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UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K
(Mark one)
     
þ   ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2005
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 the registrant as specified in its charter)
     
CALIFORNIA
(State of incorporation)
  94-2156203
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification Number)
     
1108 FIFTH AVENUE, SAN RAFAEL, CALIFORNIA 94901
(Address of principal executive offices and zip code)
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (707) 863-6000

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: NONE

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
Title of Class: Common Stock, no par value
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.      YES þ      NO o
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.     YES o      NO þ
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 if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of the registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.      o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of “accelerated filer and large accelerated filer” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
         
Large accelerated filer þ   Accelerated filer o   Non-accelerated filer o
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
The aggregate market value of the Common Stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant as of June 30, 2005 as reported on the NASDAQ National Market System, was approximately $1,666,027,391.50. Shares of Common Stock held by each officer and director and by each person who owns 5% or more of the outstanding Common Stock have been excluded in that such persons may be deemed to be affiliates. This determination of affiliate status is not necessarily a conclusive determination for other purposes.
Number of shares outstanding of each of the registrant’s classes of common stock, as of the close of business on March 2, 2006
31,578,136 Shares
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
Portions of the definitive Proxy Statement relating to registrant’s Annual Meeting of Stockholders, to be held on April 27, 2006, are incorporated by reference in Items 10, 11, 12, 13 and 14 of Part III to the extent described therein.
 
 

 


 

TABLE OF CONTENTS
         
        Page
PART I  
 
  2
   
 
   
Item 1     2
Item 1A     7
Item 1B     8
Item 2     8
Item 3     9
Item 4     9
   
 
   
PART II  
 
  9
   
 
   
Item 5     9
Item 6     11
Item 7     12
Item 7A     32
Item 8     32
Item 9     57
Item 9A     58
Item 9B     58
   
 
   
PART III  
 
  58
   
 
   
Item 10     58
Item 11     58
Item 12     59
Item 13     59
Item 14     59
   
 
   
PART IV  
 
  59
   
 
   
Item 15     59
 EXHIBIT 10.(i)
 EXHIBIT 10.(j)
 EXHIBIT 10.(k)
 EXHIBIT 11
 EXHIBIT 21
 EXHIBIT 23.(a)
 EXHIBIT 31.1
 EXHIBIT 31.2
 EXHIBIT 32.1
 EXHIBIT 32.2
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This Annual Report on Form 10-K 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. 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) a slowdown in the national and California economies; (2) economic uncertainty created by terrorist threats and attacks on the United States and the actions taken in response; (3) the prospect of additional terrorist attacks in the United States and the uncertain effect of these events on the national and regional economies; (4) changes in the interest rate environment; (5) changes in the regulatory environment; (6) increasing competitive pressure in the banking industry ; (7) operational risks including data processing system failures or fraud; (8) the effect of acquisitions and integration of acquired businesses; (9) volatility of rate sensitive deposits and loans; (10) asset/liability matching risks and liquidity risks; and (11) changes in the securities markets. The Company undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements in this report. See also “Certain Additional Business Risks” in Item 1, “Risk Factors” in Item 1A and other risk factors discussed elsewhere in this Report.
PART I
ITEM 1. BUSINESS
WESTAMERICA BANCORPORATION (the “Company”) is a bank holding company registered under the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended (“BHC”). Its legal headquarters are located at 1108 Fifth Avenue, San Rafael, California 94901. Principal administrative offices are located at 4550 Mangels Boulevard in Fairfield, California 94534 and its telephone number is (707) 863-6000. The Company provides a full range of banking services to individual and corporate customers in Northern and Central California through its subsidiary bank, Westamerica Bank (“WAB” or the “Bank”). The principal communities served are located in Northern and Central California, from Mendocino, Lake and Nevada Counties in the North to Kern County in the South. The Company’s strategic focus is on the banking needs of small businesses. In addition, the Company also owns 100% of the capital stock of Community Banker Services Corporation, a company engaged in providing the Company and its subsidiaries data processing services and other support functions.
The Company was incorporated under the laws of the State of California in 1972 as “Independent Bankshares Corporation” pursuant to a plan of reorganization among three previously unaffiliated Northern California banks. The Company operated as a multi-bank holding company until mid-1983, at which time the then six subsidiary banks were merged into a single bank named Westamerica Bank and the name of the holding company was changed to Westamerica Bancorporation.
The Company acquired five additional banks within its immediate market area during the early to mid 1990’s. In April, 1997, the Company acquired ValliCorp Holdings, Inc., parent company of ValliWide Bank, the largest independent bank holding company headquartered in Central California. Under the terms of all of the merger agreements, the Company issued shares of its common stock in exchange for all of the outstanding shares of the acquired institutions. The subsidiary banks acquired were merged with and into WAB. These business combinations were accounted for as poolings-of-interests.
In August, 2000, the Company acquired First Counties Bank. The acquisition was valued at approximately $19.7 million and was accounted for using the purchase accounting method. The assets and liabilities of First Counties Bank were fully merged into WAB in September 2000. First Counties Bank had $91 million in assets and offices in Lake, Napa, and Colusa counties.
In June of 2002 the Company acquired Kerman State Bank. The acquisition was valued at

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approximately $14.6 million and was accounted for using the purchase accounting method. The assets and liabilities of Kerman State Bank were fully merged into WAB immediately upon consummation of the merger. Kerman State Bank had $95 million in assets and three offices in Fresno county.
On March 1, 2005, the Company acquired Santa Rosa based Redwood Empire Bancorp, the parent company of National Bank of the Redwoods (NBR). The acquisition was valued at approximately $153 million and was accounted for using the purchase accounting method. The assets and liabilities of NBR were fully merged into WAB as of close of business day on March 11, 2005. As of March 1, 2005, Redwood Empire had approximately $440 million in loans and $370 million in deposits.
At December 31, 2005, the Company had consolidated assets of approximately $5.1 billion, deposits of approximately $3.8 billion and shareholders’ equity of approximately $426.7 million. The Company and its subsidiaries employed approximately 950 full-time equivalent staff as of December 31, 2005.
The Company makes available free of charge its annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and any amendments to those reports as well as beneficial ownership reports on Forms 3, 4 and 5 as soon as reasonably practicable after they are electronically filed with or furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) through its website (http://www.westamerica.com). Such documents are also available through the SEC’s website (http://www.sec.gov). Requests for the Form 10-K annual report, as well as the Company’s employee Code of Conduct and Ethics, can also be submitted to:
Westamerica Bancorporation
Corporate Secretary A-2M
Post Office Box 1200
Suisun City, California 94585-1200
Supervision and Regulation
The following is not intended to be an exhaustive description of the statutes and regulations applicable to the Company’s or the Bank’s business. The description of statutory and regulatory provisions is qualified in its entirety by reference to the particular statutory or regulatory provisions. Moreover, major new legislation and other regulatory changes affecting the Company, the Bank, banking, and the financial services industry in general have occurred in the last several years and can be expected to occur in the future. The nature, timing and impact of new and amended laws and regulations cannot be accurately predicted.
Regulation and Supervision of Bank Holding Companies
The Company is a bank holding company subject to the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended (the “BHCA”). The Company reports to, is registered with, and may be examined by, the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (“FRB”). The FRB also has the authority to examine the Company’s subsidiaries. The costs of any examination by the FRB are payable by the Company. The Company is a bank holding company within the meaning of Section 3700 of the California Financial Code. As such, the Company and the Bank are subject to examination by, and may be required to file reports with, the California Commissioner of Financial Institutions (the “Commissioner”).
The FRB has significant supervisory and regulatory authority over the Company and its affiliates. The FRB requires the Company to maintain certain levels of capital. See “Capital Standards.” The FRB also has the authority to take enforcement action against any bank holding company that commits any unsafe or unsound practice, or violates certain laws, regulations or conditions imposed in writing by the FRB. Under the BHCA, the Company is required to obtain the prior approval of the FRB before it acquires, merges or consolidates with any bank or bank holding company. Any company seeking to acquire, merge or consolidate with the Company also would be required to obtain the prior approval of the FRB.
The Company is generally prohibited under the BHCA from acquiring ownership or control of more than 5% of any class of voting shares of any company that is not a bank or bank holding company and from engaging directly or indirectly in activities other than banking, managing banks, or providing services to affiliates of the holding company. However, a bank holding company, with the approval of the FRB, may engage, or acquire the voting shares of companies engaged, in activities that the FRB has determined to be closely related to banking or managing or controlling banks. A bank holding company must demonstrate that the benefits to the public of the proposed activity will outweigh the possible adverse effects associated with such activity.
The FRB generally prohibits a bank holding company from declaring or paying a cash dividend that would impose undue pressure on the capital of subsidiary banks or would be funded only through borrowing or other arrangements which might adversely affect a bank holding company’s financial position. Under the FRB policy, a bank holding company should not continue its existing rate of cash dividends on its common stock unless its net income is sufficient to fully fund each dividend and its prospective rate of earnings retention appears consistent with its capital needs, asset quality and overall financial condition. See the section entitled “Restrictions on Dividends and Other Distributions” for additional restrictions on the ability of the Company and the Bank to pay dividends.
Transactions between the Company and the Bank are restricted under Regulation W, which became effective on April 1, 2003. The regulation codifies prior interpretations of the FRB and its staff under Sections 23A and 23B of the Federal Reserve Act. In general, subject to certain specified exemptions, a bank or its subsidiaries are limited in their ability to engage in “covered transactions” with affiliates: (a) to an amount equal to 10% of the bank’s capital and surplus, in the case of covered transactions with any one affiliate; and (b) to an amount equal to 20% of the bank’s capital and surplus, in the case of covered transactions with all affiliates. The Company is considered to be an affiliate of the Bank.
A “covered transaction” includes, among other things, a loan or extension of credit to an affiliate; a purchase of securities issued by an affiliate; a purchase of assets from an affiliate, with some exceptions; and the issuance of a guarantee, acceptance or letter of credit on behalf of an affiliate.
Federal regulations governing bank holding companies and change in bank control (Regulation Y) provide for a streamlined and expedited review process for bank acquisition proposals submitted by well-run bank holding companies. These provisions of Regulation Y are subject to numerous qualifications, limitations and restrictions. In order for a bank holding company to qualify as “well-run,” both it and the insured depository institutions which it controls must meet the “well capitalized” and “well managed” criteria set forth in Regulation Y.
     
 
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On March 11, 2000, the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (the “GLBA”), or the Financial Services Act of 1999 became effective. The GLBA repealed provisions of the Glass-Steagall Act, which had prohibited commercial banks and securities firms from affiliating with each other and engaging in each other’s businesses. Thus, many of the barriers prohibiting affiliations between commercial banks and securities firms have been eliminated.
The BHCA was also amended by the GLBA to allow new “financial holding companies” (“FHCs”) to offer banking, insurance, securities and other financial products to consumers. Specifically, the GLBA amended section 4 of the BHCA in order to provide for a framework for the engagement in new financial activities. A bank holding company (“BHC”) may elect to become a FHC if all its subsidiary depository institutions are well capitalized and well managed. If these requirements are met, a BHC may file a certification to that effect with the FRB and declare that it elects to become a FHC. After the certification and declaration is filed, the FHC may engage either de novo or though an acquisition in any activity that has been determined by the FRB to be financial in nature or incidental to such financial activity. BHCs may engage in financial activities without prior notice to the FRB if those activities qualify under the new list of permissible activities in section 4(k) of the BHCA. However, notice must be given to the FRB within 30 days after a FHC has commenced one or more of the financial activities. The Company has not elected to become a FHC.
Under the GLBA, Federal Reserve member banks, subject to various requirements, as well as national banks, are permitted to engage through “financial subsidiaries” in certain financial activities permissible for affiliates of FHCs. However, to be able to engage in such activities the Bank must also be well capitalized and well managed and have received at least a “satisfactory” rating in its most recent Community Reinvestment Act examination. The Company cannot be certain of the effect of the foregoing recently enacted legislation on its business, although there is likely to be consolidation among financial services institutions and increased competition for the Company.
Regulation and Supervision of Banks
The Bank is a California state-chartered bank, is insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (the “FDIC”) and is a member bank of the Federal Reserve System. As such, the Bank is subject to regulation, supervision and regular examination by the California Department of Financial Institutions (“DFI”) and the FRB. As a member bank of the Federal Reserve System, the Bank’s primary federal regulator is the FRB. The regulations of these agencies affect most aspects of the Bank’s business and prescribe permissible types of loans and investments, the amount of required reserves, requirements for branch offices, the permissible scope of its activities and various other requirements.
In addition to federal banking law, the Bank is also subject to applicable provisions of California law. Under California law, the Bank is subject to various restrictions on, and requirements regarding, its operations and administration including the maintenance of branch offices and automated teller machines, capital requirements, deposits and borrowings, stockholder rights and duties, and investment and lending activities.
California law permits a state chartered bank to invest in the stock and securities of other corporations, subject to a state-chartered bank receiving either general authorization or, depending on the amount of the proposed investment, specific authorization from the Commissioner. However, because the Bank is a member of the Federal Reserve System, its investment authority is limited by regulations promulgated by the FRB. In addition, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Improvement Act (“FDICIA”) imposes limitations on the activities and equity investments of state chartered, federally insured banks. FDICIA also prohibits a state bank from making an investment or engaging in any activity as a principal that is not permissible for a national bank, unless the Bank is adequately capitalized and the FDIC approves the investment or activity after determining that such investment or activity does not pose a significant risk to the deposit insurance fund.
Capital Standards
The federal banking agencies have risk-based capital adequacy guidelines intended to provide a measure of capital adequacy that reflects the degree of risk associated with a banking organization’s operations for both transactions reported on the balance sheet as assets, and transactions such as letters of credit and recourse arrangements, which are recorded as off balance sheet items. Under these guidelines, nominal dollar amounts of assets and credit equivalent amounts of off balance sheet items are multiplied by one of several risk adjustment percentages, which range from 0% for assets with low credit risk, such as certain U.S. government securities, to 100% for assets with relatively higher credit risk, such as certain loans.
A banking organization’s risk-based capital ratios are obtained by dividing its qualifying capital by its total risk-adjusted assets and off balance sheet items.
The federal banking agencies take into consideration concentrations of credit risk and risks from nontraditional activities, as well as an institution’s ability to manage those risks, when determining the adequacy of an institution’s capital. This evaluation is made as a part of the institution’s regular safety and soundness examination. The federal banking agencies also consider interest rate risk (related to the interest rate sensitivity of an institution’s assets and liabilities, and its off balance sheet financial instruments) in evaluation of a bank’s capital adequacy.
As of December 31, 2005, the Company’s and the Bank’s respective ratios exceeded applicable regulatory requirements. See Note 8 to the consolidated financial statements for capital ratios of the Company and the Bank, compared to the standards for well capitalized depository institutions and for minimum capital requirements.
Prompt Corrective Action and Other Enforcement Mechanisms
FDICIA requires each federal banking agency to take prompt corrective action to resolve the problems of insured depository institutions, including but not limited to those that fall below one or more prescribed minimum capital ratios.
An institution that, based upon its capital levels, is classified as “well capitalized,” “adequately capitalized” or “undercapitalized” may be treated as though it were in the next lower capital category if the appropriate federal banking agency, after notice and opportunity for hearing, determines that an unsafe or unsound condition or an unsafe or unsound practice warrants such treatment. At each successive lower capital category, an insured depository institution is subject to more restrictions. In addition to measures taken under the prompt corrective action
     
 
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provisions, commercial banking organizations may be subject to potential enforcement actions by the federal banking agencies for unsafe or unsound practices in conducting their businesses or for violations of any law, rule, regulation or any condition imposed in writing by the agency or any written agreement with the agency.
Safety and Soundness Standards
FDICIA also implemented certain specific restrictions on transactions and required federal banking regulators to adopt overall safety and soundness standards for depository institutions related to internal control, loan underwriting and documentation and asset growth. Among other things, FDICIA limits the interest rates paid on deposits by undercapitalized institutions, restricts the use of brokered deposits, limits the aggregate extensions of credit by a depository institution to an executive officer, director, principal shareholder or related interest, and reduces deposit insurance coverage for deposits offered by undercapitalized institutions for deposits by certain employee benefits accounts. The federal banking agencies may require an institution to submit to an acceptable compliance plan as well as have the flexibility to pursue other more appropriate or effective courses of action given the specific circumstances and severity of an institution’s noncompliance with one or more standards.
Federal banking agencies require banks to maintain adequate valuation allowances for potential credit losses. The Company has an internal staff that continually reviews loan quality and ultimately reports to the Board of Directors. This analysis includes a detailed review of the classification and categorization of problem loans, assessment of the overall quality and collectibility of the loan portfolio, consideration of loan loss experience, trends in problem loans, concentration of credit risk, and current economic conditions, particularly in the Bank’s market areas. Based on this analysis, management, with the review and approval of the Board, determines the adequate level of allowance required. The allowance is allocated to different segments of the loan portfolio, but the entire allowance is available for the loan portfolio in its entirety.
Restrictions on Dividends and Other Distributions
The power of the board of directors of an insured depository institution to declare a cash dividend or other distribution with respect to capital is subject to statutory and regulatory restrictions which limit the amount available for such distribution depending upon the earnings, financial condition and cash needs of the institution, as well as general business conditions. FDICIA prohibits insured depository institutions from paying management fees to any controlling persons or, with certain limited exceptions, making capital distributions, including dividends, if, after such transaction, the institution would be undercapitalized.
In addition to the restrictions imposed under federal law, banks chartered under California law generally may only pay cash dividends to the extent such payments do not exceed the lesser of retained earnings of the bank or the bank’s net income for its last three fiscal years (less any distributions to shareholders during this period). In the event a bank desires to pay cash dividends in excess of such amount, the bank may pay a cash dividend with the prior approval of the Commissioner in an amount not exceeding the greatest of the bank’s retained earnings, the bank’s net income for its last fiscal year or the bank’s net income for its current fiscal year.
The federal banking agencies also have the authority to prohibit a depository institution from engaging in business practices which are considered to be unsafe or unsound, possibly including payment of dividends or other payments under certain circumstances even if such payments are not expressly prohibited by statute.
Premiums for Deposit Insurance and Assessments for Examinations
The Bank’s deposits are insured by the Bank Insurance Fund (BIF) administered by the FDIC. FDICIA established several mechanisms to increase funds to protect deposits insured by the BIF administered by the FDIC. The FDIC is authorized to borrow up to $30 billion from the United States Treasury; up to 90% of the fair market value of assets of institutions acquired by the FDIC as receiver from the Federal Financing Bank; and from depository institutions which are members of the BIF. Any borrowings not repaid by asset sales are to be repaid through insurance premiums assessed to member institutions. Such premiums must be sufficient to repay any borrowed funds within 15 years and provide insurance fund reserves of $1.25 for each $100 of insured deposits. FDICIA also provides authority for special assessments against insured deposits.
Congress adopted the Federal Deposit Insurance Reform Act of 2005 as part of the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005 and President Bush signed it on February 8, 2006 and a companion bill, the Federal Deposit Insurance Reform Conforming Amendments Act of 2005, on February 15, 2006. This legislation provides for:
- merging the BIF and SAIF deposit insurance funds;
- annually adjusting the minimum insurance fund reserve ratio between $1.15 and $1.50 per $100 of insured deposits;
- increasing deposit coverage for retirement accounts to $250,000, - indexing the insurance level for inflation, with any increases approved by the FDIC and National Credit Union Administration on a five-year cycle beginning in 2010 after review of the state of the deposit insurance fund and related factors;
- credits of up to $4.7 billion to offset premiums for banks that capitalized the FDIC by 1996; and
- an historical basis concept for distributing credits and dividends to reflect past contributions to the insurance funds.
The FDIC is required to adopt implementing regulations to take effect within 270 days of enactment or by November 2006. No assurance can be given at this time as to what the future level of insurance premiums will be.
Community Reinvestment Act and Fair Lending Developments
The Bank is subject to certain fair lending requirements and reporting obligations involving home mortgage lending operations and Community Reinvestment Act (“CRA”) activities. The CRA generally requires the federal banking agencies to evaluate the record of a financial institution in meeting the credit needs of their local communities, including low and moderate income neighborhoods. In addition to substantive penalties and corrective measures that may be required for a violation of certain fair lending laws, the federal banking agencies may take compliance with such laws and CRA into account when regulating and supervising other activities.
Financial Privacy Legislation
     
 
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The GLBA, in addition to the previously described changes in permissible nonbanking activities permitted to banks, BHCs and FHCs, also required the federal banking agencies, among other federal regulatory agencies, to adopt regulations governing the privacy of consumer financial information. The FRB adopted such regulations with an effective date of November 13, 2000, and a date of full compliance with the regulations on July 1, 2001. The Bank is subject to the FRB’s regulations.
Customer Information Security
The federal bank regulatory agencies have established standards for safeguarding nonpublic personal information about customers that implement provisions of the GLBA (the “Guidelines”). Among other things, the Guidelines require each financial institution, under the supervision and ongoing oversight of its Board of Directors or an appropriate committee thereof, to develop, implement and maintain a comprehensive written information security program designed to ensure the security and confidentiality of customer information, to protect against any anticipated threats or hazards to the security or integrity of such information, and to protect against unauthorized access to or use of such information that could result in substantial harm or inconvenience to any customer.
U.S.A. PATRIOT Act
On October 26, 2001, the President signed into law the Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Act of 2001 or the “USA Patriot Act.” Title III of the Act is the International Money Laundering Abatement and Anti-Terrorist Financing Act of 2001. It includes numerous provisions for fighting international money laundering and blocking terrorist access to the U.S. financial system. The goal of Title III is to prevent the U.S. financial system and the U.S. clearing mechanisms from being used by parties suspected of terrorism, terrorist financing and money laundering.
The provisions of Title III of the USA Patriot Act which affect banking organizations, including the Bank, are generally set forth as amendments to the Bank Secrecy Act. These provisions relate principally to U.S. banking organizations’ relationships with foreign banks and with persons who are resident outside the United States. The USA Patriot Act does not immediately impose any new filing or reporting obligations for banking organizations, but does require certain additional due diligence and recordkeeping practices. Some requirements take effect without the issuance of regulations. Other provisions were implemented through regulations promulgated by the U.S. Department of the Treasury, in consultation with the FRB and other federal financial institutions regulators.
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
On July 30, 2002, the U.S. Congress enacted the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (“Sarbanes-Oxley”). The stated goals of Sarbanes-Oxley are to increase corporate responsibility, to provide for enhanced penalties for accounting and auditing improprieties at publicly traded companies and to protect investors by improving the accuracy and reliability of corporate disclosures pursuant to the securities laws. Sarbanes-Oxley generally applies to all companies, both U.S. and non-U.S., that file or are required to file periodic reports under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”).
Sarbanes-Oxley includes very specific additional disclosure requirements and new corporate governance rules, requires the SEC and securities exchanges to adopt extensive additional disclosure, corporate governance and other related rules and mandates further studies of certain issues. Sarbanes-Oxley represents significant federal involvement in matters traditionally left to state regulatory systems, such as the regulation of the accounting profession, and to state corporate law, such as the relationship between a board of directors and management and between a board of directors and its committees and public company shareholders.
Sarbanes-Oxley addresses, among other matters: (i) independent audit committees for reporting companies whose securities are listed on national exchanges or automated quotation systems (the “Exchanges”) and expanded duties and responsibilities for audit committees; (ii) certification of financial statements by the chief executive officer and the chief financial officer; (iii) the forfeiture of bonuses or other incentive-based compensation and profits from the sale of an issuer’s securities by directors and senior officers in the twelve month period following initial publication of any financial statements that later require restatement; (iv) a prohibition on insider trading during pension plan black out periods; (v) disclosure of off-balance sheet transactions; (vi) a prohibition on personal loans to directors and officers under most circumstances with exceptions for certain normal course transactions by regulated financial institutions; (vii) expedited electronic filing requirements related to trading by insiders in an issuer’s securities on Form 4; (viii) disclosure of a code of ethics and filing a Form 8-K for a change or waiver of such code; (ix) accelerated filing of periodic reports; (x) the formation of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (“PCAOB”) to oversee public accounting firms and the audit of public companies that are subject to the securities laws; (xi) auditor independence; (xii) internal control evaluation and reporting; and (xiii) various increased criminal penalties for violations of securities laws.
Given the extensive role of the SEC, the PCAOB and the Exchanges in implementing rules relating to Sarbanes-Oxley’s new requirements, the federalization of certain elements traditionally within the sphere of state corporate law, the impact of Sarbanes-Oxley on reporting companies have been and will continue to be significant.
Pending Legislation
Changes to state laws and regulations (including changes in interpretation or enforcement) can affect the operating environment of bank holding companies and their subsidiaries in substantial and unpredictable ways. From time to time, various legislative and regulatory proposals are introduced. These proposals, if codified, may change banking statutes and regulations and the Company’s operating environment in substantial and unpredictable ways. If codified, these proposals could increase or decrease the cost of doing business, limit or expand permissible activities or affect the competitive balance among banks, savings associations, credit unions and other financial institutions. The Company cannot accurately predict whether those changes in laws and regulations will occur, and, if those changes occur, the ultimate effect they would have upon our financial condition or results of operations. It is likely, however, that the current high level of enforcement and compliance-related activities of federal and state authorities will continue and potentially increase.
Competition
     
 
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In the past, WAB’s principal competitors for deposits and loans have been other banks (particularly major banks), savings and loan associations and credit unions. To a lesser extent, competition was also provided by thrift and loans, mortgage brokerage companies and insurance companies. Other institutions, such as brokerage houses, mutual fund companies, credit card companies, and certain retail establishments have offered investment vehicles which also compete with banks for deposit business. Federal legislation in recent years has encouraged competition between different types of financial institutions and fostered new entrants into the financial services market, and it is anticipated that this trend will continue.
The enactment of the Interstate Banking and Branching Act in 1994 and the California Interstate Banking and Branching Act of 1995 have increased competition within California. Regulatory reform, as well as other changes in federal and California law will also affect competition. While the impact of these changes, and of other proposed changes, cannot be predicted with certainty, it is clear that the business of banking in California will remain highly competitive.
Legislative changes, as well as technological and economic factors, can be expected to have an ongoing impact on competitive conditions within the financial services industry. As an active participant in the financial markets, the Company believes that it continually adapts to these changing competitive conditions.
ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
Readers and prospective investors in the Company’s securities should carefully consider the following risk factors as well as the other information contained or incorporated by reference in this report.
The risks and uncertainties described below are not the only ones facing the Company. Additional risks and uncertainties that management is not aware of or focused on or that management currently deems immaterial may also impair the Company’s business operations. This report is qualified in its entirety by these risk factors.
If any of the following risks actually occur, the Company’s financial condition and results of operations could be materially and adversely affected. If this were to happen, the value of the company’s securities could decline significantly, and investors could lose all or part of their investment in the Company’s common stock.
Market and Interest Rate Risk
Changes in interest rates could reduce income and cash flow.
The discussion in this report under “Item 7 Management’s Discussion and Analysis — Asset and Liability Management” and “Item 7A Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk” is incorporated by reference in this paragraph. The Bank’s income and cash flow depend to a great extent on the difference between the interest earned on loans and investment securities, and the interest paid on deposits and other borrowings. The Company cannot control or prevent changes in the level of interest rates. They fluctuate in response to general economic conditions and the policies of various governmental and regulatory agencies, in particular, the Federal Reserve Board. Changes in monetary policy, including changes in interest rates, will influence the origination of loans, the purchase of investments, the generation of deposits and the rates received on loans and investment securities and paid on deposits and other liabilities.
Risks Related to the Nature and Geographical Location of the Company’s Business
The Bank invests in loans that contain inherent credit risks that may cause the Company to incur losses.
The Company closely monitors the markets in which it conducts its lending operations and adjusts its strategy to control exposure to loans with higher credit risk. Asset reviews are performed using grading standards and criteria similar to those employed by bank regulatory agencies. The Company can provide no assurance that the credit quality of the loan portfolio will not deteriorate in the future and that such deterioration will not adversely affect the Company.
The Company’s operations are concentrated geographically in California, and poor economic conditions may cause the Company to incur losses.
Substantially all of the Bank’s business is located in California. A portion of the loan portfolio of the Company is dependent on real estate. At December 31, 2005, real estate served as the principal source of collateral with respect to approximately 56% of the Bank’s loan portfolio. The Bank’s financial condition and operating results will be subject to changes in economic conditions in California. In the early to mid-1990s, California experienced a significant and prolonged downturn in its economy, which adversely affected financial institutions. Economic conditions in California are subject to various uncertainties at this time, including the decline in the technology sector, the California state government’s budgetary difficulties and continuing fiscal difficulties. The Company can provide no assurance that conditions in the California economy will not deteriorate in the future and that such deterioration will not adversely effect the Bank.
The markets in which the Company operates are subject to the risk of earthquakes and other natural disasters.
Most of the properties of the Company are located in California. Also most of the real and personal properties which currently secure some of the Bank’s loans are located in California. California is a state which is prone to earthquakes, brush fires, flooding and other natural disasters. In addition to possibly sustaining damage to its own properties, if there is a major earthquake, flood, fire or other natural disaster, the Bank faces the risk that many of its borrowers may experience uninsured property losses, or sustained job interruption and/or loss which may materially impair their ability to meet the terms of their loan obligations. A major earthquake, flood, fire or other natural disaster in California could have a material adverse effect on the Bank’s business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
Regulatory Risks
Restrictions on dividends and other distributions could limit amounts payable to the Company.
As a holding company, a substantial portion of the Company’s cash flow typically comes from
     
 
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dividends paid by its bank and nonbank subsidiaries. Various statutory provisions restrict the amount of dividends the Company’s subsidiaries can pay to the Company without regulatory approval. In addition, if any of the Company’s subsidiaries were to liquidate, that subsidiary’s creditors will be entitled to receive distributions from the assets of that subsidiary to satisfy their claims against it before the Company, as a holder of an equity interest in the subsidiary, will be entitled to receive any of the assets of the subsidiary.
Adverse effects of changes in banking or other laws and regulations or governmental fiscal or monetary policies could adversely affect the Company.
The Company is subject to significant federal and state regulation and supervision, which is primarily for the benefit and protection of the Bank’s customers and not for the benefit of investors. In the past, the Bank’s business has been materially affected by these regulations. This trend is likely to continue in the future. Laws, regulations or policies, including accounting standards and interpretations currently affecting the Company and the Company’s subsidiaries, may change at any time. Regulatory authorities may also change their interpretation of these statutes and regulations. Therefore, the Company’s business may be adversely affected by any future changes in laws, regulations, policies or interpretations or regulatory approaches to compliance and enforcement, including legislative and regulatory reactions to the terrorist attack on September 11, 2001 and future acts of terrorism, and major U.S. corporate bankruptcies and reports of accounting irregularities at U.S. public companies.
Additionally, the Bank’s business is affected significantly by the fiscal and monetary policies of the federal government and its agencies. The Company is particularly affected by the policies of the Federal Reserve Board, which regulates the supply of money and credit in the United States of America. Under long- standing policy of the Federal Reserve Board, a bank holding company is expected to act as a source of financial strength for its subsidiary banks. As a result of that policy, the Company may be required to commit financial and other resources to its subsidiary bank in circumstances where the Company might not otherwise do so. Among the instruments of monetary policy available to the Federal Reserve Board are (a) conducting open market operations in U.S. government securities, (b) changing the discount rates of borrowings by depository institutions, and (c) imposing or changing reserve requirements against certain borrowings by banks and their affiliates. These methods are used in varying degrees and combinations to directly affect the availability of bank loans and deposits, as well as the interest rates charged on loans and paid on deposits. The policies of the Federal Reserve Board may have a material effect on the Company’s business, results of operations and financial condition.
Systems, Accounting and Internal Control Risks
The accuracy of the Company’s judgments and estimates about financial and accounting matters will impact operating results and financial condition.
The discussion under “Critical Accounting Policies” in this report and the information referred to in that discussion is incorporated by reference in this paragraph. The Company makes certain estimates and judgments in preparing its financial statements. The quality and accuracy of those estimates and judgments will have an impact on the Company’s operating results and financial condition.
The Company’s information systems may experience an interruption or breach in security.
The Company relies heavily on communications and information systems to conduct its business. Any failure, interruption or breach in security of these systems could result in failures or disruptions in the Company’s customer relationship management and systems. There can be no assurance that any such failures, interruptions or security breaches will not occur or, if they do occur, that they will be adequately corrected by the Company. The occurrence of any such failures, interruptions or security breaches could damage the Company’s reputation, result in a loss of customer business, subject the Company to additional regulatory scrutiny, or expose the Company to litigation and possible financial liability, any of which could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition and results of operations.
The Company’s controls and procedures may fail or be circumvented.
Management regularly reviews and updates the Company’s internal control over financial reporting, disclosure controls and procedures, and corporate governance policies and procedures. The Company maintains controls and procedures to mitigate against risks such as processing system failures and errors, and customer or employee fraud, and maintains insurance coverage for certain of these risks. Any system of controls and procedures, however well designed and operated, is based in part on certain assumptions and can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurances that the objectives of the system are met. Events could occur which are not prevented or detected by the Company’s internal controls or are not insured against or are in excess of the Company’s insurance limits. Any failure or circumvention of the Company’s controls and procedures or failure to comply with regulations related to controls and procedures could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, results of operations and financial condition.
Shares of Company common stock eligible for future sale could have a dilutive effect on the market for Company common stock and could adversely affect the market price.
The Articles of Incorporation of the Company authorize the issuance of 150 million shares of common stock (and two additional classes of 1 million shares each, denominated “Class B Common Stock” and “Preferred Stock”, respectively) of which approximately 31.9 million were outstanding at December 31, 2005. Pursuant to its stock option plans, at December 31, 2005, the Company had exercisable options outstanding of 2.3 million. As of December 31, 2005, 1.8 million shares of Company common stock remained available for grants under the Company’s stock option plans (and stock purchase plan). Sales of substantial amounts of Company common stock in the public market could adversely affect the market price of its common stock.
ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
None
ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
Branch Offices and Facilities
     
 
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WAB is engaged in the banking business through 87 offices in 21 counties in Northern and Central California including thirteen offices in Fresno County, eleven each in Marin and Sonoma Counties, seven in Napa County, five each in Stanislaus, Lake, Kern, Contra Costa and Solano Counties, three each in Alameda and Sacramento Counties, two each in Mendocino, Nevada, Placer and Tulare Counties, and one each in Merced, San Francisco, Tuolumne, Kings, Madera, and Yolo Counties. WAB believes all of its offices are constructed and equipped to meet prescribed security requirements.
The Company owns 28 branch office locations and one administrative facility and leases 69 facilities. Most of the leases contain multiple renewal options and provisions for rental increases, principally for changes in the cost of living index, property taxes and maintenance.
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
Neither the Company nor any of its subsidiaries is a party to any material pending legal proceeding, nor is their property the subject of any material pending legal proceeding, except ordinary routine legal proceedings arising in the ordinary course of the Company’s business. None of these proceedings is expected to have a material adverse impact upon the Company’s business, financial position or results of operations.
ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS
There were no matters submitted to a vote of the shareholders during the fourth quarter of 2005.
PART II
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDERS MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
The Company’s common stock is traded on the NASDAQ National Market System (“NASDAQ”) (to be renamed NASDAQ Global Market in 2006) under the symbol “WABC”. The following table shows the high and the low bid prices for the common stock, for each quarter, as reported by NASDAQ:
                 
2005:
  High     Low  
 
First quarter
  $ 58.44     $ 50.82  
Second quarter
    54.11       48.48  
Third quarter
    56.25       49.90  
Fourth quarter
    55.48       47.33  
 
               
2004:
               
 
               
First quarter
  $ 51.63     $ 47.85  
Second quarter
    52.99       47.58  
Third quarter
    55.80       49.04  
Fourth quarter
    61.05       54.43  
 
As of February 6, 2006, there were approximately 8,600 shareholders of record of the Company’s common stock.
The Company has paid cash dividends on its common stock in every quarter since its formation in 1972, and it is currently the intention of the Board of Directors of the Company to continue payment of cash dividends on a quarterly basis. There is no assurance, however, that any dividends will be paid since they are dependent upon earnings, financial condition and capital requirements of the Company and its subsidiaries as well as policies of the Federal Reserve Board pursuant to the BHCA. See Item 1, “Business — Supervision and Regulation.” As of December 31, 2005, $190.4 million was available for payment of dividends by the Company to its shareholders, under applicable laws and regulations.
See Note 17 to the consolidated financial statements included in this report for additional information regarding the amount of cash dividends declared and paid on common stock for the three most recent fiscal years.
As discussed in Note 7 to the consolidated financial statements, in December 1986, the Company declared a dividend distribution of one common share purchase right (the “Right”) for each outstanding share of common stock. The terms of the Rights were most recently amended and restated in 2004. The new amended plan is very similar in purpose and effect to the plan as it existed prior to this amendment, aimed at helping the Board of Directors to maximize shareholder value in the event of a change of control of the Company and otherwise resist actions that the Board considers likely to injure the Company or its shareholders.
     
 
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SECURITIES AUTHORIZED FOR ISSUANCE UNDER EQUITY COMPENSATION PLANS
The following table summarizes the status of the Company’s equity compensation plans as of December
31, 2005 (in thousands, except exercise price):
                         
            Number of securities
            remaining available for
    Number of securities       future issuance under
    to be issued upon   Weighted-average   equity compensation
    exercise of outstanding   exercise price of   plans (excluding
    options, warrants   outstanding options,   securities reflected
Plan category   and rights   warrants and rights   in column (a))
 
 
    (a )     (b )     (c )
 
Equity compensation plans approved by security holders
    3,269     $ 39       1,786 *
Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders
    0       N/A       0  
 
 
                       
Total
    3,269     $ 39       1,786  
 
*   The Amended and Restated Stock Option Plan, Article III, provides that the number of shares reserved for Awards under the plan may increase on the first day of each fiscal year by an amount equal to the least of 1) 2% of the shares outstanding as of the last day of the prior fiscal year, 2) 675,000 shares, or 3) such lesser amount as determined by the Board.
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 December 31, 2005 (in thousands, except per share data).
                                 
                    (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
 
October 1 through October 31
    209     $ 51.61       209       1,772  
 
                               
November 1 through November 30
    199       53.91       199       1,573  
 
                               
December 1 through December 31
    92       53.73       92       1,481  
 
 
                               
Total
    500     $ 52.91       500       1,481  
 
*   Includes 7 thousand, 3 thousand and 8 thousand shares purchased in October, November and December, 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.
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 fourth quarter of 2005 pursuant to a program approved by the Board of Directors on August 25, 2005 authorizing the purchase of up to 2 million shares of the Company’s common stock from time to time prior to September 1, 2006.
     
 
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ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
The following financial information for the five years ended December 31, 2005 has been derived from the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements. This information should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and related notes thereto included elsewhere herein.
WESTAMERICA BANCORPORATION FINANCIAL SUMMARY
(In thousands, except per share data)
                                         
    2005     2004     2003     2002     2001  
 
Year ended December 31
                                       
Interest income
  $ 242,797     $ 216,337     $ 223,493     $ 237,633     $ 257,056  
Interest expense
    43,649       21,106       27,197       39,182       68,887  
 
Net interest income
    199,148       195,231       196,296       198,451       188,169  
Provision for credit losses
    900       2,700       3,300       3,600       3,600  
Noninterest income:
                                       
Securities (losses) gains, net
    (4,903 )     (5,011 )     2,443       (4,278 )     0  
Loss on extinguishment of debt
    0       (2,204 )     (2,166 )     0       0  
Deposit service charges and other
    59,443       45,798       42,639       40,829       42,655  
Total noninterest income
    54,540       38,583       42,916       36,551       42,655  
Noninterest expense
    104,856       98,751       101,703       103,323       102,651  
 
Income before income taxes
    147,932       132,363       134,209       128,079       124,573  
Provision for income taxes
    40,491       37,145       39,146       40,941       40,294  
 
Net income
  $ 107,441     $ 95,218     $ 95,063     $ 87,138     $ 84,279  
 
 
Earnings per share:
                                       
Basic
  $ 3.33     $ 2.99     $ 2.89     $ 2.59     $ 2.39  
Diluted
    3.27       2.93       2.85       2.55       2.36  
Per share:
                                       
Dividends paid
  $ 1.22     $ 1.10     $ 1.00     $ 0.90     $ 0.82  
Book value at December 31
    13.38       11.33       10.54       10.22       9.19  
Average common shares outstanding
    32,291       31,821       32,849       33,686       35,213  
Average diluted common shares outstanding
    32,897       32,461       33,369       34,225       35,748  
Shares outstanding at December 31
    31,882       31,640       32,287       33,411       34,220  
 
At December 31
                                       
Loans, net
  $ 2,616,372     $ 2,246,078     $ 2,269,420     $ 2,440,411     $ 2,432,371  
Investments
    1,999,604       2,192,542       1,949,288       1,386,833       1,158,139  
Intangible assets
    148,077       21,890       22,433       23,176       19,013  
Total assets
    5,149,209       4,737,268       4,576,385       4,224,867       3,927,967  
Total deposits
    3,846,101       3,583,619       3,463,991       3,294,065       3,234,635  
Short-term borrowed funds
    775,173       735,423       590,646       349,736       271,911  
Federal Home Loan Bank advances
    0       0       105,000       170,000       40,000  
Debt financing and notes payable
    40,281       21,429       24,643       24,607       27,821  
Shareholders’ equity
    426,714       358,609       340,371       341,499       314,359  
 
Financial Ratios:
                                       
 
For the year:
                                       
Return on assets
    2.12 %     2.10 %     2.19 %     2.17 %     2.18 %
Return on equity
    26.04 %     28.83 %     29.38 %     28.70 %     27.17 %
Net interest margin *
    4.82 %     5.14 %     5.39 %     5.76 %     5.71 %
Net loan losses to average loans
    0.03 %     0.11 %     0.15 %     0.14 %     0.15 %
Efficiency ratio *
    37.66 %     38.49 %     39.07 %     40.96 %     41.67 %
At December 31:
                                       
Equity to assets
    8.29 %     7.57 %     7.44 %     8.08 %     8.00 %
Total capital to risk-adjusted assets
    10.40 %     12.46 %     11.39 %     10.97 %     10.63 %
Allowance for loan losses to loans
    2.09 %     2.35 %     2.32 %     2.17 %     2.10 %
 
 
* Fully taxable equivalent
                                       

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ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following discussion addresses information pertaining to the financial condition and results of operations of Westamerica Bancorporation and Subsidiaries (the “Company”) that may not be otherwise apparent from a review of the consolidated financial statements and related footnotes. It should be read in conjunction with those statements and notes found on pages 34 through 57, as well as with the other information presented throughout the Report.
Critical Accounting Policies
The Company’s consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States and follow general practices within the banking industry. Application of these principles requires management to make certain estimates, assumptions, and judgments that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. These estimates, assumptions, and judgments are based on information available as of the date of the financial statements; accordingly, as this information changes, the financial statements could reflect different estimates, assumptions, and judgments. Certain policies inherently have a greater reliance on the use of estimates, assumptions and judgments and as such have a greater possibility of producing results that could be materially different than originally reported. Estimates, assumptions and judgments are necessary when assets and liabilities are required to be recorded at fair value, when a decline in the value of an asset not carried on the financial statements at fair value warrants an impairment writedown or valuation reserve to be established, or when an asset or liability needs to be recorded contingent upon a future event. Carrying assets and liabilities at fair value inherently results in more financial statement volatility. The fair values and the information used to record valuation adjustments for certain assets and liabilities are based either on quoted market prices or are provided by other third-party sources, when available. When third-party information is not available, valuation adjustments are estimated in good faith by management.
The most significant accounting policies followed by the Company are presented in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements. These policies, along with the disclosures presented in the other financial statement notes and in this discussion, provide information on how significant assets and liabilities are valued in the financial statements and how those values are determined. Based on the valuation techniques used and the sensitivity of financial statement amounts to the methods, assumptions, and estimates underlying those amounts, management has identified the Allowance for Loan Losses to be the accounting area that requires the most subjective or complex judgments, and as such could be most subject to revision as new information becomes available.
The Allowance for Loan Losses represents management’s estimate of the amount of loss in the loan portfolio that can be reasonably estimated as of the balance sheet date. Determining the amount of the Allowance for Loan Losses is considered a critical accounting estimate because it requires significant judgment and the use of estimates related to the amount and timing of expected future cash flows on impaired loans, estimated losses on pools of homogeneous loans based on historical loss experience, and consideration of current economic trends, uncertainties and conditions, all of which may be susceptible to significant change. A discussion of the factors driving changes in the amount of the Allowance for Loan losses is included in the “Credit Quality” discussion below.
Effective March 1, 2005, the Company acquired Redwood Empire Bancorp (“REBC”), parent company of National Bank of the Redwoods. The REBC acquisition was accounted for using the “purchase method” of accounting for business combinations which requires valuing assets and liabilities which do not have quoted market prices. In determining fair values for assets and liabilities without quoted market prices for the REBC acquisition, management engaged an independent consultant to determine such fair values. Critical assumptions used in the valuation included prevailing market interest rates on similar financial products, future cash flows, maturity structures and durations of similar financial products, the cost of processing deposit products, the interest rate structure for similar funding sources over the estimated duration of acquired deposits, the duration of customer relationships, and other critical assumptions.
OVERVIEW OF FINANCIAL RESULTS
Operating results following the REBC acquisition include additional net interest income from REBC’s earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities and higher merchant credit card income due to the REBC’s card processing unit. Additionally, 2005 results included a $3.7 million gain on sale of real estate, $945 thousand in tax-exempt life insurance proceeds, and $4.9 million in securities losses.
ACQUISITION
The acquisition of REBC was completed on March 1, 2005, followed by a divestiture of a former REBC branch in Lake County in the second quarter. After adjusting for the divestiture the transaction was valued at approximately $150 million, including approximately $57 million paid in cash, issuance of approximately 1.6 million shares of the Company’s common stock, and conversion of Redwood Empire stock options into Company stock options based on an average stock price of $51.84. REBC, on March 1, 2005, had approximately $440 million loans, $370 million deposits, $20 million “trust preferred” subordinated debt, and $30 million shareholders’ equity. Goodwill of $103 million and identifiable intangibles of $27 million were recorded in accordance with the purchase method of accounting for business combinations. During the second quarter of 2005, the Company sold a former REBC branch with approximately $34 million in deposits, as required by the Federal Reserve in connection with its approval of the REBC acquisition. A premium of $2.0 million on the sale of the branch was recorded as a reduction of goodwill associated with the purchase of REBC.
Net Income
The Company reported net income for 2005 of $107.4 million or $3.27 diluted earnings per share, an increase of $12.2 million over net income for 2004 of $95.2 million, or $2.93 diluted earnings per share. Results for 2005 include a $3.7 million gain on sale of real estate, $945 thousand in tax-exempt life insurance proceeds, and $4.9 million in securities losses which, on a combined basis, increased net income $247 thousand. Results for 2004 included a $7.2 million asset impairment writedown in the value of FNMA and FHLMC preferred stock, a $2.2 million loss on extinguishment of debt, and $2.2 million realized losses on the sale of securities.
Components of Net Income

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Year ended December 31,                  
($ in thousands except per share amounts)   2005     2004     2003  
     
Net interest and fee income *
  $ 223,866     $ 217,993     $ 217,407  
Provision for loan losses
    (900 )     (2,700 )     (3,300 )
Noninterest income
    54,540       38,583       42,916  
Noninterest expense
    (104,856 )     (98,751 )     (101,703 )
Taxes *
    (65,209 )     (59,907 )     (60,257 )
     
 
Net income
  $ 107,441     $ 95,218     $ 95,063  
 
Net income per average fully-diluted share
  $ 3.27     $ 2.93     $ 2.85  
Net income as a percentage of average shareholders’ equity
    26.04 %     28.83 %     29.38 %
Net income as a percentage of average total assets
    2.12 %     2.10 %     2.19 %
 

*   Fully taxable equivalent (FTE)
Net income for 2005 increased $12.2 million, or 12.8%, over net income for 2004. Net interest income (FTE) increased $5.9 million, mainly due to earning asset growth, partially offset by a reduced net in interest margin resulting from rates paid on interest-bearing liabilities rising faster than yields on earning assets. The loan loss provision declined $1.8 million, year over year, in accordance with Management’s assessment of credit risk for the loan portfolio. Noninterest income increased $16.0 million primarily due to a $5.6 million increase in merchant credit card income, a $3.7 million gain on sale of real estate and $945 thousand in life insurance proceeds, partially reduced by $4.9 million in realized securities losses. Furthermore, 2004 results included a $7.2 million securities impairment writedown, a $2.2 million loss on extinguishment of debt, and $2.2 million in realized investment securities gains. Noninterest expense increased mostly due to an increase in salaries and related benefits, occupancy and equipment expense and amortization of intangibles relating to the REBC acquisition. Income tax provision (FTE) increased due to higher pretax income, partially offset by the tax-exempt nature of life insurance proceeds.
Net income in 2004 was $155 thousand or 0.2% higher than in 2003, after including a $4.2 million after-tax securities impairment writedown in 2004. Net interest income (FTE) increased $586 thousand, the net result of higher average earning assets and a reduced net interest margin. The reduced net interest margin resulted from lower funding costs offset by declining earning asset yields and lower fee income. The loan loss provision declined $600 thousand, year over year, in accordance with Management’s assessment of credit risk for the loan portfolio. Noninterest income fell $4.3 million primarily due to the impairment charge, partially offset by growth in deposit fee income. Noninterest expense declined $2.9 million because of lower personnel and other operational costs. The lower tax provision (FTE) (down $350 thousand) was due to a $3.0 million tax benefit from the impairment charge and higher low-income housing investment tax credits, offset in part by increased pretax income.
The Company’s return on average total assets was 2.12% in 2005, compared to 2.10% and 2.19% in 2004 and 2003, respectively. Return on average equity in 2005 was 26.04%, compared to 28.83% and 29.38% in 2004 and 2003, respectively.

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Net Interest Income
The Company’s primary source of revenue is net interest income, or the difference between interest income on earning assets and interest expense on interest-bearing liabilities. Net interest income (FTE) in 2005 increased $5.9 million or 2.7% from 2004, to $223.9 million. Comparing 2004 to 2003, net interest income (FTE) increased $586 thousand or 0.3%.
Components of Net Interest Income
                         
Year ended December 31,                  
(in thousands)   2005     2004     2003  
     
Interest and fee income
  $ 242,797     $ 216,337     $ 223,493  
Interest expense
    (43,649 )     (21,106 )     (27,197 )
FTE adjustment
    24,718       22,762       21,111  
     
 
                       
Net interest income (FTE)
  $ 223,866     $ 217,993     $ 217,407  
 
 
                       
Net interest margin (FTE)
    4.82 %     5.14 %     5.39 %
 
Interest and fee income (FTE) increased in 2005 by $28.4 million or 11.9% from 2004, the net result of growth of average earning assets, primarily due to the REBC acquisition, and higher yields on earning assets, partially offset by the effect of one less accrual day. Average earning assets grew $406.4 million, with loans and investments increasing $317.9 million and $88.5 million, respectively. Most growth in average loans was concentrated in commercial, construction, commercial real estate and residential real estate credits, which increased $41 million, $31 million, $137 million and $118 million, respectively. The increase in average investment balances was due to growth in municipal securities (up $131 million) and mortgage backed securities and collateralized mortgage obligations (up $114 million), partially offset by declines in U.S. government sponsored entity obligations (down $124 million) and corporate and other securities (down $31 million). The yield on earning assets, excluding loan fee income, rose from 5.61% in 2004 to 5.73% in 2005. The composite yield on loans, excluding loan fee income, increased 12 basis points (“bp”) to 6.19% in 2005. Yield increases on commercial loans (up 76 bp) and personal credit lines (up 141 bp) were partially reduced by declining yields on commercial real estate loans (down 20 bp) and indirect consumer loans (down 38 bp). The yield on the investment portfolio increased 8 bp mainly due to a 16 bp increase in mortgage backed securities and collateralized mortgage obligations, partially offset by a 33 bp decline in municipal securities.
Interest expense increased in 2005 to $43.6 million, due to rising rates paid on interest-bearing liabilities and higher volume of those liabilities, partially offset by the effect of one less accrual day. The average rate paid on interest-bearing liabilities rose 63 bp to 1.36% in 2005. Rates paid on most liabilities moved with general market conditions. The average rate on short-term borrowings rose 159 bp. Rates on deposits increased as well, including those on certificates of deposit (“CDs”) with balances over $100 thousand, which rose 131 bp, on retail CDs, which went up by 54 bp, and on money market checking accounts, which rose 12 bp. Average interest-bearing liability balances grew $331.9 million or 11.5% for 2005 over 2004. Average short-term borrowings increased $161 million. Average long-term debt increased $15.3 million, due to the assumption of REBC’s debt, reduced by an annual principal repayment. Most categories of deposits grew including non-interest bearing demand deposits (up $103.1 million), money market checking (up $55.6 million), passbook savings (up $30.2 million), and CDs over $100 thousand (up $94.5 million).
Interest and fee income (FTE) declined $5.5 million or 2.3% from 2003 to 2004, the net result of declining yields on earning assets and lower loan fee income, partially offset by the effect of higher volume of earning assets and one additional accrual day. The total yield on earning assets, excluding loan fee income, declined from 5.99% in 2003 to 5.61% in 2004, following the general trend in interest rates within capital markets. The most significant yield declines in the loan portfolio were indirect consumer loans (down 92 bp), commercial real estate loans (down 37 bp) and residential real estate loans (down 64 bp). Loan fee income, primarily prepayment fees, declined from $3.1 million in 2003 to $1.6 million in 2004, lowering the total earning asset yield an additional 4 bp from 2003. The investment portfolio yield declined 9 bp to 5.07% with declines occurring in U.S. government sponsored entity obligations (down from 3.83% to 3.41%, or 42 bp) and municipal securities (down from 7.14% to 6.80%, or 34 bp). The decline in investment yields was partly mitigated by increases in yields on collateralized mortgage obligations (up 79 bp) and other securities (up 101 bp). The lower yields caused interest income (excluding fees) to decline by $9.2 million, which was offset by the $5.2 million increase in interest income from growth in average earning assets (up $202.9 million to $4,236.9 million in 2004). The average investment portfolio increased by $298.7 million, primarily the net result of increases in average collateralized mortgage obligations (up $247.4 million), average municipal securities (up $80.1 million) and average U.S. government sponsored entity obligations (up $39.1 million), partially offset by a $60.5 million decline in average corporate and other securities. The average loan portfolio balance was reduced by $95.8 million with the largest decrease occurring in average commercial real estate loans (down $119.5 million).
Interest expense fell $6.1 million or 22.4% from 2003 to 2004 due to declining rates paid on average interest-bearing liabilities and a change in mix of those liabilities. The average rate paid on interest-bearing liabilities dropped 24 bp to 0.73%. Notable decreases were on money market saving accounts (down 30 bp), CDs with balances over $100 thousand (down 8 bp), retail CDs (down 19 bp) and customer sweep accounts (down 25 bp). Yields on overnight funds purchased increased 26 bp after a series of increases in the target rate for federal funds in the second half of 2004. Interest-bearing liabilities shifted from higher-rate to lower-rate categories. Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”) advances were paid off entirely during 2004, reducing the average balance by $118.1 million. Average balances of retail CDs and CDs with balances over $100 thousand fell by $35.8 million and $20.1 million, respectively. Average overnight funds purchased and money market accounts rose by $138.5 million and $60.0 million, respectively. A $107.5 million increase in average noninterest-bearing balances resulted in the reduction of interest expense by $1.3 million.
The following tables present information regarding the consolidated average assets, liabilities and shareholders’ equity, the amounts of interest income from average earning assets and the resulting yields, and the amount of interest expense paid on average interest-bearing liabilities and the resulting rates paid. 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 exempt from federal income taxation at the current statutory tax rate.

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Distribution of Assets, Liabilities & Shareholders’ Equity and Yeilds, Rates & Interest Margin
                         
    Year Ended December 31, 2005  
            Interest     Rates  
    Average     Income/     Earned/  
(dollars in thousands)   Balance     Expense     Paid  
     
Assets
                       
Money market assets and funds sold
  $ 775     $ 3       0.39 %
Trading account securities
                 
Investment securities:
                       
Available for sale
                       
Taxable
    464,530       19,699       4.24 %
Tax-exempt
    264,119       19,385       7.34 %
Held to maturity
                       
Taxable
    751,840       30,557       4.06 %
Tax-exempt
    585,679       36,820       6.29 %
Loans:
                       
Commercial
                       
Taxable
    1,283,779       92,201       7.18 %
Tax-exempt
    249,052       16,396       6.58 %
Real estate construction
    67,696       5,074       7.50 %
Real estate residential
    477,667       21,411       4.48 %
Consumer
    498,169       25,969       5.21 %
               
 
Earning assets
    4,643,306       267,515       5.76 %
Other assets
    423,045                  
 
                     
 
Total assets
  $ 5,066,351                  
 
                     
 
Liabilities and shareholders’ equity
                       
Deposits:
                       
Noninterest bearing demand
  $ 1,384,483              
Savings and interest-bearing transaction
    1,738,560       5,204       0.30 %
Time less than $100,000
    280,770       5,687       2.03 %
Time $100,000 or more
    444,862       11,473       2.58 %
             
 
Total interest-bearing deposits
    2,464,192       22,364       0.91 %
Short-term borrowed funds
    716,984       18,941       2.64 %
Federal Home Loan Bank advances
    0       0        
Debt financing and notes payable
    36,975       2,344       6.34 %
             
 
Total interest-bearing liabilities
    3,218,151       43,649       1.36 %
Other liabilities
    51,158                  
Shareholders’ equity
    412,559                  
 
                     
 
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
  $ 5,066,351                  
 
                     
 
Net interest spread (1)
                    4.40 %
Net interest income and interest margin (2)
          $ 223,866       4.82 %
             
 
(1)   Net interest spread represents the average yield earned on interest-earning assets less the average rate paid on interest-bearing liabilities.
 
(2)   Net interest margin is computed by dividing net interest income by total average earning assets.

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Distribution of Assets, Liabilities & Shareholders’ Equity and Yields, Rates & Interest Margin
                         
    Year Ended December 31, 2004  
            Interest     Rates  
    Average     Income/     Earned/  
(dollars in thousands)   Balance     Expense     Paid  
     
Assets
                       
Money market assets and funds sold
  $ 784     $ 1       0.13 %
Trading account securities
                 
Investment securities:
                       
Available for sale
                       
Taxable
    803,722       33,230       4.13 %
Tax-exempt
    293,067       21,619       7.38 %
Held to maturity
                       
Taxable
    451,635       17,209       3.81 %
Tax-exempt
    429,213       28,281       6.59 %
Loans:
                       
Commercial
                       
Taxable
    1,115,148       77,278       6.93 %
Tax-exempt
    239,495       16,045       6.70 %
Real estate construction
    36,148       2,517       6.96 %
Real estate residential
    360,208       16,049       4.46 %
Consumer
    507,483       26,870       5.29 %
             
 
                       
Earning assets
    4,236,903       239,099       5.64 %
 
                       
Other assets
    299,549                  
 
                     
 
                       
Total assets
  $ 4,536,452                  
 
                     
 
                       
Liabilities and shareholders’ equity
                       
Deposits:
                       
Noninterest bearing demand
  $ 1,281,349              
Savings and interest-bearing transaction
    1,662,347       4,543       0.27 %
Time less than $100,000
    271,212       4,038       1.49 %
Time $100,000 or more
    350,400       4,466       1.27 %
             
 
                       
Total interest-bearing deposits
    2,283,959       13,047       0.57 %
Short-term borrowed funds
    556,415       5,878       1.06 %
Federal Home Loan Bank advances
    24,153       897       3.65 %
Debt financing and notes payable
    21,706       1,284       5.91 %
             
 
                       
Total interest-bearing liabilities
    2,886,233       21,106       0.73 %
Other liabilities
    38,540                  
Shareholders’ equity
    330,330                  
 
                     
 
                       
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
  $ 4,536,452                  
 
                     
 
                       
Net interest spread (1)
                    4.91 %
Net interest income and interest margin (2)
          $ 217,993       5.14 %
               
 
(1)   Net interest spread represents the average yield earned on interest-earning assets less the average rate paid on interest-bearing liabilities.
 
(2)   Net interest margin is computed by dividing net interest income by total average earning assets.
     
 
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Distribution of Assets, Liabilities & Shareholders’ Equity and Yields, Rates & Interest Margin
                         
    Year Ended December 31, 2003  
            Interest     Rates  
    Average     Income/     Earned/  
(dollars in thousands)   Balance     Expense     Paid  
     
Assets
                       
Money market assets and funds sold
  $ 875     $ 8       0.91 %
Trading account securities
                 
Investment securities:
                       
Available for sale
                       
Taxable
    842,729       35,385       4.20 %
Tax-exempt
    310,200       23,415       7.55 %
Held to maturity
                       
Taxable
    197,957       5,038       2.54 %
Tax-exempt
    327,933       22,814       6.96 %
Loans:
                       
Commercial
                       
Taxable
    1,253,514       91,191       7.27 %
Tax-exempt
    209,911       15,095       7.19 %
Real estate construction
    42,362       3,049       7.20 %
Real estate residential
    342,118       17,409       5.09 %
Consumer
    506,365       31,200       6.16 %
             
 
                       
Earning assets
    4,033,964       244,604       6.06 %
 
                       
Other assets
    298,743                  
 
                       
 
                     
 
Total assets
  $ 4,332,707                  
 
                     
 
                       
Liabilities and shareholders’ equity
                       
Deposits:
                       
Noninterest bearing demand
  $ 1,173,853              
Savings and interest-bearing transaction
    1,578,721       6,818       0.43 %
Time less than $100,000
    307,054       5,147       1.68 %
Time $100,000 or more
    370,549       5,020       1.35 %
             
 
                       
Total interest-bearing deposits
    2,256,324       16,985       0.75 %
Short-term borrowed funds
    378,362       3,415       0.90 %
Federal Home Loan Bank advances
    142,271       5,318       3.74 %
Debt financing and notes payable
    21,222       1,479       6.97 %
             
 
                       
Total interest-bearing liabilities
                       
Other liabilities
    2,798,179       27,197       0.97 %
Shareholders’ equity
    37,120                  
 
    323,555                  
 
                     
 
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
  $ 4,332,707                  
 
                     
Net interest spread (1)
                       
Net interest income and interest margin (2)
                    5.09 %
 
          $ 217,407       5.39 %
               
 
(1)   Net interest spread represents the average yield earned on interest-earning assets less the average rate paid on interest-bearing liabilities.
 
(2)   Net interest margin is computed by dividing net interest income by total average earning assets.
     
 
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The following table sets forth a summary of the changes in interest income and interest expense due to changes in average assets 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.
Summary of Changes in Interest Income and Expense
                         
       
Years Ended December 31,   2005 Compared with 2004  
(dollars in thousands)   Volume     Rate     Total  
     
Increase (decrease) in interest and fee income:
                       
Money market assets and funds sold
  $ 0     $ 2     $ 2  
Trading account securities
                 
Investment securities:
                       
Available for sale
                       
Taxable
    (14,366 )     835       (13,531 )
Tax-exempt (1)
    (2,128 )     (106 )     (2,234 )
Held to maturity
                       
Taxable
    12,125       1,223       13,348  
Tax-exempt (1)
    9,878       (1,339 )     8,539  
Loans:
                       
Commercial:
                       
Taxable
    11,763       3,160       14,923  
Tax-exempt (1)
    619       (268 )     351  
Real estate construction
    2,350       207       2,557  
Real estate residential
    5,263       99       5,362  
Consumer
    (519 )     (382 )     (901 )
     
 
                       
Total loans (1)
    19,476       2,816       22,292  
     
 
                       
Total increase in interest and fee income (1)
    24,985       3,431       28,416  
     
 
                       
Increase (decrease) in interest expense:
                       
Deposits:
                       
Savings/interest-bearing
    206       455       661  
Time less than $100,000
    133       1,516       1,649  
Time $100,000 or more
    1,441       5,566       7,007  
     
 
                       
Total interest-bearing
    1,780       7,537       9,317  
Short-term borrowed funds
    2,074       10,989       13,063  
Federal Home Loan Bank advances
    (897 )     0       (897 )
Notes and mortgages payable
    961       99       1,060  
     
 
                       
Total increase in interest expense
    3,918       18,625       22,543  
     
 
                       
Increase (decrease) in net interest income (1)
  $ 21,067       ($15,194 )   $ 5,873  
     
 
(1)   Amounts calculated on a fully taxable equivalent basis using the current statutory federal tax rate.
     
 
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Summary of Changes in Interest Income and Expense
                         
       
Years Ended December 31,   2004 Compared with 2003  
(dollars in thousands)   Volume     Rate     Total  
     
Increase (decrease) in interest and fee income:
                       
Money market assets and funds sold
  ($ 1 )   ($ 6 )   ($ 7 )
Trading account securities
                 
Investment securities:
                       
Available for sale
                       
Taxable
    (1,597 )     (558 )     (2,155 )
Tax-exempt (1)
    (1,255 )     (541 )     (1,796 )
Held to maturity
                       
Taxable
    8,787       3,384       12,171  
Tax-exempt (1)
    6,739       (1,272 )     5,467  
Loans:
                       
Commercial:
                       
Taxable
    (10,102 )     (3,811 )     (13,913 )
Tax-exempt (1)
    2,043       (1,093 )     950  
Real estate construction
    (434 )     (98 )     (532 )
Real estate residential
    916       (2,276 )     (1,360 )
Consumer
    140       (4,470 )     (4,330 )
     
 
                       
Total loans (1)
    (7,437 )     (11,748 )     (19,185 )
     
 
                       
Total increase (decrease) in interest and fee income (1)
    5,236       (10,741 )     (5,505 )
     
 
                       
Increase (decrease) in interest expense:
                       
Deposits:
                       
Savings/interest-bearing
    355       (2,630 )     (2,275 )
Time less than $100,000
    (561 )     (548 )     (1,109 )
Time $100,000 or more
    (259 )     (295 )     (554 )
     
 
                       
Total interest-bearing
    (465 )     (3,473 )     (3,938 )
Short-term borrowed funds
    1,813       650       2,463  
Federal Home Loan Bank advances
    (4,372 )     (49 )     (4,421 )
Notes and mortgages payable
    36       (231 )     (195 )
     
 
                       
Total decrease in interest expense
    (2,988 )     (3,103 )     (6,091 )
     
 
                       
Increase (decrease) in net interest income (1)
  $ 8,224     ($ 7,638 )   $ 586  
     
 
(1)   Amounts calculated on a fully taxable equivalent basis using the current statutory federal tax rate.
Provision for Credit Losses
The provision for credit losses was $900 thousand for 2005, compared with $2.7 million for 2004 and $3.3 million for 2003. The reductions in the provision reflect Management’s view of credit risk in the loan portfolio and the results of the Company’s continuing efforts to improve loan quality by enforcing relatively conservative underwriting and administration procedures and aggressively pursuing collection efforts. For further information regarding net credit losses and the allowance for credit losses, see the “Credit Quality” section of this report.
Investment Portfolio
The Company maintains a securities portfolio consisting of U.S. Government sponsored entities, state and political subdivisions, asset-backed and other securities. Investment securities are held in safekeeping by an independent custodian.
The objective of the held to maturity portfolio is to maintain a prudent yield, provide liquidity from maturities and paydowns, and provide collateral to pledge for federal, state and local government deposits and other borrowing facilities. The held to maturity investment portfolio had a duration of 4.2 years at December 31, 2005 and, on the same date, those investments included $1,218.5 million in fixed-rate and $118.7 million in adjustable-rate securities.
Investment securities available for sale are generally used to supplement the Company’s liquidity, provide a prudent yield, and provide collateral for public deposits. Unrealized net gains and losses on these securities are recorded as an adjustment to equity, net of taxes, but are not reflected in the current earnings of the Company. If a security is sold, any gain or loss is recorded as a credit or charge to earnings and the equity adjustment is reversed. At December 31, 2005, the Company held $662.4 million in securities classified as investments available for sale with a duration of 3.2 years. At December 31, 2005, an unrealized gain of $1.9 million, net of taxes of $1.4 million, related to these securities, was included in shareholders’ equity.
The Company had no trading securities at December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003.
For more information on investment securities, see Notes 1 and 2 to the consolidated financial statements.
     
 
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The following table shows the fair value carrying amount of the Company’s investment securities available for sale as of the dates indicated:
Available for Sale Portfolio
                         
At December 31,                  
(dollars in thousands)   2005     2004     2003  
     
U.S. Treasury
  $ 0     $ 0     $ 0  
U.S. Government sponsored entities
    331,174       557,057       961,727  
States and political subdivisions
    222,504       247,731       278,393  
Mortgage-backed securities
    11,256       3,257       12,990  
Corporate securities
    25,130       48,658       73,425  
Other
    72,324       75,007       87,376  
     
 
Total
  $ 662,388     $ 931,710     $ 1,413,911  
     
The following table sets forth the relative maturities and yields of the Company’s available for sale securities (stated at amortized cost) at December 31, 2005. Weighted average yields have been computed by dividing annual interest income, adjusted for amortization of premium and accretion of discount, by the amortized cost value of the related security. Yields on state and political subdivision securities have been calculated on a fully taxable equivalent basis using the current federal statutory rate.
     
 
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Available for Sale Maturity Distribution
                                                         
            After one     After five                            
At December 31, 2005   Within     but within     but within     After ten     Mortgage-              
(Dollars in thousands)   one year     five years     ten years     years     backed     Other     Total  
     
U.S. Government
                                                       
sponsored entities
  $     $ 133,877     $     $     $     $     $ 133,877  
Interest rate
    %     3.43 %     %     %     %     %     3.43 %
States and political
                                                       
subdivisions
    5,000       42,562       140,528       26,207                   214,297  
Interest rate (FTE)
    7.61 %     7.56 %     7.25 %     6.88 %                 7.27 %
Asset-backed securities
          1,308             9,998                   11,306  
Interest rate
          2.46 %           4.67 %                 4.42 %
Corporate securities
    25,151                                     25,151  
Interest rate
    6.54 %                                   6.54 %
 
Subtotal
    30,151       177,747       140,528       36,205                   384,631  
Interest rate
    6.72 %     4.41 %     7.25 %     6.27 %                 5.80 %
Mortgage backed securities
                            207,382             207,382  
Interest rate
                            4.19 %           4.19 %
Other without set maturities
                                  67,128       67,128  
Interest rate
                                  7.88 %     7.88 %
 
Total
  $ 30,151     $ 177,747     $ 140,528     $ 36,205     $ 207,382     $ 67,128     $ 659,141  
Interest rate
    6.72 %     4.41 %     7.25 %     6.27 %     4.19 %     7.88 %     5.51 %
 
The following table shows the carrying amount (amortized cost) and fair value of the Company’s investment securities held to maturity as of the dates indicated:
Held to Maturity Portfolio
                         
At December 31,                  
(Dollars in thousands)   2005     2004     2003  
     
U.S. Government sponsored entities
  $ 740,891     $ 736,137     $ 98,287  
States and political subdivisions
    596,325       524,695       417,984  
Asset backed securities
    0       0       6,322  
Other
    0       0       12,784  
     
Total
  $ 1,337,216     $ 1,260,832     $ 535,377  
 
Fair value
  $ 1,323,782     $ 1,265,986     $ 542,729  
 

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The following table sets forth the relative maturities and yields of the Company’s held to maturity securities at December 31, 2005. Weighted average yields have been computed by dividing annual interest income, adjusted for amortization of premium and accretion of discount, by the amortized value of the related security. Yields on state and political subdivision securities have been calculated on a fully taxable equivalent basis using the current federal statutory rate.

Held to Maturity Maturity Distribution
                                                         
            After one     After five                          
At December 31, 2005   Within     but within     but within     After ten     Mortgage-              
(Dollars in thousands)   one year     five years     ten years     years     backed     Other     Total  
     
U.S. Government
                                                       
sponsored entities
  $ 10,000     $ 200,006     $     $     $     $     $ 210,006  
Interest rate
    3.25 %     3.74 %     %     %     %     %     3.71 %
States and political
                                                       
subdivisions
    12,517       33,201       117,970       432,637                   596,325  
Interest rate (FTE)
    6.29 %     6.70 %     6.03 %     6.04 %                 6.08 %
 
Subtotal
    22,517       233,207       117,970       432,637                   806,331  
Interest rate
    4.94 %     4.16 %     6.03 %     6.04 %                 5.46 %
Mortgage backed
                            530,885             530,885  
Interest rate
                            4.46 %           4.46 %
 
Total
  $ 22,517     $ 233,207     $ 117,970     $ 432,637     $ 530,885     $     $ 1,337,216  
Interest rate
    4.94 %     4.16 %     6.03 %     6.04 %     4.46 %     %     5.07 %
 
Loan Portfolio
The following table shows the composition of the loan portfolio of the Company by type of loan and type of borrower, on the dates indicated:
Loan Portfolio Distribution
                                         
At December 31,                              
(dollars in thousands)   2005     2004     2003     2002     2001  
     
Commercial and commercial real estate
  $ 1,594,925     $ 1,388,639     $ 1,429,645     $ 1,588,803     $ 1,576,723  
Real estate construction
    72,095       29,724       38,019       45,547       69,658  
Real estate residential
    508,174       375,532       347,794       330,460       347,114  
Consumer
    497,027       506,338       507,911       530,054       491,793  
Unearned income
    0       (3 )     (39 )     (226 )     (831 )
     
Total loans
  $ 2,672,221     $ 2,300,230     $ 2,323,330     $ 2,494,638     $ 2,484,457  
 
The following table shows the maturity distribution and interest rate sensitivity of commercial, commercial real estate, and construction loans at December 31, 2005. Balances exclude loans to individuals and residential mortgages totaling $1,005.2 million. These types of loans are typically paid in monthly installments over a number of years.
Loan Maturity Distribution
                                 
At December 31, 2005   Within     One to     After        
(dollars in thousands)   One Year     Five Years     Five Years     Total  
     
Commercial and commercial real estate *
  $ 392,194     $ 524,756     $ 677,975     $ 1,594,925  
Real estate construction
    72,095       0       0       72,095  
 
Total
  $ 464,289     $ 524,756     $ 677,975     $ 1,667,020  
 
Loans with fixed interest rates
  $ 90,601     $ 328,840     $ 185,398     $ 604,839  
Loans with floating or adjustable interest rates
    373,688       195,916       492,577       1,062,181  
 
Total
  $ 464,289     $ 524,756     $ 677,975     $ 1,667,020  
 
     
*   Includes demand loans
Commitments and Letters of Credit
It is not the policy of the Company to issue formal commitments on lines of credit except to a limited number of well-established and financially responsible local commercial enterprises. Such commitments can be either secured or unsecured and are typically in the form of revolving lines of credit for seasonal working capital needs. Occasionally, such commitments are in the form of letters of credit to facilitate the customers’ particular business transactions. Commitment fees generally are not charged except where letters of credit are involved. Commitments and lines of credit typically mature within one year. For further information, see Note 12 to the consolidated financial statements.
Credit Quality
The Company closely monitors the markets in which it conducts its lending operations and continues its strategy to control exposure to loans with higher credit risk and to increase diversification of the loan portfolio. Credit reviews are performed using grading standards and criteria similar to those employed by bank regulatory agencies. Loans receiving lesser grades fall under the “classified loans” category, which includes all nonperforming and potential problem loans, and receive an elevated level of Management attention to ensure collection.

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Classified Loans and Other Real Estate Owned
The following summarizes the Company’s classified loans for the periods indicated:
Classified Loans and OREO
                 
At December 31,            
(dollars in thousands)   2005     2004  
     
Classified loans
  $ 29,997     $ 19,225  
Other real estate owned
    0       0  
     
Total
  $ 29,997     $ 19,225  
 
Classified loans at December 31, 2005 increased $10.8 million or 56.0% to $30.0 million from December 31, 2004, mainly due to the classified loans totaling $16.1 million acquired from REBC, partially reduced by subsequent improvements in credit quality and loan payoffs. Other real estate owned was zero, unchanged from the prior year.
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 table summarizes the nonperforming assets of the Company for the periods indicated:
Nonperforming Loans and OREO
                                         
At December 31,                              
(dollars in thousands)   2005     2004     2003     2002     2001  
     
Performing nonaccrual loans
  $ 4,256     $ 4,072     $ 1,658     $ 3,464     $ 3,055  
Nonperforming nonaccrual loans
    2,068       2,970       5,759       5,717       5,058  
     
Nonaccrual loans
    6,324       7,042       7,417       9,181       8,113  
     
Loans 90 or more days past due
                                       
and still accruing
    162       10       199       738       550  
Other real estate owned
    0       0       90       381       523  
     
Total Nonperforming loans and OREO
  $ 6,486     $ 7,052     $ 7,706     $ 10,300     $ 9,186  
     
As a percentage of total loans
    0.24 %     0.31 %     0.33 %     0.41 %     0.37 %
 
Performing nonaccrual loans at December 31, 2005 were $184 thousand higher than the previous year, as a result of the $4.0 million performing nonaccrual loans acquired from REBC and new loans being placed on nonaccrual status, less charge-offs, loans being returned to accrual status and loans being placed on nonperforming nonaccrual status. Except one relationship totaling $666 thousand, performing nonaccrual loans at December 31, 2004 were either paid off, charged off or brought current in 2005. Nonperforming nonaccrual loans at December 31, 2005 declined $902 thousand compared with a year ago, attributable to loans being returned to accrual status, transfers to repossessed collateral or being charged off or paid off, partially offset by loans being added to nonperforming nonaccrual status. With the exception of three relationships totaling $1.4 million, all loans on nonperforming nonaccrual status at December 31, 2004 were either paid off, charged off or brought current in 2005. There was no other real estate owned (“OREO”) at December 31, 2005 since one property foreclosed during 2005 was disposed of at a small gain.
Performing nonaccrual loans at December 31, 2004 were $2.4 million higher than the previous year-end, due to new loans placed on performing nonaccrual status, partially offset by payoffs, chargeoffs, loans being returned to accrual status and loans being placed on nonperforming nonaccrual status. Nonperforming nonaccrual loans at December 31, 2004 decreased $2.8 million from a year ago, attributable to loans being returned to accrual status, transfers to repossessed collateral, or being charged off or paid off, partially offset by loans being added to nonperforming nonaccrual status. There was no OREO at December 31, 2004.
The Company had no restructured loans as of December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003.
The amount of gross interest income that would have been recorded if all nonaccrual loans had been current in accordance with their original terms while outstanding during the period was $556 thousand in 2005, $462 thousand in 2004 and $527 thousand in 2003. The amount of interest income that was recognized on nonaccrual loans from cash payments made in 2005, 2004 and 2003 was $353 thousand, $439 thousand and $592 thousand, respectively. Cash payments received, which were applied against the book balance of performing and nonperforming nonaccrual loans outstanding at December 31, 2005, totaled approximately $452 thousand, compared with $135 thousand and $330 thousand at December 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively.
Management believes the overall credit quality of the loan portfolio continues to be strong; however, total nonperforming assets could fluctuate in the future. The performance of any individual loan can be impacted by external factors such as the interest rate environment or factors particular to the borrower. The Company expects to maintain nonperforming loans and OREO at their current levels; however, no assurance can be given that increases in nonaccrual loans will not occur in future periods.
Allowance for Credit Losses

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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, recommendations of regulatory authorities, prevailing economic conditions and other factors. A portion of the allowance is specifically allocated to impaired and other identified 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 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 general loan categories based on commercial office vacancy rates, mortgage loan foreclosure trends, agriculture commodity prices, and levels of government funding. The remainder of the reserve is considered to be unallocated and is established at a level considered necessary based on relevant economic conditions and available data, including unemployment statistics, unidentified economic and business conditions, the quality of lending management and staff, credit quality trends, concentrations of credit, and changing underwriting standards due to external competitive factors. Management considers the $59.5 million allowance for credit losses to be adequate as a reserve against losses as of December 31, 2005.
During 2003, Management refined its allowance methodology for commercial real estate loans, agricultural loans and certain municipal loans. This refinement had the effect of increasing the allowance allocation for commercial loans with a corresponding decrease in the unallocated allowance as of December 31, 2003.
The following table summarizes the loan loss experience of the Company for the periods indicated:
Allowance For Credit Losses, Chargeoffs & Recoveries
                                         
Year ended December 31,                              
(dollars in thousands)   2005     2004     2003     2002     2001  
     
Total loans outstanding
  $ 2,672,221     $ 2,300,230     $ 2,323,330     $ 2,494,638     $ 2,484,457  
Average loans outstanding during the period
    2,576,363       2,258,482       2,354,270       2,465,876       2,465,616  
 
                                       
Analysis of the Allowance
                                       
Balance, beginning of period
  $ 54,152     $ 53,910     $ 54,227     $ 52,086     $ 52,279  
Additions to the allowance charged to
                                       
operating expense
    900       2,700       3,300       3,600       3,600  
Allowance acquired through merger
    5,213       0       0       2,050       0  
Loans charged off:
                                       
Commercial and commercial real estate
    (673 )     (2,154 )     (2,455 )     (1,885 )     (2,475 )
Real estate construction
    0       0       0       0       (10 )
Real estate residential
    0       0       (26 )     0       0  
Consumer
    (2,065 )     (3,439 )     (4,352 )     (4,340 )     (4,968 )
     
 
Total chargeoffs
    (2,738 )     (5,593 )     (6,833 )     (6,225 )     (7,453 )
     
Recoveries of loans previously charged off:
                                       
Commercial and commercial real estate
    864       1,623       1,234       950       1,577  
Real estate construction
    0       0       0       0       0  
Real estate residential
    0       0       0       0       243  
Consumer
    1,146       1,512       1,982       1,766       1,840  
     
 
                                       
Total recoveries
    2,010       3,135       3,216       2,716       3,660  
     
 
                                       
Net loan losses
    (728 )     (2,458 )     (3,617 )     (3,509 )     (3,793 )
     
 
                                       
Balance, end of period
  $ 59,537     $ 54,152     $ 53,910     $ 54,227     $ 52,086  
     
 
                                       
Components:
                                       
Allowance for loan losses
  $ 55,849     $ 54,152     $ 53,910     $ 54,227     $ 52,086  
Reserve for unfunded credit commitments (1)
    3,688                          
     
Allowance for credit losses
  $ 59,537     $ 54,152     $ 53,910     $ 54,227     $ 52,086  
     
Net loan losses to average loans
    0.03 %     0.11 %     0.15 %     0.14 %     0.15 %
Allowance for loan losses as a percentage
                                       
of loans outstanding
    2.09 %     2.35 %     2.32 %     2.17 %     2.10 %
Allowance for credit losses as a percentage
                                       
of loans outstanding
    2.23 %     2.35 %     2.32 %     2.17 %     2.10 %
 

(1)   Effective December 31, 2005, the Company transferred the portion of the allowance for credit losses related to lending commitments and letters of credit to other liabilities.

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Allocation of the Allowance for Credit Losses
The following table presents the allocation of the allowance for credit losses as of December 31 for the years indicated:
Allocation of the Allowance for Credit Losses
                                                                                 
At December 31,   2005             2004             2003             2002             2001  
     
    Allocation     Loans as     Allocation     Loans as     Allocation     Loans as     Allocation     Loans as     Allocation     Loans as  
    of the     Percent     of the     Percent     of the     Percent     of the     Percent     of the     Percent  
    Allowance     of Total     Allowance     of Total     Allowance     of Total     Allowance     of Total     Allowance     of Total  
(dollars in thousands)   Balance     Loans     Balance     Loans     Balance     Loans     Balance     Loans     Balance     Loans  
     
Commercial
  $ 30,438       60 %   $ 29,857       60 %   $ 31,875       61 %   $ 23,692       64 %   $ 21,206       63 %
Real estate construction
    3,346       3 %     1,441       1 %     1,827       2 %     2,370       2 %     4,860       3 %
Real estate residential
    1,230       19 %     917       16 %     870       15 %     893       13 %     417       14 %
Consumer
    5,291       18 %     5,140       22 %     6,423       22 %     7,862       21 %     4,986       20 %
Unallocated portion
    19,232             16,797             12,915             19,410             20,617        
     
Total
  $ 59,537       100 %   $ 54,152       100 %   $ 53,910       100 %   $ 54,227       100 %   $ 52,086       100 %
 

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Impaired Loans
The Company considers a loan to be impaired when, based on current information and events, it is probable that it will be unable to collect all amounts due (principal and interest) according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. The measurement of impairment may be based on (i) the present value of the expected cash flows of the impaired loan discounted at the loan’s original effective interest rate, (ii) the observable market price of the impaired loan or (iii) the fair value of the collateral of a collateral-dependent loan. The Company does not apply this definition to smaller-balance loans that are collectively evaluated for impairment. In measuring impairment, the Company reviews all commercial and construction loans classified “Substandard” and “Doubtful” that meet materiality thresholds of $250 thousand and $100 thousand, respectively. All loans classified as “Loss” are considered impaired.
Commercial and construction loans that are not classified, and large groups of smaller-balance homogeneous loans such as installment, personal revolving credit, residential real estate and student loans, are evaluated collectively for impairment under the Company’s standard loan loss reserve methodology. The Company generally identifies loans to be reported as impaired when such loans are placed on nonaccrual status or are considered troubled debt restructurings due to the granting of a below-market rate of interest or a partial forgiveness of indebtedness on an existing loan.
The following summarizes the Company’s impaired loans for the dates indicated:
Impaired Loans
                 
At December 31,        
(dollars in thousands)   2005   2004
     
Total impaired loans
  $ 117     $ 0  
 
 
               
Specific reserves
  $ 117     $ 0  
 
The average balance of the Company’s impaired loans for the year ended December 31, 2005 was $29 thousand compared with $731 thousand and $1.8 million in 2004 and 2003, respectively. Portions of the Company’s allowance for loan losses were allocated to each of these impaired loans. In general, the Company does not recognize any interest income on troubled debt restructuring or loans that are classified as nonaccrual. However, interest income may be recorded as cash is received, provided that the Company’s recorded investment in such loans is deemed collectible.
Asset and Liability Management
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 is the most 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 indirect impact on loan demand, credit losses, and other sources of earnings such as account analysis fees on commercial deposit accounts, official check fees and correspondent bank service
charges.
In adjusting the Company’s asset/liability position, Management attempts to manage interest rate risk while enhancing 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.
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, assuming an increase of 200 bp in the federal funds rate and an increase of 156 bp in the 10 year Constant Maturity Treasury Bond yield during the same period, estimated earnings at risk would be approximately 4.7% of the Company’s most likely net income plan for 2006. 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.
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.
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.
During 2005 as the Company reviewed its interest rate risk position to include the acquisition of REBC, in Management’s judgment, the Company’s interest rate risk exposure would be reduced through the sale of investment securities available for sale, with the proceeds from sale applied to reduce short-term borrowed funds. As a result, the Company sold $170.0 million of investment securities available for sale with a duration of 3.2 years and book yield of 3.29% at a realized loss of $4.9 million.
Liquidity
The Company’s principal source of asset liquidity is investment securities available for sale and principal payments from consumer loans. At December 31, 2005, investment securities available for sale totaled $662 million. At December 31, 2005, residential real estate loans and indirect auto loans totaled $923 million, which were experiencing stable monthly principal payments of approximately $20 million. In addition, at December 31, 2005, the Company had customary lines for overnight borrowings from other financial institutions in excess of $500 million and a $35 million line of credit, under which $14.3 million was outstanding at December 31, 2005. As a member of the Federal Reserve System, the Company also has the ability to borrow from the Federal Reserve. The

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Company’s short-term debt rating from Fitch Ratings is F1 with a stable outlook. Management expects the Company can access short-term debt financing if desired. The Company’s long-term debt rating from Fitch Ratings is A with a stable outlook. Management expects the Company can access additional long-term debt financing if desired.
The Company generates significant liquidity from its operating activities. The Company’s profitability during 2005, 2004 and 2003 resulted in operating cash flows of $119.6 million, $113.5 million and $115.4 million, respectively. In 2005, operating activities provided a substantial portion of cash for $39.3 million in shareholder dividends and $95.4 million used to purchase and retire company stock. The operating cash flows in 2004 was more than sufficient to pay $35.1 million in shareholder dividends and retire $55.4 million of the Company’s common stock. In 2003, operating activities provided a substantial portion of cash for $32.9 million in shareholder dividends and $70.8 million of share repurchase activity.
During 2005, the Company financed its acquisition of REBC by issuing approximately 1.6 million shares of common stock and approximately $57 million to REBC shareholders. The cash consideration was accumulated in the second half of 2004 and early 2005 as the Company reduced its share repurchase activity. The acquisition of REBC increased the loan portfolio by approximately $440 million, deposits by approximately $370 million, and subordinated debt by approximately $20 million. Other investing activities included sale and maturity of investment securities, net of purchases, of approximately $215.1 million. The Company sold approximately $170 million of available for sale investment securities to manage the interest rate risk posture of its assets and liabilities subsequent to the REBC acquisition. The Company also experienced net loan repayments of $66.9 million. The proceeds from liquidating investment securities were applied to reduce short-term borrowings by $47.6 million. The Company also experienced a $107.5 million decrease in deposit balances as interest-sensitive CDs and money market products declined while short-term interest rates rose throughout 2005.
In 2004, purchases, net of sales and maturities, of investment securities were $270.7 million, which was generally financed by a $119.6 million increase in deposits and a $144.8 million increase in short-term borrowings. In 2003, purchases, net of maturities, of investment securities were $560.4 million. The investment securities portfolio increase was generally financed by net repayments of loans of $164.5 million, a $169.9 million increase in deposits, and a $240.9 million increase in short-term borrowings.
The Company anticipates maintaining its cash levels through the end of 2006 mainly due to increased profitability and retained earnings. It is anticipated that loan demand will increase moderately, although such demand will be dictated by economic conditions. The growth of deposit balances is expected to exceed the anticipated growth in loan demand through the end of 2006, resulting in a reduction of higher cost fundings, an increase in the investment securities portfolio, or a combination of both. However, due to concerns regarding consumer spending, possible terrorist attacks, and uncertainty in the general economic environment, loan demand and levels of customer deposits are not certain. Shareholder dividends and share repurchases are expected to continue in 2006.
The Parent Company’s primary source of liquidity is dividends from Westamerica Bank (the “Bank”). Dividends from the Bank are subject to certain regulatory limitations. During 2005, 2004 and 2003, the Bank declared dividends to the Company of $122, $95 and $88 million, respectively. See Note 15 to the consolidated financial statements.
The following table sets forth the known contractual obligations of the Company at December 31, 2005:
Contractual Obligations
                                         
At December 31, 2005   Within     One to     Three to     After      
(dollars in thousands)   One Year     Three Years     Five Years     Five Years     Total  
       
Long-Term Debt Obligations
  $ 3,214     $ 0     $ 0     $ 37,067     $ 40,281  
Operating Lease Obligations
    5,906       9,238       6,325       9,506       30,975  
Purchase Obligations
    5,562       5,562       0       0       11,124  
   
 
                                       
Total
  $ 14,682     $ 14,800     $ 6,325     $ 46,573     $ 82,380  
   
Long-Term Debt Obligations and Operating Lease Obligations are discussed in the consolidated financial statements at Notes 6 and 11, respectively. The Purchase Obligation consists of the Company’s minimum liability under a contract with a third-party automated services provider.
Capital Resources
The current and projected capital position of the Company and the impact of capital plans and long-term strategies are reviewed regularly by Management. The Company’s capital position represents the level of capital available to support continued operations and expansion.
The Company repurchases its Common Stock in the open market with the intention of supporting shareholder returns and mitigating the dilutive impact of issuing new shares for employee stock award and option plans. Pursuant to these programs, the Company repurchased 1.8 million shares in 2005, 1.1 million shares in 2004 and 1.6 million shares in 2003.
The Company’s primary capital resource is shareholders’ equity, which increased $68.1 million or 19.0% in 2005 from the previous year, the net result of $107.4 million in profits earned during the year, $89.5 million in stock issued in connection with the REBC acquisition and $12.4 million in issuance of stock in connection with exercises of employee stock options, substantially reduced by $39.3 million in dividends paid, $95.4 million in stock repurchases, and a $7.8 million net of tax decline in unrealized gains on securities available-for-sale.
The ratio of total risk-based capital to risk-adjusted assets increased in late 2004 as reduced share repurchase activity provided cash for the REBC acquisition. Following the acquisition, total capital ratios declined from 12.46% at the end of 2004 to 10.40% at the end of 2005. Tier 1 and Total Capital were reduced after the REBC acquisition on March 1, 2005, due to the net effect of a $126 million increase in goodwill and other intangibles, partially offset by an $86 million increase in common equity and the assumption of $20 million subordinated debt which qualifies as regulatory capital. Similarly, Tier I risk-based capital to risk-adjusted assets also declined to 9.08% at December 31, 2005 from 11.09% at December 31, 2004.

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Capital to Risk-Adjusted Assets
The following table summarizes the Company’s capital ratios for the dates indicated:
                         
                    Minimum
                    Regulatory
At December 31,   2005   2004   Requirement
     
Tier I Capital
    9.08 %     11.09 %     4.00 %
Total Capital
    10.40 %     12.46 %     8.00 %
Leverage ratio
    6.01 %     7.06 %     4.00 %
 
Capital ratios are reviewed on a regular basis to ensure that capital exceeds the prescribed regulatory minimums and is adequate to meet the Company’s future needs. All ratios are in excess of the regulatory definition of “well capitalized,” which the Company intends to meet.
Financial Ratios
The following table shows key financial ratios for the periods indicated:
                         
At December 31,   2005   2004   2003
     
Return on average total assets
    2.12 %     2.10 %     2.19 %
Return on average shareholders’ equity
    26.04 %     28.83 %     29.38 %
Average shareholders’ equity as a percentage of:
                       
Average total assets
    8.14 %     7.28 %     7.47 %
Average total loans
    16.01 %     14.63 %     13.74 %
Average total deposits
    10.72 %     9.27 %     9.43 %
Dividend payout ratio (diluted EPS)
    37 %     38 %     35 %

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Deposit categories
The Company primarily attracts deposits from local businesses and professionals, as well as through retail certificates of deposit, savings and checking accounts.
The following table summarizes the Company’s average daily amount of deposits and the rates paid for the periods indicated:
Deposit Distribution and Average Rates Paid
                                                                         
    2005   2004   2003
            Percentage                   Percentage                   Percentage    
Years Ended December 31,   Average     of Total           Average     of Total           Average     of Total    
(Dollars in thousands)   Balance     Deposits   Rate *   Balance     Deposits   Rate *   Balance     Deposits   Rate *
     
Noninterest bearing demand
  $ 1,384,483       36.0 %     %   $ 1,281,349       35.9 %     %   $ 1,173,853       34.2 %     %
Interest bearing:
                                                                       
Transaction
    632,896       16.4 %     0.23 %     577,296       16.2 %     0.11 %     563,022       16.4 %     0.13 %
Savings
    1,105,664       28.7 %     0.34 %     1,085,051       30.4 %     0.36 %     1,015,699       29.6 %     0.60 %
Time less than $100 thousand
    280,770       7.3 %     2.03 %     271,212       7.6 %     1.49 %     307,054       9.0 %     1.68 %
Time $100 thousand or more
    444,862       11.6 %     2.58 %     350,400       9.8 %     1.27 %     370,549       10.8 %     1.35 %
     
 
                                                                       
Total
  $ 3,848,675       100.0 %     0.91 %   $ 3,565,308       100.0 %     0.57 %   $ 3,430,177       100.0 %     0.75 %
 
*   Rate is computed based on interest-bearing deposits

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During 2005, total average deposits increased by $283.4 million or 7.9% from 2004 primarily due to the REBC acquisition. Average deposit categories increased $103 million for noninterest bearing deposits, plus a $76 million increase in interest bearing demand and savings deposits. Also, time deposits in excess of $100 thousand increased by $94 million.
During 2004, total average deposits increased by $135.1 million or 3.9% from 2003 due to an inflow of $107.5 million of noninterest bearing deposits, a $14.3 million increase in interest bearing demand deposits and a $69.4 million increase in savings deposits, partially offset by declines in consumer CDs (down $35.8 million) and public and jumbo CDs (down $20.1 million).
The following sets forth, by time remaining to maturity, the Company’s domestic time deposits in
amounts of $100 thousand or more:
Deposits Over $100,000 Maturity Distribution
         
    December 31,  
(In thousands)   2005  
       
Three months or less
  $ 397,524  
Over three through six months
    36,398  
Over six through twelve months
    29,725  
Over twelve months
    22,422  
       
 
       
Total
  $ 486,069  
   
Short-term Borrowings
The following table sets forth the short-term borrowings of the Company for the dates indicated:
Short-Term Borrowings Distribution
                         
At December 31,            
(In thousands)   2005     2004     2003  
       
Federal funds purchased
  $ 575,925     $ 568,275     $ 438,500  
Other borrowed funds:
                       
Sweep accounts
    158,153       163,439       149,479  
Securities sold under repurchase agreements
    26,825       3,709       2,667  
Line of credit
    14,270       0       0  
       
 
                       
Total short term borrowings
  $ 775,173     $ 735,423     $ 590,646  
   
Further detail of other borrowed funds is as follows:
Other Borrowed Funds Balances and Rates Paid
                         
Years Ended December 31,            
(dollars in thousands)   2005   2004   2003
     
Outstanding amount:
                       
Average for the year
  $ 166,461     $ 195,118     $ 156,137  
Maximum during the year
    209,547       400,372       199,276  
 
                       
Interest rates:
                       
Average for the year
    0.66 %     0.45 %     0.58 %
Average at period end
    1.03 %     0.27 %     0.43 %
Noninterest Income
Components of Noninterest Income
                       
Years Ended December 31,              
(dollars in thousands)   2005     2004     2003  
       
Service charges on deposit accounts
  $ 29,106     $ 28,621     $ 26,381  
Merchant credit card fees
    9,097       3,509       3,619  
ATM fees and interchange
    2,711       2,487       2,378  
Debit card fees
    3,207       2,541       2,125  
Trust fees
    1,181       1,027       995  
Financial services commissions
    1,387       1,250       893  
Mortgage banking income
    292       386       851  
Official check fees
    1,110       631       505  
Gains on sale of foreclosed property
    24       231       122  
Gain on sales of real property
    3,700       0       0  
Investment securities gains (losses)
    (4,903 )     2,169       2,443  
Loss on extinguishment of debt
    0       (2,204 )     (2,166 )
Investment securities impairment
    0       (7,180 )     0  
Other noninterest income
    7,628       5,115       4,770  
     
 
                       
Total
  $ 54,540     $ 38,583     $ 42,916  
   
Noninterest income for 2005 was $16.0 million or 41.4% higher than 2004 mainly because 2005 included a $5.6 million increase in merchant credit card income primarily due to the REBC acquisition, a $3.7 million gain on sale of real estate and $945 thousand in life insurance proceeds, partially reduced by $4.9 million in realized securities losses. Furthermore, 2004 noninterest income was reduced by $7.2 million in securities impairment writedowns and a $2.2 million loss on extinguishment of debt, which was offset by $2.2 million in realized investment securities gains. Debit card fees increased $666 thousand or 26.2% primarily due to increased usage. Service charges on deposit accounts increased $485 thousand or 1.7% primarily due to an increase in overdraft fees, an increase in the number of accounts and product repricing in February of 2005. A decrease in account analysis income, due to a higher earnings credit rate, partially offset the overdraft fee increase. Official check sales fees increased mostly due to a higher earnings credit rate on outstanding balances. A $224 thousand or 9.0% increase in ATM fees

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and interchange income was mostly attributable to product repricing in February of 2005. Trust fees were higher by $154 thousand or 15.0% mainly due to more customers, product repricing and increases in court fees. Financial services commissions also increased $137 thousand or 11.0% mainly due to higher sales of variable annuities, partially offset by lower sales of fixed annuities. Other noninterest income increased $2.5 million due, in part, to $945 thousand in life insurance proceeds.
Noninterest income for 2004 was $4.3 million or 10.1% lower than 2003 mainly due to the $7.2 million impairment writedown of securities and loss on extinguishment of debt to repay FHLB advances, partially mitigated by $2.2 million in realized gains on sale of securities and growth in deposit fee income. Higher deposit service charge income was attributable to higher service fees on transaction accounts and repricing of checking account fees (effective in February 2004), partially reduced by lower income from account analysis deficit fees and a reduction in fees collected on returned deposits. Debit card fees rose $416 thousand due to increased usage. A $357 thousand increase in financial services commission income was largely due to higher sales of fixed and variable annuities and mutual funds. Other noninterest income was higher by $345 thousand mostly due to an increase in wire service fee income (up $270 thousand). Mortgage banking service fee income declined $465 thousand due to reduced mortgage loan activity, lower investor loan fees and net losses on sale of those loans. Merchant credit card income fell $110 thousand mostly due to higher interchange costs.
Noninterest Expense
Components of Noninterest Expense
                         
Years Ended December 31,            
(dollars in thousands)   2005     2004     2003  
     
Salaries and related benefits
  $ 53,460     $ 52,507     $ 53,974  
Occupancy
    12,579       11,935       12,152  
Data processing
    6,156       6,057       6,121  
Equipment
    5,212       4,794       5,364  
Courier Service
    3,831       3,605       3,695  
Telephone
    2,115       2,112       1,898  
Professional fees
    2,420       1,869       1,886  
Postage
    1,615       1,407       1,624  
Loan expenses
    945       1,077       1,322  
Stationery and supplies
    1,264       1,280       1,301  
Merchant credit card processing
    1,035       1,104       1,183  
Advertising and public relations
    965       1,037       1,066  
Operational losses
    915       964       936  
Amortization of deposit intangibles
    3,625       543       743  
Other
    8,719       8,460       8,438  
     
Total
  $ 104,856     $ 98,751     $ 101,703  
 
 
                       
Noninterest expense to revenues (“efficiency ratio”)(FTE)
    37.7 %     38.5 %     39.1 %
Average full-time equivalent staff
    959       984       1,026  
Total average assets per full-time staff
  $ 5,283     $ 4,610     $ 4,223  
 
Noninterest expense increased $6.1 million or 6.2% in 2005 compared with 2004 largely due to an increase in amortization of deposit intangibles from the REBC acquisition. Occupancy increased $644 thousand or 5.4% largely due to a $342 thousand increase in rent, net of sublease income, increases in repair and maintenance and moving expense and higher utility costs. Professional fees increased $551 thousand or 29.5% due to an increase in audit and accounting costs primarily due to additional charges from the company’s independent auditor in connection with new audit requirements promulgated by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board and higher legal fees for the REBC acquisition. A $418 thousand or 8.7% increase in equipment expense was mainly a $220 thousand increase in depreciation and a $146 thousand increase in equipment repair and maintenance expense. Salaries and related benefits rose by $953 thousand or 1.8% primarily attributable to higher employee benefit costs, annual merit increases to continuing staff, partially offset by the effect of a smaller workforce, and lower expenses for incentives. Courier service costs increased $226 thousand or 6.3%. Postage increased $208 thousand or 14.8%. Other noninterest expense increased $259 thousand or 3.1% largely due to a $305 thousand increase in limited partnership losses from investment in low-income housing properties and higher internet banking expense, partially offset by reduced insurance costs. Loan expenses declined $132 thousand or 12.3% mainly due to a decrease in repossession related expenses.
Noninterest expense decreased by $3.0 million in 2004 compared to 2003, primarily due to a $1.5 million decline in personnel-related costs. The decrease was largely due to a $353 thousand decline in salaries resulting from a fewer number of employees, partly offset by merit increases granted to continuing staff, a reduction in executive bonus costs and a decline in accruals for restricted performance shares. Equipment expense dropped $570 thousand, with lower depreciation and repair and maintenance costs. Occupancy expense fell $217 thousand mainly due to lower utility costs. Loan expense decreased $245 thousand due to lower loan activity. Postage declined $217 thousand from lower usage and a refund received in connection with changing mail handling vendors. Amortization of intangible assets decreased $200 thousand. Telephone expense rose $214 thousand mostly due to costs associated with the new branch network system.
The ratio of average assets per full-time equivalent staff was $5.28 million in 2005 compared with $4.61 million and $4.22 million in 2004 and 2003, respectively.

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Provision for Income Tax
The income tax provision (FTE) increased by $5.3 million or 8.9% in 2005 compared to 2004, primarily as a result of higher earnings and $2.0 million higher FTE adjustment for increased earnings on tax-advantaged investments and loans. The 2005 provision (FTE) of $65.2 million reflects an effective tax rate of 37.8% compared to a provision of $59.9 million in 2004, representing an effective tax rate of 38.6%. The nominal tax rate declined from 28.1% for 2004 to 27.4% for 2005 primarily attributable to income tax credits on low income housing investment and tax-exempt interest.
The income tax provision (FTE) decreased by $350 thousand or 0.6% in 2004 compared to 2003, primarily as a result of the $3.0 million tax benefit resulting from the securities impairment charge, partially offset by $1.7 million higher FTE adjustment for increased earnings on tax-advantaged investments and loans. The 2004 provision (FTE) of $59.9 million reflects an effective tax rate of 38.6% compared to a provision of $60.3 million in 2003, representing an effective tax rate of 38.8%. The nominal tax rate declined from 29.2% for 2003 to 28.1% for 2004 primarily attributable to income tax credits on low income housing investments and tax-exempt interest.
ITEM 7A. 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 permitted 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, as described in the preceding sections regarding “Asset and Liability Management” and “Liquidity.” 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.
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
         
    Page
  32
 
       
  33
 
       
  34
 
       
  35
 
       
  36
 
       
  37
 
       
  38
 
       
  57
MANAGEMENT’S REPORT ON INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING
Management of Westamerica Bancorporation and Subsidiaries (the “Company”) is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, and for performing an assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2005. Internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. The Company’s system of internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the Company; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the Company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of Management and Directors of the Company; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of the Company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Management performed an assessment of the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2005 based upon criteria in Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (“COSO”). Based on this assessment, Management determined that the Company’s internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2005 based on the criteria in Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by COSO.
The Company’s independent registered public accounting firm have issued an attestation report on Management’s assessment of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. This report is included below.
Dated March 6, 2006

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Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
The Board of Directors and Shareholders
Westamerica Bancorporation:
We have audited management’s assessment, included in the accompanying (Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting), that Westamerica Bancorporation and Subsidiaries (the Company) maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2005, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on management’s assessment and an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, evaluating management’s assessment, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
In our opinion, management’s assessment that the Company maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2005, is fairly stated, in all material respects, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). Also, in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2005, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheets of the Company as of December 31, 2005 and 2004, and the related consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income, changes in shareholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2005, and our report dated March 6, 2006 expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial statements.
     
/s/ KPMG LLP
 
KPMG LLP
   
 
   
San Francisco, California
   
March 6, 2006
   

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CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In thousands)
                 
Balances as of December 31,   2005   2004
 
Assets
               
Cash and cash equivalents (Note 15)
  $ 209,273     $ 126,153  
Money market assets
    534       534  
Investment securities available for sale (Note 2)
    662,388       931,710  
Investment securities held to maturity; market values of $1,323,782 in 2005 and $1,265,986 in 2004 (Note 2)
    1,337,216       1,260,832  
Loans, net of an allowance for loan losses of:
               
$55,849 in 2005 and $54,152 in 2004 (Notes 3,4 and 14)
    2,616,372       2,246,078  
Other real estate owned
    0       0  
Premises and equipment, net (Note 5)
    33,221       35,223  
Identifiable intangibles
    26,170       2,894  
Goodwill
    121,907       18,996  
Interest receivable and other assets (Note 9)
    142,128       114,848  
 
Total Assets
  $ 5,149,209     $ 4,737,268  
 
 
               
Liabilities
               
Deposits:
               
Noninterest bearing
  $ 1,419,313     $ 1,273,825  
Interest bearing:
               
Transaction
    658,667       591,593  
Savings
    1,022,645       1,091,981  
Time (Notes 2 and 6)
    745,476       626,220  
 
Total deposits
    3,846,101       3,583,619  
 
Short-term borrowed funds (Notes 2 and 6)
    775,173       735,423  
Debt financing and notes payable (Note 6)
    40,281       21,429  
Liability for interest, taxes and other expenses (Note 9)
    60,940       38,188  
 
Total Liabilities
    4,722,495       4,378,659  
 
 
               
Shareholders’ Equity (Notes 7, 8 and 15)
               
Common Stock (no par value)
               
Authorized - 150,000 shares
               
Issued and outstanding - 31,882 in 2005 and 31,640 in 2004
    313,959       227,829  
Deferred compensation
    2,423       2,146  
Accumulated other comprehensive income:
               
Unrealized gain on securities available for sale, net
    1,882       9,638  
Retained earnings
    108,450       118,996  
 
Total Shareholders’ Equity
    426,714       358,609  
 
Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity
  $ 5,149,209     $ 4,737,268  
 
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

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CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(In thousands, except per share data)
                         
For the years ended December 31,   2005   2004   2003
 
Interest and Fee Income
                       
Loans
  $ 155,476     $ 133,226     $ 152,758  
Money market assets and funds sold
    3       1       8  
Investment securities:
                       
Available for sale
                       
Taxable
    19,699       33,230       35,385  
Tax-exempt
    13,186       14,514       15,563  
Held to maturity
                       
Taxable
    30,557       17,209       5,038  
Tax-exempt
    23,876       18,157       14,741  
 
Total Interest and fee Income
    242,797       216,337       223,493  
 
 
                       
Interest Expense
                       
Transaction deposits
    1,460       612       727  
Savings deposits
    3,744       3,931       6,091  
Time deposits (Note 6)
    17,160       8,504       10,167  
Short-term borrowed funds (Note 6)
    18,941       5,878       3,415  
Federal Home Loan Bank advances
    0       897       5,318  
Debt financing and notes payable (Note 6)
    2,344       1,284       1,479  
 
Total Interest Expense
    43,649       21,106       27,197  
 
 
                       
Net Interest Income
    199,148       195,231       196,296  
Provision for Credit Losses (Note 3)
    900       2,700       3,300  
 
 
Net Interest Income After Provision for Credit Losses
    198,248       192,531       192,996  
 
 
                       
Noninterest Income
                       
Service charges on deposit accounts
    29,106       28,621       26,381  
Merchant credit card
    9,097       3,509       3,619  
Financial services commissions
    1,387       1,250       893  
Trust fees
    1,181       1,027       995  
Mortgage banking
    292       386       851  
Securities (losses) gains, net
    (4,903 )     2,169       2,443  
Loss on extinguishment of debt
    0       (2,204 )     (2,166 )
Securities impairment
    0       (7,180 )     0  
Sale of real estate
    3,700       0       0  
Other
    14,680       11,005       9,900  
 
Total Noninterest Income
    54,540       38,583       42,916  
 
 
                       
Noninterest Expense
                       
Salaries and related benefits (Note 13)
    53,460       52,507       53,974  
Occupancy (Notes 5 and 11)
    12,579       11,935       12,152  
Data processing
    6,156       6,057       6,121  
Furniture and equipment (Notes 5 and 11)
    5,212       4,794       5,364  
Courier Service
    3,831       3,605       3,695  
Amortization of intangibles
    3,625       543       743  
Professional fees
    2,420       1,869       1,886  
Other real estate owned
    4       (7 )     46  
Other
    17,569       17,448       17,722  
 
Total Noninterest Expense
    104,856       98,751       101,703  
 
 
                       
Income Before Income Taxes
    147,932       132,363       134,209  
Provision for income taxes (Note 9)
    40,491       37,145       39,146  
 
 
                       
Net Income
  $ 107,441     $ 95,218     $ 95,063  
 
Other comprehensive Income, net of tax:
                       
Unrealized loss on securities available for sale
    (10,600 )     (6,459 )     (4,544 )
Securities losses/impairment (gains) included in net income
    2,844       2,906       (1,417 )
 
Comprehensive Income
  $ 99,685     $ 91,665     $ 89,102  
 
 
                       
Average Shares Outstanding
    32,291       31,821       32,849  
Diluted Average Shares Outstanding
    32,897       32,461       33,369  
 
                       
Per Share Data (Note 7)
                       
Basic earnings
  $ 3.33     $ 2.99     $ 2.89  
Diluted earnings
    3.27       2.93       2.85  
Dividends paid
    1.22       1.10       1.00  
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

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CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
(In thousands)
                                                 
                            Accumulated        
                            Other        
            Common   Deferred   Comprehensive   Retained    
    Shares   Stock   Compensation   Income (Loss)   Earnings   Total
 
December 31, 2002
    33,411       215,926       1,272       19,152       105,149       341,499  
Net income for the year 2003
                                    95,063       95,063  
Stock issued for stock options
    425       8,353                               8,353  
Stock option tax benefits
            4,162                               4,162  
Restricted stock activity
    24       407       552                       959  
Purchase and retirement of stock
    (1,573 )     (10,387 )                     (60,382 )     (70,769 )
Dividends
                                    (32,935 )     (32,935 )
Unrealized gain on securities available for sale, net
                            (5,961 )             (5,961 )
 
 
                                               
December 31, 2003
    32,287       218,461       1,824       13,191       106,895       340,371  
Net income for the year 2004
                                    95,218       95,218  
Stock issued for stock options
    403       12,810                               12,810  
Stock option tax benefits
            3,508                               3,508  
Restricted stock activity
    16       467       322                       789  
Purchase and retirement of stock
    (1,066 )     (7,417 )                     (48,027 )     (55,444 )
Dividends
                                    (35,090 )     (35,090 )
Unrealized loss on securities available for sale, net
                            (3,553 )             (3,553 )
 
 
                                               
December 31, 2004
    31,640       227,829       2,146       9,638       118,996       358,609  
Net income for the year 2005
                                    107,441       107,441  
Stock issued in connection with purchase of Redwood Empire Bancorp
    1,639       89,538                               89,538  
Stock issued for stock options
    381       10,026                               10,026  
Stock option tax benefits
            2,455                               2,455  
Restricted stock activity
    21       797       277                       1,074  
Purchase and retirement of stock
    (1,799 )     (16,686 )                     (78,665 )     (95,351 )
Dividends
                                    (39,322 )     (39,322 )
Unrealized loss on securities available for sale, net
                            (7,756 )             (7,756 )
 
 
                                               
December 31, 2005
    31,882     $ 313,959     $ 2,423     $ 1,882     $ 108,450     $ 426,714  
 
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

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CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In thousands)
                         
For the years ended December 31,   2005   2004   2003
 
Operating Activities:
                       
Net income
  $ 107,441     $ 95,218     $ 95,063  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
                       
Depreciation and amortization of fixed assets
    4,128       3,867       3,993  
Amortization of intangibles and other assets
    5,682       2,296       1,944  
Loan loss provision
    900       2,700       3,300  
Net (amortization) deferral of loan fees, net of cost
    (51 )     (105 )     249  
(Increase) decrease in interest income receivable
    (1,007 )     1,217       (269 )
(Increase) decrease in other assets
    (2,967 )     (1,547 )     57,671  
Increase (decrease) in income taxes payable
    (1,331 )     (3,779 )     6,550  
Increase (decrease) in interest expense payable
    2,067       43       (1,027 )
Increase (decrease) in other liabilities
    3,472       7,020       (53,279 )
Impairment of investment securities
    0       7,180       0  
Loss (gain) on sale of securities
    4,903       (2,169 )     (2,443 )
Loss on extinguishment of debt
    0       2,204       2,166  
Gain on sale of real estate
    (3,700 )     0       0  
Gain on sale of other assets
    0       (402 )     0  
Net loss on sales/write-down of fixed assets
    39       47       142  
Originations of loans for resale
    (484 )     (3,988 )     (9,113 )
Net proceeds from sale of loans originated for resale
    483       3,955       10,233  
Net gain on sale of property acquired in satisfaction of debt
    (24 )     (231 )     (122 )
Write-downs of other real estate owned
    0       0       307  
 
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities
    119,551       113,526       115,365  
 
 
                       
Investing Activities
                       
Net cash issued in mergers and acquisitions
    (35,210 )     0       0  
Net repayments of loans
    66,942       20,778       164,521  
Purchases of investment securities available for sale
    (19,208 )     (96,027 )     (1,072,090 )
Proceeds from maturity/calls of securities available for sale
    104,832       348,027       496,011  
Proceeds from sale of securities available for sale
    196,216       209,173       153,128  
Purchases of investment securities held to maturity
    (232,203 )     (890,836 )     (371,037 )
Proceeds from maturity/calls of securities held to maturity
    165,447       158,929       233,580  
Purchases of property, plant and equipment
    (1,655 )     (3,390 )     (4,345 )
Proceeds from maturity/sale of money market assets
    6       0       0  
Purchases of FRB/FHLB securities
    (4,414 )     0       0  
Proceeds from sale of FRB/FHLB securities
    1,547       0       0  
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment
    4,533       0       1,859  
Proceeds from sale of other real estate owned
    64       321       1,882  
 
Net Cash Provided (Used) In Investing Activities
    246,897       (253,025 )     (396,491 )
 
 
                       
Financing Activities
                       
Net (decrease) increase in deposits
    (107,498 )     119,628       169,925  
Net (decrease) increase in short-term borrowings
    (47,649 )     144,776       240,910  
Repayments to the Federal Home Loan Bank
    0       (107,204 )     (67,166 )
(Repayments) advances of notes payable
    (3,338 )     (3,214 )     36  
Exercise of stock options/issuance of shares
    9,830       12,572       8,176  
Retirement of common stock including repurchases
    (95,351 )     (55,444 )     (70,769 )
Dividends paid
    (39,322 )     (35,090 )     (32,935 )
 
Net Cash (Used) Provided By Financing Activities
    (283,328 )     76,024       248,177  
 
 
                       
Net Increase (Decrease) In Cash and Cash Equivalents
    83,120       (63,475 )     (32,949 )
 
                       
Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Year
    126,153       189,628       222,577  
 
Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Year
  $ 209,273     $ 126,153     $ 189,628  
 
 
                       
Supplemental Disclosures:
                       
Supplemental disclosure of noncash activities:
                       
Loans transferred to other real estate owned
  $ 40     $ 0     $ 1,800  
Unrealized loss on securities available for sale, net
    (7,756 )     (3,553 )     (5,961 )
 
                       
The acquisition of Redwood Empire Bancorp involved the following:
                       
Cash issued
    57,128              
Common stock issued
    89,538              
Fair value of liabilities assumed
    500,659              
Fair value of assets acquired, other than cash and cash equivalents
    (495,596 )            
Core deposit intangible
    (16,600 )            
Customer based intangible — merchant draft processing
    (10,300 )            
Goodwill
    (102,911 )            
Net Cash and Cash Equivalents Received
    21,918              
 
                       
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow activity:
                       
Interest paid for the period
    46,325       21,149       26,547  
Income tax payments for the period
    39,414       37,432       33,146  
Tax benefit from stock option exercises
    2,455       3,508       4,162  
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

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WESTAMERICA BANCORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Note 1: Business and Accounting Policies
Westamerica Bancorporation, a registered bank holding company (the “Company”), provides a full range of banking services to corporate and individual customers in Northern and Central California through its subsidiary bank, Westamerica Bank (the “Bank”). The Bank is subject to competition from both financial and nonfinancial institutions and to the regulations of certain agencies and undergoes periodic examinations by those regulatory authorities.
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
The consolidated financial statements are prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. The following is a summary of significant policies used in the preparation of the accompanying financial statements.
Accounting Estimates. Certain accounting policies underlying the preparation of these financial statements require management to make estimates and judgments. These estimates and judgments may affect reported amounts of assets and liabilities, revenues and expenses, and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities. The most significant of these involve the Allowance for Loan Losses, as discussed below under “Allowance for Credit Losses.”
Principles of Consolidation. The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and all the Company’s subsidiaries. Significant intercompany transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. The Company does not maintain or conduct transactions with any unconsolidated special purpose entities other than low income housing partnerships sponsored by third parties.
Business Combinations. In a business combination, the results of operations of the acquired entity are included in the consolidated financial statements from the date of acquisition. Assets and liabilities of the entity acquired are recorded at fair value on the date of acquisition and goodwill is recorded as the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of the net assets (including identifiable intangibles such as core deposits) acquired. See “Intangible Assets” below.
Acquisition of Redwood Empire Bancorp
The Company acquired Redwood Empire Bancorp, parent company of National Bank of the Redwoods, on March 1, 2005, in order to increase the Company’s market share in Northern California. The cash and stock acquisition was accounted for under the purchase method of accounting. The transaction was valued at approximately $150 million.
The following supplemental pro forma information discloses selected financial information for the periods indicated as though the acquisition had been completed at the beginning of each year presented (unaudited):
                 
    Years ended  
    December 31,  
    2005     2004  
    (In thousands, except per share data)  
Earnings as reported:
               
Revenue
  $ 253,688     $ 233,814  
Net income
    107,441       95,218  
Basic EPS
  $ 3.33     $ 2.99  
Diluted EPS
    3.27       2.93  
Pro forma merger adjustments:
               
Revenue
  $ 5,509     $ 30,592  
Net income
    1,007       5,219  
Pro forma earnings after merger adjustments:
               
Revenue
  $ 259,197     $ 264,406  
Net income
    108,448       100,437  
Basic EPS
  $ 3.33     $ 3.00  
Diluted EPS
    3.27       2.95  
The estimated fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed are as follows (unaudited):
         
    2005  
Balances as of March 1,   (In thousands)  
Assets acquired:
       
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 21,918  
Investment securities held to maturity
    14,063  
Investment securities available for sale
    31,392  
Loans
    438,910  
Allowance for loan losses
    (5,213 )
Identifiable intangibles
    26,900  
Goodwill
    102,911  
Other assets
    18,500  
 
     
Total assets acquired
  $ 649,381  
 
     
 
       
Liabilities assumed
       
Deposits
  $ 368,689  
Subordinated debt
    22,189  
Other liabilities
    109,781  
 
     
Total liabilities assumed
  $ 500,659  
 
     
 
       
Purchase price:
       
Cash issued
  $ 57,128  
Common stock issued
    89,538  
Capitalized acquisition costs
    2,056  
 
     
Total purchase price
  $ 148,722  
 
     
Cash Equivalents. Cash equivalents include Due From Banks balances and Federal Funds Sold which are both readily convertible to known amounts of cash and are generally 90 days or less from maturity at the time of purchase, presenting insignificant risk of changes in value due to interest rate changes.
Securities. Investment securities consist of debt securities of the U.S. Treasury, government sponsored entities, states, counties and municipalities, corporations, mortgage-backed securities,

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and equity securities. The Company classifies its debt and marketable equity securities in one of three categories: trading, available for sale or held to maturity. Securities transactions are recorded on a trade date basis. Trading securities are bought and held principally for the purpose of selling them in the near term. Held to maturity securities are those debt securities which the Company has the ability and intent to hold until maturity. Securities not included in trading or held to maturity are classified as available for sale. Trading and available for sale securities are recorded at fair value. Held to maturity securities are recorded at amortized cost, adjusted for the amortization of premiums or accretion of discounts. Unrealized gains and losses on trading securities are included in earnings. Unrealized gains and losses, net of the related tax effect, on available for sale securities are reported as a separate component of shareholders’ equity until realized.
A decline in the market value of any available for sale or held to maturity security below cost that is deemed other than temporary results in a charge to earnings and the establishment of a new cost basis for the security. Unrealized investment securities losses are evaluated at least quarterly on pools of securities with similar attributes to determine whether such declines in value should be considered “other than temporary” and therefore be subject to immediate loss recognition in income. Although these evaluations involve significant judgment, an unrealized loss in the fair value of a debt security is generally deemed to be temporary when the fair value of the security is below the carrying value primarily due to changes in interest rates, there has not been significant deterioration in the financial condition of the issuer, and the Company has the intent and ability to hold the security for a sufficient time to recover the carrying value. An unrealized loss in the value of an equity security is generally considered temporary when the fair value of the security is below the carrying value primarily due to current market conditions and not deterioration in the financial condition of the issuer, and the Company has the intent and ability to hold the security for a sufficient time to recover the carrying value. Other factors that may be considered in determining whether a decline in the value of either a debt or an equity security is “other than temporary” include ratings by recognized rating agencies, actions of commercial banks or other lenders relative to the continued extension of credit facilities to the issuer of the security, the financial condition, capital strength and near-term prospects of the issuer, and recommendations of investment advisors or market analysts.
Purchase premiums are amortized and purchase discounts are accreted over the estimated life of the related investment security as an adjustment to yield using the effective interest method. Unamortized premiums, unaccreted discounts, and early payment premiums are recognized in interest income upon disposition of the related security. Interest and dividend income are recognized when earned. Realized gains and losses from the sale of available for sale securities are included in earnings using the specific identification method.
Loans. Loans are stated at the principal amount outstanding, net of unearned discount and deferred fees (costs). Interest is accrued daily on the outstanding balances. Loans which are more than 90 days delinquent with respect to interest or principal, unless they are well secured and in the process of collection, and other loans on which full recovery of principal or interest is in doubt, are placed on nonaccrual status. 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 (“performing nonaccrual loans”) even though the borrowers continue to repay the loans as scheduled. 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. Performing 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. Certain consumer loans or auto receivables are charged to the allowance when they become 120 days past due. The Company recognizes a loan as impaired when, based on current information and events, it is probable that it will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. All amounts due according to the contractual terms means that both the contractual interest payments and the contractual principal payments of a loan will be collected as scheduled in the loan agreement. Income recognition on impaired loans conforms to that used on nonaccrual loans.
Nonrefundable fees and certain costs associated with originating or acquiring loans are deferred and amortized as an adjustment to interest income over the contractual loan lives. Upon prepayment, unamortized loan fees are immediately recognized in interest income. Other fees, including those collected upon principal prepayments, are included in interest income when received. Loans held for sale are identified upon origination and are reported at the lower of cost or market value on an aggregate loan basis.
Allowance for Credit Losses. The allowance for credit losses is established through provisions for credit losses charged to income. Losses on loans, including impaired loans, are charged to the allowance for credit losses when all or a portion of a loan is deemed to be uncollectible. Recoveries of loans previously charged off are credited to the allowance when realized. 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 and classified loans, recommendations of regulatory authorities, prevailing economic conditions and other factors. A portion of the allowance is specifically allocated to impaired and other identified 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 loan balances identified through an internal loan 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 general loan categories based on commercial office vacancy rates, mortgage loan foreclosure trends, agriculture commodity prices, and levels of government funding. The remainder of the reserve is considered to be unallocated and is established at a level considered necessary based on relevant economic conditions and available data, including unemployment statistics, unidentified economic and business conditions, the quality of lending management and staff, credit quality trends, concentrations of credit, and changing underwriting standards due to external competitive factors.
Other Real Estate Owned. Other real estate owned is comprised of property acquired through foreclosure proceedings, acceptances of deeds-in-lieu of foreclosure and some vacated bank properties. Losses recognized at the time of acquiring property in full or partial satisfaction of debt are charged against the allowance for credit losses. Other real estate owned is recorded at the

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lower of the related loan balance or fair value of the collateral, generally based upon an independent property appraisal, less estimated disposition costs. Subsequently, other real estate owned is valued at the lower of the amount recorded at the date acquired or the then current fair value less estimated disposition costs. Subsequent losses incurred due to any decline in annual independent property appraisals are recognized as noninterest expense. Routine holding costs, such as property taxes, insurance, maintenance and losses from sales and dispositions, are recognized as noninterest expense.
Premises and Equipment. Premises and equipment are stated at cost, less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Depreciation is computed substantially on the straight-line method over the estimated useful life of each type of asset. Estimated useful lives of premises and equipment range from 20 to 50 years and from 3 to 20 years, respectively. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the terms of the lease or their estimated useful life, whichever is shorter.
Intangible assets. Intangible assets are comprised of goodwill, core deposit intangibles and other identifiable intangibles acquired in business combinations. Intangible assets with definite useful lives are amortized over their respective estimated useful lives to their estimated residual values. If an event occurs that indicates the carrying amount of an intangible asset may not be recoverable, Management reviews the asset for impairment. Any goodwill and any intangible asset determined to have an indefinite useful life acquired in a purchase business combination is not amortized, but is annually evaluated for impairment.
The following table summarizes the Company’s goodwill and identifiable intangible assets as of January 1 and December 31 for 2005 and 2004. In connection with the acquisition of REBC in the first quarter of 2005, the Company recorded goodwill of $109 million and identifiable intangibles of $27 million in accordance with the purchase method of accounting. Goodwill relating to the REBC acquisition was subsequently reduced by $6 million, of which $2 million related to the premium received on the required divestiture of a former REBC branch office and $4 million related to purchase accounting adjustments for stock options and taxes.
                                 
    At                     At  
    January 1,                     December 31,  
(In thousands)   2005     Additions     Reductions     2005  
Goodwill
  $ 22,968     $ 108,507     ($ 5,596 )   $ 125,879  
Accumulated Amortization
    (3,972 )     0       0       (3,972 )
     
 
Net
  $ 18,996     $ 108,507     ($ 5,596 )   $ 121,907  
     
 
                               
Core Deposit Intangibles
  $ 7,783     $ 16,600     $ 0     $ 24,383  
Accumulated Amortization
    (4,889 )     0       (2,083 )     (6,972 )
Merchant Draft Processing Intangible
    0       10,300       0       10,300  
Accumulated Amortization
    0       0       (1,541 )     (1,541 )
     
 
Net
  $ 2,894     $ 26,900     ($ 3,624 )   $ 26,170  
     
                                 
    At                     At  
    January 1,                     December 31,  
(In thousands)   2004     Additions     Reductions     2004  
Goodwill
  $ 22,968     $ 0     $ 0     $ 22,968  
Accumulated Amortization
    (3,972 )     0       0       (3,972 )
     
 
Net
  $ 18,996     $ 0     $ 0     $ 18,996  
     
Core Deposit Intangibles
  $ 7,783     $ 0     $ 0     $ 7,783  
Accumulated Amortization
    (4,345 )     0       (544 )     (4,889 )
     
 
Net
  $ 3,438     $ 0     ($ 544 )   $ 2,894  
     
At December 31, 2005, the estimated amortization of core deposit intangibles, in thousands of dollars, annually through 2010 is $2,279, $2,153, $2,021, $1,859 and $1,636, respectively. The weighted average amortization period for core deposit intangibles is 13 years. At December 31, 2005, the estimated amortization of merchant draft processing intangible, in thousands of dollars, annually through 2010 is $1,808, $1,500, $1,200, $962 and $774, respectively. The merchant draft processing intangibles’ estimated amortization period is 12 years.
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets. The Company reviews its long-lived assets and certain intangibles for impairment whenever events or changes indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. If such assets are considered to be impaired, the impairment to be recognized is measured by the amount by which the carrying amount of the assets exceeds the fair value of the assets. Assets to be disposed of are reported at the lower of the carrying amount or fair value less costs to sell.
Income taxes. The Company and its subsidiaries file consolidated tax returns. For financial reporting purposes, the income tax effects of transactions are recognized in the year in which they enter into the determination of recorded income, regardless of when they are recognized for income tax purposes. Accordingly, the provisions for income taxes in the consolidated statements of income include charges or credits for deferred income taxes relating to temporary differences between the tax basis of assets and liabilities and their reported amounts in the financial statements. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are reflected at currently enacted income tax rates in the period in which the deferred tax assets or liabilities are expected to be realized or settled. As changes in tax laws or rates are enacted, deferred tax assets and liabilities are adjusted through the provision for income taxes.
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities. The Company’s accounting for derivative instruments, including certain derivative instruments embedded in other contracts, requires the Company to recognize those items as assets or liabilities in the statement of financial position and measure them at fair value.

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Stock Options. As permitted by SFAS No. 123 “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation,” the Company accounts for its stock option plans using the intrinsic value method. Accordingly, compensation expense is recorded on the grant date only if the current price of the underlying stock exceeds the exercise price of the option. If compensation cost had been determined based on the fair value method established by SFAS 123, the Company’s net income and earnings per share would have been reduced to the pro forma amounts indicated below:
                         
    2005     2004     2003  
   
    (In thousands, except per share data)  
Compensation cost based on fair value method, net of tax effect
  $ 1,948     $ 2,105     $ 2,388  
 
Net income:
                       
As reported
  $ 107,441     $ 95,218     $ 95,063  
Pro forma
    105,493       93,113       92,675  
 
Basic earnings per share:
                       
As reported
  $ 3.33     $ 2.99     $ 2.89  
Pro forma
    3.27       2.93       2.82  
 
Diluted earnings per share:
                       
As reported
  $ 3.27     $ 2.93     $ 2.85  
Pro forma
    3.21       2.87       2.78  
 
SFAS 123 was revised in December, 2004 to require that, effective for periods beginning after June 15, 2005, the Company begin using the fair market value method for valuing and accounting for stock options. On April 14, 2005 the Securities and Exchange Commission announced the adoption of SFAS 123R that amended the compliance dates, requiring implementation by companies at the beginning of their next fiscal year. The Company expects to apply the new requirements in 2006 on a modified retrospective basis, in which prior period financial statements will be adjusted to give effect to the fair-value-based method consistent with the above pro-forma amounts. Management expects that the effect of implementation will be to increase annual compensation expense in 2006 by approximately $2.9 million and decrease annual net income by approximately $1.7 million.
Earnings Per Share. Basic earnings per share are computed by dividing net income by the average number of shares outstanding during the year. Diluted earnings per share are computed by dividing net income by the average number of shares outstanding during the year plus the impact of dilutive common stock equivalents.
Extinguishment of Debt. Gains and losses, including fees, incurred in connection with the early extinguishment of debt are charged to current earnings as reductions in noninterest income.
Other. Securities and other property held by the Bank in a fiduciary or agency capacity are not included in the financial statements since such items are not assets of the Company or its subsidiaries.
Note 2: Investment Securities
The amortized cost, unrealized gains and losses, and estimated market value of the available for sale investment securities portfolio as of December 31, 2005, follows:
                                 
            Gross     Gross     Estimated  
    Amortized     Unrealized     Unrealized     Market  
    Cost     Gains     Losses     Value  
   
    (In thousands)  
Securities of U.S. Government sponsored entities
  $ 341,259     $ 6       ($10,091 )   $ 331,174  
Obligations of States and political subdivisions
    214,297       8,251       (44 )     222,504  
Asset-backed securities
    11,306       0       (50 )     11,256  
Corporate bonds
    25,151       126       (147 )     25,130  
Other securities
    67,128       5,764       (568 )     72,324  
 
Total
  $ 659,141     $ 14,147       ($10,900 )   $ 662,388  
 
The amortized cost, unrealized gains and losses, and estimated market value of the held to maturity investment securities portfolio as of December 31, 2005, follows:
                                 
            Gross     Gross     Estimated  
    Amortized     Unrealized     Unrealized     Market  
    Cost     Gains     Losses     Value  
   
    (In thousands)  
Securities of U.S. Government sponsored entities
  $ 740,891     $ 210       ($15,430 )   $ 725,671  
Obligations of States and political subdivisions
    596,325       6,857       (5,071 )     598,111  
 
Total
  $ 1,337,216     $ 7,067       ($20,501 )   $ 1,323,782  
 

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The amortized cost, unrealized gains and losses, and estimated market value of the available for sale investment securities portfolio as of December 31, 2004, follows:
                                 
            Gross     Gross     Estimated  
    Amortized     Unrealized     Unrealized     Market  
    Cost     Gains     Losses     Value  
   
    (In thousands)  
Securities of U.S. Government sponsored entities
  $ 562,842     $ 783       ($6,568 )     557,057  
Obligations of States and political subdivisions
    234,123       13,622       (14 )     247,731  
Asset-backed securities
    3,256       1       0       3,257  
Corporate bonds
    47,316       1,342       0       48,658  
Other securities
    67,541       7,493       (27 )     75,007  
 
Total
  $ 915,078     $ 23,241       ($6,609 )   $ 931,710  
 
The amortized cost, unrealized gains and losses, and estimated market value of the held to maturity investment securities portfolio as of December 31, 2004, follows:
                                 
            Gross     Gross     Estimated  
    Amortized     Unrealized     Unrealized     Market  
    Cost     Gains     Losses     Value  
   
    (In thousands)  
Securities of U.S. Government sponsored entities
  $ 736,137     $ 1,593       ($4,627 )   $ 733,103  
Obligations of States and political subdivisions
    524,695       10,840       (2,652 )     532,883  
 
Total
  $ 1,260,832     $ 12,433       ($7,279 )   $ 1,265,986  
 
The amortized cost and estimated market value of securities at December 31, 2005, by contractual maturity, are shown in the following table:
                                 
    Securities Available     Securities Held  
    For Sale     to Maturity  
            Estimated             Estimated  
    Amortized     Market     Amortized     Market  
    Cost     Value     Cost     Value  
   
    (In thousands)  
Maturity in years:
                               
1 year or less
  $ 30,151     $ 30,186     $ 22,517     $ 22,476  
1 to 5 years
    177,747       174,192       233,207       230,024  
5 to 10 years
    140,528       146,319       117,970       119,756  
Over 10 years
    36,205       37,352       432,637       432,118  
 
 
Subtotal
    384,631       388,049       806,331       804,374  
Mortgage-backed
    207,382       202,015       530,885       519,408  
Other securities
    67,128       72,324       0       0  
 
 
Total
  $ 659,141     $ 662,388     $ 1,337,216     $ 1,323,782  
 
Expected maturities of mortgage-backed securities can differ from contractual maturities because borrowers have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties. In addition, such factors as prepayments and interest rates may affect the yield on the carrying value of mortgage-backed securities. At December 31, 2005 and 2004, the Company had no high-risk collateralized mortgage obligations as defined by regulatory guidelines. An analysis of gross unrealized losses of the available for sale investment securities portfolio as of December 31, 2005, follows:
                                                 
    Less than 12 months     12 months or longer     Total  
            Unrealized             Unrealized             Unrealized  
    Fair Value     Losses     Fair Value     Losses     Fair Value     Losses  
   
    (In thousands)  
Securities of U.S. Government sponsored entities
  $ 80,651       ($1,479 )   $ 249,547       ($8,613 )   $ 330,198       ($10,092 )
Obligations of States and political subdivisions
    3,205       (20 )     2,708       (23 )     5,913       (43 )
Asset-backed securities
    9,948       (50 )     0       0       9,948       (50 )
Corporate bonds
    4,857       (147 )     0       0       4,857       (147 )
Other securities
    24,287       (568 )     0       0       24,287       (568 )
 
 
Total
    122,948       (2,264 )     252,255       (8,636 )     375,203       (10,900 )
 

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An analysis of gross unrealized losses of the held to maturity investment securities portfolio as of December 31, 2005, follows:
                                                 
    Less than 12 months   12 months or longer   Total
            Unrealized           Unrealized           Unrealized
    Fair Value   Losses   Fair Value   Losses   Fair Value   Losses
    (In thousands)                
Securities of U.S. Government sponsored entities
  $ 322,727       ($4,679 )   $ 383,572       ($10,751 )   $ 706,299       ($15,430 )
Obligations of States and political subdivisions
    236,116       (2,969 )     66,273       (2,102 )     302,389       (5,071 )
 
 
                                               
Total
    558,843       (7,648 )     449,845       (12,853 )     1,008,688       (20,501 )
 
An analysis of gross unrealized losses of the available for sale investment securities portfolio as of December 31, 2004, follows:
                                                 
    Less than 12 months   12 months or longer   Total
            Unrealized           Unrealized           Unrealized
    Fair Value   Losses   Fair Value   Losses   Fair Value   Losses
    (In thousands)                
Securities of U.S. Government sponsored entities
  $ 418,488       ($5,413 )   $ 20,058       ($1,155 )   $ 438,546       ($6,568 )
Obligations of States and political subdivisions
    703       (2 )     2,015       (12 )     2,718       (14 )
Other securities
    1,974       (27 )     0       0       1,974       (27 )
 
 
                                               
Total
    421,165       (5,442 )     22,073       (1,167 )     443,238       (6,609 )
 
An analysis of gross unrealized losses of the held to maturity investment securities portfolio as of December 31, 2004, follows:
                                                 
    Less than 12 months   12 months or longer   Total
            Unrealized           Unrealized           Unrealized
    Fair Value   Losses   Fair Value   Losses   Fair Value   Losses
    (In thousands)                
Securities of U.S. Government sponsored entities
  $ 449,345       ($4,010 )   $ 23,018       ($617 )   $ 472,363       ($4,627 )
Obligations of States and political subdivisions
    67,763       (548 )     101,554       (2,104 )     169,317       (2,652 )
 
Total
    517,108       (4,558 )     124,572       (2,721 )     641,680       (7,279 )
 
Substantially all of the securities set forth in the two preceding tables are investment-grade debt securities which have experienced a decline in fair value due to changes in market interest rates, not in estimated cash flows. Since the Company has the intent and ability to retain its investment in these securities for a period of time to allow for any anticipated recovery in market value, no other than temporary impairment was recorded on these securities during 2005.
In the fourth quarter of 2004, the Company recognized a $7.2 million securities impairment writedown to market value of certain issues of Federal National Mortgage Association (“FNMA”) and Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (“FHLMC”) preferred stock held in the available for sale investment portfolio. The writedown was recorded as a reduction to noninterest income. The after-tax effect was $4.2 million, net of tax benefits of $3.0 million. At December 31, 2005, the Company continued to hold FNMA and FHLMC preferred stock with a cost basis of $63.9 million and a tax-equivalent dividend yield of 7.65%.
As of December 31, 2005, $842.3 million of investment securities were pledged to secure public deposits and short-term funding needs, compared to $814.8 million in 2004. The Bank is a member of the Federal Reserve Bank (“FRB”) and held Federal Reserve Bank stock stated at cost of $11.3 million at December 31, 2005 and $6.3 million at December 31, 2004.
Note 3: Loans and Allowance for Credit Losses
Loans at December 31 consisted of the following:
                 
    2005     2004  
    (In thousands)  
Commercial
  $ 678,168     $ 647,462  
 
               
Real estate-commercial
    916,757       741,177  
Real estate-construction
    72,095       29,724  
Real estate-residential
    508,174       375,532  
 
Total real estate loans
    1,497,026       1,146,433  
 
               
Installment and personal
    497,027       506,338  
Unearned income
    0       (3 )
 
Gross loans
    2,672,221       2,300,230  
Allowance for loan losses
    (55,849 )     (54,152 )
 
 
               
Net loans
  $ 2,616,372     $ 2,246,078  
 
There were no loans originated for resale at December 31, 2005 and 2004.

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The following summarizes the allowance for credit losses of the Company for the periods indicated:
                         
    2005     2004     2003  
    (In thousands)  
Balance at January 1,
  $ 54,152     $ 53,910     $ 54,227  
Provision for loan losses
    900       2,700       3,300  
Loans charged off
    (2,738 )     (5,593 )     (6,833 )
Recoveries of loans previously charged off
    2,010       3,135       3,216  
 
                       
Acquisition
    5,213              
 
 
                       
Balance at December 31,
  $ 59,537     $ 54,152     $ 53,910  
 
Components:
                       
Allowance for loan losses
  $ 55,849     $ 54,152     $ 53,910  
Reserve for unfunded credit commitments (1)
    3,688              
 
Allowance for credit losses
  $ 59,537     $ 54,152     $ 53,910  
 
(1) Effective December 31, 2005, the Company transferred the portion of the allowance for loan losses related to lending commitments and letters of credit to other liabilities.
At December 31, specific impaired loans in 2005 were $117 thousand compared with none in 2004. Total reserves allocated to these loans were $117 thousand for 2005 and none for 2004. For the year ended December 31, 2005, the average recorded net investment in impaired loans was approximately $29 thousand compared with $731 thousand and $1.8 million, for the years ended December 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively. In general, the Company does not recognize any interest income on troubled debt restructuring or on loans that are classified as nonaccrual. The Company had no troubled debt restructurings at December 31, 2005. For other impaired loans, interest income may be recorded as cash is received, provided that the Company’s recorded investment in such loans is deemed collectible.
Nonaccrual loans at December 31, 2005 and 2004 were $6.3 million and $7.0 million, respectively. The following is a summary of the effect of nonaccrual loans on interest income for the years ended December 31:
                         
    2005     2004     2003  
    (In thousands)  
Interest income that would have been recognized had the loans performed in accordance with their original terms
  $ 556     $ 462     $ 527  
Less: Interest income recognized on nonaccrual loans
    (353 )     (439 )     (592 )
 
 
                       
Total reduction (increase) of interest income
  $ 203     $ 23     ($ 65 )
 
There were no commitments to lend additional funds to borrowers whose loans are included above.
Note 4: Concentration of Credit Risk
The Company’s business activity is with customers in Northern and Central California. The loan portfolio is well diversified, although the Company has significant credit arrangements that are secured by real estate collateral. In addition to real estate loans outstanding as disclosed in Note 3, the Company had loan commitments and standby letters of credit related to real estate loans of $62.4 million and $30.6 million at December 31, 2005 and 2004, respectively. The Company requires collateral on all real estate loans and generally attempts to maintain loan-to-value ratios no greater than 75% on commercial real estate loans and no greater than 80% percent on residential real estate loans unless covered by mortgage insurance.
Note 5: Premises and Equipment
Premises and equipment as of December 31 consisted of the following:
                         
            Accumulated        
            Depreciation        
            and     Net Book  
    Cost     Amortization     Value  
    (In thousands)  
2005
                       
Land
  $ 8,858     $     $ 8,858  
Buildings and improvements
    33,640       (16,533 )     17,107  
Leasehold improvements
    5,599       (3,926 )     1,673  
Furniture and equipment
    14,166       (8,583 )     5,583  
 
 
                       
Total
  $ 62,263     ($ 29,042 )   $ 33,221  
 
2004
                       
Land
  $ 8,834     $     $ 8,834  
Buildings and improvements
    33,875       (15,340 )     18,535  
Leasehold improvements
    4,565       (2,840 )     1,725  
Furniture and equipment
    11,715       (5,586 )     6,129  
 
 
                       
Total
  $ 58,989     ($ 23,766 )   $ 35,223  
 
Depreciation and amortization included in noninterest expense amounted to $4.1 million in 2005, $3.9 million in 2004, and $4.0 million in 2003.

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Note 6: Deposits and Borrowed Funds
Debt financing and notes payable, including the unsecured obligations of the Company, as of December 31, 2005 and 2004, were as follows:
                 
    2005     2004  
    (In thousands)  
Senior note, issued by Westamerica Bancorporation, originated in October 2003 and maturing October 31, 2013. Interest of 5.31% per annum is payable semiannually on April 30 and October 31, with original principal payment due at maturity.
  $ 15,000     $ 15,000  
 
               
Senior notes, issued by Westamerica Bancorporation, originated in February 1996 and maturing February 1, 2006. Interest of 7.11% per annum is payable semiannually on February 1 and August 1, with annual principal payments commencing February 1, 2000 and the remaining principal amount due at maturity.
    3,214       6,429  
     
Subtotal
    18,214       21,429  
     
 
               
Subordinated debt
    22,067       0  
 
               
     
Total debt financing and notes payable
  $ 40,281     $ 21,429  
 
The senior notes are subject to financial covenants requiring the Company to maintain, at all times, certain minimum levels of consolidated tangible net worth and maximum levels of capital debt. The Company is in compliance with all of the covenants in the senior notes indenture as of December 31, 2005.
On March 1, 2005 the Company assumed subordinated debt as described below from REBC. The debt was originally established by Redwood Statutory Trust I (“RSTI”), a then wholly owned subsidiary of REBC, which closed a pooled offering of 10,000 Capital Securities with a liquidation amount of $1,000 per security on February 22, 2001. The proceeds of the offering were loaned to REBC in exchange for junior subordinated debentures with terms similar to the RSTI Capital Securities. Upon acquisition of REBC on March 1, 2005, RSTI became a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company. The sole assets of RSTI are the junior subordinated debentures of the Company and payments thereunder. The junior subordinated debentures and the back-up obligations, in the aggregate, constitute a full and unconditional guarantee by the Company of the obligations of RSTI under the RSTI Capital Securities. As of December 31, 2005, the outstanding principal balance of the RSTI Capital Securities was $12 million including a premium applied in accounting for the REBC acquisition. Distributions on the RSTI Capital Securities are payable semi-annually at the annual rate of 10.2% and are included in interest expense, net of premium amortization, in the consolidated financial statements. The junior subordinated debentures are subject to mandatory redemption, in whole or in part, upon repayment of the RSTI Capital Securities at maturity or their earlier redemption at the liquidation amount. Subject to the Company having received prior approval of the Federal Reserve Board (“FRB”), if then required, the RSTI Capital Securities are redeemable prior to the maturity date of February 22, 2031, at the option of the Company; on or after February 22, 2021 at par; on or after February 22, 2011 at a premium; or upon occurrence of specific events defined within the trust indenture. The Company has the option to defer distributions on the RSTI Capital Securities from time to time for a period not to exceed 10 consecutive semi-annual periods.
The other portion of subordinated debt the Company assumed from REBC was originated on July 22, 2003, by Redwood Statutory Trust II (“RSTII”), a then wholly owned subsidiary of REBC, which closed a financing of 10,000 Capital Securities with a liquidation amount of $1,000 per security. The proceeds of the financing were loaned to REBC in exchange for junior subordinated debentures with terms similar to the RSTII Capital Securities. RSTII became a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company upon acquisition of REBC on March 1, 2005. The sole assets of RSTII are the junior subordinated debentures of the Company and payments thereunder. The junior subordinated debentures and the back-up obligations, in the aggregate, constitute a full and unconditional guarantee by the Company of the obligations of RSTII under the RSTII Capital Securities. As of December 31, 2005, the outstanding principal balance of the RSTII Capital Securities was $10 million including a premium applied in accounting for the REBC acquisition. Distributions on the RSTII Capital Securities, which are payable quarterly at the annual rate of 6.35% for the first five years and then reset to the three month LIBOR plus 3.1% per annum, are included in interest expense, net of premium amortization, in the consolidated financial statements. The junior subordinated debentures are subject to mandatory redemption, in whole or in part, upon repayment of the RSTII Capital Securities at maturity or their earlier redemption at the liquidation amount. Subject to the Company having received prior approval of the FRB, if then required, the RSTII Capital Securities are redeemable prior to the maturity date of July 22, 2033, at the option of the Company; on or after July 22, 2008 at par; or upon occurrence of specific events set forth in the trust indenture. The Company has the option to defer distributions on the RSTII Capital Securities from time to time for a period not to exceed 10 consecutive semi-annual periods.

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Short-term borrowed funds include federal funds purchased, business customers’ sweep accounts, outstanding amounts under a $35 million unsecured line of credit, and securities sold with repurchase agreements which are held in the custody of independent securities brokers. Interest paid on time deposits with balances in excess of $100 thousand was $11.6 million in 2005 and $4.5 million in 2004. The following table summarizes deposits and borrowed funds of the Company for the periods indicated:
                                                 
    2005   2004
    Balance           Weighted   Balance           Weighted
    At   Average   Average   At   Average   Average
    December 31,   Balance   Rate   December 31,   Balance   Rate
    (In thousands)           (In thousands)        
Federal funds purchased
  $ 575,925     $ 550,523       3.24 %   $ 568,275     $ 360,771       1.38 %
Sweep accounts
    158,153       140,362       0.25       163,439       152,299       0.31  
Securities sold under repurchase agreements
    26,825       13,429       2.30       3,709       42,820       0.95  
Line of credit
    14,270       12,670       3.50       0       526       2.72  
FHLB advances
    0       0             0       24,153       3.65  
Time deposits Over $100 thousand
    486,069       444,862       2.58       365,299       350,400       1.27  
                         
Note 7: Shareholders’ Equity
In 1995, the Company adopted the 1995 Stock Option Plan, which was amended and restated in 2003. Stock appreciation rights, restricted performance shares, incentive stock options and non-qualified stock options are available under this plan. Under the terms of the plan, on January 1 of each year beginning in 1995, 2% of the Company’s issued and outstanding shares of common stock will be added to the number of shares available for granting. At December 31, 2005, 2004, and 2003, approximately 1.8 million, 1.7 million and 1.6 million shares, respectively, were available for issuance. Options are granted with an exercise price equal to the fair market value of the related common stock and are generally exercisable in equal annual installments over a three-year period with each installment vesting on the anniversary date of the grant. Each stock option has a maximum ten-year term. A Restricted Performance Share (“RPS”) grant becomes vested after three years of being awarded, provided that the Company has attained its performance goals for such three-year period.
Under the Stock Option Plan adopted by the Company in 1985, 2.3 million shares were reserved for issuance. Stock appreciation rights, incentive stock options and non-qualified stock options are available under this plan. Options are granted with an exercise price equal to fair market value of the related common stock and are generally exercisable in equal annual installments over a three-year period with each installment vesting on the anniversary date of the grant. Each incentive stock option has a maximum ten-year term. The 1985 plan was amended in 1990 to provide for RPS grants. An RPS grant becomes fully vested after three years of being awarded, provided that the Company has attained its performance goals for such three-year period.
Separate stock option plans maintained by acquired companies were terminated following the effective dates of the mergers. All outstanding options were substituted for the Company’s options, adjusted for the exchange ratios as defined in the merger agreements.
Stock Options. A summary of the status of the Company’s stock options as of December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003, and changes during the years ended on those dates, follows:
                                 
    2005     2004  
            Weighted             Weighted  
            Average             Average  
    Number     Exercise     Number     Exercise  
    of shares     Price     of shares     Price  
 
Outstanding at beginning of year
    3,057,530     $ 36       2,972,517     $ 33  
Granted
    559,700       53       539,780       50  
Acquisitions converted
    175,142       26              
Exercised
    (374,317 )     26       (398,877 )     32  
Forfeited
    (148,969 )     51       (55,890 )     42  
 
 
                               
Outstanding at end of year
    3,269,086     $ 39       3,057,530     $ 36  
 
 
                               
Options exercisable at end of year
    2,301,139     $ 35       1,998,611     $ 32  
 

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    2003  
            Weighted  
            Average  
    Number     Exercise  
    of shares     Price  
 
Outstanding at beginning of year
    2,812,127     $ 30  
Granted
    577,880       41  
Acquisitions converted
           
Exercised
    (417,112 )     20  
Forfeited
    (378 )     56  
 
 
               
Outstanding at end of year
    2,972,517     $ 33  
 
 
               
Options exercisable at end of year
    1,900,330     $ 30  
 
The following table summarizes information about options outstanding at December 31, 2005 and 2004:
                                         
2005   Options Outstanding           Options Exercisable
            Weighted                
            Average   Weighted           Weighted
Range of   Number   Remaining   Average   Number   Average
Exercise   Outstanding   Contractual   Exercise   Exercisable   Exercise
   Price   at 12/31/2005   Life (yrs)   Price   at 12/31/2005   Price
 
$ 10 – 15
    17,103       2.0     $ 12       17,103     $ 12  
  15 – 19
    6,863       2.4       17       6,863       17  
  19 – 20
    116,800       1.1       19       116,800       19  
  20 – 24
    417,039       4.1       24       417,039       24  
  32 – 33
    244,650       2.1       33       244,650       33  
  33 – 35
    301,130       3.1       35       301,130       35  
  35 – 40
    720,256       5.6       39       720,256       39  
  40 – 45
    487,573       7.0       41       318,895       41  
  45 – 50
    469,772       8.0       50       158,403       50  
  50 – 55
    487,900       9.0       53       0       0  
 
 
                                       
$ 10 – 55
    3,269,086       5.8     $ 39       2,301,139     $ 35  
 
                                         
2004   Options Outstanding           Options Exercisable
            Weighted                
            Average   Weighted           Weighted
Range of   Number   Remaining   Average   Number   Average
Exercise   Outstanding   Contractual   Exercise   Exercisable   Exercise
  Price   at 12/31/2004   Life (yrs)   Price   at 12/31/2004   Price
 
$ 10 – 15
    11,237       3.3     $ 13       11,237     $ 13  
  15 – 19
    79,650       1.1       15       79,650       15  
  19 – 20
    132,150       2.1       19       132,150       19  
  20 – 24
    429,196       5.1       24       429,196       24  
  32 – 33
    257,760       3.1       33       257,760       33  
  33 – 35
    336,120       4.1       35       336,120       35  
  35 – 40
    763,939       6.6       39       591,960       39  
  40 – 45
    780,988       8.4       44       160,538       41  
  45 – 50
    266,490       9.1       50       0       0  
 
 
                                       
 $10 – 55
    3,057,530       6.1     $ 36       1,998,611     $ 32  
 

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Restricted Performance Shares. A summary of the status of the Company’s RPSs as of December 31, 2005, 2004, and 2003, and changes during the years ended on those dates, follows:
                         
      2005       2004       2003  
 
Outstanding at beginning of year
    57,750       53,900       57,550  
Granted
    20,740       19,610       20,720  
Exercised
    (20,637 )     (15,760 )     (24,370 )
Forfeited
    (14,271 )     0       0  
 
 
                       
Outstanding at end of year
    43,582       57,750       53,900  
 
As of December 31, 2005, 2004, and 2003, the RPSs had a weighted-average contractual life of 1.2, 1.3, and 1.3 years, respectively. The compensation cost that was charged against income for the Company’s RPSs granted was $525 thousand, $1.2 million, and $1.8 million for 2005, 2004, and 2003, respectively. There were no stock appreciation rights or incentive stock options granted in 2005, 2004, and 2003.
No compensation cost has been recognized for stock options. However, the fair value of each non-qualified stock option grant is estimated on the date of the grant using an option pricing model with the following assumptions used for calculating weighted-average non-qualified stock option grants in 2005, 2004, and 2003:
                         
    2005   2004   2003
 
Expected dividend yield
    2.47 %     2.25 %     2.46 %
Expected volatility
    15       15       17  
Risk-free interest rate
    3.91 %     3.41 %     3.30 %
Expected lives
  7.0 years   7.0 years   7.0 years
 
The weighted-average grant date fair values of non-qualified stock options granted during 2005, 2004, and 2003, were $6.61, $6.93, and $5.79, respectively.
A reconciliation of the number of shares used in the basic EPS computation to the amounts used in the diluted EPS computation for the years ended December 31, is as follows:
2005
 
                         
      Net       Number       Per Share  
      Income       of Shares       Amount  
 
    (In thousands, except per share data)
Basic EPS:
                       
Income available to common shareholders
  $ 107,441       32,291     $ 3.33  
Effect of dilutive securities:
                       
Stock options outstanding
          606        
 
                       
Diluted EPS:
                       
Income available to common shareholders plus assumed conversions
  $ 107,441       32,897     $ 3.27  
2004
 
                         
      Net       Number       Per Share  
      Income       of Shares       Amount  
 
    (In thousands, except per share data)
Basic EPS:
                       
Income available to common shareholders
  $ 95,218       31,821     $ 2.99  
Effect of dilutive securities:
                       
Stock options outstanding
          640        
 
 
                       
Diluted EPS:
                       
Income available to common shareholders plus assumed conversions
  $ 95,218       32,461     $ 2.93  
         
 
       

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2003
 
                         
      Net     Number   Per Share
    Income   of Shares     Amount  
 
    (In thousands, except per share data)
Basic EPS:
                       
Income available to common shareholders
  $ 95,063       32,849     $ 2.89  
Effect of dilutive securities:
                       
Stock options outstanding
          520        
 
 
                       
Diluted EPS:
                       
Income available to common shareholders plus assumed conversions
  $ 95,063       33,369     $ 2.85  
Shareholders have authorized two additional classes of stock of one million shares each, to be denominated “Class B Common Stock” and “Preferred Stock,” respectively, in addition to the 150 million shares of common stock presently authorized. At December 31, 2005, no shares of Class B Common Stock or Preferred Stock had been issued.
In December 1986, the Company declared a dividend distribution of one common share purchase right (the “Right”) for each outstanding share of common stock. The Rights, which have been amended and restated in 1989, 1992, 1995, 1999 and 2004, are exercisable only in the event of an acquisition of, or announcement of a tender offer to acquire, 10 percent or more of the Company’s stock without the prior consent of the Board of Directors. If the Rights become exercisable, the holder may purchase one share of the Company’s common stock for $110.00, subject to adjustment. In the event a person or a group has acquired, or obtained the right to acquire, beneficial ownership of securities having 10 percent or more of the voting power of all outstanding voting power of the Company, proper provision shall be made so that each holder of a Right will, for a 60-day period thereafter, have the right to receive upon exercise that number of shares of common stock having a market value of two times the exercise price of the Right, to the extent available, and then a common stock equivalent having a market value of two times the exercise price of the Right. Under certain circumstances, the Rights may be redeemed by the Company at $.001 per Right prior to becoming exercisable and in certain circumstances thereafter. The Rights will expire on the earliest of (i) December 31, 2009, (ii) consummation of a merger transaction meeting certain characteristics or (iii) redemption of the Rights by the Company.
Note 8: Risk-Based Capital
The Company and the Bank are subject to various regulatory capital adequacy requirements administered by federal and state agencies. The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Improvement Act of 1991 (“FDICIA”) required that regulatory agencies adopt regulations defining five capital tiers for banks: well capitalized, adequately capitalized, undercapitalized, significantly undercapitalized and critically undercapitalized. Failure to meet minimum capital requirements can initiate discretionary actions by regulators that, if undertaken, could have a direct, material effect on the Company’s financial statements. Quantitative measures, established by the regulators to ensure capital adequacy, require that the Company and the Bank maintain minimum ratios of capital to risk-weighted assets. There are two categories of capital under the guidelines. Tier 1 capital includes common shareholders’ equity and qualifying preferred stock less goodwill and other deductions including the unrealized net gains and losses, after taxes, of available for sale securities. Tier 2 capital includes preferred stock not qualifying for Tier 1 capital, mandatory convertible debt, subordinated debt, certain unsecured senior debt issued by the Company and the allowance for loan losses, subject to limitations by the guidelines. Under the guidelines, capital is compared to the relative risk of the balance sheet, derived from applying one of four risk weights (0%, 20%, 50% and 100%) to various categories of balance sheet assets and unfunded commitments to extend credit, primarily based on the credit risk of the counterparty. The capital amounts and classification are also subject to qualitative judgments by the regulators about components, risk weighting and other factors.
As of December 31, 2005, the Company and the Bank met all capital adequacy requirements to which they are subject.
The most recent notification from the Federal Reserve Board categorized the Company and the Bank as well capitalized under the FDICIA regulatory framework for prompt corrective action. To be well capitalized, the institution must maintain a total risk-based capital ratio as set forth in the following table and not be subject to a capital directive order. Since that notification, there are no conditions or events that Management believes have changed the risk-based capital category of the Company or the Bank.
         
 
       

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The following table shows capital ratios for the Company and the Bank as of December 31, 2005 and 2004:
                                                 
                                    To Be Well
                                    Capitalized Under
                                    the FDICIA
                    For Capital   Prompt Corrective
December 31, 2005                   Adequacy Purposes   Action Provisions
 
    Amount   Ratio   Amount   Ratio   Amount   Ratio
 
                    (Dollars in thousands)                
Total Capital (to risk-weighted assets)
                                               
Consolidated Company
  $ 339,881       10.40 %   $ 261,378       8.00 %   $ 326,723       10.00 %
Westamerica Bank
    351,842       10.88 %     258,708       8.00 %     323,385       10.00 %
 
                                               
Tier 1 Capital (to risk-weighted assets)
                                               
Consolidated Company
    296,746       9.08 %     130,689       4.00 %     196,034       6.00 %
Westamerica Bank
    305,138       9.44 %     129,354       4.00 %     194,031       6.00 %
 
                                               
Leverage Ratio *
                                               
Consolidated Company
    296,746       6.01 %     197,640       4.00 %     247,050       5.00 %
Westamerica Bank
    305,138       6.22 %     196,368       4.00 %     245,460       5.00 %
 
                                                 
                                    To Be Well
                                    Capitalized Under
                                    the FDICIA
                    For Capital   Prompt Corrective
December 31, 2004                   Adequacy Purposes   Action Provisions
 
    Amount   Ratio   Amount   Ratio   Amount   Ratio
 
                    (Dollars in thousands)                
Total Capital (to risk-weighted assets)
                                               
Consolidated Company
  $ 367,333       12.46 %   $ 235,904       8.00 %   $ 294,880       10.00 %
Westamerica Bank
    330,288       11.32 %     233,380       8.00 %     291,725       10.00 %
 
                                               
Tier 1 Capital (to risk-weighted assets)
                                               
Consolidated Company
    327,070       11.09 %     117,952       4.00 %     176,928       6.00 %
Westamerica Bank
    287,497       9.86 %     116,690       4.00 %     175,035       6.00 %
 
                                               
Leverage Ratio *
                                               
Consolidated Company
    327,070       7.06 %     185,282       4.00 %     231,602       5.00 %
Westamerica Bank
    287,497       6.25 %     184,039       4.00 %     230,049       5.00 %
 
     
*   The leverage ratio consists of Tier 1 capital divided by quarterly average assets excluding certain intangible assets. The minimum leverage ratio guideline is 3.00% for banking organizations that do not anticipate significant growth and that have well-diversified risk, excellent asset quality, high liquidity, good earnings and, in general, are considered top-rated, strong banking organizations.
Note 9: Income Taxes
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for future tax consequences attributable to differences between the amounts reported in the financial statements of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases and operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. Amounts for the current year are based upon estimates and assumptions as of the date of these financial statements and could vary significantly from amounts shown on the tax returns as filed.
The components of the net deferred tax asset as of December 31 are as follows:
                 
      2005       2004  
 
    (In thousands)
Deferred tax asset
               
Allowance for credit losses
  $ 25,033     $ 22,737  
State franchise taxes
    4,964       4,700  
Deferred compensation
    8,354       7,649  
Net operating loss carryforwards
    0       29  
Interest on nonaccrual loans
    147       68  
Post retirement benefits
    1,443       1,299  
Other reserves
    820       516  
Impaired asset writedown
    3,019       3,019  
Other
    1,401       206  
 
 
               
Subtotal deferred tax asset
    45,181       40,223  
Valuation allowance
    0       0  
 
 
               
Total deferred tax asset
    45,181       40,223  
 
 
               
Deferred tax liability
               
Net deferred loan costs
    195       306  
Fixed assets
    484       496  
Intangible assets
    11,047       928  
Securities available for sale
    1,365       6,993  
Leases
    531       1,422  
Other
    417       398  
 
 
               
Total deferred tax liability
    14,039       10,543  
 
 
               
Net deferred tax asset
  $ 31,142     $ 29,680  
 
Based on Management’s judgment, a valuation allowance is not needed to reduce the gross deferred tax asset because it is more likely than not that the gross deferred tax asset will be realized through recoverable taxes or future taxable income. Net deferred tax assets are included with
         
 
       

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Interest Receivable and Other Assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
The provision for federal and state income taxes consists of amounts currently payable and amounts deferred which, for the years ended December 31, are as follows:
                         
      2005       2004       2003  
 
    (In thousands)
Current income tax expense:
                       
Federal
  $ 28,604     $ 28,619     $ 26,182  
State
    13,358       14,191       13,517  
 
 
                       
Total current
    41,962       42,810       39,699  
 
 
                       
Deferred income tax (benefit) expense:                
Federal
    (1,058 )     (4,526 )     (542 )
State
    (413 )     (1,139 )     (11 )
 
 
                       
Total deferred
    (1,471 )     (5,665 )     (553 )
 
 
                       
Provision for income taxes
  $ 40,491     $ 37,145     $ 39,146  
 
The provision for income taxes differs from the provision computed by applying the statutory federal income tax rate of 35% to income before taxes, as follows:
                         
      2005       2004       2003  
 
    (In thousands)
Federal income taxes due at statutory rate
  $ 51,776     $ 46,327     $ 46,973  
(Reductions) increases in income taxes resulting from:
                       
Interest on state and municipal securities not taxable for federal income tax purposes
    (15,282 )     (13,981 )     (12,921 )
State franchise taxes, net of federal income tax benefit
    8,414       8,483       8,779  
Costs related to acquisitions
    70       49        
Low income housing tax credits
    (2,299 )     (1,925 )     (1,749 )
Other
    (2,188 )     (1,808 )     (1,936 )
 
 
                       
Provision for income taxes
  $ 40,491     $ 37,145     $ 39,146  
 
At December 31, 2005, the company had no net operating loss and general tax credit carryforwards for tax return purposes.
         
 
       

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Note 10: Fair Value of Financial Instruments
The fair values presented represent the Company’s best estimate of fair value using the methodologies discussed below. The fair values of financial instruments which have a relatively short period of time between their origination and their expected realization were valued using historical cost. The values assigned do not necessarily represent amounts which ultimately may be realized. In addition, these values do not give effect to discounts to fair value which may occur when financial instruments are sold in larger quantities. Such financial instruments and their estimated fair values at December 31 were:
                 
    2005   2004
    (In thousands)
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 209,273     $ 126,153  
Money market assets
    534       534  
Interest and taxes receivable
    60,733       60,437  
Noninterest bearing and interest-bearing transaction and savings deposits
    3,100,625       2,957,399  
Short-term borrowed funds
    775,173       735,423  
Interest payable
    4,793       2,117  
 
The fair values at December 31 of the following financial instruments were estimated using quoted market prices:
                                 
    2005   2004
    Book Value   Fair Value   Book Value   Fair Value
    (In thousands)
Investment securities available for sale
  $ 662,388     $ 662,388     $ 931,710     $ 931,710  
Investment securities held to maturity
    1,337,216       1,323,782       1,260,832       1,265,986  
 
Loans were separated into two groups for valuation. Variable rate loans, except for those described below, which reprice frequently with changes in market rates were valued using historical cost. Fixed rate loans and variable rate loans that have reached their maximum contractual interest rates were valued by discounting the future cash flows expected to be received from the loans using current interest rates charged on loans with similar characteristics. Additionally, the $55.8 million allowance for loan losses in 2005 and $54.2 million in 2004 were applied against the estimated fair values to recognize estimated future defaults of contractual cash flows. The book values and the estimated fair values of loans at December 31 were:
                                 
    2005   2004
    Book Value   Fair Value   Book Value   Fair Value
    (In thousands)
Loans
  $ 2,616,372     $ 2,597,931     $ 2,246,078     $ 2,253,939  
 
The fair values of time deposits and notes payable were estimated by discounting future cash flows related to these financial instruments using current market rates for financial instruments with similar characteristics. The book values and the estimated fair values at December 31 were:
                                 
    2005   2004
    Book Value   Fair Value   Book Value   Fair Value
    (In thousands)
Time deposits
  $ 745,476     $ 741,127     $ 626,220     $ 626,737  
Senior notes payable
    18,214       17,089       21,429       21,927  
Subordinated notes
    22,067       21,485              
 
The majority of the Company’s standby letters of credit and other commitments to extend credit carry current market interest rates if converted to loans. No premium or discount was ascribed to these commitments because virtually all funding would be at current market rates.
Note 11: Lease Commitments
Twenty-eight banking offices and a centralized administrative service center are owned and sixty-nine facilities are leased. Substantially all the leases contain multiple renewal options and provisions for rental increases, principally for cost of living index, property taxes and maintenance. The Company also leases certain pieces of equipment.
Minimum future rental payments, net of sublease income, at December 31, 2005, are as follows:
         
    (In thousands)
2006
  $ 5,906  
2007
    5,023  
2008
    4,215  
2009
    3,387  
2010
    2,938  
Thereafter
    9,506  
 
 
       
Total minimum lease payments
  $ 30,975  
 
Total rentals for premises and equipment, net of sublease income, included in noninterest expense were $5.1 million in 2005, $4.8 million in 2004 and $4.5 million in 2003.
Note 12: Commitments and 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 $491.1 million and $410.0 million at December 31, 2005 and 2004, 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 $30.1 million and $22.5 million at December 31, 2005 and 2004, respectively.
     
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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.
Note 13: Retirement Benefit Plans
The Company sponsors a defined contribution Deferred Profit-Sharing Plan covering substantially all of its salaried employees with one or more years of service. Eligible employees become vested in account balances subject to a five-year cliff vesting schedule. Company contributions charged to noninterest expense were $1.6 million in 2005, 2004 and 2003.
In addition to the Deferred Profit-Sharing Plan, all salaried employees are eligible to participate in the Tax Deferred Savings/Retirement Plan (ESOP) upon completion of a 90-day introductory period. The Tax Deferred Savings/ Retirement Plan (ESOP) allows employees to defer, on a pretax basis, a portion of their salaries as contributions to this Plan. Participants may invest in several funds, including one fund that invests exclusively in Westamerica Bancorporation common stock. The matching contributions by the Company vest immediately; such contributions charged to compensation expense were $1.5 million in 2005, 2004 and 2003.
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. The Company pays a portion of these early retirees’ insurance premiums which are determined at their date of retirement. The Company had also reimbursed Medicare Part B premiums for all qualifying retirees over age 65 and their spouses. In 2004 the Company started to reimburse 50 percent of Medicare Part B premiums for all retirees and spouses over age 65. The Company uses an actuarial-based accrual method of accounting for post-retirement benefits. The Company uses a September 30 measurement date for determining post-retirement benefit calculations.
The following table sets forth the net periodic post-retirement benefit cost for the years ended December 31 and the funded status of the post-retirement benefit plan and the change in the benefit obligation as of December 31:
                         
(In thousands)   2005   2004   2003
 
Service cost
  $ 189     $ 190     $ 243  
Interest cost
    211       196       181  
Amortization of unrecognized transition obligation
    61       61       61  
 
Net periodic cost
  $ 461     $ 447     $ 485  
 
 
                       
Change in benefit obligation
                       
Benefit obligation at beginning of year
  $ 4,016     $ 3,736     $ 3,455  
Service cost
    189       190       243  
Interest cost
    211       196       181  
Benefits paid
    (119 )     (106 )     (143 )
 
                       
 
Benefit obligation at end of year
  $ 4,297     $ 4,016     $ 3,736  
 
 
                       
Accumulated post retirement benefit obligation attributable to:
                       
Retirees
  $ 2,933     $ 2,686     $ 2,536  
Fully eligible participants
    1,116       1,067       931  
Other
    248       263       269  
 
Total
  $ 4,297     $ 4,016     $ 3,736  
 
 
                       
 
Fair value of plan assets
  $     $     $  
 
 
                       
Accumulated post retirement benefit obligation in excess of plan assets
  $ 4,297     $ 4,016     $ 3,736  
 
 
                       
Comprised of:
                       
Unrecognized transition obligation
  $ 734     $ 795     $ 857  
Recognized post-retirement obligation
    3,563       3,221       2,879  
 
Total
  $ 4,297     $ 4,016     $ 3,736  
 
     
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Additional Information
Assumptions
                         
    2005   2004   2003
 
Weighted-average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations and net periodic benefit cost at December 31
                       
 
                       
Discount rate
    5.50 %     5.25 %     5.25 %
The above discount rate is based on the Corporate A 10-year bond rate, the term of which approximates the term of the benefit obligations. The Company reserves the right to terminate or alter post-employment health benefits, which is considered in estimating the increase in the cost of providing such benefits. The assumed annual average rate of inflation used to measure the expected cost of benefits covered by the plan was 6.50 percent for 2006 and beyond.
Assumed benefit inflation rates have a significant effect on the amounts reported for health care plans. A one percentage point change in the assumed benefit inflation rate would have the following effect on 2005 results:
                 
    One Percentage   One Percentage
(in thousands)   Point Increase   Point Decrease
 
Effect on total service and and interest cost components
  $ 216       ($180 )
 
               
Effect on post-retirement benefit obligation
    653       (651 )
Note 14: Related Party Transactions
Certain directors and executive officers of the Company and/or its subsidiaries were loan customers of the Bank during 2005 and 2004. All such loans were made in the ordinary course of business on normal credit terms, including interest rate and collateral requirements. In the opinion of Management, these credit transactions did not involve, at the time they were contracted, more than the normal risk of collectibility or present other unfavorable features. The table below reflects information concerning loans to certain directors and executive officers and/or family members during 2005 and 2004:
                 
    2005   2004
    (In thousands)
Beginning balance
  $ 2,332     $ 2,331  
Originations
    0       55  
Payoffs/principal payments
    (51 )     (54 )
Other changes*
    (947 )      
 
 
               
At December 31,
  $ 1,334     $ 2,332  
 
 
Percent of total loans outstanding
    0.05 %     0.10 %
 
*   Other changes in 2005 include loans to former directors and executive officers who are no longer related parties.
Note 15: Regulatory Matters
Payment of dividends to the Company by the Bank is limited under regulations for Federal Reserve member banks. The amount that can be paid in any calendar year, without prior approval from regulatory agencies, cannot exceed the net profits (as defined) for that year plus the net profits of the preceding two calendar years less dividends paid. Under this regulation, Westamerica Bank sought and obtained approval during 2005 to pay to the Company dividends of $122.0 million in excess of net profits as defined. The Company consistently has paid quarterly dividends to its shareholders since its formation in 1972. As of December 31, 2005, $190.4 million was available for payment of dividends by the Company to its shareholders.
The Bank is required to maintain reserves with the Federal Reserve Bank equal to a percentage of its reservable deposits. The Bank’s daily average on deposit at the Federal Reserve Bank was $17.5 million in 2005 and $22.5 million in 2004.
     
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Note 16: Westamerica Bancorporation (Parent Company Only)
Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income
                         
For the years ended December 31,   2005   2004   2003
    (In thousands)
Dividends from subsidiaries
  $ 126,464     $ 98,436     $ 91,390  
Interest income
    350       394       289  
Other income
    8,379       5,758       5,660  
 
 
                       
Total income
    135,193       104,588       97,339  
 
 
Interest on borrowings
    2,787       1,298       892  
Salaries and benefits
    5,952       5,850       6,790  
Other expense
    2,815       2,365       2,394  
 
 
                       
Total expenses
    11,554       9,513       10,076  
 
 
Income before taxes and equity in undistributed income of subsidiaries
    123,639       95,075       87,263  
Income tax benefit
    2,423       2,321       2,787  
Earnings of subsidiaries (less) greater than subsidiary dividends
    (18,621 )     (2,178 )     5,013  
 
 
                       
Net income
  $ 107,441     $ 95,218     $ 95,063  
 
 
Comprehensive income, net:
                       
Change in unrealized (loss) on securities available for sale, net
    (7,756 )     (3,553 )     (5,961 )
 
 
                       
Comprehensive income
  $ 99,685     $ 91,665     $ 89,102  
 
Balance Sheets
                 
Balances as of December 31,   2005   2004
    (In thousands)
Assets
               
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 1,196     $ 37,909  
Money market assets and investment securities available for sale
    7,213       10,004  
Investment in subsidiaries
    462,608       324,346  
Premises and equipment, net
    12,185       12,198  
Accounts receivable from subsidiaries
    482       586  
Other assets
    15,656       12,612  
 
 
               
Total assets
  $ 499,340     $ 397,655  
 
 
Liabilities
               
Debt financing and notes payable
  $ 40,901     $ 21,429  
Other liabilities
    31,725       17,617  
 
 
               
Total liabilities
    72,626       39,046  
Shareholders’ equity
    426,714       358,609  
 
 
               
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
  $ 499,340     $ 397,655  
 
     
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Table of Contents

Statements of Cash Flows
                         
For the years ended December 31,   2005     2004     2003  
 
    (In thousands)        
Operating Activities
                       
Net income
  $ 107,441     $ 95,218     $ 95,063  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
                       
Depreciation
    351       321       536  
Decrease in accounts receivable from affiliates
    99       (39 )     25  
Decrease (increase) in other assets
    (171 )     (275 )     (1,804 )
Provision for deferred income tax
    4,902       8,251       2,226  
(Decrease) increase in other liabilities
    (109 )     2,973       3,085  
Earnings of subsidiaries less (greater) than subsidiary dividends
    18,621       2,178       (5,013 )
Gain on sales of real estate
    (1,331 )            
 
 
                       
Net cash provided by operating activities
    129,803       108,627       94,118  
 
                       
Investing Activities
                       
Net cash used in merger and acquisition
    (54,032 )     0       0  
(Purchases) sales of premises and equipment
    (339 )     (146 )     376  
Net decrease (increase) in short term investments
    15       (4 )     (5 )
Proceeds from sale of real estate
    1,752              
 
 
                       
Net cash (used) provided by investing activities
    (52,604 )     (150 )     371  
 
                       
Financing Activities
                       
Increase (decrease) in short-term debt
    14,269       0       (1,800 )
Net (reductions) increases in notes payable and long-term borrowings
    (3,338 )     (3,214 )     11,786  
Exercise of stock options/issuance of shares
    9,830       12,572       8,176  
Retirement of common stock including repurchases
    (95,351 )     (55,444 )     (70,769 )
Dividends
    (39,322 )     (35,090 )     (32,935 )
 
 
                       
Net cash used in financing activities
    (113,912 )     (81,176 )     (85,542 )
 
 
                       
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
    (36,713 )     27,301       8,947  
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
    37,909       10,608       1,661  
 
 
                       
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year
  $ 1,196     $ 37,909     $ 10,608  
 
 
                       
Supplemental disclosure:
                       
Unrealized loss on securities available for sale, net
  $ (7,756 )   $ (3,553 )   $ (5,961 )
Issuance of common stock in connection with acquisitions
    89,538              

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Note 17: Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited)
                                 
    March 31,   June 30,   September 30,   December 31,
 
    (In thousands, except per share data and  
    price range of common stock)  
2005
                               
Interest and fee income (FTE)
  $ 63,376     $ 67,769     $ 68,021     $ 68,349  
Net interest income (FTE)
    55,019       57,023       55,993       55,830  
Provision for loan losses
    300       300       150       150  
Noninterest income
    7,195       15,479       17,440       14,427  
Noninterest expense
    25,140       26,757       26,791       26,168  
Income before taxes (FTE)
    36,774       45,445       46,492       43,939  
Net income
    22,733       27,914       29,194       27,599  
Basic earnings per share
    0.71       0.85       0.90       0.86  
Diluted earnings per share
    0.70       0.84       0.89       0.85  
Dividends paid per share
    0.30       0.30       0.30       0.32  
Price range, common stock
    50.82-58.44       48.48-54.11       49.90-56.25       47.33-55.48  
 
 
                               
2004
                               
Interest and fee income (FTE)
  $ 60,120     $ 58,868     $ 59,570     $ 60,542  
Net interest income (FTE)
    54,605       54,271       54,528       54,589  
Provision for loan losses
    750       750       600       600  
Noninterest income
    10,866       11,661       11,788       4,268  
Noninterest expense
    24,992       24,990       24,491       24,278  
Income before taxes (FTE)
    39,729       40,192       41,225       33,979  
Net income
    24,314       24,644       25,095       21,165  
Basic earnings per share
    0.76       0.78       0.79       0.66  
Diluted earnings per share
    0.74       0.76       0.78       0.65  
Dividends paid per share
    0.26       0.28       0.28       0.28  
Price range, common stock
    47.85-51.63       47.58-52.99       49.04-55.80       54.43-61.05  
 
 
                               
2003
                               
Interest and fee income (FTE)
  $ 61,799     $ 61,733     $ 60,552     $ 60,520  
Net interest income (FTE)
    54,062       54,324       54,264       54,757  
Provision for loan losses
    900       900       750       750  
Noninterest income
    10,375       11,036       11,013       10,492  
Noninterest expense
    25,535       25,476       25,534       25,158  
Income before taxes (FTE)
    38,002       38,984       38,993       39,341  
Net income
    23,012       23,671       24,073       24,307  
Basic earnings per share
    0.70       0.72       0.73       0.74  
Diluted earnings per share
    0.69       0.71       0.72       0.73  
Dividends paid per share
    0.24       0.24       0.26       0.26  
Price range, common stock
    38.07-41.94       39.24-44.66       42.67-45.76       44.45-53.55  
 
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
The Board of Directors
Westamerica Bancorporation:
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Westamerica Bancorporation and Subsidiaries (the Company) as of December 31, 2005 and 2004, and the related consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income, changes in shareholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2005. These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Westamerica Bancorporation and Subsidiaries as of December 31, 2005 and 2004, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2005, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2005, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO)”, and our report dated March 6, 2006 expressed an unqualified opinion on management’s assessment of, and the effective operation of, internal control over financial reporting.
     
/s/KPMG LLP
   
 
KPMG LLP
   
 
   
San Francisco, California
   
March 6, 2006
   
ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
None.

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ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
The Company’s principal executive officer and the person performing the functions of the Company’s 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 December 31, 2005. Based upon their evaluation, the principal executive officer and principal financial officer concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective. The evaluation did not identify any change in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the quarter ended December 31, 2005 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting and the attestation Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm are found on pages 32-33, immediately preceding the financial statements.
ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION
None.
PART III
ITEM 10. DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT
The information regarding Directors of the Registrant and compliance with Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 required by this Item 10 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K is incorporated by reference from the information contained under the captions “Board of Directors and Committees”, “Proposal 1 — Election of Directors” and “Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance” in the Company’s Proxy Statement for its 2006 Annual Meeting of Shareholders which will be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
Executive Officers
The executive officers of the Corporation and Westamerica Bank serve at the pleasure of the Board of Directors and are subject to annual appointment by the Board at its first meeting following the Annual Meeting of Shareholders. It is anticipated that each of the executive officers listed below will be reappointed to serve in such capacities at that meeting.
             
        Held
Name of Executive   Position   Since
David L. Payne
  Mr. Payne, born in 1955, is the Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation. Mr. Payne is President and Chief Executive Officer of Gibson Printing and Publishing Company and Gibson Radio and Publishing Company which are newspaper, commercial printing and real estate investment companies headquartered in Vallejo, California.     1984  
 
           
John “Robert” Thorson
  Mr. Thorson, born in 1960, is Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer for the Corporation. Mr. Thorson joined Westamerica Bancorporation in 1989, was Vice President and Manager of Human Resources from 1995 until 2001 and was Senior Vice President and and Treasurer from 2002 until 2005.     2005  
 
           
Jennifer J. Finger
  Ms. Finger, born in 1954, is Senior Vice President and Treasurer for the Corporation. Ms. Finger joined Westamerica Corporation in 1997, was Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer until 2005.     2005  
 
           
Dennis R. Hansen
  Mr. Hansen, born in 1950, is Senior Vice President and manager of the Operations and Systems Administration of Westamerica Bank. Mr. Hansen joined Westamerica Bancorporation in 1978 and was Senior Vice President and Controller for the Corporation until 2005.     2006  
 
           
Frank R. Zbacnik
  Mr. Zbacnik, born in 1947, is Senior Vice President and Chief Credit Administrator of Westamerica Bank. Mr. Zbacnik joined Westamerica Bank in 1984 and was Vice President and Manager of Consumer Credit from 1995 until 2000.     2001  
The Company has adopted a Code of Ethics (as defined in Item 406 of Regulation S-K of the Securities Act of 1933) that is applicable to its senior financial officers including its chief executive officer, chief financial officer, and principal accounting officer & controller. This Code of Ethics has been filed as Exhibit 14 to this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

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The information required by this Item 11 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K is incorporated by reference from the information contained under the captions “Executive Compensation” in the Company’s Proxy Statement for its 2006 Annual Meeting of Shareholders which will be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
The information required by this Item 12 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K is incorporated by reference from the information contained under the caption “Stock Ownership” in the Company’s Proxy Statement for its 2006 Annual Meeting of Shareholders which will be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
The information required by this Item 13 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K is incorporated by reference from the information contained under the caption “Corporation Transactions with Directors and Management” in the Company’s Proxy Statement for its 2006 Annual Meeting of Shareholders which will be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES
The information required by this Item 14 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K is incorporated by reference from the information contained under the caption “Independent Auditors” in the Company’s Proxy Statement for its 2006 Annual Meeting of Shareholders which will be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
PART IV
ITEM 15. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
     
(a) 1.
  Financial Statements:
 
   
 
  See Index to Financial Statements on page 32. The financial statements included in Item 8 are filed as part of this report.
 
   
(a) 2.
  Financial statement schedules required. No financial statement schedules are filed as part of this report since the required information is included in the consolidated financial statements, including the notes thereto, or the circumstances requiring inclusion of such schedules are not present.
 
   
(a) 3.
  Exhibits:
 
  The exhibit list required by this item is incorporated by reference to the Exhibit Index filed with this report.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
WESTAMERICA BANCORPORATION
     
/s/ John “Robert” Thorson
   
 
   
John “Robert” Thorson
   
Senior Vice President
   
and Chief Financial Officer
   
(Chief Financial and Accounting Officer)
   
 
   
Date: March 10, 2006
   
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities and on the date indicated.
         
Signature   Title   Date
 
/s/ David L. Payne
  Chairman of the Board and Director   March 10, 2006
 
David L. Payne
  President and Chief Executive Officer    
 
       
/s/ John “Robert” Thorson
  Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer   March 10, 2006
 
John “Robert” Thorson
  (Chief Financial and Accounting Officer)    

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Signature   Title   Date
 
/s/ Etta Allen
  Director   March 10, 2006
 
Etta Allen
       
 
       
/s/ Louis E. Bartolini
  Director   March 10, 2006
 
Louis E. Bartolini
       
 
       
/s/ E. Joseph Bowler
  Director   March 10, 2006
 
E. Joseph Bowler
       
 
       
/s/ Arthur C. Latno, Jr.
  Director   March 10, 2006
 
Arthur C. Latno, Jr.
       
 
       
/s/ Patrick D. Lynch
  Director   March 10, 2006
 
Patrick D. Lynch
       
 
       
/s/ Catherine C. MacMillan
  Director   March 10, 2006
 
Catherine C. MacMillan
       
 
       
/s/ Ronald A. Nelson
  Director   March 10, 2006
 
Ronald A. Nelson
       
 
       
/s/ Carl R. Otto
  Director   March 10, 2006
 
Carl Otto
       
 
       
/s/ Edward B. Sylvester
  Director   March 10, 2006
 
Edward B. Sylvester
       
     
Exhibit    
Number    
2(d)
  Agreement and Plan of Reorganization, dated August 25, 2004, among Westamerica Bancorporation, Westamerica Bank and Redwood Empire Bancorp and National Bank of the Redwoods, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 of Registrant’s Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 27, 2004.
 
   
3(a)
  Restated Articles of Incorporation (composite copy), incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3(a) to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1997, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 30, 1998.
 
   
3(b)
  By-laws, as amended (composite copy), incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3(i) to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the third quarter ended September 30, 2003, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 13, 2003.
 
   
4(a)
  Amended and Restated Rights Agreement dated December 31, 2004, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99 to the Registrant’s Form 8-A/A, Amendment No. 4, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 22, 2004.
 
   
10(a)*
  Amended and Restated Stock Option Plan of 1995, incorporated by reference to Exhibit A to the Registrant’s definitive Proxy Statement pursuant to Regulation 14(a) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 17, 2003.
 
   
10(c)
  Note Purchase Agreement by and between Westamerica Bancorporation and The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company dated as of October 30, 2003, pursuant to which registrant issued its 5.31% Senior Notes due October 31, 2013 in the principal amount of $15 million and form of 5.31% Senior Note due October 31, 2013 incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4 of Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the third quarter ended September 30, 2003, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 13, 2003.
 
   
10(d)*
  Westamerica Bancorporation Chief Executive Officer Deferred Compensation Agreement by and between Westamerica Bancorporation and David L. Payne, dated December 18, 1998 incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(e) to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1999, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 29, 2000.
 
   
10(e)*
  Description of Executive Cash Bonus Program incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(e) to Exhibit 2.1 of Registrant’s Form 8-K

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Exhibit    
Number    
 
  filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 11, 2005.
 
   
10(f)*
  Non-Qualified Annuity Performance Agreement with David L. Payne dated November 19, 1997 incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(f) to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2004, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 15, 2005.
 
   
10(g)*
  Amended and Restated Westamerica Bancorporation Stock Option Plan of 1995 Nonstatutory Stock Option Agreement Form incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(g) to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2004, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 15, 2005.
 
   
10(h)*
  Amended and Restated Westamerica Bancorporation Stock Option Plan of 1995 Restricted Performance Share Grant Agreement Form incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(h) to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2004, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 15, 2005.
 
   
10(i)*
  Westamerica Bancorporation and Subsidiaries Deferred Compensation Plan
 
   
10(j)*
  Westamerica Bancorporation Deferral Plan (Adopted October 26, 1995)
 
   
10(k)*
  Form of Restricted Performance Share Deferral Election pursuant to the Westamerica Bancorporation Deferral Plan
 
   
11
  Computation of Earnings Per Share on common and common equivalent shares and on common shares assuming full dilution.
 
   
14
  Code of Ethics incorporated by reference to Exhibit 14 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2003, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 10, 2004.
 
   
21
  Subsidiaries of the registrant.
 
   
23(a)
  Consent of KPMG LLP
 
   
31.1
  Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Securities Exchange Act Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a)
 
   
31.2
  Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Securities Exchange Act Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a)
 
   
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
 
   
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
 
*   Indicates management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.
 
The Company will furnish to shareholders a copy of any exhibit listed above, but not contained herein, upon written request to the Office of the Corporate Secretary A-2M, Westamerica Bancorporation, P.O. Box 1200, Suisun City, California 94585-1200, and payment to the Company of $.25 per page.

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