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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, 2007
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 or Other Jurisdiction
of Incorporation or Organization)
  94-2156203
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification Number)
1108 FIFTH AVENUE, SAN RAFAEL, CALIFORNIA 94901
(Address of principal executive offices) (zip code)
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (707) 863-6000
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
     
Title of class:   Name of each exchange on which registered:
     
Common Stock, no par value, and attached   The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC
Common Stock Purchase Rights    
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. YES 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 (section 229.405) 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, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
      Large accelerated filer þ               Accelerated filer o                         Non-accelerated filer o                         Smaller reporting company o
                                        (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). YES o     NO þ
The aggregate market value of the Common Stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant as of June 30, 2007 as reported on the NASDAQ Global Select Market, was approximately $1,271,005,549.81. Shares of Common Stock held by each executive 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 February 21, 2008
28,836,689 Shares
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
Portions of the definitive Proxy Statement relating to registrant’s Annual Meeting of Shareholders, to be held on April 24, 2008, are incorporated by reference in Items 10, 11, 12, 13 and 14 of Part III to the extent described therein.
 
 

 


 

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 EXHIBIT 21
 EXHIBIT 23.(a)
 EXHIBIT 31.1
 EXHIBIT 31.2
 EXHIBIT 32.1
 EXHIBIT 32.2

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FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This 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) fluctuations in asset prices including, but not limited to, stocks, bonds, real estate, and commodities; (3) economic uncertainty created by terrorist threats and attacks on the United States, the actions taken in response, and the uncertain effect of these events on the national and regional economies; (4) changes in the interest rate environment; (5) changes in the regulatory environment; (6) significantly 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 loans, deposits and investments; (10) asset/liability management risks and liquidity risks; (11) changes in liquidity levels in capital markets; and (12) changes in the securities markets. The Company undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements in this report. See also “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 (“BHCA”). Its legal headquarters are located at 1108 Fifth Avenue, San Rafael, California 94901. Principal administrative offices are located at 4550 Mangels Boulevard, 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 owned 100% of the capital stock of Community Banker Services Corporation (“CBSC”), a company engaged in providing the Company and its subsidiaries with data processing services and other support functions. In February 2008, the Company contributed 100% of the capital stock of CBSC to the Bank, such that CBSC became a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Bank.
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 five aforementioned 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 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 $150 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, NBR had approximately $440 million in loans and $370 million in deposits.
At December 31, 2007, the Company had consolidated assets of approximately $4.6 billion, deposits of approximately $3.3 billion and shareholders’ equity of approximately $394.6 million. The Company and its subsidiaries employed approximately 874 full-time equivalent staff as of December 31, 2007.
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 director, officer and 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

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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 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.
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 an 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 an 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 an FHC has commenced one or more of the financial activities. The Company has not elected to become an 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 future effect of the foregoing legislation on its business, although there is likely to be consolidation among financial services institutions and increased competition for the Company.

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Regulation and Supervision of Banks
The Bank is a California state-chartered bank and its deposits are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (the “FDIC”). Prior to January 14, 2008, the Bank was also a member 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 prior to January 14, 2008 and by the FDIC after January 14, 2008. 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, shareholder 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. While a member of the Federal Reserve System, the Bank’s investment authority was limited by regulations promulgated by the FRB prior to January 14, 2008. 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 resulting in assets being recognized on the balance sheet as assets, and the extension of credit facilities 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 the evaluation of a bank’s capital adequacy.
As of December 31, 2007, the Company’s and the Bank’s respective ratios exceeded applicable regulatory requirements. See Note 10 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 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 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.

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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. 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 the President 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.
In the fourth quarter of 2006, the FDIC adopted two final rules implementing the Federal Deposit Insurance Reform Act of 2005. One rule creates a new system for risk-based assessments and sets assessment rates beginning January 1, 2007. Assessment rates are three basis points above the base rates, ranging from 5 to 7 basis for Risk Category I institutions, 10 basis points for Risk Category II institutions, 28 basis points for Risk Category III institutions, and 43 basis points for Risk Category IV institutions. The Bank is categorized as a Risk Category I institution. The other rule sets the designated reserve ratio at 1.25 percent. In October of 2006, FDIC’s Board adopted a final rule governing the distribution and use of the $4.7 billion one-time assessment credit and a temporary final rule that expires at the end of 2009 governing dividends from the insurance fund. The Bank had assessment credits of approximately $4 million as of December 31, 2007.

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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 financial institutions 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 and Customer Information Security
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. 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.

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Recent Developments
Programs To Mitigate Identity Theft.
In November 2007, federal banking agencies together with the NCUA and FTC adopted regulations under the Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act of 2003 to require financial institutions and other creditors to develop and implement a written identity theft prevention program to detect, prevent and mitigate identity theft in connection with certain new and existing accounts. Covered accounts generally include consumer accounts and other accounts that present a reasonably foreseeable risk of identity theft. Each institution’s program must include policies and procedures designed to: (i) identify indicators, or “red flags,” of possible risk of identity theft based; (ii) detect the occurrence of red flags; (iii) respond appropriately to red flags that are detected; and (iv) ensure that the program is updated periodically as appropriate to address changing circumstances. The regulations include guidelines that each institution must consider and, to the extent appropriate, include in its program.
Administration Response to Subprime Mortgage Crisis.
The Bank did not originate subprime mortgages and does not hold subprime investments, but the value of real estate collateral securing its mortgages may be affected by residential real estate values in its service area. In 2007 the subprime mortgage market suffered substantial losses. Subprime mortgages generally include residential real estate loans made to borrowers with certain credit deficiencies, most using relaxed underwriting and documentation standards and usually with adjustable interest rates that reset upward after an introductory period. The combination of falling real estate prices and upward interest rate and payment adjustments has caused the default rate on subprime mortgages to increase. In December 2007, the Bush administration announced a proposal to freeze interest rates on certain subprime mortgages at pre-adjustment levels for up to five years in an effort to minimize residential foreclosures and bring some stability to home prices. As currently described, the proposal would benefit residential owner-occupants who are not yet in default but are likely to default after interest rate and payment adjustments are put into effect; those already in default and those who are presumed able to afford their adjusted payments would not be covered. No assurance can be given whether this proposal will ultimately be adopted, what revisions might be made before adoption, how many borrowers will be affected by it or what effect it may have on foreclosures and home prices. In addition to the Bush administration proposal, various state and federal legislative proposals are pending and could be enacted.
Pending Legislation
Changes to state laws and regulations (including changes in interpretation or enforcement) can affect the operating environment of BHCs 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 level of enforcement and compliance-related activities of federal and state authorities will continue and potentially increase.
Competition
In the past, the Bank’s principal competitors for deposits and loans have been other banks (particularly major banks) and smaller community 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 future impact of these changes, and of other proposed changes, cannot be predicted with certainty, it is clear that the business of banking 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.

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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 of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Asset and Liability Management” and “- Liquidity” and “Item 7A Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk” is incorporated by reference in this paragraph. The Company’s income and cash flow depend to a great extent on the difference between the interest earned on loans and investment securities compared to the interest paid on deposits and other borrowings, and the Company’s success in competing for loans and deposits. 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 Open Market Committee of the FRB. Changes in monetary policy, including changes in interest rates, will influence the origination of loans, the purchase of investments, the generation of deposits and other borrowings, and the rates received on loans and investment securities and paid on deposits and other liabilities.
Changes in capital market conditions could reduce asset valuations.
Capital market conditions, including liquidity, investor confidence, perceived counter-party risk, the supply of and demand for financial instruments, the financial strength of market participants, and other factors, could negatively impact the value of financial instruments. An impairment in the value of the Company’s assets could result in asset write-downs, reducing the Company’s asset values, earnings, and equity.
Risks Related to the Nature and Geographical Location of the Company’s Business
The Company invests in loans that contain inherent credit risks that may cause the Company to incur losses.
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 Company’s business is located in California. A portion of the loan portfolio of the Company is dependent on real estate. At December 31, 2007, real estate served as the principal source of collateral with respect to approximately 57% of the Company’s loan portfolio. The Company’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 construction and real estate sectors, 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 Company. Many of the Company’s loans are secured by collateral that includes real estate located in California. In 2007 and early 2008, much of the California and national real estate market experienced a decline in values of varying degrees. This decline could have an adverse impact on the businesses of some of the Company’s borrowers and on the value of the collateral for many of the Company’s loans.
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 Company’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 Company 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 Company’s business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

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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 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 Company’s customers and not for the benefit of investors. In the past, the Company’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 future acts of terrorism, major U.S. corporate bankruptcies and reports of accounting irregularities at U.S. public companies.
Additionally, the Company’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 FRB, which regulates the supply of money and credit in the United States of America. Under long- standing policy of the FRB, a BHC 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 FRB 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 FRB 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 “Item 7 Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — 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 29.0 million were outstanding at December 31, 2007. Pursuant to its stock option plans, at December 31, 2007, the Company had exercisable options outstanding of 2.4 million. As of December 31, 2007, 2.7 million shares of Company common stock remained available for grants under the Company’s stock option plans. Sales of substantial amounts of Company common stock in the public market could adversely affect the market price of its common stock. The Company repurchases and retires its common stock in accordance with Board of Directors approved share repurchase programs. At December 31, 2007, 1.4 million shares remained available to repurchase under such plans.

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ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
None
ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
Branch Offices and Facilities
WAB is engaged in the banking business through 86 offices in 21 counties in Northern and Central California including 13 offices in Fresno County, 11 each in Marin and Sonoma Counties, seven in Napa County, five each in Stanislaus, Lake, Contra Costa and Solano Counties, four in Kern, County, 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 26 branch office locations and one administrative facility and leases 70 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
During 2007, Visa announced that it completed restructuring transactions in preparation for an initial public offering planned for early 2008, and, as part of those transactions, the Bank’s membership interest in Visa was exchanged for an equity interest in Visa Inc. In accordance with Visa’s by-laws, the Bank and other Visa U.S.A. member banks are obligated to share in Visa’s litigation obligations which existed at the time of the restructuring transactions. On November 7, 2007, Visa announced that it had reached a settlement with American Express related to an antitrust lawsuit. Visa has disclosed other antitrust lawsuits which existed at the time of the restructuring transactions. In consideration of the American Express settlement and other antitrust lawsuits filed against Visa, the Company recorded in the fourth quarter of 2007 a liability and corresponding expense of $2,338 thousand. The Company currently anticipates that its proportional share of the proceeds of the planned initial public offering by Visa will more than offset any liabilities related to Visa litigation.
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 the Visa matter described above and 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 2007.

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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 Global Select Market (“NASDAQ”) under the symbol “WABC”. The following table shows the high and the low sales prices for the common stock, for each quarter, as reported by NASDAQ:
                 
    High     Low  
 
2007:
               
First quarter
  $ 51.47     $ 46.43  
Second quarter
    48.61       44.23  
Third quarter
    50.49       39.77  
Fourth quarter
    53.29       42.11  
 
               
2006:
               
 
               
First quarter
  $ 55.42     $ 51.38  
Second quarter
    52.89       47.20  
Third quarter
    51.38       45.44  
Fourth quarter
    51.79       47.96  
 
As of February 4, 2008, there were approximately 8,000 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, cash balances, financial condition and capital requirements of the Company and its subsidiaries as well as policies of the FRB pursuant to the BHCA. See Item 1, “Business — Supervision and Regulation.” As of December 31, 2007, $174.0 million was allowable for payment of dividends by the Company to its shareholders, under applicable laws and regulations.
The notes to the consolidated financial statements included in this report contain additional information regarding the Company’s capital levels, regulations affecting subsidiary bank dividends paid to the Company, the Company’s earnings, financial condition and cash flows, and cash dividends declared and paid on common stock.
As discussed in Note 9 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 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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Stock performance
The following chart compares the cumulative return on the Company’s stock during the ten years ended December 31, 2007 with the cumulative return on the S&P 500 composite stock index and NASDAQ’S Bank Index. The comparison assumes $100 invested in each on December 31, 1997 and reinvestment of all dividends.
(PERFORMANCE GRAPH)
                                                 
    Period ending  
    1997     1998     1999     2000     2001     2002  
     
Westamerica Bancorporation (WABC)
  $ 100.00     $ 109.61     $ 84.94     $ 134.46     $ 128.46     $ 131.24  
S&P 500 (SPX)
    100.00       128.58       155.64       141.43       124.70       97.14  
NASDAQ Bank Index (CBNK)
    100.00       89.74       84.51       99.55       111.96       119.74  
                                         
    Period ending  
    2003     2004     2005     2006     2007  
     
Westamerica Bancorporation (WABC)
  $ 166.28     $ 198.83     $ 185.12     $ 181.22     $ 165.38  
S&P 500 (SPX)
    125.01       138.57       145.39       168.42       177.67  
NASDAQ Bank Index (CBNK)
    159.31       181.02       177.51       202.12       161.88  
The following chart compares the cumulative return on the Company’s stock during the five years ended December 31, 2007 with the cumulative return on the S&P 500 composite stock index and NASDAQ’S Bank Index. The comparison assumes $100 invested in each on December 31, 2002 and reinvestment of all dividends
(PERFORMANCE GRAPH)
                                                 
    Period ending  
    2002     2003     2004     2005     2006     2007  
     
Westamerica Bancorporation (WABC)
  $ 100.00     $ 126.71     $ 151.50     $ 141.06     $ 138.09     $ 126.02  
S&P 500 (SPX)
    100.00       128.69       142.64       149.66       173.37       182.90  
NASDAQ Bank Index (CBNK)
    100.00       133.04       151.18       148.25       168.79       135.19  

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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, 2007 (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
    96     $ 46.92       96       1,768  
 
                               
November 1 through November 30
    326       44.21       326       1,442  
 
                               
December 1 through December 31
    69       45.23       69       1,373  
 
 
                               
Total
    491     $ 44.88       491       1,373  
 
 
*   Includes 10 thousand, 5 thousand and 2 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 2007 pursuant to a program approved by the Board of Directors on August 23, 2007 authorizing the purchase of up to 2 million shares of the Company’s common stock from time to time prior to September 1, 2008.

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ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
The following financial information for the five years ended December 31, 2007 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)
                                         
Year ended December 31:   2007   2006   2005*   2004*   2003*
 
Interest income
  $ 235,872     $ 246,515     $ 242,797     $ 216,337     $ 223,493  
Interest expense
    72,555       65,268       43,649       21,106       27,197  
 
Net interest income
    163,317       181,247       199,148       195,231       196,296  
Provision for credit losses
    700       445       900       2,700       3,300  
Noninterest income:
                                       
Securities (losses) gains, net
                (4,903 )     (5,011 )     2,443  
Loss on extinguishment of debt
                      (2,204 )     (2,166 )
Deposit service charges and other
    59,278       55,347       59,443       45,798       42,639  
Total noninterest income
    59,278       55,347       54,540       38,583       42,916  
Noninterest expense
                                       
Visa Litigation
    2,338                          
Other noninterest expense
    99,090       101,724       107,250       102,099       105,701  
Total noninterest expense
    101,428       101,724       107,250       102,099       105,701  
 
Income before income taxes
    120,467       134,425       145,538       129,015       130,211  
Provision for income taxes
    30,691       35,619       39,497       35,756       37,487  
 
Net income
  $ 89,776     $ 98,806     $ 106,041     $ 93,259     $ 92,724  
 
 
                                       
Earnings per share:
                                       
Basic
  $ 3.02     $ 3.17     $ 3.28     $ 2.93     $ 2.82  
Diluted
    2.98       3.11       3.22       2.87       2.78  
Per share:
                                       
Dividends paid
  $ 1.36     $ 1.30     $ 1.22     $ 1.10     $ 1.00  
Book value at December 31
    13.60       13.89       13.65       11.59       10.79  
 
                                       
Average common shares outstanding
    29,753       31,202       32,291       31,821       32,849  
Average diluted common shares outstanding
    30,165       31,739       32,897       32,461       33,369  
Shares outstanding at December 31
    29,018       30,547       31,882       31,640       32,287  
 
                                       
At December 31:
                                       
Loans, net
  $ 2,450,470     $ 2,476,404     $ 2,616,372     $ 2,246,078     $ 2,269,420  
Investments
    1,578,109       1,780,617       1,999,604       2,192,542       1,949,288  
Intangible assets and goodwill
    140,148       143,801       148,077       21,890       22,433  
Total assets
    4,558,959       4,769,335       5,157,559       4,745,318       4,585,295  
Total deposits
    3,264,790       3,516,734       3,846,101       3,583,619       3,463,991  
Short-term borrowed funds
    798,599       731,977       775,173       735,423       590,646  
Federal Home Loan Bank advances
    0       0       0       0       105,000  
Debt financing and notes payable
    36,773       36,920       40,281       21,429       24,643  
Shareholders’ equity
    394,603       424,235       435,064       366,659       348,304  
 
Financial Ratios:
                                       
 
                                       
For the year:
                                       
Return on assets
    1.93 %     2.01 %     2.09 %     2.06 %     2.14 %
Return on equity
    22.11 %     23.38 %     25.70 %     28.23 %     28.66 %
Net interest margin **
    4.40 %     4.57 %     4.82 %     5.14 %     5.39 %
Net loan losses to average loans
    0.14 %     0.04 %     0.03 %     0.11 %     0.15 %
Efficiency ratio ***
    41.46 %     39.12 %     38.52 %     39.79 %     40.60 %
At December 31:
                                       
Equity to assets
    8.66 %     8.90 %     8.44 %     7.73 %     7.60 %
Total capital to risk-adjusted assets
    10.64 %     11.09 %     10.40 %     12.46 %     11.39 %
Allowance for loan losses to loans
    2.10 %     2.19 %     2.09 %     2.35 %     2.32 %
The above financial summary has been derived from the Company’s audited consolidated financial statements. This information should be read in conjunction with those statements, notes and the other information included elsewhere herein.
 
*   Adjusted to adopt Financial Accounting Standard 123 (revised 2004), “Share-Based Payment.” See Note 9.
 
**   Yields on securities and certain loans have been adjusted upward to a “fully taxable equivalent” (“FTE”) basis in order to reflect the effect of income which is exempt from federal income taxation at the current statutory tax rate.
 
***   The efficiency ratio is defined as noninterest expense divided by total revenue (net interest income on a tax-equivalent basis and noninterest income).

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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 38 through 61, 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 and Visa litigation accounting to be the accounting areas that require 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 interpretation 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. As noted in Note 14 to the consolidated financial statement, the Company recognized a liability and corresponding expense of $2,338 thousand related to Visa litigation. The Company is not a named party to any Visa litigation. The Company’s access to reliable information with which to estimate its liability is limited to relevant information communicated by Visa to its member banks and other public information. As a result, the Company’s ultimate liability regarding Visa litigation could differ from the amount recorded at December 31, 2007.
Acquisition
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, 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.
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 of 2005. 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 in loans, $370 million in deposits, $20 million in “trust preferred” subordinated debt, and $30 million of 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 FRB in connection with its approval of the REBC acquisition. The premium 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 2007 of $89.8 million or $2.98 diluted earnings per share, compared with net income of $98.8 million, or $3.11 diluted earnings per share for 2006. The 2007 results included a $2.3 million litigation expense for the Bank’s proportionate share of Visa’s litigation exposure for which Visa’s members are responsible. Management currently anticipates that the Company’s proportional share of the proceeds of the planned initial public offering by Visa will more than offset any liabilities related to Visa litigation. The 2007 period also included $822 thousand in company-owned life insurance proceeds and a $700 thousand income tax refund, derived from an amended 2003 tax return, which reduced income tax expense. The expense for Visa litigation, insurance proceeds and the income tax refund combined to increase net income by $232 thousand, or diluted earnings per share by $0.008.
Components of Net Income
                         
Year ended December 31,                  
($ in thousands except per share amounts)   2007     2006     2005**  
     
Net interest and fee income *
  $ 185,348     $ 204,703     $ 223,866  
Provision for loan losses
    (700 )     (445 )     (900 )
Noninterest income
    59,278       55,347       54,540  
Noninterest expense
    (101,428 )     (101,724 )     (107,250 )
Taxes *
    (52,722 )     (59,075 )     (64,215 )
 
         
 
                       
Net income
  $ 89,776     $ 98,806     $ 106,041  
 
                       
Net income per average fully-diluted share
  $ 2.98     $ 3.11     $ 3.22  
Net income as a percentage of average shareholders’ equity
    22.11 %     23.38 %     25.70 %
Net income as a percentage of average total assets
    1.93 %     2.01 %     2.09 %
 
 
*   Fully taxable equivalent (FTE)
 
**   Adjusted to adopt Financial Accounting Standard 123 (revised 2004), “Share-Based Payment.” See Note 9.

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Net income for 2007 decreased $9.0 million, or 9.1%, over net income for 2006 primarily due to lower net interest income (FTE) and increased provision for credit losses, partially offset by higher noninterest income, lower noninterest expense and lower tax provision. The lower net interest income (FTE) was mainly caused by a lower volume of average interest-earning assets and higher funding costs, partially offset by higher yields on earning assets. The provision for loan losses increased $255 thousand or 57.3% to reflect Management’s assessment of credit risk for the loan portfolio. Noninterest income increased $3.9 million or 7.1% largely due to higher service charges on deposits, merchant credit card processing fees, debit card income and company-owned life insurance proceeds. Noninterest expense declined $296 thousand or 0.3% primarily due to lower personnel costs and intangible asset amortization, decreases in equipment costs, professional fees, a reduction in the reserve for unfunded commitments, partially offset by the $2.3 million Visa litigation charge and an increase in data processing costs. Tax provision (FTE) decreased $6.4 million or 10.8% primarily due to lower profitability and a $700 thousand refund from an amended tax return.
Net income in 2006 was $7.2 million or 6.8% less than in 2005 attributable to lower net interest income (FTE), partially offset by higher noninterest income and decreases in provision for credit losses, noninterest expense and income tax provision (FTE). The decrease in net interest income (FTE) (down $19.2 million or 8.6%) was the net result of lower average interest-earning assets and higher funding costs, partially offset by higher yields on earning assets. The credit loss provision decreased $455 thousand or 50.6% from 2005, reflecting Management’s assessment of credit risk for the loan portfolio. Noninterest income increased $807 thousand or 1.5%. Noninterest expense decreased $5.5 million or 5.2% largely due to lower personnel costs. The provision for income taxes (FTE) decreased $5.1 million or 8.0% primarily due to lower profitability, higher tax credits and refunds, and other tax preference items.
The Company’s return on average total assets was 1.93% in 2007, compared to 2.01% and 2.09% in 2006 and 2005, respectively. Return on average equity in 2007 was 22.11%, compared to 23.38% and 25.70% in 2006 and 2005, respectively.
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 2007 decreased $19.4 million or 9.5% from 2006, to $185.3 million. Comparing 2006 to 2005, net interest income (FTE) declined $19.2 million or 8.6%.
Components of Net Interest Income
                         
Year ended December 31,                  
(in thousands)   2007     2006     2005  
     
Interest and fee income
  $ 235,872     $ 246,515     $ 242,797  
Interest expense
    (72,555 )     (65,268 )     (43,649 )
FTE adjustment
    22,031       23,456       24,718  
 
         
 
                       
Net interest income (FTE)
  $ 185,348     $ 204,703     $ 223,866  
 
 
                       
Net interest margin (FTE)
    4.40 %     4.57 %     4.82 %
 
Interest and fee income (FTE) decreased in 2007 by $12.1 million or 4.5% from 2006, the net result of a lower volume of average earning assets, partially mitigated by higher yields on earning assets. Average earning assets declined by $264 million. Management allowed the investment portfolio to liquidate in 2007 as, in Management’s opinion, rates available on high quality securities did not provide yields adequate to support long-term profitability. Average investment security volumes decreased $198 million due to declines in the average balances of mortgage backed securities and collateralized mortgage obligations (down $125 million), municipal securities (down $34 million), U.S. government sponsored entity obligations (down $22 million) and other securities (down $17 million). The decline in loans is due to heightened competition with reduced yields and liberalized underwriting standards. Management maintained more conservative underwriting standards and higher pricing relative to competitors, which limited loan origination volumes. The loan portfolio declined $65 million mainly due to decreases in the average volumes of commercial loans (down $51 million), commercial real estate loans (down $37 million), residential real estate loans (down $17 million) and consumer credit lines (down $10 million), offset in part by a $45 million increase in indirect automobile loans. Management grew indirect automobile loan volumes as rates on loan originations exceeded the average existing portfolio rates, causing the yield to increase on such loans.
The average yield on the Company’s earning assets increased from 6.03% in 2006 to 6.12% in 2007. The composite yield on loans rose 5 bp to 6.65% due to increases in rates earned on indirect auto and other consumer loans (up 30 bp), residential real estate loans (up 11 bp) and construction loans (up 36 bp), partially offset by decreases in yields on taxable commercial loans (down 4 bp) and tax-exempt commercial loans (down 5 bp). The investment portfolio yield increased 8 bp to 5.34%, mainly caused by increases in the yield on US. Government sponsored entity obligations (up 16 bp) and mortgage backed securities and collateralized mortgage obligations (up 4 bp) and corporate and other securities (up 33 bp), partially offset by a 5 bp decline in municipal securities. The decline in the yield on municipal securities was attributable to yields on maturities, calls and serial payments exceeding yields on securities remaining in the portfolio.

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Interest expense in 2007 increased $7.3 million or 11.2% compared 2006. The increase was attributable to higher rates paid on the interest- bearing liabilities, partially offset by lower average balances of interest-bearing deposits. Competition for deposits was heightened in 2007 due to loan growth exceeding deposit growth in the banking industry. The level of short-term interest rates also supported consumer demand for interest-bearing deposit products. Due to both of these general conditions, interest rates rose on deposits and banks competed fiercely for deposit balances. The average rate paid on interest-bearing liabilities increased from 2.11% in 2006 to 2.50% in 2007. Rates on deposits increased 34 bp to 1.79% primarily due to increases in rates paid on preferred money market savings (up 169 bp), non-public CDs over $100 thousand (up 67 bp) and CDs less than $100 thousand (up 58 bp). Rates on short-term borrowings also increased 27 bp mostly due to higher rates on federal funds (up 11 bp) and line of credit and repurchase facilities (up 59 bp). Interest-bearing liabilities declined $186 million in 2007 compared with 2006. Interest- bearing deposits decreased $210 million primarily due to decreases in money market savings (down $132 million), regular savings (down $45 million), money market checking accounts (down $49 million), non-public CDs over $100 thousand (down $29 million). The decline was partially offset by increases in preferred money market savings (up $47 million) and public CDs (up $27 million).
Interest and fee income (FTE) increased in 2006 by $2.5 million or 0.9% from 2005, the net result of higher yields on earning assets and higher loan fees (up $447 thousand), partially offset by lower average investments. The average yield on earning assets excluding loan fees in 2006 was 5.99% compared with 5.73% in 2005. The loan portfolio yield excluding loan fees for 2006 compared with 2005 was higher by 33 bp, due to increases in rates charged on commercial loans (up 74 bp), construction loans (up 188 bp), consumer credit lines (up 165 bp), indirect consumer loans (up 31 bp), residential real estate loans (up 16 bp) and commercial real estate loans (up 4 bp). The investment portfolio yield rose by 11 bp. The increase resulted from higher yields on U.S. government sponsored entity obligations (up 18 bp), partially offset by lower yields on municipal securities (down 12 bp). The decline in yields on municipal securities is due to maturity or call payments generally attributable to securities with relatively high interest coupons. Average earning assets decreased $166 million or 3.6% in 2006 compared with the previous year. Investments declined $167 million due to decreases in average balances of U.S. government sponsored entity obligations (down $140 million), municipal securities (down $18 million) and corporate and other securities (down $8 million). The loan portfolio grew $428 thousand due to increases in average balances of residential real estate loans (up $33 million), commercial real estate loans (up $10 million) and construction loans (up $7 million), partially offset by decreases in average balances of commercial loans (down $36 million) and consumer credit lines (down $13 million).
Interest expense increased by $21.6 million or 49.5% in 2006, due to rising rates paid on interest-bearing liabilities and a $19 million increase in certificate of deposits (“CDs”) and an increase in other short-term borrowings. Rates paid on liabilities averaged 2.11% in 2006 compared to 1.36% in 2005. Rates on most interest-bearing liabilities moved up with the general trend in market interest rates. The average rate on federal funds purchased rose 178 bp. Rates on most deposits were also higher: CDs over $100 thousand which rose 159 bp, retail CDs which increased by 70 bp, and money market savings accounts which increased by 13 bp. Interest-bearing liabilities declined $127 million or 3.9% over the prior year mostly due to lower average balances of federal funds purchased (down $25 million), retail CDs (down $41 million) and money market savings (down $128 million). These decreases were partially offset by increases in average balances of CDs over $100 thousand (up $60 million) and other short term borrowings (up $43 million).

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The following tables present information regarding the consolidated average assets, liabilities and shareholders’ equity, the amounts of interest income earned 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.
Distribution of Assets, Liabilities & Shareholders’ Equity and Yields, Rates & Interest Margin
                         
    Year Ended December 31, 2007  
            Interest     Rates  
    Average     Income/     Earned/  
(dollars in thousands)   Balance     Expense     Paid  
     
Assets
                       
Money market assets and funds sold
  $ 671     $ 7       1.04 %
Investment securities:
                       
Available for sale
                       
Taxable
    361,851       15,639       4.32 %
Tax-exempt (1)
    232,047       16,888       7.28 %
Held to maturity
                       
Taxable
    538,089       23,361       4.34 %
Tax-exempt (1)
    569,090       34,973       6.15 %
Loans:
                       
Commercial
                       
Taxable
    1,194,380       89,769       7.52 %
Tax-exempt (1)
    225,320       14,469       6.42 %
Real estate construction
    81,093       7,878       9.71 %
Real estate residential
    493,126       23,422       4.75 %
Consumer
    517,844       31,497       6.08 %
             
 
                       
Earning assets (1)
    4,213,511       257,903       6.12 %
 
                       
Other assets
    427,949                  
 
                     
 
                       
Total assets
  $ 4,641,460                  
 
                     
 
                       
Liabilities and shareholders’ equity
                       
Deposits:
                       
Noninterest bearing demand
  $ 1,262,723              
Savings and interest-bearing transaction
    1,395,622       8,237       0.59 %
Time less than $100,000
    210,039       6,956       3.31 %
Time $100,000 or more
    503,469       22,656       4.50 %
             
 
                       
Total interest-bearing deposits
    2,109,130       37,849       1.79 %
Short-term borrowed funds
    759,390       32,393       4.27 %
Debt financing and notes payable
    36,850       2,313       6.28 %
             
 
Total interest-bearing liabilities
    2,905,370       72,555       2.50 %
Other liabilities
    67,339                  
Shareholders’ equity
    406,028                  
 
                     
 
                       
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
  $ 4,641,460                  
 
                     
 
                       
Net interest spread (2)
                    3.62 %
Net interest income and interest margin (1)(3)
          $ 185,348       4.40 %
             
 
(1)   Amounts calculated on a fully taxable equivalent basis using the current statutory federal tax rate.
 
(2)   Net interest spread represents the average yield earned on interest-earning assets less the average rate paid on interest-bearing liabilities.
 
(3)   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, 2006  
            Interest     Rates  
    Average     Income/     Earned/  
(dollars in thousands)   Balance     Expense     Paid  
     
Assets
                       
Money market assets and funds sold
  $ 853     $ 5       0.59 %
Investment securities:
                       
Available for sale
                       
Taxable
    394,070       16,844       4.27 %
Tax-exempt (1)
    251,783       18,312       7.27 %
Held to maturity
                       
Taxable
    671,475       28,809       4.29 %
Tax-exempt (1)
    582,075       35,987       6.18 %
Loans:
                       
Commercial
                       
Taxable
    1,263,840       95,570       7.56 %
Tax-exempt (1)
    243,232       15,729       6.47 %
Real estate construction
    75,019       7,017       9.35 %
Real estate residential
    510,345       23,690       4.64 %
Consumer
    484,355       28,008       5.78 %
             
 
                       
Earning assets (1)
    4,477,047       269,971       6.03 %
 
                       
Other assets
    433,624                  
 
                     
 
                       
Total assets
  $ 4,910,671                  
 
                     
 
                       
Liabilities and shareholders’ equity
                       
Deposits:
                       
Noninterest bearing demand
  $ 1,329,107              
Savings and interest-bearing transaction
    1,574,655       5,969       0.38 %
Time less than $100,000
    239,361       6,535       2.73 %
Time $100,000 or more
    504,980       21,043       4.17 %
             
 
Total interest-bearing deposits
    2,318,996       33,547       1.45 %
Short-term borrowed funds
    734,970       29,389       4.00 %
Debt financing and notes payable
    37,265       2,332       6.26 %
             
 
Total interest-bearing liabilities
    3,091,231       65,268       2.11 %
Other liabilities
    67,792                  
Shareholders’ equity
    422,541                  
 
                     
 
                       
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
  $ 4,910,671                  
 
                     
 
                       
Net interest spread (2)
                    3.92 %
Net interest income and interest margin (1)(3)
          $ 204,703       4.57 %
             
 
(1)   Amounts calculated on a fully taxable equivalent basis using the current statutory federal tax rate.
 
(2)   Net interest spread represents the average yield earned on interest-earning assets less the average rate paid on interest-bearing liabilities.
 
(3)   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, 2005  
            Interest     Rates  
    Average     Income/     Earned/  
(dollars in thousands)   Balance     Expense     Paid  
     
Assets
                       
Money market assets and funds sold
  $ 775     $ 3       0.39 %
Investment securities:
                       
Available for sale
                       
Taxable
    464,530       19,699       4.24 %
Tax-exempt (1)
    264,119       19,385       7.34 %
Held to maturity
                       
Taxable
    751,840       30,557       4.06 %
Tax-exempt (1)
    585,679       36,820       6.29 %
Loans:
                       
Commercial
                       
Taxable
    1,283,779       92,201       7.18 %
Tax-exempt (1)
    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 (1)
    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
    36,975       2,344       6.34 %
             
Debt financing and notes payable
                       
 
    3,218,151       43,649       1.36 %
Total interest-bearing liabilities
    51,158                  
Other liabilities
    412,559                  
 
                     
Shareholders’ equity
                       
 
  $ 5,066,351                  
 
                     
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
                       
 
                       
Net interest spread (2)
                    4.40 %
Net interest income and interest margin (1)(3)
          $ 223,866       4.82 %
             
 
(1)   Amounts calculated on a fully taxable equivalent basis using the current statutory federal tax rate.
 
(2)   Net interest spread represents the average yield earned on interest-earning assets less the average rate paid on interest-bearing liabilities.
 
(3)   Net interest margin is computed by dividing net interest income by total average earning assets.
The following tables set 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.

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Summary of Changes in Interest Income and Expense
                         
Years Ended December 31,   2007 Compared with 2006
(dollars in thousands)   Volume   Rate   Total
     
Increase (decrease) in interest and fee income:
                       
Money market assets and funds sold
  ($ 1 )   $ 3     $ 2  
Investment securities:
                       
Available for sale Taxable
    (1,391 )     186       (1,205 )
Tax-exempt (1)
    (1,436 )     12       (1,424 )
Held to maturity Taxable
    (5,787 )     339       (5,448 )
Tax-exempt (1)
    (799 )     (215 )     (1,014 )
Loans:
                       
Commercial:
                       
Taxable
    (5,429 )     (372 )     (5,801 )
Tax-exempt (1)
    (1,151 )     (109 )     (1,260 )
Real estate construction
    583       278       861  
Real estate residential
    (810 )     542       (268 )
Consumer
    1,994       1,495       3,489  
     
 
                       
Total loans (1)
    (4,813 )     1,834       (2,979 )
     
 
                       
Total (decrease) increase in interest and fee income (1)
    (14,227 )     2,159       (12,068 )
     
 
                       
Increase (decrease) in interest expense:
                       
Deposits:
                       
Savings/interest-bearing
    (743 )     3,011       2,268  
Time less than $100,000
    (863 )     1,284       421  
Time $100,000 or more
    (63 )     1,676       1,613  
     
 
                       
Total interest-bearing
    (1,669 )     5,971       4,302  
Short-term borrowed funds
    998       2,006       3,004  
Notes and mortgages payable
    (26 )     7       (19 )
     
 
                       
Total increase in interest expense
    (697 )     7,984       7,287  
     
 
                       
Decrease in net interest income (1)
  ($ 13,530 )   ($ 5,825 )   ($ 19,355 )
 
 
(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,   2006 Compared with 2005
(dollars in thousands)   Volume   Rate   Total
     
Increase (decrease) in interest and fee income:
                       
Money market assets and funds sold
  $ 0     $ 2     $ 2  
Investment securities:
                       
Available for sale
                       
Taxable
    (3,011 )     156       (2,855 )
Tax-exempt (1)
    (899 )     (174 )     (1,073 )
Held to maturity Taxable
    (3,386 )     1,638       (1,748 )
Tax-exempt (1)
    (226 )     (607 )     (833 )
Loans:
                       
Commercial:
                       
Taxable
    (1,553 )     4,922       3,369  
Tax-exempt (1)
    (379 )     (288 )     (667 )
Real estate construction
    590       1,353       1,943  
Real estate residential
    1,499       780       2,279  
Consumer
    (736 )     2,775       2,039  
     
 
                       
Total loans (1)
    (579 )     9,542       8,963  
     
 
                       
Total increase in interest and fee income (1)
    (8,101 )     10,557       2,456  
     
 
                       
Increase (decrease) in interest expense:
                       
Deposits:
                       
Savings/interest-bearing
    (525 )     1,290       765  
Time less than $100,000
    (926 )     1,774       848  
Time $100,000 or more
    1,722       7,848       9,570  
     
 
                       
Total interest-bearing
    271       10,912       11,183  
Short-term borrowed funds
    487       9,961       10,448  
Notes and mortgages payable
    18       (30 )     (12 )
     
 
                       
Total increase in interest expense
    776       20,843       21,619  
     
 
                       
Decrease in net interest income (1)
  ($ 8,877 )   ($ 10,286 )   ($ 19,163 )
 
 
(1)   Amounts calculated on a fully taxable equivalent basis using the current statutory federal tax rate.

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Provision for Loan Losses
In 2007, the provision for loan losses was $700 thousand, compared to $445 thousand for 2006, and $900 thousand for 2005. The increase in the provision for loan losses in 2007 reflects Management’s view of credit risk in the loan portfolio. The Company is continuing efforts to maintain sound loan quality by enforcing relatively conservative underwriting and administration procedures and aggressively pursuing collection efforts. For further information regarding net loan losses and the allowance for credit losses, see the “Credit Quality” and “Allowance for Credit Losses” sections of this report.
Investment Portfolio
The Company maintains a securities portfolio consisting of securities issued by U.S. Government sponsored entities, state and political subdivisions, and asset-backed and other securities. Investment securities are held in safekeeping by an independent custodian.
Securities assigned to the held to maturity portfolio earn 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 3.4 years at December 31, 2007 and, on the same date, those investments included $1,010.7 million in fixed-rate and $34.6 million in adjustable-rate securities.
Investment securities assigned to the available for sale portfolio are generally used to supplement the Company’s liquidity, provide a prudent yield, and provide collateral for public deposits and other borrowing facilities.
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, 2007, the Company held $532.8 million in securities classified as investments available for sale with a duration of 2.4 years. At December 31, 2007, an unrealized loss of $4.2 million, net of taxes of $3.0 million, related to these securities, was included in shareholders’ equity.
The Company had no trading securities at December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005.
For more information on investment securities, see the notes accompanying the consolidated financial statements.
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)   2007     2006     2005  
     
U.S. Government sponsored entities
  $ 282,441     $ 324,263     $ 331,174  
States and political subdivisions
    183,307       207,580       222,504  
Asset-backed securities
    9,700       10,273       11,256  
Corporate securities
    0       0       25,130  
Other
    57,373       73,409       72,324  
 
     
 
Total
  $ 532,821     $ 615,525     $ 662,388  
 
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, 2007. 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.
Available for Sale Maturity Distribution
                                                         
            After one     After five                          
At December 31, 2007,   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
  $ 93,865     $ 40,004     $ 10,000     $ 1,024     $     $       144,893  
Interest rate
    3.46 %     3.22 %     7.36 %     5.20 %     %     %     3.68 %
States and political subdivisions
    4,843       59,225       101,951       11,888                   177,907  
Interest rate (FTE)
    6.88 %     7.16 %     7.09 %     5.92 %                 7.03 %
Asset-backed securities
                      9,998                   9,998  
Interest rate
                      5.77 %                 5.77 %
Commercial Paper
    1,516                                     1,516  
Interest rate
    4.84 %                                   4.84 %
 
Subtotal
    100,224       99,229       111,951       22,910                   334,314  
Interest rate
    3.65 %     5.57 %     7.11 %     5.82 %                 5.53 %
Mortgage backed securities
                            140,106             140,106  
Interest rate
                            4.27 %           4.27 %
Other without set maturities
                                  65,583       65,583  
Interest rate
                                  7.94 %     7.94 %
 
Total
  $ 100,224     $ 99,229     $ 111,951     $ 22,910     $ 140,106     $ 65,583     $ 540,003  
Interest rate
    3.65 %     5.57 %     7.11 %     5.82 %     4.27 %     7.94 %     5.50 %
 

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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)   2007     2006     2005  
     
U.S. Government sponsored entities
  $ 478,937     $ 585,345     $ 740,891  
States and political subdivisions
    566,351       579,747       596,325  
     
 
                       
Total
  $ 1,045,288     $ 1,165,092     $ 1,337,216  
 
Fair value
  $ 1,049,422     $ 1,155,736     $ 1,323,782  
 
The following table sets forth the relative maturities and yields of the Company’s held to maturity securities at December 31, 2007. 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, 2007,   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
  $ 20,000     $ 110,000     $     $     $     $     $ 130,000  
Interest rate
    3.54 %     4.06 %     %     %     %     %     3.98 %
States and political subdivisions
    6,086       33,589       298,052       228,624                   566,351  
Interest rate (FTE)
    6.88 %     6.53 %     6.03 %     5.99 %                 6.06 %
 
 
                                                       
Subtotal
    26,086       143,589       298,052       228,624                   696,351  
Interest rate
    4.32 %     4.64 %     6.03 %     5.99 %                 5.67 %
Mortgage backed
                            348,937             348,937  
Interest rate
                            4.57 %           4.57 %
 
 
                                                       
Total
  $ 26,086     $ 143,589     $ 298,052     $ 228,624     $ 348,937     $     $ 1,045,288  
Interest rate
    4.32 %     4.64 %     6.03 %     5.99 %     4.57 %     %     5.30 %
 
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)   2007     2006     2005     2004     2003  
     
Commercial and commercial real estate
  $ 1,389,231     $ 1,463,823     $ 1,594,925     $ 1,388,639     $ 1,429,645  
Real estate construction
    97,464       70,650       72,095       29,724       38,019  
Real estate residential
    484,549       507,553       508,174       375,532       347,794  
Consumer
    531,732       489,708       497,027       506,335       507,872  
     
Total loans
  $ 2,502,976     $ 2,531,734     $ 2,672,221     $ 2,300,230     $ 2,323,330  
 
The following table shows the maturity distribution and interest rate sensitivity of commercial, commercial real estate, and construction loans at December 31, 2007. Balances exclude real estate residential and consumer loans totaling $1,016.3 million. These types of loans are typically paid in monthly installments over a number of years.
Loan Maturity Distribution
                                 
At December 31, 2007   Within     One to     After        
(dollars in thousands)   One Year     Five Years     Five Years     Total  
     
Commercial and commercial real estate *
  $ 429,433     $ 784,509     $ 175,290     $ 1,389,232  
Real estate construction
    97,464       0       0       97,464  
 
 
Total
  $ 526,897     $ 784,509     $ 175,290     $ 1,486,696  
 
 
Loans with fixed interest rates
  $ 94,859     $ 278,583     $ 164,483     $ 537,925  
Loans with floating or adjustable interest rates
    432,038       505,926       10,807       948,771  
 
 
Total
  $ 526,897     $ 784,509     $ 175,290     $ 1,486,696  
 
 
*   Includes demand loans

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Commitments and Letters of Credit
The Company issues formal commitments on lines of credit to well-established and financially responsible 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 are generally charged for commitments and letters of credit. Commitments and lines of credit typically mature within one year. For further information, see the notes accompanying 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 high credit risk and to maintain broad diversification within the loan portfolio. Loan reviews are performed using grading standards and criteria similar to those employed by bank regulatory agencies. Loans receiving lesser grades fall under the “classified” category, which includes all nonperforming and potential problem loans, and receive an elevated level of attention to ensure collection. Foreclosed or repossessed loan collateral, “other real estate owned” (“OREO”), is recorded at the lower of cost or appraised value less disposal cost.
Classified Loans and Other Real Estate Owned
The following summarizes the Company’s classified loans and OREO for the periods indicated:
Classified Loans and OREO
                 
At December 31,            
(dollars in thousands)   2007     2006  
     
Classified loans
  $ 24,419     $ 20,180  
Other real estate owned
    613       647  
     
 
               
Total
  $ 25,032     $ 20,827  
 
Classified loans include loans graded “substandard”, “doubtful” and “loss” in accordance with regulatory guidelines. At December 31, 2007, $23.6 million of loans or 96.6% of total classified loans are graded “substandard”. Such substandard loans accounted for 0.94% of total gross loans at December 31, 2007. Classified loans at December 31, 2007, increased $4.2 million or 21.0% from a year ago primarily due to 15 downgrades, partially offset by six loan payoffs and four upgrades.
Other real estate owned was $613 thousand and $647 thousand at December 31, 2007 and December 31, 2006, respectively, representing one property. The reduction in the property’s carrying value resulted from a reduction in the carrying value based on updated appraisals, with an offsetting charge to earnings.
Nonperforming Loans and Other Real Estate Owned
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)   2007     2006     2005     2004     2003  
     
Performing nonaccrual loans
  $ 1,688     $ 4,404     $ 4,256     $ 4,072     $ 1,658  
Nonperforming nonaccrual loans
    3,164       61       2,068       2,970       5,759  
     
 
                                       
Nonaccrual loans
    4,852       4,465       6,324       7,042       7,417  
     
 
Loans 90 or more days past due and still accruing
    297       65       162       10       199  
Other real estate owned
    613       647       0       0       90  
     
 
                                       
Total Nonperforming loans and OREO
  $ 5,762     $ 5,177     $ 6,486     $ 7,052     $ 7,706  
     
As a percentage of total loans
    0.23 %     0.20 %     0.24 %     0.31 %     0.33 %
 

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Nonaccrual loans increased $387 thousand during the twelve months ended December 31, 2007. Nineteen loans comprised the $4.9 million nonaccrual loans as of December 31, 2007. Five of those loans were on nonaccrual status throughout 2007, while the remaining 14 loans were placed on nonaccrual status during the twelve months ended December 31, 2007. The Company actively pursues full collection of nonaccrual loans.
The Company’s residential real estate loan underwriting standards for first mortgages limit the loan amount to no more than 80 percent of the appraised value of the property serving as collateral for the loan, and require verification of income of the borrower(s). The Company had no “sub-prime” loans as of December 31, 2007 and December 31, 2006. Of the loans 90 days past due and still accruing at December 31, 2007, $-0- and $253 thousand were residential real estate loans and automobile loans, respectively. Delinquent consumer loans on accrual status were as follows ($ in thousands):
                 
    At December 31,  
    2007     2006  
     
Residential real estate loans:
               
30-89 days delinquent:
               
Dollar amount
  $ 2,761     $ 29  
Percentage of total residential real estate loans
    0.57 %     0.01 %
90 or more days delinquent:
               
Dollar amount
  $ -0-     $ -0-  
Percentage of total residential real estate loans
    0.00 %     0.00 %
 
               
Automobile loans:
               
30-89 days delinquent:
               
Dollar amount
  $ 2,872     $ 2,095  
Percentage of total automobile loans
    0.61 %     0.49 %
90 or more days delinquent:
               
Dollar amount
  $ 253     $ 22  
Percentage of total automobile loans
    0.05 %     0.01 %
 
The Company had no restructured loans as of December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005.
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 $428 thousand in 2007, $502 thousand in 2006 and $556 thousand in 2005. The amount of interest income that was recognized on nonaccrual loans from cash payments made in 2007, 2006 and 2005 was $474 thousand, $488 thousand and $353 thousand, respectively. Yields on these cash payments were 9.80% 8.60% and 5.03%, respectively, for the year ended December 31, 2007, December 31, 2006 and December 31, 2005. Cash payments received, which were applied against the book balance of performing and nonperforming nonaccrual loans outstanding at December 31, 2007, totaled approximately $14 thousand, compared with $50 thousand and $452 thousand at December 31, 2006 and 2005, respectively.
Management believes the overall credit quality of the loan portfolio is sound; however, nonperforming assets could fluctuate from period to period. The performance of any individual loan can be affected by external factors such as the interest rate environment, economic conditions or factors particular to the borrower. No assurance can be given that additional increases in nonaccrual loans will not occur in the future.
Allowance for Credit Losses
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 loans whose full collectibility is uncertain. Such allocations are determined by Management based on loan-by-loan analyses. A second allocation is based in part on quantitative analyses of historical credit loss experience, in which criticized and classified credit balances identified through an independent internal credit review process are analyzed using a linear regression model to determine standard loss rates. The results of this analysis are applied to current criticized and classified loan balances to allocate the reserve to the respective segments of the loan portfolio. In addition, loans with similar characteristics not usually criticized using regulatory guidelines are analyzed based on the historical loss rates and delinquency trends, grouped by the number of days the payments on these loans are delinquent. Last, allocations are made to non-criticized and classified commercial loans and residential real estate loans based on historical loss rates, and other statistical data. The remainder of the allowance is considered to be unallocated. The unallocated allowance is established to provide for probable losses that have been incurred as of the reporting date but not reflected in the allocated allowance. It addresses additional qualitative factors consistent with Management’s analysis of the level of risks inherent in the loan portfolio, which are related to the risks of the Company’s general lending activity. Included in the unallocated allowance is the risk of losses that are attributable to national or local economic or industry trends which have occurred but have yet been recognized in past loan charge-off history (external factors). The external factors evaluated by the Company include: economic and business conditions, external competitive issues, and other factors. Also included in the unallocated allowance is the risk of losses attributable to general attributes of the Company’s loan portfolio and credit administration (internal factors). The internal factors evaluated by the Company include: loan review system, adequacy of lending Management and staff, loan policies and procedures, problem loan trends, concentrations of credit, and other factors. By their nature, these risks are not readily allocable to any specific loan category in a statistically meaningful manner and are difficult to quantify with a specific number. Management assigns a range of estimated risk to the qualitative risk factors described above based on Management’s judgment as to the level of risk, and assigns a quantitative risk factor from the range of loss estimates to determine the appropriate level of the unallocated portion of the allowance. Management considers the $55.8 million allowance for credit losses to be adequate as a reserve against losses as of December 31, 2007.

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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)   2007     2006     2005     2004     2003  
             
Total loans outstanding
  $ 2,502,976     $ 2,531,734     $ 2,672,221     $ 2,300,230     $ 2,323,330  
Average loans outstanding during the period
    2,511,763       2,576,791       2,576,363       2,258,482       2,354,270  
 
                                       
Analysis of the Allowance Balance, beginning of period
  $ 59,023     $ 59,537     $ 54,152     $ 53,910     $ 54,227  
Provision for loan losses
    700       445       900       2,700       3,300  
Provision for unfunded credit commitments
    (400 )     5                    
Allowance acquired through merger
    0       0       5,213       0       0  
Loans charged off:
                                       
Commercial and commercial real estate
    (1,648 )     (1,176 )     (673 )     (2,154 )     (2,455 )
Real estate construction
    0       0       0       0       0  
Real estate residential
    0       0       0       0       (26 )
Consumer
    (4,033 )     (2,446 )     (2,065 )     (3,439 )     (4,352 )
             
 
                                       
Total chargeoffs
    (5,681 )     (3,622 )     (2,738 )     (5,593 )     (6,833 )
             
Recoveries of loans previously charged off:
                                       
Commercial and commercial real estate
    1,060       1,149       864       1,623       1,234  
Real estate construction
    0       0       0       0       0  
Real estate residential
    0       0       0       0       0  
Consumer
    1,097       1,509       1,146       1,512       1,982  
             
 
                                       
Total recoveries
    2,157       2,658       2,010       3,135       3,216  
             
 
                                       
Net loan losses
    (3,524 )     (964 )     (728 )     (2,458 )     (3,617 )
             
Balance, end of period
  $ 55,799     $ 59,023     $ 59,537     $ 54,152     $ 53,910  
             
 
                                       
Components:
                                       
Allowance for loan losses
  $ 52,506     $ 55,330     $ 55,849     $ 54,152     $ 53,910  
Reserve for unfunded credit commitments (1)
    3,293       3,693       3,688              
             
Allowance for credit losses
  $ 55,799     $ 59,023     $ 59,537     $ 54,152     $ 53,910  
             
 
                                       
Net credit losses to average loans
    0.14 %     0.04 %     0.03 %     0.11 %     0.15 %
Allowance for loan losses as a percentage of loans outstanding
    2.10 %     2.19 %     2.09 %     2.35 %     2.32 %
           
(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.
Loan chargeoffs rose in 2007 compared to 2006 and 2005 due to weakening economic conditions.
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,   2007     2006     2005     2004     2003  
    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
  $ 27,233       56 %   $ 23,217       58 %   $ 30,438       60 %   $ 29,857       61 %   $ 31,875       61 %
Real estate construction
    5,403       4 %     3,942       3 %     3,346       3 %     1,441       1 %     1,827       2 %
Real estate residential
    388       19 %     1,219       20 %     1,230       19 %     917       16 %     870       15 %
Consumer
    4,626       21 %     4,132       19 %     5,291       18 %     5,140       22 %     6,423       22 %
Unallocated portion
    18,149             26,513             19,232             16,797             12,915        
                       
 
                                                                               
Total
  $ 55,799       100 %   $ 59,023       100 %   $ 59,537       100 %   $ 54,152       100 %   $ 53,910       100 %
                     
The allocation to loan portfolio segments changed from December 31, 2006 to December 31, 2007. The increase in allocation for commercial loans reflects an increase in historical loss rates. The increase in allocation to real estate construction loans reflects an increase in criticized construction loans outstanding, which receive higher allocations due to higher risk attributes, offset in part by lower volumes of non-criticized construction loans and construction loan commitments. The reduced allocations for residential real estate loans reflects refinements to the statistical model used to apply historical loss rates to loan volumes. The increased allocation for consumer loans reflects higher delinquencies in automobile loans.
The allocation to loan portfolio segments changed from December 31, 2005 to December 31, 2006. The
decline in allocation for commercial loans was primarily due to a decline in classified and other commercial loan balances. The increase in allocation for real estate construction loans was due to an increase in construction loan commitments. The reduced allocation for consumer loans resulted from lower historical loss rates used in the statistical allocation model.
The unallocated portion of the allowance for credit losses declined $8.4 million from December 31, 2006 to December 31, 2007. The unallocated allowance is established to provide for probable losses that have been incurred, but not reflected in the allocated allowance. At December 31, 2006 and December 31, 2007, Management’s evaluations of the unallocated portion of the allowance for credit losses attributed significant risk levels to developing economic and business conditions ($4.6 million and $4.0 million, respectively), external competitive issues ($2.4 million and $2.0 million, respectively), internal credit administration considerations ($5.2 million and $4.2 million), and delinquency and problem loan trends ($4.3 million and $4.2 million, respectively). The change in the amounts allocated to the above qualitative risk factors was based upon Management’s judgment, review of trends in its loan portfolio, levels of the allowance allocated to portfolio segments, and current economic conditions in its marketplace. Based on Management’s analysis and judgment, the amount of the unallocated portion of the allowance for credit losses was $26.5 million at December 31, 2006, compared to $18.1 million at December 31, 2007.
At December 31, 2005 and December 31, 2006, Management’s evaluations of the unallocated portion of the allowance for credit losses attributed significant risk levels to developing economic and business conditions ($2.5 million and $4.6 million, respectively), external competitive issues ($1.9 million and $2.4 million, respectively), and internal credit administration considerations ($4.7 million and $5.2 million, respectively), and delinquency and problem loan trends ($3.4 million and $4.3 million, respectively). Based on Management’s analysis and judgment, the amount of the unallocated portion of the allowance for credit losses was $19.2 million at December 31, 2005, compared to $26.5 million at December 31, 2006.

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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 credit risk. In assessing impairment, the Company reviews all nonaccrual commercial and construction loans with outstanding principal balances in excess of $250 thousand. Nonaccrual commercial and construction loans with outstanding principal balances less than $250 thousand, 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 following summarizes the Company’s recorded investment in impaired loans for the dates indicated:
Impaired Loans
                 
At December 31,            
(dollars in thousands)   2007     2006  
       
Total impaired loans
  $ 317     $ 493  
     
 
               
Specific reserves
  $ 317     $ 493  
     
At December 31, 2007 and 2006, the Company measured impairment using the fair value of loan collateral. The average balance of the Company’s impaired loans for the year ended December 31, 2007 was $139 thousand compared with $234 thousand and $29 thousand in 2006 and 2005, respectively. All impaired loans are on nonaccrual status.
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 cash flow 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, deposit flows 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 a decrease of 200 bp in the federal funds rate and a decrease of 65 bp in the 10 year Constant Maturity Treasury Bond yield during the same period, earnings are estimated to improve 2.8% over the Company’s most likely net income plan for 2008. Conversely, assuming an increase of 100 bp in the federal funds rate and an increase of 25 bp in the 10 year Constant Maturity Treasury Bond yield during the same period, estimated earnings at risk would be approximately 4.4% of the Company’s most likely net income plan for 2008. 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.
Equity price risk can affect the Company. As an example, any preferred or common stock holdings, as permitted by banking regulations, can fluctuate in value. Declines in value of preferred or common stock holdings that are deemed “other than temporary” could result in loss recognition in the Company’s income statement. Fluctuations in the Company’s common stock price can impact the Company’s financial results in several ways. First, the Company has regularly repurchased and retired its common stock; the market price paid to retire the Company’s common stock can affect the level of the Company’s cash flows and shares outstanding for purposes of computing earnings per share. Second, the Company’s common stock price impacts the number of dilutive equivalent shares used to compute diluted earnings per share. Third, fluctuations in the Company’s common stock price can motivate holders of options to purchase Company common stock to exercise such options thereby increasing the number of shares outstanding. Finally, the amount of compensation expense associated with share based compensation fluctuates with changes in and the volatility of the Company’s common stock price.
Other types of market risk, such as foreign currency exchange risk and commodity price risk, are not significant in the normal course of the Company’s business activities.
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.

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Liquidity
The Company’s principal source of asset liquidity is investment securities available for sale and principal payments from consumer loans. At December 31, 2007, investment securities available for sale totaled $533 million, representing a decrease of $83 million from December 31, 2006. The decrease is primarily attributable to principal payments and maturities. At December 31, 2007, indirect auto loans totaled $474 million, which were experiencing stable monthly principal payments of approximately $19 million during the last twelve months. At December 31, 2007, $487 million in collateralized mortgage obligations (“CMOs”) and mortgage backed securities (“MBSs”) were held in the Company’s investment portfolios. None of the CMOs or MBSs are backed by sub-prime mortgages. The CMOs and MBSs have been experiencing principal paydowns of approximately $7 million per month during the last three months. In addition, at December 31, 2007 the Company had customary lines for overnight borrowings from other financial institutions in excess of $700 million and a $35 million line of credit, under which $19.5 million was outstanding at December 31, 2007. The 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 2007, 2006 and 2005 resulted in operating cash flows of $108.4 million, $108.0 million and $117.8 million, respectively. In 2007, operating activities provided a substantial portion of cash for $40.6 million in shareholder dividends and $87.1 million of share repurchase activity. In 2006, operating activities provided a substantial portion of cash for $40.7 million in shareholder dividends and $89.0 million of share repurchase activity. 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 Company’s investing activities were also a net source of cash in 2007. Proceeds from maturing investment securities of $223.7 million were only partially reinvested, for a net increase in cash of $193.1 million. Other investing activities included net loan repayments of $26.2 million. These cash inflows substantially offset a $251.9 million decrease in customers’ deposits. Throughout 2007, competition for deposits was elevated in the banking industry due to funding demands.
The Company’s investing activities were also a net source of cash in 2006. Proceeds from maturing investment securities of $250.2 million were only partially reinvested, for a net increase in cash of $219.4 million. Other investing activities included net loan repayments of $139.3 million. These cash inflows substantially offset a $329.4 million decrease in customers’ deposits and a $43.2 million reduction in short-term borrowings. Throughout 2006, competition for deposits was elevated in the banking industry due to rising short-term interest rates and funding demands.
During 2005, the Company financed its acquisition of REBC by issuing approximately 1.6 million shares of common stock and approximately $57 million in cash 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 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.
The Company anticipates maintaining its cash levels in 2008. It is anticipated that loan demand will be moderate to weak during 2008, although such demand will be dictated by economic and competitive conditions. The Company aggressively solicits non-interest bearing demand deposits and money market checking deposits, which are the least sensitive to interest rates. The growth of deposit balances is subject to heightened competition, the success of the Company’s sales efforts, delivery of superior customer service and market conditions. A series of recent reductions in the federal funds rate have resulted in declining short-term interest rates, which could impact deposit volumes in the future. Depending on economic conditions, interest rate levels, and a variety of other conditions, deposit growth may be used to fund loans, purchase investment securities or to reduce short-term borrowings. However, due to concerns regarding uncertainty in the general economic environment, competition, possible terrorist attacks and political uncertainty, loan demand and levels of customer deposits are not certain. Shareholder dividends and share repurchases are expected to continue subject to the Board’s discretion and continuing evaluation of capital levels, earnings, asset quality, debt retirement and other factors.
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 2007, 2006 and 2005, the Bank declared dividends to the Company of $109 million, $108 million and $122 million, respectively.
The following table sets forth the known contractual obligations of the Company at December 31, 2007:
Contractual Obligations
                                         
At December 31, 2006   Within     One to     Three to     After        
(dollars in thousands)   One Year     Three Years     Five Years     Five Years     Total  
             
Long-Term Debt Obligations
  $ 0     $ 0     $ 0     $ 36,773     $ 36,773  
Operating Lease Obligations
    6,365       10,346       7,983       6,443       31,137  
Purchase Obligations
    5,874       11,748       0       0       17,622  
           
 
                                       
Total
  $ 12,239     $ 22,094     $ 7,983     $ 43,216     $ 85,532  
           
Long-Term Debt Obligations and Operating Lease Obligations may be retired prior to the contractual maturity as discussed in the notes to the consolidated financial statements. The Purchase Obligation consists of the Company’s minimum liability under a contract with a third-party automation services provider.

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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 1.9 million shares in 2007, 1.8 million shares in 2006 and 1.8 million shares in 2005.
The Company’s primary capital resource is shareholders’ equity, which decreased $29.6 million or 7.0% in 2007 from the previous year, primarily the net result of $40.6 million in dividends paid and $87.1 million in stock repurchases, offset by $89.8 million in profits earned during the year and $11.9 million in issuance of stock in connection with exercises of employee stock options.
The Company’s ratio of equity to total assets declined from 8.90% at December 31, 2006 to 8.66% at December 31, 2007 because total assets declined relatively less than shareholders’ equity.
Capital to Risk-Adjusted Assets
The risk-based capital ratios declined at December 31, 2007 from December 31, 2006 primarily because a decrease in capital was relatively greater than a decrease in risk-weighted assets. The following table summarizes the Company’s capital ratios for the dates indicated:
                                 
                    Minimum        
                    Regulatory     Well  
At December 31,   2007     2006     Requirement     Capitalized  
           
Tier I Capital
    9.33 %     9.77 %     4.00 %     6.00 %
Total Capital
    10.64 %     11.09 %     8.00 %     10.00 %
Leverage ratio
    6.32 %     6.42 %     4.00 %     5.00 %
         
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 and for the years ended December 31,   2007     2006     2005*  
         
Return on average total assets
    1.93 %     2.01 %     2.09 %
Return on average shareholders’ equity
    22.11 %     23.38 %     25.70 %
Average shareholders’ equity as a percentage of:
                       
Average total assets
    8.75 %     8.60 %     8.14 %
Average total loans
    16.17 %     16.40 %     16.01 %
Average total deposits
    12.04 %     11.58 %     10.72 %
Dividend payout ratio (diluted EPS)
    46 %     42 %     38 %
 
*   Adjusted to adopt Financial Accounting Standard 123 (revised 2004), “Share-Based Payment.” See Note 9.
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
                                                                         
    2007             2006             2005        
            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
  $ 1,262,723       37.5 %     %   $ 1,329,107       36.4 %     %   $ 1,384,483       36.0 %     %
Interest bearing:
                                                                       
Transaction
    569,286       16.9 %     0.37 %     617,956       16.9 %     0.29 %     632,896       16.4 %     0.23 %
Savings
    826,336       24.5 %     0.74 %     956,698       26.3 %     0.44 %     1,105,664       28.7 %     0.34 %
Time less than $100 thousand
    210,039       6.2 %     3.31 %     239,361       6.6 %     2.73 %     280,770       7.3 %     2.03 %
Time $100 thousand or more
    503,469       14.9 %     4.50 %     504,980       13.8 %     4.17 %     444,862       11.6 %     2.58 %
                     
Total
  $ 3,371,853       100.0 %     1.79 %   $ 3,648,102       100.0 %     1.45 %   $ 3,848,675       100.0 %     0.91 %
                   
Deposit competition increased during 2006 due to rising short-term interest rates, and remained elevated during 2007. The Company modified its deposit pricing practices to retain its profitable customers. During 2007, total average deposits declined by $276.2 million or 7.6% from 2006 primarily due to a $130.4 million decrease in savings deposits, a $66.4 million decrease in noninterest bearing demand deposits, a $48.7 million decrease in interest bearing transaction deposits, and a $29.3 million decrease in time deposits less than $100 thousand.
Total average deposits declined by $200.6 million or 5.2% from 2005 to 2006 due to an outflow of $55.4 million of noninterest bearing deposits, a $14.9 million decrease in interest bearing transaction deposits, a $149.0 million decrease in savings deposits and a $41.4 million decrease in CDs less than $100 thousand, partially offset by a $60.1 million increase in CDs over $100 thousand.

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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)   2007  
 
     
Three months or less
  $ 444,802  
Over three through six months
    34,379  
Over six through twelve months
    26,696  
Over twelve months
    8,887  
 
     
 
       
Total
  $ 514,764  
   
Short-term Borrowings
The following table sets forth the short-term borrowings of the Company:
Short-Term Borrowings Distribution
                         
At December 31,                  
(In thousands)   2007     2006     2005  
         
Federal funds purchased
  $ 621,000     $ 551,000     $ 575,925  
Other borrowed funds:
                       
Sweep accounts
    150,097       134,634       158,153  
Securities sold under repurchase agreements
    7,969       25,830       26,825  
Line of credit
    19,533       20,513       14,270  
         
Total short term borrowings
  $ 798,599     $ 731,977     $ 775,173  
       
Further detail of federal funds purchased and other borrowed funds is as follows:
                         
Years Ended December 31,                  
(dollars in thousands)   2007     2006     2005  
         
Federal Funds Purchased Balances and Rates Paid Outstanding amount:
                       
Average for the year
  $ 596,711     $ 525,068     $ 550,523  
Maximum month-end balance during the year
    705,000       626,500       683,000  
 
                       
Interest rates:
                       
Average for the year
    5.13 %     5.02 %     3.24 %
Average at period end
    4.33 %     5.23 %     4.16 %
 
                       
Other Borrowed Funds Balances and Rates Paid Outstanding amount:
                       
Average for the year
  $ 162,679     $ 209,902     $ 166,461  
Maximum month-end balance during the year
    222,227       255,517       200,192  
 
                       
Interest rates:
                       
Average for the year
    1.08 %     1.44 %     0.66 %
Average at period end
    0.99 %     1.33 %     1.03 %
Noninterest Income
Components of Noninterest Income
                         
Years Ended December 31,                  
(dollars in thousands)   2007     2006     2005  
         
Service charges on deposit accounts
  $ 30,235     $ 28,414     $ 29,106  
Merchant credit card fees
    10,841       9,860       9,097  
Debit card fees
    3,797       3,489       3,207  
ATM fees and interchange
    2,824       2,824       2,711  
Other service charges
    2,065       1,954       1,774  
Financial services commissions
    1,321       1,368       1,387  
Trust fees
    1,281       1,178       1,181  
Official check fees
    1,113       1,391       1,110  
Life insurance proceeds
    822             945  
Gain on sales of real property
    230       239       3,700  
Mortgage banking income
    124       179       292  
Gains on sale of foreclosed property
                24  
Investment securities losses, net
                (4,903 )
Other noninterest income
    4,625       4,451       4,909  
         
 
                       
Total
  $ 59,278     $ 55,347     $ 54,540  
       
Noninterest income for 2007 was $3.9 million or 7.1% higher than 2006 primarily due to higher service charges on deposit accounts and merchant credit card fees, and $822 thousand in company-owned life insurance proceeds. Service charges on deposit accounts increased $1.8 million or 6.4% mainly due to a $2.3 million increase in overdraft fees due to marketing initiatives, partially offset by declines in fees charged on retail and business checking accounts (down $296 thousand) and deficit fees charged on analyzed accounts (down $200 thousand). Merchant credit card fees increased $981 thousand or 9.9% due to increased processing volumes. Debit card fees increased $308 thousand or 8.8% mainly due to increased usage. Other service charges increased $111 thousand or 5.7%. Trust fees increased $103 thousand or 8.7%. Official check sales income declined $278 thousand or 20.0% mostly due to lower average investable balances.

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Noninterest income for 2006 was $807 thousand or 1.5% higher than in 2005. In 2005 the Company incurred $4.9 million in losses on sales of securities to manage the Company’s interest rate risk position following the REBC acquisition. The losses were partially offset by a $3.7 million gain on sale of real estate and $945 thousand in company-owned life insurance proceeds. Merchant credit card fees increased $763 thousand or 8.4% primarily due to a higher transaction volume and a full year of fees earned from the credit card processing unit of the REBC after the acquisition on March 1, 2005. A $282 thousand or 8.8% increase in debit card fees was attributable to higher usage. Official check sales income increased $281 thousand or 25.3% due to the higher earnings credit rate on outstanding items. ATM fees and interchange increased $113 thousand or 4.2% mainly due to marketing initiatives. Other service charges increased $180 thousand or 10.1%. Service charges on deposit accounts declined $692 thousand or 2.4% largely due to a decrease in deficit fees charged on analyzed accounts (down $828 thousand or 12.5%) as a result of the higher earnings credit rate, lower returned item charges (down $287 thousand or 11.6%) and DDA activity charges (down $223 thousand or 3.8%), partially offset by an increase in overdraft fees (up $616 thousand or 4.5%). Mortgage banking income decreased $113 thousand or 38.7% mainly due to lower activity. Other noninterest income declined $458 thousand or 9.3% mostly due to lower income from letters of credit and check sales.
Noninterest Expense
Components of Noninterest Expense
                         
Years Ended December 31,                  
(dollars in thousands)   2007     2006     2005*  
         
Salaries and related benefits
  $ 50,142     $ 52,302     $ 55,854  
Occupancy
    13,346       13,047       12,579  
Data processing
    7,069       6,097       6,156  
Equipment
    4,302       4,949       5,212  
Courier Service
    3,404       3,627       3,831  
Professional fees
    1,889       2,437       2,420  
Postage
    1,602       1,648       1,615  
Telephone
    1,398       1,634       2,115  
Stationery and supplies
    1,271       1,163       1,264  
Customer checks
    939       992       965  
Correspondent service charges
    869       778       964  
Advertising and public relations
    834       843       965  
Operational losses
    793       892       915  
Loan expenses
    750       882       945  
Amortization of intangible assets
    3,653       4,087       3,625  
Visa litigation
    2,338              
Other
    6,829       6,346       7,825  
         
 
                       
Total
  $ 101,428     $ 101,724     $ 107,250  
       
 
                       
Noninterest expense to revenues (“efficiency ratio”)(FTE)
    41.5 %     39.1 %     38.5 %
Average full-time equivalent staff
    887       909       959  
Total average assets per full-time staff
  $ 5,233     $ 5,402     $ 5,283  
       
*   Adjusted to adopt Financial Accounting Standard 123 (revised 2004), “Share-Based Payment.” See Note 9.
In 2007, noninterest expense declined $296 thousand or 0.3% compared with 2006. Salaries and related benefits declined $2.2 million or 4.1% mostly a result of fewer employees, partially offset by annual merit increases, and declines in stock based compensation (down $725 thousand), workers compensation (down $410 thousand), restricted performance shares (down $207 thousand) and incentives and bonuses (down $457 thousand). Equipment expense declined $647 thousand or 13.1% primarily due to lower repair, maintenance and depreciation expenses. Professional fees decreased $548 thousand or 22.5% mainly due to lower legal fees (down $474 thousand). Amortization of deposit intangibles decreased $434 thousand or 10.6%. Telephone expense declined $236 thousand or 14.4% largely due to lower rates contained in a new vendor contract. Courier service expense decreased $223 thousand or 6.1%. Loan expense fell $132 thousand or 15.0% largely due to lower repossession expenses. Declines were partially offset by the $2.3 million Visa litigation expense and increases in data processing (up $972 thousand or 15.9%), other noninterest expense (up $483 thousand or 7.6%), occupancy expense (up $299 thousand or 2.3%) and stationery and supplies (up $108 thousand or 9.3%). The higher data processing expenses and a portion of the lower personnel costs, lower full-time equivalent staff levels and lower equipment expenses were due to conversion of the Company’s item processing function to an outside vendor. Other noninterest expense rose mostly due to increases in debit card and ATM network fees, travel costs, internet banking expenses, and amortization of low-income housing investments as tax benefits are realized. The increase was partially offset by a $400 thousand reduction in the reserve for unfunded credit commitments due to a reduction in commitments under construction credit facilities. Occupancy expense increased primarily due to increases in maintenance and insurance costs, partly offset by lower depreciation charges.
In 2006, noninterest expense decreased $5.5 million or 5.2% compared with 2005. Salaries and related benefits declined $3.6 million or 6.4%, primarily the net result of a $1.9 million decrease in regular salary expenses. The decrease in regular salaries was attributable to the net effect of a smaller workforce and annual merit increases to continuing staff. Telephone expense declined $481 thousand or 22.7% primarily due to lower rates contained in a new vendor contract. Equipment expense declined $263 thousand or 5.0% mainly due to lower repair and maintenance costs. Courier service cost was lower by $204 thousand or 5.3% than in 2005. Correspondent service charges decreased $186 thousand or 19.3%. Advertising and public relations decreased $122 thousand or 12.6% largely due to lower advertising and marketing research expenses. Stationery and supplies decreased $101 thousand or 8.0%. Other noninterest expense decreased $1.5 million or 18.9% largely due to reclassification of credit card expense and lower insurance costs, offset by a $223 thousand increase in amortization of low-income housing investments as tax benefits are realized. Occupancy expense was higher by $468 thousand or 3.7% primarily due to a $650 thousand increase in rent, net of sublease income, partially offset by lower depreciation expenses. A $462 thousand increase in amortization of identifiable intangibles was attributable to the March 1, 2005 REBC acquisition.

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Provision for Income Tax
The income tax provision (FTE) decreased by $6.4 million or 10.8% in 2007 compared to 2006 primarily due to lower earnings. The 2007 provision (FTE) of $52.7 million reflects an effective tax rate of 37.0% compared to a provision of $59.1 million in 2006, representing an effective tax rate of 37.4%. The tax provision in 2007 reflected $700 thousand in tax refunds in connection with the acceptance of amended returns and the tax-exempt nature of $822 thousand in life insurance proceeds, which reduced the effective tax rate from 37.7% to 37.0%.
In 2006, the Company recorded income tax expense (FTE) of $59.1 million, $5.1 million or 8.0% lower than the previous year, primarily due to lower earnings. The effective tax rate of 37.4% (FTE) for 2006 is slightly lower than the 37.7% (FTE) for 2005. The tax provision in 2006 reflected tax credits and other benefits realized from additional investments in low income housing projects, tax refunds and other tax items. The tax provision in 2005 reflected tax refunds in connection with the acceptance of amended returns and the tax-exempt nature of $945 thousand in life insurance proceeds.
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 is the most significant market risk affecting the Company, and equity price risk can also affect the Company’s financial results, both of which are described in the preceding sections regarding “Asset and Liability Management” and “Liquidity.” Other types of market risk, such as foreign currency exchange risk and commodity price risk, are not significant in the normal course of the Company’s business activities.

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ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
         
    Page
    36  
 
       
    37  
 
       
    38  
 
       
    39  
 
       
    40  
 
       
    41  
 
       
    42  
 
       
    62  

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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, 2007. 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, 2007 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, 2007 based on the criteria in Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by COSO.
The Company’s independent registered public accounting firm has issued an attestation report on Management’s assessment of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. This report is included below.
Dated February 28, 2008

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Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
The Board of Directors and Shareholders
Westamerica Bancorporation:
We have audited Westamerica Bancorporation and Subsidiaries (the Company) internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2007, 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, included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on 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, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audit also included 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, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2007, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.
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, 2007 and 2006, and the related consolidated statements of income, changes in shareholders’ equity and comprehensive income, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2007, and our report dated February 28, 2008 expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial statements.
     
/s/ KPMG LLP
 
KPMG LLP
   
San Francisco, California
February 28, 2008

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CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In thousands)
                 
Balances as of December 31,   2007   2006
 
Assets
               
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 209,764     $ 184,442  
Money market assets
    333       567  
Investment securities available for sale
    532,821       615,525  
Investment securities held to maturity; market values of $1,049,422 in 2007 and $1,155,736 in 2006
    1,045,288       1,165,092  
Loans, net of an allowance for loan losses of:
               
$52,506 in 2007 and $55,330 in 2006
    2,450,470       2,476,404  
Other real estate owned
    613       647  
Premises and equipment, net
    28,380       30,188  
Identifiable intangibles
    18,429       22,082  
Goodwill
    121,719       121,719  
Interest receivable and other assets
    151,142       152,669  
 
Total Assets
  $ 4,558,959     $ 4,769,335  
 
 
               
Liabilities
               
Deposits:
               
Noninterest bearing
  $ 1,245,500     $ 1,341,019  
Interest bearing:
               
Transaction
    544,411       588,668  
Savings
    760,006       865,268  
Time
    714,873       721,779  
 
Total deposits
    3,264,790       3,516,734  
 
Short-term borrowed funds
    798,599       731,977  
Debt financing and notes payable
    36,773       36,920  
Liability for interest, taxes and other expenses
    64,194       59,469  
 
Total Liabilities
    4,164,356       4,345,100  
 
 
               
Shareholders’ Equity
               
Common Stock (no par value)
               
Authorized - 150,000 shares
               
Issued and outstanding - 29,018 in 2007 and 30,547 in 2006
    334,211       341,529  
Deferred compensation
    2,990       2,734  
Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income
    (4,520 )     1,850  
Retained earnings
    61,922       78,122  
 
Total Shareholders’ Equity
    394,603       424,235  
 
Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity
  $ 4,558,959     $ 4,769,335  
 
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

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CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(In thousands, except per share data)
                         
For the years ended December 31,   2007   2006   2005*
 
Interest and Fee Income
                       
Loans
  $ 162,242     $ 164,756     $ 155,476  
Money market assets and funds sold
    7       5       3  
Investment securities:
                       
Available for sale
                       
Taxable
    15,639       16,844       19,699  
Tax-exempt
    11,566       12,519       13,186  
Held to maturity
                       
Taxable
    23,361       28,809       30,557  
Tax-exempt
    23,057       23,582       23,876  
 
Total Interest and Fee Income
    235,872       246,515       242,797  
 
 
                       
Interest Expense
                       
Transaction deposits
    2,093       1,771       1,460  
Savings deposits
    6,144       4,198       3,744  
Time deposits
    29,612       27,578       17,160  
Short-term borrowed funds
    32,393       29,389       18,941  
Debt financing and notes payable
    2,313       2,332       2,344  
 
Total Interest Expense
    72,555       65,268       43,649  
 
 
                       
Net Interest Income
    163,317       181,247       199,148  
Provision for Loan Losses
    700       445       900  
 
 
                       
Net Interest Income After Provision for Loan Losses
    162,617       180,802       198,248  
 
 
                       
Noninterest Income
                       
Service charges on deposit accounts
    30,235       28,414       29,106  
Merchant credit card income
    10,841       9,860       9,097  
Debit card income
    3,797       3,489       3,207  
Financial services commissions
    1,321       1,368       1,387  
Trust fees
    1,281       1,178       1,181  
Securities losses, net
                (4,903 )
Sale of real estate
    230       239       3,700  
Other
    11,573       10,799       11,765  
 
Total Noninterest Income
    59,278       55,347       54,540  
 
 
                       
Noninterest Expense
                       
Salaries and related benefits
    50,142       52,302       55,854  
Occupancy
    13,346       13,047       12,579  
Data processing
    7,069       6,097       6,156  
Furniture and equipment
    4,302       4,949       5,212  
Amortization of intangibles
    3,653       4,087       3,625  
Courier Service
    3,404       3,627       3,831  
Professional fees
    1,889       2,437       2,420  
Visa litigation
    2,338              
Other
    15,285       15,178       17,573  
 
Total Noninterest Expense
    101,428       101,724       107,250  
 
 
                       
Income Before Income Taxes
    120,467       134,425       145,538  
Provision for income taxes
    30,691       35,619       39,497  
 
 
                       
Net Income
  $ 89,776     $ 98,806     $ 106,041  
 
 
                       
Average Shares Outstanding
    29,753       31,202       32,291  
Diluted Average Shares Outstanding
    30,165       31,739       32,897  
 
                       
Per Share Data
                       
Basic earnings
  $ 3.02     $ 3.17     $ 3.28  
Diluted earnings
    2.98       3.11       3.22  
Dividends paid
    1.36       1.30       1.22  
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
 
*   Adjusted to adopt Financial Accounting Standard 123 (revised 2004), “Share-Based Payment.” See Note 9.

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CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(In thousands)
                                                 
                            Accumulated        
                            Other        
            Common   Deferred   Comprehensive   Retained    
    Shares   Stock   Compensation   Income (Loss)   Earnings   Total
 
December 31, 2004*
    31,640     $ 255,205     $ 2,146     $ 9,638     $ 99,670     $ 366,659  
Comprehensive income
                                               
Net income for the year 2005
                                    106,041       106,041  
Other comprehensive income, net of tax:
                                               
Net unrealized losses on securities available for sale
                            (7,756 )             (7,756 )
 
                                             
Total comprehensive income
                                            98,285  
Stock issued in connection with purchase of Redwood Empire Bancorp
    1,639       89,538                               89,538  
Exercise of stock options
    377       9,830                               9,830  
Stock option tax benefits*
            1,761                               1,761  
Restricted stock activity
    21       797       277                       1,074  
Stock based compensation*
            2,394                               2,394  
Stock awarded to employees
    4       196                               196  
Purchase and retirement of stock
    (1,799 )     (16,686 )                     (78,665 )     (95,351 )
Dividends
                                    (39,322 )     (39,322 )
 
 
                                               
December 31, 2005*
    31,882       343,035       2,423       1,882       87,724       435,064  
Adjustment to initially apply SAB Statement No. 108, net of tax
                            1,756       1,756  
               
Balance at January 1, 2006
    31,882       343,035       2,423       1,882       89,480       436,820  
Comprehensive income
                                               
Net income for the year 2006
                                    98,806       98,806  
Other comprehensive income, net of tax:
                                               
Net unrealized gains on securities available for sale
                            362               362  
 
                                             
Total comprehensive income
                                            99,168  
Post-retirement benefit transition obligation, net of tax
                            (394 )             (394 )
Exercise of stock options
    409       12,755                               12,755  
Stock option tax benefits
            1,867                               1,867  
Restricted stock activity
    20       727       311                       1,038  
Stock based compensation
            2,504                               2,504  
Stock awarded to employees
    3       154                               154  
Purchase and retirement of stock
    (1,767 )     (19,513 )                     (69,468 )     (88,981 )
Dividends
                                    (40,696 )     (40,696 )
 
 
                                               
December 31, 2006
    30,547       341,529       2,734       1,850       78,122       424,235  
Comprehensive income
                                               
Net income for the year 2007
                                    89,776       89,776  
Other comprehensive income, net of tax:
                                               
Net unrealized losses on securities available for sale
                            (6,406 )             (6,406 )
Post-retirement benefit transition obligation amortization
                            36               36  
 
                                             
Total comprehensive income
                                            83,406  
Exercise of stock options
    342       11,908                               11,908  
Stock option tax benefits
            306                               306  
Restricted stock activity
    12       302       256                       558  
Stock based compensation
            1,779                               1,779  
Stock awarded to employees
    3       161                               161  
Purchase and retirement of stock
    (1,886 )     (21,774 )                     (65,329 )     (87,103 )
Dividends
                                    (40,647 )     (40,647 )
 
 
                                               
December 31, 2007
    29,018     $ 334,211     $ 2,990     ($  4,520 )   $ 61,922     $    394,603  
             
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
 
*   Adjusted to adopt Financial Accounting Standard 123 (revised 2004), “Share-Based Payment.” See Note 9.

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CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In thousands)
                         
For the years ended December 31,   2007   2006   2005*
 
Operating Activities:
                       
Net income
  $ 89,776     $ 98,806     $ 106,041  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
                       
Depreciation and amortization
    9,489       10,221       9,810  
Loan loss provision
    700       445       900  
Net amortization of loan fees, net of cost
    (955 )     (414 )     (51 )
Decrease (increase) in interest income receivable
    2,870       1,327       (1,007 )
Increase in other assets
    (7,073 )     (5,712 )     (3,961 )
Stock option compensation expense
    1,779       2,504       2,394  
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation
    (306 )     (1,867 )     (1,761 )
Increase (decrease) in income taxes payable
    586       (423 )     (1,331 )
(Decrease) increase in interest expense payable
    (901 )     1,875       2,067  
Increase in other liabilities
    12,534       1,452       3,472  
Loss on sale of securities
    0       0       4,903  
Gain on sale of real estate and other assets
    (232 )     (239 )     (3,700 )
Net loss on sales/write-down of fixed assets
    51       6       39  
Originations of loans for resale
    (516 )     (860 )     (484 )
Net proceeds from sale of loans originated for resale
    521       869       483  
Net write-down (gain on sale) of property acquired in satisfaction of debt
    34       0       (24 )
 
Net Cash Provided By Operating Activities
    108,357       107,990       117,790  
 
 
                       
Investing Activities
                       
Net cash issued in mergers and acquisitions
    0       0       (35,210 )
Net repayments of loans
    26,184       139,280       66,942  
Purchases of investment securities available for sale
    (30,571 )     (30,832 )     (19,208 )
Proceeds from maturity/calls of securities available for sale
    103,914       78,068       104,832  
Proceeds from sale of securities available for sale
    0       0       196,216  
Purchases of investment securities held to maturity
    0       0       (232,203 )
Proceeds from maturity/calls of securities held to maturity
    119,805       172,125       165,447  
Purchases of property, plant and equipment
    (1,562 )     (1,008 )     (1,655 )
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment
    237       420       4,533  
Proceeds from maturity/sale of money market assets
    0       0       6  
Purchases of FRB/FHLB securities
    (145 )     (141 )     (4,414 )
Proceeds from sale of FRB/FHLB securities
    108       247       1,547  
Proceeds from sale of other real estate owned
    0       0       64  
 
Net Cash Provided By Investing Activities
    217,970       358,159       246,897  
 
 
                       
Financing Activities
                       
Net decrease in deposits
    (251,944 )     (329,367 )     (107,498 )
Net increase (decrease) in short-term borrowings
    66,622       (43,196 )     (47,649 )
Repayments of notes payable
    (147 )     (3,362 )     (3,338 )
Exercise of stock options/issuance of shares
    11,908       12,755       9,830  
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation
    306       1,867       1,761  
Retirement of common stock including repurchases
    (87,103 )     (88,981 )     (95,351 )
Dividends paid
    (40,647 )     (40,696 )     (39,322 )
 
Net Cash Used In Financing Activities
    (301,005 )     (490,980 )     (281,567 )
 
 
                       
Net Increase (Decrease) In Cash and Cash Equivalents
    25,322       (24,831 )     83,120  
 
Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Year
    184,442       209,273       126,153  
 
 
Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Year
  $ 209,764     $ 184,442     $ 209,273  
 
 
                       
Supplemental Disclosures:
                       
Supplemental disclosure of noncash activities:
                       
Loans transferred to other real estate owned
  $ 0     $ 647     $ 40  
Unrealized (loss) gain on securities available for sale, net
    (6,406 )     362       (7,756 )
 
                       
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
    71,654       67,143       46,325  
Income tax payments for the period
    30,791       37,353       39,414  
 
*   Adjusted to adopt Financial Accounting Standard 123 (revised 2004), “Share-Based Payment.” See Note 9.
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 Credit 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.
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, and equity securities. Securities transactions are recorded on a trade date basis. The Company classifies its debt and marketable equity securities in one of three categories: trading, available for sale or held to maturity. 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 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 unamortized deferred fees and costs. Interest is accrued daily on the outstanding principal 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 for credit losses 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 both the contractual interest and principal payments 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, net of costs, 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.

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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 non-criticized and classified commercial loans and residential real estate loans based on historical loss rates. The remainder of the reserve is considered to be unallocated. The unallocated allowance is established to provide for probable losses that have been incurred as of the reporting date but not reflected in the allocated allowance. It addresses additional qualitative factors consistent with Management’s analysis of the level of risks inherent in the loan portfolio, which are related to the risks of the Company’s general lending activity. Included in the unallocated allowance is the risk of losses that are attributable to national or local economic or industry trends which have occurred but have yet been recognized in past loan charge-off history (external factors). The external factors evaluated by the Company include: economic and business conditions, external competitive issues, and other factors. Also included in the unallocated allowance is the risk of losses that are attributable to general attributes of the Company’s loan portfolio and credit administration (internal factors). The internal factors evaluated by the Company include: loan review system, adequacy of lending Management and staff, loan policies and procedures, problem loan trends, concentrations of credit, and other factors. By their nature, these risks are not readily allocable to any specific category in a statistically meaningful manner and are difficult to quantify with a specific number.
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 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 and 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 on an accelerated basis over their respective estimated useful lives. 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 acquired in a purchase business combination determined to have an indefinite useful life is not amortized, but is annually evaluated for impairment.
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets. The Company reviews its long-lived and certain intangible assets 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. The Company accounts for income taxes in accordance with FAS 109, Accounting for Income Taxes, as interpreted by FIN 48, resulting in two components of income tax expense: current and deferred. Current income tax expense approximates taxes to be paid or refunded for the current period. The Company determines deferred income taxes using the balance sheet method. Under this method, the net deferred tax asset or liability is based on the tax effects of the differences between the book and tax bases of assets and liabilities, and recognizes enacted changes in tax rates and laws in the period in which they occur. Deferred income tax expense results from changes in deferred tax assets and liabilities between periods. Deferred tax assets are recognized subject to management judgment that realization is more likely than not. A tax position that meets the more likely than not recognition threshold is measured to determine the amount of benefit to recognize. The tax position is measured at the largest amount of benefit that is greater than fifty percent likely of being realized upon settlement. Interest and penalties are recognized as a component of income tax expense.
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities. The Company’s accounting policy for derivative instruments requires the Company to recognize those items as assets or liabilities in the statement of financial position and measure them at fair value. Hybrid financial instruments are single financial instruments that contain an embedded derivative. The Company’s accounting policy is to record certain hybrid financial instruments at fair value without separating the embedded derivative.
Stock Options. Effective January 1, 2006, the Company adopted FASB Statement No.123(revised 2004), Share-Based Payment (SFAS No. 123(R)) on a modified retrospective basis. SFAS No. 123(R) requires the Company to begin using the fair value method to account for stock based awards granted to employees in exchange for their services. Prior to the adoption of SFAS No. 123(R), the Company accounted for stock option plans using the intrinsic value method, as permitted by SFAS No. 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation.” Under the prior intrinsic value method, compensation expense was recorded for stock options only if the price of the underlying stock on the date of grant exceeded the exercise price of the option. The Company’s historical stock option grants were awarded with exercise prices equal to the prevailing price of the underlying stock on the dates of grant; therefore, no compensation expense was recorded using the intrinsic value method. The Company’s recognition of compensation expense for restricted performance share grants has not changed with the adoption of SFAS No. 123(R). The Company has recognized compensation expense for historical restricted performance share grants over the relevant attribution period. Restricted performance share grants have no exercise price, therefore, the intrinsic value is measured using an estimated per share price at the vesting date for each restricted performance share. The estimated per share price is adjusted during the attribution period to reflect actual stock price performance. The Company’s obligation for unvested outstanding restricted performance share grants is classified as a liability until the vesting date due to a cash settlement feature, at which time the issued shares become classified as shareholders’ equity.
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.
Postretirement Benefits. The Company uses an actuarial-based accrual method of accounting for post-retirement benefits.
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.

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Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
In September 2006, the SEC staff issued Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 108, “Considering the Effects of Prior Year Misstatements when Quantifying Misstatements in Current Year Financial Statements” (SAB 108). SAB 108 was issued in order to eliminate the diversity of practice surrounding how public companies quantify financial statement misstatements. Prior to the issuance of SAB 108, the Company had focused on the impact of misstatements on the income statement, including the reversing effect of prior year misstatements. With a focus on the income statement, the Company’s analysis could lead to the accumulation of misstatements in the balance sheet. In applying SAB 108, the Company considers accumulated misstatements in the balance sheet. SAB 108 permitted companies to initially apply its provisions by recording the cumulative effect of misstatements as adjustments to the balance sheet as of the first day of the fiscal year, with an offsetting adjustment recorded to retained earnings, net of tax. The Company adopted SAB 108, effective January 1, 2006, with an adjustment to reduce other liabilities by $3 million, with a corresponding increase to retained earnings of $1.8 million, net of tax. The $3 million overstatement of other liabilities accumulated over seventeen years, as the liability accrued for stock-based compensation exceeded the amount paid to employees. These misstatements had not previously been material to the income statements for any of those prior periods.
In September 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued FASB Statement No. 158, “Employers’ Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans, an amendment of FASB Statements No. 87, 88, 106, and 132(R)” (“FAS 158”). FAS 158 requires recognition of the funded status of the Company’s benefit plans as a net liability or asset, which requires an offsetting adjustment to accumulated other comprehensive income in shareholders’ equity. The Company adopted these recognition and disclosure provisions of FAS 158 effective December 31, 2006, which required recognition of the previously unrecognized transition obligation for the Company’s postretirement medical benefit program. The following table illustrates the adjustments recorded to adopt FAS 158:
Incremental Effect of Applying FAS 158
on Individual Line Items in the Statement of Financial Position
December 31, 2006
(in thousands)
                         
    Before           After
    Application of           Application of
    FAS 158   Adjustments   FAS 158
         
Liability for postretirement
  $ 3,757     $ 673     $ 4,430  
Net deferred tax asset
    39,561       279       39,840  
Total liabilities
    4,344,427       673       4,345,100  
Accumulated other comprehensive income
    2,244       (394 )     1,850  
Total stockholders’ equity
    424,629       (394 )     424,235  
The Company currently uses a September 30 measurement date. FAS 158 requires the Company to measure its benefit obligations as of the balance sheet date effective December 31, 2008. The change in measurement date is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s financial statements.
In September 2006, the FASB issued FAS 157, Fair Value Measurements, which defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. FAS 157 applies under other accounting pronouncements that require or permit fair value measurements, the FASB having previously concluded in those accounting pronouncements that fair value is the relevant measurement attribute. FAS 157 is effective for the year beginning January 1, 2008, with early adoption permitted on January 1, 2007. The Company does not expect that the adoption of FAS 157 will have a material effect on its consolidated financial statements.
In February 2007, the FASB issued FAS 159, The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities — Including an Amendment of FASB Statement No. 115. This standard permits entities to choose to measure many financial assets and liabilities and certain other items at fair value. An enterprise will report unrealized gains and losses on items for which the fair value option has been elected in earnings at each subsequent reporting date. The fair value option may be applied on an instrument-by-instrument basis, with several exceptions, such as those investments accounted for by the equity method, and once elected, the option is irrevocable unless a new election date occurs. The fair value option can be applied only to entire instruments and not to portions thereof. FAS 159 is effective as of the beginning of an entity’s first fiscal year beginning after November 15, 2007. The Company will adopt FAS 159 on January 1, 2008, which will not have a material effect on its consolidated financial statements.
In December 2007, the FASB issued FAS 141 (revised 2007), Business Combinations. This Statement replaces FASB Statement NO. 141, Business Combinations. This Statement retains the fundamental requirements in Statement 141 that the acquisition method of accounting (which Statement 141 called the purchase method) be used for all business combination and for an acquirer to be identified for each business combination. This Statement also retains the guidance in Statement 141 for identifying and recognizing intangible assets separately from goodwill. This Statement requires an acquirer to recognize the assets acquired, the liabilities assumed, and any noncontrolling interest in the acquiree at the acquisition date, measured at their fair values as of that date, with limited exceptions specified in the Statement. That replaces Statement 141’s cost-allocation process, which required the cost of an acquisition to be allocated to the individual assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on their estimated fair values. Statement 141 required the acquirer to include the costs incurred to effect the acquisition (acquisition-related costs) in the cost of the acquisition that was allocated to the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed. This Statement requires those costs to be recognized separately from the acquisition. In addition, in accordance with Statement 141, restructuring costs that the acquirer expected but was not obligated to incur were recognized as if they were a liability assumed at the acquisition date. This Statement requires the acquirer to recognize those costs separately from the business combination. This Statement applies prospectively to business combinations for which the acquisition date is on or after the beginning of the first annual reporting period beginning on or after December 15, 2008. The impact of this Statement on the Company’s financial statements will be contingent on the terms and conditions of future business combinations.

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Note 2: 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 acquired (including identifiable intangible assets such as core deposits). 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 period indicated as though the acquisition had been completed at the beginning of the year presented (unaudited):
         
    Year ended
    December 31,
    2005
    (In thousands, except per share data)
Earnings as reported:
       
Revenue
  $ 253,688  
Net income
    106,041  
Basic EPS
  $ 3.28  
Diluted EPS
    3.22  
Pro forma merger adjustments:
       
Revenue
  $ 5,509  
Net income
    1,007  
Pro forma earnings after merger adjustments:
       
Revenue
  $ 259,197  
Net income
    107,048  
Basic EPS
  $ 3.28  
Diluted EPS
    3.22  

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Note 3: 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, 2007, follows:
                                 
            Gross     Gross     Estimated  
    Amortized     Unrealized     Unrealized     Market  
    Cost     Gains     Losses     Value  
            (In thousands)          
Securities of U.S. Government sponsored entities
  $ 284,999     $ 180       ($2,738 )   $ 282,441  
Obligations of States and political subdivisions
    177,906       5,426       (25 )     183,307  
Asset-backed securities
    9,999       0       (299 )     9,700  
Other securities
    67,099       3,530       (13,256 )     57,373  
 
Total
  $ 540,003     $ 9,136       ($16,318 )   $ 532,821  
 
The amortized cost, unrealized gains and losses, and estimated market value of the held to maturity investment securities portfolio as of December 31, 2007, follows:
                                 
            Gross     Gross     Estimated  
    Amortized     Unrealized     Unrealized     Market  
    Cost     Gains     Losses     Value  
            (In thousands)          
Securities of U.S. Government sponsored entities
  $ 478,937     $ 934       ($4,558 )   $ 475,313  
Obligations of States and political subdivisions
    566,351       8,687       (929 )     574,109  
 
Total
  $ 1,045,288     $ 9,621       ($5,487 )   $ 1,049,422  
 
The amortized cost, unrealized gains and losses, and estimated market value of the available for sale investment securities portfolio as of December 31, 2006, follows:
                                 
            Gross     Gross     Estimated  
    Amortized     Unrealized     Unrealized     Market  
    Cost     Gains     Losses     Value  
            (In thousands)          
Securities of U.S. Government sponsored entities
  $ 332,587     $ 13       ($8,337 )     324,263  
Obligations of States and political subdivisions
    201,777       5,834       (31 )     207,580  
Asset-backed securities
    10,266       7       0       10,273  
Other securities
    67,022       7,086       (699 )     73,409  
 
Total
  $ 611,652     $ 12,940       ($9,067 )   $ 615,525  
 
The amortized cost, unrealized gains and losses, and estimated market value of the held to maturity investment securities portfolio as of December 31, 2006, follows:
                                 
            Gross     Gross     Estimated  
    Amortized     Unrealized     Unrealized     Market  
    Cost     Gains     Losses     Value  
            (In thousands)          
Securities of U.S. Government sponsored entities
  $ 585,345     $ 93       ($13,406 )   $ 572,032  
Obligations of States and political subdivisions
    579,747       6,645       (2,688 )     583,704  
 
Total
  $ 1,165,092     $ 6,738       ($16,094 )   $ 1,155,736  
 
The amortized cost and estimated market value of securities as of December 31, 2007, 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
  $ 100,224     $ 99,755     $ 26,086     $ 26,040  
1 to 5 years
    99,229       100,448       143,589       144,639  
5 to 10 years
    111,950       115,568       298,052       303,319  
Over 10 years
    22,911       22,878       228,624       230,618  
 
 
                               
Subtotal
    334,314       338,649       696,351       704,616  
Mortgage-backed
    140,106       138,315       348,937       344,806  
Other securities
    65,583       55,857       0       0  
 
 
                               
Total
  $ 540,003     $ 532,821     $ 1,045,288     $ 1,049,422  
 
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, 2007 and 2006, the Company had no high-risk collateralized mortgage obligations as defined by regulatory guidelines.

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An analysis of gross unrealized losses of the available for sale investment securities portfolio as of December 31, 2007, 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
  $ 18,150       ($93 )   $ 225,251       ($2,645 )   $ 243,401       ($2,738 )
Obligations of States and political subdivisions
    332       (1 )     2,982       (24 )     3,314       (25 )
Asset-backed securities
    9,700       (299 )     0       0       9,700       (299 )
Other securities
    51,450       (13,256 )     0       0       51,450       (13,256 )
 
 
                                               
Total
    79,632       (13,649 )     228,233       (2,669 )     307,865       (16,318 )
 
An analysis of gross unrealized losses of the held to maturity investment securities portfolio as of December 31, 2007, 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
  $ 77,940       ($506 )   $ 261,454       ($4,052 )   $ 339,394       ($4,558 )
Obligations of States and political subdivisions
    2,526       (81 )     81,695       (848 )     84,221       (929 )
 
 
                                               
Total
    80,466       (587 )     343,149       (4,900 )     423,615       (5,487 )
 
An analysis of gross unrealized losses of the available for sale investment securities portfolio as of December 31, 2006, 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
  $ 24,580       ($324 )   $ 282,147       ($8,013 )   $ 306,727       ($8,337 )
Obligations of States and political subdivisions
    964       (2 )     2,983       (29 )     3,947       (31 )
Other securities
    19,156       (699 )     0       0       19,156       (699 )
 
 
                                               
Total
    44,700       (1,025 )     285,130       (8,042 )     329,830       (9,067 )
 
An analysis of gross unrealized losses of the held to maturity investment securities portfolio as of December 31, 2006, 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
  $ 28,731       ($168 )   $ 535,774       ($13,238 )   $ 564,505       ($13,406 )
Obligations of States and political subdivisions
    100,252       (530 )     120,441       (2,158 )     220,693       (2,688 )
 
 
                                               
Total
    128,983       (698 )     656,215       (15,396 )     785,198       (16,094 )
 
Substantially all of the securities set forth in the two preceding tables are investment-grade debt securities and preferred stock 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 2006 and 2007.
As of December 31, 2007, $872.9 million of investment securities were pledged to secure public deposits and short-term funding needs, compared to $937.9 million in 2006. The Bank was a member of the Federal Reserve Bank (“FRB”) and held Federal Reserve Bank stock stated at cost of $11.3 million at December 31, 2007 and $11.3 million at December 31, 2006.

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Note 4: Loans and Allowance for Credit Losses
Loans as of December 31 consisted of the following:
                 
    2007     2006  
    (In thousands)  
Commercial
  $ 532,650     $ 556,564  
 
               
Real estate-commercial
    856,581       907,259  
Real estate-construction
    97,464       70,650  
Real estate-residential
    484,549       507,553  
 
Total real estate loans
    1,438,594       1,485,462  
 
               
Installment and personal
    531,732       489,708  
 
Gross loans
    2,502,976       2,531,734  
Allowance for loan losses
    (52,506 )     (55,330 )
 
 
               
Net loans
  $ 2,450,470     $ 2,476,404  
 
There were no loans held for sale at December 31, 2007 and 2006.
The following summarizes the allowance for credit losses of the Company for the periods indicated:
                         
    2007     2006     2005  
    (In thousands)  
Balance at January 1,
  $ 59,023     $ 59,537     $ 54,152  
Provision for loan losses
    700       445       900  
Provision for unfunded credit commitment losses
    (400 )     5       0  
Loans charged off
    (5,681 )     (3,622 )     (2,738 )
Recoveries of loans previously charged off
    2,157       2,658       2,010  
 
                       
Acquisition
                5,213  
 
 
                       
Balance as of December 31,
  $ 55,799     $ 59,023     $ 59,537  
 
Components:
                       
Allowance for loan losses
  $ 52,506     $ 55,330     $ 55,849  
Reserve for unfunded credit commitments (1)
    3,293       3,693       3,688  
 
Allowance for credit losses
  $ 55,799     $ 59,023     $ 59,537  
 
(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, 2007 specific impaired loans were $317 thousand compared with $493 thousand at December 31, 2006. Total reserves allocated to these loans were $317 thousand at December 31, 2007 and $493 thousand at December 31, 2006. For the year ended December 31, 2007, the average recorded net investment in impaired loans was approximately $139 thousand compared with $234 thousand and $29 thousand, for the years ended December 31, 2006 and 2005, respectively. The Company had no troubled debt restructurings at December 31, 2007.
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 for credit losses 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 both the contractual interest and principal payments as scheduled in the loan agreement. Income recognition on impaired loans conforms to that used on nonaccrual loans.
Nonaccrual loans at December 31, 2007 and 2006 were $4.9 million and $4.5 million, respectively. The following is a summary of the effect of nonaccrual loans on interest income for the years ended December 31:
                         
    2007     2006     2005  
    (In thousands)  
Interest income that would have been recognized had the loans performed in accordance with their original terms
   $ 428     $ 502     $ 556  
Less: Interest income recognized on nonaccrual loans
    (474 )     (488 )     (353 )
 
 
                       
Total (addition) reduction of interest income
  ($ 46 )   $ 14     $ 203  
 
There were no commitments to lend additional funds to borrowers whose loans are included above.
Note 5: 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 4, the Company had loan commitments and standby letters of credit related to real estate loans of $27.3 million and $80.5 million at December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively. The Company requires collateral on all real estate loans with loan-to-value ratios generally no greater than 75% on commercial real estate loans and no greater than 80% percent on residential real estate loans at origination unless covered by mortgage insurance.

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Note 6: Premises and Equipment
Premises and equipment as of December 31 consisted of the following:
                         
            Accumulated        
            Depreciation        
            and     Net Book  
    Cost     Amortization     Value  
    (In thousands)  
2007
                       
Land
  $ 8,858     $     $ 8,858  
Buildings and improvements
    33,887       (19,104 )     14,783  
Leasehold improvements
    5,872       (4,707 )     1,165  
Furniture and equipment
    13,991       (10,417 )     3,574  
 
 
                       
Total
  $ 62,608     ($ 34,228 )   $ 28,380  
 
 
                       
2006
                       
Land
  $ 8,858     $     $ 8,858  
Buildings and improvements
    33,549       (17,788 )     15,761  
Leasehold improvements
    5,823       (4,405 )     1,418  
Furniture and equipment
    14,258       (10,107 )     4,151  
 
 
                       
Total
  $ 62,488     ($ 32,300 )   $ 30,188  
 
Depreciation of premises and equipment included in noninterest expense amounted to $3.3 million in 2007, $3.9 million in 2006, and $4.1 million in 2005.
Note 7: Goodwill and Identifiable Intangible Assets
The Company has recorded goodwill and other identifiable intangibles associated with purchase business combinations. Goodwill is not amortized, but is periodically evaluated for impairment. The Company did not recognize impairment during the years ended December 31, 2007 and December 31, 2006. Identifiable intangibles are amortized to their estimated residual values over their expected useful lives. Such lives and residual values are also periodically reassessed to determine if any amortization period adjustments are indicated. During the year ended December 31, 2007 and December 31, 2006, no such adjustments were recorded.
The changes in the carrying value of goodwill were ($ in thousands):
         
December 31, 2005
  $ 121,907  
 
       
Recognition of stock option tax benefits for the exercise of options converted upon merger
    (193 )
Fair value measurement adjustments during post-merger allocation period
    5  
 
     
 
       
December 31, 2006
  $ 121,719  
 
     
 
 
   
 
     
 
       
December 31, 2007
  $ 121,719  
 
     
The gross carrying amount of intangible assets and accumulated amortization was ($ in thousands):
                                 
    December 31,  
    2007     2006  
    Gross             Gross        
    Carrying     Accumulated     Carrying     Accumulated  
    Amount     Amortization     Amount     Amortization  
     
Core Deposit Intangibles
  $ 24,383     ($ 11,405 )   $ 24,383     ($ 9,252 )
Merchant Draft Processing Intangible
    10,300       (4,849 )     10,300       (3,349 )
     
 
                               
Total Intangible Assets
  $ 34,683     ($ 16,254 )   $ 34,683     ($ 12,601 )
     
As of December 31, 2007, the current year and estimated future amortization expense for intangible assets was ($ in thousands):
                         
            Merchant    
    Core   Draft    
    Deposit   Processing    
    Intangibles   Intangible   Total
     
Twelve months ended December 31, 2007 (actual)
  $ 2,153     $ 1,500     $ 3,653  
 
                       
Estimate for year ended December 31, 2008
    2,021       1,200       3,221  
2009
    1,859       962       2,821  
2010
    1,636       774       2,410  
2011
    1,386       624       2,010  
2012
    1,230       500       1,730  
2013
    964       400       1,364  

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Note 8: Deposits and Borrowed Funds
Debt financing and notes payable, including the unsecured obligations of the Company, as of December 31, were as follows:
                 
    2007   2006
    (In thousands)
Senior
               
Fixed-rate note(1)
  $ 15,000     $ 15,000  
     
Total senior debt — Parent
    15,000       15,000  
     
 
               
Subordinated
               
Fixed-rate note(2)
    11,765       11,899  
Adjustable-rate note(3)
    10,008       10,021  
     
Total subordinated debt — Parent
    21,773       21,920  
     
 
               
Total debt financing and notes payable — Parent
  $ 36,773     $ 36,920  
 
(1)   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.
 
(2)   Subordinated debt, assumed by Westamerica Bancorporation March 1, 2005, originated February 22, 2001. Par amount $10,000, interest of 10.2% per annum, payable semiannually. Matures February 22, 2031, redeemable February 22, 2011 at a premium and February 22, 2021 at par.
 
(3)   Subordinated debt, assumed by Westamerica Bancorporation March 1, 2005, originated July 22, 2003. Par amount $10,000, interest of 6.35% per annum, payable quarterly. Interest coupon resets to three-month LIBOR plus 3.1% per annum effective July 22, 2008. Matures July 22, 2038, redeemable July 22, 2008 at par.
The senior note is 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, 2007.
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 $22.7 million in 2007 and $21.0 million in 2006. The following table summarizes deposits and borrowed funds of the Company for the periods indicated:
                                                 
    2007   2006
    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
  $ 621,000     $ 596,711       5.13 %   $ 551,000     $ 525,068       5.02 %
Sweep accounts
    150,097       132,146       0.31       134,634       140,363       0.25  
Securities sold under repurchase agreements
    7,969       13,639       3.19       25,830       53,439       3.39  
Line of credit
    19,533       16,894       5.43       20,513       16,100       5.33  
Time deposits Over $100 thousand
    514,764       503,469       4.50       499,962       504,980       4.17  
 
 
                 
    2007   2006
    Highest   Highest
    Balance at   Balance at
    Any Month-end   Any Month-end
    (In thousands)        
Federal funds purchased
  $ 705,000     $ 626,500  
Sweep accounts
    189,576       170,385  
 
Note 9: Shareholders’ Equity
The Company grants stock options and restricted performance shares (RPSs) to employees in exchange for employee services, pursuant to the shareholder-approved 1995 Stock Option Plan, which was amended and restated in 2003. Stock options are granted with an exercise price equal to the fair market value of the related common stock on the grant date and generally become 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 grant becomes vested after three years of being awarded, provided the Company has attained its performance goals for such three-year period.
Effective January 1, 2006, the Company adopted FASB Statement No.123(revised 2004), Share-Based Payment (SFAS No. 123(R)) on a modified retrospective basis. SFAS No. 123(R) requires the Company to begin using the fair value method to account for stock based awards granted to employees in exchange for their services. Prior to the adoption of SFAS No. 123(R), the Company accounted for stock option plans using the intrinsic value method, as permitted by SFAS No. 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation.” Under the prior intrinsic value method, compensation expense was recorded for stock options only if the price of the underlying stock on the date of grant exceeded the exercise price of the option. The Company’s historical stock option grants were awarded with exercise prices equal to the prevailing price of the underlying stock on the dates of grant; therefore, no compensation expense was recorded using the intrinsic value method. The Company’s recognition of compensation expense for restricted performance share grants has not changed with the adoption of SFAS No. 123(R). The Company has recognized compensation expense for historical restricted performance share grants over the relevant attribution period. Restricted performance share grants have no exercise price, therefore, the intrinsic value is measured using an estimated per share price at the vesting date for each restricted performance share. The estimated per share price is adjusted during the attribution period to reflect actual stock price performance. The Company’s obligation for unvested outstanding restricted performance share grants is classified as a liability until the vesting date, at which time the issued shares become classified as shareholders’ equity.

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The scope of SFAS 123(R) includes a wide range of stock-based compensation arrangements including stock options, restricted stock plans, performance-based awards, stock appreciation rights, and employee stock purchase plans. SFAS 123(R) requires that the Company measure the cost of employee services received in exchange for an award of equity instruments based on the fair value of the award on the grant date. That cost must be recognized in the income statement over the vesting period of the award. In applying the “modified retrospective” method to implement SFAS No. 123 (R), the Company adjusted the financial statements for prior periods to give effect to the fair-value-based method of accounting for awards that were granted, modified or settled in the fiscal years beginning after December 15, 1994 on a basis consistent with the pro forma disclosures required by Statement 123. Accordingly, compensation costs and the related tax effects are recognized in those financial statements as though awards for those periods before the effective date of Statement 123(R) had been accounted for under Statement 123. In addition, the opening balances of common stock, deferred taxes and retained earnings for the earliest year presented are adjusted to reflect the cumulative effect of the modified retrospective application on earlier periods.
The following table summarizes information about stock options granted under the Plans as of December 31, 2007. The intrinsic value is calculated as the difference between the market value as of December 31, 2007 and the exercise price of the shares. The market value as of December 31, 2007 was $44.55 as reported by the NASDAQ Global Select Market:
                                                                 
            Options Outstanding                   Options Exercisable        
 
    Number   Aggregate   Weighted                   Aggregate   Weighted    
    Outstanding   Intrinsic   Average   Weighted           Intrinsic   Average   Weighted
Range of   at 12/31/2007   Value   Remaining   Average   Number   Value   Remaining   Average
Exercise   (in   (in   Contractual   Exercise   Exercisable   (in   Contractual   Exercise
Price   thousands)   thousands)   Life (yrs)   Price   at 12/31/2007   thousands)   Life (yrs)   Price
 
$10 - 15
    1     $ 28       0.4     $ 13       1     $ 28       0.4     $ 13  
15 - 20
    1       21       0.4       17       1       21       0.4       17  
20 - 25
    365       7,498       2.1       24       365       7,498       2.1       24  
32 - 33
    5       64       0.1       33       5       64       0.1       33  
33 - 35
    248       2,472       1.1       35       248       2,472       1.1       35  
35 - 40
    607       3,361       3.6       39       607       3,361       3.6       39  
40 - 45
    386       1,466       5.0       41       386       1,466       5.0       41  
45 - 50
    620       0       7.0       49       408       0       5.9       50  
50 - 55
    632       0       7.3       53       359       0       7.1       53  
 
 
                                                               
$10 - 55
    2,865     $ 14,910       4.9     $ 42       2,380     $ 14,910       4.3     $ 40  
 
The Company applies the Roll-Geske option pricing model (Modified Roll) to determine grant date fair value of stock option grants. This model modifies the Black-Scholes Model to take into account dividends and American options. During the twelve months ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005, the Company granted 242 thousand, 258 thousand, and 560 thousand stock options, respectively. The following weighted average assumptions were used in the option pricing to value stock options granted in the periods indicated:
                         
            For the    
            Twelve months ended    
            December 31,    
    2007   2006   2005
 
Expected volatility*1
    14 %     16 %     15 %
Expected life in years*2
    4.0       4.0       7.0  
Risk-free interest rate*3
    4.89 %     4.41 %     3.91 %
Expected dividend yield
    2.82 %     2.63 %     2.47 %
Fair value per award
  $ 6.02     $ 6.54     $ 6.61  
 
*1   Measured using daily price changes of Company’s stock over respective expected term of the option and the implied volatility derived from the market prices of the Company’s stock and traded options.
 
*2   The number of years that the Company estimates that the options will be outstanding prior to exercise
 
*3   The risk-free rate over the expected life based on the US Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of the grant
Employee stock option grants are being expensed by the Company over the grants’ three year vesting period. The Company issues new shares upon the exercise of options. The number of shares authorized to be issued for options is 2.7 million.
The impact of adopting SFAS 123(R) for the twelve months ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005 and at December 31, 2007 and 2006 is summarized in the following tables (in thousands, except per share data):
                                                 
    For the twelve months ended December 31,
    2007   2006   2005
    Intrinsic   Fair   Intrinsic   Fair   Intrinsic   Fair
    Value   Value   Value   Value   Value   Value
    Method   Method   Method   Method   Method   Method
 
Income before income taxes
  $ 122,246     $ 120,467     $ 136,929     $ 134,425     $ 147,932     $ 145,538  
Net income
    90,817       89,776       100,271       98,806       107,441       106,041  
Net earnings per share — basic
  $ 3.05     $ 3.02     $ 3.21     $ 3.17     $ 3.33     $ 3.28  
Net earnings per share — diluted share
    3.01       2.98       3.16       3.11       3.27       3.22  
Cash flow provided by operations
  $ 108,663     $ 108,357     $ 109,857     $ 107,990     $ 119,551     $ 117,790  
Cash flow used in financing activities
    (301,311 )     (301,005 )     (492,847 )     (490,980 )     (283,328 )     (281,567 )

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A summary of option activity during the twelve months ended December 31, 2007 is presented below:
                         
            Weighted   Weighted
    Shares   Average   Average
    (In   Exercise   Remaining
    Thousands)   Price   Contractual Term
     
Outstanding at January 1, 2007
    3,064     $ 41.08          
Granted
    242       48.39          
Exercised
    (341 )     34.76          
Forfeited or expired
    (100 )     50.86          
 
                       
Outstanding at December 31, 2007
    2,865       42.12     4.9  
 
                       
Exercisable at December 31, 2007
    2,380       40.36     4.3 years
 
                       
A summary of the Company’s nonvested option activity during the twelve months ended December 31, 2007 is presented below:
                 
            Weighted
            Average
    Shares   Grant
    (In   Date
    Thousands)   Fair Value
     
Nonvested at January 1, 2007
    687          
Granted
    242          
Vested
    (380 )        
Forfeited
    (64 )        
 
               
Nonvested at December 31, 2007
    485     $ 6.33  
 
               
The weighted average estimated grant date fair value, as defined by SFAS 123(R), for options granted under the Company’s stock option plan during the twelve months ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005 was $6.02, $6.54 and $6.61 per share, respectively. The total remaining unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested awards as of December 31, 2007 is $1.3 million and the weighted average period over which the cost is expected to be recognized is 1.7 years.
The total intrinsic value of options exercised during the twelve months ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005 was $3.7 million, $7.8 million and $9.8 million, respectively. The total fair value of RPSs that vested during the twelve months ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005 was $607 thousand, $1.0 million and $1.1 million, respectively. The total fair value of options vested during the twelve months ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005 was $2.6 million, $3.6 million, and $4.1 million, respectively. The actual tax benefit recognized for the tax deductions from the exercise of options totaled $306 thousand, $1.9 million and $1.8 million, respectively, for the twelve months ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005.
A summary of the status of the Company’s restricted performance shares as of December 31, 2007 and 2006 and changes during the twelve months ended on those dates, follows (in thousands):
                 
    2007   2006
     
Outstanding at January 1,
    37       44  
Granted
    16       15  
Issued upon vesting
    (13 )     (20 )
Forfeited
    (2 )     (2 )
 
               
Outstanding at December 31,
    38       37  
 
               
As of December 31, 2007 and 2006, the restricted performance shares had a weighted-average contractual life of 1.4 years and 1.3 years, respectively. The compensation cost that was charged against income for the Company’s restricted performance shares granted was $400 thousand and $606 thousand for the twelve months ended December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively. There were no stock appreciation rights or incentive stock options granted in the twelve months ended December 31, 2007 and 2006.
The Company repurchases and retires its common stock in accordance with Board of Directors approved share repurchase programs. At December 31, 2007, 1.4 million shares remained available to repurchase under such plans.
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, 2007, 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.

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Note 10: 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 and the allowance for loan losses, subject to limitations within 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, 2007, 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.
The following table shows capital ratios for the Company and the Bank as of December 31, 2007 and 2006:
                                                 
                                    To Be Well
                                    Capitalized Under
                                    the FDICIA
                    For Capital   Prompt Corrective
December 31, 2007                   Adequacy Purposes   Action Provisions
 
    Amount   Ratio   Amount   Ratio   Amount   Ratio
 
    (Dollars in thousands)
Total Capital (to risk-weighted assets)
                                               
Consolidated Company
  $ 318,131       10.64 %   $ 239,204       8.00 %   $ 299,005       10.00 %
Westamerica Bank
    323,264       10.98 %     235,445       8.00 %     294,306       10.00 %
 
                                               
Tier 1 Capital (to risk-weighted assets)
                                               
Consolidated Company
    278,971       9.33 %     119,602       4.00 %     179,403       6.00 %
Westamerica Bank
    280,207       9.52 %     117,722       4.00 %     176,583       6.00 %
 
                                               
Leverage Ratio *
                                               
Consolidated Company
    278,971       6.32 %     176,664       4.00 %     220,831       5.00 %
Westamerica Bank
    280,207       6.41 %     174,946       4.00 %     218,682       5.00 %
 
                                                 
                                    To Be Well  
                                    Capitalized Under  
                                    the FDICIA  
                    For Capital     Prompt Corrective  
December 31, 2006                   Adequacy Purposes     Action Provisions  
 
    Amount     Ratio     Amount     Ratio     Amount     Ratio  
 
    (Dollars in thousands)
Total Capital (to risk-weighted assets)
                                           
Consolidated Company
  $ 339,114       11.09 %   $ 244,564       8.00 %   $ 305,705       10.00 %
Westamerica Bank
    341,687       11.34 %     241,040       8.00 %     301,301       10.00 %
 
                                               
Tier 1 Capital (to risk-weighted assets)
                                           
Consolidated Company
    298,576       9.77 %     122,282       4.00 %     183,423       6.00 %
Westamerica Bank
    297,700       9.88 %     120,520       4.00 %     180,780       6.00 %
 
                                               
Leverage Ratio *
                                               
Consolidated Company
    298,576       6.42 %     185,996       4.00 %     232,495       5.00 %
Westamerica Bank
    297,700       6.46 %     184,309       4.00 %     230,386       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.

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Note 11: 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:
                 
    2007     2006  
 
    (In thousands)  
Deferred tax asset
               
Allowance for credit losses
  $ 23,156     $ 24,817  
State franchise taxes
    4,552       4,591  
Securities available for sale
    3,020       0  
Deferred compensation
    16,102       15,771  
Interest on nonaccrual loans
    114       189  
Post retirement benefits
    1,814       1,803  
Employee benefit accruals
    1,080       787  
Visa litigation
    970       0  
Impaired asset writedown
    2,980       3,019  
Other
    989       1,325  
 
 
Subtotal deferred tax asset
    54,777       52,302  
Valuation allowance
    0       0  
 
 
Total deferred tax asset
    54,777       52,302  
 
 
Deferred tax liability
               
Net deferred loan costs
    550       262  
Fixed assets
    240       217  
Intangible assets
    8,095       9,551  
Securities available for sale
    0       1,628  
Leases
    443       403  
Other
    364       401  
 
 
Total deferred tax liability
    9,692       12,462  
 
 
Net deferred tax asset
  $ 45,085     $ 39,840  
 
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 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:
                         
    2007     2006     2005*  
 
    (In thousands)
Current income tax expense:
                       
Federal
  $ 19,548     $ 24,085     $ 30,888  
State
    12,879       12,957       13,895  
 
 
Total current
    32,427       37,042       44,783  
 
 
Deferred income tax benefit:
                       
Federal
    (1,335 )     (1,069 )     (4,097 )
State
    (401     (354 )     (1,189 )
 
 
Total deferred
    (1,736 )     (1,423 )     (5,286 )
 
 
Provision for income taxes
  $ 30,691     $ 35,619     $ 39,497  
 
 
*   Adjusted to adopt Financial Accounting Standard 123 (revised 2004), “Share-Based Payment.” See Note 9.
The provision for income taxes differs from the provision computed by applying the statutory federal income tax rate to income before taxes, as follows:
                         
    2007     2006     2005*  
 
    (In thousands)  
 
Federal income taxes due at statutory rate
  $ 42,163     $ 47,049     $ 50,938  
Reductions in income taxes resulting from:
                       
Interest on state and municipal securities not taxable for federal income tax purposes
    (13,518 )     (14,422 )     (15,282 )
State franchise taxes, net of federal income tax benefit
    8,111       8,192       8,259  
Low income housing tax credits
    (2,300 )     (2,108 )     (2,299 )
Dividend receivable deduction
    (946 )     (951 )     (947 )
Cash Value Life Insurance
    (955 )     (1,101 )     (824 )
Other
    (1,864 )     (1,040 )     (348 )
 
 
Provision for income taxes
  $ 30,691     $ 35,619     $ 39,497  
 
 
*   Adjusted to adopt Financial Accounting Standard 123 (revised 2004), “Share-Based Payment.” See Note 9.

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At December 31, 2007, the company had no net operating loss and general tax credit carryforwards for tax return purposes.
The Company adopted the provisions of FASB Interpretation No.48 Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes, on January 1, 2007. As a result of the implementation of Interpretation 48, the Company did not recognize any increase or decrease for unrecognized tax benefits. A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows (in thousands):
         
Balance at January 1, 2007
  $ 792  
Additions for tax positions taken in the current period
    0  
Reductions for tax positions taken in the current period
    0  
Additions for tax positions taken in prior years
    0  
Reductions for tax positions taken in prior years
    0  
Decreases related to settlements with taxing authorities
    0  
Decreases as a result of a lapse in statue of limitations
    0  
 
     
Balance at December 31, 2007
  $ 792  
 
     
The Company does not anticipate any significant increase or decrease in unrecognized tax benefits during 2008. Unrecognized tax benefits at January 1, 2007 and December 31, 2007 include accrued interest and penalties of $137 thousand. If recognized, the entire amount of the unrecognized tax benefits would affect the effective tax rate.
The Company classifies interest and penalties as a component of the provision for income taxes. The tax years ended December 31, 2007, 2006, 2005, 2004 and 2003 remain subject to examination by the Internal Revenue Service. The tax years ended December 31, 2007, 2006, 2005, 2004, and 2003 remain subject to examination by the California Franchise Tax Board. The deductibility of these tax positions will be determined through examination by the appropriate tax jurisdictions or the expiration of the tax statute of limitations.
Note 12: 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 as of December 31 were:
                 
    2007   2006
    (In thousands)
 
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 209,764     $ 184,442  
Money market assets
    333       567  
Interest and taxes receivable
    64,370       69,036  
Noninterest bearing and interest-bearing transaction and savings deposits
    2,549,917       2,794,955  
Short-term borrowed funds
    798,599       731,977  
Interest payable
    5,767       6,668  
 
The fair values as of December 31 of the following financial instruments were estimated using quoted market prices:
                                 
    2007   2006
 
    Book Value   Fair Value   Book Value   Fair Value
 
            (In thousands)        
Investment securities available for sale
  $ 532,821     $ 532,821     $ 615,525     $ 615,525  
Investment securities held to maturity
    1,045,288       1,049,422       1,165,092       1,155,736  
Senior notes payable
    15,000       14,676       15,000       14,027  
Subordinated notes
    21,773       20,775       21,920       20,870  
 
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 allowance for loan losses of $52.5 million in 2007 and $55.3 million in 2006 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 as of December 31 were:
                                 
    2007   2006
    Book Value   Fair Value   Book Value   Fair Value
 
    (In thousands)
Loans
  $ 2,450,470     $ 2,428,416     $ 2,476,404     $ 2,455,393  
 
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 as of December 31 were:
                                 
    2007   2006
 
    Book Value   Fair Value   Book Value   Fair Value
 
    (In thousands)
Time deposits
  $ 714,873     $ 710,583     $ 721,779     $ 716,217  
 
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.

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Note 13: Lease Commitments
Twenty-seven 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, as of December 31, 2007, are as follows:
         
 
    (In thousands)
2008
  $ 6,365  
2009
    5,408  
2010
    4,938  
2011
    4,354  
2012
    3,629  
Thereafter
    6,443  
 
 
Total minimum lease payments
  $ 31,137  
 
Total rentals for premises and equipment, net of sublease income, included in noninterest expense were $5.9 million in 2007, $5.8 million in 2006 and $5.1 million in 2005.
Note 14: 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 $405.9 million and $490.8 million at December 31, 2007 and 2006, 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 $33.6 million and $20.1 million at December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively.
During 2007, the Visa organization of affiliated entities announced that it completed restructuring transactions in preparation for an initial public offering planned for early 2008, and, as part of those transactions, the Bank’s membership interest in Visa U.S.A. was exchanged for an equity interest in Visa Inc. In accordance with Visa’s by-laws, the Bank and other Visa U.S.A. member banks are obligated to share in Visa’s litigation obligations which existed at the time of the restructuring transactions. On November 7, 2007, Visa announced that it had reached a settlement with American Express related to an antitrust lawsuit. Visa has disclosed other antitrust lawsuits which existed at the time of the restructuring transactions. In consideration of the American Express settlement and other antitrust lawsuits filed against Visa, the Company recorded in the fourth quarter of 2007 a liability and corresponding expense of $2,338 thousand. The Company currently anticipates that its proportional share of the proceeds of the planned initial public offering by Visa, Inc. will more than offset any liabilities related to Visa litigation.
Due to the nature of its business, the Company is subject to various threatened or filed legal cases. Based on the advice of legal counsel, the Company does not expect such cases will have a material, adverse effect on its financial position or results of operations.

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Note 15: 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 $1.0 million in 2007, $1.1 million in 2006 and $1.6 million in 2005.
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 Company makes matching contributions to employee accounts which vest immediately; such contributions charged to compensation expense were $1.2 million in 2007, $1.3 million in 2006 and $1.5 million in 2005.
The Company offers a continuation of group insurance coverage to qualifying employees electing early retirement, for the period from the date of retirement until age 65. For eligible employees the Company pays a portion of these early retirees’ insurance premiums which are determined at their date of retirement. The Company reimburses a portion of Medicare Part B premiums for all qualifying retirees over age 65 and their spouses. Eligibility for post-retirement medical benefits is based on age and years of service, and restricted to employees hired prior to February 1, 2006. The Company uses an actuarial-based accrual method of accounting for post-retirement benefits. The Company uses a September 30 measurement date for determining post-retirement benefit calculations.
The following tables set 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:
                         
Net Periodic Benefit Cost            
 
 
(In thousands)   2007   2006   2005
 
 
Service cost
    ($509 )   $ 18     $ 189  
Interest cost
    284       258       211  
Amortization of unrecognized transition obligation
    61       61       61  
 
Net periodic cost
    ($164 )   $ 337     $ 461  
 
 
Other Changes in Benefit Obligations Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income
                       
 
                       
Unamortized transition obligation, net of tax
          394        
Amortization of unrecognized transition obligation, net of tax
    (36 )            
 
Total recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax
    (36 )     394        
 
Total recognized in net periodic benefit cost and accumulated other comprehensive income
    ($200 )   $ 731        
 
The remaining transition obligation cost for this post-retirement benefit plan that will be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive income into net periodic benefit cost over the next fiscal year is $61 thousand.
                         
Obligation and Funded Status            
 
(In thousands)   2007   2006   2005
 
 
Change in benefit obligation
                       
Benefit obligation at beginning of year
  $ 4,430     $ 4,297     $ 4,016  
Service cost
    (509 )     18       189  
Interest cost
    284       258       211  
Benefits paid
    (159 )     (143 )     (119 )
 
Benefit obligation at end of year
  $ 4,046     $ 4,430     $ 4,297  
 
Accumulated post retirement benefit obligation attributable to:
                       
Retirees
  $ 2,929     $ 3,233     $ 2,933  
Fully eligible participants
    899       956       1,116  
Other
    218       241       248  
 
Total
  $ 4,046     $ 4,430     $ 4,297  
 
Fair value of plan assets
  $     $     $  
 
 
Accumulated post retirement benefit obligation in excess of plan assets
  $ 4,046     $ 4,430     $ 4,297  
 
Comprised of:
                       
Unrecognized transition obligation
  $ 0     $ 0     $ 734  
Recognized post-retirement obligation
    4,046       4,430       3,563  
 
Total
  $ 4,046     $ 4,430     $ 4,297  
 
Additional Information
Assumptions
                         
    2007   2006   2005
 
Weighted-average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations as of December 31
                       
 
                       
Discount rate
    6.50 %     6.00 %     5.50 %
 
                       
Weighted-average assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit cost as of December 31
                   
 
                       
Discount rate
    6.00 %     5.50 %     5.25 %
The above discount rate is based on the Corporate Aa 25-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 2007 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 2007 results:
                 
    One Percentage   One Percentage
(in thousands)   Point Increase   Point Decrease
 
Effect on total service and and interest cost components
  $ 160       ($135 )
 
Effect on post-retirement benefit obligation
    592         (485 )
         
Estimated future benefit payments
(in thousands)
 
2008
  $ 174  
2009
    188  
2010
    200  
2011
    207  
2012
    212  
Years 2013-2017
    977  

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Note 16: Related Party Transactions
Certain of the Directors, executive officers and their associates have had banking transactions with subsidiaries of the Company in the ordinary course of business. With the exception of the Company’s Employee Loan Program, all outstanding loans and commitments included in such transactions were made on substantially the same terms, including interest rates and collateral, as those prevailing at the time for comparable transactions with other persons, did not involve more than a normal risk of collectibility, and did not present other favorable features. As part of the Employee Loan Program, all employees, including executive officers, are eligible to receive mortgage loans at one percent (1%) below Westamerica Bank’s prevailing interest rate at the time of loan origination. All loans to executive officers under the Employee Loan Program are made by Westamerica Bank in compliance with the applicable restrictions of Section 22(h) of the Federal Reserve Act.
The table below reflects information concerning loans to certain directors and executive officers and/or family members during 2007 and 2006:
                 
    2007     2006  
 
    (In thousands)  
Beginning balance
  $ 1,334     $ 1,334  
Originations
    68       36  
Payoffs/principal payments
    (143 )     (36 )
 
 
               
At December 31,
  $ 1,259     $ 1,334  
 
 
Percent of total loans outstanding
    0.05 %     0.05 %
Note 17: 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 2007 to pay to the Company dividends of $108.8 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, 2007, $174.0 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 $24.8 million in 2007 and $19.2 million in 2006.
Note 18: Other Comprehensive Income
The components of other comprehensive income and other related tax effects were:
                         
            2005    
 
(in thousands)   Before tax   Tax effect   Net of tax
 
Securities available for sale:
                       
Net unrealized losses arising during the year
    ($18,292 )   $ 7,692     ($ 10,600 )
Reclassification of losses included in net income
    4,903       (2,059 )     2,844  
     
 
                       
Net unrealized losses arising during the year
    (13,389 )     5,633       (7,756 )
     
 
                       
Post-retirement benefit obligation
    0       0       0  
     
Other comprehensive income
    ($13,389 )   $ 5,633     ($ 7,756 )
 
                         
            2006    
 
    Before tax   Tax effect   Net of tax
 
Securities available for sale:
                       
Net unrealized gains arising during the year
  $ 625       ($263 )   $ 362  
Reclassification of gains included in net income
    0       0       0  
     
Net unrealized losses arising during the year
    625       (263 )     362  
 
                       
Post-retirement benefit obligation
    0       0       0  
     
Other comprehensive income
  $ 625       ($263 )   $ 362  
 
                         
            2007    
 
    Before tax   Tax effect   Net of tax
 
Securities available for sale:
                       
Net unrealized losses arising during the year
    ($11,054 )   $ 4,648       ($6,406 )
Reclassification of losses included in net income
    0       0       0  
     
Net unrealized gains arising during the year
    (11,054 )     4,648       (6,406 )
 
                       
Post-retirement benefit obligation
    61       (25 )     36  
     
Other comprehensive income
    ($10,993 )   $ 4,623       ($6,370 )
 
Cumulative other comprehensive income balances were:
                         
    Post-   Net   Cumulative
    retirement   Unrealized   Other
    Benefit   gains(losses)   Comprehensive
(in thousands)   Obligation   on securities   Income
 
 
Balance, December 31, 2004
    0       9,638       9,638  
 
Net change
    0       (7,756 )     (7,756 )
     
Balance, December 31, 2005
    0       1,882       1,882  
 
Net change
    (394) *     362       (32 )
     
Balance, December 31, 2006
    ($394 )   $ 2,244     $ 1,850  
     
 
Net change
    36       (6,406 )     (6,370 )
     
Balance, December 31, 2007
    ($358 )     ($4,162 )     ($4,520 )
 
 
*   Adoption of FAS 158 on December 31, 2006

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Note 19: Earnings Per Common Share
The table below shows earnings per common share and diluted earnings per common share. Basic earnings per share are computed by dividing net income by the average number of shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share are computed by dividing net income by the average number of shares outstanding during the period plus the impact of common stock equivalents.
                         
(In thousands, except per share data)   2007   2006   2005*
 
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding — basic
    29,753       31,202       32,291  
 
                       
Add exercise of options reduced by the number of shares that could have been purchased with the proceeds of such exercise
    412       537       606  
     
 
                       
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding — diluted
    30,165       31,739       32,897  
     
 
                       
Net income
  $ 89,776     $ 98,806     $ 106,041  
 
                       
Basic earnings per share
  $ 3.02     $ 3.17     $ 3.28  
 
                       
Diluted earnings per share
  $ 2.98     $ 3.11     $ 3.22  
 
*   Adjusted to adopt Financial Accounting Standard 123 (revised 2004), “Share-Based Payment.” See Note 9.
For the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006, and 2005, options to purchase 1.1 million, 719 thousand and 294 thousand shares of common stock, respectively, were outstanding but not included in the computation of diluted net income per share because the option exercise price exceeded the fair value of the stock such that their inclusion would have had an anti-dilutive effect.
Note 20: Westamerica Bancorporation (Parent Company Only)
Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income
                         
For the years ended December 31,   2007     2006     2005*  
 
    (In thousands)
Dividends from subsidiaries
  $ 113,448     $ 112,595     $ 126,464  
Interest income
    219       224       350  
Other income
    8,976       5,676       8,379  
 
 
                       
Total income
    122,643       118,495       135,193  
 
 
                       
Interest on borrowings
    3,230       3,191       2,787  
Salaries and benefits
    6,785       7,917       8,346  
Other expense
    2,041       2,076       2,815  
 
 
                       
Total expenses
    12,056       13,184       13,948  
 
 
                       
Income before taxes and equity in undistributed income of subsidiaries
    110,587       105,311       121,245  
Income tax benefit
    2,187       3,795       3,417  
Earnings of subsidiaries less than subsidiary dividends
    (22,998 )     (10,300 )     (18,621 )
 
 
                       
Net income
  $ 89,776     $ 98,806     $ 106,041  
 
 
                       
Other comprehensive income, net of tax
    (6,370 )     362       (7,756 )
 
 
                       
Comprehensive income
  $ 83,406     $ 99,168     $ 98,285  
 
 
*   Adjusted to adopt Financial Accounting Standard 123 (revised 2004), “Share-Based Payment.” See Note 9.

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Balance Sheets
                 
Balances as of December 31,   2007     2006  
 
Assets
               
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 1,037     $ 2,157  
Money market assets and investment securities available for sale
    4,256       6,112  
Investment in subsidiaries
    422,463       451,208  
Premises and equipment, net
    12,007       11,901  
Accounts receivable from subsidiaries
    883       748  
Other assets
    26,105       25,781  
 
 
               
Total assets
  $ 466,751     $ 497,907  
 
 
               
Liabilities
               
Debt financing and notes payable
  $ 56,925     $ 58,052  
Other liabilities
    15,223       15,620  
 
 
               
Total liabilities
    72,148       73,672  
Shareholders’ equity
    394,603       424,235  
 
 
               
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
  $ 466,751     $ 497,907  
 
 
*   Adjusted to adopt Financial Accounting Standard 123 (revised 2004), “Share-Based Payment.” See Note 9.
Statements of Cash Flows
                         
For the years ended December 31,   2007     2006     2005*  
 
    (In thousands)
Operating Activities
                       
Net income
  $ 89,776     $ 98,806     $ 106,041  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
                       
Depreciation
    383       386       351  
(Increase) decrease in accounts receivable from affiliates
    (135 )     (266 )     99  
Increase in other assets
    (942 )     (588 )     (1,165 )
Stock option expense
    1,779       2,504       2,394  
Excess tax benefits from stock based compensation
    (306 )     (1,867 )     (1,761 )
Provision for deferred income tax
    207       3,050       4,902  
Increase (decrease) in other liabilities
    2,038       947       (109 )
Earnings of subsidiaries less than subsidiary dividends
    22,998       10,300       18,621  
Gain on sales of real estate
    0       0       (1,331 )
 
 
                       
Net cash provided by operating activities
    115,798       113,272       128,042  
 
                       
Investing Activities
                       
Net cash used in merger and acquisition
    0       0       (54,032 )
Purchases of premises and equipment
    (489 )     (103 )     (339 )
Net decrease (increase) in short term investments
    234       (34 )     15  
Proceeds from sale of real estate
    0       0       1,752  
 
 
                       
Net cash used in investing activities
    (255 )     (137 )     (52,604 )
 
                       
Financing Activities
                       
(Decrease) increase in short-term debt
    (980 )     6,243       14,269  
Net reductions in notes payable and long-term borrowings
    (147 )     (3,362 )     (3,338 )
Exercise of stock options/issuance of shares
    11,908       12,755       9,830  
Excess tax benefits from stock based compensation
    306       1,867       1,761  
Retirement of common stock including repurchases
    (87,103 )     (88,981 )     (95,351 )
Dividends
    (40,647 )     (40,696 )     (39,322 )
 
 
                       
Net cash used in financing activities
    (116,663 )     (112,174 )     (112,151 )
 
 
                       
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents
    (1,120 )     961       (36,713 )
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
    2,157       1,196       37,909  
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year
  $ 1,037     $ 2,157     $ 1,196  
 
 
Supplemental disclosure:
                       
Unrealized (loss) gain on securities available for sale, net
    (6,406 )     362       ($7,756 )
Issuance of common stock in connection with acquisitions
    0       0       89,538  
 
*   Adjusted to adopt Financial Accounting Standard 123 (revised 2004), “Share-Based Payment.” See Note 9.

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Note 21: Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited)
                                 
    March 31,     June 30,     September 30,     December 31,  
 
    (In thousands, except per share data and  
    price range of common stock)  
2007
                               
Interest and fee income (FTE)
  $ 65,025     $ 64,875     $ 64,708     $ 63,295  
Net interest income (FTE)
    46,914       46,059       45,563       46,812  
Provision for credit losses
    75       75       75       475  
Noninterest income
    15,277       14,700       14,644       14,657  
Noninterest expense
    24,664       24,706       24,853       27,206  
Income before taxes (FTE)
    37,452       35,978       35,279       33,788  
Net income
    23,570       22,351       22,022       21,832  
Basic earnings per share
    0.78       0.75       0.75       0.75  
Diluted earnings per share
    0.76       0.74       0.74       0.74  
Dividends paid per share
    0.34       0.34       0.34       0.34  
Price range, common stock
    46.43-51.47       44.23-48.61       39.77-50.49       42.11-57.22  
 
 
                               
2006
                               
Interest and fee income (FTE)
  $ 68,486     $ 67,788     $ 67,186     $ 66,512  
Net interest income (FTE)
    53,974       51,503       50,198       49,029  
Provision for credit losses
    150       150       75       70  
Noninterest income
    13,639       14,061       13,899       13,747  
Noninterest expense
    25,483       26,345       25,403       24,492  
Income before taxes (FTE)
    41,980       39,069       38,619       38,214  
Net income
    26,117       24,494       24,237       23,958  
Basic earnings per share
    0.82       0.78       0.78       0.78  
Diluted earnings per share
    0.81       0.77       0.77       0.77  
Dividends paid per share
    0.32       0.32       0.32       0.34  
Price range, common stock
    51.38-55.42       47.20-52.89       45.44-51.38       47.96-51.79  
 
 
                               
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 credit losses
    300       300       150       150  
Noninterest income
    7,195       15,479       17,440       14,427  
Noninterest expense
    25,863       27,089       27,319       26,980  
Income before taxes (FTE)
    36,051       45,113       45,964       43,127  
Net income
    22,310       27,720       28,885       27,124  
Basic earnings per share
    0.70       0.85       0.89       0.85  
Diluted earnings per share
    0.68       0.83       0.88       0.83  
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  
 
 
*   Adjusted to adopt Financial Accounting Standard 123 (revised 2004), “Share-Based Payment.” See Note 9.

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REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
The Board of Directors and Shareholders
Westamerica Bancorporation:
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Westamerica Bancorporation and Subsidiaries (the Company) as of December 31, 2007 and 2006, and the related consolidated statements of income, changes in shareholders’ equity and comprehensive income, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2007. 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, 2007 and 2006, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2007, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
As discussed in note 1 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company changed its method of quantifying errors in 2006.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2007, 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 February 28, 2008 expressed an unqualified opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
     
/s/ KPMG LLP
   
 
KPMG LLP
   
 
San Francisco, California
   
February 28, 2008
   

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ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
None.
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, 2007.
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, 2007 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 36-37, immediately preceding the financial statements.
ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION
None.

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PART III
ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
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 2008 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 Community Banker Services Corporation. Mr. Hansen joined Westamerica Bancorporation in 1978 and was Senior Vice President and Controller for the Corporation until 2005.     2005  
 
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  
 
David L. Robinson
  Mr. Robinson, born in 1959, is Senior Vice President and Banking Division Manager of Westamerica Bank. Mr. Robinson joined Westamerica Bancorporation in 1993 and has held several banking positions, most recently, Senior Vice President and Southern Banking Division Manager until 2007.     2007  
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. This Code of Ethics has been filed as Exhibit 14 to this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

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ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
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 2008 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 2008 Annual Meeting of Shareholders which will be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
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, 2007 (in thousands, except exercise price):
                         
Plan category   Number of securities   Weighted-average   Number of securities
    to be issued upon   exercise price of   remaining available for
    exercise of outstanding   outstanding options,   future issuance under
    options, warrants   warrants and rights   equity compensation
    and rights     plans (excluding
        securities reflected
        in column (a))
 
    (a)   (b)   (c)
 
Equity compensation plans approved by security holders
    2,865     $ 42       2,662 *
Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders
    0       N/A       0  
 
Total
    2,865     $ 42       2,662  
 
 
*   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.
ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS, RELATED TRANSACTIONS AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE
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 2008 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 2008 Annual Meeting of Shareholders which will be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

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PART IV
ITEM 15. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
         
(a)  
1.
  Financial Statements:
   
 
   
   
 
  See Index to Financial Statements on page 35. 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.

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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: February 28, 2008
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
 
David L. Payne
  Chairman of the Board and Directors
President and Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer)
  February 28, 2008
 
       
/s/ John “Robert” Thorson
 
John “Robert” Thorson
  Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)
  February 28, 2008
 
/s/ Etta Allen
 
Etta Allen
  Director    February 28, 2008
 
       
/s/ Louis E. Bartolini
 
Louis E. Bartolini
  Director    February 28, 2008
 
       
/s/ E. Joseph Bowler
 
E. Joseph Bowler
  Director    February 28, 2008
 
       
/s/ Arthur C. Latno, Jr.
 
Arthur C. Latno, Jr.
  Director    February 28, 2008
 
       
/s/ Patrick D. Lynch
 
Patrick D. Lynch
  Director    February 28, 2008
 
       
/s/ Catherine C. MacMillan
 
Catherine C. MacMillan
  Director    February 28, 2008
 
       
/s/ Ronald A. Nelson
 
Ronald A. Nelson
  Director    February 28, 2008
 
       
/s/ Edward B. Sylvester
 
Edward B. Sylvester
  Director    February 28, 2008

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Exhibit Index
     
Exhibit    
Number    
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(b) to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 26, 2007.
 
   
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 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 incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(i) to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2005, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 10, 2006.
 
   
10(j)*
  Westamerica Bancorporation Deferral Plan (Adopted October 26, 1995) incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(i) to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2005, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 10, 2006.
 
   
10(k)*
  Form of Restricted Performance Share Deferral Election pursuant to the Westamerica Bancorporation Deferral Plan incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(i) to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2005, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 10, 2006.
 
   
11.1
  Statement re computation of per share earnings incorporated by reference to Note 19 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements of this report.
 
   
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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