed-rate one-to four-family mortgage loan portfolio totaled $7.7 million, or 1.0% of the Company’s gross loan portfolio. The composition of the Company’s loan portfolio has not significantly changed during 2008. Further, the Company does not originate subprime loans and has no plans to originate subprime loans.

Commercial and Multi-Family Real Estate Lending. The Company offers a variety of multi-family and commercial real estate loans. These loans are secured primarily by multi-family dwellings, and a limited amount of small retail establishments, hotels, motels, warehouses, and small office buildings primarily located in the Company’s market area. At December 31, 2008, multi-family, commercial and land real estate loans totaled $98.1 million or 12.1% of the Company’s gross loan portfolio.

The Company’s loans secured by multi-family and commercial real estate are originated with either a fixed or adjustable interest rate. The interest rate on adjustable-rate loans is based on a variety of indices, generally determined through negotiation with the borrower. Loan-to-value ratios on multi-family real estate loans typically do not exceed 75% of the appraised value of the property securing the loan. These loans typically require monthly payments, may contain balloon payments and have maximum maturities of 30 years. Loan-to-value ratios on commercial real estate loans typically do not exceed 70% of the appraised value of the property securing the loan and have maximum maturities of 25 years.

Loans secured by multi-family and commercial real estate are underwritten based on the income producing potential of the property and the financial strength of the borrower. The net operating income, which is the income derived from the operation of the property less all operating expenses, must be sufficient to cover the payments related to the outstanding debt. The Company generally requires an assignment of rents or leases in order to be assured that the cash flow from the project will be used to repay the debt. Appraisals on properties securing multi-family and commercial real estate loans are performed by independent state licensed fee appraisers approved by management. See “—Loan Originations, Purchases, Sales and Repayments.” The Company generally maintains a tax or insurance escrow account for loans secured by multi-family and commercial real estate. In order to monitor the adequacy of cash flows on income-producing properties, the borrower may be required to provide periodic financial information.

Loans secured by multi-family and commercial real estate properties generally involve a greater degree of credit risk than one- to four-family residential mortgage loans. These loans typically involve large balances to single borrowers or groups of related borrowers. The largest multi-family or commercial real estate loan at December 31, 2008 was secured by a bulk of six 1-4 unit properties located in San Diego County with a principal balance of $8.9 million and a line of credit limit of $10.8 million. At December 31, 2008, this loan was performing in accordance with the terms of the note.

Because payments on loans secured by multi-family and commercial real estate properties are often dependent on the successful operation or management of the properties, repayment of these loans may be subject to adverse conditions in the real estate market or the economy. If the cash flow from the project is reduced, or if leases are not obtained or renewed, the borrower’s ability to repay the loan may be impaired. See “—Asset Quality—Non-performing Loans.”

Construction Lending. The Company has not historically originated a significant amount of construction loans. From time to time the Company does, however, purchase participations in real estate construction loans. In addition, the Company may in the future originate or purchase loans or participations in construction. At December 31, 2008, the Company had two construction loans totaling $17.8 million representing less than 3% of our gross loan portfolio. At December 31, 2008, both construction loans were nonperforming loans, and specific loan loss reserves of $8.9 million was made based on current loss expectations. See “Asset Quality—Non-performing Loans” and “Allowance for Loan Losses.”

 

9


Table of Contents

Consumer and Other Real Estate Lending. Consumer loans generally have shorter terms to maturity or variable interest rates, which reduce our exposure to changes in interest rates, and carry higher rates of interest than do conventional one- to four-family residential mortgage loans. In addition, management believes that offering consumer loan products helps to expand and create stronger ties to the Company’s existing customer base by increasing the number of customer relationships and providing cross-marketing opportunities. At December 31, 2008, the Company’s consumer and other loan portfolio totaled $231.4 million, or 28.6% of our gross loan portfolio. The Company offers a variety of secured consumer loans, including the Company’s “Green Account” first and second trust deed home equity loans, which comprises the majority of the consumer and other real estate portfolio, other home equity lines of credit and loans secured by savings deposits. The Company also offers a limited amount of unsecured loans. The Company originates consumer and other real estate loans primarily in its market area.

The Company’s home equity lines of credit totaled $229.5 million, and comprised 28.4% of the gross loan portfolio at December 31, 2008. Of these, $219.1 million represent the Company’s “Green Account” loans which represented 27.1% of the gross loan portfolio at December 31, 2008. Of the Company’s “Green Account” loans, $192.6 million were home equity loans secured by one-to four- family properties and were in first position. Green Account home equity loans have a fifteen year draw period with interest-only payment requirements, a balloon payment requirement at the end of the Draw Period and a maximum 80% loan to value ratio. Home equity lines of credit, other than the Green Account loans, may be originated in amounts, together with the amount of the existing first mortgage, up to 80% of the value of the property securing the loan. Other home equity lines of credit have a seven or ten year draw period and require the payment of 1.0% or 1.5% of the outstanding loan balance per month (depending on the terms) during the draw period, which amount may be re-borrowed at any time during the draw period. Home equity lines of credit with a 10 year draw period have a balloon payment due at the end of the draw period. For loans with shorter term draw periods, once the draw period has lapsed, generally the payment is fixed based on the loan balance at that time. At December 31, 2008, unfunded commitments on these lines of credit totaled $40.2 million. Other consumer loan terms vary according to the type of collateral, length of contract and creditworthiness of the borrower.

Auto loans totaled $240 thousand at December 31, 2008, or 0.03% of the Company’s gross loan portfolio. Loan-to-value ratios were up to 100% of the sales price for new autos and 100% of retail value on used autos, based on valuations from official used car guides. The Company no longer originates auto loans.

Consumer and other real estate loans may entail greater risk than do one- to four-family residential mortgage loans, particularly in the case of consumer loans which are secured by rapidly depreciable assets, such as automobiles and recreational vehicles. In these cases, any repossessed collateral for a defaulted loan may not provide an adequate source of repayment of the outstanding loan balance. As a result, consumer loan collections are dependent on the borrower’s continuing financial stability and, thus, are more likely to be adversely affected by job loss, divorce, illness, or personal bankruptcy.

Commercial Business Lending. At December 31, 2008, commercial business loans totaled $1.1 million or 0.1% of the gross loan portfolio. The Company’s commercial business lending policy includes credit file documentation and analysis of the borrower’s background, capacity to repay the loan, the adequacy of the borrower’s capital and collateral as well as an evaluation of other conditions affecting the borrower. Analysis of the borrower’s past, present and future cash flows is also an important aspect of our credit analysis. The Company may obtain personal guarantees on our commercial business loans. Nonetheless, these loans are believed to carry higher credit risk than more traditional single-family home loans.

Unlike residential mortgage loans, commercial business loans are typically made on the basis of the borrower’s ability to make repayment from the cash flow of the borrower’s business. As a result, the availability of funds for the repayment of commercial business loans may be substantially dependent on the success of the business itself (which, in turn, is often dependent in part upon general economic conditions). The Company’s

 

10


Table of Contents

commercial business loans are usually, but not always, secured by business assets. However, the collateral securing the loans may depreciate over time, may be difficult to appraise and may fluctuate in value based on the success of the business.

Loan Originations, Purchases, Repayments, and Servicing

The Company originates real estate secured loans primarily through mortgage brokers and banking relationships. By originating most loans through brokers, the Company is better able to control overhead costs and efficiently utilize management resources. The Company is a portfolio lender of products not readily saleable to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, although they are saleable to private investors. The Company did not attempt to sell any of its loans during 2008 and is not planning to do so in the near future.

The Company also originates consumer and real estate loans on a direct basis through our marketing efforts, and our existing and walk-in customers. While the Company originates both adjustable and fixed-rate loans, the ability to originate loans is dependent upon customer demand for loans in our market areas. Demand is affected by competition and the interest rate environment. During the last few years, the Company has significantly increased origination of ARM loans. The Company has also purchased ARM loans secured by one-to four- family residences and participations in construction and commercial real estate loans in the past, but none in 2008. Loans and participations purchased must conform to the Company’s underwriting guidelines or guidelines acceptable to the management loan committee. In periods of economic uncertainty, the ability of financial institutions to originate or purchase large dollar volumes of real estate loans may be substantially reduced or restricted, with a resultant decrease in interest income. During 2005, the Company introduced a new lending product called the “Green Account”, America’s first fully transactional flexible mortgage account. Originations of this product totaled $122.7 million and $139.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively. Origination volume in this product is expected to increase in 2009.

 

11


Table of Contents

The following table shows loan origination, purchase, sale, and repayment activities for the periods indicated.

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
     2008     2007     2006  
     (In thousands)  

Originations by type:

      

Adjustable rate:

      

Real estate—one- to four-family

   $ 103,790     $ 31,382     $ 89,272  

—multi-family, commercial and land

     8,666       14,613       8,515  

—construction or development

     35       5,216       10,781  

Consumer and other

     129,195 *     148,488       88,568  

—commercial business

     111       860       2,230  
                        

Total adjustable-rate

     241,797       200,559       199,366  

Fixed rate:

      

Real estate—one- to four-family

     1,252       2116       12,681  

—multi-family, commercial and land

     3,561       14,856       27,098  

Non-real estate—consumer

     529       655       883  

—commercial business

     2,119       3,832       —    
                        

Total fixed-rate

     7,461       21,459       40,662  

Total loans originated

     249,258       222,018       240,028  

Purchases:

      

Real estate—one- to four-family

     —         1,058       —    

—multi-family, commercial and land

     —         —         —    

—construction or development

     —         —         —    

Consumer and other

     —         —         —    

—commercial business

     —         —         —    
                        

Total loans purchased

     —         1,058       —    

Repayments:

      

Principal repayments

     (154,635 )     (251,658 )     (188,773 )

Increase (decrease) in other items, net

     (11,673 )     (1,367 )     292  
                        

Net increase (decrease)

   $ 82,950     $ (29,949 )   $ 51,547  
                        

 

* Of this total, $122.7 million represents originations of the Company’s Green account product, of which $117.3 million is secured by one-to four-family properties, $4.5 is secured by commercial properties, $359 thousand is secured by multi-family properties and $370 thousand is secured by land.

Asset Quality

Real estate loans are serviced in house in accordance with secondary market guidelines. When a borrower fails to make a payment on a mortgage loan on or before the default date, a late charge notice is mailed 16 days after the due date. All delinquent accounts are reviewed by a collector, who attempts to cure the delinquency by contacting the borrower prior to the loan becoming 30 days past due. If the loan becomes 60 days delinquent, the collector will generally contact by phone or send a personal letter to the borrower in order to identify the reason for the delinquency. Once the loan becomes 90 days delinquent, contact with the borrower is made requesting payment of the delinquent amount in full, or the establishment of an acceptable repayment plan to bring the loan current. When a loan becomes 90 days delinquent, a drive-by inspection is made. If the account becomes 120 days delinquent, and an acceptable repayment plan has not been agreed upon, a collection officer will generally initiate foreclosure or refer the account to the Company’s counsel to initiate foreclosure proceedings.

 

12


Table of Contents

For consumer loans a similar process is followed, with the initial written contact being made once the loan is 10 days past due with a follow-up notice at 16 days past due. Follow-up contacts are generally on an accelerated basis compared to the mortgage loan procedure.

Delinquent Loans. The following table sets forth our loan delinquencies by type, number, and amount at December 31, 2008.

 

     Loans Delinquent For:     Total
Loans Delinquent 60 days or more
 
     60-89 Days     90 Days or More    
     Number
of Loans
   Principal
Balance
of Loans
    Number
of Loans
   Principal
Balance
of Loans
    Number
of Loans
   Principal
Balance

of Loans
 
     (Dollars in thousands)  

One- to four-family

   1    $ 1,825     12    $ 8,942     13    $ 10,767  

Commercial, multi-family real estate and land

   1      345     1      9,377     2      9,722  

Home equity

   2      1,854     1      92     3      1,946  

Construction

   —        —       2      17,835     2      17,835  

Commercial

   —        —       —        —       —        —    

Consumer

   —        —       —        —       —        —    
                                       
   4    $ 4,024     16    $ 36,246     20    $ 40,270  
                                       

Delinquent loans to total gross loans

        0.50 %        4.48 %        4.98 %

Non-performing Assets. The table below sets forth the amounts and categories of nonperforming assets in our loan portfolio and includes those loans on nonaccrual status (which are listed above in the delinquent loan table), loans that have been restructured resulting in a troubled debt classification and impaired loans. The Company ceases accruing interest, and therefore classifies as nonaccrual, any loan as to which principal or interest has been in default for a period of greater than 90 days, or if repayment in full of interest or principal is not expected. Of the nonperforming loan balance, eight loans totaling $9.9 million were current as of December 31, 2008 but were still considered impaired. Interest that would have been accrued if the non-performing loans would have been performing totaled $3.2 million at December 31, 2008.

 

     December 31,
     2008    2007    2006    2005    2004
     (Dollars in Thousands)

Nonperforming loans:

              

One- to four-family

   $ 9,745    $ 1,941    $ 1,950    $ —      $ —  

Commercial and Multi-family real estate

     —        57      —        —        —  

Home equity

     882      1,402      —        —        —  

Construction

     17,835      9,957      —        —        —  

Land

     9,377      —        —        —        —  

Commercial

     —        775      —        —        —  

Consumer

     —        —        2      3      4
                                  

Total

     37,839      14,132      1,952      3      4

Troubled Debt Restructured Loans:

              `      `

One- to four-family

     3,538      —        —        —        —  

Commercial and Multi-family real estate

     5,412      —        —        —        —  

Home equity

     —        —        —        —        —  

Construction

     —        —        —        —        —  

Commercial

     —        —        —        —        —  

Consumer

     —        —        —        —        —  

Total

     8,950      —        —        —        —  

 

13


Table of Contents
     December 31,  
     2008     2007     2006     2005     2004  
     (Dollars in Thousands)  

Accruing loans delinquent more than 90 days:

             `  

One- to four-family

     —         —         —         —         —    

Commercial and Multi-family real estate

     —         —         —         —         —    

Home equity

     —         —         —         —         —    

Construction

     —         —         —         —         —    

Commercial

     —         —         —         —         —    

Consumer

     —         —         —         —         —    

Total

     —         —         —         —         —    

Non-performing loans

     46,789       14,132       1,952       3       4  
                                        

Real estate owned, net

     158       —         —         —         —    
                                        

Total non-performing assets

   $ 46,947     $ 14,132     $ 1,952     $ 3     $ 4  
                                        

Non-performing loans to total loans

     5.79 %     1.98 %     0.26 %     —   %     —   %

Non-performing assets to total assets

     5.36 %     1.82 %     0.24 %     —   %     —   %

Nonperforming loans increased $32.7 million to $46.8 million at December 31, 2008 compared to $14.1 million at December 31, 2007. Loan loss reserves totaling $13.8 million have been established for these loans. The Company utilizes estimated current market values when assessing loan loss provisions for collateral dependent loans. Troubled debt restructured loans totaled $8.9 million at December 31, 2008 and are included in the nonperforming loan balance above. These loans were modified in a way that required guideline exceptions beyond the Company’s normal scope. They have been placed on nonaccrual status even though the interest rate following modification was no less than that afforded to new borrowers. Once the borrowers perform pursuant to the modified terms for six consecutive months, the loans will be placed back on accrual status. Income is recognized when received during the six month nonaccrual period.

Real Estate Owned. At December 31, 2008 other real estate acquired in settlement of loans totaled $158 thousand, based on the fair value of the collateral less estimated costs to sell consisted of one single family property currently held for sale.

Classified Assets. Federal regulations provide for the classification of loans and other assets, such as debt and equity securities considered by the Office of Thrift Supervision to be of lesser quality, as “substandard,” “doubtful” or “loss.” An asset is considered “substandard” if it is inadequately protected by the current net worth and paying capacity of the obligor or of the collateral pledged, if any. “Substandard” assets include those characterized by the “distinct possibility” that the insured institution will sustain “some loss” if the deficiencies are not corrected. Assets classified as “doubtful” have all of the weaknesses inherent in those classified “substandard,” with the added characteristic that the weaknesses present make “collection or liquidation in full,” on the basis of currently existing facts, conditions, and values, “highly questionable and improbable.” Assets classified as “loss” are those considered “uncollectible” and of such little value that their continuance as assets without the establishment of a specific loss reserve is not warranted.

When an insured institution classifies problem assets as either substandard or doubtful, it may establish general allowances for loan losses in an amount deemed prudent by management and approved by the Board of Directors. General allowances represent loss allowances which have been established to recognize the inherent risk associated with lending activities, but , unlike specific allowances, have not been allocated to particular problem assets. When an insured institution classifies problem assets as “loss,” it is required either to establish a specific allowance for losses equal to 100% of that portion of the asset so classified or to charge off such amount. An institution’s determination as to the classification of its assets and the amount of its valuation allowances is subject to review by the Office of Thrift Supervision and the FDIC, which may order the establishment of additional general or specific loss allowances.

 

14


Table of Contents

In connection with the filing of our periodic reports with the Office of Thrift Supervision and in accordance with our classification of assets policy, we regularly review the problem assets in our portfolio to determine whether any assets require classification in accordance with applicable regulations. On the basis of management’s review of assets, at December 31, 2008, the Company had classified assets totaling $46.8 million of which $498 thousand was classified as special mention, $36.3 million was classified as substandard, $10.0 million as doubtful and $0 as loss. The total amount classified represented 47.0% of our equity capital and 5.3% of our total assets at December 31, 2008.

Provision for Loan Losses. The past year proved to be an extremely challenging operating environment, as witnessed by the continued deterioration of the housing market including declining home prices, increasing delinquencies and foreclosures, and a significant increase in unemployment. These combined factors have resulted in a substantial increase to the Company’s non-performing assets and loan loss provisions. The Company recorded a loan loss provision for the year ended December 31, 2008 of $13.5 million, compared to a loan loss provision of $1.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2007. The provision for loan losses is charged or credited to income to adjust our allowance for loan losses to reflect probable losses presently inherent in the loan portfolio based on the factors discussed below under “Allowance for Loan Losses.” The provision for loan losses for the year ended December 31, 2008 was based on management’s review of such factors which indicated that the allowance for loan losses reflected probable losses presently inherent in the loan portfolio as of the year ended December 31, 2008.

Allowance for Loan Losses. The Company maintains an allowance for loan losses to absorb probable losses presently inherent in the loan portfolio. The allowance is based on ongoing, quarterly assessments of the estimated probable losses presently inherent in the loan portfolio. In evaluating the level of the allowance for loan losses, management considers the types of loans and the amount of loans in the loan portfolio, peer group information, historical loss experience, adverse situations that may affect the borrower’s ability to repay, estimated value of any underlying collateral, and prevailing economic conditions. Large groups of smaller balance homogeneous loans, such as residential real estate, home equity and consumer loans are evaluated in the aggregate using historical loss factors and peer group data adjusted for current economic conditions. Geographic peer group data is obtained by general loan type and adjusted to reflect known differences between peers and the Company, including loan seasoning, underwriting experience, local economic conditions and customer characteristics. The Company evaluates all impaired loans individually, primarily through the evaluation of collateral values and cash flows.

At December 31, 2008, our allowance for loan losses was $18.3 million or 2.3% of the total loan portfolio. Assessing the allowance for loan losses is inherently subjective as it requires making material estimates, including the amount and timing of future cash flows expected to be received on impaired loans that may be susceptible to significant change. In the opinion of management, the allowance, when taken as a whole, reflects estimated probable losses presently inherent in our loan portfolios.

 

15


Table of Contents

The following table sets forth an analysis of our allowance for loan losses.

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
     2008     2007     2006     2005     2004  
     (Dollars in Thousands)  

Balance at beginning of period

   $ 6,240     $ 4,670     $ 4,691     $ 4,430     $ 4,232  

Charge-offs

          

One- to four-family

     (658 )     —         —         —         —    

Multi-family

     —         —         —         —         —    

Construction

     —         —         —         —         —    

Commercial

     (647 )     —         —         —         —    

Consumer

     (246 )     (24 )     (15 )     (25 )     (98 )
                                        
     (1,551 )     (24 )     (15 )     (25 )     (98 )

Recoveries

          

One- to four-family

     —         —         —         —         —    

Multi-family

     —         —         —         —         —    

Construction

     —         —         —         —         —    

Commercial

     —         —         —         —         —    

Consumer

     50       6       18       36       58  
                                        
     50       6       18       36       58  

Net (charge-offs) recoveries

     (1,501 )     (18 )     3       11       (40 )
                                        

Provision/(recovery) for loan losses

     13,547       1,588       (24 )     250       238  
                                        

Balance at end of period

   $ 18,286     $ 6,240     $ 4,670     $ 4,691     $ 4,430  
                                        

Net charge-offs to average loans during this period

     0.20 %     —   %     —   %     —   %     —   %

Net charge-offs to average non-performing loans during this period

     4.74 %     —   %     —   %     —   %     —   %

Allowance for loan losses to non-performing loans

     39.08 %     44.16 %     239.24 %     156,367 %     110,750 %

Allowance as a % of total loans (end of period)

     2.26 %     0.87 %     0.63 %     0.68 %     0.70 %

 

16


Table of Contents

The distribution of our allowance for loan losses at the dates indicated is summarized as follows:

 

    2008     2007     2006     2005     2004  
    Amount   Percent of
Allowance
to Total
Allowance
    Percent of
Gross
Loans in
Each
Category
to Total
Gross
Loans
    Amount   Percent of
Allowance
to Total
Allowance
    Percent of
Gross
Loans in
Each
Category
to Total
Gross
Loans
    Amount   Percent of
Allowance
to Total
Allowance
    Percent of
Gross
Loans in
Each
Category
to Total
Gross
Loans
    Amount   Percent of
Allowance
to Total
Allowance
    Percent of
Gross
Loans in
Each
Category
to Total
Gross
Loans
    Amount   Percent of
Allowance
to Total
Allowance
    Percent of
Gross
Loans in
Each
Category
to Total
Gross
Loans
 
    (Dollars in Thousands)  

Secured by residential real estate

  $ 3,372   18.44 %   56.96 %   $ 2,078   33.30 %   59.04 %   $ 3,503   75.01 %   69.56 %   $ 3,702   78.92 %   80.87 %   $ 3,623   81.78 %   81.90 %

Secured by commercial real estate and land

    3,888   21.26     12.13       499   8.00     13.25       615   13.17     14.34       667   14.22     13.98       578   13.05     15.29  

Construction

    8,877   48.54     2.21       1,702   27.27     2.65       69   1.48     2.21       39   0.83     0.93       1   0.02     0.02  

Consumer

    2,116   11.58     28.56       1,362   21.83     24.86       466   9.98     13.81       269   5.73     4.13       217   4.90     2.68  

Commercial

    33   0.18     0.14       599   9.60     0.20       17   0.36     0.08       14   0.30     0.09       11   .25     0.11  

Unallocated

    —     —       —         —     —       —         —     —       —         —     —       —         —     —       —    
                                                                                         

Total Allowance for Loan Losses

  $ 18,286   100.00 %   100.00 %   $ 6,240   100.00 %   100.00 %   $ 4,670   100.00 %   100.00 %   $ 4,691   100.00 %   100.00 %   $ 4,430   100.00 %   100.00 %
                                                                                         

 

17


Table of Contents

Investment Activities

Federally chartered savings institutions have the authority to invest in various types of liquid assets, including United States Treasury obligations, securities of various federal agencies, including callable agency securities, certain certificates of deposit of insured banks and savings institutions, certain bankers’ acceptances, repurchase agreements, and federal funds. Subject to various restrictions, federally chartered savings institutions may also invest their assets in investment grade commercial paper and corporate debt securities and mutual funds whose assets conform to the investments that a federally chartered savings institution is otherwise authorized to make directly. See “How We Are Regulated—Pacific Trust Bank” and “—Qualified Thrift Lender Test” for a discussion of additional restrictions on our investment activities.

The general objectives of our investment portfolio are to provide liquidity when loan demand is high, to assist in maintaining earnings when loan demand is low and to maximize earnings while satisfactorily managing risk, including credit risk, reinvestment risk, liquidity risk and interest rate risk. See Item 7A “—Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.”

The Company may invest in CMOs as an alternative to mortgage loans and conventional mortgage-backed securities as part of our asset/liability management strategy. Management believes that CMOs can represent attractive investment alternatives relative to other investments due to the wide variety of maturity and repayment options available through such investments. In particular, the Company has from time to time concluded that short and intermediate duration CMOs (with an expected average life of less than ten years) represent a better combination of rate and duration than adjustable rate mortgage-backed securities. All of the Company’s negotiable securities, including CMOs, are held as “available for sale.”

The following table sets forth the composition of our securities portfolio and other investments at the dates indicated. Our securities portfolio at December 31, 2008, did not contain securities of any issuer with an aggregate book value in excess of 10% of our equity capital, excluding those issued by the United States Government or its agencies. In February, 2008 the two agency notes totaling $4.4 million were called at par. Four collateralized mortgage obligations totaling $17.2 million were purchased during the months of November and December of 2008. These mortgage-backed securities are collateralized with one-to four- family residential loans.

 

     December 31,  
     2008     2007     2006  
     Carrying
Value
   % of
Total
    Carrying
Value
   % of
Total
    Carrying
Value
   % of
Total
 
     (Dollars in Thousands)  

Securities Available for Sale:

               

Agency securities FNMA/FHLB notes

   $ —      —       $ 4,361    99.86 %   $ 13,982    99.95 %

Collateralized mortgage obligations

     17,560    99.97 %     5    0.12 %     6    0.04 %

Federal National Mortgage Association

     4    0.02 %     5    0.12 %     6    0.04 %

Government National Mortgage Association

     1    0.01 %     1    0.02 %     1    0.01 %
                                       

Total

   $ 17,565    100.00 %   $ 4,367    100.00 %   $ 13,989    100.00 %
                                       

Average remaining life of securities

     4.2 years        5.2 years        3.9 years   

Other interest earning assets:

               

Interest-earning deposits with banks

     4,666    20.41 %     7,602    32.94 %     7,808    43.75 %

Federal funds sold

     8,835    38.64 %     8,635    37.41 %     245    1.37 %

FHLB stock

     9,364    40.95 %     6,842    29.65 %     9,794    54.88 %
                                       
   $ 22,865    100.00 %   $ 23,079    100.00 %   $ 17,847    100.00 %
                                       

 

18


Table of Contents

The composition and maturities of the securities portfolio, excluding Federal Home Loan Bank stock, as of December 31, 2008 are indicated in the following table.

 

     December 31, 2008
     One Year or
Less
    One to Five
Years
    Five to 10
Years
    Over 10
Years
    Total Securities
     Amortized
Cost
    Amortized
Cost
    Amortized
Cost
    Amortized
Cost
    Amortized
Cost
   Fair
Value
     (Dollars in Thousands)

Securities Available for Sale:

             

Collateralized mortgage obligations

   $ —       $ 14,346     $ 2,859     $ —       $ 17,205    $ 17,560

Federal National Mortgage Association

       4       —         —         4      4

Government National Mortgage Association

       1       —         —         1      1

Total investment securities

   $ —       $ 14,351     $ 2,859     $ —       $ 17,210    $ 17,565

Weighted average yield

     0 %     10.93 %     13.63 %     0 %     

Sources of Funds

General. The Company’s sources of funds are deposits, payments and maturities of outstanding loans and investment securities; and other short-term investments and funds provided from operations. While scheduled payments from the amortization of loans and mortgage-backed securities and maturing securities and short-term investments are relatively predictable sources of funds, deposit flows and loan prepayments are greatly influenced by general interest rates, economic conditions, and competition. In addition, the Bank invests excess funds in short-term interest-earning assets, which provide liquidity to meet lending requirements. The Bank also generates cash through borrowings. The Bank utilizes Federal Home Loan Bank advances to leverage its capital base, to provide funds for its lending activities, as a source of liquidity, and to enhance its interest rate risk management.

Deposits. The Company offers a variety of deposit accounts to both consumers and businesses having a wide range of interest rates and terms. The Company’s deposits consist of savings accounts, money market deposit accounts, NOW and demand accounts, and certificates of deposit. The Company solicits deposits primarily in our market area and from institutional investors. The Company also holds $20.0 million of brokered certificates of deposit at December 31, 2008, an increase of $16.2 million from the prior year. The Company primarily relies on competitive pricing policies, marketing and customer service to attract and retain deposits.

The flow of deposits is influenced significantly by general economic conditions, changes in money market and prevailing interest rates and competition. The variety of deposit accounts the Company offers has allowed the Company to be competitive in obtaining funds and to respond with flexibility to changes in consumer demand. The Company has become more susceptible to short-term fluctuations in deposit flows, as customers have become more interest rate conscious. The Company tries to manage the pricing of our deposits in keeping with our asset/liability management, liquidity and profitability objectives, subject to competitive factors. Based on our experience, the Company believes that our deposits are relatively stable sources of funds. Despite this stability, the Company’s ability to attract and maintain these deposits and the rates paid on them has been and will continue to be significantly affected by market conditions.

 

19


Table of Contents

The following table sets forth our deposit flows during the periods indicated.

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
         2008             2007             2006      
     (Dollars in Thousands)  

Opening balance

   $ 574,151     $ 570,543     $ 508,156  

Deposits net of withdrawals

     6,514       (20,255 )     42,804  

Interest credited

     17,512       23,863       19,583  
                        

Ending balance

   $ 598,177     $ 574,151     $ 570,543  
                        

Net increase

   $ 24,026     $ 3,608     $ 62,387  
                        

Percent increase

     4.18 %     .63 %     12.28 %
                        

The following table sets forth the dollar amount of savings deposits in the various types of deposit programs we offered at the dates indicated.

 

     December 31,  
     2008     2007     2006  
     Amount    Percent of
Total
    Amount    Percent of
Total
    Amount    Percent of
Total
 
     (Dollars in Thousands)  

Noninterest-bearing demand

   $ 14,697    2.46 %   $ 17,873    3.11 %   $ 14,362    2.52 %

Savings

     96,864    16.19       80,625    14.04       43,440    7.61  

NOW

     39,448    6.60       41,115    7.16       52,917    9.27  

Money market

     81,837    13.68       129,466    22.55       169,708    29.75  
                                       
     232,846    38.93       269,079    46.86       280,427    49.15  

Certificates of deposit

               

0.00% - 2.99%

     80,992    13.54       89    0.02       4,473    0.78  

3.00% - 3.99%

     215,064    35.95       15,119    2.63       31,052    5.44  

4.00% - 4.99%

     66,629    11.14       135,639    23.63       104,107    18.25  

5.00% - 5.99%

     2,646    0.44       154,225    26.86       150,484    26.38  

6.00% - 6.99%

     —      —         —      —         —      —    

7.00% - 7.99%

     —      —         —      —         —      —    
                                       

Total Certificates of deposit

     365,331    61.07       305,072    53.14       290,116    50.85  
                                       
   $ 598,177    100.00 %   $ 574,151    100.00 %   $ 570,543    100.00 %
                                       

The following table (in thousands) indicates the amount of the Company’s certificates of deposit and other deposits by time remaining until maturity as of December 31, 2008.

 

     2009    2010    2011    2012    2013    Total

0.00% - 2.99%

   $ 77,083    $ 3,065      744      100      —      $ 80,992

3.00% - 3.99%

     191,939      17,386      3,713      523      1,503      215,064

4.00% - 4.99%

     47,069      12,404      1,816      2,191      3,149      66,629

5.00% - 5.99%

     868      421      1,158      199      —        2,646

6.00% - 6.99%

     —        —        —        —        —        —  

7.00% - 7.99%

     —        —        —        —        —        —  
                                         
   $ 316,959    $ 33,276    $ 7,431    $ 3,013    $ 4,652    $ 365,331
                                         

$100,000 and over

   $ 162,891    $ 13,499    $ 3,046    $ 1,495    $ 2,853    $ 183,784

Below $100,000

     154,068      19,777      4,385      1,518      1,799      181,547
                                         

Total

   $ 316,959    $ 33,276    $ 7,431    $ 3,013    $ 4,652    $ 365,331
                                         

 

20


Table of Contents

Borrowings. Although deposits are our primary source of funds, the Company may utilize borrowings when they are a less costly source of funds and can be invested at a positive interest rate spread, when the Company desires additional capacity to fund loan demand or when they meet our asset/liability management goals. The Company’s borrowings historically have consisted of advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco (FHLB).

The Company may obtain advances from the FHLB by collateralizing the advances with certain of the Company’s mortgage loans and mortgage-backed and other securities. These advances may be made pursuant to several different credit programs, each of which has its own interest rate, range of maturities and call features. At December 31, 2008, the Company had $175.0 million in Federal Home Loan Bank advances outstanding and the ability to borrow an additional $120.9 million. See also Note 7 of the Notes to the Company’s consolidated financial statements at Item 8 of this report for additional information regarding FHLB advances.

The following table sets forth certain information as to our borrowings at the dates and for the years indicated.

 

     At or for the Year Ended December 31,  
             2008                     2007                     2006          
     (Dollars in Thousands)  

Average balance outstanding

   $ 157,569     $ 114,562     $ 176,769  

Maximum month-end balance

   $ 229,000     $ 147,200     $ 204,200  

Balance at end of period

   $ 175,000     $ 111,700     $ 151,200  

Weighted average interest rate during the period

     3.52 %     4.06 %     4.25 %

Weighted average interest rate at end of period

     3.43 %     4.55 %     4.64 %

Subsidiary and Other Activities

As a federally chartered savings bank, Pacific Trust Bank is permitted by the Office of Thrift Supervision to invest 2% of our assets or $17.5 million at December 31, 2008, in the stock of, or unsecured loans to, service corporation subsidiaries. The Company may invest an additional 1% of our assets in secure corporations where such additional funds are used for inner city or community development purposes. Pacific Trust Bank currently does not have any subsidiary service corporations.

Competition

The Company faces strong competition in originating real estate and other loans and in attracting deposits. Competition in originating real estate loans comes primarily from other savings institutions, commercial banks, credit unions and mortgage bankers. Other savings institutions, commercial banks, credit unions and finance companies provide vigorous competition in consumer lending.

The Company attracts deposits through the branch office system and through the internet. Competition for those deposits is principally from other savings institutions, commercial banks and credit unions located in the same community, as well as mutual funds and other alternative investments. The Company competes for these deposits by offering superior service and a variety of deposit accounts at competitive rates. Based on the most recent branch deposit data as of June 30, 2008 provided by the FDIC, Pacific Trust Bank’s share of deposits was 0.97% and 0.53% in San Diego and Riverside Counties, respectively.

Employees

At December 31, 2008, we had a total of 95 full-time employees and 12 part-time employees. Our employees are not represented by any collective bargaining group. Management considers its employee relations to be satisfactory.

 

21


Table of Contents

HOW WE ARE REGULATED

Set forth below is a brief description of certain laws and regulations which are applicable to First PacTrust Bancorp, Inc. and Pacific Trust Bank. The description of these laws and regulations, as well as descriptions of laws and regulations contained elsewhere herein, does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the applicable laws and regulations.

Legislation is introduced from time to time in the United States Congress that may affect the operations of the Company and the Bank. In addition, the regulations governing the Company and the Bank may be amended from time to time by the Office of Thrift Supervision. Any such legislation or regulatory changes in the future could adversely affect the Company or the Bank. No assurance can be given as to whether or in what form any such changes may occur.

General

Pacific Trust Bank, as a federally chartered savings institution, is subject to federal regulation and oversight by the Office of Thrift Supervision extending to all aspects of its operations. The Bank is also subject to regulation and examination by the FDIC, which insures the deposits of the Bank to the maximum extent permitted by law, and requirements established by the Federal Reserve Board. Federally chartered savings institutions are required to file periodic reports with the Office of Thrift Supervision and are subject to periodic examinations by the Office of Thrift Supervision and the FDIC. The investment and lending authority of savings institutions are prescribed by federal laws and regulations, and such institutions are prohibited from engaging in any activities not permitted by such laws and regulations. Such regulation and supervision primarily is intended for the protection of depositors and not for the purpose of protecting shareholders.

The Office of Thrift Supervision regularly examines the Bank and prepares reports for the consideration of the Bank’s board of directors on any deficiencies that it may find in the Bank’s operations. The FDIC also has the authority to examine the Bank in its role as the administrator of the Savings Association Insurance Fund. Our relationship with its depositors and borrowers also is regulated to a great extent by both Federal and state laws, especially in such matters as the ownership of savings accounts and the form and content of our mortgage requirements. Any change in such regulations, whether by the FDIC, the Office of Thrift Supervision or Congress, could have a material adverse impact on the Company and the Bank and their operations.

First PacTrust Bancorp, Inc.

Pursuant to regulations of the Office of Thrift Supervision and the terms of the Company’s Maryland charter, the purpose and powers of the Company are to pursue any or all of the lawful objectives of a thrift holding company and to exercise any of the powers accorded to a thrift holding company.

First PacTrust Bancorp, Inc. is a unitary savings and loan holding company subject to regulatory oversight by the Office of Thrift Supervision. First PacTrust is required to register and file reports with the Office of Thrift Supervision and is subject to regulation and examination by the Office of Thrift Supervision. In addition, the Office of Thrift Supervision has enforcement authority over us and our non-savings institution subsidiaries.

First PacTrust generally is not subject to activity restrictions. If First PacTrust acquired control of another savings institution as a separate subsidiary, it would become a multiple savings and loan holding company, and its activities and any of its subsidiaries (other than Pacific Trust Bank or any other savings institution) would generally become subject to additional restrictions.

Pacific Trust Bank

The Office of Thrift Supervision has extensive authority over the operations of savings institutions. As part of this authority, we are required to file periodic reports with the Office of Thrift Supervision and we are subject to periodic examinations by the Office of Thrift Supervision and the FDIC. When these examinations are

 

22


Table of Contents

conducted by the Office of Thrift Supervision and the FDIC, the examiners may require the Bank to provide for higher general or specific loan loss reserves. All savings institutions are subject to a semi-annual assessment, based upon the savings institution’s total assets, to fund the operations of the Office of Thrift Supervision.

The Office of Thrift Supervision also has extensive enforcement authority over all savings institutions and their holding companies, including the Bank and the Company. This enforcement authority includes, among other things, the ability to assess civil money penalties, to issue cease-and-desist or removal orders and to initiate injunctive actions. In general, these enforcement actions may be initiated for violations of laws and regulations and unsafe or unsound practices. Other actions or inactions may provide the basis for enforcement action, including misleading or untimely reports filed with the Office of Thrift Supervision. Except under certain circumstances, public disclosure of final enforcement actions by the Office of Thrift Supervision is required.

In addition, the investment, lending and branching authority of the Bank is prescribed by federal laws and it is prohibited from engaging in any activities not permitted by such laws. For instance, no savings institution may invest in non-investment grade corporate debt securities. In addition, the permissible level of investment by federal institutions in loans secured by non-residential real property may not exceed 400% of total capital, except with approval of the Office of Thrift Supervision. Federal savings institutions are also generally authorized to branch nationwide. The Bank is in compliance with the noted restrictions.

The Bank’s general permissible lending limit for loans-to-one-borrower is equal to the greater of $500 thousand or 15% of unimpaired capital and surplus including allowance for loan losses (except for loans fully secured by certain readily marketable collateral, in which case this limit is increased to 25% of unimpaired capital and surplus). At December 31, 2008, the Bank’s lending limit under this restriction was $12.1 million. The Bank is in compliance with the loans-to-one-borrower limitation.

The OTS’ oversight of Pacific Trust Bank includes reviewing its compliance with the customer privacy requirements imposed by the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act of 1999 and the anti-money laundering provisions of the USA Patriot Act. The Gramm-Leach-Bliley privacy requirements place limitations on the sharing of consumer financial information with unaffiliated third parties. They also require each financial institution offering financial products or services to retail customers to provide such customers with its privacy policy and with the opportunity to “opt out” of the sharing of their personal information with unaffiliated third parties. The USA Patriot Act significantly expands the responsibilities of financial institutions in preventing the use of the United States financial system to fund terrorist activities. Its anti-money laundering provisions require financial institutions operating in the United States to develop anti-money laundering compliance programs and due diligence policies and controls to ensure the detection and reporting of money laundering. These compliance programs are intended to supplement existing compliance requirements under the Bank Secrecy Act and the Office of Foreign Assets Control Regulations.

The Office of Thrift Supervision, as well as the other federal banking agencies, has adopted guidelines establishing safety and soundness standards on such matters as loan underwriting and documentation, asset quality, earnings standards, internal controls and audit systems, interest rate risk exposure and compensation and other employee benefits. Any institution which fails to comply with these standards must submit a compliance plan.

FDIC Regulation and Insurance of Accounts. Pacific Trust Bank’s deposits are insured up to the applicable limits by the FDIC, and this insurance is backed by the full faith and credit of the United States Government. As insurer, the FDIC imposes deposit insurance premiums and is authorized to conduct examinations of and to require reporting by FDIC-insured institutions. Our deposit insurance premiums for 2008 were $475 thousand. The FDIC may prohibit any FDIC-insured institution from engaging in any activity that it determines by regulation or order to pose a serious risk to the deposit insurance fund. The FDIC also has the authority to initiate enforcement actions against Pacific Trust Bank and may terminate our deposit insurance if it determines that we have engaged in unsafe or unsound practices or is in an unsafe or unsound condition.

 

23


Table of Contents

The FDIC assesses deposit insurance premiums on all FDIC-insured institutions quarterly based on annualized rates for four risk categories. Each institution is assigned to one of four risk categories based on its capital, supervisory ratings and other factors. Well capitalized institutions that are financially sound with only a few minor weaknesses are assigned to Risk Category I. Risk Categories II, III and IV present progressively greater risks to the Depositors Insurance Fund (“DIF”). Under the FDIC’s risk-based assessment rules, effective April 1, 2009, the initial base assessment rates prior to adjustments range from 12 to 16 basis points for Risk Category I, 22 basis points for Risk Category II, 32 basis points for Risk Category III, and 45 basis points for Risk Category IV. Initial base assessment rates are subject to adjustments based on an institution’s unsecured debt, secured liabilities and brokered deposits, such that the total base assessment rates after adjustments range from 7 to 24 basis points for Risk Category I, 17 to 43 basis points for Risk Category II, 27 to 58 basis points for Risk Category III, and 40 to 77.5 basis points for Risk Category IV.

The rule also includes authority for the FDIC to increase or decrease total base assessment rates in the future by as much as three basis points without a formal rulemaking proceeding.

In addition to the regular quarterly assessments, due to losses and projected losses attributed to failed institutions, the FDIC has adopted a rule imposing on every insured institution a special assessment equal to 20 basis points of its assessment base as of June 30, 2009, to be collected on September 30, 2009. The special assessment rule also authorizes the FDIC to impose additional special assessments if the reserve ratio of the DIF is estimated to fall to a level that the FDIC’s board believes would adversely affect public confidence or that is close to zero or negative. Any additional special assessment would be in amount up to 10 basis points on the assessment base for the quarter in which it is imposed and would be collected at the end of the following quarter.

Following a systemic risk determination, the FDIC established its Temporary Liquidity Guarantee Program (TLGP) in October 2008. Under the interim rule for the TLGP, there are two parts to the program: the Debt Guarantee Program (DGP) and the Transaction Account Guarantee Program (TAGP). Eligible entities continue to participate unless they opted out on or before December 5, 2008.

For the DGP, eligible entities are generally US bank holding companies, savings and loan holding companies, and FDIC-insured institutions. Under the DGP, the FDIC guarantees new senior unsecured debt of an eligible entity issued not later than June 30, 2009, and, if an application is approved, guarantees certain mandatory convertible debt. Pacific Trust Bank and the Company opted out of the DGP.

For the TAGP, eligible entities are FDIC-insured institutions. Under the TAGP, the FDIC provides unlimited deposit insurance coverage through December 31, 2009 for noninterest-bearing transaction accounts (typically business checking accounts), NOW accounts bearing interest at 0.5% or less, and certain funds swept into noninterest-bearing savings accounts. Pacific Trust Bank opted out of the TAGP.

FDIC-insured institutions are required to pay a Financing Corporation assessment, in order to fund the interest on bonds issued to resolve thrift failures in the 1980s. For 2008, the Financing Corporation assessment equaled 1.12 basis points for each $100 in domestic deposits. These assessments, which may be revised based upon the level of deposits, will continue until the bonds mature in the years 2017 through 2019.

Regulatory Capital Requirements

Federally insured savings institutions, such as the Bank, are required to maintain a minimum level of regulatory capital. The Office of Thrift Supervision has established capital standards, including a tangible capital requirement, a leverage ratio or core capital requirement and a risk-based capital requirement applicable to such savings institutions. These capital requirements must be generally as stringent as the comparable capital requirements for national banks. The Office of Thrift Supervision is also authorized to impose capital requirements in excess of these standards on a case-by-case basis.

 

24


Table of Contents

The capital regulations require core capital equal to at least 4.0% of adjusted total assets. Core capital consists of tangible capital plus certain intangible assets including a limited amount of credit card relationships. At December 31, 2008, the Bank had core capital equal to $75.7 million, or 8.6% of adjusted total assets, which was $40.6 million above the minimum requirement of 4.0% in effect on that date.

The Office of Thrift Supervision also requires savings institutions to have total capital of at least 8.0% of risk-weighted assets. Total capital consists of core capital, as defined above, and supplementary capital. Supplementary capital consists of certain permanent and maturing capital instruments that do not qualify as core capital and general valuation loan and lease loss allowances up to a maximum of 1.25% of risk-weighted assets. Supplementary capital may be used to satisfy the risk-based requirement only to the extent of core capital. The Office of Thrift Supervision is also authorized to require a savings institution to maintain an additional amount of total capital to account for concentration of credit risk and the risk of non-traditional activities. At December 31, 2008, the Bank had $4.5 million of general loan loss reserves, which was less than 1.3% of risk-weighted assets.

In determining the amount of risk-weighted assets, all assets, including certain off-balance sheet items, will be multiplied by a risk weight, ranging from 0% to 100%, based on the risk inherent in the type of asset. For example, the Office of Thrift Supervision has assigned a risk weight of 50% for prudently underwritten permanent one- to four-family first lien mortgage loans not more than 90 days delinquent and having a loan-to-value ratio of not more than 80% at origination unless insured to such ratio by an insurer approved by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac.

On December 31, 2008, the Bank had total risk-based capital of $80.2 million and risk-weighted assets of $658.3 million; or total risk-based capital to risk-weighted assets of 12.2%. This amount was $27.6 million above the 8.0% requirement in effect on that date.

The Office of Thrift Supervision and the FDIC are authorized and, under certain circumstances, required to take certain actions against savings institutions that fail to meet their capital requirements. The Office of Thrift Supervision is generally required to take action to restrict the activities of an “undercapitalized institution,” which is an institution with less than either a 4.0% core capital ratio, a 4.0% Tier 1 risked-based capital ratio or an 8.0% risk-based capital ratio. Any such institution must submit a capital restoration plan and until such plan is approved by the Office of Thrift Supervision may not increase its assets, acquire another institution, establish a branch or engage in any new activities, and generally may not make capital distributions.

Any savings institution that fails to comply with its capital plan or has Tier 1 risk-based or core capital ratios of less than 3.0% or a risk-based capital ratio of less than 6.0% and is considered “significantly undercapitalized” must be made subject to one or more additional specified actions and operating restrictions which may cover all aspects of its operations and may include a forced merger or acquisition of the institution. An institution that becomes “critically undercapitalized” because it has a tangible capital ratio of 2.0% or less is subject to further mandatory restrictions on its activities in addition to those applicable to significantly undercapitalized institutions. In addition, the Office of Thrift Supervision must appoint a receiver, or conservator with the concurrence of the FDIC, for a savings institution, with certain limited exceptions, within 90 days after it becomes critically undercapitalized. Any undercapitalized institution is also subject to the general enforcement authority of the OTS and the FDIC including the appointment of a conservator or receiver.

The Office of Thrift Supervision is also generally authorized to reclassify an institution into a lower capital category and impose the restrictions applicable to such category if the institution is engaged in unsafe or unsound practices or is in an unsafe or unsound condition.

The imposition by the Office of Thrift Supervision or the FDIC of any of these measures on the Bank may have a substantial adverse effect on its operations and profitability.

 

25


Table of Contents

Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008.

In October 2008, the EESA was enacted. For more information regarding the EESA, see “Risk Factors-Risks Related to the U.S. Financial Industry- There can be no assurance that recently enacted legislation and other measures undertaken by the Treasury, the Federal Reserve and other governmental agencies will help stabilize the U.S. financial system or improve the housing market.”

Initiatives Prompted by the Subprime Mortgage Crisis.

In response to the recent “subprime mortgage crisis,” federal and state regulatory agencies have focused attention on subprime and nontraditional mortgage products both with an aim toward enhancing the regulation of such loans and providing relief to adversely affected borrowers.

Guidance on Subprime Mortgage Lending.

On June 29, 2007, the federal banking agencies issued guidance on subprime mortgage lending to address issues related to certain mortgage products marketed to subprime borrowers, particularly adjustable rate mortgage products that can involve “payment shock” and other risky characteristics. Although the guidance focuses on subprime borrowers, the banking agencies note that institutions should look to the principles contained in the guidance when offering such adjustable rate mortgages to non-subprime borrowers. The guidance prohibits predatory lending programs; provides that institutions should underwrite a mortgage loan on the borrower’s ability to repay the debt by its final maturity at the fully-indexed rate, assuming a fully amortizing repayment schedule; encourages reasonable workout arrangements with borrowers who are in default; mandates clear and balanced advertisements and other communications; encourages arrangements for the escrowing of real estate taxes and insurance; and states that institutions should develop strong control and monitoring systems. The guidance recommends that institutions refer to the Real Estate Lending Standards (discussed above) which provide underwriting standards for all real estate loans.

The federal banking agencies announced their intention to carefully review the risk management and consumer compliance processes, policies and procedures of their supervised financial institutions and their intention to take action against institutions that engage in predatory lending practices, violate consumer protection laws or fair lending laws, engage in unfair or deceptive acts or practices, or otherwise engage in unsafe or unsound lending practices.

Guidance on Loss Mitigation Strategies for Servicers of Residential Mortgages.

On September 5, 2007, the federal banking agencies issued a statement encouraging regulated institutions and state-supervised entities that service residential mortgages to pursue strategies to mitigate losses while preserving homeownership to the extent possible and appropriate. The guidance recognizes that many mortgage loans, including subprime loans, have been transferred into securitization trusts and servicing for such loans is governed by contract documents. The guidance advises servicers to review governing documentation to determine the full extent of their authority to restructure loans that are delinquent or are in default or are in imminent risk of default.

The guidance encourages that servicers take proactive steps to preserve homeownership in situations where there are heightened risks to homeowners losing their homes to foreclosures. Such steps may include loan modification; deferral of payments; extensions of loan maturities; conversion of adjustable rate mortgages into fixed rate or fully indexed, fully amortizing adjustable rate mortgages; capitalization of delinquent amounts; or any combination of these actions. Servicers are instructed to consider the borrower’s ability to repay the modified obligation to final maturity according to its terms, taking into account the borrower’s total monthly housing-related payments as a percentage of the borrower’s gross monthly income, the borrower’s other obligations, and any additional tax liabilities that may result from loan modifications. Where appropriate, servicers are encouraged to refer borrowers to qualified non-profit and other homeownership counseling services and/or to government programs that are able to work with all parties and avoid unnecessary foreclosures. The guidance states that servicers are expected to treat consumers fairly and to adhere to all applicable legal requirements.

 

26


Table of Contents

Consumer Relief Initiative for Borrowers.

In October 2007, the Treasury Secretary announced the Homeowner Assistance Initiative to encourage mortgage servicers, mortgage counselors, government officials and non-profit groups to coordinate their efforts to help struggling borrowers restructure their mortgage payments and stay in their homes. The initiative, called HOPE NOW, is aimed at coordinating and improving outreach to borrowers, developing best practices for mortgage counselors across the country and ensuring that groups able to help homeowners work out new loan arrangements with lenders have adequate resources to carry out this mission.

Economic Stimulus Act of 2008 and Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008.

President Bush signed the Economic Stimulus Act of 2008 into law on February 13, 2008. While the main thrust of the act is to stimulate the economy, the act also temporarily increased the maximum size of mortgage loans (the conforming loan limit) that Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac may purchase from the current $417,000 cap to a maximum of $729,750 for certain loans made during the July 1, 2007 – December 31, 2008 period. The cap on the FHA’s conforming loan limit was raised from $362,000 to $729,750 for certain loans made on or before December 31, 2008. These changes are intended, among other purposes, to provide more liquidity and stability for the jumbo loan market. The Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008, signed by President Bush on July 30, 2008, was designed to address a variety of issues relating to the subprime mortgage crises. This act established a new conforming loan limit for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac in high cost areas to 150% of the conforming loan limit, to take effect after the limits established by the Economic Stimulus Act of 2008 expire. The FHA’s conforming loan limit has been increased from 95% to 110% of the area median home price up to 150% of the Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac conforming loan limit, to take effect at the same time. Among other things, the Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008 enhanced the regulation of Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and Federal Housing Administration loans; established a new Federal Housing Finance Agency to replace the prior Federal Housing Finance Board and Office of Federal Housing Enterprise Oversight; will require enhanced mortgage disclosures; and will require a comprehensive licensing, supervisory, and tracking system for mortgage originators. Using its new powers, on September 7, 2008 the Federal Housing Finance Agency announced that it had put Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac under conservatorship. The Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008 also establishes the HOPE for Homeowners program, which is a new, temporary, voluntary program to back Federal Housing Administration-insured mortgages to distressed borrowers. The new mortgages offered by Federal Housing Administration-approved lenders will refinance distressed loans at a significant discount for owner-occupants at risk of losing their homes to foreclosure.

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Stimulus Act), which was signed into law on February 17, 2009, imposes extensive new restrictions on participants in the TARP Capital Purchase Program. The new restrictions include additional limits on executive compensation such as prohibiting the payment or accrual of any bonus, retention award or incentive compensation to our senior executive officers except for the payment of long-term restricted stock and prohibiting any compensation plan that would encourage the manipulation of earnings. The Stimulus Act also requires compliance with new corporate governance standards including an annual “say on pay” shareholder vote, the adoption of policies regarding excessive or luxury expenditures, and a certification by our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer that we have complied with the standards in the Stimulus Act. The full impact of the Stimulus Act is not yet certain because it calls for additional regulatory action. The Company will continue to monitor the effect of the Stimulus Act and the anticipated regulations.

Temporary Liquidity Guaranty Program.

Following a systemic risk determination, the FDIC established a TLGP on October 14, 2008. The TLGP includes the Transaction Account Guarantee Program, or TAGP, which provides unlimited deposit insurance coverage through December 31, 2009 for non-interest bearing transaction accounts (typically business checking accounts) and certain funds swept into non-interest bearing savings accounts. Institutions participating in the TAGP pay a 10 basis points fee (annualized) on the balance of each covered account in excess of $250,000,

 

27


Table of Contents

while the extra deposit insurance is in place. The TLGP also includes the Debt Guarantee Program, or DGP, under which the FDIC guarantees certain senior unsecured debt of FDIC-insured institutions and their holding companies. The unsecured debt must be issued on or after October 14, 2008 and not later than June 30, 2009, and the guarantee is effective through the earlier of the maturity date or June 30, 2012. The DGP coverage limit is generally 125% of the eligible entity’s eligible debt outstanding on September 30, 2008 and scheduled to mature on or before June 30, 2009 or, for certain insured institutions, 2% of their liabilities as of September 30, 2008. Depending on the term of the debt maturity, the nonrefundable DGP fee ranges from 50 to 100 basis points (annualized) for covered debt outstanding until the earlier of maturity or June 30, 2012. The TAGP and DGP are in effect for all eligible entities, unless the entity opted out on or before December 5, 2008. Pacific Trust Bank did opt out of these programs.

New Regulations Establishing Protections for Consumers in the Residential Mortgage Market.

The Federal Reserve Board has issued new regulations under the federal Truth-in-Lending Act and the Home Ownership and Equity Protection Act. For mortgage loans governed by the Home Ownership and Equity Protection Act, the new regulations further restrict prepayment penalties, and enhance the standards relating to the consumer’s ability to repay. For a new category of closed-end “higher-priced” mortgage loans, the new regulations restrict prepayment penalties, and require escrows for property taxes and property-related insurance for most first lien mortgage loans. For all closed-end loans secured by a principal dwelling, the new regulations prohibit the coercion of appraisers; require the prompt crediting of payments; prohibit the pyramiding of late fees; require prompt responses to requests for pay-off figures; and require the delivery of transaction-specific Truth-in-Lending Act disclosures within three business days following the receipt of an application for a closed-end home loan. The new regulations also impose new restrictions on mortgage loan advertising for both open-end and closed-end products. In general, the new regulations are effective October 1, 2009, but the rules governing escrows for higher-priced mortgages are effective on April 1, 2010, and for higher-priced mortgage loans secured by manufactured housing, on October 1, 2010.

Pending Legislation and Regulatory Proposals.

As a result of the subprime mortgage crisis, federal and state legislative agencies are considering a broad variety of legislative and regulatory proposals covering mortgage loan products, loan terms and underwriting standards, risk management practices and consumer protection. It is unclear which, if any, of these initiatives will be adopted, what effect they will have on First PacTrust and Pacific Trust Bank and whether any of these initiatives will change the competitive landscape in the mortgage industry.

Guidance on Nontraditional Mortgage Product Risks.

On September 29, 2006, the federal banking agencies issued guidance to address the risks posed by nontraditional residential mortgage products, that is, mortgage products that allow borrowers to defer repayment of principal or interest. The guidance instructs institutions to ensure that loan terms and underwriting standards are consistent with prudent lending practices, including consideration of a borrower’s ability to repay the debt by final maturity at the fully indexed rate and assuming a fully amortizing repayment schedule; requires institutions to recognize, for higher risk loans, the necessity of verifying the borrower’s income, assets and liabilities; requires institutions to address the risks associated with simultaneous second-lien loans, introductory interest rates, lending to subprime borrowers, non-owner-occupied investor loans, and reduced documentation loans; requires institutions to recognize that nontraditional mortgages, particularly those with risk-layering features, are untested in a stressed environment; requires institutions to recognize that nontraditional mortgage products warrant strong controls and risk management standards, capital levels commensurate with that risk, and allowances for loan and lease losses that reflect the collectibility of the portfolio; and ensure that consumers have sufficient information to clearly understand loan terms and associated risks prior to making product and payment choices. The guidance recommends practices for addressing the risks raised by nontraditional mortgages, including enhanced communications with consumers, beginning when the consumer is first shopping for a

 

28


Table of Contents

mortgage; promotional materials and other product descriptions that provide information about the costs, terms, features and risks of nontraditional mortgages, including with respect to payment shock, negative amortization, prepayment penalties, and the cost of reduced documentation loans; more informative monthly statements for payment option adjustable rate mortgages; and specified practices to avoid. Subsequently, the federal banking agencies produced model disclosures that are designed to provide information about the costs, terms, features and risks of nontraditional mortgages.

Guidance on Real Estate Concentrations.

On December 6, 2006, the federal banking agencies issued a guidance on sound risk management practices for concentrations in commercial real estate lending. The particular focus is on exposure to commercial real estate loans that are dependent on the cash flow from the real estate held as collateral and that are likely to be sensitive to conditions in the commercial real estate market (as opposed to real estate collateral held as a secondary source of repayment or as an abundance of caution). The purpose of the guidance is not to limit a bank’s commercial real estate lending but to guide banks in developing risk management practices and capital levels commensurate with the level and nature of real estate concentrations. The FDIC and other bank regulatory agencies will be focusing their supervisory resources on institutions that may have significant commercial real estate loan concentration risk. A bank that has experienced rapid growth in commercial real estate lending, has notable exposure to a specific type of commercial real estate loan, or is approaching or exceeding the following supervisory criteria may be identified for further supervisory analysis with respect to real estate concentration risk:

Total reported loans for construction, land development and other land represent 100% or more of the bank’s capital; or

Total commercial real estate loans (as defined in the guidance) represent 300% or more of the bank’s total capital and the outstanding balance of the bank’s commercial real estate loan portfolio has increased 50% or more during the prior 36 months.

The strength of an institution’s lending and risk management practices with respect to such concentrations will be taken into account in supervisory evaluation of capital adequacy.

On March 17, 2008, the FDIC issued a release to re-emphasize the importance of strong capital and loan loss allowance levels and robust credit risk management practices for institutions with concentrated commercial real estate exposures. The FDIC suggested that institutions with significant construction and development and commercial real estate loan concentrations increase or maintain strong capital levels; ensure that loan loss allowances are appropriately strong; manage construction and development and commercial real estate loan portfolios closely; maintain updated financial and analytical information on their borrowers and collateral; and bolster the loan workout infrastructure.

Limitations on Dividends and Other Capital Distributions

Office of Thrift Supervision regulations impose various restrictions on savings institutions with respect to their ability to make distributions of capital, which include dividends, stock redemptions or repurchases, cash-out mergers and other transactions charged to the capital account.

Generally, savings institutions, that before and after the proposed distribution remain well-capitalized, such as Pacific Trust Bank, may make capital distributions during any calendar year equal to up to 100% of net income for the year-to-date plus retained net income for the two preceding years. However, an institution deemed to be in need of more than normal supervision by the Office of Thrift Supervision may have its dividend authority restricted by the Office of Thrift Supervision. The Bank may pay dividends in accordance with this general authority.

 

29


Table of Contents

Savings institutions proposing to make any capital distribution need not submit written notice to the Office of Thrift Supervision prior to such distribution unless they are a subsidiary of a holding company or would not remain well-capitalized following the distribution. Pacific Trust Bank is a subsidiary of a holding company. Savings institutions that do not, or would not meet their current minimum capital requirements following a proposed capital distribution or propose to exceed these net income limitations must obtain Office of Thrift Supervision approval prior to making such distribution. The Office of Thrift Supervision may object to the distribution during that 30-day period based on safety and soundness concerns. See “—Regulatory Capital Requirements.”

Liquidity

All savings institutions, including Pacific Trust Bank, are required to maintain sufficient liquidity to ensure a safe and sound operation.

Qualified Thrift Lender Test

All savings institutions, including Pacific Trust Bank, are required to meet a qualified thrift lender test to avoid certain restrictions on their operations. This test requires a savings institution to have at least 65% of its portfolio assets, as defined by regulation, in qualified thrift investments on a monthly average for nine out of every 12 months on a rolling basis. As an alternative, the savings institution may maintain 60% of its assets in those assets specified in Section 7701(a)(19) of the Internal Revenue Code. Under either test, such assets primarily consist of residential housing related loans and investments. At December 31, 2008, the Bank met the test and has always met the test since the requirement was applicable.

Any savings institution that fails to meet the qualified thrift lender test must convert to a national bank charter, unless it requalifies as a qualified thrift lender and thereafter remains a qualified thrift lender. If an institution does not requalify and converts to a national bank charter, it must remain Savings Association Insurance Fund-insured until the FDIC permits it to transfer to the Bank Insurance Fund. If such an institution has not yet requalified or converted to a national bank, its new investments and activities are limited to those permissible for both a savings institution and a national bank, and it is limited to national bank branching rights in its home state. In addition, the institution is immediately ineligible to receive any new Federal Home Loan Bank borrowings and is subject to national bank limits for payment of dividends. If such an institution has not requalified or converted to a national bank within three years after the failure, it must divest of all investments and cease all activities not permissible for a national bank. In addition, it must repay promptly any outstanding Federal Home Loan Bank borrowings, which may result in prepayment penalties. If any institution that fails the qualified thrift lender test is controlled by a holding company, then within one year after the failure, the holding company must register as a bank holding company and become subject to all restrictions on bank holding companies.

Federal Securities Law

The stock of First PacTrust Bancorp, Inc. is registered with the SEC under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. The Company will be subject to the information, proxy solicitation, insider trading restrictions and other requirements of the SEC under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

Company stock held by persons who are affiliates of the Company may not be resold without registration unless sold in accordance with certain resale restrictions. Affiliates are generally considered to be officers, directors and principal stockholders. If the Company meets specified current public information requirements, each affiliate of the Company will be able to sell in the public market, without registration, a limited number of shares in any three-month period.

 

30


Table of Contents

Federal Reserve System

The Federal Reserve Board requires all depository institutions to maintain non-interest bearing reserves at specified levels against their transaction accounts, primarily checking, NOW and Super NOW checking accounts. At December 31, 2008, Pacific Trust Bank was in compliance with these reserve requirements. The balances maintained to meet the reserve requirements imposed by the Federal Reserve Board may be used to satisfy liquidity requirements that may be imposed by the Office of Thrift Supervision. See “—Liquidity.”

Savings institutions are authorized to borrow from the Federal Reserve Bank “discount window,” but Federal Reserve Board regulations require institutions to exhaust other reasonable alternative sources of funds, including Federal Home Loan Bank borrowings, before borrowing from the Federal Reserve Bank.

Federal Home Loan Bank System

Pacific Trust Bank is a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco, which is one of 12 regional Federal Home Loan Banks, that administers the home financing credit function of savings institutions. Each Federal Home Loan Bank serves as a reserve or central bank for its members within its assigned region. It is funded primarily from proceeds derived from the sale of consolidated obligations of the Federal Home Loan Bank System. It makes loans or advances to members in accordance with policies and procedures, established by the board of directors of the Federal Home Loan Bank, which are subject to the oversight of the Federal Housing Finance Board. All advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank are required to be fully secured by sufficient collateral as determined by the Federal Home Loan Bank. In addition, all long-term advances are required to provide funds for residential home financing.

As a member, the Bank is required to purchase and maintain stock in the Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco. At December 31, 2008, the Bank had $9.4 million in Federal Home Loan Bank stock, which was in compliance with this requirement. In past years, the Bank has received substantial dividends on its Federal Home Loan Bank stock. Over the past three fiscal years such dividends have averaged 5.3% and averaged 5.3% for 2008. For the year ended December 31, 2008, dividends paid by the Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco to the Bank totaled $392 thousand as compared to $436 thousand for 2007. The Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco has recently announced that a dividend will not be paid for the first quarter of 2009. Future dividends received will be subject to economic conditions and the ability of the Federal Home Loan Bank to pay them.

 

31


Table of Contents

TAXATION

Federal Taxation

General. First PacTrust Bancorp, Inc. and Pacific Trust Bank are subject to federal income taxation in the same general manner as other corporations, with some exceptions discussed below. The following discussion of federal taxation is intended only to summarize certain pertinent federal income tax matters and is not a comprehensive description of the tax rules applicable to the Company or the Bank. The Bank’s federal income tax returns have never been audited. Prior to January 1, 2000, the Bank was a credit union, not generally subject to corporate income tax.

Method of Accounting. For federal income tax purposes, Pacific Trust Bank currently reports its income and expenses on the accrual method of accounting and uses a fiscal year ending on December 31, for filing its federal income tax return.

Minimum Tax. The Internal Revenue Code imposes an alternative minimum tax at a rate of 20% on a base of regular taxable income plus certain tax preferences, called alternative minimum taxable income. The alternative minimum tax is payable to the extent such alternative minimum taxable income is in excess of an exemption amount. Net operating losses can offset no more than 90% of alternative minimum taxable income. Certain payments of alternative minimum tax may be used as credits against regular tax liabilities in future years. Pacific Trust Bank has not been subject to the alternative minimum tax, nor does the Company have any such amounts available as credits for carryover.

Net Operating Loss Carryovers. A financial institution may carryback net operating losses to the preceding two taxable years and forward to the succeeding 20 taxable years. This provision applies to losses incurred in taxable years beginning after August 6, 1997. At December 31, 2008, Pacific Trust Bank had no net operating loss carryforwards for federal income tax purposes.

Corporate Dividends-Received Deduction. First PacTrust Bancorp, Inc. may eliminate from its income dividends received from the Bank as a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company if it elects to file a consolidated return with the Bank. The corporate dividends-received deduction is 100% or 80%, in the case of dividends received from corporations with which a corporate recipient does not file a consolidated tax return, depending on the level of stock ownership of the payor of the dividend. Corporations which own less than 20% of the stock of a corporation distributing a dividend may deduct 70% of dividends received or accrued on their behalf.

State Taxation

First PacTrust Bancorp, Inc. and Pacific Trust Bank are subject to the California corporate franchise (income) tax which is assessed at the rate of 10.8%. For this purpose, California taxable income generally means federal taxable income subject to certain modifications provided for in the California law.

Executive Officers Who are Not Directors

The business experience for at least the past five years for each of our executive officers who do not serve as directors is set forth below.

James P. Sheehy. Age 62 years. Mr. Sheehy serves as Executive Vice President, a position he has held since 1987, and Secretary and Treasurer for Pacific Trust Bank, and First PacTrust Bancorp, Inc. positions he has held since 1999 and 2002, respectively. He has been employed by Pacific Trust Bank since 1987.

Melanie M. Yaptangco. Age 48 years. Ms. Yaptangco is Executive Vice President of Lending at Pacific Trust Bank. She has served in this position since 1998, and started with Pacific Trust Bank in 1985.

 

32


Table of Contents

Item 1A. Risk Factors

RISK FACTORS

An investment in our securities is subject to certain risks. These risk factors should be considered by prospective and current investors in our securities when evaluating the disclosures in this Annual Report on Form 10-K (particularly the forward-looking statements.) The risks and uncertainties not presently known to us or that we currently deem immaterial also may impair our business operations. If any of the following risks actually occur, our business, results of operations and financial condition could suffer. In that event, the value of our securities could decline, and you may lose all or part of your investment. The risks discussed below also include forward-looking statements, and our actual results may differ materially from those discussed in these forward-looking statements.

Risks Relating to First PacTrust

Difficult market conditions and economic trends have adversely affected our industry and our business.

Dramatic declines in the housing market, with decreasing home prices and increasing delinquencies and foreclosures, have negatively impacted the credit performance of mortgage and construction loans and resulted in significant write-downs of assets by many financial institutions. General downward economic trends, reduced availability of commercial credit and increasing unemployment have negatively impacted the credit performance of commercial and consumer credit, resulting in additional write-downs. Concerns over the stability of the financial markets and the economy have resulted in decreased lending by financial institutions to their customers and to each other. This market turmoil and tightening of credit has led to increased commercial and consumer deficiencies, lack of customer confidence, increased market volatility and widespread reduction in general business activity. Financial institutions have experienced decreased access to deposits and borrowings.

The resulting economic pressure on consumers and businesses and the lack of confidence in the financial markets may adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and stock price.

Our ability to assess the creditworthiness of customers and to estimate the losses inherent in our credit exposure is made more complex by these difficult market and economic conditions. We also expect to face increased regulation and government oversight as a result of these downward trends. This increased government action may increase our costs and limit our ability to pursue certain business opportunities. We also may be required to pay even higher FDIC premiums than the recently increased level, because financial institution failures resulting from the depressed market conditions have depleted and may continue to deplete the deposit insurance fund and reduce its ratio of reserves to insured deposits.

We do not believe these difficult conditions are likely to improve in the near future. A worsening of these conditions would likely exacerbate the adverse effects of these difficult economic conditions on us, our customers and the other financial institutions in our market. As a result, we may experience increases in foreclosures, delinquencies and customer bankruptcies, as well as more restricted access to funds.

Recent legislative and regulatory initiatives to address difficult market and economic conditions may not stabilize the U.S. banking system.

The recently enacted Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 (the “EESA”) authorizes the Treasury to purchase from financial institutions and their holding companies up to $700 billion in mortgage loans, mortgage-related securities and certain other financial instruments, including debt and equity securities issued by financial institutions and their holding companies, under a troubled asset relief program, or “TARP.” The

 

33


Table of Contents

purpose of TARP is to restore confidence and stability to the U.S. banking system and to encourage financial institutions to increase their lending to customers and to each other. The Treasury has allocated $350 billion towards the TARP Capital Purchase Program. Under the TARP Capital Purchase Program, the Treasury is purchasing equity securities from participating institutions. The Series A Preferred Stock and warrants were issued by us to Treasury pursuant to the TARP Capital Purchase Program. The EESA also increased federal deposit insurance on most deposit accounts from $100,000 to $250,000. This increase is in place until the end of 2009 and is not covered by deposit insurance premiums paid by the banking industry.

The EESA followed, and has been followed by, numerous actions by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, the U.S. Congress, Treasury, the FDIC, the SEC and others to address the current liquidity and credit crisis that has followed the sub-prime meltdown that commenced in 2007. These measures include homeowner relief that encourage loan restructuring and modification; the establishment of significant liquidity and credit facilities for financial institutions and investment banks; the lowering of the federal funds rate; emergency action against short selling practices; a temporary guaranty program for money market funds; the establishment of a commercial paper funding facility to provide back-stop liquidity to commercial paper issuers; and coordinated international efforts to address illiquidity and other weaknesses in the banking sector. The purpose of these legislative and regulatory actions is to stabilize the U.S. banking system. The EESA and the other regulatory initiatives described above may not have their desired effects. If the volatility in the markets continues and economic conditions fail to improve or worsen, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be materially and adversely affected.

Current levels of market volatility are unprecedented.

The capital and credit markets have been experiencing volatility and disruption for more than a year. In recent months, the volatility and disruption has reached unprecedented levels. In some cases, the markets have produced downward pressure on stock prices and credit availability for certain issuers without regard to those issuers’ underlying financial strength. If current levels of market disruption and volatility continue or worsen, there can be no assurance that we will not experience an adverse effect, which may be material, on our ability to access capital and on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Changes in economic conditions, particularly a further economic slowdown in California, could hurt our business.

Our business is directly affected by market conditions, trends in industry and finance legislative and regulatory changes, and changes in governmental monetary and fiscal policies and inflation, all of which are beyond our control. In 2007, the housing and real estate sectors experienced an economic slowdown that has continued through 2008. Further deterioration in economic conditions, particularly within the State of California, could result in the following consequences, among others, any of which could hurt our business materially:

 

   

loan delinquency may continue to rise;

 

   

problem assets and foreclosures may continue to increase;

 

   

demand for our products and services may decline; and

 

   

collateral for our loans may continue to decline in value, in turn reducing a customer’s borrowing power and reducing the value of assets and collateral securing our loans.

As of December 31, 2008, substantially all of our loans were to individuals and business in southern California. If real estate values continue to decline in this area, the collateral for our loans will provide less security. As a result, our ability to recover on defaulted loans by selling the underlying real estate will be diminished, and we would be more likely to suffer losses on defaulted loans.

 

34


Table of Contents

Recent negative developments in the financial industry and credit markets may continue to adversely impact our financial condition and results of operations.

Negative developments in the sub-prime mortgage market and the securitization markets for these loans, together with substantial volatility in oil prices and other factors, have resulted in uncertainty in the financial markets in general and a related general economic downturn. Many lending institutions, including us, have experienced substantial declines in the performance of their loans, including construction and land loans, multi-family loans, commercial loans and consumer loans. Moreover, competition among depository institutions for deposits and quality loans has increased significantly. In addition, the values of real estate collateral supporting many construction and land, commercial and multi-family and other commercial loans and home mortgages have declined and may continue to decline. Bank and bank holding company stock prices have been negatively affected, as has the ability of banks and bank holding companies to raise capital or borrow in the debt markets compared to recent years. These conditions may have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations. In addition, as a result of the foregoing factors, there is a potential for new federal or state laws and regulations regarding lending and funding practices and liquidity standards, and bank regulatory agencies are expected to be very aggressive in responding to concerns and trends identified in examinations, including the expected issuance of formal enforcement orders. Negative developments in the financial industry and the impact of new legislation in response to those developments could restrict our business operations, including our ability to originate or sell loans, and adversely impact our results of operations and financial condition.

Liquidity risk could impair our ability to fund operations and jeopardize our financial condition.

Liquidity is essential to our business. An inability to raise funds through deposits, borrowings, the sale of loans and other sources could have a substantial negative effect on our liquidity. Our access to funding sources in amounts adequate to finance our activities or on terms which are acceptable to us could be impaired by factors that affect us specifically or the financial services industry or economy in general. Factors that could detrimentally impact our access to liquidity sources include a decrease in the level of our business activity as a result of a downturn in the markets in which our loans are concentrated or adverse regulatory action against us. Our ability to borrow could also be impaired by factors that are not specific to us, such as a disruption in the financial markets or negative views and expectations about the prospects for the financial services industry in light of the recent turmoil faced by banking organizations and the continued deterioration in credit markets.

We may elect or be compelled to seek additional capital in the future, but that capital may not be available when it is needed.

We are required by federal and state regulatory authorities to maintain adequate levels of capital to support our operations. In addition, we may elect to raise additional capital to support our business or to finance acquisitions, if any, or we may otherwise elect or be required to raise additional capital. In that regard, a number of financial institutions have recently raised considerable amounts of capital in response to a deterioration in their results of operations and financial condition arising from the turmoil in the mortgage loan market, deteriorating economic conditions, declines in real estate values and other factors. Should we be required by regulatory authorities to raise additional capital, we may seek to do so through the issuance of, among other things, our common stock or preferred stock.

Our ability to raise additional capital, if needed, will depend on conditions in the capital markets, economic conditions and a number of other factors, many of which are outside our control, and on our financial performance. Accordingly, we cannot assure you of our ability to raise additional capital if needed or on terms acceptable to us. If we cannot raise additional capital when needed, it may have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations and prospects.

 

35


Table of Contents

If our allowance for loan losses is not sufficient to cover actual loan losses or if we are required to increase our provision for loan losses, our results of operations and financial condition could be materially adversely affected.

We make various assumptions and judgments about the collectibility of our loan portfolio, including the creditworthiness of our borrowers and the value of the real estate and other assets serving as collateral for the repayment of many of our loans. In determining the amount of the allowance for loan losses, we review our loans and the loss and delinquency experience, and evaluate economic conditions. If our assumptions are incorrect, the allowance for loan losses may not be sufficient to cover losses inherent in our loan portfolio, resulting in the need for additions to our allowance through an increase in the provision for loan losses. Material additions to the allowance or increases in our provision for loan losses could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

In addition, bank regulators periodically review our allowance for loan losses and may require us to increase our provision for loan losses or recognize further loan charge-offs. Any increase in our allowance for loan losses or loan charge-offs as required by these regulatory authorities may have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

The maturity and repricing characteristics of our assets and liabilities are mismatched and subject us to interest rate risk which could adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.

Our financial condition and results of operations are influenced significantly by general economic conditions, including the absolute level of interest rates, as well as changes in interest rates and the slope of the yield curve. Our ability to operate profitably is dependent to a large extent on our net interest income, which is the difference between the interest received from our interest-earning assets and the interest expense incurred on our interest-bearing liabilities. Significant changes in market interest rates or errors or misjudgments in our interest rate risk management procedures could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.

Our activities, like other financial institutions, inherently involve the assumption of interest rate risk. Interest rate risk is the risk that changes in market interest rates will have an adverse impact on our financial condition and results of operations. Interest rate risk is determined by the maturity and repricing characteristics of our assets, liabilities and off-balance-sheet contracts. Interest rate risk is measured by the variability of financial performance and economic value resulting from changes in interest rates. Interest rate risk is the primary market risk affecting our financial performance.

We believe that the greatest source of interest rate risk to us results from the mismatch of maturities or repricing intervals for our rate sensitive assets, liabilities and off-balance-sheet contracts. This mismatch, or “gap,” is generally characterized by a substantially shorter maturity structure for interest-bearing liabilities than interest-earning assets. Additional interest rate risk results from mismatched repricing indices and formulae (basis risk and yield curve risk), and product caps and floors and early repayment or withdrawal provisions (option risk), which may be contractual or market driven, that are generally more favorable to customers than to us.

Our primary monitoring tool for assessing interest rate risk is asset/liability simulation modeling, which is designed to capture the dynamics of balance sheet, interest rate and spread movements and to quantify variations in net interest income and net market value of equity resulting from those movements under different rate environments. We update and prepare our simulation modeling at least quarterly for review by senior management and our directors. Nonetheless, the interest rate sensitivity of our net interest income and net market value of our equity could vary substantially if different assumptions were used or if actual experience differs from the assumptions used and, as a result, our interest rate risk management strategies may prove to be inadequate.

 

36


Table of Contents

Our loan portfolio possesses increased risk due to the number of multi-family, construction, commercial real estate and consumer loans.

Our multi-family, construction and commercial real estate loans accounted for approximately 40.7% of our total loan portfolio as of December 31, 2008. Generally, we consider these types of loans to involve a higher degree of risk compared to first mortgage loans on one- to four-family, owner-occupied residential properties. In addition, we plan to increase our emphasis on multi-family and commercial real estate lending. Because of our planned increased emphasis on and increased investment in multi-family and commercial real estate lending, it may become necessary to increase the level of our provision for loan losses, which could hurt our profits.

The loan portfolio possesses increased risk due to expansion, unseasoned nature and amount of nonconforming loans.

Over the last three years our loan portfolio has grown by $107.9 million or 15.7%. As a result of this growth, a portion of our loan portfolio is considered to be unseasoned, with the risk that these loans may not have had sufficient time to perform to properly indicate the potential magnitude of losses. Our unseasoned adjustable rate loans have not, therefore, been subject to an interest rate environment which causes them to adjust to the maximum level and may involve risks resulting from potentially increasing payment obligations by the borrower as a result of repricing. Most of our adjustable rate mortgage loans are also non-conforming, due mainly to the generally large loan size and are, therefore, not readily saleable to Freddie Mac or Fannie Mae. Since some of these loans have terms which may result in negative amortization, where the loan payments do not fully cover interest and result in an increasing loan principal balance, the portfolio is also subject to increased risk of delinquency or default as the higher, fully indexed rate of interest subsequently comes into effect upon repricing.

Strong competition within our market area may limit our growth and profitability.

Competition in the banking and financial services industry is intense. In our market area, we compete with commercial banks, savings institutions, mortgage brokerage firms, credit unions, finance companies, mutual funds, insurance companies, and brokerage and investment banking firms operating locally and elsewhere. Many of these competitors have substantially greater resources and lending limits than we do and may offer certain services that we do not or cannot provide. Our profitability depends upon our continued ability to successfully compete in our market.

We encounter continuous technological change in our industry.

The financial services industry is continually undergoing rapid technological change with frequent introductions of new technology-driven products and services. The effective use of technology increases efficiency and enables financial institutions to better serve customers and to reduce costs. Our future success depends, in part, upon our ability to address the needs of our customers by using technology to provide products and services that will satisfy customer demands, as well as to create additional efficiencies in our operations. Many of our competitors have substantially greater resources to invest in technological improvements. We may not be able to effectively implement new technology-driven products and services or be successful in marketing these products and services to our customers. Failure to successfully keep pace with technological change affecting the financial services industry could have a material adverse impact on our business and, in turn, our financial condition and results of operations.

We are subject to extensive government regulation and supervision.

We are subject to extensive regulation and supervision, primarily through the Bank. Banking regulations are primarily intended to protect depositors’ funds, federal deposit insurance funds and the banking system as a whole, and not holders of our common stock. These regulations affect our lending practices, capital structure, investment practices, dividend policy and growth, among other things. Congress and federal regulatory agencies continually review banking laws, regulations and policies for possible changes. Changes to statutes, regulations

 

37


Table of Contents

or regulatory policies, including changes in interpretation or implementation of statutes, regulations or policies, could affect us in substantial and unpredictable ways. Such changes could subject us to additional costs, limit the types of financial services and products we may offer and/or increase the ability of non-banks to offer competing financial services and products, among other things. Failure to comply with laws, regulations or policies could result in sanctions by regulatory agencies, civil money penalties and/or reputational damage, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. While we have policies and procedures designed to prevent any such violations, there can be no assurance that such violations will not occur. In addition, we may be subject to new legislation in response to negative developments in the financial industry and the economy as described under “—Recent negative developments in the financial industry and credit markets may continue to adversely impact our financial condition and results of operations,” which also could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.

Our information systems may experience an interruption or breach in security.

We rely heavily on communications and information systems to conduct our business. Any failure, interruption or breach in security of these systems could result in failures or disruptions in our customer relationship management, general ledger, deposit, loan and other systems. While we have policies and procedures designed to prevent or limit the effect of the failure, interruption or security breach of our information systems, there can be no assurance that any such failures, interruptions or security breaches will not occur or, if they do occur, that they will be adequately addressed. The occurrence of any failures, interruptions or security breaches of our information systems could damage our reputation, result in a loss of customer business, subject us to additional regulatory scrutiny, or expose us to civil litigation and possible financial liability, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

We rely on dividends from the Bank for substantially all of our revenue.

First PacTrust Bancorp receives substantially all of its revenue as dividends from Pacific Trust Bank. Federal regulations limit the amount of dividends that the Bank may pay to First PacTrust Bancorp. See “Regulatory Considerations.” In the event the Bank becomes unable to pay dividends to First PacTrust Bancorp, First PacTrust Bancorp may not be able to service its debt, pay its other obligations or pay dividends on the Series A Preferred Stock or our common stock. Accordingly, our inability to receive dividends from the Bank could also have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations and the value of your investment in the Series A Preferred Stock or our common stock.

Risks Relating to Both the Series A Preferred Stock and Our Common Stock

The Series A Preferred Stock is equity and is subordinate to all of our existing and future indebtedness; regulatory and contractual restrictions may limit or prevent us from paying dividends on the Series A Preferred Stock and our common stock; and the Series A Preferred Stock places no limitations on the amount of indebtedness we and our subsidiaries may incur in the future.

Shares of the Series A Preferred Stock are equity interests in First PacTrust Bancorp and do not constitute indebtedness. As such, the Series A Preferred Stock, like our common stock, ranks junior to all indebtedness and other non-equity claims on First PacTrust Bancorp with respect to assets available to satisfy claims on First PacTrust Bancorp, including in a liquidation of First PacTrust Bancorp. Additionally, unlike indebtedness, where principal and interest would customarily be payable on specified due dates, in the case of preferred stock like the Series A Preferred Stock, as with our common stock, (1) dividends are payable only when, as and if authorized and declared by, our Board of Directors and depend on, among other things, our results of operations, financial condition, debt service requirements, other cash needs and any other factors our Board of Directors deems relevant, and (2) as a Maryland corporation, under Maryland law we are subject to restrictions on payments of dividends out of lawfully available funds. See “Regulatory Considerations.”

 

38


Table of Contents

First PacTrust Bancorp is an entity separate and distinct from its principal subsidiary, Pacific Trust Bank, and derives substantially all of its revenue in the form of dividends from that subsidiary. Accordingly, First PacTrust Bancorp is and will be dependent upon dividends from the Bank to pay the principal of and interest on its indebtedness, to satisfy its other cash needs and to pay dividends on the Series A Preferred Stock and its common stock. The Bank’s ability to pay dividends is subject to its ability to earn net income and to meet certain regulatory requirements. In the event the Bank is unable to pay dividends to First PacTrust Bancorp, First PacTrust Bancorp may not be able to pay dividends on its common stock or the Series A Preferred Stock. See Note 11 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008. Also, First PacTrust Bancorp’s right to participate in a distribution of assets upon a subsidiary’s liquidation or reorganization is subject to the prior claims of the subsidiary’s creditors. This includes claims under the liquidation account maintained for the benefit of certain eligible deposit account holders of the Bank established in connection with the Bank’s conversion from the mutual to the stock form of ownership.

In addition, the Series A Preferred Stock does not limit the amount of debt or other obligations we or our subsidiaries may incur in the future. Accordingly, we and our subsidiaries may incur substantial amounts of additional debt and other obligations that will rank senior to the Series A Preferred Stock or to which the Series A Preferred Stock will be structurally subordinated.

The prices of the Series A Preferred Stock and our common stock may fluctuate significantly, and this may make it difficult for you to resell the Series A Preferred Stock and/or common stock when you want or at prices you find attractive.

There currently is no market for the Series A Preferred Stock, and we cannot predict how the Series A Preferred Stock or our common stock will trade in the future. The market value of the Series A Preferred Stock and our common stock will likely continue to fluctuate in response to a number of factors including the following, most of which are beyond our control, as well as the other factors described in this “Risk Factors” section:

 

   

actual or anticipated quarterly fluctuations in our operating and financial results;

 

   

developments related to investigations, proceedings or litigation that involve us;

 

   

changes in financial estimates and recommendations by financial analysts;

 

   

dispositions, acquisitions and financings;

 

   

actions of our current stockholders, including sales of common stock by existing stockholders and our directors and executive officers;

 

   

fluctuations in the stock price and operating results of our competitors;

 

   

regulatory developments; and

 

   

developments related to the financial services industry.

The market value of the Series A Preferred Stock and our common stock may also be affected by conditions affecting the financial markets in general, including price and trading fluctuations. These conditions may result in (i) volatility in the level of, and fluctuations in, the market prices of stocks generally and, in turn, the Series A Preferred Stock and our common stock and (ii) sales of substantial amounts of the Series A Preferred Stock or our common stock in the market, in each case that could be unrelated or disproportionate to changes in our operating performance. These broad market fluctuations may adversely affect the market value of the Series A Preferred Stock and our common stock.

 

39


Table of Contents

There may be future sales of additional common stock or preferred stock or other dilution of our equity, which may adversely affect the market price of our common stock or the Series A Preferred Stock.

We are not restricted from issuing additional common stock or preferred stock, including any securities that are convertible into or exchangeable for, or that represent the right to receive, common stock or preferred stock or any substantially similar securities. The market value of our common stock or the Series A Preferred Stock could decline as a result of sales by us of a large number of shares of common stock or preferred stock or similar securities in the market or the perception that such sales could occur.

Anti-takeover provisions could negatively impact our stockholders.

Provisions in our charter and bylaws, the corporate law of the State of Maryland and federal regulations could delay, defer or prevent a third party from acquiring us, despite the possible benefit to our stockholders, or otherwise adversely affect the market price of any class of our equity securities, including our common stock and the Series A Preferred Stock. These provisions include: a prohibition on voting shares of common stock beneficially owned in excess of 10% of total shares outstanding, supermajority voting requirements for certain business combinations with any person who beneficially owns 10% or more of our outstanding common stock; the election of directors to staggered terms of three years; advance notice requirements for nominations for election to our Board of Directors and for proposing matters that stockholders may act on at stockholder meetings, a requirement that only directors may fill a vacancy in our Board of Directors, supermajority voting requirements to remove any of our directors and the other provisions described under “Description of Capital Stock—Anti-Takeover Effects.” Our charter also authorizes our Board of Directors to issue preferred stock, and preferred stock could be issued as a defensive measure in response to a takeover proposal. For further information, see “Description of Capital Stock—Preferred Stock.” In addition, pursuant to OTS regulations, as a general matter, no person or company, acting individually or in concert with others, may acquire more than 10% of our common stock without prior approval from the OTS.

These provisions may discourage potential takeover attempts, discourage bids for our common stock at a premium over market price or adversely affect the market price of, and the voting and other rights of the holders of, our common stock. These provisions could also discourage proxy contests and make it more difficult for holders of our common stock to elect directors other than the candidates nominated by our Board of Directors.

Risks Specific to the Series A Preferred Stock

An active trading market for the Series A Preferred Stock may not develop.

The Series A Preferred Stock is not currently listed on any securities exchange and we do not anticipate listing the Series A Preferred Stock on an exchange unless we are requested to do so by Treasury pursuant to the securities purchase agreement between us and Treasury. There can be no assurance that an active trading market for the Series A Preferred Stock will develop, or, if developed, that an active trading market will be maintained. If an active market is not developed or sustained, the market value and liquidity of the Series A Preferred Stock may be adversely affected.

The Series A Preferred Stock may be junior in rights and preferences to our future preferred stock.

Subject to approval by the holders of at least 66 2/3% of the shares of Series A Preferred Stock then outstanding, voting together as a separate class, we may issue preferred stock in the future the terms of which are expressly senior to the Series A Preferred Stock. The terms of any such future preferred stock expressly senior to the Series A Preferred Stock may restrict dividend payments on the Series A Preferred Stock. For example, the terms of any such senior preferred stock may provide that, unless full dividends for all of our outstanding preferred stock senior to the Series A Preferred Stock have been paid for the relevant periods, no dividends will be paid on the Series A Preferred Stock, and no shares of the Series A Preferred Stock may be repurchased,

 

40


Table of Contents

redeemed, or otherwise acquired by us. This could result in dividends on the Series A Preferred Stock not being paid when contemplated. In addition, in the event of our liquidation, dissolution or winding-up, the terms of the senior preferred stock may prohibit us from making payments on the Series A Preferred Stock until all amounts due to holders of the senior preferred stock in such circumstances are paid in full.

Holders of the Series A Preferred Stock have limited voting rights.

Until and unless we are in arrears on our dividend payments on the Series A Preferred Stock for six dividend periods, whether or not consecutive, the holders of the Series A Preferred Stock will have no voting rights except with respect to certain fundamental changes in the terms of the Series A Preferred Stock and certain other matters and except as may be required by Maryland law. If dividends on the Preferred Stock are not paid in full for six dividend periods, whether or not consecutive, the total number of positions on the First PacTrust Bancorp Board of Directors will automatically increase by two and the holders of the Series A Preferred Stock, acting as a class with any other parity securities having similar voting rights, will have the right to elect two individuals to serve in the new director positions. This right and the terms of such directors will end when we have paid in full all accrued and unpaid dividends for all past dividend periods. See “Description of Series A Preferred Stock—Voting Rights.” Based on the current number of members of the First PacTrust Bancorp Board of Directors (six), directors elected by the holders of the common stock would have a controlling majority of the Board and would be able to take any action approved by them notwithstanding any objection by the directors elected by the holders of the Series A Preferred Stock.

If we are unable to redeem the Series A Preferred Stock after five years, the cost of this capital to us will increase substantially.

If we are unable to redeem the Series A Preferred Stock prior to February 15, 2014, the cost of this capital to us will increase substantially on that date, from 5.0% per annum (approximately $965,000 annually) to 9.0% per annum (approximately $1.7 million annually). See “Description of Series A Preferred Stock—Redemption and Repurchases.” Depending on our financial condition at the time, this increase in the annual dividend rate on the Series A Preferred Stock could have a material negative effect on our liquidity.

Risks Specific to the Common Stock

The securities purchase agreement between us and the Treasury limits our ability to pay dividends on and repurchase our common stock.

The securities purchase agreement between us and Treasury provides that prior to the earlier of (i) November 21, 2011 and (ii) the date on which all of the shares of the Series A Preferred Stock have been redeemed by us or transferred by Treasury to third parties, we may not, without the consent of Treasury, (a) increase the cash dividend on our common stock or (b) subject to limited exceptions, redeem, repurchase or otherwise acquire shares of our common stock or preferred stock other than the Series A Preferred Stock or trust preferred securities. In addition, we are unable to pay any dividends on our common stock unless we are current in our dividend payments on the Series A Preferred Stock. These restrictions, together with the potentially dilutive impact of the warrant described in the next risk factor, could have a negative effect on the value of our common stock. Moreover, holders of our common stock are entitled to receive dividends only when, as and if declared by our Board of Directors. Although we have historically paid cash dividends on our common stock, we are not required to do so and our Board of Directors could reduce or eliminate our common stock dividend in the future.

 

41


Table of Contents

The Series A Preferred Stock impacts net income available to our common stockholders and earnings per common share, and the warrants we issued to Treasury may be dilutive to holders of our common stock.

The dividends declared and the accretion on discount on the Series A Preferred Stock will reduce the net income available to common stockholders and our earnings per common share. The Series A Preferred Stock will also receive preferential treatment in the event of liquidation, dissolution or winding up of First PacTrust Bancorp. Additionally, the ownership interest of the existing holders of our common stock will be diluted to the extent the warrant we issued to Treasury in conjunction with the sale to Treasury of the Series A Preferred Stock is exercised. The shares of common stock underlying the warrant represent approximately 6.1% of the shares of our common stock outstanding (including the shares issuable upon exercise of the warrant in total shares outstanding). Although Treasury has agreed not to vote any of the shares of common stock it receives upon exercise of the warrant, a transferee of any portion of the warrant or of any shares of common stock acquired upon exercise of the warrant is not bound by this restriction.

The voting limitation provision in our charter could limit your voting rights as a holder of our common stock.

Our charter provides that any person or group who acquires beneficial ownership of our common stock in excess of 10% of the outstanding shares may not vote the excess shares. Accordingly, if you acquire beneficial ownership of more than 10% of the outstanding shares of our common stock, your voting rights with respect to the common stock will not be commensurate with your economic interest in our company.

In addition, the Maryland business corporation law, the state where First PacTrust Bancorp, Inc. is incorporated, provides for certain restrictions on acquisition of First PacTrust Bancorp, Inc., and federal law contains restrictions on acquisitions of control of savings and loan holding companies such as First PacTrust Bancorp, Inc.

Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments

None.

 

42


Table of Contents

Item 2. Properties

At December 31, 2008, the Bank had six full service offices and three limited service offices. The Bank owns the office building in which our home office and executive offices are located. At December 31, 2008, the Bank owned all but five of our other branch offices. The net book value of the Bank’s investment in premises, equipment and leaseholds, excluding computer equipment, was approximately $4.3 million at December 31, 2008.

The following table provides a list of Pacific Trust Bank’s main and branch offices and indicates whether the properties are owned or leased:

 

Location

   Owned or
Leased
   Lease Expiration
Date
   Net Book Value at
December 31, 2008
               (Dollars in Thousands)

MAIN AND EXECUTIVE OFFICE

        

610 Bay Boulevard

Chula Vista, CA 91910

   Owned    N/A    $ 656

BRANCH OFFICES:

        

279 F Street

Chula Vista, CA 91912

   Owned    N/A    $ 455

850 Lagoon Drive

Chula Vista, CA 91910

   *    N/A      N/A

350 Fletcher Parkway

El Cajon, CA 91910

   Leased    December, 2009      N/A

5508 Balboa Avenue

San Diego, CA 92111

   Leased    October, 2011      N/A

27425 Ynez Road

Temecula, CA 92591

   Owned    N/A    $ 759

8200 Arlington Avenue

Riverside, CA 92503

   *    N/A      N/A

5030 Arlington Avenue

Riverside, CA 92503

   Owned    N/A    $ 225

16536 Bernardo Center Drive

San Diego, CA

   Leased    December, 2013      N/A

 

* These sites, which are on Goodrich Aerostructures facilities, are provided to the Company at no cost as an accommodation to their employees.

The Bank believes that our current facilities are adequate to meet the present and immediately foreseeable needs of Pacific Trust Bank and First PacTrust Bancorp, Inc.; however, the Company is currently evaluating additional branch offices.

Item 3. Legal Proceedings

From time to time we are involved as plaintiff or defendant in various legal actions arising in the normal course of business. We do not anticipate incurring any material liability as a result of such litigation.

Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

No matter was submitted to a vote of security holders, through the solicitation of proxies or otherwise, during the quarter ended December 31, 2008.

 

43


Table of Contents

PART II

Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

The Company’s common stock is traded on the Nasdaq Global Market under the symbol “FPTB.” The approximate number of holders of record of the Company’s common stock as of December 31, 2008 was 247. Certain shares of the Company are held in “nominee” or “street” name and accordingly, the number of beneficial owners of such shares is not known or included in the foregoing number. At March 5, 2009 there were 4,232,465 shares of common stock (net of Treasury stock) issued and outstanding. The following table presents quarterly market information for the Company’s common stock for the two years ended December 31, 2008 and December 31, 2007.

 

     Market Price Range     

2008

   High    Low    Dividends

Quarter Ended

        

December 31, 2008

   $ 12.37    $ 8.09    $ .185

September 30, 2008

   $ 13.45    $ 11.00    $ .185

June 30, 2008

   $ 17.09    $ 12.90    $ .185

March 31, 2008

   $ 17.88    $ 16.31    $ .185
            
         $ .740
     Market Price Range     

2007

   High    Low    Dividends

Quarter Ended

        

December 31, 2007

   $ 25.61    $ 18.21    $ .185

September 30, 2007

   $ 26.00    $ 21.48    $ .185

June 30, 2007

   $ 27.50    $ 24.12    $ .185

March 31, 2007

   $ 28.08    $ 25.86    $ .180
            
         $ .735

DIVIDEND POLICY

Dividends from First Pactrust Bancorp, Inc., will depend, in large part, upon receipt of dividends from Pacific Trust Bank, because First PacTrust Bancorp, Inc. will have limited sources of income other than dividends from Pacific Trust Bank, earnings from the investment of proceeds from the sale of shares of common stock retained by First PacTrust Bancorp, Inc., and interest payments with respect to First PacTrust Bancorp, Inc.’s loan to the 401(k) Employee Stock Ownership Plan. During fiscal 2008, a $2.9 million dividend was paid from the Bank to First PacTrust Bancorp, Inc. A regulation of the Office of Thrift Supervision imposes limitations on “capital distributions” by savings institutions. See “How We Are Regulated—Limitations on Dividends and Other Capital Distributions.”

 

44


Table of Contents

ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

 

Period

   Total # of shares
Purchased
   Average price paid
per share
   Total # of shares
purchased as part
of a publicly
announced program
   Maximum # of
shares that may
yet be purchased

10/1/08-10/31/08

   —            0

11/1/08-11/30/08

   49,900    10.33    49,900    76

12/1/08-12/31/08

   2,246    9.54    2,246    0

On January 23, 2008, a buyback plan totaling 150,000 shares was authorized by the Company’s board of directors to be conducted at prevailing market prices. A total of 152,170 shares were purchased in 2008. The amounts purchased in excess of the buyback plan represent shares purchased resulting from tax liabilities of employees of the Company. The Company has terminated the buyback plan in connection with its participation in the TARP Capital Purchase program however, future purchases may be made by the Company if they are related to employee stock benefit plans, consistent with past practices.

 

45


Table of Contents

Item 6. Selected Financial Data

SELECTED FINANCIAL AND OTHER DATA

The following table sets forth certain consolidated financial and other data of the Company at the dates and for the periods indicated. The information set forth below should be read in conjunction with “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation” included herein at Item 7 and the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included herein at Item 8.

 

     December 31,  
     2008     2007     2006     2005     2004  
     (In thousands, except per share data)  

Selected Financial Condition Data:

          

Total assets

   $ 876,520     $ 774,720     $ 808,343     $ 755,177     $ 674,460  

Cash and cash equivalents

     19,237       21,796       13,995       13,873       12,315  

Loans receivable, net

     793,045       710,095       740,044       688,497       628,724  

Securities available-for-sale

     17,565       4,367       13,989       14,012       10,019  

Bank owned life insurance

     17,565       17,042       16,349       15,675       —    

Other investments (interest-bearing term deposit)

     893       992       992       1,507       2,490  

FHLB stock

     9,364       6,842       9,794       8,523       7,784  

Deposits

     598,177       574,151       570,543       508,156       453,581  

Total borrowings

     175,000       111,700       151,200       164,200       135,500  

Total equity

     98,723       84,075       81,741       77,769       79,391  

Selected Operations Data:

          

Total interest income

     45,896       45,711       45,514       35,651       31,733  

Total interest expense

     23,021       28,847       26,945       16,703       11,426  

Net interest income

     22,875       16,864       18,569       18,948       20,307  

Provision for loan losses

     13,547       1,588       (24 )     250       238  

Net interest income after provision for loan losses

     9,328       15,276       18,593       18,698       20,069  

Customer service fees

     1,579       1,573       1,397       1,266       1,219  

Net gain on sales of securities available-for-sale

     —         —         —         18       93  

Income from bank owned life insurance

     540       711       628       675       —    

Other non-interest income

     83       107       192       185       238  

Total non-interest income

     2,202       2,391       2,217       2,144       1,550  

Total non-interest expense

     13,522       14,082       13,565       13,410       12,658  

Income/(loss) before taxes

     (1,992 )     3,585       7,245       7,432       8,961  

Income tax expense/(benefit)

     (1,463 )     624       2,531       2,625       3,886  

Net income/(loss)

     (529 )     2,961       4,714       4,807       5,075  

Basic earnings/(loss) per share

     (.15 )     .71       1.15       1.16       1.18  

Diluted earnings/(loss) per share

     (.15 )     .70       1.12       1.13       1.16  

Selected Financial Ratios and Other Data:

          

Performance Ratios:

          

Return on assets (ratio of net income to average total assets)

     (0.06 )%     0.38 %     0.59 %     0.67 %     0.77 %

Return on equity (ratio of net income to average equity)

     (0.62 )%     3.54 %     5.91 %     6.10 %     6.32 %

Dividend payout ratio

     n/a *     109.3 %     58.9 %     49.7 %     39.1 %

Interest Rate Spread Information:

          

Average during period

     2.64 %     1.89 %     2.11 %     2.49 %     2.90 %

End of period

     2.75 %     2.18 %     1.78 %     2.34 %     2.85 %

Net interest margin(1)

     2.92 %     2.27 %     2.44 %     2.76 %     3.16 %

Ratio of operating expense to average total assets

     1.64 %     1.81 %     1.70 %     1.86 %     1.92 %

Efficiency ratio(2)

     53.92 %     73.13 %     65.26 %     63.63 %     56.73 %

Ratio of average interest-earning assets to average interest-bearing liabilities

     109.36 %     109.84 %     109.15 %     111.1 %     114.72 %

 

* Not applicable due to the net loss reported for the twelve months ended December 31, 2008.

 

46


Table of Contents
     December 31,  
     2008     2007     2006     2005     2004  
     (In thousands)  

Quality Ratios:

          

Non-performing assets to total assets

   5.36 %   1.82 %   0.24 %   —   %   —   %

Allowance for loan losses to non-performing loans(3)

   39.08 %   44.16 %   239.24 %   156,367 %   110,750 %

Allowance for loans losses to gross loans(3)

   2.26 %   0.87 %   0.63 %   0.68 %   0.70 %

Capital Ratios:

          

Equity to total assets at end of period

   11.3 %   10.9 %   10.1 %   10.3 %   11.8 %

Average equity to average assets

   10.5 %   10.7 %   10.0 %   11.0 %   12.2 %

Other Data:

          

Number of full-service offices

   6     6     6     6     6  

 

(1) Net interest income divided by average interest-earning assets.
(2) Efficiency ratio represents noninterest expense as a percentage of net interest income plus noninterest income, exclusive of securities gains and losses and an impairment loss in 2004-related to the housing fund investment.
(3) The allowance for loan losses at December 31, 2008, 2007, 2006, 2005, and 2004 was $18.3 million , $6.2 million, $4.7 million, $4.7 million, and $4.4 million, respectively.

 

47


Table of Contents

Item  7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Executive Management Overview

This overview of management’s discussion and analysis highlights selected information in the financial results of the Company and may not contain all of the information that is important to you. For a more complete understanding of trends, commitments, uncertainties, liquidity, capital resources and critical accounting policies and estimates, you should carefully read this entire document. Each of these items could have an impact on the Company’s financial condition and results of operations.

First PacTrust Bancorp, Inc. is a savings and loan holding company that owns one thrift institution, Pacific Trust Bank. As a unitary thrift holding company, First PacTrust Bancorp, Inc. activities are limited to banking, securities, insurance and financial services-related activities. Pacific Trust Bank is a federally chartered stock savings bank, in continuous operation since 1941 as a profitable and successful financial institution. The Company is headquartered in Chula Vista, California, a suburb of San Diego, California, and has six full service and three limited service banking offices primarily serving residents of San Diego and Riverside Counties in California. The Company’s geographic market for loans and deposits is principally San Diego and Riverside counties.

The Company’s principal business consists of attracting retail deposits from the general public and investing these funds and other borrowings in loans primarily secured by first mortgages on owner-occupied, one-to four-family residences in San Diego and Riverside counties, California. During 2005, the Company introduced a new lending product called the “Green Account”, America’s first fully transactional flexible mortgage account. The Company experienced significant growth in this product during 2008 and originated $122.7 million Green Account loans. The Company anticipates that growth in this product will continue. At December 31, 2008, one- to four-family residential mortgage loans totaled $652.9 million, or 80.7% of our gross loan portfolio including the portion of the Company’s “Green” account home equity loan portfolio that are first trust deeds. If the home equity “Green” account loans in first position are excluded, total one- to four-family residential mortgage loans totaled $460.3 million, or 56.9% of our gross loan portfolio.

The Company continues to develop strong deposit relationships with customers by providing quality service while offering a variety of competitive deposit products. During 2007, the Company introduced commercial deposit accounts and had a total of $14.4 million of commercial deposit accounts at December 31, 2008. Total net deposits increased $24.0 million and consisted of growth in the Company’s high yield savings and certificate of deposit accounts.

The Company’s results of operations are dependent primarily on net interest income, which is the difference between interest income on earning assets such as loans and securities, and interest expense paid on liabilities such as deposits and borrowings. The Company’s net interest income, which is primarily driven by interest income on residential first mortgage loans, increased by $6.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2008. The decline in interest rate levels experienced throughout the year negatively impacted loan interest income, however, positively contributed to a significant reduction in the Company’s cost of funds increasing the Company’s net interest margin by 65 basis points to 2.92%.

The past year proved to be an extremely challenging operating environment, as witnessed by the continued declines in the housing market along with decreasing home prices, increasing delinquencies and foreclosures and reduced availability of commercial and consumer credit, which have negatively affected the performance of consumer and commercial credit and resulted in significant write-downs of assets by the majority of financial institutions. The Company’s non-performing assets have increased $32.8 million over the prior year while the provision for loan losses were $13.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2008 as a result of these factors. The Company expects that the continued economic pressures on consumers and businesses and the lack of confidence in the financial markets may continue to adversely affect the Company’s results of operations in the coming year.

 

48


Table of Contents

Future earnings of the Company are inherently tied to changes in interest rate levels, the relationship between short and long term interest rates, credit quality, and economic trends. If short term interest rates continue to decrease, the Company’s interest expense on deposits will likely decrease at a faster pace than the interest income received on earning assets due to the relatively shorter term repricing characteristics of the Company’s deposits than the maturity or repricing characteristics of its loan portfolio. The Company intends to continue to focus on the origination of adjustable rate loan products while securing longer term deposits and borrowings.

The plan for our on-going success is continued leveraging of the Company’s assets, mostly through continued loan portfolio and deposit growth to make better use of our current relatively high capital ratios. This growth is intended to be funded with deposit growth and borrowed funds if needed with terms that are appropriate to manage interest rate risk while assuring an adequate net interest spread. The Company will continue its strategy of loan and deposit portfolio growth through high-quality customer service and the development and introduction of innovative financial products. This will be coupled with efforts to further improve our efficiency ratio through controlled operating expense growth, as well as exploring potential new sources of noninterest income. The Company continues to look for opportunities to open an additional branch location in San Diego County if the right location can be found.

The following is a discussion and analysis of the Company’s financial position and results of operations and should be read in conjunction with the information set forth under “General” in Item 7A, Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk, and the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto appearing under Item 8 of this report. Dollar amounts are in thousands with the exception of share and per share data.

Comparison of Financial Condition at December 31, 2008 and December 31, 2007

The Company’s total assets increased by $101.8 million, or 13.1%, to $876.5 million at December 31, 2008 from $774.7 million at December 31, 2007. The increase primarily reflected the growth in the balance of net loans receivable and in the available-for-sale securities portfolio in the amounts of $82.9 million and $13.2 million, respectively.

Net loans receivable increased by $82.9 million, or 11.7%, to $793.0 million at December 31, 2008 from $710.1 million at December 31, 2007. The increase in loans resulted primarily from loan originations exceeding repayments during the year. The Company’s ability to originate loans has been largely unaffected by the turmoil in the secondary mortgage markets given that all loans originated are kept in portfolio. The Company’s strong capital ratios coupled with being a portfolio lender has allowed the Company to take advantage of current market conditions and compete with other lenders who have liquidity or capital constraints and have reduced lending operations. Loan production of $249.3 million during 2008 was primarily attributable to $122.7 million of originations of the Company’s Green account loan product and $105.0 million of originations of the Company’s one-to-four-family loans. At December 31, 2008, the Company had a total of $347.6 million in interest-only mortgage loans, $219.1 million in interest-only transactional flexible mortgage “Green account” loans and $37.3 million in loans with potential for negative amortization. At December 31, 2007, the Company had a total of $294.3 million in interest-only mortgage loans, $164.0 million in interest-only transactional flexible mortgage loans and $48.2 million in loans with potential for negative amortization. These loans could pose a higher credit risk because of the lack of principal amortization and potential for negative amortization. However, management believes the risk is mitigated through the Company’s loan terms and underwriting standards, including its policies on loan-to-value ratios. The Company no longer originates negatively amortizing loans.

Securities classified as available-for-sale of $17.6 million at December 31, 2008 increased $13.2 million from December 31, 2007 primarily due to the purchase of four new collateralized mortgage obligation securities during the period totaling $17.2 million. Two agency securities totaling $4.3 million were called at par during the first quarter of 2008.

 

49


Table of Contents

Total deposits increased by $24.0 million, or 4.2%, to $598.2 million at December 31, 2008 from $574.2 million at December 31, 2007. Deposits increased as a result of marketing efforts and newly originated business deposits and primarily reflected growth in certificates of deposit and savings accounts. Certificates of deposit increased $60.3 million or 19.8% to $365.3 million due to competitive rates offered by the Bank. The certificates of deposit growth consisted of a $20.0 million increase in brokered deposits as well as a $15.0 million increase in institutional jumbo certificates of deposit. Savings accounts increased $16.2 million, or 20.1%, to $96.9 million, chiefly in the Company’s high yield savings account due to competitive rate terms. Money market accounts decreased $47.6 million or 36.8% to $81.8 million as customers moved to substantially higher rates paid by competitors. The overall increase in retail deposits was not sufficient to fund the increase in loans, and additional funding in the form of Federal Home Loan Bank advances was necessary to cover the increased loan originations. As a result, Federal Home Loan Bank advances increased by $63.3 million, or 56.7%, to $175.0 million at December 31, 2008 from $111.7 million at December 31, 2007.

Equity increased $14.6 million to $98.7 million at December 31, 2008 from $84.1 million at December 31, 2007. During the year, the company received $19.3 million from the U.S Treasury in exchange for the sale of 19,300 shares of the Company’s newly authorized fixed rate cumulative perpetual preferred stock, series A, as part of the federal government’s TARP capital purchase program. The increase in equity was due to the following; the issuance of preferred stock and warrants, net of filing fees and costs, in the amount of $19.1 million; ESOP shares earned of $586 thousand; and an increase in stock awards earned of $369 thousand. Equity decreased primarily due to the payment of dividends of $3.2 million, the purchase of treasury stock in the amount of $2.2 million and total net loss for the year of $529 thousand.

 

50


Table of Contents

Average Balances, Net Interest Income, Yields Earned and Rates Paid

The following table presents for the periods indicated the total dollar amount of interest income from average interest-earning assets and the resultant yields, as well as the interest expense on average interest-bearing liabilities, expressed both in dollars and rates. Also presented is the weighted average yield on interest-earning assets, rates paid on interest-bearing liabilities and the resultant spread at December 31, 2008. No tax equivalent adjustments were made. All average balances are monthly average balances. Non-accruing loans have been included in the table as loans carrying a zero yield.

 

    At December 31,
2008
    2008     2007     2006  
    Average
Yield/ Cost
    Average
Balance
    Interest   Average
Yield/
Cost
    Average
Balance
    Interest   Average
Yield/
Cost
    Average
Balance
    Interest   Average
Yield/
Cost
 
    (Dollars in
thousands)
                                                 

INTEREST-EARNING ASSETS

                   

Loans receivable(1)

  5.89 %   $ 763,331     $ 45,234   5.93 %   $ 713,548     $ 44,632   6.25 %   $ 730,006     $ 44,202   6.06 %

Securities(2)

  4.48 %     2,219       141   6.35 %     12,789       567   4.43 %     14,307       627   4.38 %

Other interest-earning assets(3)

  .37 %     18,593       521   2.80 %     17,378       512   2.95 %     18,205       685   3.76 %
                                                 

Total interest-earning assets

  5.71 %     784,143       45,896   5.85 %     743,715       45,711   6.15 %     762,518       45,514   5.97 %
                                                 

Non-interest earning assets(4)

      38,371           36,199           35,178      
                                     

Total assets

    $ 822,514         $ 779,914         $ 797,696      
                                     

INTEREST-BEARING LIABILITIES

                   

NOW

  0.86 %     42,758       471   1.10 %     45,570       768   1.69 %     54,913       961   1.75 %

Money market

  1.55 %     105,498       2,351   2.23 %     167,888       7,280   4.34 %     155,448       6,744   4.34 %

Savings

  1.97 %     95,724       2,225   2.32 %     54,436       1,353   2.49 %     51,668       854   1.65 %

Certificates of deposit

  3.51 %     315,463       12,465   3.95 %     294,612       14,461   4.91 %     259,771       11,024   4.24 %

FHLB advances

  3.49 %     157,569       5,509   3.50 %     114,562       4,985   4.35 %     176,769       7,362   4.16 %
                                                 

Total interest-bearing liabilities

  2.96 %     717,012       23,021   3.21 %     677,068       28,847   4.26 %     698,569       26,945   3.86 %
                                                 

Non-interest-bearing liabilities

      19,526           19,319           19,336      
                                     

Total liabilities

      736,538           696,387           717,905      

Equity

      85,976           83,527           79,791      
                                     

Total liabilities and equity

    $ 822,514         $ 779,914         $ 797,696      
                                     

Net interest/spread

  2.75 %     $ 22,875   2.64 %     $ 16,864   1.89 %     $ 18,569   2.11 %
                               

Margin(5)

        2.92 %       2.27 %       2.44 %

Ratio of interest-earning assets to interest-bearing liabilities

      109.36 %         109.84 %         109.15 %    

 

(1) Calculated net of deferred fees and loss reserves.
(2) Calculated based on amortized cost.
(3) Includes FHLB stock at cost and term deposits with other financial institutions.
(4) Includes BOLI investment of $17.6 million.
(5) Net interest income divided by interest-earning assets.

 

51


Table of Contents

Rate/Volume Analysis

The following table presents the dollar amount of changes in interest income and interest expense for major components of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities. For each category of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities, information is provided on changes attributable to (1) changes in volume, which are changes in volume multiplied by the old rate, and (2) changes in rate, which are changes in rate multiplied by the old volume. Changes attributable to both rate and volume which cannot be segregated have been allocated proportionately to the change due to volume and the change due to rate.

 

     2008 Compared to 2007     2007 Compared to 2006  
     Total
Change
    Change
Due
To Volume
    Change
Due
To Rate
    Total
Change
    Change
Due
To Volume
    Change
Due
To Rate
 
     (In Thousands)  

INTEREST-EARNING ASSETS

            

Loans receivable

   $ 602     $ 3,021     $ (2,419 )   $ 430     $ (1,010 )   $ 1,440  

Securities

     (426 )     (602 )     176       (60 )     (67 )     7  

Other interest-earning assets

     9       35       (26 )     (173 )     (30 )     (143 )
                                                

Total interest-earning assets

   $ 185     $ 2,454     $ (2,269 )   $ 197     $ (1,107 )   $ 1,304  

INTEREST-BEARING LIABILITIES

            

NOW

   $ (297 )   $ (45 )   $ (252 )   $ (193 )   $ (159 )   $ (34 )

Money market

     (4,929 )     (2,136 )     (2,793 )     536       539       (3 )

Savings

     872       965       (93 )     499       48       451  

Certificates of deposit

     (1,996 )     970       (2,966 )     3,437       1,585       1,852  

FHLB advances

     524       1,630       (1,106 )     (2,377 )     (2,694 )     317  
                                                

Total interest-bearing liabilities

     (5,826 )     1,384       (7,210 )     1,902       (681 )     2,583  
                                                

Net interest/spread

   $ 6,011     $ 1,070     $ 4,941     $ (1,705 )   $ (426 )   $ (1,279 )

Comparison of Operating Results for the Years Ended December 31, 2008 and 2007

General. Net loss for the year ended December 31, 2008 was $529 thousand, a decrease of $3.5 million, or 117.9%, from net income of $3.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2007. The decrease in net income resulted primarily from an increase in the provision for loan losses and a reduction in short term interest rates as discussed below.

Interest Income. Interest income increased by $185 thousand or 0.4%, to $45.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2008 from $45.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2007. The primary factor for the increase in interest income was a $49.8 million increase in the average balance of loans receivable from $713.5 million at December 31, 2007 to $763.3 million at December 31, 2008. In addition, total interest income was reduced by $2.4 million due to a reversal of loan interest income related to loans placed on nonaccrual status during the period. Due to a general decline in market interest rates the average yield on loans receivable decreased 32 basis points to 5.9% for the year ended December 31, 2008 compared to 6.3% for the year ending December 31, 2007. Interest income was also reduced by a decrease in the average balance of securities of $10.6 million or 82.6% from $12.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2007 to $2.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2008.

The Company had originated loans with potential for negative amortization from 2000 until 2005 which had a balance of $37.3 million at December 31, 2008. The Company has mitigated the risks associated with the negatively amortizing loans by using conservative underwriting standards. The Company no longer originates loans with the potential for negative amortization. Capitalized interest recognized in earnings that resulted from negative amortization within the portfolio totaled $571 thousand or 1.3% of loan interest income for the year ended December 31, 2008 and $1.6 million or 3.6% of loan interest income for the year ended December 31, 2007.

 

52


Table of Contents

Interest income on other interest-earning assets increased $9 thousand, or 1.8% to $521 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2008 from $512 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2007 primarily due to an increase in Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”) stock dividends resulting from an increase in the required average FHLB stock holdings due to an increase in FHLB advances during the year. The Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco has recently announced that a dividend will not be paid for the first quarter of 2009 and that future dividends will be subject to economic conditions and the ability of the FHLB to pay them.

Interest income on securities decreased $426 thousand, or 75.1% to $141 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2008 from $567 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2007. The decrease was due to the two agency securities totaling $4.3 million that were called at par during the first quarter of 2008. The average yield on the securities portfolio increased by 192 basis points from 4.4% for the year ended December 31, 2007 to 6.4% for the year ended December 31, 2008. The collateralized mortgage obligations purchased during 2008 were purchased at the end of the year and, therefore, had a minimal impact on interest income during the year.

Interest Expense. Interest expense decreased $5.8 million or 20.2%, to $23.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2008 compared to December 31, 2007 primarily due to a decrease in interest expense on deposits resulting from the overall decrease in interest rates during the period. Interest expense on deposits decreased $6.4 million, or 26.6% to $17.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2008 from $23.9 million for 2007. This resulted from a 105 basis point decrease in the Company’s cost of funds due to a decrease in short term interest rates as well as a $3.1 million decrease in the average balance of deposits from $562.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2007 to $559.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2008. Interest expense on Federal Home Loan Bank advances increased approximately $524 thousand, or 10.5%, to $5.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2008 from $5.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2007 primarily due to a $43.0 million increase in the average balance of Federal Home Loan Bank advances which were used to fund loan demand. Although interest expense on Federal Home Loan Bank advances increased, rates paid on those advances decreased by 85 basis points. This decline reflected the substantial decrease in short term market interest rates as a result of the Federal Open Market Committee of the Federal Reserve Board’s (“FOMC”) decision to reduce the overnight lending rate in response to the continued liquidity crisis in the credit markets and recessionary concerns.

Net Interest Income. As a result of the factors mentioned above, net interest income before the provision for loan losses increased $6.0 million, or 35.6%, to $22.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2008 from $16.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2007. Due to the substantial decline in the Company’s cost of funds, as a result of the decrease in short term market interest rates, the Company’s margins have substantially improved over the prior period with the net interest spread increasing 75 basis points to 2.6%, and the net interest margin increasing 65 basis points to 2.9%.

Provision for Loan Losses. Management assesses the allowance for loan losses on a monthly basis. Management uses available information to recognize losses on loans, however, future loan loss provisions may be necessary based on changes in economic conditions. The allowance for loan losses as of December 31, 2008 was maintained at a level that represented management’s best estimate of incurred losses in the loan portfolio to the extent they were both probable and reasonably estimable.

A provision for loan losses of $13.5 million was recorded for the year ended December 31, 2008 compared to a $1.6 million provision recorded for the year ended December 31, 2007. Increased provision levels reflect the deterioration in the housing markets during the period and the resulting increase in the Company’s nonperforming loan balances, as well as an increase in loans charged off.

Total charge-offs for the year ended December 31, 2008 were $1.6 million compared to $24 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2007. The current year charge-offs consisted primarily of eight one-to four- loans totaling $658 thousand, one commercial business loan totaling $653 thousand and two home equity line of credit loans totaling $197 thousand.

 

53


Table of Contents

Provisions for loan losses are charged to operations at a level required to reflect probable incurred credit losses in the loan portfolio. In evaluating the level of the allowance for loan losses, management considers historical loss experience, the types of loans and the amount of loans in the loan portfolio, adverse situations that may affect the borrower’s ability to repay, estimated value of any underlying collateral, peer group information, declining property values and prevailing economic conditions. In this regard, approximately 95% of our loans are to individuals and businesses in southern California. California, in general, and more specifically, San Diego and Riverside counties, are considered to be the most distressed real estate markets in the country. Despite current financial market and economic conditions, the Company has not experienced significant exposure in the residential loan portfolio and has actively addressed credit related issues. The Company’s loss provisions have primarily been related to construction and land development loans. In assessing loan loss provisions, the Company utilizes current market values for collateral dependent loans. Large groups of smaller balance homogeneous loans, such as residential real estate, small commercial real estate, and home equity and consumer loans, are evaluated in the aggregate using historical loss factors adjusted for current economic conditions as experienced by the Company. Large balance and/or more complex loans, such as multi-family, construction, and commercial real estate loans, and classified loans, are evaluated individually for impairment. This evaluation is inherently subjective as it requires estimates that are susceptible to significant revision as more information becomes available or as future events change.

Noninterest Income. Noninterest income decreased $189 thousand, or 7.9% to $2.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2008 from $2.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2007, primarily due to a decrease in loan prepayment penalties as well as decreased performance in the bank owned life insurance investment as a result of current market conditions.

Noninterest Expense. Noninterest expense decreased $560 thousand or 4.0%, to $13.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2008 from $14.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2007. This net decrease was primarily the result of a $544 thousand decrease in salaries and employee benefit expense, a $155 thousand decrease in the operating loss of the California Affordable Housing Fund investment, an $89 thousand decrease in ATM costs and a $73 thousand decrease in stationary, supplies, and postage expenses. Additionally, other general and administrative expenses increased $238 thousand, professional fees increased $56 thousand and data processing costs increased $55 thousand.

Salaries and employee benefits represented 49.7% and 51.6% of total noninterest expense for the year ended December 31, 2008 and December 31, 2007 respectively. Total salaries and employee benefits decreased $544 thousand, or 7.5%, to $6.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2008 from $7.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2007 primarily due to lower ESOP compensation expense resulting from a decrease in the fair market value of the Company’s stock during the current year. Additionally, stock award and option expenses decreased as a result of a large portion of the awards fully vesting in April 2008 and a decrease in bonus expenses due to decreased net income.

The operating loss on the California Affordable Housing Fund investment decreased $155 thousand, or 30.3%, to $357 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2008 from $512 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2007 primarily due to a revised loss adjustment recorded in the prior year. A re-evaluation of the housing fund was completed in the prior year due to the delay of one of the underlying properties of the investment. The total yield on the investment is expected to remain unchanged, however, the tax losses associated with this particular property have been accelerated.

ATM costs decreased $89 thousand, or 18.7%, to $387 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2008 from $476 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2007 due to reduction in the processing of COOP transactions as well as a reduction of fees associated with those transactions.

Stationary, supplies, and postage decreased $73 thousand, or 16.2%, to $377 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2008 from $450 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2007 due to overall less usage during the period. Newsletters sent to customers in the prior year were eliminated during 2008 in order to reduce expenses.

 

54


Table of Contents

Other general and administrative expenses increased $238 thousand, or 14.7% to $1.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2008 from $1.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2007 primarily due to increases in loan servicing and foreclosure expenses along with increased FDIC insurance premiums.

Professional fees increased $56 thousand, or 10.6%, to $587 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2008 from $531 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2007 primarily due to increased legal fees resulting from the Company successfully defending an employee claim.

Data processing costs increased $55 thousand, or 5.4% to $1.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2008 from $1.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2007 due to increased software maintenance expenses and fees related to an increase in processing volume.

Income Tax Expense. An income tax benefit of $1.5 million was recorded for the year ended December 31, 2008 due to the net loss incurred. The effective tax rate was (73.44%) and 17.4% for the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively. The negative effective tax rate for the year ended December 31, 2008 was the result of a pre-tax loss for the period as well as tax free income and tax credits.

Comparison of Operating Results for the Years Ended December 31, 2007 and 2006

General. Net income for the year ended December 31, 2007 was $3.0 million, a decrease of $1.7 million, or 37.2%, from $4.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2006. The decrease in net income resulted primarily from an increase in the provision for loan losses and margin compression due to an increase in short term interest rates and a continued flattening and inversion of the yield curve as discussed below.

Interest Income. Interest income increased by $197 thousand or .43%, to $45.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2007 from $45.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2006. The primary factor for the increase in interest income was an increase in the average yield on loans receivable of 19 basis points to 6.25% for the year ended December 31, 2007 compared to 6.06% for the year ending December 31, 2006, reflecting the overall increase in interest rates compared to the prior period. Interest income was partially reduced by a decrease in the average balance of loans receivable of $16.5 million or 2.3% from $730.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2006 to $713.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2007. Interest income was also reduced as a result of reversed loan interest income in the amount of $994 thousand related to loans on non-accrual status.

The Company had originated loans with potential for negative amortization since 2000 and had a balance of $48.2 million at December 31, 2007. The Company is no longer offering loans with the potential for negative amortization. Capitalized interest recognized in earnings that resulted from negative amortization within the portfolio totaled $1.6 million or 3.6% of loan interest income for the year ended December 31, 2007 and $1.7 million or 3.9% of loan interest income for the year ended December 31, 2006. The Company has mitigated the risks associated with the negatively amortizing loans by using conservative underwriting standards and has experienced no losses to date related to these loans.

Interest income on other interest-earning assets decreased $173 thousand, or 25.3% to $512 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2007 from $685 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2006 primarily due to decreased FHLB stock dividends resulting from a decrease in the average balances of Federal Home Loan Bank stock due to a reduction in loan growth during the year.

Interest income on securities decreased $60 thousand, or 9.6% to $567 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2007 from $627 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2006 due to the sale of two agency securities during the fourth quarter of 2007. The average yield on the securities portfolio increased by 5 basis points from 4.38% for the year ended December 31, 2006 to 4.43% for the year ended December 31, 2007.

Interest Expense. Interest expense increased $1.9 million or 7.1%, to $28.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2007 primarily due to an increase in interest expense on deposits reduced by a decrease in interest expense on Federal Home Loan Bank advances. Interest expense on deposits increased $4.3 million, or 21.9% to

 

55


Table of Contents

$23.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2007 from $19.6 million. This resulted from a 40 basis point increase in the Company’s cost of funds due to an increase in short term interest rates as well as a $40.7 million increase in the average balance of deposits from $521.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2006 to $562.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2007. The average balance of deposits increased as a result of marketing efforts and newly originated business deposits. Interest expense on Federal Home Loan Bank advances decreased approximately $2.4 million, or 32.3%, to $5.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2007 from $7.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2006 primarily due to a $62.2 million decrease in the average balance of Federal Home Loan Bank advances as the company utilized the growth in deposit balances to fund loan demand which also decreased during the year. Although Federal Home Loan Bank advances substantially decreased during the year ended December 31, 2007, due to maturing lower cost fixed-rate advances, the average rate paid on Federal Home Loan Bank advances increased 19 basis points from the same period for the year ended December 31, 2006.

Net Interest Income. As a result of the factors mentioned above, net interest income before the provision for loan losses decreased $1.7 million, or 9.2%, to $16.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2007 from $18.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2006. Due to the relatively flat, and at times, inverted yield curve environment and the resulting higher cost of funds in effect during the year, the Company’s margins continued to tighten further with the net interest spread decreasing 22 basis points to 1.9% and the net interest margin decreasing 17 basis points to 2.3%.

Provision for Loan Losses. A provision for loan losses of $1.6 million was recorded for the year ended December 31, 2007 compared to a $24 thousand net reduction recorded for the year ended December 31, 2006. The increase in the provision for loan losses during the current year was primarily to increase the allowance for loan losses for two impaired loans. During the year ended December 31, 2007, the Company determined that a $10.0 million construction loan was impaired and a specific loss allocation of $1.6 million was established. The Company’s construction loan portfolio, including the non-accrual construction loan, currently totals $18.9 million or 2.7% of the Company’s total loan portfolio.

In addition, a specific loss allocation of $580 thousand was established in December 2007 for one commercial non- real estate loan totaling $775 thousand. This is the only loan of this type in the Company’s portfolio. Year-to-date charge-offs totaled $24 thousand and recoveries totaled $6 thousand resulting in net charge-offs of $18 thousand for the year ending December 31, 2007. For the same period of the prior year there were net recoveries of $3 thousand. Total non-performing loans, including the two impaired loans mentioned above, totaled $14.1 million at year end December 31, 2007 compared to $2.0 million of non-performing loans for the year ended December 31, 2006. The allowance for loan losses as a percentage of loans outstanding was 0.87% at December 31, 2007 compared to 0.63% at December 31, 2006.

Provisions for loan losses are charged to operations at a level required to reflect probable incurred credit losses in the loan portfolio. In evaluating the level of the allowance for loan losses, management considers historical loss experience, the types of loans and the amount of loans in the loan portfolio, adverse situations that may affect the borrower’s ability to repay, estimated value of any underlying collateral, peer group information, declining property values and prevailing economic conditions. Large groups of smaller balance homogeneous loans, such as residential real estate, small commercial real estate, and home equity and consumer loans, are evaluated in the aggregate using historical loss factors and peer group data adjusted for current economic conditions. Large balance and/or more complex loans, such as multi-family, construction, and commercial real estate loans, and classified loans, are evaluated individually for impairment.

This evaluation is inherently subjective as it requires estimates that are susceptible to significant revision as more information becomes available or as future events change. The Company used the same methodology and generally similar assumptions in assessing the allowance for both periods. The level of the allowance is based on estimates and the ultimate losses may vary from the estimates.

 

56


Table of Contents

Management assesses the allowance for loan losses quarterly. While management uses available information to recognize losses on loans, future loan loss provisions may be necessary based on changes in economic conditions. In addition, regulatory agencies, as an integral part of their examination process, periodically review the allowance for loan losses and may require the bank to recognize additional provisions based on their judgment of information available to them at the time of their examination. The allowance for loan losses as of December 31, 2007 was maintained at a level that represented management’s best estimate of incurred losses in the loan portfolio to the extent they were both probable and reasonably estimable.

Noninterest Income. Noninterest income increased $174 thousand, or 7.9% to $2.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2007 from $2.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2006, primarily due to increased customer service fees of $180 thousand. During the third quarter of 2006, the Company adjusted various service fees to its customers resulting in increased service fee income for the current year. Additionally, bank owned life insurance income increased $83 thousand to $711 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2007 from $628 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2006 due to improved performance of the investment. The net increase in noninterest income was reduced by an $86 thousand decrease in prepayment penalties and miscellaneous decreases in various accounts.

Noninterest Expense. Noninterest expense increased $517 thousand or 3.8%, to $14.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2007 from $13.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2006. This increase was primarily the result of a $244 thousand increase in other general and administrative expenses, a $172 thousand increase in data processing expenses, a $119 thousand increase in professional fees and a $117 thousand increase in the operating loss on the housing fund investment. Additionally, salaries and employee benefits decreased $178 thousand.

Total other general and administrative expenses increased $244 thousand, or 17.7%, to $1.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2007 from $1.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2006 primarily due to increased FDIC deposit insurance premiums assessed effective January 2007 for all FDIC insured financial institutions.

Data processing cost increased $172 thousand, or 20.2% to $1.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2007 from $853 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2006 due to increased software maintenance expenses and fees related to increased processing volume resulting from new commercial business accounts.

Professional fees increased $119 thousand, or 28.9% to $531 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2007 from $412 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2006 primarily due to increased fees resulting from the analysis of various strategic alternatives.

The total loss on the California Affordable Housing Fund investment of $512 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2007 increased $117 thousand or 29.6% over the prior year’s period primarily due to a revised loss adjustment recorded in the third quarter of 2007. A re-evaluation of the housing fund was completed by the issuing bank in September which resulted in higher than anticipated losses for the year due to the delay in construction in one of the underlying properties of the investment. The total yield on the investment is expected to remain unchanged at 6.40%, however, the tax losses associated with this particular property have been accelerated in 2007.

Salaries and employee benefits represented 51.6% and 54.9% of total noninterest expense for the year ended December 31, 2007 and December 31, 2006, respectively. Total salaries and employee benefits decreased $178 thousand, or 2.4%, to $7.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2007 from $7.4 million for the same period in 2006 primarily due to lower bonus expenses resulting from lower net income.

 

57


Table of Contents

Income Tax Expense. Income tax expense decreased $1.9 million to $624 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2007, from $2.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2006 due to lower pre-tax income for the period. The effective tax rate was 17.4% and 34.9% for the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively. The decrease in the effective tax rate was attributable to the tax exempt status of income from the BOLI investment purchased during the first quarter of 2005 and tax credits from the affordable housing fund investment made in December 2004.

Critical Accounting Policies

Allowance for Loan Losses. The allowance for loan losses is a valuation allowance for probable incurred credit losses, increased by the provision for loan losses and decreased by chargeoffs less recoveries. Management estimates the allowance balance required using past loan loss experience, peer group information, the nature and volume of the portfolio, information about specific borrower situations and estimated collateral values, economic conditions, and other factors. Allocations of the allowance may be made for specific loans, but the entire allowance is available for any loan that, in management’s judgment, should be charged off. Loan losses are charged against the allowance when management believes that the uncollectibility of a loan balance is confirmed.

The Company believes that the allowance for loan losses and related provision expense are particularly susceptible to change in the near term, as a result of changes in the credit quality, which are evidenced by charge-offs and nonperforming loan trends. Changes in economic conditions, the mix and size of the loan portfolio and individual borrower conditions can dramatically impact the level of allowance for loan losses in relatively short periods of time. Management believes that the allowance for loan losses is maintained at a level that represents the best estimate of probable losses in the loan portfolio. While management uses available information to recognize losses on loans, future additions to the allowance for loan losses may be necessary based on changes in economic conditions. In addition, banking regulators, as an integral part of their examination process, periodically review the allowance for loan losses. These regulatory agencies may require the Company to recognize additions to the allowance for loan losses based on their judgments about information available to them at the time of their examination. Management evaluates current information and events regarding a borrower’s ability to repay its obligations and considers a loan to be impaired when the ultimate collectibility of amounts due, according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement, is in doubt. If the loan is collateral-dependent, the fair value of the collateral is used to determine the amount of impairment. Impairment losses are included in the allowance for loan losses through a charge to the provision for loan losses. Subsequent recoveries are credited to the allowance for loan losses. Cash receipts for accruing loans are applied to principal and interest under the contractual terms of the loan agreement. Cash receipts for which the accrual of interest has been discontinued are applied first to principal and then to interest income.

Liquidity and Commitments

The Company is required to have enough investments that qualify as liquid assets in order to maintain sufficient liquidity to ensure a safe and sound operation. Liquidity may increase or decrease depending upon the availability of funds and comparative yields on investments in relation to the return on loans. Historically, the Company has maintained liquid assets above levels believed to be adequate to meet the requirements of normal operations, including potential deposit outflows. Cash flow projections are regularly reviewed and updated to assure that adequate liquidity is maintained.

The Company’s liquidity, represented by cash and cash equivalents, is a product of its operating, investing and financing activities. The Company’s primary sources of funds are deposits, amortization, prepayments and maturities of outstanding loans and mortgage-backed securities, maturities of investment securities and other short-term investments and funds provided from operations. While scheduled payments from the amortization of loans and mortgage-backed securities and maturing investment securities and short-term investments are relatively predictable sources of funds, deposit flows and loan prepayments are greatly influenced by general interest rates, economic conditions and competition. In addition, the Company invests excess funds in short-term

 

58


Table of Contents

interest-earning assets, which provide liquidity to meet lending requirements. The Company also generates cash through borrowings. The Company utilizes Federal Home Loan Bank advances to leverage its capital base and provide funds for its lending and investment activities, and to enhance its interest rate risk management.

Liquidity management is both a daily and long-term function of business management. Excess liquidity is generally invested in short-term investments such as overnight deposits or U.S. Agency securities. On a longer term basis, the Company maintains a strategy of investing in various lending products as described in greater detail under Item 1. “Business of Pacific Trust Bank—Lending Activities.” The Company uses its sources of funds primarily to meet its ongoing commitments, to pay maturing certificates of deposit and savings withdrawals, to fund loan commitments and to maintain its portfolio of mortgage-backed securities and investment securities. At December 31, 2008, the total approved loan commitments outstanding amounted to $983 thousand. At the same date, unused lines of credit were $60.8 million and outstanding letters of credit totaled $645 thousand. There were no investments or mortgage-backed securities scheduled to mature in one year or less at December 31, 2008. Certificates of deposit scheduled to mature in one year or less at December 31, 2008, totaled $317.0 million. Although the average cost of deposits decreased throughout 2008, management’s policy is to maintain deposit rates at levels that are competitive with other local financial institutions. Based on the competitive rates and on historical experience, management believes that a significant portion of maturing deposits will remain with the Company. In addition, the Company has the ability at December 31, 2008 to borrow an additional $120.9 million from the Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco as a funding source to meet commitments and for liquidity purposes.

Commitments

 

     Amount of Commitment Expiration Per Period
     Total
Amounts
Committed
   One
Year or
Less
   Over
One Year
Through
Three Years
   Over
Three Years
Through
Five Years
   Over
Five
Years
     (in thousands)

Commitments to extend credit

   $ 983    $ 983    $ —      $ —      $ —  

Standby letters of credit

     645      —        —        —        645

Federal Home Loan Bank advances

     175,000      60,000      115,000      —        —  

Operating lease obligations

     1,185      369      498      318      —  

Unused lines of credit

     60,801      28      3,905      1,677      55,191

Maturing certificates of deposit

     365,331      316,959      40,707      7,665      —  
                                  
   $ 603,945    $ 378,339    $ 160,110    $ 9,660    $ 55,836
                                  

Capital

Consistent with its goals to operate a sound and profitable financial organization, Pacific Trust Bank actively seeks to maintain a “well capitalized” institution in accordance with regulatory standards. Total capital was $75.7 million at December 31, 2008, or 8.64% of total assets on that date. As of December 31, 2008, Pacific Trust Bank exceeded all capital requirements of the Office of Thrift Supervision. Pacific Trust Bank’s regulatory capital ratios at December 31, 2008 were as follows: core capital 8.64%; Tier I risk-based capital, 11.50%; and total risk-based capital, 12.18%. The regulatory capital requirements to be considered well capitalized are 5.0%, 6.0% and 10.0%, respectively.

Impact of Inflation

The consolidated financial statements presented herein have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. These principles require the measurement of financial position and operating results in terms of historical dollars, without considering changes in the relative purchasing power of money over time due to inflation.

 

59


Table of Contents

The Company’s primary assets and liabilities are monetary in nature. As a result, interest rates have a more significant impact on our performance than the effects of general levels of inflation. Interest rates, however, do not necessarily move in the same direction or with the same magnitude as the price of goods and services, since such prices are affected by inflation. In a period of rapidly rising interest rates, the liquidity and maturities structures of our assets and liabilities are critical to the maintenance of acceptable performance levels.

The principal effect of inflation, as distinct from levels of interest rates, on earnings is in the area of noninterest expense. Such expense items as employee compensation, employee benefits and occupancy and equipment costs may be subject to increases as a result of inflation. An additional effect of inflation is the possible increase or decrease in the dollar value of the collateral securing loans that we have made. The Company is unable to determine the extent, if any, to which properties securing our loans have appreciated or depreciated in dollar value due to inflation or other economic conditions.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

Please see Note 1 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements set forth at Item 8 of this report.

Item  7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

Asset Liability Management

Our Risk When Interest Rates Change. The rates of interest we earn on assets and pay on liabilities generally are established contractually for a period of time. Market interest rates change over time. Accordingly, our results of operations, like those of other financial institutions, are impacted by changes in interest rates and the interest rate sensitivity of our assets and liabilities. The risk associated with changes in interest rates and our ability to adapt to these changes is known as interest rate risk and is our most significant market risk.

How We Measure Our Risk of Interest Rate Changes. As part of our attempt to manage our exposure to changes in interest rates and comply with applicable regulations, we monitor our interest rate risk. In monitoring interest rate risk we continually analyze and manage assets and liabilities based on their payment streams and interest rates, the timing of their maturities, and their sensitivity to actual or potential changes in market interest rates.

In order to manage the potential for adverse effects of material and prolonged increases in interest rates on our results of operations, we adopted asset and liability management policies to better align the maturities and repricing terms of our interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities. These policies are implemented by the asset and liability management committee. The asset and liability management committee is chaired by the treasurer and is comprised of members of our senior management. The asset and liability management committee establishes guidelines for and monitors the volume and mix of assets and funding sources taking into account relative costs and spreads, interest rate sensitivity and liquidity needs. The objectives are to manage assets and funding sources to produce results that are consistent with liquidity, capital adequacy, growth, risk and profitability goals. The asset and liability management committee meets periodically to review, among other things, economic conditions and interest rate outlook, current and projected liquidity needs and capital position, anticipated changes in the volume and mix of assets and liabilities and interest rate risk exposure limits versus current projections pursuant to net present value of portfolio equity analysis. At each meeting, the asset and liability management committee recommends appropriate strategy changes based on this review. The treasurer or his designee is responsible for reviewing and reporting on the effects of the policy implementations and strategies to the board of directors on a monthly basis.

In order to manage our assets and liabilities and achieve the desired liquidity, credit quality, interest rate risk, profitability and capital targets, we have focused our strategies on:

 

   

originating and purchasing adjustable-rate mortgage loans,

 

   

originating shorter-term consumer loans,

 

   

managing our deposits to establish stable deposit relationships,

 

60


Table of Contents
   

using FHLB advances to align maturities and repricing terms, and

 

   

attempting to limit the percentage of fixed-rate loans in our portfolio.

At times, depending on the level of general interest rates, the relationship between long- and short-term interest rates, market conditions and competitive factors, the asset and liability management committee may determine to increase the Company’s interest rate risk position somewhat in order to maintain its net interest margin.

As part of its procedures, the asset and liability management committee regularly reviews interest rate risk by forecasting the impact of alternative interest rate environments on net interest income and market value of portfolio equity, which is defined as the net present value of an institution’s existing assets, liabilities and off-balance sheet instruments, and evaluating such impacts against the maximum potential changes in net interest income and market value of portfolio equity that are authorized by the Board of Directors of the Company.

The Office of Thrift Supervision provides Pacific Trust Bank with the information presented in the following tables. They present the projected change in Pacific Trust Bank’s net portfolio value at September 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007, that would occur upon an immediate change in interest rates based on Office of Thrift Supervision assumptions, but without giving effect to any steps that management might take to counteract that change. The net portfolio value analysis was unable to produce results for the minus 200 basis point scenario for the quarter ended September 30, 2008.

 

Change in

Interest Rates in

Basis Points (“bp”)

(Rate Shock in Rates)(1)

   September 30, 2008     Net Portfolio Value
as % of PV of Assets
 
   Net Portfolio Value    
   $ Amount    $ Change     % Change     NPV Ratio     Change  

+300 bp

   79,164    (16,228 )   (17 )%   9.46 %   (155 )bp

+200 bp

   86,630    (8,761 )   (9 )%   10.21 %   (80 )bp

+100 bp

   92,923    (2,469 )   (3 )%   10.81 %   (20 )bp

      0 bp

   95,392        11.01 %   0  bp

-100  bp

   94,374    (1,018 )   (1 )%   10.85 %   (16 )bp

Change in

Interest Rates in

Basis Points (“bp”)

(Rate Shock in Rates)(1)

   December 31, 2007     Net Portfolio Value
as % of PV of Assets
 
   Net Portfolio Value    
   $ Amount    $ Change     % Change     NPV Ratio     Change  

+300 bp

   81,429    (16,244 )   (17 )%   10.52 %   (175 )bp

+200 bp

   88,135    (9,538 )   (10 )%   11.26 %   (101 )bp

+100 bp

   94,464    (3,209 )   (3 )%   11.94 %   (32 )bp

      0 bp

   97,673        12.27 %   0  bp

-100  bp

   98,742    1,069     +1 %   12.35 %   +9  bp

-200  bp

   98,391    718     +1 %   12.28 %   +1  bp

 

(1) Assumes an instantaneous uniform change in interest rates at all maturities.

The Office of Thrift Supervision uses certain assumptions in assessing the interest rate risk of savings associations. These assumptions relate to interest rates, loan prepayment rates, deposit decay rates, and the market values of certain assets under differing interest rate scenarios, among others.

As with any method of measuring interest rate risk, certain shortcomings are inherent in the method of analysis presented in the foregoing table. For example, although certain assets and liabilities may have similar maturities or periods to repricing, they may react in different degrees to changes in market interest rates. Also, the interest rates on certain types of assets and liabilities may fluctuate in advance of changes in market interest rates, while interest rates on other types may lag behind changes in market rates. Additionally, certain assets, such as adjustable rate mortgage loans, have features which restrict changes in interest rates on a short-term basis and over the life of the asset. Further, if interest rates change, expected rates of prepayments on loans and early withdrawals from certificates could deviate significantly from those assumed in calculating the table.

 

61


Table of Contents

Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

FIRST PACTRUST BANCORP, INC.

Chula Vista, California

CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

December 31, 2008, 2007, and 2006

CONTENTS

 

MANAGEMENT’S REPORT ON INTERNAL CONTROL

   63

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

   64

CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

  

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION

   65

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

   66

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

   67

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

   68

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

   69

 

62


Table of Contents

MANAGEMENT’S REPORT ON INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING

The management of First PacTrust Bancorp, Inc. (the “Company”) is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as such term is defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(f). The Company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of the financial statements for external purposes in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. The Company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the Company; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, and that receipts and expenditures of the Company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the Company; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the Company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. All internal control systems, no matter how well designed, have inherent limitations, including the possibility of human error and the circumvention of overriding controls. Accordingly, even effective internal control over financial reporting can only provide reasonable assurance with respect to financial statement preparation. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

Management has assessed the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2008, based on the framework set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) in Internal Control—Integrated Framework. Based on that assessment, management concluded that, as of December 31, 2008, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting was effective based on the criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework.

The effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2008, has been audited by Crowe Horwath LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm. As stated in their audit report, they express an unqualified opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2008. See “Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.”

 

/s/    Hans R. Ganz      /s/    Regan J. Lauer

Hans R. Ganz

President and Chief Executive Officer

    

Regan J. Lauer

Senior Vice President/Controller

 

63


Table of Contents

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

Board of Directors

First PacTrust Bancorp, Inc.

Chula Vista, California

We have audited the accompanying consolidated statements of financial condition of First PacTrust Bancorp, Inc. (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2008 and 2007, and the related consolidated statements of operations, shareholders’ equity and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2008. We also have audited the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2008, based on criteria established in Internal ControlIntegrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). The Company’s management is responsible for these financial statements, for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting, and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audits of financial statements included examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audits also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.

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

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

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2008 and 2007, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2008 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Also in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2008, based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).

 

/s/    Crowe Horwath LLP

Crowe Horwath LLP

Oak Brook, Illinois

March 5, 2009

 

64


Table of Contents

FIRST PACTRUST BANCORP, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION

December 31, 2008 and 2007

(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)

 

     2008     2007  
ASSETS     

Cash and due from banks

   $ 6,629     $ 6,551  

Federal funds sold

     8,835       8,635  

Interest-bearing deposits

     3,773       6,610  
                

Total cash and cash equivalents

     19,237       21,796  

Interest-bearing deposits in other financial institutions

     893       992  

Securities available-for-sale

     17,565       4,367  

Federal Home Loan Bank stock, at cost

     9,364       6,842  

Loans, net of allowance of $18,286 in 2008 and $6,240 in 2007

     793,045       710,095  

Accrued interest receivable

     4,008       3,853  

Premises and equipment, net

     4,448       4,755  

Real estate owned, net

     158       —    

Bank owned life insurance

     17,565       17,042  

Other assets

     10,237       4,978  
                

Total assets

   $ 876,520     $ 774,720