Form 10-Q
Table of Contents

 
 
UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
(Mark One)
þ   QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2009
or
     
o   TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15 (d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from                      to                     .
Commission file number: 001-9383
WESTAMERICA BANCORPORATION
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)
     
CALIFORNIA   94-2156203
(State or Other Jurisdiction of   (I.R.S. Employer
Incorporation or Organization)   Identification No.)
1108 FIFTH AVENUE, SAN RAFAEL, CALIFORNIA 94901
(Address of Principal Executive Offices) (Zip Code)
Registrant’s Telephone Number, Including Area Code (707) 863-6000
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes þ No o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes o No o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
             
Large accelerated filer þ   Accelerated filer o   Non-accelerated filer o   Smaller reporting company o
        (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)    
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes o No þ
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the registrant’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date:
     
Title of Class   Shares outstanding as of April 29, 2009
     
Common Stock,   29,190,079
No Par Value    
 
 

 

 


 

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 Exhibit 3(b) - By-laws, as amended (composite copy)
 Exhibit 31.1 - Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Securities Exchange Act Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a)
 Exhibit 31.2 - Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Securities Exchange Act Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a)
 Exhibit 32.1 - Certification of Chief Executive Officer Required by 18 U.S.C. Section 1350
 Exhibit 32.2 - Certification of Chief Financial Officer Required by 18 U.S.C. Section 1350

 

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FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This report on Form 10-Q contains forward-looking statements about Westamerica Bancorporation for which it claims the protection of the safe harbor provisions contained in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Examples of forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to: (i) projections of revenues, expenses, income or loss, earnings or loss per share, the payment or nonpayment of dividends, capital structure and other financial items; (ii) statements of plans, objectives and expectations of the Company or its management or board of directors, including those relating to products or services; (iii) statements of future economic performance; and (iv) statements of assumptions underlying such statements. Words such as “believes”, “anticipates”, “expects”, “intends”, “targeted”, “projected”, “continue”, “remain”, “will”, “should”, “may” and other similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements but are not the exclusive means of identifying such statements.
These forward-looking statements are based on Management’s current knowledge and belief and include information concerning the Company’s possible or assumed future financial condition and results of operations. A number of factors, some of which are beyond the Company’s ability to predict or control, could cause future results to differ materially from those contemplated. These factors include but are not limited to (1) the length and severity of current difficulties in the national and California economies and the effects of federal government efforts to address those difficulties; (2) continued low liquidity levels in capital markets; (3) fluctuations in asset prices including, but not limited to, stocks, bonds, real estate, and commodities; (4) the effect of acquisitions and integration of acquired businesses; (5) economic uncertainty created by terrorist threats and attacks on the United States, the actions taken in response, and the uncertain effect of these events on the national and regional economies; (6) changes in the interest rate environment; (7) changes in the regulatory environment; (8) significantly increasing competitive pressure in the banking industry; (9) operational risks including data processing system failures or fraud; (10) volatility of rate sensitive loans, deposits and investments; (11) asset/liability management risks and liquidity risks; and (12) changes in the securities markets. The Company undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements in this report. The reader is directed to the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008, for further discussion of factors which could affect the Company’s business and cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statement made in this report. The Company undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements in this report.

 

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PART I — FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1 Financial Statements
WESTAMERICA BANCORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(unaudited)
                         
    At March 31,     At December 31,  
    2009     2008     2008  
    (In thousands)  
Assets:
                       
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 149,053     $ 139,621     $ 138,883  
Money market assets
    513       336       341  
Investment securities available for sale
    436,343       477,686       288,454  
Investment securities held to maturity, with market values of:
                       
$920,513 at March 31, 2009
    918,745                  
1,029,937 at March 31, 2008
            1,016,613          
950,210 at December 31, 2008
                    949,325  
Non-covered loans
    2,356,237       2,448,320       2,382,426  
Allowance for loan losses
    (43,803 )     (52,234 )     (44,470 )
 
                 
Non-covered loans, net of allowance for loan losses
    2,312,434       2,396,086       2,337,956  
Covered loans
    1,089,071              
 
                 
Total loans
    3,401,505       2,396,086       2,337,956  
Other real estate owned
    4,756       954       3,505  
Covered other real estate owned
    13,391              
Premises and equipment, net
    26,729       28,031       27,351  
Identifiable intangibles
    41,630       17,571       15,208  
Goodwill
    121,699       121,719       121,699  
Interest receivable and other assets
    314,501       143,685       150,212  
 
                 
 
                       
Total Assets
  $ 5,428,865     $ 4,342,302     $ 4,032,934  
 
                 
 
                       
Liabilities:
                       
Deposits:
                       
Noninterest bearing
  $ 1,353,696     $ 1,202,165     $ 1,158,632  
Interest bearing:
                       
Transaction
    730,153       542,468       525,153  
Savings
    968,411       749,471       745,496  
Time
    1,204,021       700,534       665,773  
 
                 
Total deposits
    4,256,281       3,194,638       3,095,054  
Short-term borrowed funds
    441,418       635,264       457,275  
Federal Home Loan Bank advances
    86,772              
Debt financing and Notes payable
    26,598       36,736       26,631  
Liability for interest, taxes and other expenses
    81,128       76,555       44,122  
 
                 
 
                       
Total Liabilities
    4,892,197       3,943,193       3,623,082  
 
                 
 
                       
Shareholders’ Equity:
                       
Preferred stock
    82,550              
Common stock, authorized — 150,000 shares
                       
Issued and outstanding:
                       
28,874 at March 31, 2009
    353,917                  
28,772 at March 31, 2008
            336,545          
28,880 at December 31, 2008
                    352,265  
Deferred compensation
    2,409       2,923       2,409  
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
    2,274       (3,954 )     1,040  
Retained earnings
    95,518       63,595       54,138  
 
                 
Total Shareholders’ Equity
    536,668       399,109       409,852  
 
                 
 
       
Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity
  $ 5,428,865     $ 4,342,302     $ 4,032,934  
 
                 
See accompanying notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

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WESTAMERICA BANCORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

(unaudited)
                 
    Three months ended  
    March 31,  
    2009     2008  
    (In thousands,  
    except per share data)  
Interest Income:
               
Loans
  $ 45,095     $ 38,732  
Money market assets and funds sold
    1       1  
Investment securities available for sale
               
Taxable
    1,867       3,112  
Tax-exempt
    1,872       2,690  
Investment securities held to maturity
               
Taxable
    4,790       5,183  
Tax-exempt
    5,560       5,676  
 
           
Total Interest Income
    59,185       55,394  
 
           
Interest Expense:
               
Transaction deposits
    205       452  
Savings deposits
    900       1,330  
Time deposits
    2,679       5,546  
Short-term borrowed funds
    495       4,922  
Federal Home Loan Bank advances
    131        
Notes payable
    423       578  
 
           
Total Interest Expense
    4,833       12,828  
 
           
Net Interest Income
    54,352       42,566  
Provision for Loan Losses
    1,800       600  
 
           
Net Interest Income After Provision For Loan Losses
    52,552       41,966  
 
           
Noninterest Income:
               
Service charges on deposit accounts
    8,422       7,296  
Merchant credit card
    2,432       2,580  
Debit card
    856       904  
Trust fees
    364       303  
Financial services commissions
    154       230  
Other
    2,896       2,367  
FAS 141R gain
    48,844        
Gain on sale of Visa common stock
          5,698  
 
           
Total Noninterest Income
    63,968       19,378  
 
           
Noninterest Expense:
               
Salaries and related benefits
    16,371       12,984  
Occupancy
    5,410       3,390  
Outsourced data processing services
    2,104       2,120  
Amortization of identifiable intangibles
    1,685       858  
Furniture and equipment
    1,222       921  
Courier service
    898       829  
Professional fees
    888       536  
FDIC insurance assessments
    157       95  
Other
    5,388       3,661  
Visa litigation expense
          (2,338 )
 
           
Total Noninterest Expense
    34,123       23,056  
 
           
Income Before Income Taxes
    82,397       38,288  
Provision for income taxes
    29,572       11,510  
 
           
Net Income
    52,825       26,778  
Preferred stock dividends and discount accretion
    578        
 
           
Net Income Applicable to Common Equity
  $ 52,247     $ 26,778  
 
           
 
               
Average Common Shares Outstanding
    28,876       28,861  
Diluted Average Common Shares Outstanding
    29,105       29,210  
Per Common Share Data:
               
Basic earnings
  $ 1.81     $ 0.93  
Diluted earnings
    1.80       0.92  
Dividends paid
    0.36       0.34  
See accompanying notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

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WESTAMERICA BANCORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(unaudited)
                                                         
    Common                     Accumulated                    
    Shares     Preferred     Common     Deferred     Comprehensive     Retained        
    Outstanding     Stock     Stock     Compensation     Income(Loss)     Earnings     Total  
    (In thousands)  
Balance, December 31, 2007
    29,018           $ 334,211     $ 2,990       ($4,520 )   $ 61,922     $ 394,603  
Comprehensive income
                                                       
Net income for the period
                                            26,778       26,778  
Other comprehensive income, net of tax:
                                                       
Net unrealized gain on securities available for sale
                                    557               557  
Post-retirement benefit transition obligation amortization
                                    9               9  
 
                                                     
Total comprehensive income
                                                    27,344  
Exercise of stock options
    176               6,528                               6,528  
Stock option tax benefits
                    224                               224  
Restricted stock activity
                    67       (67 )                     0  
Stock based compensation
                    336                               336  
Stock awarded to employees
    2               127                               127  
Purchase and retirement of stock
    (424 )             (4,948 )                     (15,258 )     (20,206 )
Dividends
                                            (9,847 )     (9,847 )
 
                                         
Balance, March 31, 2008
    28,772           $ 336,545     $ 2,923       ($3,954 )   $ 63,595     $ 399,109  
 
                                         
 
                                                       
Balance, December 31, 2008
    28,880           $ 352,265     $ 2,409     $ 1,040     $ 54,138     $ 409,852  
Comprehensive income
                                                       
Net income for the period
                                            52,825       52,825  
Other comprehensive income, net of tax:
                                                       
Net unrealized gain on securities available for sale
                                    1,225               1,225  
Post-retirement benefit transition obligation amortization
                                    9               9  
 
                                                     
Total comprehensive income
                                                    54,059  
Issuance of preferred stock and related warrants
            82,519       1,207                               83,726  
Preferred stock dividends and discount accretion
            31                               (578 )     (547 )
Exercise of stock options
    9               299                               299  
Stock option tax benefits
                    3                               3  
Stock based compensation
                    294                               294  
Stock awarded to employees
    1               46                               46  
Purchase and retirement of stock
    (16 )             (197 )                     (470 )     (667 )
Dividends
                                            (10,397 )     (10,397 )
 
                                         
Balance, March 31, 2009
    28,874     $ 82,550     $ 353,917     $ 2,409     $ 2,274     $ 95,518     $ 536,668  
 
                                         
See accompanying notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

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WESTAMERICA BANCORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(unaudited)
                 
    For the three months  
    ended March 31,  
    2009     2008  
    (In thousands)  
Operating Activities:
               
Net income
  $ 52,825     $ 26,778  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
               
Depreciation and amortization
    592       2,273  
Loan loss provision
    1,800       600  
Net amortization of deferred loan (fees) cost
    (156 )     95  
(Increase) decrease in interest income receivable
    (5,865 )     25  
FAS 141R gain
    (48,844 )      
Decrease (Increase) in other assets
    27,928       (4,214 )
Increase in income taxes payable
    27,654       10,910  
Increase (decrease) in interest expense payable
    623       (1,000 )
Increase in other liabilities
    6,276       1,683  
Stock option compensation expense
    294       336  
Stock option tax benefits
    (3 )     (224 )
Gain on sale of Visa common stock
          (5,698 )
Writedown of property and equipment
          5  
Originations of loans for resale
          (877 )
Net proceeds from sale of loans originated for resale
          887  
Net gain on sale of property acquired in satisfaction of debt
    (110 )      
Writedown of property acquired in satisfaction of debt
    65        
 
           
 
               
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities
    63,079       31,579  
 
           
 
               
Investing Activities:
               
Net repayments of loans
    98,125       53,340  
Purchases of investment securities available for sale
          (3,836 )
Proceeds from maturity/calls of securities available for sale
    24,964       60,390  
Proceeds from maturity/calls of securities held to maturity
    33,581       28,675  
Purchases of FRB/FHLB* securities
          (38 )
Proceeds from sale of FRB/FHLB* stock
          11,287  
Proceeds from sale of Visa common stock
          5,698  
Proceeds from sale of property acquired in satisfaction of debt
    1,118        
Purchases of property, plant and equipment
    (102 )     (413 )
Net cash acquired from acquisitions
    44,397        
 
           
 
               
Net Cash Provided by Investing Activities
    202,083       155,103  
 
           
 
               
Financing Activities:
               
Net decrease in deposits
    (71,307 )     (70,152 )
Net decrease in short-term borrowings
    (256,616 )     (163,335 )
Repayments of notes payable and debt financing
    (33 )     (37 )
Exercise of stock options
    299       6,528  
Proceeds from issuance of preferred stock
    83,726          
Stock option tax benefits
    3       224  
Repurchases/retirement of stock
    (667 )     (20,206 )
Dividends paid
    (10,397 )     (9,847 )
 
           
 
               
Net Cash Used in Financing Activities
    (254,992 )     (256,825 )
 
           
 
               
Net Increase (Decrease) In Cash and Cash Equivalents
    10,170       (70,143 )
 
               
Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Period
    138,883       209,764  
 
           
 
               
Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period
  $ 149,053     $ 139,621  
 
           
 
               
Supplemental Cash Flow Disclosures:
               
Loan collateral transferred to other real estate owned
  $ 15,716     $ 341  
Unrealized gain on securities available for sale, net
    1,225       557  
Interest paid for the period
    5,954       13,828  
Income tax payments for the period
    1,400       600  
Acquisitions:
               
Assets acquired
  $ 1,624,464        
Liabilities assumed
    1,575,620        
 
           
Net
    48,844        
     
*  
Federal Reserve Bank/Federal Home Loan Bank (“FRB/FHLB”)
See accompanying notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

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NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Note 1: Basis of Presentation
The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles for interim financial information and pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. The results of operations reflect interim adjustments, all of which are of a normal recurring nature and which, in the opinion of Management, are necessary for a fair presentation of the results for the interim periods presented. The interim results for the three months ended March 31, 2009 and 2008 are not necessarily indicative of the results expected for the full year. These unaudited consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes as well as other information included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008.
Note 2: Accounting Policies.
Certain accounting policies underlying the preparation of these financial statements require Management to make estimates and judgments. These estimates and judgments may significantly affect reported amounts of assets and liabilities, revenues and expenses, and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities.
Management exercises judgment to estimate the appropriate level of the Allowance for Credit Losses, which is discussed in Note 1 to the audited consolidated financial statements included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008.
As described in Note 3 below, Westamerica Bank (“Bank”) acquired County Bank on February 6, 2009. The acquired assets and assumed liabilities of County Bank were measured at estimated fair values, as required by FASB statement No. 141 (revised 2007), Business Combination (“FAS 141R”). Management made significant estimates and exercised significant judgment in accounting for the acquisition of County Bank. Management judgmentally assigned risk ratings to loans. The assigned risk ratings, appraised collateral values, expected cash flows, and statistically derived loss factors were used to measure fair values for loans. Repossessed loan collateral was primarily valued based upon appraised collateral values. Due to the loss sharing agreements with the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”), the Bank recorded a receivable from the FDIC equal to 80 percent of the loss estimates embedded in the fair values of loans and repossessed loan collateral. The Bank also recorded an identifiable intangible asset representing the value of the core deposit customer base of County Bank based on an appraisal performed by an independent third-party. In determining the value of the identifiable intangible asset, the third-party appraiser used significant estimates including average lives of depository accounts, future interest rate levels, the cost of servicing various depository products, and other significant estimates. Management used quoted market prices to determine the fair value of investment securities, FHLB advances and other borrowings which were purchased and assumed from County Bank.
Newly Adopted Accounting Policies
Purchased loans. Purchased loans acquired in a business combination are recorded at estimated fair value on their purchase date and prohibit the carryover of the related allowance for loan losses, which include loans purchased in the County Bank acquisition. Purchased loans are accounted for under American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) Statement of Position 03-3, Accounting for Certain Loans or Debt Securities Acquired in a Transfer (SOP 03-3), when the loans have evidence of credit deterioration since origination and it is probable at the date of acquisition that the Company will not collect all contractually required principal and interest payments. Evidence of credit quality deterioration as of the purchase date may include statistics such as past due and nonaccural status. Generally, acquired loans that meet the Company’s definition for nonaccrual status fall within the scope of SOP 03-3. The difference between contractually required payments at acquisition and the cash flows expected to be collected at acquisition is referred to as the nonaccretable difference which is included in the carrying amount of the loans. Subsequent decreases to the expected cash flows will generally result in a provision for loan losses. Subsequent increases in cash flows result in a reversal of the provision for loan losses to the extent of prior charges, or a reversal of the nonaccretable difference with a positive impact on interest income. Further, any excess of cash flows expected at acquisition over the estimated fair value is referred to as the accretable yield and is recognized into interest income over the remaining life of the loan when there is a reasonable expectation about the amount and timing of such cash flows.
Covered loans. Loans covered under loss sharing or similar credit protection agreements with the FDIC are reported in loans exclusive of the expected reimbursement cash flows from the FDIC. Covered loans are initially recorded at fair value at the acquisition date. Subsequent decreases in the amount expected to be collected results in a provision for loan losses and a corresponding increase in the estimated FDIC reimbursement, with the estimated net loss impacting earnings.

 

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Covered Other Real Estate Owned. Other real estate owned covered under loss sharing agreements with the FDIC is reported exclusive of expected reimbursement cash flows from the FDIC. Fair value adjustments on covered other real estate owned result in a reduction of the covered other real estate carrying amount and a corresponding increase in the estimated FDIC reimbursement, with the estimated net loss charged against earnings.
Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements
In December 2007, the FASB issued FASB Statement No. 141 (revised 2007), Business Combinations (“FAS 141R”). This Statement replaces FASB Statement No. 141, Business Combinations. This Statement retains the fundamental requirements in Statement 141 that the acquisition method of accounting (which Statement 141 called the purchase method) be used for all business combinations and for an acquirer to be identified for each business combination. This Statement also retains the guidance in Statement 141 for identifying and recognizing intangible assets separately from goodwill. This Statement requires an acquirer to recognize the assets acquired, the liabilities assumed, and any noncontrolling interest in the acquiree at the acquisition date, measured at their fair values as of that date, with limited exceptions specified in the Statement. That replaces Statement 141’s cost-allocation process, which required the cost of an acquisition to be allocated to the individual assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on their estimated fair values. Statement 141 required the acquirer to include the costs incurred to effect the acquisition (acquisition-related costs) in the cost of the acquisition that was allocated to the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed. This Statement requires those costs to be recognized separately from the acquisition. In addition, in accordance with Statement 141, restructuring costs that the acquirer expected but was not obligated to incur were recognized as if they were a liability assumed at the acquisition date. This Statement requires the acquirer to recognize those costs separately from the business combination. This Statement applies prospectively to business combinations for which the acquisition date is on or after the beginning of the first annual reporting period beginning on or after December 15, 2008. The Company applied FAS 141R in accounting for the County Bank acquisition.
On January 1, 2009, the Company adopted FASB Statement No. 161, Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities—an amendment of FASB Statement No. 133 (“FAS 161”). FAS 161 changes disclosure requirements for derivative instruments and hedging activities. The Statement requires enhanced disclosures about (a) how and why derivative instruments are used, (b) how derivative and related hedged items are accounted for under Statement 133 and its related interpretations, and (c) how derivative instruments and related hedged items affect financial position, financial performance, and cash flows. The Company had no derivative instruments designated as hedges as of March 31, 2009.
On January 1, 2009, the Company adopted the provisions of FASB Staff Position (FSP) No. FAS 157-2 relating to the requirements that pertain to nonfinancial assets and nonfinancial liabilities covered by FAS 157, Fair Value Measurements. The adoption of the FSP did not have any effect on the Company’s financial statement at the date of adoption. For additional information, See Note 4.
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
On April 9, 2009, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position (FSP) FAS 115-2 and FAS 124-2, Recognition and Presentation of Other-Than-Temporary Impairments, which amends the other-than-temporary impairment guidance for debt securities to make the guidance more operational and to improve the presentation and disclosure of other-than-temporary impairments on debt and equity securities in the financial statements. The FSP does not amend existing recognition and measurement guidance related to other-than-temporary impairments of equity securities.
On April 9, 2009, the FASB issued Staff Position (FSP) FAS 157-4, Determining Fair Value When the Volume and Level of Activity for the Asset or Liability Have Significantly Decreased and Identifying Transactions That Are Not Orderly, which provides additional guidance for estimating fair value in accordance with FASB Statement No. 157, Fair Value Measurements, when the volume and level of activity for the asset or liability have significantly decreased. This FSP also includes guidance on identifying circumstances that indicate a transaction is not orderly.
FSP FAS 115-2, FAS 124-2 and FSP FAS 157-4 are effective for interim and annual periods ending after June 15, 2009, with early adoption permitted if both Staff Positions are adopted simultaneously. The Company will adopt both FSPs on June 30, 2009, and does not expect the adoption to have any significant effect on the Company’s financial statements.
On April 9, 2009, the FASB issued FSP, FAS 107-1 and APB 28-1, Interim Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial Instruments, which amends FASB Statement No. 107, Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial Instruments, to require disclosures about fair value of financial instruments for interim reporting periods of publicly traded companies as well as in annual financial statements. This FSP also amends APB Opinion No. 28, Interim Financial Reporting, to require those disclosures in summarized financial information at interim reporting periods. This FSP is effective for interim and annual periods ending after June 15, 2009, with early adoption permitted if FSP FAS 115-2, FAS 124-2 and FSP FAS 157-4 are also early adopted. The Company will adopt both FSPs on June 30, 2009 and does not expect the adoption to have any effect on the Company’s financial statements.

 

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Note 3: Federally Assisted Acquisition of County Bank
On February 6, 2009, Westamerica Bank purchased substantially all the assets and assumed substantially all the liabilities of County Bank from the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”), as Receiver of County Bank. County Bank operated 39 commercial banking branches primarily within California’s central valley region between Sacramento and Fresno. The FDIC took County Bank under receivership upon County Bank’s closure by the California Department of Financial Institutions at the close of business February 6, 2009. Westamerica Bank submitted a bid for the acquisition of County Bank with the FDIC on February 3, 2009. The FDIC approved Westamerica Bank’s bid upon reviewing three competing bids and determining Westamerica Bank’s bid would be the least costly to the Deposit Insurance Fund. Westamerica Bank’s bid included the purchase of substantially all County Bank assets at a cost of assuming all County Bank deposits and certain other liabilities. No cash or other consideration was paid by Westamerica Bank. Further, Westamerica Bank and the FDIC entered loss sharing agreements regarding future losses incurred on loans and foreclosed loan collateral existing at February 6, 2009. Under the terms of the loss sharing agreements, the FDIC will absorb 80 percent of losses and share in 80 percent of loss recoveries on the first $269 million of losses, and absorb 95 percent of losses and share in 95 percent of loss recoveries on losses exceeding $269 million. The term for loss sharing on residential real estate loans is ten years, while the term for loss sharing on non-residential real estate loans is three years in respect to losses and five years in respect to loss recoveries. As a result of the loss sharing agreements with the FDIC, the Company has recorded a receivable of $129 million.
The County Bank acquisition was accounted for under the purchase method of accounting in accordance with FAS 141R. The statement of net assets acquired as of February 6, 2009 and the resulting bargain purchase gain are presented in the following table. The purchased assets and assumed liabilities were recorded at their respective acquisition date fair values, and identifiable intangible assets were recorded at fair value. Fair values are preliminary and subject to refinement for up to one year after the closing date of a merger as information relative to closing date fair values becomes available. A “bargain purchase” gain totaling $48.8 million resulted from the acquisition and is included as a component of noninterest income on the statement of income. The amount of the gain is equal to the amount by which the fair value of assets purchased exceeded the fair value of liabilities assumed. The acquisition resulted in a gain due to County Bank’s impaired capital condition at the time of the acquisition. The operations of County Bank provided revenue of $11.5 million and net income of $1.2 million for the period of February 6, 2009 to March 31, 2009, and is included in the consolidated financial statements. County Bank’s results of operations prior to the acquisition are not included in Westamerica’s statement of income.
Statement of Net Assets Acquired (at fair value)
         
    At  
    February 6, 2009  
    (In thousands)  
Assets
       
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 44,668  
Federal funds sold
    12,760  
Securities
    173,839  
Loans
    1,174,353  
Core deposit intangible
    28,107  
Other real estate owned
    9,332  
Other assets
    181,405  
 
     
Total Assets
  $ 1,624,464  
 
     
 
       
Liabilities
       
Deposits
    1,234,123  
Federal funds purchased and securities sold under repurchase agreements
    153,169  
Other borrowed funds
    187,252  
Liabilities for interest and other expenses
    1,076  
 
     
Total Liabilities
    1,575,620  
 
     
 
       
Net assets acquired
  $ 48,844  
 
     
 
       
County Bank tangible stockholder’s equity
  $ 58,623  
Adjustments to reflect assets acquired and liabilities assumed at fair value:
       
Loans and leases, net
    (150,326 )
Other real estate owned
    (5,470 )
FDIC loss-sharing receivable (included in other assets)
    128,962  
Core deposit intangible
    28,107  
Deposits
    (10,823 )
Securities sold under repurchase agreements
    (2,061 )
Other borrowed funds
    1,832  
 
     
FAS 141R Gain
  $ 48,844  
 
     
The pro forma consolidated condensed statements of income for Westamerica Bancorporation and County Bank for the quarters ended March 31, 2009 and 2008, and the year ended December 31, 2008 are presented below. The unaudited pro forma information presented does not necessarily reflect the results of operations that would have resulted had the acquisition been completed at the beginning of the applicable periods presented, nor does it indicate the results of operations in future periods.

 

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The pro forma purchase accounting adjustments related to loans and leases, deposits, securities sold under repurchase agreements and other borrowed funds are being accreted or amortized into income using methods that approximate a level yield over their respective estimated lives. Purchase accounting adjustments related to identifiable intangibles are being amortized and recorded as noninterest expense over their respective estimated lives using accelerated methods. The pro forma consolidated condensed statements of income do not reflect any adjustments to County’s historical provision for credit losses and goodwill impairment charges.
                                                                 
    Quarter ended March 31, 2009     Quarter ended March 31, 2008  
                    Proforma     Pro Forma                     Proforma     Pro forma  
    Westamerica     County Bank     Adjustments     Combined     Westamerica     County Bank     Adjustments     combined  
Interest Income
  $ 52,885     $ 20,606     $ (1,119 )   $ 72,372     $ 55,394     $ 32,834     $ (1,119 )   $ 87,109  
Interest Expense
    3,324       5,831       (3,225 )     5,930       12,828       12,604       (3,225 )     22,207  
 
                                               
Net Interest Income
    49,561       14,775       2,106       66,442       42,566       20,230       2,106       64,902  
Provision for Credit Losses
    1,800       11,734             13,534       600       1,407             2,007  
 
                                               
Net Interest Income after Provision for Credit Losses
    47,761       3,041       2,106       52,908       41,966       18,823       2,106       62,895  
Noninterest Income
    13,404       6,234       48,844       68,482       19,378       4,607       48,844       72,829  
Noninterest Expense
    25,639       13,656       1,497       40,792       23,056       19,997       1,497       44,550  
 
                                               
Income (Loss) Before Taxes
    35,526       (4,381 )     49,453       80,598       38,288       3,433       49,453       91,174  
Income Tax Provision (Benefit)
    13,535       (1,842 )     20,795       32,488       11,510       816       20,795       33,121  
 
                                               
Net Income (Loss)
  $ 21,991     $ (2,539 )   $ 28,658     $ 48,110     $ 26,778     $ 2,617     $ 28,658     $ 58,053  
 
                                               
 
                                                               
Net Income (Loss) Applicable to Common Equity
  $ 21,413     $ (2,539 )   $ 28,658     $ 47,532     $ 26,778     $ 2,617     $ 28,658     $ 58,053  
 
                                               
 
                                                               
Earnings (Loss) Per Common Share
  $ 0.74     $ (0.09 )   $ 0.99     $ 1.65     $ 0.93     $ 0.09     $ 0.99     $ 2.01  
Diluted Earnings (Loss) Per Common Share
    0.74       (0.09 )     0.98       1.63       0.92       0.09       0.98       1.99  
 
                                                               
Average Common Shares Outstanding
    28,876                               28,861                          
Diluted Average Common Shares Outstanding
    29,105                               29,210                          
                                 
    Year ended December 31, 2008  
            County     Proforma     Pro Forma  
    Westamerica     Bank     Adjustments     Combined  
Interest Income
  $ 208,469     $ 117,175     $ (4,477 )   $ 321,167  
Interest Expense
    33,243       40,462       (9,717 )     63,988  
 
                       
Net Interest Income
    175,226       76,713       5,240       257,179  
Provision for Credit Losses
    2,700       55,370             58,070  
 
                       
Net Interest Income after Provision for Credit Losses
    172,526       21,343       5,240       199,109  
Noninterest (Loss) Income
    (2,056 )     5,775       48,844       52,563  
Noninterest Expense
    100,761       115,774       5,989       222,524  
 
                       
Income (Loss) Before Taxes
    69,709       (88,656 )     48,095       29,148  
Income Tax Provision
    9,874       7,381       20,224       37,479  
 
                       
Net Income (Loss)
  $ 59,835     $ (96,037 )   $ 27,871     $ (8,331 )
 
                       
 
                               
Net Income (Loss) Applicable to Common Equity
  $ 59,835     $ (96,037 )   $ 27,871     $ (8,331 )
 
                       
 
                               
Earnings (Loss) Per Common Share
  $ 2.07     $ (3.32 )   $ 0.96     $ (0.29 )
Diluted Earnings (Loss) Per Common Share
    2.04       (3.28 )     0.95       (0.28 )
 
                               
Average Common Shares Outstanding
    28,892                          
Diluted Average Common Shares Outstanding
    29,273                          
Note 4: Fair Value Measurements
In accordance with FAS 157 the Company groups its assets and liabilities measured at fair value in three levels, based on the markets in which the assets and liabilities are traded and the reliability of the assumptions used to determine fair value. These levels are:
   
Level 1 — Valuation is based upon quoted prices for identical instruments traded in active exchange markets, such as the New York Stock Exchange. Level 1 also includes U.S. Treasury and federal agency securities, which are traded by dealers or brokers in active markets. Valuations are obtained from readily available pricing sources for market transactions involving identical assets or liabilities.
 
   
Level 2 — Valuation is based upon quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active, and model-based valuation techniques for which all significant assumptions are observable in the market. Level 2 includes mortgage-backed securities, municipal bonds and collateralized mortgage obligations as well as other real estate owned and impaired loans collateralized by real property where the fair value is generally based upon independent market prices or appraised values of the collateral.
 
   
Level 3 — Valuation is generated from model-based techniques that use significant assumptions not observable in the market. These unobservable assumptions reflect the Company’s estimates of assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. Valuation techniques include use of option pricing models, discounted cash flow models and similar techniques. Level 3 includes those impaired loans collateralized by other business assets where the expected cash flow has been used in determining the fair value.

 

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Assets Recorded at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis
The table below presents the balances of available for sale securities measured at fair value on a recurring basis.
                         
At March 31, 2009  
(In thousands)  
Total   Level 1     Level 2     Level 3  
$436,343
  $ 6,848     $ 429,495     $ 0  
                   
The amortized cost and estimated market value of the available for sale investment securities portfolio as of March 31, 2009 follows:
                 
    At March 31, 2009  
    Amortized     Estimated  
    Cost     Market Value  
    (In thousands)  
U.S. Treasury securities
  $ 3,010     $ 3,060  
Securities of U.S. Government sponsored entities
    1,018       1,090  
Mortgage-backed securities
    167,254       170,719  
Obligations of States and political subdivisions
    178,219       181,552  
Collateralized mortgage obligations
    68,776       68,275  
Asset-backed securities
    9,999       7,020  
FHLMC and FNMA stock
    824       930  
Other securities
    2,778       3,697  
 
           
Total
  $ 431,878     $ 436,343  
 
           
The amortized cost and estimated market value of the held to maturity investment securities portfolio as of March 31, 2008 follows:
                 
    At March 31, 2009  
    (In thousands)  
    Amortized     Estimated  
    Cost     Market Value  
Securities of U.S. Government sponsored entities
  $ 100,000     $ 100,796  
Mortgage-backed securities
    79,699       80,938  
Obligations of States and political subdivisions
    543,872       550,181  
Collateralized mortgage obligations
    195,174       188,598  
 
           
Total
  $ 918,745     $ 920,513  
 
           
Assets Recorded at Fair Value on a Non-Recurring Basis
The Company may be required, from time to time, to measure certain assets at fair value on a nonrecurring basis in accordance with GAAP. These adjustments to fair value usually result from application of lower-of-cost-or-market accounting or write-downs of individual assets. For assets measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis that were still held in the balance sheet at quarter end, the following table provides the level of valuation assumptions used to determine each adjustment and the carrying value of the related individual assets or portfolios at quarter end.
                                 
    Fair Value                    
    March 31,                    
    2009     Level 1     Level 2     Level 3  
    (In thousands)  
Non-covered other real estate owned (1)
  $ 2,129     $     $ 2,129     $  
Non-covered Impaired loans (2)
    4,289             3,833       456  
 
                       
Total assets measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis
  $ 6,418     $     $ 5,962     $ 456  
 
                       
     
(1)  
Represents the fair value and related losses of foreclosed real estate owned that was measured at fair value subsequent to their initial classification as foreclosed assets.
 
(2)  
Represents carrying value and related write-downs of loans for which adjustments are predominantly based on the appraised value of the collateral and loans considered impaired under FAS 114 where a specific reserve has been established.

 

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Note 5: Loans
A summary of the major categories of non-covered and covered loans outstanding is shown in the following tables:
                         
    At
    March 31,     March 31,     December 31,  
    2009     2008     2008  
    (In thousands)  
Non-covered loans:
                       
Commercial
  $ 519,334     $ 516,445     $ 524,786  
Commercial real estate
    822,880       848,991       817,423  
Construction
    43,833       84,498       52,664  
Residential real estate
    445,220       473,525       458,447  
Consumer installment & other
    524,970       524,861       529,106  
 
                 
 
    2,356,237       2,448,320       2,382,426  
Allowance for loan losses
    (43,803 )     (52,234 )     (44,470 )
 
                 
 
  $ 2,312,434     $ 2,396,086     $ 2,337,956  
 
                 
The carrying amount of the covered loans at March 31, 2009, consisted of loans accounted for in accordance with SOP 03-3 (“SOP 03-3 loans”) and loans not subject to SOP 03-3 (“Non SOP 03-3 loans”) in the following table.
                         
    SOP 03-3     Non SOP 03-3     Total Covered  
    Loans     Loans     Loans  
    (In thousands)  
Covered loans:
                       
Commercial
  $ 5,669     $ 372,517     $ 378,186  
Commercial real estate
    27,251       530,027       557,278  
Construction
    22,154       7,338       29,492  
Residential real estate
    141       6,292       6,433  
Consumer installment & other
    1,019       116,663       117,682  
 
                 
Total loans
  $ 56,234     $ 1,032,837     $ 1,089,071  
 
                 
The following table represents the Non SOP 03-3 loans receivable at the acquisition date of February 6, 2009. The amounts include principal only and do not reflect accrued interest as of the date of acquisition or beyond. (In thousands)
         
Gross contractual loan principal payment receivable
  $ 1,151,844  
Estimate of contractual principal not expected to be collected
    57,701  
Fair value of Non SOP 03-3 loans receivable
    1,108,605  
The Company applied the cost recovery method to loans subject to SOP 03-3 at the acquisition date of February 6, 2009 due to the uncertainty as to the timing of expected cash flows as reflected in the following table. (In thousands)
         
Contractually required payments receivable (including interest)
  $ 210,561  
Nonaccretable difference
    (144,813 )
 
     
Cash flows expected to be collected
    65,748  
Accretable difference
     
 
     
Fair value of loans acquired
  $ 65,748  
 
     
Changes in the carrying amount of loans subject to SOP 03-3 were as follows for the quarter ended March 31, 2009. (In thousands)
         
Carrying amount at the beginning of the period
  $  
Purchases (1)
    65,748  
Reductions during the period
    (9,514 )
 
     
Carrying amount at the end of the period
  $ 56,234  
 
     
     
(1)  
Represents the fair value of the loans at acquisition.
Acquired loans within the scope of SOP 03-3 had an unpaid principal balance (less prior charge-offs) of $164 million and $149 million at February 6, 2009 and March 31, 2009, respectively.
There were no loans held for sale at March 31, 2009, March 31, 2008 and December 31, 2008.

 

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Note 6: Goodwill and Other Identifiable Intangible Assets
The Company has recorded goodwill and other identifiable intangibles associated with purchase business combinations. Goodwill is not amortized, but is periodically evaluated for impairment. The Company did not recognize impairment during the three months ended March 31, 2009 and March 31, 2008. The changes in the carrying value of goodwill were (In thousands):
         
December 31, 2007
  $ 121,719  
 
     
 
     
 
       
March 31, 2008
  $ 121,719  
 
     
 
       
December 31, 2008
  $ 121,699  
 
     
 
     
 
       
March 31, 2009
  $ 121,699  
 
     
Identifiable intangibles are amortized to their estimated residual values over their expected useful lives. Such lives and residual values are also periodically reassessed to determine if any amortization period adjustments are indicated. During the three months ended March 31, 2009 and March 31, 2008, no such adjustments were recorded. The gross carrying amount of identifiable intangible assets and accumulated amortization was:
                                 
    March 31,  
    2009     2008  
    (In thousands)  
    Gross             Gross        
    Carrying     Accumulated     Carrying     Accumulated  
    Amount     Amortization     Amount     Amortization  
Core Deposit Intangibles
  $ 52,490     $ (14,842 )   $ 24,383     $ (11,927 )
Merchant Draft Processing Intangible
    10,300       (6,318 )     10,300       (5,185 )
 
                       
Total Identifiable Intangible Assets
  $ 62,790     $ (21,160 )   $ 34,683     $ (17,112 )
 
                       
As of March 31, 2009, the current year and estimated future amortization expense for identifiable intangible assets was:
                         
            Merchant        
    Core     Draft        
    Deposit     Processing        
    Intangibles     Intangible     Total  
Three months ended March 31, 2009 (actual)
  $ 1,416     $ 269     $ 1,685  
(In thousands)
                       
Estimate for year ended December 31,
                       
2009
    5,734       962       6,696  
2010
    5,534       774       6,308  
2011
    4,954       624       5,578  
2012
    4,497       500       4,997  
2013
    3,957       400       4,357  
2014
    3,621       324       3,945  
Note 7: Post Retirement Benefits
The Company offers a continuation of group insurance coverage to qualifying employees electing early retirement, for the period from the date of retirement until age 65. For eligible employees the Company pays a portion of these early retirees’ insurance premiums. The Company reimburses a portion of Medicare Part B premiums for all qualifying retirees over age 65 and their qualified spouses. Eligibility for post-retirement medical benefits is based on age and years of service, and restricted to employees hired prior to February 1, 2006. The Company uses an actuarial-based accrual method of accounting for post-retirement benefits.

 

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The following table sets forth the net periodic post-retirement benefit costs:
                 
    For the three months ended  
    March 31,  
    2009     2008  
    (In thousands)  
Service cost
  $ (79 )   $ (100 )
Interest cost
    55       66  
Amortization of unrecognized transition obligation
    15       15  
 
           
 
               
Net periodic cost
  $ (9 )   $ (19 )
 
           
The Company does not fund plan assets for any post-retirement benefit plans.
Note 8: Contingent Liabilities
Loan commitments are agreements to lend to a customer provided there is no violation of any condition established in the agreement. Commitments generally have fixed expiration dates or other termination clauses. Since many of the commitments are expected to expire without being drawn upon, the total commitment amounts do not necessarily represent future funding requirements. Loan commitments are subject to the Company’s normal credit policies and collateral requirements. Unfunded loan commitments were $433.2 million and $350.8 million at March 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008, respectively. Standby letters of credit commit the Company to make payments on behalf of customers when certain specified future events occur. Standby letters of credit are primarily issued to support customers’ short-term financing requirements and must meet the Company’s normal credit policies and collateral requirements. Standby letters of credit outstanding totaled $32.0 million and $29.0 million at March 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008, respectively. The Company also had commitments for commercial and similar letters of credit of $1.8 million and $1.7 million at March 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008, respectively.
During 2007, the Visa Inc. (“Visa”) organization of affiliated entities announced that it completed restructuring transactions in preparation for an initial public offering planned for early 2008, and, as part of those transactions, the Bank’s membership interest in Visa U.S.A. was exchanged for an equity interest in Visa Inc. In accordance with Visa’s by-laws, the Bank and other Visa U.S.A. member banks were obligated to share in Visa’s litigation obligations which existed at the time of the restructuring transactions. On November 7, 2007, Visa announced that it had reached a settlement with American Express related to an antitrust lawsuit. Visa has disclosed other antitrust lawsuits which existed at the time of the restructuring transactions. In consideration of the American Express settlement and other antitrust lawsuits filed against Visa, the Company recorded in the fourth quarter of 2007 a liability and corresponding expense of $2,338 thousand. In the first quarter 2008, Visa funded a litigation settlement escrow using proceeds from its initial public offering. Upon the escrow funding, the Company relieved its liability with a corresponding expense reversal in the amount of $2,338 thousand.
On October 27, 2008, Visa announced that it had reached a settlement with Discover Financial Services related to an antitrust lawsuit that existed at the time of Visa’s restructuring requiring the payment of the settlement to be funded from the litigation settlement escrow. On December 22, 2008, Visa announced that it had funded its litigation settlement escrow in an amount sufficient to meet such litigation obligation pursuant to Visa’s amended and restated Certificate of Incorporation approved by Visa’s shareholders on December 16, 2008. As such, the Company has not recorded a liability for this settlement.
Due to the nature of its business, the Company is subject to various threatened or filed legal cases. Based on the advice of legal counsel, the Company does not expect such cases will have a material, adverse effect on its financial position or results of operations.

 

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Note 9: Shareholders’ Equity
On February 13, 2009, the Company issued to the United States Department of the Treasury (the “Treasury”) 83,726 shares of Series A Fixed Rate Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock (the “Series A Preferred Stock”), having a liquidation preference of $1,000 per share. The Series A Preferred Stock pays cumulative dividends at a rate of 5% per year for the first five years and thereafter at a rate of 9% per year. The Company may, at its option, subject to any necessary bank regulatory approval, redeem the Series A Preferred Stock at par value plus accrued and unpaid dividends. The Series A Preferred Stock is generally non-voting. Prior to February 13, 2012, unless the Company has redeemed the Series A Preferred Stock or the Treasury has transferred all of the Series A Preferred Stock to third parties, the consent of the Treasury will be required for the Company to declare or pay any dividends or make any distribution on its common stock, other than regular quarterly cash dividends not exceeding $0.35 or dividends payable only in shares of its common stock, or repurchase its common stock or other equity or capital securities, other than in connection with benefit plans consistent with past practice and certain other circumstances specified in the Securities Purchase Agreement with the Treasury. The Treasury, as part of the preferred stock issuance, received a warrant to purchase approximately 246,640 shares of the Company’s common stock at an initial exercise price of $50.92. The proceeds from Treasury were allocated based on the relative fair value of the warrant as compared with the fair value of the preferred stock. The fair value of the warrant was determined using a valuation model which incorporates assumptions including the Company’s common stock price, dividend yield, stock price volatility, the risk-free interest rate, and other assumptions. The Company allocated $1.2 million of the proceeds from the Series A Preferred Stock to the warrant. The discount on the preferred stock will be accreted to par value over a five-year term, which is the expected life of the preferred stock, and reported as a reduction to income applicable to common equity over that period.
Note 10: Earnings Per Common Share
The table below shows earnings per common share and diluted earnings per common share. Basic earnings per common share are computed by dividing net income applicable to common equity by the average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per common share are computed by dividing net income applicable to common equity by the average number of common shares outstanding during the period plus the impact of common stock equivalents.
                 
    For the three months  
    ended March 31,  
    2009     2008  
    (In thousands, except per share data)  
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding — basic
    28,876       28,861  
 
               
Add exercise of options reduced by the number of shares that could have been purchased with the proceeds of such exercise
    229       349  
 
           
 
               
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding — diluted
    29,105       29,210  
 
           
 
               
Net income applicable to common equity
  $ 52,247     $ 26,778  
 
               
Basic earnings per common share
  $ 1.81     $ 0.93  
 
               
Diluted earnings per common share
    1.80       0.92  
For the three months ended March 31, 2009, options and warrants to purchase 1.5 million and 246,640 shares of common stock, respectively, were outstanding but not included in the computation of diluted net income per share because the option exercise price exceeded the fair value of the stock such that their inclusion would have had an anti-dilutive effect. For the three months ended March 31, 2008, options to purchase 1.3 million shares were anti-dilutive.

 

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WESTAMERICA BANCORPORATION
FINANCIAL SUMMARY
                         
    Three months ended  
    March 31,     March 31,     December 31,  
    2009     2008     2008  
    (In thousands, except per share data)  
Net Interest Income (FTE)**
  $ 59,359     $ 47,982     $ 49,850  
Provision for Credit Losses
    1,800       600       900  
Noninterest Income:
                       
Net gains (losses) from equity securities
          5,698       (3,269 )
FAS 141R gain
    48,844              
Deposit service charges and other
    15,124       13,680       13,177  
 
                 
Total Noninterest Income
    63,968       19,378       9,908  
Noninterest Expense:
                       
Visa litigation
          (2,338 )      
Other
    34,123       25,394       26,166  
 
                 
Total Noninterest Expense
    34,123       23,056       26,166  
 
                 
Income before income taxes (FTE)**
    87,404       43,704       32,692  
Provision for income taxes (FTE)**
    34,579       16,926       11,882  
 
                 
Net Income
    52,825       26,778       20,810  
Preferred stock dividends and discount accretion
    578              
 
                 
Net Income Applicable to Common Equity
  $ 52,247     $ 26,778     $ 20,810  
 
                 
 
                       
Average Common Shares Outstanding
    28,876       28,861       28,884  
Diluted Average Common Shares Outstanding
    29,105       29,210       29,218  
Common Shares Outstanding at Period End
    28,874       28,772       28,880  
 
                       
As Reported:
                       
Basic Earnings Per Common Share
  $ 1.81     $ 0.93     $ 0.72  
Diluted Earnings Per Common Share
    1.80       0.92       0.71  
Return On Assets
    4.24 %     2.43 %     2.04 %
Return On Common Equity
    48.01 %     27.32 %     20.61 %
Net Interest Margin (FTE)**
    5.35 %     4.79 %     5.44 %
Net Loan Losses to Average Non-Covered Loans
    0.42 %     0.14 %     1.08 %
Efficiency Ratio*
    27.7 %     34.2 %     43.8 %
 
                       
Average Balances:
                       
Total Assets
  $ 4,998,964     $ 4,433,934     $ 4,053,295  
Earning Assets
    4,475,371       4,028,221       3,654,966  
Total Gross Loans
    3,135,944       2,477,666       2,399,741  
Total Deposits
    3,862,435       3,212,347       3,115,989  
Shareholders’ Equity
    485,054       394,273       401,598  
 
                       
Balances at Period End:
                       
Total Assets
  $ 5,428,865     $ 4,342,302     $ 4,032,934  
Earning Assets
    4,800,909       3,942,955       3,620,546  
Total Gross Loans
    3,445,308       2,448,320       2,382,426  
Total Deposits
    4,256,281       3,194,638       3,095,054  
Shareholders’ Equity
    536,668       399,109       409,852  
 
                       
Financial Ratios at Period End:
                       
Allowance for Loan Losses to Non-Covered Loans
    1.86 %     2.13 %     1.87 %
Book Value Per Common Share
  $ 15.73     $ 13.87     $ 14.19  
Equity to Assets
    9.89 %     9.19 %     10.16 %
Total Capital to Risk Adjusted Assets
    11.38 %     11.04 %     11.76 %
 
                       
Dividends Paid Per Common Share
  $ 0.36     $ 0.34     $ 0.35  
Common Dividend Payout Ratio
    20 %     37 %     49 %
The above financial summary has been derived from the Company’s unaudited consolidated financial statements. This information should be read in conjunction with those statements, notes and the other information included elsewhere herein. Percentages under the heading “As Reported” are annualized with the exception of the efficiency ratio.
     
*  
The efficiency ratio is defined as noninterest expense divided by total revenue (net interest income on a tax-equivalent basis and noninterest income).
 
**  
Yields on securities and certain loans have been adjusted upward to a “fully taxable equivalent” (“FTE”) basis in order to reflect the effect of income which is exempt from federal income taxation at the current statutory tax rate.

 

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Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Westamerica Bancorporation and subsidiaries (the “Company”) reported first quarter 2009 net income applicable to common equity of $52.2 million or $1.80 diluted earnings per common share. These results compare to net income applicable to common equity of $26.8 million or $0.92 diluted earnings per common share and $20.8 million or $0.71 diluted earnings per common share, respectively, for the first and fourth quarters of 2008. The first quarter of 2009 included a $48.8 million FAS 141R gain resulting from the acquisition of County Bank (“County”) which increased net income by $28.3 million and earnings per diluted common share by $0.98. The first quarter of 2008 included benefits from Visa’s initial public offering which increased net income by $4.7 million and earnings per diluted common share by $0.16. The fourth quarter of 2008 included a $3.3 million charge for “other than temporary impairment” securities losses which reduced net income by $1.9 million or earnings per diluted common share by $0.07.
Acquisition
On February 6, 2009, Westamerica Bank (“Bank”) acquired the banking operations of County from the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”). The Bank acquired approximately $1.62 billion of assets and assumed $1.56 billion of liabilities. The Bank and the FDIC entered loss sharing agreements regarding future losses incurred on loans and foreclosed loan collateral existing at February 6, 2009. Under the terms of the loss sharing agreements, the FDIC will absorb 80 percent of losses and share in 80 percent of loss recoveries on the first $269 million of losses, and absorb 95 percent of losses and share in 95 percent of loss recoveries on losses exceeding $269 million. The term for loss sharing on residential real estate loans is ten years, while the term for loss sharing on non-residential real estate loans is three years in respect to losses and five years in respect to loss recoveries. The County Bank acquisition was accounted for under the purchase method of accounting in accordance with FAS 141R. The Company recorded a FAS 141R gain totaling $48.8 million resulting from the acquisition, which is a component of noninterest income on the statement of income. The amount of the gain is equal to the amount by which the fair value of assets purchased exceeded the fair value of liabilities assumed. See Note 3 of the Notes to unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information regarding the acquisition.
Net Income
Following is a summary of the components of net income for the periods indicated:
                         
    Three months ended  
    March 31,     March 31,     December 31,  
    2009     2008     2008  
    (In thousands, except per share data)  
Net interest income (FTE)
  $ 59,359     $ 47,982     $ 49,850  
Provision for loan losses
    (1,800 )     (600 )     (900 )
Noninterest income
    63,968       19,378       9,908  
Noninterest expense
    (34,123 )     (23,056 )     (26,166 )
Provision for income taxes (FTE)
    (34,579 )     (16,926 )     (11,882 )
 
                 
 
                       
Net income
  $ 52,825     $ 26,778     $ 20,810  
 
                 
 
                       
Net income applicable to common equity
  $ 52,247     $ 26,778     $ 20,810  
 
                 
 
                       
Average diluted common shares
    29,105       29,210       29,218  
 
                       
Diluted earnings per common share
  $ 1.80     $ 0.92     $ 0.71  
 
                       
Average total assets
  $ 4,998,964     $ 4,433,934     $ 4,053,295  
Net income (annualized) to average total assets
    4.24 %     2.43 %     2.04 %
 
                       
Net income (annualized) to average common stockholders’ equity
    48.01 %     27.32 %     20.56 %
Net income applicable to common equity for the first quarter of 2009 was $25.5 million more than the same quarter of 2008, largely attributable to a FAS 141R gain of $48.8 million and higher net interest income (FTE), partially offset by higher provision for loan losses, higher noninterest expense and an increase in income tax provision (FTE). An $11.4 million or 23.7% increase in net interest income (FTE) was mostly attributed to growth in average balances of loans and lower rates paid on interest-bearing liabilities, partially offset by lower yields on loans and higher average balances of interest-bearing liabilities and lower average balances of investments. The provision for loan losses increased $1.2 million, reflecting Management’s assessment of credit risk and the appropriate level of the allowance for loan losses. Noninterest income rose $44.6 million mainly due to the FAS 141R gain and higher service charges on deposit accounts, partially offset by the $5.7 million securities gain in the first quarter of 2008. Noninterest expense increased $11.1 million mostly due to acquisition-related increases in salaries and related benefits, occupancy and equipment expenses, legal fees, loan expenses, higher amortization of intangibles and the reversal of a $2.3 million accrual for Visa related litigation in the first quarter of 2008. The provision for income taxes (FTE) increased $17.7 million primarily due to the FAS 141R gain and higher profitability.

 

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Comparing the first quarter of 2009 to the prior quarter, net income applicable to common equity increased $31.4 million, due to the FAS 141R gain and higher net interest income (FTE), partially offset by increases in the provision for loan losses, noninterest expense and income tax provision (FTE). The higher net interest income (FTE) was mainly caused by higher average loans and lower rates paid on interest-bearing deposits, partially offset by lower yields on loans and higher average balances of interest-bearing liabilities. The provision for loan losses increased $900 thousand to reflect Management’s assessment of credit risk and the appropriate level of the allowance for loan losses. Noninterest income increased $54.1 million largely due to the FAS 141R gain, higher service charges on deposit accounts due to acquired deposits and the securities losses in the fourth quarter of 2008. The income tax provision (FTE) increased $22.7 million primarily due to the FAS 141R gain and higher profitability and the securities losses in the fourth quarter of 2008.
Net Interest Income
Following is a summary of the components of net interest income for the periods indicated:
                         
    Three months ended  
    March 31,     December 31,  
    2009     2008     2008  
    (In thousands)  
 
                       
Interest and fee income
  $ 59,185     $ 55,394     $ 49,445  
Interest expense
    (4,833 )     (12,828 )     (4,592 )
FTE adjustment
    5,007       5,416       4,997  
 
                 
 
                       
Net interest income (FTE)
  $ 59,359     $ 47,982     $ 49,850  
 
                 
 
                       
Average earning assets
  $ 4,475,371     $ 4,028,221     $ 3,654,966  
 
                       
Net interest margin (FTE)
    5.35 %     4.79 %     5.44 %
Net interest income (FTE) increased during the first quarter of 2009 by $11.4 million or 23.7% from the same period in 2008 to $59.4 million, mainly due to higher average balances of loans (up $658 million) and lower rates paid on interest-bearing liabilities (down 123 basis points (“bp”)), partially offset by lower yields on loans (down 51 bp) and higher average balances of interest-bearing liabilities (up $384 million) and lower average balances of investments (down $211 million).
Comparing the first three months of 2009 with the fourth quarter of 2008, net interest income (FTE) increased $9.5 million or 19.1%, primarily due to a higher volume of average loans (up $736 million) and lower rates paid on interest-bearing deposits (down 13 bp), partially offset by lower yields on loans (down 17 bp) and higher average balances of interest-bearing liabilities (up $730 million).
Interest and Fee Income
Interest and fee income (FTE) for the first quarter of 2009 increased $3.4 million or 5.6% from the same period in 2008. The increase was caused primarily by higher average balances of loans (up $658 million), partially offset by lower yields on loans (down 51 bp) and lower average balances of investments (down $211 million).
The growth in the average earning assets in the first quarter of 2009 compared with the same period in 2008 was substantially attributable to the acquisition of County loans from the FDIC. The average balance of such loans for the first quarter of 2009 was $762 million. The growth in average balances of loans were mainly due to increases in the average balance of commercial real estate loans (up $341 million), taxable commercial loans (up $303 million), and other consumer loans (up $70 million), partially offset by a $23 million decline in average tax-exempt commercial loans, a $21 million decline in average residential real estate loans and a $12 million decline in average construction loans. The average investment portfolio decreased $211 million largely due to declines in average balances of U.S. government sponsored entity obligations (down $135 million), a $24 million decline in municipal securities and a $62 million decline in average balances of FHLMC and FNMA stock resulting from the impairment charge in the second, third and fourth quarters of 2008, partially offset by increases in mortgage backed securities and collateralized mortgage obligations which were purchased from the FDIC as a part of the County acquisition. The average yield on the Company’s earning assets decreased from 6.06% in the first quarter 2008 to 5.79% in the corresponding period of 2009. The composite yield on loans fell 51 bp to 5.97% due to decreases in yields on taxable commercial loans (down 176 bp), commercial real estate loans (down 58 bp) and real estate construction loans (down 466 bp), partially offset by a 21 bp increase in yields on tax-exempt commercial loans. The investment portfolio yield decreased 2 bp to 5.38%, mainly due to a 489 bp decrease in the average yield on corporate and other securities which was affected primarily by suspended dividends on FLHMC and FNMA preferred stock. Offsetting the decline were increases in yields on U.S. government sponsored entity obligations (up 36 bp), mortgage backed securities and collateralized mortgage obligations (up 31 bp) and municipal securities (up 11 bp).

 

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Comparing the first quarter of 2009 with the prior quarter of 2008, interest and fee income (FTE) was up $9.8 million or 17.9%. The increase largely resulted from a higher volume of average loans due to the County acquisition, partially offset by lower yields on loans. Average earning assets increased $820 million or 22.4% for the first quarter of 2009 compared with the previous quarter due to the County acquisition. A $736 million increase in the average balance of the loan portfolio was attributable to increases in average balances of commercial real estate loans (up $372 million), taxable commercial loans (up $288 million), consumer installment loans (up $70 million) and real estate construction loans (up $18 million), partially offset by a $7 million decrease in the average balance of tax-exempt commercial loans and a $5 million decrease in the average balance of residential real estate loans. Average investments rose by $84 million primarily due to County acquisition related growth in the average balances of mortgage backed securities and collateralized mortgage obligations (up $77 million), municipal securities (up $10 million), and corporate and other securities (up $4 million), partially offset by an $8 million decrease in the average balance of U.S. government sponsored entity obligations. The average yield on earning assets for the first three months of 2009 was 5.79% compared with 5.94% in the fourth quarter of 2008. The loan portfolio yield for the first three months of 2009 compared with the previous quarter was lower by 17 bp, due to decreases in yields on commercial real estate loans (down 53 bp), taxable commercial loans (down 46 bp), and real estate construction loans (down 68 bp), partially offset by consumer installment and other consumer loans (up 9 bp). The investment portfolio yield decreased by 16 bp. The decrease resulted mostly from lower yields on corporate and other securities (down 136 bp) and U.S. government sponsored entity obligations (down 13 bp), partially offset by higher yields on mortgage backed securities and collateralized mortgage obligations (up 27 bp) and municipal securities (up 4 bp).
Interest Expense
Interest expense in the first quarter of 2009 decreased $8.0 million compared with the same period in 2008. The decrease was attributable to lower rates paid on the interest-bearing liabilities and higher levels of shareholders’ equity, partially offset by higher average interest-bearing liabilities. The average rate paid on interest-bearing liabilities decreased from 1.85% in the first quarter of 2008 to 0.62% in the same quarter of 2009. Rates paid on most interest-bearing liabilities moved with general market conditions. Rates on interest-bearing deposits decreased 86 bp to 0.60% primarily due to decreases in rates paid on CDs over $100 thousand (down 243 bp) , CDs less than $100 thousand (down 164 bp) and preferred money market savings (down 145 bp). Rates on short-term borrowings also decreased 224 bp mostly due to lower rates on federal funds purchased (down 303 bp) and line of credit and repurchase facilities (down 198 bp). Average interest-bearing liabilities rose by $384 million or 13.9% for the first quarter of 2009 over the same period of 2008 primarily through acquisition. Interest-bearing deposits grew $564 million primarily due to increases in CDs less than $100 thousand (up $170 million), CDs over $100 thousand (up $164 million), money market checking accounts (up $121 million), regular savings (up $58 million) and money market savings (up $53 million). Offsetting the increase were decreases in average balances of short-term borrowings (down $169 million) and long-term debt (down $10 million). Average short-term borrowings decreased $169 million due to declines in average balances of federal funds purchased (down $251 million) and sweep accounts (down $22 million), partially offset by FHLB advances assumed through the County acquisition averaging $59 million and a $45 million increase in average balances of repurchase facilities.
Comparing the first quarter of 2009 with the fourth quarter of 2008, interest expense increased $241 thousand or 5.2%, due to higher average balances of interest-bearing liabilities, offset by lower rates paid and higher levels of shareholders’ equity. Average interest-bearing liabilities during the first quarter of 2009 rose by $730 million or 30.1% over the last quarter of 2008 mainly through the County acquisition. A $628 million growth in interest-bearing deposits was mostly attributable to increases in average balances of CDs over $100 thousand (up $185 million), CDs less than $100 thousand (up $174 million), money market checking accounts (up $134 million), money market savings (up $78 million) and regular savings (up $54 million). Short-term borrowings also increased, mainly the net result of higher average balances of repurchase agreements (up $63 million) and FHLB advances (up $59 million), partially offset by lower average balances of federal funds purchased (down $10 million) and sweep accounts (down $10 million). Rates paid on liabilities averaged 0.62% during the first three months of 2009 compared with 0.75% for the last three months of 2008. The average rate paid on interest-bearing deposits declined 13 bp to 0.60% in the first quarter 2009 mainly due to lower rates on CDs less than $100 thousand (down 59 bp), CDs over $100 thousand (down 49 bp) and preferred money market savings (down 32 bp). Rates on short-term borrowings were also lower by 6 bp largely due to federal funds (down 31 bp) and sweep accounts (down 10 bp).

 

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Table of Contents

Net Interest Margin (FTE)
The following summarizes the components of the Company’s net interest margin for the periods indicated:
                         
    Three months ended  
    March 31,     March 31,     December 31,  
    2009     2008     2008  
Yield on earning assets (FTE)
    5.79 %     6.06 %     5.94 %
Rate paid on interest-bearing liabilities
    0.62 %     1.85 %     0.75 %
 
                 
 
                       
Net interest spread (FTE)
    5.17 %     4.21 %     5.19 %
 
                       
Impact of all other net noninterest bearing funds
    0.18 %     0.58 %     0.25 %
 
                 
 
                       
Net interest margin (FTE)
    5.35 %     4.79 %     5.44 %
 
                 
During the first quarter of 2009, the net interest margin (FTE) increased 56 bp compared with the same period in 2008. Rates paid on interest-bearing liabilities declined faster than yields on earning assets (FTE), resulting in a 96 bp increase in net interest spread. The increase in the net interest spread was partially reduced by the lower net interest margin contribution of noninterest bearing funding sources. The margin contribution of noninterest bearing funds decreased 40 bp because of the lower market rates of interest at which they could be invested. The net interest margin (FTE) in the first three months of 2009 declined by 9 bp compared with the fourth quarter of 2008. Earning asset yields decreased 15 bp while the cost of interest-bearing liabilities declined by 13 bp, resulting in a 2 bp decrease in the net interest spread. The 7 bp decrease in margin contribution from noninterest bearing funding sources lowered the net interest margin to 5.35%.
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Table of Contents

Summary of Average Balances, Yields/Rates and Interest Differential
The following tables present, for the periods indicated, information regarding the Company’s consolidated average assets, liabilities and shareholders’ equity, the amount of interest income from average earning assets and the resulting yields, and the amount of interest expense paid on interest-bearing liabilities. Average loan balances include nonperforming loans. Interest income includes proceeds from loans on nonaccrual status only to the extent cash payments have been received and applied as interest income. Yields on securities and certain loans have been adjusted upward to reflect the effect of income which is exempt from federal income taxation at the current statutory tax rate (FTE).
                         
    For the three months ended  
    March 31, 2009  
    (In thousands)  
            Interest     Rates  
    Average     Income/     Earned/  
    Balance     Expense     Paid  
Assets:
                       
Money market assets and funds sold
  $ 878     $ 1       0.46 %
Investment securities:
                       
Available for sale
                       
Taxable
    229,304       1,867       3.26 %
Tax-exempt (1)
    170,520       2,808       6.59 %
Held to maturity
                       
Taxable
    400,229       4,790       4.79 %
Tax-exempt (1)
    538,496       8,539       6.34 %
Loans:
                       
Commercial:
                       
Taxable
    612,454       8,848       5.86 %
Tax-exempt (1)
    191,948       3,165       6.69 %
Commercial real estate
    1,191,260       19,072       6.49 %
Real estate construction
    80,830       772       3.87 %
Real estate residential
    458,180       5,527       4.83 %
Consumer
    601,272       8,803       5.94 %
 
                   
Total loans (1)
    3,135,944       46,187       5.97 %
 
                   
Total earning assets (1)
    4,475,371     $ 64,192       5.79 %
Other assets
    523,593                  
 
                     
 
                       
Total assets
  $ 4,998,964                  
 
                     
 
                       
Liabilities and shareholders’ equity
                       
Deposits:
                       
Noninterest bearing demand
  $ 1,286,013     $        
Savings and interest-bearing transaction
    1,545,154       1,105       0.29 %
Time less than $100,000
    366,794       1,452       1.61 %
Time $100,000 or more
    664,474       1,227       0.75 %
 
                   
Total interest-bearing deposits
    2,576,422       3,784       0.60 %
Short-term borrowed funds
    552,645       626       0.46 %
Debt financing and notes payable
    26,618       423       6.35 %
 
                   
Total interest-bearing liabilities
    3,155,685     $ 4,833       0.62 %
Other liabilities
    72,212                  
Shareholders’ equity
    485,054                  
 
                     
 
                       
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
  $ 4,998,964                  
 
                     
 
                       
Net interest spread (1) (2)
                    5.17 %
 
                       
Net interest income and interest margin (1) (3)
          $ 59,359       5.35 %
 
                     
     
(1)  
Interest and rates calculated on a fully taxable equivalent basis using the current statutory federal tax rate.
 
(2)  
Net interest spread represents the average yield earned on earning assets minus the average rate paid on interest-bearing liabilities.
 
(3)  
Net interest margin is computed by calculating the difference between interest income and expense (annualized), divided by the average balance of earning assets.

 

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Table of Contents

                         
    For the three months ended  
    March 31, 2008  
    (In thousands)  
            Interest     Rates  
    Average     Income/     Earned/  
    Balance     Expense     Paid  
Assets:
                       
Money market assets and funds sold
  $ 892     $ 1       0.45 %
Investment securities:
                       
Available for sale
                       
Taxable
    299,484       3,112       4.16 %
Tax-exempt (1)
    218,733       3,962       7.25 %
Held to maturity
                       
Taxable
    471,183       5,183       4.40 %
Tax-exempt (1)
    560,263       8,655       6.18 %
Loans:
                       
Commercial:
                       
Taxable
    309,177       5,858       7.62 %
Tax-exempt (1)
    215,145       3,465       6.48 %
Commercial real estate
    850,504       14,953       7.07 %
Real estate construction
    92,672       1,965       8.53 %
Real estate residential
    478,929       5,757       4.81 %
Consumer
    531,239       7,899       5.98 %
 
                   
Total loans (1)
    2,477,666       39,897       6.48 %
 
                   
Total earning assets (1)
    4,028,221     $ 60,810       6.06 %
Other assets
    405,713                  
 
                     
 
                       
Total assets
  $ 4,433,934                  
 
                     
 
                       
Liabilities and shareholders’ equity
                       
Deposits:
                       
Noninterest bearing demand
  $ 1,199,604     $        
Savings and interest-bearing transaction
    1,314,860       1,782       0.55 %
Time less than $100,000
    196,947       1,589       3.25 %
Time $100,000 or more
    500,936       3,957       3.18 %
 
                   
Total interest-bearing deposits
    2,012,743       7,328       1.46 %
Short-term borrowed funds
    722,025       4,922       2.70 %
Debt financing and notes payable
    36,758       578       6.29 %
 
                   
Total interest-bearing liabilities
    2,771,526     $ 12,828       1.85 %
Other liabilities
    68,531                  
Shareholders’ equity
    394,273                  
 
                       
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
  $ 4,433,934                  
 
                     
 
                       
Net interest spread (1) (2)
                    4.21 %
 
                       
Net interest income and interest margin (1) (3)
          $ 47,982       4.79 %
 
                   
     
(1)  
Interest and rates calculated on a fully taxable equivalent basis using the current statutory federal tax rate.
 
(2)  
Net interest spread represents the average yield earned on earning assets minus the average rate paid on interest-bearing liabilities.
 
(3)  
Net interest margin is computed by calculating the difference between interest income and expense (annualized), divided by the average balance of earning assets.

 

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Table of Contents

                         
    For the three months ended  
    December 31, 2008  
    (dollars in thousands)  
            Interest     Rates  
    Average     Income/     Earned/  
    Balance     Expense     Paid  
Assets:
                       
Money market assets and funds sold
  $ 431     $ 1       0.92 %
Investment securities:
                       
Available for sale
                       
Taxable
    139,349       1,572       4.51 %
Tax-exempt (1)
    160,145       2,727       6.81 %
Held to maturity
                       
Taxable
    411,401       4,556       4.43 %
Tax-exempt (1)
    543,899       8,523       6.27 %
Loans:
                       
Commercial:
                       
Taxable
    324,203       5,147       6.32 %
Tax-exempt (1)
    199,022       3,256       6.51 %
Commercial real estate
    819,645       14,471       7.02 %
Real estate construction
    63,020       720       4.55 %
Real estate residential
    462,743       5,662       4.89 %
Consumer
    531,108       7,807       5.85 %
 
                   
Total loans (1)
    2,399,741       37,063       6.14 %
 
                   
Total earning assets (1)
    3,654,966     $ 54,442       5.94 %
Other assets
    398,329                  
 
                     
 
                       
Total assets
  $ 4,053,295                  
 
                     
 
                       
Liabilities and shareholders’ equity
                       
Deposits:
                       
Noninterest bearing demand
  $ 1,167,490     $        
Savings and interest-bearing transaction
    1,276,643       1,015       0.32 %
Time less than $100,000
    192,649       1,065       2.20 %
Time $100,000 or more
    479,207       1,491       1.24 %
 
                   
Total interest-bearing deposits
    1,948,499       3,571       0.73 %
Short-term borrowed funds
    450,778       598       0.52 %
Debt financing and notes payable
    26,651       423       6.34 %
 
                   
Total interest-bearing liabilities
    2,425,928     $ 4,592       0.75 %
Other liabilities
    58,279                  
Shareholders’ equity
    401,598                  
 
                     
 
                       
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
  $ 4,053,295                  
 
                     
 
                       
Net interest spread (1) (2)
                    5.19 %
 
                       
Net interest income and interest margin (1) (3)
          $ 49,850       5.44 %
 
                   
     
(1)  
Interest and rates calculated on a fully taxable equivalent basis using the current statutory federal tax rate.
 
(2)  
Net interest spread represents the average yield earned on earning assets minus the average rate paid on interest-bearing liabilities.
 
(3)  
Net interest margin is computed by calculating the difference between interest income and expense (annualized), divided by the average balance of earning assets.

 

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Table of Contents

Summary of Changes in Interest Income and Expense due to Changes in Average Asset & Liability Balances and Yields Earned & Rates Paid
The following tables set forth a summary of the changes in interest income and interest expense due to changes in average asset and liability balances (volume) and changes in average interest rates for the periods indicated. Changes not solely attributable to volume or rates have been allocated in proportion to the respective volume and rate components.
                         
    Three months ended March 31, 2009  
    compared with  
    three months ended March 31, 2008  
    (In thousands)  
    Volume     Rate     Total  
Interest and fee income:
                       
Money market assets and funds sold
  $ 0     $ 0     $ 0  
Investment securities:
                       
Available for sale
                       
Taxable
    (658 )     (587 )     (1,245 )
Tax-exempt (1)
    (827 )     (327 )     (1,154 )
Held to maturity
                       
Taxable
    (838 )     445       (393 )
Tax-exempt (1)
    (372 )     256       (116 )
Loans:
                       
Commercial:
                       
Taxable
    4,579       (1,589 )     2,990  
Tax-exempt (1)
    (411 )     111       (300 )
Commercial real estate
    5,405       (1,286 )     4,119  
Real estate construction
    (234 )     (959 )     (1,193 )
Real estate residential
    (254 )     24       (230 )
Consumer
    959       (55 )     904  
 
                 
Total loans (1)
    10,044       (3,754 )     6,290  
 
                 
Total increase (decrease) in interest and fee income (1)
    7,349       (3,967 )     3,382  
 
                 
 
                       
Interest expense:
                       
Deposits:
                       
Savings and interest-bearing transaction
    258       (935 )     (677 )
Time less than $100,000
    913       (1,050 )     (137 )
Time $100,000 or more
    972       (3,702 )     (2,730 )
 
                 
Total interest-bearing deposits
    2,143       (5,687 )     (3,544 )
 
                 
 
                       
Short-term borrowed funds
    (1,077 )     (3,219 )     (4,296 )
Debt financing and notes payable
    (166 )     11       (155 )
 
                 
 
                       
Total increase (decrease) in interest expense
    900       (8,895 )     (7,995 )
 
                 
Increase in Net Interest Income (1)
  $ 6,449     $ 4,928     $ 11,377  
 
                 
     
(1)  
Amounts calculated on a fully taxable equivalent basis using the current statutory federal tax rate.

 

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Table of Contents

                         
    Three months ended March 31, 2009  
    compared with  
    three months ended December 31, 2008  
    (In thousands)  
    Volume     Rate     Total  
Interest and fee income:
                       
Money market assets and funds sold
  $ 1     $ (1 )   $ 0  
Investment securities:
                       
Available for sale
                       
Taxable
    800       (505 )     295  
Tax-exempt (1)
    155       (74 )     81  
Held to maturity
                       
Taxable
    (190 )     424       234  
Tax-exempt (1)
    (135 )     151       16  
Loans:
                       
Commercial:
                       
Taxable
    4,088       (387 )     3,701  
Tax-exempt (1)
    (181 )     90       (91 )
Commercial real estate
    5,735       (1,134 )     4,601  
Real estate construction
    166       (114 )     52  
Real estate residential
    (93 )     (42 )     (135 )
Consumer
    875       121       996  
 
                 
Total loans (1)
    10,590       (1,466 )     9,124  
 
                 
Total increase (decrease) in interest and fee income (1)
    11,221       (1,471 )     9,750  
 
                 
 
                       
Interest expense:
                       
Deposits:
                       
Savings and interest-bearing transaction
    177       (87 )     90  
Time less than $100,000
    727       (340 )     387  
Time $100,000 or more
    429       (693 )     (264 )
 
                 
Total interest-bearing deposits
    1,333       (1,120 )     213  
 
                 
 
                       
Short-term borrowed funds
    172       (144 )     28  
Debt financing and notes payable
    (9 )     9       0  
 
                 
 
                       
Total increase (decrease) in interest expense
    1,496       (1,255 )     241  
 
                 
 
                       
Increase (decrease) in Net Interest Income (1)
  $ 9,725     $ (216 )   $ 9,509  
 
                 
     
(1)  
Amounts calculated on a fully taxable equivalent basis using the current statutory
federal tax rate.
Provision for Loan Losses
The Company manages credit costs by consistently enforcing conservative underwriting and administration procedures and aggressively pursuing collection efforts with troubled debtors. County loans purchased from the FDIC are “covered” by loss-sharing agreements the Company entered with the FDIC. Further, the Company recorded the purchased County loans at estimated fair value upon acquisition as of February 6, 2009. Due to the loss-sharing agreements and fair value recognition during the first quarter 2009, the Company did not record a provision for loan losses during the first quarter 2009 related to such loans covered by the FDIC loss-sharing agreements. The Company provided $1.8 million, $600 thousand and $900 thousand for loan losses on non-covered loans in the first quarter of 2009, the first quarter and the fourth quarter of 2008, respectively. The provision reflects Management’s assessment of credit risk and the appropriate level of the allowance for loan losses for each of the periods presented. For further information regarding credit risk, the FDIC loss-sharing agreements, net credit losses and the allowance for loan losses, see the “Classified Assets,” “Nonperforming Assets,” and “Allowance for Credit Losses” section of this report.

 

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Table of Contents

Noninterest Income
The following table summarizes the components of noninterest income for the periods indicated.
                         
    Three months ended  
    At March 31,     At December 31,  
    2009     2008     2008  
    (In thousands)  
 
                       
Service charges on deposit accounts
  $ 8,422     $ 7,296     $ 7,383  
Merchant credit card fees
    2,432       2,580       2,623  
Debit card fees
    856       904       917  
ATM fees and interchange
    813       718       685  
Other service fees
    531       486       508  
Trust fees
    364       303       255  
Check sale income
    223       188       166  
Financial services commissions
    154       230       141  
Official check issuance income
    19       90       18  
Mortgage banking income
    17       40       19  
Gain on sale of Visa common stock
          5,698        
FAS 141R gain
    48,844              
Net losses from equity securities
                (3,269 )
Other noninterest income
    1,293       845       462  
 
                 
 
                       
Total
  $ 63,968     $ 19,378     $ 9,908  
 
                 
Noninterest income for the first quarter of 2009 rose by $44.6 million from the same period in 2008. The increase was mostly attributable to a $48.8 million FAS 141R gain and a $1.1 million increase in service charges on deposit accounts in the first quarter 2009, partially offset by a $5.7 million gain on sale of Visa common stock in the first quarter 2008. The County acquisition was accounted for under the purchase method of accounting in accordance with FAS 141R. The purchased assets and assumed liabilities were recorded at their respective acquisition date fair values, and identifiable intangible assets were recorded at fair value. The FAS 141R gain totaling $48.8 million resulted from the amount by which the fair value of assets purchased exceeded the fair value of liabilities assumed. Higher service charges on deposit accounts were generally attributable to the growth in deposit accounts through the County acquisition. Merchant credit card fees declined $148 thousand or 5.7% due to lower transaction volume.
In the first quarter of 2009, noninterest income increased $54.1 million compared with the previous quarter primarily due to the $48.8 million FAS 141R gain and increased service charges on deposit accounts (up $1.0 million) attributable to growth in deposit accounts through the County acquisition in the first quarter of 2009 and because noninterest income in the fourth quarter 2008 was reduced by a $3.3 million “other than temporary” impairment charge on FHLMC and FNMA preferred stock and other common stocks. ATM fees and interchange income increased $128 thousand or 18.7% mainly due to an increased customer base through the County acquisition. Trust income also increased $109 thousand largely due to trust accounts acquired from County. Merchant credit card income declined $191 thousand or 7.3% primarily due to seasonally higher credit card draft volumes in the fourth quarter 2008 and the impact of prevailing economic conditions on consumer spending.

 

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Noninterest Expense
The following table summarizes the components of noninterest expense for the periods indicated.
                         
    At March 31,     At December 31,  
    2009     2008     2008  
    (In thousands)  
 
                       
Salaries and related benefits
  $ 16,371     $ 12,984     $ 12,823  
Occupancy
    5,410       3,390       3,405  
Outsourced data processing services
    2,104       2,120       2,117  
Amortization of identifiable intangibles
    1,685       858       788  
Equipment
    1,222       921       976  
Loan expense
    994       170       258  
Courier service
    898       829       835  
Professional fees
    888       536       920  
Postage
    462       383       346  
Telephone
    387       335       344  
Stationery and supplies
    367       279       334  
In-house meetings
    257       193       216  
Correspondent Service Charges
    256       170       135  
Advertising/public relations
    227       177       182  
Operational losses
    195       184       352  
Customer checks
    176       230       196  
FDIC insurance assessments
    157       95       159  
Visa litigation expense
          (2,338 )      
Other noninterest expense
    2,067       1,540       1,780  
 
                 
 
                       
Total
  $ 34,123     $ 23,056     $ 26,166  
 
                 
 
                       
Average full time equivalent staff
    1,144       886       886  
 
                       
Noninterest expense to revenues (FTE)
    27.67 %     34.23 %     43.79 %
Noninterest expense increased $11.1 million in the three months ended March 31, 2009 compared with the same period in 2008 mainly due to acquisition related incremental costs and the reversal of a $2.3 million accrual for Visa related litigation in the first quarter 2008. Salaries and related benefits increased $3.4 million or 26.1% primarily due to personnel costs related to the County acquisition. Occupancy expense increased $2.0 million mainly due to rent and maintenance costs for County’s branches. Amortization of deposit intangibles increased $827 thousand due to the County acquisition. Loan expense increased $824 thousand due to the County acquisition, including servicing fees on acquired factoring receivables. Professional fees increased $352 thousand generally due to higher legal fees for loans acquired from County, issuance of preferred stock and other professional fees. Equipment expense increased $301 thousand or 32.7% primarily due to the County acquisition. Other noninterest expense increased $527 thousand or 34.2% mainly due to increases in ATM network fees, OREO related expenses and higher amortization expenses of low-income housing investments as tax benefits are realized.
In the first quarter of 2009, noninterest expense rose by $8.0 million or 30.4% compared with the previous quarter mainly due to acquisition related incremental costs. Salaries and related benefits increased $3.5 million mostly due to the County acquisition. Occupancy expense increased $2.0 million mainly due to rent and maintenance costs for County’s facilities. Amortization of deposit intangibles increased $897 thousand due to the acquisition. Loan expense increased $736 thousand due to the County acquisition, including servicing fees on acquired factoring receivables acquired from County. Correspondent service charges increased $121 thousand. Postage increased $116 thousand mainly due to mailings related to the acquisition. Offsetting the increase was a $157 thousand decrease in operational losses.

 

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Provision for Income Tax
During the first quarter of 2009, the Company recorded income tax expense (FTE) of $34.6 million, compared with $16.9 million and $11.9 million for the first and fourth quarters of 2008, respectively. The current quarter provision represents an effective tax rate (FTE) of 39.6%, compared with 38.7% and 36.3% for the first and fourth quarters of 2008, respectively. The effective tax rate for the first quarter 2009 reflected higher pretax income as well as lower tax preference items when compared to the first quarter of 2008. The effective tax rate for the fourth quarter was reduced primarily due to a $3.3 million charge for “other than temporary impairment” securities losses on FHLMC and FNMA preferred stock and other common stock.
Classified Assets
The Company closely monitors the markets in which it conducts its lending operations and continues its strategy to control exposure to loans with high credit risk and to increase diversification of the loan portfolio. Loan reviews are performed using grading standards and criteria similar to those employed by bank regulatory agencies. Loans receiving lesser grades fall under the “classified” category, which includes all nonperforming and potential problem loans, and receive an elevated level of attention to ensure collection. Other real estate owned is recorded at the lower of cost or fair value less cost to sell.
On February 6, 2009, Westamerica Bank acquired substantially all the assets and assumed substantially all the liabilities of County from the FDIC, as Receiver of County. Westamerica Bank and the FDIC entered loss sharing agreements regarding future losses incurred on loans and foreclosed loan collateral existing at February 6, 2009. Under the terms of the loss sharing agreements, the FDIC will absorb 80 percent of losses and share in 80 percent of loss recoveries on the first $269 million of losses, and absorb 95 percent of losses and share in 95 percent of loss recoveries on losses exceeding $269 million. The term for loss sharing on residential real estate loans is ten years, while the term for loss sharing on non-residential real estate loans is three years in respect to losses and five years in respect to loss recoveries.
Loans and other real estate owned covered under the loss sharing agreement with the FDIC are referred to as “covered loans” and “covered other real estate,” respectively. Covered loans and covered other real estate were recorded at estimated fair value on February 6, 2009.
The following is a summary of classified loans and other real estate owned on the dates indicated:
                         
    At March 31,     At December 31,  
    2009     2008     2008  
    (In thousands)  
Non-covered classified loans
  $ 41,453     $ 33,303     $ 34,028  
Non-covered other real estate owned
    4,756       954       3,505  
 
                 
Non-covered classified loans and Other real estate owned
  $ 46,209     $ 34,257     $ 37,533  
 
                 
Allowance for loan losses / non-covered classified loans
    106 %     157 %     131 %
         
    At March 31,  
    2009  
    (In thousands)  
Covered classified loans
  $ 169,778  
Covered other real estate owned
    13,391  
 
     
Covered classified loans and Other real estate owned
  $ 183,169  
 
     
Classified loans include loans graded “Substandard”, “Doubtful” and “Loss” using regulatory guidelines. At March 31, 2009, $39.6 million of non-covered loans are graded “Substandard” or 95.6% of total non-covered classified loans. Such substandard loans accounted for 1.68% of total gross non-covered loans at March 31, 2009. Non-covered classified loans at March 31, 2009, increased $8.2 million or 24.5% from a year ago. The increase was primarily due to 10 loans totaling $10.7 million which were downgraded during the first quarter of 2009.
Non-covered other real estate owned at March 31, 2009 was $4.8 million compared with $954 thousand at March 31, 2008 and $3.5 million at December 31, 2008. Management aggressively pursues collection of all classified assets.
Covered classified loans and covered other real estate owned at March 31, 2009 were acquired from County and recorded at estimated fair values as of February 6, 2009.

 

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Nonperforming Loans
Nonperforming loans include nonaccrual loans and loans 90 or more days past due and still accruing. Loans are placed on nonaccrual status upon becoming delinquent 90 days or more, unless the loan is well secured and in the process of collection. Interest previously accrued on loans placed on nonaccrual status is charged against interest income. In addition, some loans secured by real estate with temporarily impaired values and commercial loans to borrowers experiencing financial difficulties are placed on nonaccrual status even though the borrowers continue to repay the loans as scheduled. Such loans are classified by Management as “performing nonaccrual” and are included in total nonaccrual loans. When the ability to fully collect nonaccrual loan principal is in doubt, payments received are applied against the principal balance of the loans until such time as full collection of the remaining recorded balance is expected. Any additional interest payments received after that time are recorded as interest income on a cash basis. Nonaccrual loans are reinstated to accrual status when improvements in credit quality eliminate the doubt as to the full collectibility of both interest and principal.
The following is a summary of non-covered nonperforming loans and non-covered OREO on the dates indicated:
                         
    At March 31,     At December 31,  
    2009     2008     2008  
    (In thousands)  
Non-covered nonperforming assets
                       
Performing, nonaccrual loans
  $ 27     $ 1,652     $ 1,143  
Nonperforming, nonaccrual loans
    10,943       3,728       8,883  
 
                 
Total nonaccrual loans
    10,970       5,380       10,026  
Loans 90 days past due and still accruing
    777       268       755  
 
                 
Total nonperforming loans
    11,747       5,648       10,781  
 
                       
Other real estate owned
    4,756       954       3,505  
 
                 
Total
  $ 16,503     $ 6,602     $ 14,286  
 
                 
 
                       
As a percentage of total non-covered loans
    0.70 %     0.28 %     0.61 %
Non-covered nonaccrual loans increased $944 thousand during the three months ended March 31, 2009. Twenty five loans comprised the $11.0 million nonaccrual loans as of March 31, 2009. Eleven of those loans were on nonaccrual status throughout the first three months of 2009, while the remaining fourteen loans were placed on nonaccrual status during the three months ended March 31, 2009. The Company actively pursues full collection of nonaccrual loans.
The following is a summary of covered nonperforming loans and covered OREO on the dates indicated:
         
    At March 31,  
    2009  
    (In thousands)  
Covered nonperforming assets
       
Performing, nonaccrual loans
  $ 34,437  
Nonperforming, nonaccrual loans
    3,632  
 
     
Total nonaccrual loans
    38,069  
Loans 90 days past due and still accruing
    9,866  
 
     
Total nonperforming loans
    47,935  
 
       
Covered other real estate owned
    13,391  
 
     
Total
  $ 61,326  
 
     
 
As a percentage of total covered loans
    5.63 %
The Company had no restructured loans as of March 31, 2009, December 31, 2008 and March 31, 2008.

 

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The Company’s residential real estate loan underwriting standards for first mortgages limit the loan amount to no more than 80 percent of the appraised value of the property serving as collateral for the loan at the time of origination, and require verification of income of the borrower(s). The Company had no “sub-prime” non-covered loans as of March 31, 2009, December 31, 2008 and March 31, 2008. Of the non-covered loans 90 days past due and still accruing at March 31, 2009, $-0- and $381 thousand were non-covered residential real estate loans and non-covered automobile loans, respectively. Delinquent consumer loans on accrual status were as follows:
                         
    At March 31,     At December 31,  
    2009     2008     2008  
    (In thousands)  
Non-covered residential real estate loans:
                       
30-89 days delinquent:
                       
Dollar amount
  $ 3,529     $ 28     $ 3,273  
Percentage of total residential real estate loans
    0.79 %     0.01 %     0.71 %
90 or more days delinquent:
                       
Dollar amount
  $ -0-     $ -0-     $ -0-  
Percentage of total residential real estate loans
    0.00 %     0.00 %     0.00 %
 
                       
Non-covered automobile loans:
                       
30-89 days delinquent:
                       
Dollar amount
  $ 5,283     $ 2,523     $ 5,241  
Percentage of total automobile loans
    1.14 %     0.54 %     1.12 %
90 or more days delinquent:
                       
Dollar amount
  $ 381     $ 185     $ 569  
Percentage of total automobile loans
    0.08 %     0.04 %     0.12 %
The amount of gross interest income that would have been recorded for nonaccrual loans for the three months ended March 31, 2009, if all such loans had been current in accordance with their original terms, was $767 thousand, compared to $105 thousand and $199 thousand, respectively, for the first and fourth quarters of 2008.
The amount of interest income that was recognized on nonaccrual loans from all cash payments, including those related to interest owed from prior years, made during the three months ended March 31, 2009, totaled $39 thousand, compared to $61 thousand and $199 thousand, respectively, for the first and fourth quarters of 2008. These cash payments represent annualized yields of 0.32% for the first three months of 2009 compared to 4.41% and 5.68%, respectively, for the first and the fourth quarters of 2008.
There were no cash payment received, which were applied against the book balance of nonaccrual loans outstanding at March 31, 2009, March 31, 2008 and December 31, 2008 in the first quarter 2009, the first quarter 2008 and the fourth quarter 2008, respectively.
Management believes the overall credit quality of the non-covered loan portfolio is stable; however, non-covered nonperforming assets could fluctuate from period to period. The performance of any individual loan can be affected by external factors such as the interest rate environment, economic conditions, collateral values or factors particular to the borrower. No assurance can be given that additional increases in non-covered nonaccrual loans will not occur in the future.
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Allowance for Credit Losses
The following table summarizes the credit loss provision, net credit losses and allowance for credit losses for the periods indicated:
                         
    Three months ended  
    March 31,     December 31,  
    2009     2008     2008  
    (In thousands)  
 
Balance, beginning of period
  $ 47,563     $ 55,799     $ 53,190  
 
                       
Provision for loan losses
    1,800       600       900  
 
                       
Loans charged off
    (2,928 )     (1,537 )     (6,881 )
Recoveries of previously charged off loans
    461       665       354  
 
                 
 
                       
Net loan losses
    (2,467 )     (872 )     (6,527 )
 
                 
 
Balance, end of period
  $ 46,896     $ 55,527     $ 47,563  
 
                 
 
                       
Components:
                       
Allowance for loan losses
  $ 43,803     $ 52,234     $ 44,470  
Reserve for unfunded credit commitments
    3,093       3,293       3,093  
 
                 
 
                       
Allowance for credit losses
  $ 46,896     $ 55,527     $ 47,563  
 
                 
 
                       
Allowance for loan losses / non-covered loans outstanding
    1.86 %     2.13 %     1.87 %
The Company’s allowance for credit losses is maintained at a level considered adequate to provide for losses that can be estimated based upon specific and general conditions. These include conditions unique to individual borrowers, as well as overall credit loss experience, the amount of past due, nonperforming loans and classified loans, FDIC loss sharing coverage relative to covered loan carrying amounts, recommendations of regulatory authorities, prevailing economic conditions and other factors. A portion of the allowance is specifically allocated to impaired loans whose full collectibility is uncertain. Such allocations are determined by Management based on loan-by-loan analyses. A second allocation is based in part on quantitative analyses of historical credit loss experience, in which criticized and classified credit balances identified through an independent internal credit review process are analyzed using a linear regression model to determine standard loss rates. The results of this analysis are applied to current criticized and classified loan balances to allocate the reserve to the respective segments of the loan portfolio. In addition, loans with similar characteristics not usually criticized using regulatory guidelines are analyzed based on the historical loss rates and delinquency trends, grouped by the number of days the payments on these loans are delinquent. Last, allocations are made to non-criticized and non-classified commercial loans and residential real estate loans based on historical loss rates, and other statistical data. The remainder of the allowance is considered to be unallocated. The unallocated allowance is established to provide for probable losses that have been incurred as of the reporting date but not reflected in the allocated allowance. It addresses additional qualitative factors consistent with Management’s analysis of the level of risks inherent in the loan portfolio, which are related to the risks of the Company’s general lending activity. Included in the unallocated allowance is the risk of losses that are attributable to national or local economic or industry trends which have occurred but have not yet been recognized in past loan charge-off history (external factors). The external factors evaluated by the Company include: economic and business conditions, external competitive issues, and other factors. Also included in the unallocated allowance is the risk of losses attributable to general attributes of the Company’s loan portfolio and credit administration (internal factors). The internal factors evaluated by the Company include: loan review system, adequacy of lending Management and staff, loan policies and procedures, problem loan trends, concentrations of credit, and other factors. By their nature, these risks are not readily allocable to any specific loan category in a statistically meaningful manner and are difficult to quantify with a specific number. Management assigns a range of estimated risk to the qualitative risk factors described above based on Management’s judgment as to the level of risk, and assigns a quantitative risk factor from the range of loss estimates to determine the appropriate level of the unallocated portion of the allowance. Management considers the $46.9 million allowance for credit losses to be adequate as a reserve against losses as of March 31, 2009.

 

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The following table presents the allocation of the allowance for credit losses:
                                 
    At March 31,     At December 31,  
    2009     2008  
     
    (In thousands)  
    Allocation     Loans as     Allocation     Loans as  
    of the     Percent     of the     Percent  
    Allowance     of Total     Allowance     of Total  
    Balance     Loans     Balance     Loans  
Commercial
  $ 22,165       57 %   $ 23,774       57 %
Real estate construction
    5,241       2 %     4,725       2 %
Real estate residential
    456       19 %     367       19 %
Consumer
    5,619       22 %     6,331       22 %
Unallocated portion
    13,415             12,366        
 
                       
 
                               
Total
  $ 46,896       100 %   $ 47,563       100 %
 
                       
The allocation to non-covered loan portfolio segments changed from December 31, 2008 to March 31, 2009. The decrease in allocation for commercial loans was substantially attributable to a lower allocation to municipal loans. The increase in allocation to real estate construction loans reflects an increase in criticized construction loans outstanding, which receive higher allocations due to higher risk attributes, offset in part by lower volumes of non-criticized construction loans and construction loan commitments. The lower allocation for consumer loans was primarily due to a decrease in personal credit lines past due 30 days or more. The unallocated portion of the allowance for credit losses increased $1.0 million from December 31, 2008 to March 31, 2009. The unallocated allowance is established to provide for probable losses that have been incurred, but not reflected in the allocated allowance. At March 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008, Management’s evaluations of the unallocated portion of the allowance for credit losses attributed significant risk levels to developing economic and business conditions ($3.7 million and $3.4 million, respectively), external competitive issues ($783 thousand and $1.2 million, respectively), internal credit administration considerations ($1.6 million and $1.4 million, respectively), and delinquency and problem loan trends ($4.2 million and $3.5 million, respectively). The change in the amounts allocated to the above qualitative risk factors was based upon Management’s judgment, review of trends in its loan portfolio, levels of the allowance allocated to portfolio segments, and current economic conditions in its marketplace. Based on Management’s analysis and judgment, the amount of the unallocated portion of the allowance for credit losses was $12.4 million at December 31, 2008, compared to $13.4 million at March 31, 2009.
Asset/Liability and Market Risk Management
Asset/liability management involves the evaluation, monitoring and management of interest rate risk, market risk, liquidity and funding. The fundamental objective of the Company’s management of assets and liabilities is to maximize its economic value while maintaining adequate liquidity and a conservative level of interest rate risk.
Interest Rate Risk
Interest rate risk is a significant market risk affecting the Company. Interest rate risk results from many factors. Assets and liabilities may mature or reprice at different times. Assets and liabilities may reprice at the same time but by different amounts. Short-term and long-term market interest rates may change by different amounts. The remaining maturity of various assets or liabilities may shorten or lengthen as interest rates change. In addition, interest rates may have an impact on loan demand, credit losses, and other sources of earnings such as account analysis fees on commercial deposit accounts and correspondent bank service charges.
In adjusting the Company’s asset/liability position, Management attempts to manage interest rate risk while enhancing the net interest margin and net interest income. At times, depending on expected increases or decreases in general interest rates, the relationship between long and short term interest rates, market conditions and competitive factors, Management may adjust the Company’s interest rate risk position in order to manage its net interest margin and net interest income. The Company’s results of operations and net portfolio values remain subject to changes in interest rates and to fluctuations in the difference between long and short term interest rates.
The Company’s asset and liability position remains slightly “liability sensitive,” with a greater amount of interest-bearing liabilities subject to immediate and near-term interest rate changes relative to earning assets. Management continues to monitor the interest rate environment as well as economic conditions and other factors it deems relevant in managing the Company’s exposure to interest rate risk.

 

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Management assesses interest rate risk by comparing the Company’s most likely earnings plan with various earnings models using many interest rate scenarios that differ in the direction of interest rate changes, the degree of change over time, the speed of change and the projected shape of the yield curve. For example, using the current composition of the Company’s balance sheet and assuming no change in the federal funds rate and no change in the 10 year Constant Maturity Treasury Bond yield during the same period, earnings are not estimated to change by a meaningful amount compared to the Company’s most likely net income plan for the twelve months ending March 31, 2010. Conversely, using the current composition of the Company’s balance sheet and assuming an increase of 100 bp in the federal funds rate and an increase of 10 bp in the 10 year Constant Maturity Treasury Bond yield during the same period, estimated earnings at risk would be approximately 3.1% of the Company’s most likely net income plan for the twelve months ending March 31, 2010. Simulation estimates depend on, and will change with, the size and mix of the actual and projected balance sheet at the time of each simulation. Management is currently deploying tactics to reduce the “liability sensitivity” of the Company’s balance sheet to a more “neutral” condition where changes in interest rates result in less significant changes in earnings. The Company does not currently engage in trading activities or use derivative instruments to control interest rate risk, even though such activities may be permitted with the approval of the Company’s Board of Directors.
Market Risk — Equity Markets
Equity price risk can affect the Company. As an example, any preferred or common stock holdings, as permitted by banking regulations, can fluctuate in value. Management regularly assesses the extent and duration of any declines in market value, the causes of such declines, the likelihood of a recovery in market value, and its intent to hold securities until a recovery in value occurs. Declines in value of preferred or common stock holdings that are deemed “other than temporary” could result in loss recognition in the Company’s income statement.
Fluctuations in the Company’s common stock price can impact the Company’s financial results in several ways. First, the Company has regularly repurchased and retired its common stock; the market price paid to retire the Company’s common stock can affect the level of the Company’s shareholders’ equity, cash flows and shares outstanding for purposes of computing earnings per share. On February 13, 2009, the Company issued preferred stock to the Treasury: the terms of such issuance limits the Company’s ability to repurchase stock. Second, the Company’s common stock price impacts the number of dilutive equivalent shares used to compute diluted earnings per share. Third, fluctuations in the Company’s common stock price can motivate holders of options to purchase Company common stock through the exercise of such options thereby increasing the number of shares outstanding. Finally, the amount of compensation expense associated with share based compensation fluctuates with changes in and the volatility of the Company’s common stock price.
Market Risk — Other
Market values of loan collateral can directly impact the level of loan chargeoffs and the provision for loan losses. Other types of market risk, such as foreign currency exchange risk and commodity price risk, are not significant in the normal course of the Company’s business activities.
Liquidity and Funding
The Company generates significant liquidity from its operating activities. The Company’s profitability during the first quarter of 2009 and 2008 contributed substantial operating cash flows of $63.1 million and $31.6 million, respectively. In the first quarter of 2009, the Company paid $10.4 million in shareholder dividends and used $667 thousand to repurchase and retire common stock. In the first quarter of 2008, the Company paid $9.8 million in shareholder dividends and used $20.2 million to repurchase and retire common stock.
The Company’s routine operating sources of liquidity include investment securities, consumer and other loans, deposits, and other borrowed funds. During the first quarter of 2009, investment securities provided $58.5 million in liquidity from paydowns and maturities, and loans provided $98.1 million in liquidity from scheduled payments and maturities, net of loan fundings. The Company also raised $83.7 million from the issuance of preferred stock to the United States Treasury. The Company projects $87.7 million in additional liquidity from investment security paydowns and maturities in the three months ending June 30, 2009. At March 31, 2009, automobile loans totaled $464.9 million, which were experiencing stable monthly principal payments of approximately $17.2 million during the first quarter of 2009.
During the first quarter of 2009, a portion of the liquidity provided by operating activities, investment securities and loans provided funds to meet a net reduction in deposits totaling $71.3 million and a reduction in short-term borrowed funds, primarily federal funds purchased, which declined $256.6 million.

 

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During the first quarter of 2008, proceeds from maturing investment securities of $89.1 million were only partially reinvested, for a net increase in cash of $85.2 million. This cash inflow, $53.3 million in net loan repayments, and proceeds from sale of Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco (“FRB”) stock and Visa common stock provided substantial cash to reduce short-term borrowings by $163.3 million.
The Company held $1.4 billion in total investment securities at March 31, 2009. Under certain deposit, borrowing and other arrangements, the Company must hold investment securities as collateral. At March 31, 2009, such collateral requirements totaled approximately $1.2 billion. At March 31, 2009, $436.3 million of the Company’s investment securities were classified as “available-for-sale”, and as such, could provide additional liquidity if sold, subject to the Company’s ability to meet continuing collateral requirements.
At March 31, 2009, $510.9 million in collateralized mortgage obligations (“CMOs”) and mortgage backed securities (“MBSs”) were held in the Company’s investment portfolios. None of the CMOs or MBSs are backed by sub-prime mortgages. All of the Non Agency CMOs are rated AAA based on their subordination structures without reliance on monoline insurance. Other than nominal amounts of FHLMC and FNMA MBSs purchased for Community Reinvestment Act investment purposes, the Company has not purchased a CMO or MBS since November 2005. The CMOs and MBSs provided $31.4 million in liquidity from paydowns during the three months ended March 31, 2009. In addition, at March 31, 2009, the Company had customary lines for overnight borrowings from other financial institutions in excess of $700 million, under which $235.0 million was outstanding. Additionally, the Company has access to borrowing from the Federal Reserve. The Company’s short-term debt rating from Fitch Ratings is F1. The Company’s long-term debt rating from Fitch Ratings is A with a stable outlook. Management expects the Company could access additional long-term debt financing if desired. In Management’s judgment, the Company’s liquidity position is strong and asset liquidations or additional long-term debt are considered unnecessary to meet the ongoing liquidity needs of the Company. The FDIC adopted the Temporary Liquidity Guarantee Program (“TLGP”) because of disruptions in the credit markets. The TLGP guarantees newly issued senior unsecured debt of banks and certain holding companies in addition to providing full coverage of noninterest bearing deposit transaction accounts. Debt issuance is subject to a maximum amount, and fees for use of the program are assessed on a sliding scale. The Company did not opt out of this program. No senior unsecured debt has been issued by the Company under the TLGP.
The Company anticipates maintaining its cash levels in 2009 mainly through profitability and retained earnings. It is anticipated that loan demand from credit-worthy borrowers will be weak during 2009, although such demand will be dictated by economic and competitive conditions. The Company aggressively solicits non-interest bearing demand deposits and money market checking deposits, which are the least sensitive to interest rates. The growth of deposit balances is subject to heightened competition, the success of the Company’s sales efforts, delivery of superior customer service and market conditions. The recent series of reductions in the federal funds rate resulted in declining short-term interest rates, which could impact deposit volumes in the future. Depending on economic conditions, interest rate levels, and a variety of other conditions, deposit growth may be used to fund loans, to reduce short-term borrowings or purchase investment securities. However, due to concerns such as uncertainty in the general economic environment, competition and political uncertainty, loan demand and levels of customer deposits are not certain. Shareholder dividends are expected to continue subject to the Board’s discretion and continuing evaluation of capital levels, earnings, asset quality and other factors. Quarterly shareholder dividends are restricted to the quarterly per share amount prior to October 14, 2008 under the terms of the February 13, 2009 issuance of preferred stock to the Treasury.
Westamerica Bancorporation (“the Parent Company”) is a separate entity and apart from Westamerica Bank (“the Bank”) and must provide for its own liquidity. In addition to its operating expenses, the Parent Company is responsible for the payment of dividends declared for its shareholders, and interest and principal on outstanding debt. Substantially all of the Parent Company’s revenues are obtained from subsidiary service fees and dividends. Payment of such dividends to the Parent Company by the Bank is limited under California law. The amount that can be paid in any calendar year, without prior approval from the state regulatory agency, cannot exceed the net profits (as defined) for the preceding three calendar years less dividends paid. The Company believes that such restriction will not have an impact on the Parent Company’s ability to meet its ongoing cash obligations.
Capital Resources
The Company has historically generated high levels of earnings, which provides a means of raising capital. The Company’s net income as a percentage of average common stock equity (“return on common equity” or “ROE”) was 27.3% in the first quarter of 2008 and 48.0% in the first quarter of 2009. The Company also raises capital as employees exercise stock options, which are awarded as a part of the Company’s executive compensation programs to reinforce shareholders’ interests in the Management of the Company. Capital raised through the exercise of stock options totaled $6.8 million in the first quarter of 2008 and $593 thousand in the first quarter of 2009.

 

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The Company paid dividends totaling $9.8 million in the first quarter of 2008 and $10.4 million in the first quarter of 2009, which represent dividends per share of $0.34 and $.36, respectively. The Company’s earnings have historically exceeded dividends paid to shareholders. The amount of earnings in excess of dividends gives the Company resources to finance growth and maintain appropriate levels of shareholders’ equity. In the absence of profitable growth opportunities, the Company has repurchased and retired its common stock as another means to return earnings to shareholders. The Company repurchased and retired 424 thousand shares of common stock valued at $20.2 million in the first quarter of 2008 and 16 thousand shares valued at $667 thousand in the first quarter of 2009. Share repurchases are restricted to amounts conducted in coordination with employee benefit programs under the terms of the February 13, 2009 issuance of preferred stock to the Treasury.
The Company’s primary capital resource is shareholders’ equity, which increased $137.6 million or 34.5% in the first quarter of 2009 from the first quarter of 2008, primarily due to a $83.7 million in issuance of preferred stock and $52.2 million in profits earned during the quarter, offset by $10.4 million in dividends paid.
The following summarizes the ratios of capital to risk-adjusted assets for the Company on the date indicated:
                                         
                            Minimum     Well-capitalized by  
    At March 31,     At March 31,     At December 31,     Regulatory     Regulatory  
    2009     2008     2008     Requirement     Definition  
 
                                       
Tier I Capital
    10.16 %     9.74 %     10.47 %     4.00 %     6.00 %
Total Capital
    11.38 %     11.04 %     11.76 %     8.00 %     10.00 %
Leverage ratio
    8.14 %     6.61 %     7.36 %     4.00 %     5.00 %
The risk-based capital ratios increased at March 31, 2009, compared with March 31, 2008, due to increased Tier I Capital resulting from the February 13, 2009 issuance of $83.7 million in preferred stock and increased profitability, partially offset by an increase in risk-weighted assets. The risk-based capital ratios decreased at March 31, 2009, compared with December 31, 2008, due to risk-weighted assets increasing relatively faster than equity capital.
The following summarizes the ratios of capital to risk-adjusted assets for the Bank on the date indicated:
                                         
                            Minimum     Well-capitalized by  
    At March 31,     At December 31,     Regulatory     Regulatory  
    2009     2008     2008     Requirement     Definition  
 
                                       
Tier I Capital
    9.56 %     9.78 %     9.31 %     4.00 %     6.00 %
Total Capital
    10.93 %     11.25 %     10.78 %     8.00 %     10.00 %
Leverage ratio
    7.64 %     6.60 %     6.52 %     4.00 %     5.00 %
The Company contributed $93.7 million in capital to the Bank during the first quarter of 2009 to maintain the Bank’s “well capitalized” condition following the February 6, 2009 County Bank acquisition. The risk-based capital ratios decreased at March 31, 2009, compared with March 31, 2008, due to risk-weighted assets increasing relatively faster than equity capital. The risk-based capital ratios increased at March 31, 2009, compared with December 31, 2008, due to equity capital increasing relatively faster than risk-weighted assets.
The Company and the Bank intend to maintain regulatory capital in excess of the highest regulatory standard, referred to as “well capitalized”. The Company and the Bank routinely project capital levels by analyzing forecasted earnings, credit quality, securities valuations, shareholder dividends, asset volumes, share repurchase activity, stock option exercise proceeds, and other factors. Based on current capital projections the Company and the Bank expect to maintain regulatory capital levels exceeding the “well capitalized” standard and pay quarterly dividends to shareholders. No assurance can be given that changes in capital management plans will not occur.
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
The Company does not currently engage in trading activities or use derivative instruments to control interest rate risk, even though such activities may be undertaken with the approval of the Company’s Board of Directors. Interest rate risk as discussed above is the most significant market risk affecting the Company. Other types of market risk, such as foreign currency exchange risk, equity price risk and commodity price risk, are not significant in the normal course of the Company’s business activities.

 

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Item 4. Controls and Procedures
The Company’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer have evaluated the effectiveness of the Company’s “disclosure controls and procedures,” as such term is defined in Rule 13a-15(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, as of March 31, 2009. Based upon their evaluation, the principal executive officer and principal financial officer concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports that it files or submits under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time period specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms. The evaluation did not identify any change in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the quarter ended March 31, 2009 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1. Legal Proceedings
Due to the nature of the banking business, the Bank is at times party to various legal actions; generally such actions are of a routine nature and arise in the normal course of business of the Subsidiary Bank. The Bank is not a party to any pending or threatened legal action that, if determined adversely to the Bank, is likely in Management’s opinion to have a material adverse effect on the Bank’s financial condition or results of operations.
Item 1A. Risk Factors
There are no material changes to the risk factors disclosed in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008.
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
(a) Previously reported on Form 8-K.
(b) None
(c) Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
The table below sets forth the information with respect to purchases made by or on behalf of Westamerica Bancorporation or any “affiliated purchaser” (as defined in Rule 10b-18(a)(3) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934), of common stock during the quarter ended March 31, 2009.
                                 
                    (c)     (d)  
                    Total     Maximum  
                    Number     Number  
                    of Shares     of Shares  
            (b)     Purchased     that May  
    (a)     Average     as Part of     Yet Be  
    Total     Price     Publicly     Purchased  
    Number of     Paid     Announced     Under the  
    Shares     per     Plans     Plans or  
Period   Purchased     Share     or Programs*     Programs  
    (In thousands, except per share data)  
January 1 through January 31
    9     $ 42.03       9       1,968  
February 1 through February 28
    5     $ 41.06       5       1,963  
March 1 through March 31
    2     $ 40.42       2       1,961  
                         
Total
    16     $ 41.58       16       1,961  
                         
     
*  
Includes 2 thousand, 2 thousand and 2 thousand shares purchased in January, February and March, respectively, by the Company in private transactions with the independent administrator of the Company’s Tax Deferred Savings/Retirement Plan (ESOP). The Company includes the shares purchased in such transactions within the total number of shares authorized for purchase pursuant to the currently existing publicly announced program.

 

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The Company repurchases shares of its common stock in the open market to optimize the Company’s use of equity capital and enhance shareholder value and with the intention of lessening the dilutive impact of issuing new shares to meet stock performance, option plans, and other ongoing requirements.
Shares were repurchased during the first quarter of 2009 pursuant to a program approved by the Board of Directors on August 28, 2008 authorizing the purchase of up to 2 million shares of the Company’s common stock from time to time prior to September 1, 2009.
On February 13, 2009, the Company utilized the Troubled Asset Relief Program and issued 83,726 preferred shares to the United States Treasury at $1,000 per share (“Treasury Preferred Stock”). Under the terms of the Treasury Preferred Stock, share repurchases are limited to repurchase related to employee benefit programs.
Item 3. Defaults upon Senior Securities
None
Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
None
Item 5. Other Information
None
Item 6. Exhibits
(a) The exhibit list required by this item is incorporated by reference to the Exhibit Index filed with this report.
     
Exhibit 3(b):  
By-laws, as amended (composite copy)
   
 
Exhibit 31.1:  
Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Securities Exchange Act Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a)
   
 
Exhibit 31.2:  
Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Securities Exchange Act Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a)
   
 
Exhibit 32.1:  
Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
   
 
Exhibit 32.2:  
Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 

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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.
WESTAMERICA BANCORPORATION
(Registrant)
     
/s/ JOHN “ROBERT” THORSON
 
John “Robert” Thorson
   
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
   
(Chief Financial and Accounting Officer)
   
Date: May 8, 2009

 

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EXHIBIT INDEX
     
Exhibit 3(b):  
By-laws, as amended (composite copy)
   
 
Exhibit 31.1:  
Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Securities Exchange Act Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a)
   
 
Exhibit 31.2:  
Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Securities Exchange Act Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a)
   
 
Exhibit 32.1:  
Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
   
 
Exhibit 32.2:  
Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 

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