UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q
(Mark One)
 
þ
 
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(D) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2012
 
 
o
 
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(D) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
Commission file number: 000-25141
 

 
MetroCorp Bancshares, Inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Texas
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
76-0579161
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)

9600 Bellaire Boulevard, Suite 252
Houston, Texas 77036
(Address of principal executive offices including zip code)

(713) 776-3876
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.  Yes R      No £

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).   Yes R      No £

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 definitions of “accelerated filer,” “large accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Large Accelerated Filer £
Accelerated Filer £
   
Non-accelerated Filer £   (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
Smaller Reporting Company R

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes £     No R

As of November 1, 2012, the number of outstanding shares of Common Stock was 18,746,385.
 
 
1

 
 
PART I
FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Financial Statements.
METROCORP BANCSHARES, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In thousands, except share and per share amounts)
(Unaudited)
 
 
   
September 30,
2012
   
December 31,
2011
 
ASSETS
           
Cash and due from banks
 
$
21,998
   
$
28,798
 
Federal funds sold and other short-term investments
   
152,913
     
164,811
 
Total cash and cash equivalents
   
174,911
     
193,609
 
Securities available-for-sale, at fair value
   
133,140
     
121,633
 
Securities available-for-sale pledged with creditors’ right to repledge, at fair value
   
45,142
     
50,756
 
Total securities available-for-sale
   
178,282
     
172,389
 
Securities held-to-maturity (fair value $4,772 and $4,536 at September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively)
   
4,046
     
4,046
 
Other investments
   
5,774
     
6,484
 
Loans, net of allowance for loan losses of $25,542 and $28,321 at September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively
   
1,071,313
     
1,015,095
 
Loans, held-for-sale
   
     
1,200
 
Accrued interest receivable
   
3,938
     
4,327
 
Premises and equipment, net
   
4,195
     
4,697
 
Goodwill
   
14,327
     
14,327
 
Deferred tax asset, net
   
13,902
     
14,995
 
Customers' liability on acceptances
   
6,051
     
5,152
 
Foreclosed assets, net
   
7,915
     
19,018
 
Cash value of bank owned life insurance
   
32,456
     
31,427
 
Prepaid FDIC assessment
   
3,902
     
5,204
 
Other assets
   
5,076
     
2,561
 
Total assets
 
$
1,526,088
   
$
1,494,531
 
                 
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
               
Deposits:
               
Noninterest-bearing
 
$
289,979
   
$
259,397
 
Interest-bearing
   
975,078
     
992,178
 
Total deposits
   
1,265,057
     
1,251,575
 
Junior subordinated debentures
   
36,083
     
36,083
 
Other borrowings
   
26,000
     
26,315
 
Accrued interest payable
   
258
     
310
 
Acceptances outstanding
   
6,051
     
5,152
 
Other liabilities
   
18,085
     
9,913
 
Total liabilities
   
1,351,534
     
1,329,348
 
Commitments and contingencies
   
     
 
                 
Shareholders' equity:
               
Preferred stock, $1.00 par value, 2,000,000 shares authorized; no shares and 45,000 shares issued and outstanding at September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively
   
     
45,003
 
Common stock, $1.00 par value, 50,000,000 shares authorized; 18,766,765 and 13,340,815 shares issued and 18,749,912 and 13,340,815 outstanding at September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively
   
18,767
     
13,341
 
Additional paid-in-capital
   
74,976
     
33,816
 
Retained earnings
   
80,033
     
73,188
 
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
   
923
     
(165
)
Treasury stock, at cost, 16,853 and no shares at September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively
   
(145
)
   
 
Total shareholders' equity
   
174,554
     
165,183
 
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity
 
$
1,526,088
   
$
1,494,531
 
 
See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
 
 
2

 
 
METROCORP BANCSHARES, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
(Unaudited)
 
   
For the Three Months
Ended September 30,
   
For the Nine Months
Ended September 30,
 
   
2012
   
2011
   
2012
   
2011
 
Interest income:
                       
Loans
 
$
14,593
   
$
15,364
   
$
44,346
   
$
46,696
 
Securities:
                               
Taxable
   
1,020
     
1,025
     
3,051
     
3,413
 
Tax-exempt
   
145
     
99
     
407
     
296
 
Other investments
   
42
     
41
     
129
     
125
 
Federal funds sold and other short-term investments
   
229
     
239
     
675
     
426
 
Total interest income
   
16,029
     
16,768
     
48,608
     
50,956
 
                                 
Interest expense:
                               
Time deposits
   
1,288
     
1,857
     
4,194
     
6,057
 
Demand and savings deposits
   
508
     
800
     
1,729
     
2,647
 
Junior subordinated debentures
   
338
     
327
     
1,007
     
976
 
Subordinated debentures and other borrowings
   
247
     
259
     
741
     
803
 
Total interest expense
   
2,381
     
3,243
     
7,671
     
10,483
 
                                 
Net interest income
   
13,648
     
13,525
     
40,937
     
40,473
 
Provision for loan losses
   
(300
)
   
875
     
300
     
2,450
 
Net interest income after provision for loan losses
   
13,948
     
12,650
     
40,637
     
38,023
 
                                 
Noninterest income:
                               
Service fees
   
1,099
     
1,124
     
3,347
     
3,214
 
Loan-related fees
   
139
     
89
     
326
     
268
 
Letters of credit commissions and fees
   
197
     
143
     
584
     
492
 
Gain on securities, net
   
24
     
203
 
   
108
     
129
 
Total other-than-temporary impairments (“OTTI”) on securities
   
(14
)
   
(32
)
   
(101
)
   
(215
)
Less: Noncredit portion of “OTTI”
   
(7
)
   
(2
)
   
(17
)
   
(20
)
Net impairments on securities
   
(7
)
   
(30
)
   
(84
)
   
(195
)
Other noninterest income
   
420
     
287
     
1,154
     
1,138
 
Total noninterest income
   
1,872
     
1,816
     
5,435
     
5,046
 
                                 
Noninterest expense:
                               
Salaries and employee benefits
   
6,016
     
5,214
     
17,934
     
15,702
 
Occupancy and equipment
   
1,792
     
1,896
     
5,224
     
5,545
 
Foreclosed assets, net
   
552
     
1,222
     
1,915
     
2,741
 
FDIC assessment
   
480
     
632
     
1,362
     
2,016
 
Other noninterest expense
   
2,689
     
2,471
     
7,339
     
7,217
 
Total noninterest expense
   
11,529
     
11,435
     
33,774
     
33,221
 
                                 
Income before provision for income taxes
   
4,291
     
3,031
     
12,298
     
9,848
 
Provision for income taxes
   
1,410
     
762
     
4,023
     
3,090
 
Net income
 
$
2,881
   
$
2,269
   
$
8,275
   
$
6,758
 
                                 
Dividends and discount – preferred stock
   
(20
)
   
(601
)
   
(1,429
)
   
(1,811
)
Adjustment from repurchase of preferred stock
   
(149
)
   
     
557
     
 
Net income available to common shareholders
 
$
2,712
   
$
1,668
   
$
7,403
   
$
4,947
 
                                 
Earnings per common share:
                               
Basic
 
$
0.15
   
$
0.13
   
$
0.47
   
$
0.38
 
Diluted
 
$
0.15
   
$
0.13
   
$
0.47
   
$
0.37
 
Weighted average shares outstanding:
                               
Basic
   
18,307
     
13,145
     
15,666
     
13,141
 
Diluted
   
18,648
     
13,234
     
15,876
     
13,216
 
                                 
Dividends per common share
 
$
   
$
   
$
   
$
 
 
See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
 
 
3

 
 
METROCORP BANCSHARES, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(In thousands)
(Unaudited)
 
   
For the Three Months
Ended September 30,
   
For the Nine Months
Ended September 30,
 
   
2012
   
2011
   
2012
   
2011
 
                         
Net income
 
$
2,881
   
$
2,269
   
$
8,275
   
$
6,758
 
                                 
Other comprehensive income, net of taxes:
                               
                                 
Change in accumulated gain (loss) on effective cash flow hedging derivative
   
8
     
(297
)
   
42
     
(389
)
                                 
Unrealized loss on investment securities, net:
                               
Securities with OTTI charges during the period
   
(9
)
   
(21
)
   
(65
)
   
(138
)
Less: OTTI charges recognized in net income
   
(4
)
   
(20
)
   
(54
)
   
(125
)
Net unrealized losses on investment securities with OTTI
   
(5
)
   
(1
)
   
(11
)
   
(13
)
                                 
Unrealized holding gain arising during the period
   
623
     
1,155
     
1,126
     
2,277
 
Less: reclassification adjustment for gain included in net income
   
15
     
130
 
   
69
     
83
 
Net unrealized gains on investment securities
   
608
     
1,025
     
1,057
     
2,194
 
Other comprehensive income, net of taxes
   
611
     
727
     
1,088
     
1,792
 
Total comprehensive income
 
$
3,492
   
$
2,996
   
$
9,363
   
$
8,550
 
 
See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
 
 
4

 
 
METROCORP BANCSHARES, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012
(In thousands)
(Unaudited)
 
   
Preferred Stock
   
Common Stock
   
Additional
paid-in
   
Retained
   
Accumulated other comprehensive income
   
Treasury Stock, at
       
   
Shares
   
At par
   
Shares
   
At par
   
capital
   
earnings
   
(loss)
   
cost
   
Total
 
Balance at December 31, 2011
   
45
   
$
45,003
     
13,341
   
$
13,341
   
$
33,816
   
$
73,188
   
$
(165
)
 
$
   
$
165,183
 
Issuance of common stock
   
     
     
5,426
     
5,426
     
40,543
     
     
     
     
45,969
 
Repurchase of common stock
   
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
(145
)
   
(145
)
Repurchase of preferred stock
   
(45
)
   
(45,000
)
   
     
     
557
     
     
     
     
(44,443
)
Stock-based compensation expense related to stock options recognized in earnings
   
     
     
     
     
60
     
     
     
     
60
 
Net income
   
     
     
     
     
     
8,275
     
     
     
8,275
 
Amortization of preferred stock discount
   
     
285
     
     
     
     
(285
)
   
     
     
 
Other comprehensive income
   
     
     
     
     
     
     
1,088
     
     
1,088
 
Dividends – preferred stock
   
     
(288
)
   
     
     
     
(1,145
)
   
             
(1,433
)
Balance at September 30, 2012
   
   
$
     
18,767
   
$
18,767
   
$
74,976
   
$
80,033
   
$
923
   
$
(145
)
 
$
174,554
 
 
See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
 
 
5

 
 
METROCORP BANCSHARES, INC
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In thousands)
(Unaudited)
 
   
For the Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
   
2012
   
2011
 
Cash flows from operating activities:
           
Net income
 
$
8,275
   
$
6,758
 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
               
Depreciation
   
792
     
1,070
 
Provision for loan losses
   
300
     
2,450
 
Impairment on securities
   
84
     
195
 
Gain on securities transactions, net
   
(108
)
   
(129
)
Loss on writedown and sale of foreclosed assets
   
944
     
1,313
 
Loss on sale of premises and equipment
   
     
11
 
Amortization of premiums and discounts on securities, net
   
330
     
116
 
Amortization of deferred loan fees and discounts
   
(858
)
   
(881
)
Amortization of core deposit intangibles
   
42
     
65
 
Stock-based compensation
   
60
     
68
 
Changes in:
               
Accrued interest receivable
   
389
 
   
776
 
Other assets
   
(1,781
)
   
1,911
 
Accrued interest payable
   
(52
)
   
(151
)
Other liabilities
   
8,214
     
4,177
 
Net cash provided by operating activities
   
16,631
     
17,749
 
                 
Cash flows from investing activities:
               
Purchases of securities available-for-sale
   
(105,708
)
   
(91,002
)
Purchases of other investments
   
(2
)
   
(2
)
Proceeds from sales of securities available-for-sale
   
     
7,927
 
Proceeds from maturities, calls, and principal paydowns of securities available-for-sale
   
101,146
     
112,363
 
Proceeds from sales and maturities of other investments
   
711
     
333
 
Net change in loans
   
(60,259
)
   
60,127
 
Proceeds from sale of foreclosed assets
   
15,958
     
14,460
 
Purchases of premises and equipment
   
(290
)
   
(780
)
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities
   
(48,444
)
   
103,426
 
                 
Cash flows from financing activities:
               
Net change in:
               
Deposits
   
13,482
     
(52,692
)
Other borrowings
   
(315
)
   
(20,388
)
Proceeds from issuance of common stock
   
45,969
     
 
Repurchase of common stock
   
(145
)
   
 
Repurchase of preferred stock
   
(44,443
)
   
 
Cash dividends paid on preferred stock
   
(1,433
)
   
(2,272
)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
   
13,115
     
(75,352
)
                 
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents
   
(18,698
)
   
45,823
 
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
   
193,609
     
151,725
 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
 
$
174,911
   
$
197,548
 
                 
                 
Supplemental information:
               
Interest paid
 
$
7,723
   
$
10,633
 
Income taxes paid
   
3,482
     
1,022
 
Noncash investing and financing activities:
               
Issuance of common stock pursuant to incentive plan
   
     
609
 
Issuance of common stock – restricted shares
   
3,024
     
 
Foreclosed assets acquired
   
5,799
     
19,661
 
Loans originated to finance foreclosed assets
   
6,501
     
3,305
 
 
See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
 
 
6

 
 
METROCORP BANCSHARES, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
1.     BASIS OF PRESENTATION

The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of MetroCorp Bancshares, Inc. (the “Company”) and wholly-owned subsidiaries, MetroBank, National Association (“MetroBank”) and Metro United Bank (“Metro United”), in Texas and California, respectively (collectively, the “Banks”).  MetroBank is engaged in commercial banking activities through its thirteen branches in the greater Houston and Dallas, Texas metropolitan areas, and Metro United is engaged in commercial banking activities through its six branches in the San Diego, Los Angeles and San Francisco, California metropolitan areas. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. Certain principles which significantly affect the determination of financial position, results of operations and cash flows are summarized below.

A legal entity is referred to as a Variable Interest Entity (“VIE”) if any of the following conditions exist: (1) the total equity at risk is insufficient to permit the legal entity to finance its activities without additional subordinated financial support from other parties, or (2) the entity has equity investors that cannot make significant decisions about the entity’s operations or that do not absorb their proportionate share of the expected losses or receive the expected returns of the entity.  In addition, as specified in VIE accounting guidance, a VIE must be consolidated by the Company if it is deemed to be the primary beneficiary of the VIE. The primary beneficiary is the party that has both (1) the power to direct the activities of an entity that most significantly impact the VIE’s economic performance, and (2) through its interests in the VIE, the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits from the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE.  All facts and circumstances are taken into consideration when determining whether the Company has variable interest that would deem it the primary beneficiary and, therefore, require consolidation of the related VIE or otherwise rise to the level where disclosure would provide useful information to the users of the Company’s financial statements.  In the case of the Company’s sole VIE, MCBI Statutory Trust I,  it is qualitatively clear based on the extent of the Company’s involvement that the Company is not the primary beneficiary of the VIE.  Accordingly, the accounts of this entity are not consolidated in the Company’s financial statements.

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements were prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles for interim financial information and with the instructions for Form 10-Q. In the opinion of management, the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments, consisting only of normal and recurring adjustments, necessary for a fair statement of the Company’s financial position at September 30, 2012, results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, and cash flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011. Interim period results are not necessarily indicative of results for a full year period. The year-end condensed consolidated balance sheet data was derived from audited financial statements, but does not include all disclosures required by U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

Certain items in prior financial statements have been reclassified to conform to the 2012 presentation, with no impact on the balance sheet, net income, shareholders’ equity or cash flows.

These unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto should be read in conjunction with the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011.

 
7

 
 
2.     SECURITIES

The amortized cost and approximate fair value of securities is as follows:

   
As of September 30, 2012
 
   
Amortized
   
Unrealized
         
Fair
 
   
Cost
   
Gains
   
Losses
    OTTI    
Value
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Securities available-for-sale
                             
Debt Securities
                             
U.S. Treasury and other U.S. government corporations and agencies
  $ 75,457     $ 466     $ (10 )   $
    $ 75,913  
Obligations of state and political subdivisions
    12,849       552    
   
      13,401  
Corporate
    6,086       266                       6,352  
Mortgage-backed securities and collateralized mortgage obligations:
                                       
Government issued or guaranteed
    65,585       1,847    
   
      67,432  
Privately issued residential
    775       309       (5 )     (402 )     677  
Asset backed securities
    196       122    
      (175 )     143  
Equity Securities
                                       
Investment in CRA funds
    13,964       400    
   
      14,364  
Total available-for-sale securities
  $ 174,912     $ 3,962     $ (15 )   $ (577 )   $ 178,282  
                                         
Securities held-to-maturity
                                       
Obligations of state and political subdivisions
  $ 4,046     $ 726     $
    $
    $ 4,772  
Total held-to-maturity securities
  $ 4,046     $ 726     $
    $
    $ 4,772  
                                         
Other investments
                                       
FHLB/Federal Reserve Bank stock (1)
  $ 4,691     $
    $
    $
    $ 4,691  
Investment in subsidiary trust (1)
    1,083    
   
   
      1,083  
Total other investments
  $ 5,774     $
    $
    $
    $ 5,774  
 
 
8

 
 
   
As of December 31, 2011
 
         
Unrealized
       
   
 
Amortized
Cost
   
 
Gains
   
 
Losses
   
 
OTTI
   
 
Fair
Value
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Securities available-for-sale
                             
Debt securities
                             
U.S. Treasury and other U.S. government corporations and agencies
 
$
91,660
   
$
546
   
$
(7
)
 
$
   
$
92,199
 
Obligations of state and political subdivisions
   
5,467
     
279
     
(40
)
   
     
5,706
 
Corporate
   
6,102
     
57
     
(18
)
   
     
6,141
 
Mortgage-backed securities and collateralized mortgage obligations:
                                       
Government issued or guaranteed
   
52,594
     
1,160
     
(15
)
   
     
53,739
 
Privately issued residential
   
900
     
232
     
(23
)
   
(442
)
   
667
 
Asset backed securities
   
231
     
56
     
     
(185
)
   
102
 
Equity securities
                                       
Investment in CRA funds
   
13,700
     
135
     
     
     
13,835
 
                                         
Total available-for-sale securities
 
$
170,654
   
$
2,465
   
$
(103
)
 
$
(627
)
 
$
172,389
 
                                         
Securities held-to-maturity
                                       
Obligations of state and political subdivisions
 
$
4,046
   
$
490
   
$
   
$
   
$
4,536
 
                                         
Total held-to-maturity securities
 
$
4,046
   
$
490
   
$
   
$
   
$
4,536
 
                                         
Other investments
                                       
FHLB /Federal Reserve Bank stock(1)
   
5,401
     
     
     
     
5,401
 
Investment in subsidiary trust(1)
   
1,083
     
     
     
     
1,083
 
                                         
Total other investments
 
$
6,484
   
$
   
$
   
$
   
$
6,484
 
 

(1) Represents securities with restrictions and limited marketability which are carried at cost.
 
 
9

 
 
The following table displays the gross unrealized losses and fair value of securities available-for-sale as of September 30, 2012 for which other-than-temporary impairments (“OTTI”) has not been recognized, that were in a continuous unrealized loss position for the periods indicated.  There were no securities held-to-maturity in a continuous unrealized loss position as of September 30, 2012 or December 31, 2011.

   
September 30, 2012
 
   
Less Than 12 Months
   
Greater Than 12 Months
   
Total
 
   
Fair
Value
   
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
   
Fair
Value
   
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
   
Fair
Value
   
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Securities available-for-sale
                                   
Debt securities
                                   
Obligations of state and political subdivisions
 
$
9,953
   
$
(10
)
 
$
   
$
   
$
9,953
   
$
(10
)
Mortgage-backed securities and collateralized mortgage obligations:
                                               
Government issued or guaranteed
   
     
     
111
     
(5
)
   
111
     
(5
)
                                                 
Total available-for-sale securities
 
$
9,953
   
$
(10
)
 
$
111
   
$
(5
)
 
$
10,065
   
$
(15
)
 

   
As of December 31, 2011
 
   
Less Than 12
Months
   
Greater Than 12
Months
   
Total
 
   
Fair
Value
   
Gross Unrealized
Losses
   
Fair
Value
   
Gross Unrealized
Losses
   
Fair
Value
   
Gross Unrealized
Losses
 
   
(In thousands)
Securities available-for-sale
                                               
Debt securities
                                               
U.S. Treasury and other U.S. government corporations and agencies
 
$
4,993
   
$
(7
)
 
$
   
$
   
$
4,993
   
$
(7
)
Obligations of state and political subdivisions
   
1,580
     
(40
)
   
     
     
1,580
     
(40
)
Corporate
   
3,017
     
(18
)
   
     
     
3,017
     
(18
)
Mortgage-backed securities and collateralized mortgage obligations:
                                               
Government issued or guaranteed
   
8,786
     
(15
)
   
10
     
     
8,796
     
(15
)
Privately issued residential
   
     
     
168
     
(23
)
   
168
     
(23
)
                                                 
Total available-for-sale securities
 
$
18,376
   
$
(80
)
 
$
178
   
$
(23
)
 
$
18,554
   
$
(103
)
 
As of September 30, 2012, management did not have the intent to sell any of the securities classified as available-for-sale in unrealized loss positions and believes it is not more likely than not that the Company will have to sell any such securities before a recovery of the cost. However, if strategic opportunities arise, the Company may consider selling selected securities.  Any unrealized losses on such selected securities would be charged to earnings.

The unrealized losses are largely due to increases in the market interest rates over the yields available at the time the underlying securities were purchased. The fair value is expected to recover as the securities approach their maturity date or repricing date or if market yields for such securities decline. Management does not believe that any of the unrealized losses above are due to credit quality. Accordingly, management believes the $15,000 of unrealized losses as of September 30, 2012 is temporary and the remaining $577,000 of OTTI as of September 30, 2012 represents an unrealized loss for which an impairment has been recognized in other comprehensive income.

 
10

 
 
Other-Than-Temporary Impairments (OTTI)

The following table presents a rollforward for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012, of the credit loss component of OTTI losses that have been recognized in income related to debt securities that the Company does not intend to sell.
 
   
Impairment related to credit losses
 
   
Three Months Ended
September 30, 2012
   
Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2012
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Credit losses at beginning  of period
 
$
1,672
   
$
1,595
 
Additions to OTTI that were previously recognized when there is no intent to sell and no requirement to sell before recovery of amortized cost basis
   
5
     
51
 
Transfers from accumulated other comprehensive income to OTTI related to credit losses
   
2
     
33
 
Credit losses at end of period
 
$
1,679
   
$
1,679
 
 
For the nine months ended September 30, 2012, credit-related losses of $72,000 on seven non-agency residential mortgage-backed securities and $13,000 on one asset-backed security were recognized. There were no noncredit impairments included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) for the nine months ended September 30, 2012.

To measure credit losses, external credit ratings and other relevant collateral details and performance statistics on a security-by-security basis were considered. Securities exhibiting significant deterioration are subjected to further analysis. Assumptions were developed for prepayment speed, default rate, and loss severity for each security using third party sources and based on the collateral history. The resulting projections of future cash flows of the underlying collateral were then discounted by the underlying yield before any write-downs were considered to determine the net present value of the cash flows (“NPV”).  The difference between the cost basis and the NPV was taken as a credit loss in the current period to the extent that these losses have not been previously recognized. The difference between the NPV and the quoted market price is considered a noncredit related loss and was included in other comprehensive income (loss).

Other Securities Information

The following sets forth information concerning sales (excluding calls and maturities) of available-for-sale securities (in thousands).  There were no sales or transfers of held-to-maturity securities for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 or 2011.
 
   
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
   
2012
   
2011
 
Amortized cost
 
$
   
$
7,973
 
Proceeds
   
     
7,927
 
Gross realized gains
   
     
94
 
Gross realized losses
   
     
(140
)
 
 
11

 
 
At September 30, 2012, future contractual maturities of debt securities were as follows (in thousands):
 
   
Securities
Available-for-sale
   
Securities
Held-to-maturity
 
   
Amortized
Cost
   
Fair
Value
   
Amortized
Cost
   
Fair
Value
 
Within one year
 
$
706
   
$
725
   
$
   
$
 
Within two to five years
   
8,083
     
8,357
     
     
 
Within six to ten years
   
74,247
     
74,816
     
     
 
After ten years
   
11,552
     
11,911
     
4,046
     
4,772
 
Mortgage-backed securities and collateralized mortgage obligations
   
66,360
     
68,109
     
     
 
Total debt securities
 
$
160,948
   
$
163,918
   
$
4,046
   
$
4,772
 

The Company holds mortgage-backed securities which may mature at an earlier date than the contractual maturity due to prepayments. The Company also holds certain securities which may be called by the issuer at an earlier date than the contractual maturity date.
 
 
3.     LOANS

The loan portfolio is classified by major type as follows:

   
As of September 30, 2012
   
As of December 31, 2011
 
   
Amount
   
Percent
   
Amount
   
Percent
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
                         
Commercial and industrial
 
$
377,054
     
34.30
%
 
$
345,265
     
32.98
%
Real estate mortgage:
                               
Residential
   
40,391
     
3.67
     
42,682
     
4.08
 
Commercial
   
667,162
     
60.68
     
644,727
     
61.58
 
     
707,553
     
64.35
     
687,409
     
65.66
 
Real estate construction:
                               
Residential
   
4,087
     
0.37
     
6,984
     
0.67
 
Commercial
   
3,824
     
0.35
     
3,324
     
0.32
 
     
7,911
     
0.72
     
10,308
     
0.99
 
Consumer and other
   
6,955
     
0.63
     
3,936
     
0.37
 
Gross loans
   
1,099,473
     
100.00
%
   
1,046,918
     
100.00
%
Unearned discounts, interest and deferred fees
   
(2,618
)
           
(2,302
)
       
Total loans
   
1,096,855
             
1,044,616
         
Allowance for loan losses
   
(25,542
)
           
(28,321
)
       
Loans, net
 
$
1,071,313
           
$
1,016,295
         

The recorded investment in loans is the face amount increased or decreased by applicable accrued interest and unamortized premium, discount, or finance charges, and may also reflect  previous direct write-downs of the loans.
 
 
12

 
 
The recorded investment in loans at the dates indicated is determined as follows as of the dates indicated (in thousands):

September 30, 2012
 
Gross Loan
Balance
   
Deferred Loan
Fees
   
Accrued Interest
Receivable
   
Recorded Investment in Loans
 
                         
Commercial and industrial
 
$
377,054
   
$
(755
)
 
$
1,010
   
$
377,309
 
Real estate mortgage
   
707,553
     
(1,599
)
   
2,167
     
708,121
 
Real estate construction
   
7,911
     
(12
)
   
8
     
7,907
 
Consumer and other
   
6,955
     
(252
)
   
20
     
6,723
 
                                 
Total
 
$
1,099,473
   
$
(2,618
)
 
$
3,205
   
$
1,100,060
 
 
 
 
 
December 31, 2011
 
Gross Loan
Balance
   
Deferred Loan
Fees
   
Accrued Interest
Receivable
   
Recorded Investment in Loans
 
                         
Commercial and industrial
 
$
345,265
   
$
(777
)
 
$
1,077
   
$
345,565
 
Real estate mortgage
   
687,409
     
(1,327
)
   
2,270
     
688,352
 
Real estate construction
   
10,308
     
(2
)
   
29
     
10,335
 
Consumer and other
   
3,936
     
(196
)
   
14
     
3,754
 
                                 
Total
 
$
1,046,918
   
$
(2,302
)
 
$
3,390
   
$
1,048,006
 
 
Loan Origination/Risk Management
 
The Company selectively extends credit for the purpose of establishing long-term relationships with its customers. The Company mitigates the risks inherent in lending by focusing on businesses and individuals with demonstrated payment history, historically favorable profitability trends and stable cash flows. In addition to these primary sources of repayment, the Company looks to tangible collateral and personal guarantees as secondary sources of repayment. Lending officers are provided with detailed underwriting policies covering all lending activities in which the Company is engaged and that require all lenders to obtain appropriate approvals for the extension of credit. The Company also maintains documentation requirements and extensive credit quality assurance practices in order to identify credit portfolio weaknesses as early as possible so any exposures that are discovered may be reduced.
 
            The Company has certain lending procedures in place that are designed to maximize loan income within an acceptable level of risk. These procedures include the approval of lending policies and underwriting guidelines by the Board of Directors of each bank, and separate policy, administrative and approval oversight by the Directors’ Loan Committee of MetroBank, and by the Directors’ Credit Committee of Metro United.  Additionally, MetroBank’s loan portfolio is reviewed by its internal loan review department, and Metro United's loan portfolio is reviewed by an external third-party company. These procedures also serve to identify changes in asset quality in a timely manner and to ensure proper recording and reporting of nonperforming assets.

Inherent in all lending is the risk of nonpayment. The types of collateral required, the terms of the loans and the underwriting practices discussed under each loan category below are all designed to minimize the risk of nonpayment. In addition, as further risk protection, the Banks rarely make loans at their respective legal lending limits. MetroBank generally does not make loans larger than $12 million to one borrower and Metro United generally does not make loans larger than $6 million to one borrower. Loans greater than the Banks’ lending limits are subject to participation with other financial institutions, including with each other. Loans originated by MetroBank are approved by the Chief Credit Officer, Chief Lending Officer, Senior Credit Officer, MetroBank’s Loan Committee, or the Director’s Credit Committee based on the size of the loan relationship and its risk rating. Loans originated by Metro United are approved by the Director’s Credit Committee except for certain consumer loans. Control systems and procedures are in place to ensure all loans are approved in accordance with credit policies.  The Company also uses interest rate floors on a majority of its variable rate loans to control interest rate risk within the commercial and real estate loan portfolios.
 
 
13

 
 
Commercial and Industrial Loans. Generally, the Company’s commercial loans are underwritten on the basis of the borrower’s ability to service such debt as reflected by cash flow projections. Commercial loans are generally collateralized by business assets, which may include real estate, accounts receivable and inventory, certificates of deposit, securities, guarantees or other collateral. The Company also generally obtains personal guarantees from the principals of the business. Working capital loans are primarily collateralized by short-term assets, whereas term loans are primarily collateralized by long-term assets. As a result, commercial loans involve additional complexities, variables and risks and require more thorough underwriting and servicing than other types of loans. Indigenous to individuals in the Asian business community is the desire to own the building and land which house their businesses. Accordingly, while a loan may be principally driven and classified by the type of business operated, real estate is frequently the primary source of collateral.
 
Real Estate Mortgage - Commercial  and Residential Mortgage Loans. The Company makes commercial mortgage loans to finance the purchase of real property, which generally consists of developed real estate. The Company’s commercial mortgage loans are collateralized by first liens on real estate. For MetroBank, these loans have both variable rates and fixed rates and amortize over a 15 to 20 year period, with balloon payments due at the end of five to seven years. For Metro United, these loans have both variable and fixed rates and amortize over a 25 to 30 year period, with balloon payments due at the end of five to ten years. Payments on loans collateralized by such properties are dependent on the successful operation or management of the properties. Accordingly, repayment of these loans may be subject to adverse conditions in the real estate market or the economy to a greater extent than other types of loans. In underwriting commercial mortgage loans, consideration is given to the property’s historical cash flow, current and projected occupancy, location and physical condition. The underwriting analysis also includes credit checks, appraisals, environmental impact reports and a review of the financial condition of the borrower. The Company also originates two to seven year balloon residential mortgage loans with a 15 to 30-year amortization primarily collateralized by owner occupied residential properties, which are retained in the Company’s residential mortgage portfolio.
   
Real Estate Construction Loans. The Company makes loans to finance the construction of residential and non-residential properties. The majority of the Company’s residential construction loans in Texas are for single-family dwellings that are pre-sold or are under earnest money contracts. The Company also originates loans to finance the construction of commercial properties such as multi-family, office, industrial, warehouse and retail centers. Construction loans involve additional risks attributable to the fact that loan funds are advanced upon the security of a project under construction, and the project is of uncertain value prior to its completion. Because of uncertainties inherent in estimating construction costs, the market value of the completed project and the effects of governmental regulation on real property, it can be difficult to accurately evaluate the total funds required to complete a project and the related loan to value ratio. As a result of these uncertainties, construction lending often involves the disbursement of substantial funds with repayment dependent, in part, on the success of the ultimate project rather than the ability of a borrower or guarantor to repay the loan. If the Company is forced to foreclose on a project prior to completion, there is no assurance that the Company will be able to recover the entire unpaid portion of the loan. In addition, the Company may be required to fund additional amounts to complete a project and may have to hold the property for an indeterminable period of time. While the Company has underwriting procedures designed to identify what it believes to be acceptable levels of risks in construction lending, no assurance can be given that these procedures will prevent losses from the risks described above.  
 
Consumer Loans. The Company, through its subsidiary Metro United, offers a wide variety of loan products to retail customers through its branch network. Loans to retail customers include automobile loans, lines of credit and other personal loans. The terms of these loans typically range from 12 to 60 months depending on the nature of the collateral and the size of the loan.

Loan review process. In addition to MetroBank’s loan portfolio review by its internal loan review department and Metro United's loan portfolio review by an external third-party company, other ongoing reviews are performed by loan officers and involves the grading of each loan by its respective loan officer. Depending on the grade, a loan will be aggregated with other loans of similar grade and a loss factor is applied to the total loans in each group to establish the required level of allowance for loan losses. For both Banks, grades of 1-10 are applied to each loan, with loans graded 7-10 requiring the most allowance for loan losses. Factors utilized in the grading process include but are not limited to historical performance, payment status, collateral value, and financial strength of the borrower. Oversight of the loan review process is the responsibility of the Loan Review/Compliance Officer. Differences of opinion are resolved among the Loan Officer, Loan Review Officer, and the Chief Credit Officer. See “Allowance for Loan Losses and Reserve for Unfunded Lending Commitments” for additional discussion on loan grades.

MetroBank’s credit department reports credit risk grade changes on a monthly basis to its management and the Board of Directors. Concentration analyses based on industries, collateral types and business lines and performed monthly and quarterly by MetroBank and monthly by Metro United. Findings are reported to the Directors’ Loan Committee of MetroBank and the Directors’ Credit Committee of Metro United. Loan concentration reports based on type are prepared, monitored and reviewed quarterly and presented to the Directors’ Loan Committee for MetroBank, the Directors’ Credit Committee for Metro United and the Board of Directors of each respective Bank.

In addition, the Company reviews the real estate values, and when necessary, orders new appraisals on loans collateralized by real estate when loans are renewed, prior to foreclosure and at other times as necessary, particularly in problem loan situations. In instances where updated appraisals reflect reduced collateral values, an evaluation of the borrower’s overall financial condition is made to determine the need, if any, for possible charge-offs or appropriate additions to the allowance for loan losses. The Company records other real estate at fair value at the time of acquisition less estimated costs to sell.
 
 
14

 
 
The following table presents the recorded investment in loans by credit risk profile, and which were updated as of the date indicated (in thousands):
 
As of September 30, 2012
 
Commercial and industrial
   
Real estate-
mortgage
   
Real estate - construction
   
Consumer
and other
   
Total
 
                               
Grade:
                             
1-6 - “Pass”
 
$
351,931
   
$
610,745
   
$
2,415
   
$
6,722
   
$
971,813
 
7 - “Special Mention”/ “Watch”
   
3,977
     
14,679
     
     
     
18,656
 
8 - “Substandard”
   
21,401
     
82,697
     
5,492
     
1
     
109,591
 
9 -“Doubtful"
   
     
     
     
     
 
                                         
Total
 
$
377,309
   
$
708,121
   
$
7,907
   
$
6,723
   
$
1,100,060
 

 

As of December 31, 2011
 
Commercial and industrial
   
Real estate-
mortgage
   
Real estate - construction
   
Consumer
and other
   
Total
 
                               
Grade:
                             
1-6 - “Pass”
 
$
310,626
   
$
551,496
   
$
3,078
   
$
3,753
   
$
868,953
 
7 - “Special Mention”/ “Watch”
   
10,735
     
30,491
     
     
     
41,226
 
8 - “Substandard”
   
24,204
     
106,160
     
7,257
     
1
     
137,622
 
9 -“Doubtful"
   
     
205
     
     
     
205
 
                                         
Total
 
$
345,565
   
$
688,352
   
$
10,335
   
$
3,754
   
$
1,048,006
 

There can be no assurance, however, that the Company’s loan portfolio will not become subject to increasing pressures from deteriorating borrowers’ financial condition due to general economic and other factors. While future deterioration in the loan portfolio is possible, management is continuing its risk assessment and resolution program. In addition, management is focusing its attention on minimizing the Company’s credit risk through diversification.
 
 
Nonperforming Loans
 
The Company generally places a loan on nonaccrual status and ceases accruing interest when, in the opinion of management, full payment of loan principal or interest is in doubt. All loans past due 90 days are placed on nonaccrual status unless the loan is both well collateralized and in the process of collection. Cash payments received while a loan is classified as nonaccrual are recorded as a reduction of principal as long as significant doubt exists as to collection of the principal. Loans are restored to accrual status only when interest and principal payments are brought current and, in management’s judgment, future payments are reasonably assured. In addition to nonaccrual loans, the Company evaluates on an ongoing basis other loans which are potential problem loans as to risk exposure in determining the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses.  Loans are classified as a troubled debt restructuring in cases where a borrower is experiencing financial difficulty and the Banks make concessionary modifications to contractual terms.   Troubled debt restructurings can be accruing or on nonaccrual status.
 
A loan is considered impaired based on current information and events if it is probable that the Company will be unable to collect the scheduled payments of principal or interest when due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. Impairment is evaluated in total for smaller-balance loans of a similar nature and on an individual basis for other loans.  The measurement of impaired loans is based on the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate or the loan’s observable market price or based on the fair value of the collateral if the loan is collateral-dependent.
 
The Company requires that nonperforming assets be monitored by the special assets department or senior lenders for MetroBank, and the special asset team consisting of internal credit personnel with the assistance of third party consultants and attorneys for Metro United. All nonperforming assets are actively managed pursuant to the Company’s loan policy. Senior management is apprised on a weekly basis of the workout endeavors and provides assistance as necessary to determine the best strategy for problem loan resolution and maximizing repayment on nonperforming assets.
 
 
15

 
 
In addition to the Banks’ loan review processes described in the preceding paragraphs, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (“OCC”) periodically examines and evaluates MetroBank, while the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) and California Department of Financial Institutions (“CDFI”) periodically examine and evaluate Metro United. Based upon such examinations, the regulators may revalue the assets of the institution and require that it charge-off certain assets, establish specific reserves to compensate for the difference between the regulators-determined value and the book value of such assets or take other regulatory action designed to lessen the risk in the asset portfolio.

The following table provides an analysis of the age of the recorded investment in loans by portfolio segment as of the date indicated (in thousands):
 
As of September 30, 2012
 
30-59
Days
Past Due
   
60-89
Days
Past Due
   
Greater
Than
90 Days
   
Total
Past
Due
   
Current
   
Total Recorded Investment in Loans
   
Recorded Investment 90 Days Past Due and Accruing
 
                                           
Commercial and industrial
 
$
730
   
$
754
   
$
7,356
   
$
8,840
   
$
368,469
   
$
377,309
   
$
 
Real estate mortgage:
                                                       
Residential
   
5,238
     
     
184
     
5,422
     
35,060
     
40,482
     
 
Commercial
   
680
     
8,199
     
12,365
     
21,244
     
646,395
     
667,639
     
 
Real estate construction:
                                                       
Residential
   
     
     
2,345
     
2,345
     
1,738
     
4,083
     
 
Commercial
   
     
     
3,148
     
3,148
     
676
     
3,824
     
 
Consumer and other
   
     
25
     
1
     
26
     
6,697
     
6,723
     
 
                                                         
Total
 
$
6,648
   
$
8,978
   
$
25,399
   
$
41,025
   
$
1,059,035
   
$
1,100,060
   
$
 
 
 
As of December 31, 2011
 
30-59
Days
Past Due
   
60-89
Days
Past Due
   
Greater
Than
90 Days
   
Total
Past
Due
   
Current
   
Total Recorded Investment in Loans
   
Recorded Investment 90 Days Past Due and Accruing
 
                                           
Commercial and industrial
 
$
2,018
   
$
121
   
$
9,433
   
$
11,572
   
$
333,993
   
$
345,565
   
$
 
Real estate mortgage:
                                                       
Residential
   
105
     
     
251
     
356
     
42,440
     
42,796
     
 
Commercial
   
7,361
     
4,002
     
15,559
     
26,922
     
618,634
     
645,556
     
 
Real estate construction:
                                                       
Residential
   
     
     
     
     
7,011
     
7,011
     
 
Commercial
   
     
3,324
     
     
3,324
     
     
3,324
     
 
Consumer and other
   
     
5
     
1
     
6
     
3,748
     
3,754
     
 
                                                         
Total
 
$
9,484
   
$
7,452
   
$
25,244
   
$
42,180
   
$
1,005,826
   
$
1,048,006
   
$
 
 
 
16

 
 
The following table presents the recorded investment in nonaccrual loans, including nonaccruing troubled debt restructurings, by portfolio segment as of the dates indicated (in thousands):
 
Recorded investment in nonaccrual loans
 
September 30, 2012
   
December 31, 2011
 
Commercial and industrial
 
$
7,356
   
$
10,665
 
Real estate mortgage:
               
Residential
   
184
     
251
 
Commercial
   
23,116
     
30,600
 
Real estate construction:
               
Residential
   
2,345
     
 
Commercial
   
3,147
     
3,324
 
Consumer and other
   
1
     
1
 
                 
Total
 
$
36,149
   
$
44,841
 
           
             Information on impaired loans, which includes nonaccrual loans and troubled debt restructurings, and the related specific allowance for loan losses on such loans at September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, is presented below (in thousands):

As of September 30, 2012
 
Recorded
Investment
   
Unpaid
Principal
Balance
   
Related
Allowance
   
Average
Recorded
Investment
 
                         
Impaired loans with no allowance
                       
Commercial and industrial
 
$
7,333
   
$
7,343
   
$
   
$
5,752
 
Real estate mortgage:
                               
Residential
   
184
     
184
     
     
216
 
Commercial
   
22,258
     
22,260
     
     
19,859
 
Real estate construction:
                               
Residential
   
2,345
     
2,345
     
     
1,172
 
Commercial
   
3,147
     
3,147
     
     
3,226
 
                                 
Impaired loans with an allowance
                               
Commercial and industrial
 
$
23
   
$
23
   
$
23
   
$
3,183
 
Real estate mortgage:
                               
Commercial
   
4,999
     
4,986
     
953
     
6,836
 
                                 
Total:
                               
Commercial and industrial
 
$
7,356
   
$
7,366
   
$
23
   
$
8,935
 
Real estate mortgage
   
27,441
     
27,430
     
953
     
26,911
 
Real estate construction
   
5,492
     
5,492
     
     
4,398
 

 
17

 
 
As of December 31, 2011
 
Recorded
Investment
   
Unpaid
Principal
Balance
   
Related
Allowance
   
Average
Recorded
Investment
 
                         
Impaired loans with no allowance
                       
Commercial and industrial
 
$
3,647
   
$
3,652
   
$
   
$
8,901
 
Real estate mortgage:
                               
Residential
   
251
     
251
     
     
263
 
Commercial
   
19,922
     
19,913
     
     
26,256
 
Real estate construction:
                               
Commercial
   
3,324
     
3,324
     
     
831
 
                                 
Impaired loans with an allowance
                               
Commercial and industrial
 
$
7,018
    $
7,025
    $
224
    $
4,835
 
Real estate mortgage:
                               
Commercial
   
10,678
     
10,696
     
710
     
14,042
 
                                 
Total:
                               
Commercial and industrial
 
$
10,665
   
$
10,677
   
$
224
   
$
13,736
 
Real estate mortgage
   
30,851
     
30,860
     
710
     
40,561
 
Real estate construction
   
3,324
     
3,324
     
     
831
 
 
For the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, interest income of $139,000 and $118,000 was recognized on impaired loans, which consisted of nonaccrual loans that were paid in full and accruing troubled debt restructurings (“TDRs”). 
 

Troubled Debt Restructurings
 
Loans are classified as TDRs in cases where a borrower is experiencing financial difficulty and the Banks make concessionary modifications to contractual terms. Restructured loans typically involve a modification of terms such as a reduction of the stated interest rate and/or an extension of the maturity date(s). Generally, a nonaccrual loan that is restructured remains on nonaccrual for a minimum period of six months to demonstrate that the borrower can meet the restructured terms. Once performance has been demonstrated, the loan may be returned to performing status after the calendar year end.  
 
The following table presents the recorded investment in TDRs that occurred for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 (dollars in thousands).  There were no TDRs that occurred for the three months ended September 30, 2012. 
 
   
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012
   
Number
of
Contracts
   
Pre-Modification Outstanding
Recorded
Investment
   
Post-Modification Outstanding
Recorded
Investment
Troubled Debt Restructurings
               
Real estate mortgage:
                     
Commercial
   
3
   
$
6,007
   
$
6,318
                       
Real estate construction:
                     
Commercial
   
2
     
401
     
401

The following describes TDRs that occurred during the nine months ended September 30, 2012:

One commercial real estate loan relationship was restructured as a TDR. The loan relationship identified as a TDR was previously on nonaccrual status and reported as an impaired loan prior to restructuring.  The borrower was under the protection of the Federal Bankruptcy Act and the court approved and imposed a reorganization plan which modified the existing payment terms.  The Company had previously written the loan down to the fair market value of the property. Subsequent to the write down and prior to the reorganization, the loan was further paid down from excess cash flow from the property.  The loan was restructured based on the appraised fair value of the property, which increased the post-modification recorded investment, and as a result, insignificantly increased the allowance for loan losses.
 
 
18

 
 
Two commercial real estate loans to the same borrower were identified and classified as TDRs.  The TDRs were previously on nonaccrual status and reported as an impaired loan prior to restructuring.  The borrower was under the protection of the Federal Bankruptcy Act and the court approved and imposed a reorganization plan which modified the existing payment terms.  Since the loan was classified and on nonaccrual status both before and after restructuring, the modification did not impact the Company’s determination of the allowance for loan losses.  

Two real estate construction loans to the same borrower were restructured as TDRs.  The loans, previously on accrual status and paid according to contractual terms, had matured and were renewed without a principal reduction.  The loans were classified and on accrual status both before and after restructuring.  Prior to restructuring, the Company’s determination of the allowance for loan losses was based on FASB codification 450-20; after restructuring, the determination of the allowance for loan losses was based on FASB codification 310-10-35 and therefore insignificantly reduced the allowance for loan losses.

As of September 30, 2012, commitments to lend additional funds on loans that were modified as TDRs were insignificant.   As of September 30, 2012, there have been no defaults on any loans that were modified as TDRs during the preceding twelve months.

 
Allowance for Loan Losses and Reserve for Unfunded Lending Commitments
 
The allowance for loan losses provides for the risk of losses inherent in the lending process and the Company allocates the allowance for loan losses according to management’s assessments of risk inherent in the portfolio. The allowance for loan losses is increased by provisions charged against current earnings and is reduced by net charge-offs. Loans are charged off when they are deemed to be uncollectible in whole or in part. Recoveries are recorded when cash payments are received. In developing the assessment, the Company relies on estimates and exercises judgment regarding matters where the ultimate outcome is uncertain. Circumstances may change and future assessments of credit risk may yield materially different results, resulting in an increase or decrease in the allowance for credit losses.
 
The allowance for credit losses consists of the allowance for loan losses and the reserve for unfunded lending commitments and is maintained at levels that the Company believes are adequate to absorb probable losses inherent in the loan portfolio and unfunded lending commitments as of the date of the financial statements. The Company employs a systematic methodology for determining the allowance for credit losses that consists of four components: (1) a formula-based general reserve based on historical average losses by loan grade and grade migration, (2) specific reserves on larger impaired individual credits that are based on the difference between the current loan balance and the loan’s collateral value, observable market price, or discounted present value, (3) a qualitative component that reflects current market conditions and other factors precedent to losses different from historical averages, and (4) a reserve for unfunded lending commitments.
 
In setting the qualitative reserve portion of the allowance for loan losses, the factors the Company may consider include, but are not limited to, concentrations of credit, common characteristics of known problem loans, potential problem loans and other loans that exhibit weaknesses or deterioration, the general economic environment in the Company’s markets as well as the national economy, particularly the real estate markets, changes in value of the collateral securing loans, results of portfolio stress tests, and changes in lending processes, procedures and personnel. After the aforementioned assessment of the loan portfolio, the general economic environment and other relevant factors, management determines the appropriate allowance for loan loss level and makes the provision necessary to achieve that level. This methodology is consistently followed so that the level of the allowance for loan losses is reevaluated on an ongoing basis in response to changes in circumstances, economic conditions or other factors.
  
The Company follows a loan review program to evaluate the credit risk in the loan portfolio as discussed under “Nonperforming Assets.” Through the loan review process, the Company maintains an internally classified loan list which, along with the delinquency list of loans, helps management assess the overall quality of the loan portfolio and the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses. Loans classified as “substandard” are risk-rated as grade 8, and are those loans with well-defined weaknesses such as a highly-leveraged position, unfavorable financial ratios, uncertain repayment sources or poor financial condition, which may jeopardize recoverability of the debt. Loans classified as “doubtful” are risk-rated as grade 9, and are those loans which have characteristics similar to substandard loans but with an increased risk that a loss may occur, or at least a portion of the loan may require a charge-off if liquidated at present. Although loans classified as substandard do not duplicate loans classified as doubtful, both substandard and doubtful loans include some loans that are delinquent at least 30 days or on nonaccrual status. Loans classified as “loss” are risk-rated as grade 10 and are those loans which are charged off.
 
In addition to the internally classified loan list and delinquency list of loans, the Company maintains a separate “watch list” for loans risk-rated as grade 7, which further aids the Company in monitoring loan portfolios. Watch list loans show potential weaknesses where the present status portrays one or more deficiencies that require attention in the short-term or where pertinent ratios of the loan account have weakened to a point where more frequent monitoring is warranted. These loans do not have all of the characteristics of a classified loan (substandard or doubtful) but do show weakened elements compared with those of a satisfactory credit. The Company reviews these loans to assist in assessing the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses.
 
 
19

 
 
Policies and procedures have been developed to assess the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses and the reserve for unfunded lending commitments that include the monitoring of qualitative and quantitative trends described above. Management of both banks review and approve their respective allowance for loan losses and the reserve for unfunded lending commitments monthly and perform a comprehensive analysis quarterly, which is also presented for approval by each bank’s Board of Directors. The allowance for credit losses is also subject to federal and California State banking regulations. The Banks’ primary regulators conduct periodic examinations of the allowance for credit losses and make assessments regarding its adequacy and the methodology used in its determination.
 
The Company maintains a reserve for unfunded commitments to provide for the risk of loss inherent in its unfunded lending related commitments. The process used in determining the reserve is consistent with the process used for the allowance for loan losses discussed above.

The following table presents the allowance for loan losses and recorded investment in loans by portfolio segment at the dates indicated (in thousands):

As of and for the three months ended
September 30, 2012
 
Commercial
and
industrial
   
Real
estate-
mortgage
   
Real estate - construction
   
Consumer
and other
   
Unallocated
   
Total
 
                                     
Allowance for loan losses at beginning of period
 
$
9,146
   
$
16,151
   
$
185
   
$
106
   
$
1,723
   
$
27,311
 
Provision for loan losses
   
922
     
(574
   
(6
   
50
     
(692
   
(300
Charge-offs
   
(1,464
)
   
(130
)
   
     
(31
)
   
     
(1,625
)
Recoveries
   
32
     
118
     
     
6
     
     
156
 
     
 
     
 
             
 
             
 
 
Allowance for loan losses at end of period
 
$
8,636
   
$
15,565
   
$
179
   
$
131
   
$
1,031
   
$
25,542
 
                                                 
Ending allowance for loan losses balance for loans individually evaluated for impairment
 
$
23
   
$
953
   
$
   
$
           
$
976
 
                                                 
Ending allowance for loan losses balance for loans collectively evaluated for impairment
 
$
8,613
   
$
14,612
   
$
179
   
$
131
           
$
23,535
 
                                                 
Loans:
                                               
Recorded investment in loans
 
$
377,309
   
$
708,121
   
$
7,907
   
$
6,723
           
$
1,100,060
 
                                                 
Recorded investment in loans individually evaluated for impairment
 
$
7,357
   
$
27,441
   
$
5,492
   
$
1
           
$
40,291
 
                                                 
Recorded investment in loans collectively evaluated for impairment
 
$
369,952
   
$
680,680
   
$
2,415
   
$
6,722
           
$
1,059,769
 
 
 
20

 
 
As of and for the three months ended
September 30, 2011
 
Commercial and industrial
   
Real
estate-
mortgage
   
Real estate - construction
   
Consumer
and other
   
Unallocated
   
Total
 
                                     
                                     
Allowance for loan losses at beginning of period
 
$
7,136
   
$
20,590
   
$
490
   
$
152
   
$
2,025
   
$
30,393
 
Provision for loan losses
   
527
     
74
     
(2
)
   
12
     
264
     
875
 
Charge-offs
   
(597
)
   
(1,350
)
   
     
(18
)
   
     
(1,965
)
Recoveries
   
260
     
396
     
5
     
5
     
     
666
 
                                                 
Allowance for loan losses at end of period
 
$
7,325
   
$
19,710
   
$
493
   
$
151
   
$
2,289
   
$
29,969
 
                                                 
Ending allowance for loan losses balance for loans individually evaluated for impairment
 
$
275
   
$
749
   
$
   
$
           
$
1,024
 
                                                 
Ending allowance for loan losses balance for loans collectively evaluated for impairment
 
$
7,051
   
$
18,961
   
$
493
   
$
151
           
$
26,656
 
                                                 
Loans:
                                               
Recorded investment in loans
 
$
346,254
   
$
705,757
   
$
6,925
   
$
3,629
           
$
1,062,565
 
                                                 
Recorded investment in loans individually evaluated for impairment
 
$
13,520
   
$
34,749
   
$
   
$
1
           
$
48,270
 
                                                 
Recorded investment in loans collectively evaluated for impairment
 
$
332,734
   
$
671,008
   
$
6,925
   
$
3,628
           
$
1,014,295
 

 
21

 
 
As of and for the nine months ended
September 30, 2012
 
Commercial
and
industrial
   
Real
estate-
mortgage
   
Real estate - construction
   
Consumer
and other
   
Unallocated
   
Total
 
                                     
Allowance for loan losses at beginning of period
 
$
7,966
   
$
19,213
   
$
320
   
$
137
   
$
685
   
$
28,321
 
Provision for loan losses
   
2,531
     
(3,166
)
   
523
     
66
     
346
     
300
 
Charge-offs
   
(2,258
)
   
(1,415
)
   
(683
)
   
(92
)
   
     
(4,448
)
Recoveries
   
397
     
933
     
19
     
20
     
     
1,369
 
                                                 
Allowance for loan losses at end of period
 
$
8,636
   
$
15,565
   
$
179
   
$
131
   
$
1,031
   
$
25,542
 
                                                 
Ending allowance for loan losses balance for loans individually evaluated for impairment
 
$
23
   
$
953
   
$
   
$
           
$
976
 
                                                 
Ending allowance for loan losses balance for loans collectively evaluated for impairment
 
$
8,613
   
$
14,612
   
$
179
   
$
131
           
$
23,535
 
                                                 
Loans:
                                               
Recorded investment in loans
 
$
377,309
   
$
708,121
   
$
7,907
   
$
6,723
           
$
1,100,060
 
                                                 
Recorded investment in loans individually evaluated for impairment
 
$
7,357
   
$
27,441
   
$
5,492
   
$
1
           
$
40,291
 
                                                 
Recorded investment in loans collectively evaluated for impairment
 
$
369,952
   
$
680,680
   
$
2,415
   
$
6,722
           
$
1,059,769
 
 
 
22

 
 
As of and for the nine months ended
September 30, 2011
 
Commercial and industrial
   
Real estate-
mortgage
   
Real estate - construction
   
Consumer
and other
   
Unallocated
   
Total
 
                                     
Allowance for loan losses at beginning of period
 
$
8,187
   
$
22,016
   
$
1,993
   
$
194
   
$
1,367
   
$
33,757
 
Provision for loan losses
   
1,865
     
1,907
     
(2,222
)
   
(22
)
   
922
     
2,450
 
Charge-offs
   
(3,222
)
   
(4,673
)
   
     
(49
)
   
     
(7,944
)
Recoveries
   
496
     
460
     
722
     
28
     
     
1,706
 
                                                 
Allowance for loan losses at end of period
 
$
7,326
   
$
19,710
   
$
493
   
$
151
   
$
2,289
   
$
29,969
 
                                                 
Ending allowance for loan losses balance for loans individually evaluated for impairment
 
$
275
   
$
749
   
$
   
$
           
$
1,024
 
                                                 
Ending allowance for loan losses balance for loans collectively evaluated for impairment
 
$
7,051
   
$
18,961
   
$
493
   
$
151
           
$
26,656
 
                                                 
Loans:
                                               
Recorded investment in loans
 
$
346,254
   
$
705,757
   
$
6,925
   
$
3,629
           
$
1,062,565
 
                                                 
Recorded investment in loans individually evaluated for impairment
 
$
13,520
   
$
34,749
   
$
   
$
1
           
$
48,270
 
                                                 
Recorded investment in loans collectively evaluated for impairment
 
$
332,734
   
$
671,008
   
$
6,925
   
$
3,628
           
$
1,014,295
 

 
23

 
 
4.     GOODWILL

Changes in the carrying amount of the Company’s goodwill for the periods indicated are as follows (in thousands):

Balance as of January 1, 2011
     
Goodwill
 
$
21,827
 
Accumulated impairment losses
   
4,500
 
Net goodwill
   
17,327
 
         
Impairment losses
   
3,000
 
         
Balance as of December 31, 2011
       
Goodwill
   
21,827
 
Accumulated impairment losses
   
7,500
 
Net goodwill
   
14,327
 
         
Impairment losses
   
 
         
Balance as of September 30, 2012
       
Goodwill
   
21,827
 
Accumulated impairment losses
   
7,500
 
Net goodwill
 
$
14,327
 


Goodwill is recorded on the acquisition date of each entity, and evaluated annually for possible impairment. Goodwill is required to be tested for impairment on an annual basis or as events occur or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying amount. The Company’s only reporting unit with assigned goodwill is Metro United.
 
Annual Evaluation

The Company completed its 2012 annual impairment test based on information as of August 31, 2012. The review utilized guideline company and guideline transaction information where available, discounted cash flow analysis and the market capitalization of the Company to estimate the fair value of Metro United.
 
Due to the limited number of bank transaction multiples, management allocated more weight on the income approach for the step-one analysis. The Company also performed a reconciliation of the estimated fair value of the reporting unit to the stock price of the Company.   This reconciliation is performed by first determining the fair value of the reporting unit from various valuation techniques (i.e., guideline transactions, discounted cash flows, and quoted market prices).  The fair value is compared to the allocated value of the reporting unit based on the Company’s market value using the stock price as of the valuation date.  The Company allocates the total market value to both of its segments, MetroBank and Metro United. For each Bank, the allocation is based upon the following internal ratios:

Balance Sheet Ratios
• Total assets as a percentage of total assets;
• Total loans as a percentage of total loans;
• Total deposits as a percentage of total deposits; and
• Total shareholder's equity as a percentage of total shareholders' equity.

Performance Ratios
• Total nonperforming assets as a percentage of total assets;
• Last twelve months return on assets; and
• Last twelve months return on equity.

In allocating the market value between the two Banks, more weight was assigned to the Performance Ratios than the Balance Sheet Ratios in order to account for the differences in market valuation as a result of different financial performance.  The allocated market value of Metro United Bank is then reconciled to the weighted average fair value derived from each valuation technique (i.e. guideline transactions, discounted cash flows, and quoted market prices) by assigning an estimated control premium of 20% to the allocated market value.
 
 
24

 
  
Under the discounted cash flow method, the Company used an average asset growth rate of 9.8% for the next five-year period and discounted Metro United’s cash flow and terminal value using a 13.2% discount rate. The derived fair value of Metro United was lower than the carrying value of its equity; therefore Metro United failed the step-one impairment test.

The Company then performed the step-two analysis to derive the implied fair value of goodwill. The size of the implied goodwill under the step-two analysis was significantly affected by the estimated fair value of the loans pertaining to Metro United. The significant market risk adjustment, which is a consequence of the current market conditions such as the interest rate environment, risk premium requirement on performing and nonperforming loans, supply and demand of loans for sale, macroeconomic conditions and political and regulatory environment, were all  substantial contributors to the valuation discounts associated with Metro United’s loan portfolio. The implied fair value of  goodwill at the evaluation date exceeded the carrying value; therefore the Company determined there was no impairment of goodwill as of that date.

To the extent that market liquidity returns and the fair value of the individual assets or loans of Metro United increases at a faster rate than the fair value of Metro United as a whole, that may cause the implied goodwill to be lower than the carrying value of goodwill. Future potential changes in valuation assumptions may also impact the estimated fair value of Metro United, resulting in impairment of goodwill under the step-two analysis. The stock price performance of the Company and the fair value of Metro United's loans are factors that may impact the potential future goodwill impairment.

Goodwill impairment, if any, is a noncash adjustment to the Company’s financial statements. As goodwill and other intangible assets are not included in the calculation of regulatory capital, the Company’s well capitalized regulatory ratios are not affected. Subsequent reversal of goodwill impairment is prohibited.
 
 
5.     EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE

Basic earnings per common share (“EPS”) is computed by dividing net income (after deducting dividends on preferred stock) by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted EPS is computed by dividing net income available to common shareholders by the weighted-average number of common shares and potentially dilutive common shares outstanding during the period. Stock options, restricted common shares and warrants can be dilutive common shares and are therefore considered in the earnings per share calculation, if dilutive.  Stock options, restricted common shares and warrants that are antidilutive are excluded from earnings per share calculation.  Stock options, restricted common shares and warrants are antidilutive when the exercise price is higher than the current market price of the Company’s common stock. For the three months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, there were 302,406 and 1,231,972 antidilutive stock options, respectively.  For the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, there were 520,343 and 1,233,180 antidilutive stock options, respectively.  The number of potentially dilutive common shares is determined using the treasury stock method.
   
 
   
As of and for the Three Months
Ended September 30,
   
As of and for the Nine Months
Ended September 30,
 
   
2012
   
2011
   
2012
   
2011
 
   
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
 
                         
Net income available to common shareholders
 
$
2,712
   
$
1,668
   
$
7,403
   
$
4,947
 
                                 
Weighted average common shares in basic EPS
   
18,307
     
13,145
     
15,666
     
13,141
 
Effect of dilutive securities
   
341
     
89
     
210
     
75
 
Weighted average common and potentially dilutive common shares used in diluted EPS
   
18,648
     
13,234
     
15,876
     
13,216
 
                                 
Earnings per common share:
                               
Basic
 
$
0.15
   
$
0.13
   
$
0.47
   
$
0.38
 
Diluted
 
$
0.15
   
$
0.13
   
$
0.47
   
$
0.37
 
 
 
25

 

6.         COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

The Company is party to financial instruments with off-balance sheet risk in the normal course of business to meet the financing needs of its customers. These financial instruments include various guarantees, commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit. Additionally, these instruments may involve, to varying degrees, credit risk in excess of the amount recognized in the statement of financial condition. The Company’s maximum exposure to credit loss under such arrangements is represented by the contractual amount of those instruments. The Company applies the same credit policies and collateralization guidelines in making commitments and conditional obligations as they do for on-balance sheet instruments. Off-balance sheet financial instruments include commitments to extend credit and guarantees under standby and other letters of credit.
  
The contractual amount of the Company’s financial instruments with off-balance sheet risk as of September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011 is presented below (in thousands):

   
As of
September 30, 2012
   
As of
December 31, 2011
 
Unfunded loan commitments including unfunded lines of credit
 
$
93,321
   
$
105,049
 
Standby letters of credit
   
10,590
     
15,765
 
Commercial letters of credit
   
4,790
     
5,818
 
Operating leases
   
7,852
     
8,058
 
Total financial instruments with off-balance sheet risk
 
$
116,553
   
$
134,690
 
 
Litigation. The Company is involved in various litigation that arises from time to time in the normal course of business.  In the opinion of management, after consultations with its legal counsel, such litigation is not expected to have a material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated financial position, result of operations or cash flows.
 
7.     SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

New Capital Raised

On May 21, 2012, the Company closed the public offering of 5,111,750 shares of its common stock, $1.00 par value per share (the “Offering”), at a price of $9.00 per share. The shares sold in the Offering included 666,750 shares sold pursuant to the underwriter’s full exercise of its option to purchase additional shares to cover over-allotments. The shares were sold in accordance with an underwriting agreement between the Company and Keefe, Bruyette & Woods, Inc., the sole underwriter.
 
Proceeds to the Company, after deducting the underwriting  discount, commissions and Offering expenses, were approximately $42.9 million.
 
The Offering was made pursuant to a registration statement on Form S-3 (File No. 333-180889) of the Company, which became effective on May 7, 2012. A prospectus supplement, dated May 16, 2012, to the base prospectus, dated May 7, 2012, forming a part of the registration statement was filed on May 17, 2012 with the Securities and Exchange Commission under Rule 424(b)(2) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

   
Repurchase of Troubled Asset Relief Program (“TARP”) Preferred Stock

The Company repurchased 43,740 shares of the Company’s 45,000 outstanding shares of preferred stock (“Preferred Stock”) from the U.S. Department of the Treasury (“Treasury”), which were issued to the Treasury in connection with the Company’s participation in the TARP Capital Purchase Program (“CPP”).  The repurchase of $43.7 million in stated value of Preferred Stock at a discount of 1.883% (or an actual cost of $42.9 million) resulted in an adjustment, net of settlement costs, to capital totaling $557,000 offset by the amortization of $249,000 in the Preferred Stock discount.  Although the transaction date occurred during the second quarter of 2012, actual payment for the repurchase of Preferred Stock took place on July 3, 2012.  As such, the Company recorded a payable in the amount of $42.9 million listed as “Preferred Stock repurchase payable” on the Consolidated Balance Sheet as of June 30, 2012.  The remaining 1,260 shares of Preferred Stock were sold by the Treasury to other investors and repurchased by the Company on August 7, 2012 in the amount of $1.26 million.  The warrants to purchase common stock, with an exercise price of $8.75, associated with the TARP program are still held by the Treasury.

As a result of participation in the CPP, among other things, the Company was subject to the Treasury’s standards for executive compensation and corporate governance for the period during which the Treasury held the Company’s Preferred Stock, including the second quarter of 2012.  These standards were most recently set forth in the Interim Final Rule on TARP Standards for Compensation and Corporate Governance, published June 15, 2009.  Because the Treasury sold all of the Preferred Stock in the auction, these executive compensation and corporate governance standards are no longer applicable to the Company on a going forward basis.

The Company paid no common dividends for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011.  Preferred dividends of $1.4 million and $2.3 million were paid for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

 
26

 
 
8.     REGULATORY MATTERS

The Banks are subject to regulations and, among others things, may be limited in their ability to pay dividends or otherwise transfer funds to the holding company.  Dividends paid by the Banks to the holding company would be prohibited if the effect thereof would cause the Banks’ capital to be reduced below applicable minimum capital requirements.
 
On August 10, 2009, MetroBank entered into a written agreement (the “Agreement”) with the OCC. The Agreement is based on the findings of the OCC during the annual on-site examination of MetroBank performed in the first quarter of 2009 and is primarily focused on matters related to MetroBank’s asset quality. Pursuant to the Agreement, the Board of Directors of MetroBank has appointed a compliance committee to monitor and coordinate MetroBank’s performance under the Agreement. The Agreement provides for, among other things, the development and implementation of written programs to reduce MetroBank’s credit risks, monitor and reduce the level of criticized assets and manage commercial real estate loan concentrations in light of current adverse commercial real estate market conditions generally and in its market areas. In addition, MetroBank may not accept, renew or roll over brokered deposits without prior approval of the OCC.  During and since the completion of the examination, management of MetroBank has proactively made adjustments to policies and procedures in an effort to alleviate the effects of the credit challenge caused by the economic deterioration and market conditions generally and in its market areas.
 
Management, and the Boards of Directors of the Company and MetroBank, have taken steps to address the findings of the exam and are working with the OCC to comply with the requirements of the Agreement.  Failure by MetroBank to meet the requirements and conditions imposed by the Agreement, could result in more severe regulatory enforcement actions such as capital directives to raise additional capital, civil money penalties, cease and desist or removal orders, injunctions, and public disclosure of such actions against MetroBank.  Any such failure and resulting regulatory action could have a material adverse effect on the financial condition and results of operations of the Company and MetroBank.

The Board of Directors of Metro United was officially informed on July 20, 2012 by the FDIC and CDFI that the Consent Order entered into on July 22, 2010 had been terminated effective as of July 20, 2012.
 
The Company and the Banks are subject to various regulatory capital requirements administered by the federal banking agencies. Failure to meet minimum capital requirements can initiate certain mandatory and possibly additional discretionary actions by regulators that, if undertaken, could have a direct material effect on the Company’s financial statements. The regulations require the Company to meet specific capital adequacy guidelines that involve quantitative measures of the Company’s assets, liabilities, and certain off-balance sheet items as calculated under regulatory accounting practices. The Banks’ capital classification is also subject to qualitative judgments by the regulators about components, risk weightings and other factors. Quantitative measures established by regulation to ensure capital adequacy require the Company and the Banks to maintain minimum amounts and ratios of total and Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets, and of Tier 1 capital to average assets. Management believes, as of September 30, 2012, that the Company and the Banks met all capital adequacy requirements to which they were subject.
 
As of September 30, 2012, the most recent notifications from the OCC with respect to MetroBank, and the CDFI with respect to Metro United categorized the Banks as “well capitalized” under the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action. There are no conditions or events since the notifications that management believes have changed the Banks’ level of capital adequacy.
 
 
27

 
 
The following table provides a comparison of the Company’s and each of the Bank’s leverage and risk-weighted capital ratios as of September 30, 2012 to the minimum and well-capitalized regulatory standards:

   
Actual
   
Minimum
Required For
Capital Adequacy
Purposes
   
To be Categorized
as Well Capitalized
under Prompt
Corrective Action
Provisions
 
   
Amount
   
Ratio
   
Amount
   
Ratio
   
Amount
   
Ratio
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
As of September 30, 2012
                                   
Total risk-based capital ratio
                                   
MetroCorp Bancshares, Inc.
 
$
207,884
     
17.69
%
 
$
94,029
     
8.00
%
 
$
N/A
     
N/A
%
MetroBank, N.A.
   
152,149
     
17.64
     
69,019
     
8.00
     
86,274
     
10.00
 
Metro United Bank
   
51,004
     
16.49
     
24,752
     
8.00
     
30,940
     
10.00
 
Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio
                                               
MetroCorp Bancshares, Inc.
   
192,867
     
16.41
     
47,014
     
4.00
     
N/A
     
N/A
 
MetroBank, N.A.
   
141,082
     
16.35
     
34,510
     
4.00
     
51,764
     
6.00
 
Metro United Bank
   
47,093
     
15.22
     
12,376
     
4.00
     
18,564
     
6.00
 
Leverage ratio
                                               
MetroCorp Bancshares, Inc.
   
192,867
     
12.90
     
59,824
     
4.00
     
N/A
     
N/A
 
MetroBank, N.A.
   
141,082
     
12.62
     
44,720
     
4.00
     
55,900
     
5.00
 
Metro United Bank
   
47,093
     
12.48
     
15,095
     
4.00
     
18,869
     
5.00
 
                                                 
                                                 
                                                 
                                                 
                                                 
As of December 31, 2011
                                               
Total risk-based capital ratio
                                               
MetroCorp Bancshares, Inc.
 
$
195,765
     
17.30
%
 
$
90,552
     
8.00
%
 
$
N/A
     
N/A
%
MetroBank, N.A.
   
140,510
     
16.82
     
66,831
     
8.00
     
83,539
     
10.00
 
Metro United Bank
   
48,778
     
16.48
     
23,674
     
8.00
     
29,593
     
10.00
 
Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio
                                               
MetroCorp Bancshares, Inc.
   
181,368
     
16.02
     
45,276
     
4.00
     
N/A
     
N/A
 
MetroBank, N.A.
   
129,864
     
15.55
     
33,416
     
4.00
     
50,124
     
6.00
 
Metro United Bank
   
45,034
     
15.22
     
11,837
     
4.00
     
17,756
     
6.00
 
Leverage ratio
                                               
MetroCorp Bancshares, Inc.
   
181,368
     
12.16
     
59,659
     
4.00
     
N/A
     
N/A
 
MetroBank, N.A.
   
129,864
     
11.67
     
44,514
     
4.00
     
55,643
     
5.00
 
Metro United Bank
   
45,034
     
11.80
     
15,269
     
4.00
     
19,086
     
5.00
 

 
28

 
 
9.     ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

The tax effects allocated to each component of other comprehensive income were as follows (in thousands):

   
Three Months Ended September 30, 2012
   
Three Months Ended September 30, 2011
 
   
Before Tax Amount
   
Tax Expense (Benefit)
   
Net of Tax Amount
   
Before Tax Amount
   
Tax Expense (Benefit)
   
Net of Tax Amount
 
Change in accumulated gain (loss) on effective cash flow derivatives
 
$
12
   
$
4
   
$
8
   
$
(464
)
 
$
(167
)
 
$
(297
)
                                                 
Unrealized gain (loss) on investment securities with OTTI:
                                               
Securities with OTTI charges during the period
   
(14
)
   
(5
)
   
(9
)
   
(32
)
   
(11
)
   
(21
)
Less: OTTI charges recognized in net income
   
(7
)
   
(3
)
   
(4
)
   
(30
)
   
(10
)
   
(20
)
Net unrealized losses on investment securities with OTTI
   
(7
)
   
(2
)
   
(5
)
   
(2
)
   
(1
)
   
(1
)
                                                 
Unrealized gain (loss) on investment securities:
                                               
Unrealized holding gain arising during the period
   
974
     
351
     
623
     
1,805
     
650
     
1,155
 
Less: reclassification adjustment for gain (loss) included in net income
   
24
     
9
     
15
     
203
     
73
     
130
 
Net unrealized gains on investment securities
   
950
     
342
     
608
     
1,602
     
577
     
1,025
 
                                                 
Other comprehensive income
 
$
955
   
$
344
   
$
611
   
$
1,136
   
$
409
   
$
727
 

   
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012
   
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2011
 
   
Before Tax Amount
   
Tax Expense (Benefit)
   
Net of Tax Amount
   
Before Tax Amount
   
Tax Expense (Benefit)
   
Net of Tax Amount
 
Change in accumulated gain (loss) on effective cash flow derivatives
 
$
65
   
$
23
   
$
42
   
$
(608
)
 
$
(219
)
 
$
(389
)
                                                 
Unrealized gain (loss) on investment securities with OTTI:
                                               
Securities with OTTI charges during the period
   
(101
)
   
(36
)
   
(65
)
   
(215
)
   
(77
)
   
(138
)
Less: OTTI charges recognized in net income
   
(84
)
   
(30
)
   
(54
)
   
(195
)
   
(70
)
   
(125
)
Net unrealized losses on investment securities with OTTI
   
(17
)
   
(6
)
   
(11
)
   
(20
)
   
(7
)
   
(13
)
                                                 
Unrealized gain on investment securities:
                                               
Unrealized holding gain arising during the period
   
1,761
     
635
     
1,126
     
3,557
     
1,280
     
2,277
 
Less: reclassification adjustment for gain included in net income
   
108
     
39
     
69
     
129
     
46
     
83
 
Net unrealized gains on investment securities
   
1,653
     
596
     
1,057
     
3,428
     
1,234
     
2,194
 
                                                 
Other comprehensive income
 
$
1,701
   
$
613
   
$
1,088
   
$
2,800
   
$
1,008
   
$
1,792
 
 
 
29

 
 
The balance of and changes in each component of accumulated other comprehensive income as of and for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 are as follows (net of taxes):

   
Gains (Losses) on Effective Cash Hedging Derivatives
   
Net Unrealized Losses on Investments with OTTI
   
Net Unrealized Investment Gains
   
Total Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
 
Balance December 31, 2011
 
$
(1,275
)
 
$
(1,000
)
 
$
2,110
   
$
(165
)
Current period change
   
42
     
(11
)
   
1,057
     
1,088
 
                                 
Balance September 30, 2012
 
$
(1,233
)
 
$
(1,011
)
 
$
3,167
   
$
923
 
 
10.      DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

The fair value of derivative financial instruments outstanding is included in other assets and other liabilities in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and the net change in each of these financial statement line items in the accompanying consolidated statements of cash flows.

Interest Rate Derivatives. The Company uses derivatives (interest rate swaps and caps) to mitigate exposure to interest rate risk and the objectives of such are described below.

During the third quarter of 2009, the Company entered into a forward-starting interest rate swap contract on its junior subordinated debentures with a notional amount of $17.5 million. The interest rate swap contract was designated as a hedging instrument in a cash flow hedge with the objective of protecting the quarterly interest payments on a portion of the Company’s $36.1 million of junior subordinated debentures issued to the Company’s unconsolidated subsidiary trust, MCBI Statutory Trust I, throughout the five-year period beginning in December 2010 and ending in December 2015 from the risk of variability of those payments resulting from changes in the three-month LIBOR interest rate. Under the swap contract, beginning December 2010, the Company pays a fixed interest rate of 5.38% and receive a variable interest rate of three-month LIBOR plus a margin of 1.55% on a total notional amount of $17.5 million, with quarterly settlements which began in March 2011.

The notional amount of the interest rate derivative contract outstanding at September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011 was $17.5 million, and  the estimated fair value at September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011 was ($1.9 million) and ($2.0 million), respectively.  The Company obtains dealer quotations to value its interest rate derivative contract designated as hedges of cash flows.

The Company applies hedge accounting to the interest rate swap above.  To qualify for hedge accounting, a derivative must be highly effective at reducing the risk associated with the exposure being hedged. In addition, for a derivative to be designated as a hedge, the risk management objective and strategy must be documented. Hedge documentation must identify the derivative hedging instrument, the asset or liability and type of risk to be hedged, and how the effectiveness of the derivative will be assessed prospectively and retrospectively. To assess effectiveness, the Company compares the dollar-value of the change in the fair value of the derivative to the change in the fair value of cash flows of the hedged item. The extent to which a derivative has been, and is expected to continue to be, effective at offsetting changes in the fair value of cash flows of the hedged item must be assessed and documented at least quarterly. Any hedge ineffectiveness (i.e., the amount by which the gain or loss on the designated derivative instrument does not exactly offset the gain or loss on the hedged item attributable to the hedged risk) must be reported in current-period earnings. If it is determined that a derivative is not highly effective at hedging the designated exposure, hedge accounting is discontinued.

At the end of the second quarter of 2011, the Company entered into an interest rate cap with a notional amount of $15.0 million with the objective of mitigating the effect of potential future interest rate increases.  The interest rate cap contract is not designated nor accounted for as a hedging instrument.  The interest rate cap contract was effective July 1, 2011 for a five-year term. Under the interest rate cap contract, beginning October 3, 2011 and ending July 1, 2016, the Company will receive quarterly settlements for the difference between the three-month LIBOR interest rate and the cap rate of 2.0%, if the three-month LIBOR interest rate exceeds the cap rate on the settlement date.

 
30

 
 
The Company obtains dealer quotations to value its interest rate derivative contract designated as a hedge of cash flows and its non-hedging interest rate derivative.  The notional amounts and estimated fair values of interest rate derivative contracts outstanding at September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011 are presented in the following table (in thousands).
 
   
September 30, 2012
   
December 31, 2011
 
   
Notional
Amount
   
Estimated
Fair Value
   
Notional
Amount
   
Estimated
Fair Value
 
Interest rate derivative contract designated as a hedge of cash flows
 
$
17,500
   
$
(1,927
)
 
$
17,500
   
$
(1,992
)
                                 
Interest rate derivative contract not designated as a hedge of cash flows
 
$
15,000
   
$
55
   
$
15,000
   
$
194
 
 
Gains, Losses and Derivative Cash Flows .   For designated cash flow hedges, the effective portion of the gain or loss due to changes in the fair value of the derivative hedging instrument is included in other comprehensive income in the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income, while the ineffective portion (indicated by the excess of the cumulative change in the fair value of the derivative over that which is necessary to offset the cumulative change in expected future cash flows on the hedge transaction) is included in other non-interest income in the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations. Net cash flows from the interest rate swap on junior subordinated debentures designated as a hedging instrument in an effective hedge of cash flows are included in interest expense on junior subordinated debentures in the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations.

For interest rate derivatives not designated as a hedging instrument, gains or losses due to changes in fair value are included in other non-interest income in the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations.

Amounts included in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and in the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income for the period related to the interest rate derivative designated as a hedge of cash flows were as follows.  There were no interest rate derivatives designated as hedges of fair value at September 30, 2012.

   
Gains/(losses) recorded in income and other comprehensive income (in thousands)
 
Three months ended September 30, 2012
 
Derivative
effective portion
reclassified from
AOCI into income
   
Hedge
ineffectiveness
recorded directly
in income
   
Total income
statement
impact
   
Derivative
effective portion
recorded in OCI
   
Total change
in OCI
for period
 
Interest rate derivative designated as a hedge of cash flows:
                             
Interest rate swap
 
$
   
$
   
$
   
$
11
   
$
11
 
                                         
Three months ended September 30, 2011
                                       
Interest rate derivative designated as a hedge of cash flows:
                                       
Interest rate swap
 
$
   
$
   
$
   
$
(464
)
 
$
(464
)

 
31

 
 
   
Gains/(losses) recorded in income and other comprehensive income (in thousands)
 
Nine months ended September 30, 2012
 
Derivative
effective portion
reclassified from
AOCI into income
   
Hedge
ineffectiveness
recorded directly
in income
   
Total income
statement
impact
   
Derivative
effective portion
recorded in OCI
   
Total change
in OCI
for period
 
Interest rate derivative designated as a hedge of cash flows:
                             
Interest rate swap
 
$
   
$
   
$
   
$
65
   
$
65
 
                                         
Nine months ended September 30, 2011
                                       
Interest rate derivative designated as a hedge of cash flows:
                                       
Interest rate swap
 
$
   
$
   
$
   
$
(608
)
 
$
(608
)


Amounts included in the consolidated statements of operations for the period related to non-hedging interest rate derivatives were as follows (in thousands).

   
Three Months Ended
September 30,
   
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
   
2012
   
2011
   
2012
   
2011
 
Non-hedging interest rate derivative:
                       
Other non-interest income
 
$
(31
)
 
$
(348
)
 
$
(139
)
 
$
(337
)
 
Counterparty Credit Risk. Derivative contracts involve the risk of dealing with institutional derivative counterparties and their ability to meet contractual terms. Derivative contracts are generally executed with a Credit Support Annex, (“CSA”), which is a bilateral ratings-sensitive agreement that requires collateral postings at established credit threshold levels.  CSA agreements protect the interests of the Company and its counterparties, should either party suffer a credit rating deterioration. Institutional counterparties must have an investment grade credit rating. There was no CSA on the interest rate cap contract because the counterparty was the FHLB of Dallas, a government sponsored enterprise. The Company’s credit exposure on interest rate swaps is limited to the net favorable value and interest payments of all swaps by each counterparty. The Company’s credit exposure on the interest rate cap is the value of the expected interest payments that would be collected over the life of the cap contract.   Credit exposure may be reduced by the amount of collateral pledged by the counterparty. There are no credit-risk-related contingent features associated with any of the Company’s derivative contracts.  The Company had no credit exposure relating to the interest rate swap at September 30, 2012.  The amount of cash collateral posted by the Company related to derivative contracts was $2.3 million at both September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011.
 
11.   OPERATING SEGMENT INFORMATION

The Company operates two community banks in distinct geographical areas, and manages its operations and prepares management reports and other information with a primary focus on these geographical areas.  Performance assessment and resource allocation are based upon this geographical structure.  The operating segment identified as “Other” includes the parent company and eliminations of transactions between segments. The accounting policies of the individual operating segments are the same as those of the Company as described in Note 1. Transactions between operating segments are primarily conducted at fair value, resulting in profits that are eliminated for reporting consolidated results of operations.  Operating segments pay for centrally provided services based upon estimated or actual usage of those services.
 
 
32

 
 
The following is a summary of selected operating segment information as of and for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011:

 
   
For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2012
   
For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2011
 
   
MetroBank
   
Metro
United
   
Other
   
Consolidated
Company
   
MetroBank
   
Metro
United
   
Other
   
Consolidated
Company
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Total interest income
 
$
11,926
   
$
4,096
   
$
7
   
$
16,029
   
$
12,680
   
$
4,081
   
$
7
   
$
16,768
 
Total interest expense
   
1,483
     
548
     
350
     
2,381
     
2,147
     
757
     
339
     
3,243
 
                                                                 
Net interest income
 
$
10,443
   
$
3,548
   
$
(343
)
 
$
13,648
     
10,533
   
$
3,324
   
$
(332
)
 
$
13,525
 
Provision for loan losses
   
(300
)
   
     
     
(300
)
   
550
     
325
     
     
875
 
                                                                 
Net interest income after provision for loan losses
   
10,743
     
3,458
     
(343
)
   
13,948
     
9,983
     
2,999
     
(332
)
   
12,650
 
Noninterest income
   
2,126
     
84
     
(338
)
   
1,872
     
2,092
     
55
     
(331
)
   
1,816
 
Noninterest expenses
   
8,281
     
2,870
     
378
     
11,529
     
8,539
     
2,850
     
46
     
11,435
 
                                                                 
Income (loss) before income tax provision
   
4,588
     
762
     
(1,059
)
   
4,291
     
3,536
     
204
     
(709
)
   
3,031
 
Provision (benefit) for income taxes
   
1,449
     
321
     
(360
)
   
1,410
     
915
     
83
     
(236
)
   
762
 
                                                                 
Net income (loss)
 
$
3,139
   
$
441
   
$
(699
)
 
$
2,881
   
$
2,621
   
$
121
   
$
(473
)
 
$
2,269
 
 
 
   
For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012
   
For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2011
 
   
MetroBank
   
Metro
United
   
Other
   
Consolidated
Company
   
MetroBank
   
Metro
United
   
Other
   
Consolidated
Company
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Total interest income
  $ 36,483     $ 12,104     $ 21     $ 48,608     $ 38,370     $ 12,567     $ 19     $ 50,956  
Total interest expense
    4,834       1,793       1,044       7,671       7,075       2,395       1,013       10,483  
                                                                 
Net interest income
  $ 31,649     $ 10,311     $ (1,02 3 )   $ 40,937     $ 31,295     $ 10,172     $ (994 )   $ 40,473  
Provision for loan losses
    300                   300       2,050       400             2,450  
                                                                 
Net interest income after provision for loan losses
    31,349       10,311       (1,023 )     40,637       29,245       9,772       (994 )     38,023  
Noninterest income
    6,188       260       (1,013 )     5,435       5,841       198       (993 )     5,046  
Noninterest expenses
    25,143       8,043       588       33,774       25,037       8,095       89       33,221  
                                                                 
Income before income tax provision
    12,394       2,528       (2,624 )     12,298       10,049       1,875       (2,076 )     9,848  
Provision (benefit) for income taxes
    3,921       995       (893 )     4,023       3,008       776       (694 )     3,090  
                                                                 
Net income (loss)
  $ 8,473     $ 1,533     $ (1,731 )   $ 8,275     $ 7,041     $ 1,099     $ (1,382 )   $ 6,758  
 
 
   
As of September 30, 2012
   
As of September 30, 2011
 
   
MetroBank
   
Metro
United
   
Other
   
Consolidated
Company
   
MetroBank
   
Metro
United
   
Other
   
Consolidated
Company
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Net loans
  $ 759,904     $ 311,409     $     $ 1,071,313     $ 737,313     $ 291,883     $     $ 1,029,196  
Total assets
    1,128,652       396,019       1,417       1,526,088       1,110,963       388,897       (2,080 )     1,497,780  
Deposits
    946,206       325,646       (6,795 )     1,265,057       939,206       315,577       (13,291 )     1,241,492  
 
 
33

 
 
12.   FAIR VALUE

Fair value is the price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date.  Fair value is reported based on a hierarchy which requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value.  The three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value are:
 
 
·
Level 1 – Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
 
 
·
Level 2 – Observable inputs other than Level 1 prices such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities; quoted prices in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities.
 
 
·
Level 3 – Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities.  Level 3 assets and liabilities include financial instruments whose value is determined using pricing models, discounted cash flow methodologies, or similar techniques, as well as instruments for which the determination of fair value requires significant management judgment or estimation.
 
 
Financial assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis are as follows:
 
Securities. Where quoted prices are available in an active market, securities are reported at fair value utilizing Level 1 inputs. Level 1 securities are comprised of bond funds. If quoted market prices are not available, the Company obtains fair values from an independent pricing service. The fair value measurements consider data that may include proprietary pricing models, quoted prices of securities with similar characteristics or discounted cash flows. Level 2 securities are comprised of highly liquid government bonds, and collateralized mortgage and debt obligations. Market values provided by the pricing service are compared to prices from other sources for reasonableness. The Company has not adjusted the values from the pricing service.
 
Interest Rate Derivatives . The Company’s derivative position is classified within Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy and is valued using models generally accepted in the financial services industry that use actively quoted or observable market input values from external market data providers and/or non-binding broker-dealer quotations. The fair value of the derivative is determined using discounted cash flow models. These models’ key assumptions include the contractual terms of the respective contract, along with significant observable inputs, including interest rates, yield curves, non-performance risk and volatility. Derivative contracts are executed with a Credit Support Annex, which is a bilateral ratings-sensitive agreement that requires collateral postings at established credit threshold levels. These agreements protect the interests of the Company and its counterparties, should either party suffer a credit rating deterioration.

 
34

 
 
The following table presents the financial instruments carried at fair value on a recurring basis by caption on the consolidated balance sheets and by valuation hierarchy (as described above) at September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011:

September 30, 2012
 
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)
   
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
   
Fair Value Measurements
 
Securities available-for-sale
                 
U.S. Treasury and other U.S. government corporations and agencies
 
$
   
$
75,913
   
$
75,913
 
Obligations of state and political subdivisions
   
     
13,401
     
13,401
 
Corporate
           
6,352
     
6,352
 
Mortgage-backed securities and collateralized mortgage obligations:
                       
Government issued or guaranteed
   
     
67,432
     
67,432
 
Privately issued residential
   
     
677
     
677
 
Asset backed securities
   
     
143
     
143
 
Investment in CRA funds
   
14,364
     
     
14,364
 
Total available-for-sale securities
   
14,364
     
163,918
     
178,282
 
Derivative assets
                       
Interest rate cap
   
     
55
     
55
 
Total assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis
 
$
14,364
   
$
163,973
   
$
178,337
 
                         
Derivative liabilities
                       
Interest rate swap
 
$
   
$
1,927
   
$
1,927
 
                         
December 31, 2011
                       
Securities available-for-sale
                       
U.S. Treasury and other U.S. government corporations and agencies
 
$
   
$
92,199
   
$
92,199
 
Obligations of state and political subdivisions
   
     
5,706
     
5,706
 
Corporate
   
     
6,141
     
6,141
 
Mortgage-backed securities and collateralized mortgage obligations:
                       
Government issued or guaranteed
   
     
53,739
     
53,739
 
Privately issued residential
   
     
667
     
667
 
Asset backed securities
   
     
102
     
102
 
Investment in CRA funds
   
13,835
     
     
13,835
 
Total available-for-sale securities
   
13,835
     
158,554
     
172,389
 
Derivative assets
                       
Interest rate cap
   
     
194
     
194
 
Total assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis
 
$
13,835
   
$
158,748
   
$
172,583
 
                         
Derivative liabilities
                       
Interest rate swap
 
$
   
$
1,992
   
$
1,992
 

There were no transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 financial instruments carried at fair value on a recurring basis.

Certain non-financial assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis include reporting units measured at fair value in the first step of a goodwill impairment test. Certain non-financial assets measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis include non-financial assets and non-financial liabilities measured at fair value in the second step of a goodwill impairment test, and intangible assets measured at fair value for impairment assessment, as well as foreclosed assets.  Certain financial assets are measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis; that is, the instruments are not measured at fair value on an ongoing basis but are subject to fair value adjustments in certain circumstances (for example, when there is evidence of impairment).

 
35

 
 
Non-financial and financial assets measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis include the following:

Goodwill.  Goodwill is measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis using Level 3 inputs.   In the first step of a goodwill impairment test, the Company primarily uses a review of the valuation of recent guideline bank acquisitions, if available, pricing of publicly traded comparables, as well as discounted cash flow analysis and the market capitalization of the Company.   If the second step of a goodwill impairment test is required, the implied fair value of goodwill is determined in the same manner as goodwill is recognized in a business combination.  See Note 4 “ Goodwill” for additional information. 
 
Foreclosed Assets .  Foreclosed assets are carried at fair value less costs to sell.  The fair value measurements of foreclosed assets can include Level 2 measurement inputs such as real estate appraisals and comparable real estate sales information, in conjunction with Level 3 measurement inputs such as cash flow projections, qualitative adjustments, sales cost estimates, etc.  As a result, the categorization of foreclosed assets is Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.  In connection with the measurement and initial recognition of certain foreclosed assets, the Company may recognize charge-offs through the allowance for loan losses, and subsequent to initial recognition based on updated appraisals or other factors, may remeasure foreclosed assets to fair value through a write-down included in other non-interest expense.

Impaired Loans. Certain impaired loans with a valuation reserve are measured for impairment using the practical expedient, whereby fair value of the loan is based on the fair value of the loan’s collateral, provided the loan is collateral dependent. The fair value measurements of loan collateral can include real estate appraisals, comparable real estate sales information, cash flow projections, realization estimates, etc., all of which can include observable and unobservable inputs. As a result, the categorization of impaired loans can be either Level 2 or Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy, depending on the nature of the inputs used for measuring the related collateral’s fair value. As of September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, certain impaired loans were remeasured and reported at fair value through a specific valuation allowance allocation of the allowance for loan losses based upon the fair value of the underlying collateral.
 
The following presents assets carried at fair value on a nonrecurring basis by caption on the condensed consolidated balance sheets and by valuation hierarchy (as described above) as of September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011 (in thousands):

 
As of September 30, 2012
 
As of December 31, 2011
 
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Assets
               
Goodwill
 
$
   
$
14,327
   
$
   
$
14,327
 
Foreclosed assets
   
     
7,915
     
     
19,018
 
Impaired loans (1)
   
9,704
     
     
15,696
     
 
 

(1) Impaired loans represent collateral dependent impaired loans with a specific valuation reserve.
 
The following presents losses related to fair value adjustments that are included in the Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011 related to assets held at those dates (in thousands):
 
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
 
2012
 
2011
 
2012
 
2011
 
Losses related to:
               
Goodwill
 
$
   
$
   
$
   
$
 
Foreclosed assets (1)
   
598
     
948
     
1,520
     
1,591
 
Impaired loans (2)
   
     
369
     
451
     
3,905
 
 

(1) Losses represent related losses on foreclosed properties that were written down subsequent to their initial classification as foreclosed properties.
(2) Losses on impaired loans represent charge-offs which are netted against the allowance for loan losses.
 
  Fair Value of Financial Instruments

FASB ASC Topic 825 requires disclosure of the fair value of financial assets and liabilities, including those financial assets and financial liabilities that are not measured and reported at fair value on a recurring basis or non-recurring basis.

 
36

 
 
The estimated fair values of financial instruments that are reported at amortized cost in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets, segregated by the level of the valuation inputs within the fair value hierarchy utilized to measure fair value, were as follows:
 
   
As of September 30, 2012
   
As of December 31, 2011
 
   
Carrying or
Contract Amount
   
Estimated
Fair Value
   
Carrying or
Contract Amount
   
Estimated
Fair Value
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Financial Assets
                       
Level 2 inputs:
                       
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
174,911
   
$
174,911
   
$
193,609
   
$
193,609
 
Investment securities held-to-maturity
   
4,046
     
4,772
     
4,046
     
4,536
 
Other investments
   
5,774
     
5,774
     
6,484
     
6,484
 
Loans held-for-sale
   
     
     
1,200
     
1,498
 
Cash value of bank owned life insurance
   
32,456
     
32,456
     
31,427
     
31,427
 
Accrued interest receivable
   
3,938
     
3,938
     
4,327
     
4,327
 
Level 3 inputs:
 
Loans held-for-investment, net
   
1,071,313
     
1,051,039
     
1,015,095
     
968,434
 
                                 
Financial Liabilities
                               
Level 2 inputs:
                               
Deposit transaction accounts
   
811,781
     
811,781
     
744,833
     
744,833
 
Junior subordinated debentures
   
36,083
     
36,083
     
36,083
     
36,083
 
Accrued interest payable
   
258
     
258
     
310
     
310
 
Level 3 inputs:
 
Time deposits
   
453,277
     
453,277
     
506,742
     
511,050
 
Other borrowings
   
26,000
     
25,991
     
26,315
     
26,206
 
                                 
Off-balance sheet financial instruments
                               
Unfunded loan commitments, including unfunded lines of credit
   
     
173
     
     
236
 
Standby letters of credit
   
     
45
     
     
69
 
 
The following methodologies and assumptions were used to estimate the fair value of the Company’s financial instruments as disclosed in the table:

Assets for Which Fair Value Approximates Carrying Value .   The fair values of certain financial assets and liabilities carried at cost, including cash and due from banks, deposits with banks, federal funds sold, cash value of bank owned life insurance, certificates of deposit with banks denominated in a foreign currency, due from customers on acceptances and accrued interest receivable, are considered to approximate their respective carrying values due to their short-term nature and/or negligible credit risks.

Investment Securities.   Fair values are based primarily upon quoted market prices obtained from an independent pricing service.

Loans.   The fair value of loans originated by the Banks is estimated by discounting the expected future cash flows using the current interest rates at which similar loans with similar terms would be made. The presence of floors on a large portion of the variable rate loans has supported the yields above current market levels and is the key factor causing the fair value of the variable rate loans with floors to exceed the book value. The fair value of the remainder of the variable rate loans approximates the carrying value while fixed rate loans are generally above the carrying values. Using these results, valuation adjustments are made for specific credit risks as well as general portfolio credit and market risks to arrive at the fair value.

Loans held-for-sale.   The fair value of loans held-for-sale is based on contractual sales prices.

Liabilities for Which Fair Value Approximates Carrying Value.   The estimated fair value for transactional deposit liabilities with no stated maturity (i.e., demand, savings, and money market deposits) approximates the carrying value. The estimated fair value of deposits does not take into account the value of the Company’s long-term relationships with depositors, commonly known as core deposit intangibles, which are separate intangible assets, and not considered financial instruments.  Nonetheless, the company would likely realize a core deposit premium if its deposit portfolio were sold in the principal market for such deposits.
 
 
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The fair value of acceptances outstanding, accounts payable and accrued liabilities are considered to approximate their respective carrying values due to their short-term nature.

Time Deposits.   Fair values for fixed-rate time deposits are estimated using a discounted cash flow calculation that applies interest rates currently being offered on time deposits to a schedule of aggregated expected monthly maturities on time deposits.

Other Borrowings.   The carrying amounts of federal funds purchased, borrowings under repurchase agreements, and other borrowings maturing within fourteen days approximate their fair values. Fair values of other borrowings are estimated using discounted cash flow analyses based on the Company’s current incremental borrowing rates for similar types of borrowing arrangements.

Junior Subordinated Debentures.   The fair value of the junior subordinated debentures approximates the carrying value as the debentures reprice quarterly.

Commitments to Extend Credit and Letters of Credit.   The fair value of such instruments is estimated using the unamortized portion of fees collected for execution of such credit facility.

13.   INCOME TAXES

Income tax expense for the three months ended September 30, 2012 was $1.4 million, compared with $762,000 for the same period in 2011. The Company’s effective tax rate was 32.9% for the three months ended September 30, 2012 compared with 25.1% for the three months ended September 30, 2011. The increase in the effective income tax rate in 2012 as compared to 2011 was primarily the result of an increase in state income taxes.  The Texas state tax is based on the Company’s gross margin with limited deductions. Because the Texas state tax allows only limited deductions, the tax may not correlate from year to year with pre-tax income. The California tax is based on the unitary income of the consolidated group which can vary disproportionately from pre-tax income depending on the apportionment of income among members of the unitary group. Income tax expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 was $4.0 million, compared with $3.1 million for the same period in 2011. The Company’s effective tax rate was 32.7% for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 compared with 31.4% for the nine months ended September 30, 2011.

As of September 30, 2012, the Company had approximately $13.9 million in net deferred tax assets. Deferred tax assets are subject to an evaluation of whether it is more likely than not that they will be realized. The Company has not provided a valuation allowance for the net deferred tax assets at September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011 due primarily to its ability to offset reversals of net deductible temporary differences against income taxes paid in previous years and expected to be paid in future years. In making such judgments, significant weight is given to evidence that can be objectively verified. Because of historical losses that were recorded by the Company for the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2009, and if the Company is unable to generate sufficient taxable income in the future, then the Company may not be able to conclude it is more likely than not that the benefits of the deferred tax assets will be fully realized and may be required to recognize a valuation allowance and a corresponding income tax expense equal to the portion of the deferred tax asset that may not be realized.

The Company forecasts sufficient taxable income, exclusive of tax planning strategies, to fully realize its deferred tax assets. The Company has projected its pretax earnings based upon business that the Company anticipates conducting in the future, which is supported by the Company’s return to an income position, rather than the loss position the Company experienced during 2010 and 2009. During 2010 and 2009, earnings were negatively affected by the large increase in the provisions for loan losses during the sharp economic downturn. The Company reduced its cost structure, and taking this into account, the Company projects that it will generate sufficient pretax earnings within a five-year period. 
 
The U.S. Federal and California State net operating loss carryforward period of 20 years provides enough time to utilize the deferred tax assets pertaining to the existing net operating loss carryforwards and any net operating losses that would be created by the reversal of the future net deductions which have not yet been taken on a tax return.

 
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14.   NEW AUTHORITATIVE ACCOUNTING GUIDANCE

Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) ASU No. 2012-06 – “Business Combinations (Topic 805) - Subsequent Accounting for an Indemnification Asset Recognized at the Acquisition Date as a Result of a Government-Assisted Acquisition of a Financial Institution”.   ASU No. 2012-06 states that when a reporting entity recognizes an indemnification asset (in accordance with Subtopic 805-20) as a result of a government-assisted acquisition of a financial institution and subsequently a change in the cash flows expected to be collected on the indemnification asset occurs, the reporting entity should subsequently account for the change in the measurement of the indemnification asset on the same basis as the change in the assets subject to indemnification. Any amortization of changes in value should be limited to the contractual term of the indemnification agreement (that is, the lesser of the term of the indemnification agreement and the remaining life of the indemnified assets).  ASU 2012-06 will be effective for the Company for annual and interim periods beginning on January 1, 2013 and is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

ASU No. 2012-04 – “Technical Corrections and Improvements”.   The amendments in ASU No. 2012-04 represent changes to clarify the FASB Accounting Standards Codification (“Codification”), correct unintended application of guidance, or make minor improvements to the Codification that are not expected to have a significant effect on current accounting practice or create a significant administrative cost to most entities.  The amendments are categorized as (1) source literature amendments (2) guidance clarification and reference corrections and (3) relocated guidance.  Additionally, the amendments are intended to make the Codification easier to understand and the fair value measurement guidance easier to apply by eliminating inconsistencies and providing needed clarifications.  The amendments in ASU No. 2012-04 that do not have transition guidance were effective October 1, 2012. The amendments that are subject to the transition guidance will be effective for fiscal periods beginning on January 1, 2013. ASU No. 2012-04 did not have and is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

ASU 2012-02 "Intangibles – Goodwill and Other (Topic 350) – Testing Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets for Impairment." ASU 2012-02 gives entities the option to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether the existence of events or circumstances leads to a determination that it is more likely than not that an indefinite-lived intangible asset is impaired. If, after assessing the totality of events or circumstances, an entity determines it is more likely than not that an indefinite-lived intangible asset is impaired, then the entity must perform the quantitative impairment test. If, under the quantitative impairment test, the carrying amount of the intangible asset exceeds its fair value, an entity should recognize an impairment loss in the amount of that excess. Permitting an entity to assess qualitative factors when testing indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment results in guidance that is similar to the goodwill impairment testing guidance in ASU 2011-08. ASU 2012-02 will be effective for the Company beginning January 1, 2013, with early adoption permitted, and is not expected to have a significant impact on the Company's financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

ASU No. 2011-12 "Comprehensive Income (Topic 220) - Deferral of the Effective Date for Amendments to the Presentation of Reclassifications of Items Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income in Accounting Standards Update No. 2011-05." ASU 2011-12 defers changes in ASU No. 2011-05 that relate to the presentation of reclassification adjustments to allow the FASB time to redeliberate whether to require presentation of such adjustments on the face of the financial statements to show the effects of reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income on the components of net income and other comprehensive income. ASU 2011-12 allows entities to continue to report reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income consistent with the presentation requirements in effect before ASU No. 2011-05. All other requirements in ASU No. 2011-05 are not affected by ASU No. 2011-12. ASU 2011-12 was effective for the Company for annual and interim periods beginning on January 1, 2012 and did not have a material impact on the Company's financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.
 
ASU No. 2011-11, "Balance Sheet (Topic 210) - "Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities." ASU 2011-11 amends Topic 210, "Balance Sheet," to require an entity to disclose both gross and net information about financial instruments, such as sales and repurchase agreements and reverse sale and repurchase agreements and securities borrowing/lending arrangements, and derivative instruments that are eligible for offset in the statement of financial position and/or subject to a master netting arrangement or similar agreement. ASU 2011-11 will be effective for the Company for annual and interim periods beginning on January 1, 2013, and is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

ASU No. 2011-08, “Intangibles – Goodwill and Other (Topic 350) – Testing Goodwill for Impairment ” amends Topic 350 to allow an entity to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is necessary to perform the two-step quantitative goodwill impairment test.  Under these amendments, an entity would not be required to calculate the fair value of a reporting unit unless the entity determines, based on a qualitative assessments, that it is more likely than not that its fair value is less than its carrying amount.  The amendments include a number of events and circumstances for an entity to consider in conducting the qualitative assessment.  The new authoritative accounting guidance under ASU 2011-08 was effective for the Company on January 1, 2012 and did not have a material impact on the Company's financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.
 
 
39

 
 
ASU No. 2011-05, “Comprehensive Income (Topic 220) – Presentation of Comprehensive Income” amends Topic 220, "Comprehensive Income," to require that all nonowner changes in shareholders' equity be presented in either a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or in two separate but consecutive statements. Additionally, ASU 2011-05 requires entities to present, on the face of the financial statements, reclassification adjustments for items that are reclassified from other comprehensive income to net income in the statement or statements where the components of net income and the components of other comprehensive income are presented. The option to present components of other comprehensive income as part of the statement of changes in shareholders' equity was eliminated.  The new authoritative accounting guidance under ASU 2011-05 was effective for the Company on January 1, 2012 and did  not have a material impact on the Company's financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. 
 
             ASU No. 2011-04,  “Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820) - Amendments to Achieve Common Fair Value Measurement and Disclosure Requirements in U.S. GAAP and IFRSs ”   amends Topic 820, "Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures," to converge the fair value measurement guidance in U.S. generally accepted accounting principles and International Financial Reporting Standards. ASU 2011-04 clarifies the application of existing fair value measurement requirements, changes certain principles in Topic 820 and requires additional fair value disclosures.  The new authoritative accounting guidance under ASU 2011-04 was effective for the Company on January 1, 2012 and did not have a material impact on the Company's financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. 

ASU No. 2011-03, “Transfers and Servicing (Topic 860) - Reconsideration of Effective Control for Repurchase Agreements.”  ASU 2011-03 removes from the assessment of effective control (1) the criterion requiring the transferor to have the ability to repurchase or redeem the financial assets on substantially the agreed terms, even in the event of default by the transferee, and (2) the collateral maintenance implementation guidance related to that criterion.  The new authoritative accounting guidance under ASU 2011-03 was effective for the Company on January 1, 2012 and did not have a material impact on the Company's financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. 
 
 
40

 
 
Item 2.    Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

Special Cautionary Notice Regarding Forward-looking Statements

Statements and financial discussion and analysis contained in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. The Company intends such forward-looking statements to be covered by the safe harbor provisions for forward-looking statements contained in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and is including this statement for purposes of invoking these safe harbor provisions. These forward-looking statements include information about possible or assumed future results of the Company’s operations or performance. Words such as “believe”, “expect”, “anticipate”, “estimate”, “continue”, “intend”, “may”, “will”, “should”, or similar expressions, identifies these forward-looking statements. Many possible factors or events could affect the future financial results and performance of the Company and could cause those financial results or performance to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statement. These possible events or factors include, without limitation:

 
changes in the strength of the United States economy in general and the strength of the local economies in which the Company conducts operations resulting in, among other things, a deterioration in credit quality or a reduced demand for credit, including the resultant effect on the Company's loan portfolio and allowance for loan losses;

 
changes in interest rates and market prices, which could reduce the Company’s net interest margins, asset valuations and expense expectations;

 
changes in the levels of loan prepayments and the resulting effects on the value of the Company’s loan portfolio;

 
changes in local economic and business conditions which adversely affect the ability of the Company’s customers to transact profitable business with the Company, including the ability of borrowers to repay their loans according to their terms or a change in the value of the related collateral;

 
increased competition for deposits and loans adversely affecting rates and terms;
 
 
the concentration of the Company’s loan portfolio in loans collateralized by real estate;
 
 
the Company’s ability to raise additional capital;
 
 
the effect of MetroBank’s compliance, or failure to comply within stated deadlines, of the provisions of the formal agreement with the OCC;
  
 
the timing, impact and other uncertainties of the Company’s ability to enter new markets successfully and capitalize on growth opportunities;

 
increased credit risk in the Company’s assets and increased operating risk caused by a material change in commercial, consumer and/or real estate loans as a percentage of the total loan portfolio;

 
incorrect assumptions underlying the establishment of and provisions made to the allowance for loan losses;
 
 
increases in the level of nonperforming assets;

 
the incurrence and possible impairment of goodwill associated with an acquisition, and possible adverse short-term effects on the results of operations;

 
changes in the availability of funds resulting in increased costs or reduced liquidity;
 
 
an inability to fully realize the Company’s net deferred tax asset;

 
a deterioration or downgrade in the credit quality and credit agency ratings of the securities in the Company’s securities portfolio;
  
 
increased asset levels and changes in the composition of assets and the resulting impact on the Company’s capital levels and regulatory capital ratios;
 
 
41

 
 
 
potential environmental risk and associated cost on the Company's foreclosed real estate assets;

 
the Company’s ability to acquire, operate and maintain cost effective and efficient systems without incurring unexpectedly difficult or expensive but necessary technological changes;
 
 
increases in FDIC deposit insurance assessments;
 
 
government intervention in the U.S. financial system;
 
 
the loss of senior management or operating personnel and the potential inability to hire qualified personnel at reasonable compensation levels;
 
 
changes in statutes and government regulations or their interpretations applicable to bank holding companies and the Company’s present and future banking and other subsidiaries, including changes in tax requirements and tax rates;

 
the potential payment of interest on commercial demand deposit accounts in order to effectively complete for clients;

 
adverse conditions in Asia;

 
potential interruptions or breaches in security of the Company’s information systems; and

 
possible noncompliance and enforcement action with the Bank Secrecy Act and other anti-money laundering statues and regulations.

All written or oral forward-looking statements attributable to the Company are expressly qualified in their entirety by these cautionary statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or otherwise revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
   
 
42

 
 
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations of the Company analyzes the major elements of the Company’s balance sheets and statements of income. This section should be read in conjunction with the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and accompanying notes and other detailed information appearing elsewhere in this document.       

Overview

The Company recorded net income of $2.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2012, an increase of $612,000 compared with the same quarter in 2011. The Company’s diluted earnings per common share for the three months ended September 30, 2012 was $0.15, an increase of $0.02 per diluted common share compared with $0.13 for the same quarter in 2011.  For the three months ended September 30, 2012, weighted average diluted common shares outstanding were 18.6 million shares, compared with 13.2 million shares, an increase of 5.4 million shares due to new common shares issued as a result of capital raised in May 2012.  Diluted earnings per common share is computed by dividing net income (after deducting dividends and accretion of discount on preferred stock) by the weighted-average number of common shares and potentially dilutive common shares outstanding during the period. Preferred stock dividends accrued and discount accreted, including the adjustment for the repurchase of preferred stock, were $169,000 or less than $0.01 per diluted share, and $601,000 or $0.05 per diluted share for the three months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively. The Company recorded net income of $8.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2012, an increase of $1.5 million compared with $6.8 million for the same period in 2011. The Company’s diluted earnings per common share for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 was $0.47, an increase of $0.10 per diluted share compared with $0.37 for the same period in 2011.  For the nine months ended September 30, 2012, weighted average diluted common shares outstanding were 15.9 million shares, compared with 13.2 million shares, an increase of 2.7 million shares due to new common shares issued as a result of capital raised in May 2012.  Preferred stock dividends accrued and discount accreted, including the one-time adjustment for the repurchase of preferred stock, were $872,000 or $0.05 per diluted share and $1.8 million or $0.14 per diluted share for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively. Details of the changes in the various components of net income are further discussed below.

Total assets were $1.53 billion at September 30, 2012, an increase of $31.6 million or 2.1% from $1.49 billion at December 31, 2011. Available-for-sale investment securities at September 30, 2012 were $178.3 million, an increase of $5.9 million or 3.4% from $172.4 million at December 31, 2011. Net loans at September 30, 2012 were $1.07 billion, an increase of $55.0 million or 5.4% from $1.02 billion at December 31, 2011. Total deposits at September 30, 2012 were $1.27 billion, an increase of $13.5 million or 1.1% from $1.25 billion at December 31, 2011. Other borrowings at September 30, 2012 were $26.0 million, a decrease of $315,000 or 1.2% from $26.3 million at December 31, 2011. The Company’s return on average assets (“ROAA”) for the three months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011 was 0.76% and 0.60%, respectively. The Company’s return on average equity (“ROAE”) for the three months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011 was 6.61% and 5.44%, respectively. The Company’s ROAA for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011 was 0.73% and 0.60%, respectively. The Company’s ROAE for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011 was 6.28% and 5.55%, respectively.   Shareholders’ equity at September 30, 2012 was $174.6 million compared with $165.2 million at December 31, 2011, an increase of $9.4 million or 5.7%.  Details of the changes in the various balance sheet items are further discussed below.


Results of Operations

Net Interest Income and Net Interest Margin. For the three months ended September 30, 2012, net interest income, before the provision for loan losses, was $13.6 million, an increase of $123,000 or 0.9% compared with $13.5 million for the same period in 2011, primarily due to lower cost and volume of deposits, partially offset by a decline in the yield on average total loans. Average interest-earning assets for the three months ended September 30, 2012 were $1.41 billion, an increase of $9.9 million or 0.7% compared with $1.40 billion for the same period in 2011, primarily due to growth in securities and loans, partially offset by a decrease in federal funds sold and other short-term investments. The weighted average yield on interest-earning assets for the second quarter of 2012 was 4.51%, a decrease of 23 basis points compared with 4.74% for the same quarter in 2011. Average interest-bearing liabilities for the three months ended September 30, 2012 were $1.04 billion, a decrease of $40.8 million or 3.8% compared with $1.08 billion for the same period in 2011, primarily due to a decline in time deposits and other borrowings, partially offset by an increase in savings and money market accounts. The weighted average interest rate paid on interest-bearing liabilities for the second quarter 2012 was 0.91%, a decrease of 28 basis points compared with 1.19% for the same quarter in 2011.

For the nine months ended September 30, 2012, net interest income, before the provision for loan losses, was $40.9 million, an increase of $464,000 or 1.1% compared with $40.5 million for the same period in 2011, due primarily to lower cost and volume of deposits, partially offset by a decline in the yield and volume on average total loans. Average interest-earning assets for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 were $1.41 billion, a decrease of $5.0 million or 0.4% compared with $1.42 billion for the same period in 2011, primarily due to lower loan volume, partially offset by growth in federal funds sold and interest-bearing deposits. The weighted average yield on interest-earning assets for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 was 4.59%, down 21 basis points compared with 4.80% for the same period in 2011.  Average interest-bearing liabilities for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 were $1.06 billion, a decrease of $51.1 million or 4.6% compared with $1.11 billion for the same period in 2011, primarily due to a decline in time deposits and other borrowings, partially offset by an increase in savings and money market accounts. The weighted average rate paid on interest-bearing liabilities for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 was 0.97%, down 30 basis points compared with 1.27% for the same period in 2011.
 
 
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The net interest margin for the three months ended September 30, 2012 was 3.84%, an increase of one basis point compared with 3.83% for the same period in 2011. The yield on average earning assets decreased 23 basis points, and the cost of average earning assets decreased 24 basis points for the same periods.  For the three months ended September 30, 2012, the decrease in yield on earning assets was due primarily to a decline in the yield on average total loans, while  the decline in cost of earning assets was primarily due to lower cost and volume of deposits. The net interest margin for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 was 3.87%, an increase of six basis points compared with 3.81% for the same period in 2011. The yield on average earning assets decreased 21 basis points, and the cost of average earning assets decreased 27 basis points for the same periods.  For the nine months ended September 30, 2012, the decrease in yield on earning assets was due primarily to a decline in average total loans and yields, while the decline in the cost of earning assets was primarily due to lower volume and cost of deposits.

Total Interest Income. Total interest income for the three months ended September 30, 2012 was $16.0 million, a decrease of  $739,000 or 4.4% compared with $16.8 million for the same period in 2011.  The decrease for the three months ended September 30, 2012 was primarily due to lower loan yield and lower yield on securities, partially offset by an increase in the volume of tax exempt securities and loans.  Total interest income for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 was $48.6 million, a decrease of $2.4 million or 4.6% compared with $51.0 million for the same period in 2011. The decrease for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 was primarily due to lower loan volume and yield and lower yield on securities, partially offset by an increase in the yield and volume of federal funds sold and other short-term investments.

Interest Income from Loans. Interest income from loans for the three months ended September 30, 2012 was $14.6 million, a decrease of $771,000 or 5.0% compared with $15.4 million for the same quarter in 2011. The decrease for the three months ended September 30, 2012 was the result of lower loan yields. Average total loans for the three months ended September 30, 2012 were $1.07 billion compared with $1.06 billion for the same period in 2011, an increase of $4.1 million or 0.4%. For the third quarter of 2012, the average yield on loans was 5.44%, a decrease of 30 basis points compared with 5.74% for the same quarter in 2011. Interest income from loans for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 was $44.3 million, a decrease of $2.4 million or 5.0% compared with $46.7 million for the same period in 2011. The decrease for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 was the result of lower loan volume and yields.   Average total loans for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 were $1.06 billion, a decrease of $28.1 million or 2.6% compared with average total loans for the same period in 2011 of $1.09 billion. For the nine months ended September 30, 2012, the yield on average total loans was 5.59%, a decrease of 15 basis points compared with 5.74% for the same period in 2011.

At September 30, 2012, approximately $783.0 million or 71.2% of the total loan portfolio are variable rate loans that periodically reprice and are sensitive to changes in market interest rates.  To lessen interest rate sensitivity in the event of a falling interest rate environment, the Company originates variable rate loans with interest rate floors.  For the nine months ended September 30, 2012, the average yield on total loans was approximately 219 basis points above the prime rate primarily because of interest rate floors and credit spreads.   At September 30, 2012, approximately $627.1 million in loans or 57.0% of the total loan portfolio were variable rate loans with interest rate floors that carried a weighted average interest rate of 5.79%.  At September 30, 2011, variable rate loans with interest rate floors comprised 59.8% of the total loan portfolio and carried a weighted average interest rate of 6.08%.

Interest Income from Investments. Interest income from investments (which includes investment securities, Federal funds sold, and other investments) for the three months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011 was $1.4 million.  Average total investments for the three months ended September 30, 2012 were $346.4 million compared with average total investments for the same period in 2011 of $340.5 million, an increase of $5.8 million or 1.7%.  The increase in average total investments was primarily the result of an increase in tax-exempt securities and taxable securities, partially offset by a decrease in federal funds sold and interest-bearing deposits.  For the third quarter 2012, the average yield on total investments was 1.65% compared with 1.64% for the same quarter in 2011, a decrease of one basis point.

Interest income from investments for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011 was $4.3 million.  Average total investments for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 were $355.9 million compared with average total investments for the same quarter in 2011 of $332.8 million, an increase of $23.1 million or 6.9%. The increase was primarily the result of an increase in federal funds sold and interest-bearing deposits primarily due to the new capital raised.  For the nine months ended September 30, 2012, the average yield on investments was 1.60% compared with 1.71% for the same quarter in 2011, a decrease of 11 basis points.
 
 
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Total Interest Expense. Total interest expense for the three months ended September 30, 2012 was $2.4 million, a decrease of $862,000 or 26.6% compared with $3.2 million for the same period in 2011. Total interest expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 was $7.7 million, a decrease of $2.8 million or 26.8% compared with $10.5 million for the same period in 2011. Interest expense decreased for both the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 primarily due to lower deposit cost and lower time deposit volume.

Interest Expense on Deposits. Interest expense on interest-bearing deposits for the three months ended September 30, 2012 was $1.8 million, a decrease of $861,000 or 32.4% compared with $2.7 million for the same period in 2011. Average interest-bearing deposits for the three months ended September 30, 2012 were $977.8 million compared with $1.01 billion for the same period in 2011, a decrease of $30.4 million or 3.0%. The average interest rate paid on interest-bearing deposits for the third quarter of 2012 was 0.73% compared with 1.05% for the same quarter in 2011, a decrease of 32 basis points. The decline in interest expense and the average interest rate paid on interest-bearing deposits was primarily due to lower deposit volume and declining interest rates in the deposit market.
 
Interest expense on interest-bearing deposits for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 was $5.9 million, a decrease of $2.8 million or 32.0% compared with $8.7 million for the same period in 2011.  Average interest-bearing deposits for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 were $994.0 million compared with the same period in 2011 of $1.03 billion, a decrease of $32.1 million or 3.1%. The average interest rate incurred on interest-bearing deposits for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 was 0.80% compared with 1.13% for the same period in 2011, a decrease of 33 basis points.  The decline in interest expense and the average interest rate paid on interest-bearing deposits was primarily due to lower deposit volume and declining interest rates in the deposit market.
 
Interest Expense on Junior Subordinated Debentures.   Interest expense on junior subordinated debentures for the three months ended September 30, 2012 was $338,000, an increase of $11,000 or 3.4% from $327,000 at September 30, 2011. Interest expense on junior subordinated debentures for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 was $1.0 million, an increase of $31,000 or 3.2% from $976,000 at September 30, 2011.  Average junior subordinated debentures for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011 were $36.1 million. The average interest rate incurred on junior subordinated debentures for the three months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011 was 3.67% and 3.55%, respectively. The average interest rate incurred on junior subordinated debentures for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011 was 3.67% and 3.57%, respectively.
 
The junior subordinated debentures accrue interest at a floating rate equal to the 3-month LIBOR plus 1.55%.  Related to these debentures, the Company entered into a forward-starting interest rate swap contract. Under the swap, beginning December 15, 2010, the Company began paying a fixed interest rate of 5.38% and receiving a variable interest rate of three-month LIBOR plus a margin of 1.55% on a total notional amount of $17.5 million, with quarterly settlements that began in March 2011. The interest rate swap contract was entered into with the objective of protecting a portion of the quarterly interest payments from the risk of variability resulting from changes in the three-month LIBOR interest rate.   See Note 10, “ Derivative Financial Instruments, ” to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information related to this interest rate swap.

Interest Expense on Other Borrowings. Interest expense on other borrowings for the three months ended September 30, 2012 was $247,000, a decrease of $12,000 compared with $259,000 for the same period in 2011. Average borrowed funds, consisting primarily of security repurchase agreements and unsecured debentures, for the three months ended September 30, 2012 were $26.0 million a decrease of $10.4 million compared with $36.4 million for the same period in 2011. Other borrowings decreased primarily due to repayment of FHLB San Francisco advances in the fourth quarter of 2011.  The average interest rate paid on borrowed funds for the third quarter of 2012 was 3.78% compared with 2.82% for the same quarter in 2011.  The cost increased due primarily to the repayment of the lower cost short-term borrowings.
 
 Interest expense on other borrowed funds for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 was $741,000, a decrease of $62,000 compared with $803,000 for the same period in 2011. Average borrowed funds for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 were $26.0 million, a decrease of $19.0 million compared with $45.0 million for the same period in 2011, due to repayment of FHLB San Francisco advances in the second and fourth quarters of 2011.  The average interest rate paid on borrowed funds for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 was 3.81% compared with 2.39% for the same period in 2011. The cost increased due primarily to the repayment of the lower cost short-term borrowings.
 
 
45

 
 
The following table presents, for each major category of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities, the total dollar amount of interest income from average interest-earning assets and the resultant yields, as well as the interest expense on average interest-bearing liabilities, expressed both in dollars and rates for the periods indicated. No tax-equivalent adjustments were made and all average balances are daily average balances. Nonaccruing loans have been included in the table as loans having a zero yield, with income, if any, recognized at the end of the loan term.

   
For The Three Months Ended September 30,
   
2012
   
2011
   
Average
Outstanding
Balance
   
Interest
Earned/
Paid
   
Average
Yield/
Rate(1)
   
Average
Outstanding
Balance
 
Interest
Earned/
Paid
 
Average
Yield/
Rate(1)
   
(Dollars in thousands)
Assets
   
Interest-earning assets:
                             
Loans
 
$
1,066,352
   
$
14,593
     
5.44
%
 
$
1,062,275
 
$
15,364
 
5.74
%
Taxable securities
   
156,216
     
1,020
     
2.60
     
154,764
   
1,025
 
2.63
 
Tax-exempt securities
   
16,523
     
145
     
3.49
     
8,310
   
99
 
4.73
 
Other investments (2)
   
5,825
     
42
     
2.87
     
6,650
   
41
 
2.45
 
Federal funds sold and other short-term investments
   
167,811
     
229
     
0.54
     
170,823
   
239
 
0.56
 
Total interest-earning assets
   
1,412,727
     
16,029
     
4.51
     
1,402,822
   
16,768
 
4.74
 
Allowance for loan losses
   
(27,214
)
                   
(30,718
)
         
Total interest-earning assets, net of allowance for loan losses
   
1,385,513
                     
1,372,104
           
Noninterest-earning assets
   
125,064
                     
132,789
           
Total assets
 
$
1,510,577
                   
$
1,504,893
           
                                           
Liabilities and shareholders' equity
                                         
Interest-bearing liabilities:
                                         
Interest-bearing demand deposits
 
$
67,545
   
$
20
     
0.12
%
 
$
65,145
 
$
36
 
0.22
%
Savings and money market accounts
   
446,282
     
488
     
0.44
     
419,541
   
764
 
0.72
 
Time deposits
   
463,947
     
1,288
     
1.10
     
523,484
   
1,857
 
1.41
 
Junior subordinated debentures
   
36,083
     
338
     
3.67
     
36,083
   
327
 
3.55
 
Other borrowings
   
26,000
     
247
     
3.78
     
36,385
   
259
 
2.82
 
Total interest-bearing liabilities
   
1,039,857
     
2,381
     
0.91
     
1,080,638
   
3,243
 
1.19
 
Noninterest-bearing liabilities:
                                         
Noninterest-bearing demand deposits
   
277,707
                     
241,394
           
Other liabilities
   
19,643
                     
17,466
           
Total liabilities
   
1,337,207
                     
1,339,498
           
                                           
Shareholders' equity
   
173,370
                     
165,395
           
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity
 
$
1,510,577
                   
$
1,504,893
           
                                           
Net interest income
         
$
13,648
                 
$
13,525
     
Net interest spread
                   
3.60
%
             
3.55
%
Net interest margin
                   
3.84
%
             
3.83
%
 

(1)
 Annualized.
(2)
 Other investments include Federal Reserve Bank stock, Federal Home Loan Bank stock and investment in subsidiary trust.
 
 
46

 
 
   
For The Nine Months Ended September 30,
   
2012
   
2011
   
Average
Outstanding
Balance
   
Interest
Earned/
Paid
   
Average
Yield/
Rate(1)
   
Average
Outstanding
Balance
 
Interest
Earned/
Paid
 
Average
Yield/
Rate(1)
   
(Dollars in thousands)
Assets
                             
Interest-earning assets:
                             
Loans
 
$
1,058,782
   
$
44,346
     
5.59
%
 
$
1,086,860
 
$
46,696
 
5.74
%
Taxable securities
   
165,422
     
3,051
     
2.46
     
164,262
   
3,413
 
2.78
 
Tax-exempt securities
   
14,695
     
407
     
3.70
     
8,369
   
296
 
4.73
 
Other investments (2)
   
6,113
     
129
     
2.82
     
6,775
   
125
 
2.47
 
Federal funds sold and other short-term investments
   
169,698
     
675
     
0.53
     
153,431
   
426
 
0.37
 
Total interest-earning assets
   
1,414,710
     
48,608
     
4.59
     
1,419,697
   
50,956
 
4.80
 
Allowance for loan losses
   
(27,948
)
                   
(32,514
)
         
Total interest-earning assets, net of allowance for loan losses
   
1,386,762
                     
1,387,183
           
Noninterest-earning assets
   
125,905
                     
130,714
           
Total assets
 
$
1,512,667
                   
$
1,517,897
           
                                           
Liabilities and shareholders' equity
                                         
Interest-bearing liabilities:
                                         
Interest-bearing demand deposits
 
$
65,950
   
$
62
     
0.13
%
 
$
61,791
 
$
163
 
0.35
%
Savings and money market accounts
   
449,043
     
1,667
     
0.50
     
413,618
   
2,484
 
0.80
 
Time deposits
   
478,957
     
4,194
     
1.17
     
550,591
   
6,057
 
1.47
 
Junior subordinated debentures
   
36,083
     
1,007
     
3.67
     
36,083
   
976
 
3.57
 
Other borrowings
   
26,002
     
741
     
3.81
     
45,008
   
803
 
2.39
 
Total interest-bearing liabilities
   
1,056,035
     
7,671
     
0.97
     
1,107,091
   
10,483
 
1.27
 
Noninterest-bearing liabilities:
                                         
Noninterest-bearing demand deposits
   
262,439
                     
231,937
           
Other liabilities
   
18,050
                     
16,129
           
Total liabilities
   
1,336,524
                     
1,355,157
           
Shareholders' equity
   
176,143
                     
162,740
           
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity
 
$
1,512,667
                   
$
1,517,897
           
                                           
Net interest income
         
$
40,937
                 
$
40,473
     
Net interest spread
                   
3.62
%
             
3.53
%
Net interest margin
                   
3.87
%
             
3.81
%
 

(1)
 Annualized.
(2)
 Other investments include Federal Reserve Bank stock, Federal Home Loan Bank stock and investment in subsidiary trust.
 
 
47

 
 
The following table presents the dollar amount of changes in interest income and interest expense for the major components of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities and distinguishes between changes in outstanding balances and changes in interest rates for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 compared with the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011. For purposes of this table, changes attributable to both rate and volume have been allocated to each accordingly.

   
Three Months Ended September 30,
   
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
   
2012 vs 2011
   
2012 vs 2011
 
   
Increase (Decrease
Due to)
         
Increase (Decrease)
Due to
       
   
Volume
   
Rate
   
Total
   
Volume
   
Rate
   
Total
 
   
(In thousands)
 
                                     
Interest-earning assets:
                                   
Loans
 
$
17
   
$
(788
)
 
$
(771
)
 
$
(1,164
)
 
$
(1,186
)
 
$
(2,350
)
Taxable securities
   
7
     
(12
)
   
(5
)
   
27
     
(389
)
   
(362
)
Tax-exempt securities
   
97
     
(51
)
   
46
     
224
     
(113
)
   
111
 
Other investments
   
(5
)
   
6
     
1
     
(12
)
   
16
     
4
 
Federal funds sold and other short-term investments
   
(5
)
   
(5
)
   
(10
)
   
46
     
203
     
249
 
Total decrease in interest income
   
111
     
(850
)
   
(739
)
   
(879
)
   
(1,469
)
   
(2,348
)
                                                 
Interest-bearing liabilities:
                                               
Interest-bearing demand deposits
   
1
     
(17
)
   
(16
)
   
11
     
(112
)
   
(101
)
Savings and money market accounts
   
46
     
(322
)
   
(276
)
   
215
     
(1,032
)
   
(817
)
Time deposits
   
(216
)
   
(353
)
   
(569
)
   
(783
)
   
(1,080
)
   
(1,863
)
Junior subordinated debentures
   
-
     
11
     
11
     
4
     
27
     
31
 
Other borrowings
   
(74
)
   
62
     
(12
)
   
(339
)
   
277
     
(62
)
Total decrease in interest expense
   
(243
)
   
(619
)
   
(862
)
   
(892
)
   
(1,920
)
   
(2,812
)
                                                 
Increase (decrease) in net interest income
 
$
354
   
$
(231
)
 
$
123
   
$
13
   
$
451
   
$
464
 
 
Provision for Loan Losses. Provisions for loan losses are charged to income to bring the Company’s allowance for loan losses to a level which management considers adequate to absorb probable losses inherent in the loan portfolio.  For the three months ended September 30, 2012,  the provision for loan losses had a reversal of ($300,000), which represented a decrease of $1.2 million or 134.3% compared with provision for loan losses of $875,000 for the same period in 2011.  The provision for loan losses for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 was $300,000, a decrease of $2.2 million or 87.8% compared with $2.5 million for the same period in 2011.  Management uses a systematic methodology in determining the allowance for loan losses and following the September 30, 2012 assessment of the allowance for loan losses, management determined that a reduction in the allowance was necessary as a result of year-to-date improvement in asset quality and a $21.8 million year-to-date reduction of classified loans. The allowance for loan losses as a percent of total loans was 2.33% at September 30, 2012, 2.71% at December 31, 2011, and 2.83% at September 30, 2011.

Noninterest Income.   Noninterest income for the three months ended September 30, 2012 was $1.9 million, an increase of $56,000 or 3.1% compared with $1.8 million for the same period in 2011. The increase for the three months ended September 30, 2012 was primarily due to increases in other noninterest income, letters of credit commissions and other loan-related fees, partially offset by a decrease in gains on securities transactions.  Other noninterest income increased primarily due to a reduction in losses related to the fair value adjustments on an interest rate derivative, partially offset by a decline in earnings on foreign exchange transactions and ORE rental income.  Noninterest income for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 was $5.4 million, an increase of $389,000 or 7.7% compared with $5.0 million for the same period in 2011. The increase for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 was primarily due to increases in service fees,  a decline in impairment on securities, and  a reduction in losses related to the fair value adjustments on an interest rate derivative.
 
 
48

 
 
Noninterest Expense. Noninterest expense for the three months ended September 30, 2012 was $11.5 million, an increase of $94,000 or 0.8% compared with $11.4 million for the same period in 2011. Noninterest expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 was $33.8 million, an increase of $553,000 or 1.7% compared with $33.2 million for the same period in 2011. The increase for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 was mainly due to increases in other noninterest expense and salaries and employee benefits, partially offset by decreases in expenses related to ORE, the FDIC assessment and occupancy expenses.  Other noninterest expense increased primarily due to an increase in other operational losses.

Salaries and employee benefits expense for the three months ended September 30, 2012 was $6.0 million, an increase of $802,000 or 15.4% compared with $5.2 million for the same period in 2011. The increase was primarily due to increases in salary expense, bonus accruals and stock based compensation costs.  Salaries and employee benefits expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 was $17.9 million, an increase of $2.2 million or 14.2% compared with $15.7 million for the same period in 2011. The increase was primarily due to increases in salary expense, bonus accruals and employee healthcare costs.

Foreclosed assets expense for the three months ended September 30, 2012 was $552,000, a decrease of $670,000 or 54.8% compared with $1.2 million for the same period in 2011, primarily due to a reduction in writedowns of property values and property taxes paid. Foreclosed assets expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 was $1.9 million, a decrease of $826,000 or 30.1% compared with $2.7 million for the same period in 2011, due to a reduction in all segments of foreclosed assets expense but primarily the result of reductions in the losses on sales of foreclosed assets.
 
The FDIC assessment for the three months ended September 30, 2012 was $480,000, a decrease of $152,000 or 24.1% compared with $632,000 for the same period in 2011. The FDIC assessment for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 was $1.4 million, a decrease of $654,000 or 32.4% compared with $2.0 million for the same period in 2011. The decrease for both periods resulted from a reduction in the FDIC assessment rate.

Other noninterest expense for the three months ended September 30, 2012 was $2.7 million, an increase of $218,000 or 8.8% compared with the same quarter in 2011.  Other noninterest expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 was $7.3 million an increase of $122,000 or 1.7% compared with the same period in 2011.  The increase for both the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012  was primarily due to an increase in other operational losses.   

The Company’s efficiency ratio is calculated by dividing total noninterest expense, excluding loan loss provisions, goodwill impairment, provisions for unfunded commitments, writedowns on foreclosed assets and gains and losses on sales of foreclosed assets by net interest income plus noninterest income, excluding impairment on securities and gains and losses on securities transactions. The efficiency ratio for the three months ended September 30, 2012 was 71.66%, a decrease from 74.39% for the same quarter in 2011. The Company’s efficiency ratio for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 was 70.95%, compared with 72.88% for the same period in 2011. The decrease for the three and nine months ending September 30, 2012 was primarily due to the increase in net interest income and other noninterest income.

Income Taxes. Income tax expense for the three months ended September 30, 2012 was $1.4 million, compared with $762,000 for the same period in 2011. The Company’s effective tax rate was 32.9% for the three months ended September 30, 2012 compared with 25.1% for the three months ended September 30, 2011. The increase in the effective income tax rate in 2012 as compared to 2011 was primarily the result of an increase in state income taxes.  The Texas state tax is based on the Company’s gross margin with limited deductions. Because the Texas state tax allows only limited deductions, the tax may not correlate from year to year with pre-tax income. The California tax is based on the unitary income of the consolidated group which can vary disproportionately from pre-tax income depending on the apportionment of income among members of the unitary group. Income tax expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 was $4.0 million, compared with $3.1 million for the same period in 2011. The Company’s effective tax rate was 32.7% for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 compared with 31.4% for the nine months ended September 30, 2011.

As of September 30, 2012, the Company had approximately $13.9 million in net deferred tax assets. Deferred tax assets are subject to an evaluation of whether it is more likely than not that they will be realized. The Company has not provided a valuation allowance for the net deferred tax assets at September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011 due primarily to its ability to offset reversals of net deductible temporary differences against income taxes paid in previous years and expected to be paid in future years. In making such judgments, significant weight is given to evidence that can be objectively verified. Because of historical losses that were recorded by the Company for the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2009, and if the Company is unable to generate sufficient taxable income in the future, then the Company may not be able to conclude it is more likely than not that the benefits of the deferred tax assets will be fully realized and may be required to recognize a valuation allowance and a corresponding income tax expense equal to the portion of the deferred tax asset that may not be realized.

The Company forecasts sufficient taxable income, exclusive of tax planning strategies, to fully realize its deferred tax assets. The Company has projected its pretax earnings based upon business that the Company anticipates conducting in the future, which is supported by the Company’s return to an income position, rather than the loss position the Company experienced during 2010 and 2009. During 2010 and 2009, earnings were negatively affected by the large increase in the provisions for loan losses during the sharp economic downturn. The Company reduced its cost structure, and taking this into account, the Company projects that it will generate sufficient pretax earnings within a five-year period. 
 
 
49

 
 
The U.S. Federal and California State net operating loss carryforward period of 20 years provides enough time to utilize the deferred tax assets pertaining to the existing net operating loss carryforwards and any net operating losses that would be created by the reversal of the future net deductions which have not yet been taken on a tax return.

 
Financial Condition

Loan Portfolio. Total loans at September 30, 2012 were $1.10 billion, an increase of $52.2 million or 5.0% compared with $1.04 billion at December 31, 2011, primarily as a result of strategic growth initiatives. At September 30, 2012, commercial and industrial loans and real estate mortgage loans increased $31.8 million and $20.1 million, respectively while real estate construction loans decreased $2.4 million, compared with their respective levels at December 31, 2011. At September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, the ratio of total loans to total deposits was 86.70%, and 83.46%, respectively. Total loans represented 71.87% and 69.90% of total assets at September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively.

The following table summarizes the loan portfolio by type of loan at the dates indicated:

   
As of September 30, 2012
   
As of December 31, 2011
 
   
Amount
   
Percent
   
Amount
   
Percent
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
                         
Commercial and industrial
 
$
377,054
     
34.30
%
 
$
345,265
     
32.98
%
Real estate mortgage:
                               
Residential
   
40,391
     
3.67
     
42,682
     
4.08
 
Commercial
   
667,162
     
60.68
     
644,727
     
61.58
 
     
707,553
     
64.35
     
687,409
     
65.66
 
Real estate construction:
                               
Residential
   
4,087
     
0.37
     
6,984
     
0.67
 
Commercial
   
3,824
     
0.35
     
3,324
     
0.32
 
     
7,911
     
0.72
     
10,308
     
0.99
 
Consumer and other
   
6,955
     
0.63
     
3,936
     
0.37
 
Gross loans
   
1,099,473
     
100.00
%
   
1,046,918
     
100.00
%
Unearned discounts, interest and deferred fees
   
(2,618
)
           
(2,302
)
       
Total loans
   
1,096,855
             
1,044,616
         
Allowance for loan losses
   
(25,542
)
           
(28,321
)
       
Loans, net
 
$
1,071,313
           
$
1,016,295
         

 
Nonperforming Assets. At September 30, 2012, total nonperforming assets consisted of $31.5 million in nonaccrual loans,  $4.1 million of accruing troubled debt restructurings, $4.7 million of nonaccruing troubled debt restructurings and $7.9 million in other real estate (“ORE”). Total nonperforming assets decreased $15.7 million to $48.2 million at September 30, 2012 from $63.9 million at December 31, 2011, which consisted of reductions of $8.1 million in Texas and $7.6 million in California.

On a linked-quarter basis, total nonperforming assets decreased by $379,000, which consisted of a $905,000 decrease in California, partially offset by an increase of $526,000 in Texas.  The decline in California consisted primarily of decreases of $842,000 in ORE and $54,000 in nonaccrual loans. The increase in nonperforming assets in Texas was primarily the result of an increase of $6.8 million in nonaccrual loans, partially offset by decreases of $5.7 million in ORE and $599,000 in Troubled Debt Restructurings (“TDRs”).  Nonaccrual loans in Texas increased primarily due to the reclassification of $7.6 million of two classified loans to nonaccrual status, partially offset by $360,000 in paydowns and payoffs and $250,000 in a note sale. Nonaccrual TDRs decreased primarily due to $386,000 in charge-offs and $171,000 in principal payments and payoffs. The decrease in nonperforming assets in California primarily consisted of $54,000 in paydowns on nonaccrual loans and an $842,000 reduction in ORE as a result of sales and writedowns.
 
On a linked-quarter basis, ORE at September 30, 2012 decreased $6.5 million compared with June 30, 2012, which included a decrease of $5.7 million in Texas and $842,000 in California.  The decrease in Texas was primarily the result of $5.4 million in the sale of six properties and writedowns of $247,000 on five properties.  The decrease in California was primarily the result of $351,000 in writedowns on two properties and $491,000 in the sale of two ORE properties.

The Company is occasionally involved in the sale of certain federally guaranteed loans into the secondary market with servicing retained. Under the terms of the Small Business Administration (“SBA”) program, the Company at its option may repurchase any loan that may become classified as nonperforming. Any repurchased loans may increase the Company’s nonperforming loans until the time at which the loan repurchased is either restored to an accrual status or the Company files a claim with the SBA for the guaranteed portion of the loan.  There were no sales of SBA loans for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 or 2011.
  
 
50

 
 
The following table presents information regarding nonperforming assets as of the dates indicated:

   
As of
September 30,
2012
   
As of
December 31,
2011
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Nonaccrual loans (1)
 
$
31,454
   
$
31,099
 
Accruing loans 90 days or more past due (1)
   
     
 
Troubled debt restructurings – accruing (1)
   
4,126
     
 
Troubled debt restructurings – nonaccruing (1)
   
4,707
     
13,763
 
Other real estate (“ORE”)
   
7,915
     
19,018
 
Total nonperforming assets
 
$
48,202
   
$
63,880
 
                 
Total nonperforming assets to total assets
   
3.16
%
   
4.27
%
Total nonperforming assets to total loans and ORE
   
4.36
%
   
6.01
%
 

(1) Represents the unpaid principal balance. 
 
A loan is considered impaired, based on current information and events, if management believes that the Company will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. All amounts due according to the contractual terms means that both the contractual interest payments and the contractual principal payments of a loan will be collected as scheduled in the loan agreement. An insignificant delay or insignificant shortfall in the amount of payment does not require a loan to be considered impaired. If the measure of the impaired loan is less than the recorded investment in the loan, a specific reserve is established for the shortfall as a component of the Company’s allowance for loan loss methodology. The Company considers all nonaccrual loans to be impaired.

The following is a summary of loans considered to be impaired as of the dates indicated:

As of September 30, 2012
 
Recorded
Investment
   
Unpaid
Principal
Balance
   
Related
Allowance
   
Average
Recorded
Investment
 
                         
Impaired loans with no allowance
                       
Commercial and industrial
 
$
7,334
   
$
7,343
   
$
   
$
5,752
 
Real estate mortgage:
                               
Residential
   
184
     
184
     
     
216
 
Commercial
   
22,260
     
22,260
     
     
19,859
 
Real estate construction:
                               
Residential
   
2,345
     
2,345
     
     
1,172
 
Commercial
   
3,147
     
3,147
     
     
3,226
 
                                 
Impaired loans with an allowance
                               
Commercial and industrial
 
$
23
   
$
23
   
$
23
   
$
3,183
 
Real estate mortgage:
                               
Commercial
   
4,999
     
4,986
     
953
     
6,836
 
                                 
Total:
                               
Commercial and industrial
 
$
7,357
   
$
7,366
   
$
23
   
$
8,935
 
Real estate mortgage
   
27,443
     
27,430
     
953
     
26,911
 
Real estate construction
   
5,492
     
5,492
     
     
4,398
 

 
51

 
 
As of December 31, 2011
 
Recorded
Investment
   
Unpaid
Principal
Balance
   
Related
Allowance
   
Average
Recorded
Investment
 
                         
Impaired loans with no allowance
                       
Commercial and industrial
 
$
3,647
   
$
3,652
   
$
   
$
8,901
 
Real estate mortgage:
                               
Residential
   
251
     
251
     
     
263
 
Commercial
   
19,922
     
19,913
     
     
26,256
 
Real estate construction:
                               
Commercial
   
3,324
     
3,324
     
     
831
 
                                 
Impaired loans with an allowance
                               
Commercial and industrial
   
7,018
     
7,025
     
224
     
4,835
 
Real estate mortgage:
                               
Commercial
   
10,678
     
10,696
     
710
     
14,042
 
                                 
Total:
                               
Commercial and industrial
 
$
10,665
   
$
10,677
   
$
224
   
$
13,736
 
Real estate mortgage
   
30,851
     
30,860
     
710
     
40,561
 
Real estate construction
   
3,324
     
3,324
     
     
831
 
 
For the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, interest income of $139,000 and $118,000 was recognized on impaired loans, which consisted of nonaccrual loans that were paid in full and accruing TDRs.

Allowance for Loan Losses and Reserve for Unfunded Lending Commitments. At September 30, 2012 and 2011, the allowance for loan losses was $25.5 million and $30.0 million, respectively, or 2.33% and 2.83% of total loans, respectively.  At December 31, 2011, the allowance for loan losses was $28.3 million, or 2.71% of total loans. Net charge-offs for the three months ended September 30, 2012 were $1.5 million or 0.13% of total loans compared with net charge-offs of $1.3 million or 0.12% of total loans for the three months ended September 30, 2011. The net charge-offs for the third quarter of 2012 primarily consisted of $1.5 million of net charge-offs from Texas and $74,000 of net recoveries from California.  Net charge-offs for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 were $3.1 million or 0.28% of total loans compared with net charge-offs of $6.2 million or 0.59% of total loans for the nine months ended September 30, 2011. The net charge-offs for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 primarily consisted of $3.2 million of net charge-offs from Texas and $76,000 of net recoveries from California.

The allowance for loan losses provides for the risk of losses inherent in the lending process and the Company allocates the allowance for loan losses according to management’s assessments of risk inherent in the loan portfolio.  The allowance for loan losses is increased by provisions charged against current earnings and is reduced by net charge-offs. Loans are charged off when they are deemed to be uncollectible in whole or in part. Recoveries are recorded when cash payments are received. In developing the assessment, the Company relies on estimates and exercises judgment regarding matters where the ultimate outcome is uncertain. Circumstances may change and future assessments of credit risk may yield materially different results, resulting in an increase or decrease in the allowance for loan losses.

The allowance for credit losses consists of the allowance for loan losses and the reserve for unfunded lending commitments and is maintained at levels that the Company believes are adequate to absorb probable losses inherent in the loan portfolio and unfunded lending commitments as of the date of the financial statements. The Company employs a systematic methodology for determining the allowance for loan losses that consists of four components: (1) a formula-based general reserve based on historical average losses by loan grade and grade migration, (2) specific reserves on larger individual credits that are based on the difference between the current loan balance and the loan’s collateral value, observable market price, or discounted present value, (3) a qualitative component that reflects current market conditions and other factors precedent to losses different from historical averages, and (4) a reserve for unfunded lending commitments.

In setting the qualitative reserve portion of the allowance for loan losses, the factors the Company may consider include, but are not limited to, concentrations of credit, common characteristics of known problem loans, potential problem loans, and other loans that exhibit weaknesses or deterioration, the general economic environment in the Company’s markets as well as the national economy, particularly the real estate markets, changes in value of the collateral securing loans, results of portfolio stress tests, trends and delinquencies, nonperforming loans and changes in lending processes, procedures and personnel. After the aforementioned assessment of the loan portfolio, the general economic environment and other relevant factors, management determines the appropriate allowance for loan loss level and makes the provision necessary to achieve that level. This methodology is consistently followed so that the level of the allowance for loan losses is reevaluated in response to changes in circumstances, economic conditions or other factors on an ongoing basis.
 
 
52

 
 
The Company maintains a reserve for unfunded commitments to provide for the risk of loss inherent in its unfunded lending related commitments. The process used in determining the reserve is consistent with the process used for the allowance for loan losses discussed above.

The following tables present an analysis of the allowance for credit losses and other related data for the periods indicated:

   
As of and for the
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
   
2012
   
2011
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Average total loans outstanding for the period
 
$
1,066,352
   
$
1,062,275
 
                 
Total loans outstanding at end of period
 
$
1,096,855
   
$
1,059,165
 
                 
Allowance for loan losses at beginning of period
 
$
27,311
   
$
30,393
 
Provision for loan losses
   
(300
)
   
875
 
Charge-offs:
               
Commercial and industrial
   
(1,464
)
   
(597
)
Real estate mortgage
   
(130
)
   
(1,350
)
Real estate construction
   
     
 
Consumer and other
   
(31
)
   
(18
)
                 
Total charge-offs
   
(1,625
)
   
(1,965
)
                 
Recoveries:
               
Commercial and industrial
   
32
     
261
 
Real estate mortgage
   
118
     
395
 
Real estate construction
   
     
6
 
Consumer and other
   
6
     
4
 
                 
Total recoveries
   
156
     
666
 
                 
Net charge-offs
   
(1,469
)
   
(1,299
)
                 
Allowance for loan losses at end of period
   
25,542
     
29,969
 
                 
Reserve for unfunded lending commitments at beginning of period
   
957
     
1,093
 
Provision for unfunded lending commitments
   
     
81
 
                 
Reserve for unfunded lending commitments at end of period
   
957
     
1,174
 
                 
Allowance for credit losses at end of period
 
$
26,499
   
$
31,143
 
                 
Ratio of net charge-offs to end of period total loans
   
(0.13)
%
   
(0.12)
%

 
53

 
 
   
As of and for the
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
   
2012
   
2011
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Average total loans outstanding for the period
 
$
1,058,782
   
$
1,086,860
 
                 
Total loans outstanding at end of period
 
$
1,096,855
   
$
1,059,165
 
                 
Allowance for loan losses at beginning of period
 
$
28,321
   
$
33,757
 
Provision for loan losses
   
300
     
2,450
 
Charge-offs:
               
Commercial and industrial
   
(2,258
)
   
(3,222
)
Real estate mortgage
   
(1,415
)
   
(4,673
)
Real estate construction
   
(683
)
   
 
Consumer and other
   
(92
)
   
(49
)
                 
Total charge-offs
   
(4,448
)
   
(7,944
)
                 
Recoveries:
               
Commercial and industrial
   
397
     
496
 
Real estate mortgage
   
933
     
460
 
Real estate construction
   
19
     
722
 
Consumer and other
   
20
     
28
 
                 
Total recoveries
   
1,369
     
1,706
 
                 
Net charge-offs
   
(3,079
)
   
(6,238
)
                 
Allowance for loan losses at end of period
   
25,542
     
29,969
 
                 
Reserve for unfunded lending commitments at beginning of period
   
1,012
     
602
 
Provision for unfunded lending commitments
   
(55
)
   
572
 
                 
Reserve for unfunded lending commitments at end of period
   
957
     
1,174
 
                 
Allowance for credit losses at end of period
 
$
26,499
   
$
31,143
 
                 
Ratio of allowance for loan losses to end of period total loans
   
2.33
%
   
2.83
%
Ratio of net charge-offs to end of period total loans
   
(0.13
)%
   
(0.59
)%
Ratio of allowance for loan losses to end of period total nonperforming loans (1)
   
63.40
%
   
61.98
%
 

(1) Total nonperforming loans are nonaccrual loans, loans 90 days or more past due and troubled debt restructurings.

Securities. At September 30, 2012, the available-for-sale securities portfolio was $178.3 million, an increase of $5.9 million or 3.4% compared with $172.4 million at December 31, 2011. The increase was primarily due to purchases of government issued or guaranteed mortgage-backed and agency securities and obligations of state and political subdivision securities partially offset by calls of U.S. government corporations and agencies securities.  At September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, the held-to-maturity portfolio remained at $4.0 million.  The securities portfolio is primarily comprised of obligations of U.S. government corporations and agencies, mortgage-backed securities, collateralized mortgage obligations, corporate securities and municipal securities. The securities portfolio has been funded primarily by the liquidity created from deposit growth and loan repayments in excess of loan funding requirements. Other investments, which include Federal Reserve Bank (“FRB”) and FHLB stock and the investment in subsidiary trust were $5.8 million at September 30, 2012, a decrease of $710,000 or 11.0% compared with $6.5 million at December 31, 2011.
 
 
54

 
 
Deposits . At September 30, 2012, total deposits were $1.27 billion, an increase of $13.5 million or 1.1% compared with $1.25 billion at December 31, 2011. The Company’s ratio of noninterest-bearing demand deposits to total deposits at September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011 was 22.9% and 20.7%, respectively. Interest-bearing deposits at September 30, 2012 were $975.1 million, a decrease of $17.1 million or 1.7% compared with $992.2 million at December 31, 2011.

The Company relies primarily on its deposit base to fund its lending and investment activities.  Historically, the Company has from time to time used brokered deposits when they represented a cost-effective funding alternative.  However, as a result of the Agreement between MetroBank and the OCC, MetroBank  may not acquire, accept, renew or roll over brokered deposits without the prior approval of the OCC.  Additionally, prior to the termination of the Order on July 20, 2012, Metro United could not accept, renew or roll over brokered deposits without prior approval of the FDIC and CDFI.

At September 30, 2012, brokered deposits were 1.2% of the Company's total deposits having an average maturity date of 19 months.
 
Junior Subordinated Debentures.   Junior subordinated debentures at September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011 were $36.1 million. The debentures mature on December 15, 2035, but are redeemable at the Company’s option at par plus accrued and unpaid interest. The debentures, issued to the Company’s unconsolidated subsidiary trust MCBI Statutory Trust I, were used to fund the Company’s acquisition of Metro United. The junior subordinated debentures accrued interest at a fixed rate of 5.76% until December 15, 2011, at which time the debentures began accruing interest at a floating rate equal to the 3-month LIBOR plus 1.55%. Related to these debentures, the Company entered into a forward-starting interest rate swap contract during the third quarter of 2009. Under the swap, the Company pays a fixed interest rate of 5.38% and receives a variable interest rate of three-month LIBOR plus a margin of 1.55% on a total notional amount of $17.5 million, with quarterly settlements which began in March 2011.  See Note 10, “Derivative Financial Instruments,” to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information related to this interest rate swap.

Other Borrowings. Other borrowings at September 30, 2012 were $26.0 million, a decrease of $315,000 or 1.2% compared to other borrowings of $26.3 million at December 31, 2011.  Other borrowings at September 30, 2012 primarily include $25.0 million in security repurchase agreements and $1.0 million in unsecured debentures.  The security repurchase agreements bear an average rate of 3.71% and mature on December 31, 2014.  Securities sold under securities repurchase agreements are currently puttable by the counterparty at a fixed repurchase price at the end of each calendar quarter. In addition, securities under one repurchase agreement are puttable by either the counterparty or the Company at the replacement cost of the repurchase transaction at the end of each calendar year.

In February 2010, the Company issued an unsecured debenture to each of the Company's Chairman of the Board and an affiliate of one of the Company's 5.0% or more shareholders.  Each debenture was issued for a principal amount of $500,000.  The debentures, as amended, mature February 10, 2013 and bear interest on the principal amount at a fixed rate per annum equal to 5.0% due quarterly and began March 31, 2010.  The proceeds from issuance of the debentures were used for general corporate purposes.
 
 
55

 
 
The following table provides an analysis of the Company’s other borrowings as of the dates and for the periods indicated:

   
As of and for the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012
   
As of and for the Year
Ended December 31, 2011
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
                 
FHLB Notes and Advances:
               
at end of period
 
$
   
$
 
average during the period
   
     
14,548
 
maximum month-end balance during the period
   
     
30,000
 
Interest rate at end of period
   
%
   
%
Interest rate during the period
   
     
0.44
 
                 
Security Repurchase Agreements:
               
at end of period
 
$
25,000
   
$
25,000
 
average during the period
   
25,000
     
25,000
 
maximum month-end balance during the period
   
25,000
     
25,000
 
Interest rate at end of period
   
3.71
%
   
3.71
%
Interest rate during the period
   
3.71
     
3.71
 
                 
Unsecured debentures:
               
at end of period
 
$
1,000
   
$
1,000
 
average during the period
   
1,000
     
1,000
 
maximum month-end balance during the period
   
1,000
     
1,000
 
Interest rate at end of period
   
5.00
%
   
5.00
%
Interest rate during the period
   
5.00
     
5.00
 
                 
Federal Reserve TT&L:
               
at end of period
 
$
   
$
315
 
average during the period
   
2
     
467
 
maximum month-end balance during the period
   
     
742
 
 
Other Liabilities. Other liabilities at September 30, 2012 were $18.1 million, an increase of $8.2 million or 82.4% compared to $9.9 million at December 31, 2012, primarily due to loans that were executed on the last business day in September but funded on October 1, 2012.  

Liquidity. The Company’s loan to deposit ratio at September 30, 2012 and 2011 was 86.70% and 85.31%, respectively. As of September 30, 2012, the Company had commitments to fund loans in the amount of $93.3 million. At this same date, the Company had stand-by letters of credit of $10.6 million.  Available sources to fund these commitments and other cash demands of the Company come from cash and cash equivalents, sales and maturities of securities available-for-sale, loan and investment repayments, deposit inflows, and lines of credit from the FHLBs of Dallas and San Francisco, other correspondent banks as well as the FRB discount window. With its current level of collateral, the Company has the ability to borrow an additional $441.2 million from the FHLBs, $10.3 million from the FRB discount window and $5.0 million from other correspondent banks.

Capital Resources. Shareholders’ equity at September 30, 2012 was $174.6 million compared to $165.2 million at December 31, 2011, an increase of $9.4 million. The increase was primarily the result of net income and other comprehensive income for the nine months ending September 30, 2012, partially offset by dividends paid on preferred stock.

The Company paid no dividends on common stock for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011.  Preferred dividends of $1.4 million and $2.3 million were paid for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively. The reduction in preferred dividends was the result of the July 2012 repurchase of the Preferred Stock. (See Note 7 “ Shareholders’ Equity” for more information.)

 
56

 
 
The following table provides a comparison of the Company’s and each of the Bank’s leverage and risk-weighted capital ratios as of September 30, 2012 to the minimum and well-capitalized regulatory standards:

 
Minimum Required
For Capital
Adequacy Purposes
 
To Be Categorized
as Well Capitalized
Under Prompt Corrective Action Provisions
 
Actual Ratio At
September 30, 2012
The Company
                 
Leverage ratio
4.00
%
 
N/A
%
   
12.90
%
Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio
4.00
   
N/A
     
16.41
 
Risk-based capital ratio
8.00
   
N/A
     
17.69
 
MetroBank
                 
Leverage ratio
4.00
%
 
5.00
%
   
12.62
%
Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio
4.00
   
6.00
     
16.35
 
Risk-based capital ratio
8.00
   
10.00
     
17.64
 
Metro United
                 
Leverage ratio
4.00
%
 
5.00
%
   
12.48
%
Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio
4.00
   
6.00
     
15.22
 
Risk-based capital ratio
8.00
   
10.00
     
16.49
 



Critical Accounting Estimates

The Company has established various accounting estimates which govern the application of U.S. generally accepted accounting principles in the preparation of the Company’s consolidated financial statements. Certain accounting estimates involve significant judgments and assumptions by management which have a material impact on the carrying value of certain assets and liabilities; management considers such accounting estimates to be critical accounting estimates. The judgments and assumptions used by management are based on historical experience and other factors, which are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. Because of the nature of the judgments and assumptions made by management, actual results could differ from these judgments and estimates which could have a material impact on the carrying values of assets and liabilities and the results of operations of the Company.

Allowance for loan losses.   The Company believes the allowance for loan losses is a critical accounting estimate that requires the most significant judgments and estimates used in the preparation of its consolidated financial statements. In estimating the allowance for loan losses, management reviews the effect of changes in the local real estate market on collateral values, the effect of current economic indicators on the loan portfolio and their probable impact on borrowers and increases or decreases in nonperforming and impaired loans. Changes in these factors may cause management’s estimate of the allowance to increase or decrease and result in adjustments to the Company’s provision for loan losses. See — “Financial Condition — Allowance for Loan Losses and the Reserve for Unfunded Lending Commitments”.

Impairment of goodwill.  The Company believes impairment of goodwill is a critical accounting estimate that requires significant judgment and estimates to be used in the preparation of its consolidated financial statements. The Company reviews goodwill for impairment on an annual basis, or more often, if events or circumstances indicate that it is more likely than not that the fair value of Metro United, the Company’s only reporting unit with assigned goodwill, is below the carrying value of its equity. The Company’s annual evaluation is performed as of August 31 of each year.
 
In determining the fair value of Metro United, the Company uses a review of the valuation of recent guideline bank acquisitions, if available, pricing of publicly traded comparables,  as well as a discounted cash flow analysis and the market capitalization of the Company. The guideline bank transactions are selected from a similar geographic footprint as Metro United or having a similar market focus, based on publicly available information. Valuation multiples such as price-to-book, price-to-tangible book, price-to-deposits and price-to-earnings from the guideline transactions are compared with Metro United’s operating results to derive its estimated fair value as of the valuation date. For discounted cash flow analyses, financial forecasts are developed by projecting operations for the next five years and discounting the cash flows and the  terminal values. The financial forecasts consider several key business drivers such as anticipated loan and deposit growth, forward interest rates, historical performance, and industry and economic trends, among other considerations. In addition, as a third method of determining fair value, quoted stock prices as of the valuation date for the Company and its peer guideline banks are used. The fair values of the reporting unit separately derived from each valuation technique (i.e., guideline transactions, discounted cash flows, and quoted market prices) are used to assess whether there is any goodwill impairment.
 
 
57

 
 
The Company also considers the fair value of Metro United in relationship to the Company’s stock price by performing a reconciliation to the Company’s market value. This reconciliation is performed by first determining the fair value of the reporting unit from the valuation technique mentioned previously (i.e. guideline transactions, discounted cash flows and quoted market prices).  The fair value is compared to the allocated value of the reporting unit based on the Company’s market value using the stock price as of the valuation date.  The Company allocates the total market value to both of its segments, MetroBank and Metro United. For each Bank, the allocation is based upon the following internal ratios:

Balance Sheet Ratios
• Total assets as a percentage of total assets;
• Total loans as a percentage of total loans;
• Total deposits as a percentage of total deposits; and
• Total shareholder's equity as a percentage of total shareholders' equity.

Performance Ratios
• Total nonperforming assets as a percentage of total assets;
• Last twelve months return on assets; and
• Last twelve months return on equity.

In allocating the market value between the two Banks, more weight was assigned to the Performance Ratios than the Balance Sheet Ratios in order to account for the differences in market valuation as a result of different financial performance. The allocated market value of Metro United Bank is then reconciled to the weighted average fair value derived from each valuation technique (i.e. guideline transactions, discounted cash flows and quoted market prices) by assigning an estimated control premium of 20% to the allocated market value.
 
The derived fair value of Metro United is then compared with the carrying value of its equity. If the carrying value of its equity exceeds the fair value at the evaluation date, then the step-one impairment test would have failed, and the Company would perform the step-two analysis to derive the implied fair value of goodwill.
 
 
Under the step-two analysis, the implied fair value of goodwill is determined in the same manner as goodwill is recognized in a business combination. The fair value of Metro United’s assets and liabilities, including previously unrecognized intangible assets, is individually determined. The excess between the fair value of Metro United over the fair value of its net assets is the implied goodwill.

Impairment of investment securities.   Investments classified as available-for-sale are carried at fair value and the impact of changes in fair value are recorded on the consolidated balance sheet as an unrealized gain or loss in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), a separate component of shareholders’ equity. Securities classified as available-for-sale or held-to-maturity are subject to review to identify when a decline in value is other-than-temporary. Factors considered in determining whether a decline in value is other-than-temporary include: the extent and the duration of the decline; the reasons for the decline in value (credit event, and interest-rate related including general credit spread widening); the financial condition of and near-term prospects of the issuer, and the Company’s intent to sell and whether or not it is more likely than not that the Company would be required to sell the security before the anticipated recovery of its amortized cost basis. When it is determined that an other-than-temporary impairment exists and the Company does not intend to sell the security or if it is not more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost basis, the impairment is separated into the amount that is credit-related and the amount due to all other factors.  The credit-related impairment is recognized in earnings.     

For debt securities, determining credit-related impairment is driven principally by assumptions regarding the amount and timing of projected cash flows. For mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities, cash flow estimates are determined based on prepayment assumptions, default rates and loss severity rates derived from widely accepted third-party data sources. The Company has developed these estimates using information based on historical experience as well as using market observable data, such as industry analyst reports and forecasts, sector credit ratings and other data relevant to the collectability of a security.  See Note 2 “Securities” to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for additional discussion on other-than-temporary impairment.
 
             Stock-based compensation.   The Company believes stock-based compensation is a critical accounting estimate that requires significant judgment and estimates used in the preparation of its consolidated financial statements. The Company accounts for stock-based compensation in accordance with the fair value recognition provisions of FASB accounting guidance. The Company uses the Black-Scholes option-pricing model which requires the input of highly subjective assumptions. These assumptions include estimating the length of time employees will retain their vested stock options before exercising them (“expected term”), the estimated volatility of the Company’s common stock price over the expected term and the number of options that will ultimately not complete their vesting requirements (“forfeitures”). Changes in   the subjective assumptions can materially affect the estimate of fair value of stock-based compensation and, consequently, the related amount recognized on the consolidated statements of income.
 
 
58

 
 
Fair Value. The Company believes that the determination of fair value is a critical accounting estimate that requires significant judgment used in the preparation of its consolidated financial statements. Certain portions of the Company’s assets are reported on a fair value basis. Fair value is used on a recurring basis for certain assets in which fair value is the primary basis of accounting. An example of this recurring use of fair value includes available-for-sale securities. Additionally, fair value is used on a non-recurring basis to evaluate assets for impairment or for disclosure purposes. Examples of these non-recurring uses of fair value include goodwill and intangible assets. Depending on the nature of the asset various valuation techniques and assumptions are used when estimating fair value.
 
Fair value is the price that could be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants. Fair value determination in accordance with ASC Topic 820-10 requires that a number of significant judgments are made. First, where prices for identical assets and liabilities are not available, application of the three-level hierarchy would require that similar assets are identified. If observable market prices are unavailable or impracticable to obtain, then fair value is estimated using modeling techniques such as discounted cash flow analyses. These modeling techniques incorporate the Company’s assessments regarding assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or the liability, including assumptions about the risks inherent in a particular valuation technique, the effect of a restriction on the sale or use of an asset, and the risk of nonperformance. Assessments with respect to assumptions that market participants would make are inherently difficult to determine and use of different assumptions could result in material changes to these fair value measurements. The use of significant, unobservable inputs would be described in Note 12, “Fair Value,” to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

In estimating the fair values for investment securities the Company believes that independent, third-party market prices are the best evidence of exit price and where available, estimates are based on such prices. If such third-party market prices are not available on the exact securities owned, fair values are based on the market prices of similar instruments, independent pricing service estimates or are estimated using industry-standard or proprietary models whose inputs may be unobservable. When market observable data is not available, the valuation of financial instruments becomes more subjective and involves substantial judgment. The need to use unobservable inputs generally results from the lack of market liquidity for certain types of loans and securities, which results in diminished observability of both actual trades and assumptions that would otherwise be available to value these instruments.

             Income Taxes.   The Company must make estimates and judgments in determining income tax expense for financial statement purposes.  The estimates and judgments occur in the calculation of tax credits, benefits, and deductions, in the calculation of certain tax assets and liabilities that arise from differences in the timing of recognition of revenue and expense for tax and financial statement purposes.  Significant changes in these estimates may result in an increase or decrease to the Company’s tax provision in a subsequent period.

The Company must assess the likelihood that it will be able to recover its deferred tax assets.  If recovery is not likely, it must increase the provision for taxes by recording a valuation allowance against the deferred tax assets that it estimates will not ultimately be recoverable.  The Company believes that it will ultimately recover the deferred tax assets recorded in its consolidated balance sheets.  However, should there be a change in the Company’s ability to recover its deferred tax assets, the tax provision would increase in the period in which it has determined that the recovery was not likely.

Item 3.     Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk.

There have been no material changes in the market risk information previously disclosed in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011. See Form 10-K, Item 7 “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Financial Condition — Interest Rate Sensitivity and Liquidity.”

Item 4.    Controls and Procedures.

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures.   As of the end of the period covered by this report, the Company carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of its management, including its Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures. Based on this evaluation, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”)) were effective as of the end of the period covered by this report.
 
 
59

 
 
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting. There were no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the Company’s most recent fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
 
 
60

 
 
PART II

OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1.    Legal Proceedings.

The Company is involved in various litigation that arises from time to time in the normal course of business.  In the opinion of management, after consultation with its legal counsel, such litigation is not expected to have a material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

Item 1A.   Risk Factors.

There have been no material changes in the risk factors previously described under "Item 1A. Risk Factors" in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 19, 2012, as updated by the risk factors previously disclosed under "Item 1A. Risk Factors" in the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2012 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 15, 2012.


Item 2.    Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds.

The following table provides information with respect to purchases made by or on behalf of the Company or any “affiliated purchaser” (as defined in Rule 10b-18(a)(3) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934), of the Company’s common stock during the three months ended September 30, 2012:

Period
 
Total Number of Shares Purchased (1)
   
Average Price Paid per Share
   
Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plan (2)
   
Maximum Number of Shares That May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plan (2)
 
                         
July 1, 2012 to July 31, 2012
   
1,997
    $
10.56
     
N/A
     
N/A
 
Total
   
1,997
   
$
10.56
     
N/A
     
N/A
 
 

(1)
All shares of common stock reported in the table above were repurchased by the Company at the fair market value of the Company’s common stock in connection with the satisfaction of tax withholding obligations under restricted stock agreements between the Company and certain key employees and directors.
(2)
The Company has no publicly announced plans or programs.


Item 3.    Defaults Upon Senior Securities.

Not applicable

Item 4.    Mine Safety Disclosures.
 
Not applicable

Item 5.     Other Information.

Not applicable

 
61

 
 
Item 6.     Exhibits.

Exhibit
   
Number
 
Identification of Exhibit
3.1
 
Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of the Company (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-1 (Registration No. 333-62667) (the "Registration Statement")).
     
3.2
 
Articles of Amendment to Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of the Company (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2008).
     
3.3
 
Statement of Designations establishing the terms of the Series A Preferred Stock of the Company (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on January 21, 2009).
     
3.4
 
Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Company (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on November 19, 2007).
     
4.1
 
Specimen form of certificate evidencing the Common Stock (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4 to the Registration Statement).
     
4.2
 
Warrant, dated January 16, 2009, to purchase 771,429 shares of the Company's Common Stock (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on January 21, 2009).
     
11
 
Computation of Earnings Per Common Share, included as Note 5 to the unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements of this Form 10-Q.
     
31.1*
 
Certification of the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
     
31.2*
 
Certification of the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
     
32.1**
 
Certification of the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
     
32.2**
 
Certification of the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
     
101*
 
Interactive Data File.
 

* Filed herewith.
** Furnished herewith.
 
 
62

 
 
SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
 
 
 
METROCORP BANCSHARES, INC.
 
     
 
By:  
/s/ George M. Lee  
 
Date: November 9, 2012
 
George M. Lee 
Executive Vice Chairman, President and
 
   
Chief Executive Officer (principal executive officer) 
 
 
     
Date: November 9, 2012
By:  
/s/ David C. Choi  
 
   
David C. Choi 
 
   
Chief Financial Officer (principal financial officer/
principal accounting officer) 
 
 
 
63

 
 
EXHIBIT INDEX
 
Exhibit
Number
 
Identification of Exhibit
3.1
 
Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of the Company (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-1 (Registration No. 333-62667) (the "Registration Statement")).
     
3.2
 
Articles of Amendment to Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of the Company (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2008).
     
3.3
 
Statement of Designations establishing the terms of the Series A Preferred Stock of the Company (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on January 21, 2009).
     
3.4
 
Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Company (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on November 19, 2007).
     
4.1
 
Specimen form of certificate evidencing the Common Stock (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4 to the Registration Statement).
     
4.2
 
Warrant, dated January 16, 2009, to purchase 771,429 shares of the Company's Common Stock (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on January 21, 2009).
     
11
 
Computation of Earnings Per Common Share, included as Note 5 to the unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements of this Form 10-Q.
     
31.1*
 
Certification of the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
     
31.2*
 
Certification of the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
     
32.1**
 
Certification of the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
     
32.2**
 
Certification of the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
     
101*
 
Interactive Data File.
 

* Filed herewith.
** Furnished herewith.
 
 
64
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