Loans Held for Investment

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Loans Held for Investment

Loans Held for Investment

Note 4 — Loans Held for Investment

The following table sets forth the composition of our loan portfolio in dollar amounts at the dates indicated:

	March 31, 2012			December 31, 2011			March 31, 2011
	(in thousands)
Real estate loans:
Multi-family	$	185,367		$	193,830		$	235,443
Commercial non-owner occupied	168,672			164,341			156,616
One-to-four family (1)	52,280			60,027			48,291
Construction	—			—			5,631
Land	7,246			6,438			10,002
Business loans:
Commercial owner occupied (2)	146,904			152,299			156,379
Commercial and industrial	83,947			86,684			76,854
Warehouse facilities	44,246			67,518			9,352
SBA	3,948			4,727			3,268
Other loans	3,139			3,390			1,264
Total gross loans (3)	695,749			739,254			703,100
Less loans held for sale, net	62			—			—
Total gross loans held for investment	695,687			739,254			703,100
Less:
Deferred loan origination costs/(fees) and premiums/(discounts), net	(492		)	(665		)	(3,147		)
Allowance for loan losses	(8,116		)	(8,522		)	(8,879		)
Loans held for investment, net	$	687,079		$	730,067		$	691,074

(1)Includes second trust deeds.

(2)Majority secured by real estate.

(3)Total gross loans for March 31, 2012 is net of the mark-to-market discount on Canyon National loans of $4.1 million.

From time to time, we may purchase or sell loans in order to manage concentrations, maximize interest income, change risk profiles, improve returns and generate liquidity.

The Company grants residential and commercial loans held for investment to customers located primarily in Southern California. Consequently, the underlying collateral for our loans and a borrower’s ability to repay may be impacted unfavorably by adverse changes in the economy and real estate market in the region.

Under applicable laws and regulations, the Bank may not make secured loans to one borrower in excess of 25% of unimpaired capital plus surplus and likewise in excess of 15% for unsecured loans. These loans-to-one borrower limitations result in a dollar limitation of $25.0 million for secured loans and $15.0 million for unsecured loans at March 31, 2012.  At March 31, 2012, the Bank’s largest aggregate outstanding balance of loans to one borrower was $20.0 million of secured credit.

Purchase Credit Impaired

The following table provides a summary of the Company’s investment in purchase credit impaired loans, acquired from Canyon National, as of the period indicated:

	March 31, 2012
	(in thousands)
Real estate loans:
Commercial non-owner occupied	$	1,061
Land	2,253
Business loans:
Commercial owner occupied	1,970
Commercial and industrial	101
Total purchase credit impaired	$	5,385

On the acquisition date, the amount by which the undiscounted expected cash flows of the purchased credit impaired loans exceed the estimated fair value of the loan is the “accretable yield”. The accretable yield is measured at each financial reporting date and represents the difference between the remaining undiscounted expected cash flows and the current carrying value of the purchased credit impaired loan.

The following table summarizes the accretable yield on the purchased credit impaired for the three months ended March 31, 2012:

	Three Months Ended
	March 31, 2012
	(in thousands)
Balance at the beginning of period	$	3,248
Accretion	(161		)
Disposals and other	(54		)
Balance at the end of period	$	3,033

Impaired Loans

The following tables provides a summary of the Company’s investment in impaired loans as of the period indicated:

					Impaired Loans
March 31, 2012	Contractual Unpaid Principal Balance		Recorded Investment		With Specific Allowance		Without Specific Allowance		Specific Allowance for Impaired Loans		Average Recorded Investment		Interest Income Recognized
	(in thousands)
Real estate loans:
Multi-family	$	1,446	$	1,414	$	—	$	1,414	$	—	$	1,417	$	23
Commercial non-owner occupied	709		648		—		648		—		1,069		11
One-to-four family	1,170		973		—		973		—		671		11
Business loans:
Commercial owner occupied	1,043		913		—		913		—		1,154		—
Commercial and industrial	81		76		—		76		—		351		1
SBA	2,171		604		—		604		—		547		8
Totals	$	6,620	$	4,628	$	—	$	4,628	$	—	$	5,209	$	54

					Impaired Loans
December 31, 2011	Contractual Unpaid Principal Balance		Recorded Investment		With Specific Allowance		Without Specific Allowance		Specific Allowance for Impaired Loans		Average Recorded Investment		Interest Income Recognized
	(in thousands)
Real estate loans:
Multi-family	$	1,450	$	1,423	$	—	$	1,423	$	—	$	2,309	$	88
Commercial non-owner occupied	1,592		1,495		—		1,495		—		2,283		198
One-to-four family	705		521		—		521		—		311		47
Land	—		—		—		—		—		11		1
Business loans:
Commercial owner occupied	1,771		1,641		—		1,641		—		1,635		64
Commercial and industrial	1,321		1,138		—		1,138		—		373		62
SBA	2,427		773		—		773		—		887		68
Other loans	—		—		—		—		—		2		—
Totals	$	9,266	$	6,991	$	—	$	6,991	$	—	$	7,811	$	528

					Impaired Loans
March 31, 2011	Contractual Unpaid Principal Balance		Recorded Investment		With Specific Allowance		Without Specific Allowance		Specific Allowance for Impaired Loans		Average Recorded Investment		Interest Income Recognized
	(in thousands)
Real estate loans:
Multi-family	$	3,300	$	3,300	$	—	$	3,300	$	—	$	2,036	$	17
Commercial non-owner occupied	2,476		2,476		463		2,012		47		2,371		34
One-to-four family	3,743		3,742		—		3,742		—		2,898		44
Construction	537		537		—		537		—		433		1
Land	2,982		2,982		—		2,982		—		2,280		27
Business loans:
Commercial owner occupied	6,563		6,430		—		6,430		—		5,979		67
Commercial and industrial	5,020		4,905		—		4,905		—		4,290		51
SBA	2,570		1,000		—		1,000		—		1,030		19
Other loans	2		1		—		2		—		1		—
Totals	$	27,193	$	25,373	$	463	$	24,910	$	47	$	21,318	$	260

The Company considers a loan to be impaired when, based on current information and events, it is probable the Company will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement or it is determined that the likelihood of the Company receiving all scheduled payments, including interest, when due is remote. The Company has no commitments to lend additional funds to debtors whose loans have been impaired.

The Company reviews loans for impairment when the loan is classified as substandard or worse, delinquent 90 days, or determined by management to be collateral dependent, or when the borrower files bankruptcy or is granted a troubled debt restructurings (“TDRs”). Measurement of impairment is based on the loan’s expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate, measured by reference to an observable market value, if one exists, or the fair value of the collateral if the loan is deemed collateral dependent. All loans are generally charged-off at such time the loan is classified as a loss. Valuation allowances are determined on a loan-by-loan basis or by aggregating loans with similar risk characteristics.

The following table provides additional detail on the components of impaired loans at the period end as indicated below.

	March 31, 2012		December 31, 2011		March 31, 2011
	(in thousands)
Nonaccruing loans	$	3,696	$	5,590	$	19,900
Accruing loans	932		1,401		5,473
Total impaired loans	$	4,628	$	6,991	$	25,373

When loans are placed on nonaccrual status all accrued interest is reversed from earnings.  Payments received on nonaccrual loans are generally applied as a reduction to the loan principal balance.  If the likelihood of further loss is remote, the Company will recognize interest on a cash basis only.  Loans may be returned to accruing status if the Company believes that all remaining principal and interest is fully collectible and there has been at least three months of sustained repayment performance since the loan was placed on nonaccrual.

The Company does not accrue interest on loans 90 days or more past due or when, in the opinion of management, there is reasonable doubt as to the collection of interest.  The Company had impaired loans on nonaccrual status at March 31, 2012 of $3.7 million, December 31, 2011 of $5.6 million, and March 31, 2011 of $19.9 million.  At March 31, 2012, the Company had $5.4 million of purchased credit impaired loans acquired from Canyon National, of which $412,000 were placed on nonaccrual status.  The Company had no loans 90 days or more past due and still accruing at March 31, 2012, December 31, 2011 or March 31, 2011.

The Company had an immaterial amount of TDRs related to three SBA loans which were all completed prior to 2011.

Concentration of Credit Risk

The Company’s loan portfolio was collateralized by various forms of real estate and business assets located principally in Southern California.  The Company’s loan portfolio contains concentrations of credit in multi-family real estate, commercial non-owner occupied real estate and commercial owner occupied business loans.  The Company maintains policies approved by the Company’s Board of Directors (the “Board”) that address these concentrations and continues to diversify its loan portfolio through loan originations, purchases and sales to meet approved concentration levels.  While management believes that the collateral presently securing these loans is adequate, there can be no assurances that further significant deterioration in the California real estate market and economy would not expose the Company to significantly greater credit risk.

Credit Quality and Credit Risk Management

The Company’s credit quality is maintained and credit risk managed in two distinct areas.  The first is the loan origination process, wherein the Bank underwrites credit quality and chooses which risks it is willing to accept.  The second is in the ongoing oversight of the loan portfolio, where existing credit risk is measured and monitored, and where performance issues are dealt with in a timely and comprehensive fashion.

The Company maintains a comprehensive credit policy which sets forth minimum and maximum tolerances for key elements of loan risk.  The policy identifies and sets forth specific guidelines for analyzing each of the loan products the Company offers from both an individual and portfolio wide basis.  The credit policy is reviewed annually by the Board.  The Bank’s seasoned underwriters ensure all key risk factors are analyzed with nearly all underwriting including a comprehensive global cash flow analysis of the prospective borrowers.  The credit approval process mandates multiple-signature approval by either the management or Board credit committee for every loan that requires any subjective credit analysis.

Credit risk is managed within the loan portfolio by the Company’s Portfolio Management department based on a comprehensive credit and investment review policy.  This policy requires a program of financial data collection and analysis, comprehensive loan reviews, property and/or business inspections and monitoring of portfolio concentrations and trends.  The Portfolio Management department also monitors asset-based lines of credit, loan covenants and other conditions associated with the Company’s business loans as a means to help identify potential credit risk.  Individual loans, excluding the homogeneous loan portfolio, are reviewed at least biennially, or more frequently, if deemed necessary, and includes the assignment of a risk grade.

Risk grades are based on a six-grade Pass scale, along with Special Mention, Substandard, Doubtful and Loss classifications as such classifications are defined by the regulatory agencies.  The assignment of risk grades allows the Company to, among other things, identify the risk associated with each credit in the portfolio, and to provide a basis for estimating credit losses inherent in the portfolio.  Risk grades are reviewed regularly by the Company’s Credit and Investment Review committee, and are reviewed annually by an independent third-party, as well as by regulatory agencies during scheduled examinations.

The following provides brief definitions for risk grades assigned to loans in the portfolio:

·      Pass — Pass credits are well protected by the current sound worth and paying capacity of the obligor or of the collateral pledged, if any.  Such credits exhibit few weaknesses, if any, but may include credits with exposure to certain factors that may adversely impact the credit if they materialize.  The Company has established six subcategories within the pass grade to stratify risk associated with pass loans.  The Company maintains a subset of pass credits designated as “watch” loans which, for any of a variety of reasons, requires close monitoring.

·      Special Mention — Loans graded special mention exhibit potential weaknesses that deserve management’s close attention.  If left uncorrected, these potential weaknesses may, at some future date, result in the deterioration of the repayment prospects for the loan or the institution’s credit position.  Special mention credits are not considered as part of the classified extensions of credit category and do not expose the Company to sufficient risk to warrant classification.

·      Substandard — Substandard credits are inadequately protected by the current sound worth and paying capacity of the obligor or of the collateral pledged, if any.  Extensions of credit classified as substandard have a well-defined weakness or weaknesses that jeopardizes the orderly payment of the debt.    Substandard credits are characterized by the distinct possibility that the Bank will sustain some loss if the deficiencies are not corrected.  Loss potential, while existing in the aggregate amount of substandard credits, does not have to exist in individual extensions of credit classified substandard.

·      Doubtful — Doubtful credits have all the weaknesses inherent in substandard credits, with the added characteristic that the weaknesses make collection or liquidation in full, on the basis of currently existing facts, conditions, and values, highly questionable and improbable.  The possibility of loss is extremely high, but because of certain important and reasonably specific pending factors that may work to the advantage of and strengthen the credit, its classification as an estimated loss is deferred until its more exact status may be determined.

The Portfolio Management department also manages loan performance risks, collections, workouts, bankruptcies and foreclosures.  Loan performance risks are mitigated by our portfolio managers acting promptly and assertively to address problem credit when they are identified.  Collection efforts are commenced immediately upon non-payment, and the portfolio managers seek to promptly determine the appropriate steps to minimize the Company’s risk of loss.  When foreclosure will maximize the Company’s recovery for a non-performing loan, the portfolio managers will take appropriate action to initiate the foreclosure process.

When a loan is graded as special mention or substandard or doubtful, the Company obtains an updated valuation of the underlying collateral.  If the credit in question is also identified as impaired, a valuation allowance, if necessary, is established against such loan or a loss is recognized by a charge to the allowance for loan losses if management believes that the full amount of the Company’s recorded investment in the loan is no longer collectable.  The Company typically continues to obtain updated valuations of underlying collateral for special mention and classified loans on an annual basis in order to have the most current indication of fair value.  Once a loan is identified as impaired, an analysis of the underlying collateral is performed at least quarterly, and corresponding changes in any related valuation allowance are made or balances deemed to be fully uncollectable are charged-off.

The following tables stratifies the loan portfolio by the Company’s internal risk grading system as well as certain other information concerning the credit quality of the loan portfolio as of the periods indicated:

	Credit Risk Grades
			Special				Total Gross
March 31, 2012	Pass		Mention		Substandard		Loans
	(in thousands)
Real estate loans:
Multi-family	$	170,714	$	9,932	$	4,721	$	185,367
Commercial non-owner occupied	165,237		672		2,763		168,672
One-to-four family	50,580		—		1,700		52,280
Land	7,246		—		—		7,246
Business loans:
Commercial owner occupied	134,326		3,778		8,800		146,904
Commercial and industrial	82,070		864		1,013		83,947
Warehouse facilities	44,246		—		—		44,246
SBA	3,747		—		201		3,948
Other loans	3,119		—		20		3,139
Totals	$	661,285	$	15,246	$	19,218	$	695,749

	Credit Risk Grades
			Special				Total Gross
December 31, 2011	Pass		Mention		Substandard		Loans
	(in thousands)
Real estate loans:
Multi-family	$	176,477	$	13,286	$	4,067	$	193,830
Commercial non-owner occupied	160,051		676		3,614		164,341
One-to-four family	57,685		—		2,342		60,027
Land	6,386		—		52		6,438
Business loans:
Commercial owner occupied	138,975		5,689		7,635		152,299
Commercial and industrial	83,441		1,046		2,197		86,684
Warehouse facilities	67,518		—		—		67,518
SBA	4,548		—		179		4,727
Other loans	3,352		—		38		3,390
Totals	$	698,433	$	20,697	$	20,124	$	739,254

	Credit Risk Grades
			Special				Total Gross
March 31, 2011	Pass		Mention		Substandard		Loans
	(in thousands)
Real estate loans:
Multi-family	$	215,521	$	13,115	$	6,807	$	235,443
Commercial non-owner occupied	149,790		610		6,216		156,616
One-to-four family	39,131		1,917		7,243		48,291
Construction	4,816		—		815		5,631
Land	4,809		494		4,699		10,002
Business loans:							—
Commercial owner occupied	138,203		6,823		11,353		156,379
Commercial and industrial	65,422		1,923		9,509		76,854
Warehouse facilities	9,352		—		—		9,352
SBA	2,233		—		1,035		3,268
Other loans	1,145		14		105		1,264
Totals	$	630,422	$	24,896	$	47,782	$	703,100

The following tables set forth delinquencies in the Company’s loan portfolio at the dates indicated:

			Days Past Due								Non-
March 31, 2012	Current		30-59		60-89		90+		Total		Accruing
	(in thousands)
Real estate loans:
Multi-family	$	185,367	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	185,367	$	287
Commercial non-owner occupied	168,487		—		—		185		168,672		648
One-to-four family	51,741		—		219		320		52,280		792
Land	7,246		—		—		—		7,246		—
Business loans:
Commercial owner occupied	145,580		—		478		846		146,904		1,325
Commercial and industrial	83,937		10		—		—		83,947		100
Warehouse facilities	44,246								44,246
SBA	3,435		—		—		513		3,948		544
Other loans	3,138		1		—		—		3,139		—
Totals	$	693,177	$	11	$	697	$	1,864	$	695,749	$	3,696

			Days Past Due								Non-
December 31, 2011	Current		30-59		60-89		90+		Total		Accruing
	(in thousands)
Real estate loans:
Multi-family	$	193,830	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	193,830	$	293
Commercial non-owner occupied	162,663		434		—		1,244		164,341		1,495
One-to-four family	59,503		201		—		323		60,027		323
Land	5,769		—		617		52		6,438		52
Business loans:
Commercial owner occupied	151,380		—		—		919		152,299		2,053
Commercial and industrial	85,615		12		—		1,057		86,684		1,177
Warehouse facilities	67,518		—		—		—		67,518		—
SBA	3,900		49		113		665		4,727		700
Other loans	3,386		3		1		—		3,390		—
Totals	$	733,564	$	699	$	731	$	4,260	$	739,254	$	6,093

			Days Past Due (1)								Non-
March 31, 2011	Current		30-59		60-89		90+		Total		Accruing
	(in thousands)
Real estate loans:
Multi-family	$	232,086	$	1,907	$	1,147	$	303	$	235,443	$	2,030
Commercial non-owner occupied	154,411		1,289		615		301		156,616		753
One-to-four family	46,096		592		143		1,460		48,291		2,848
Construction	4,330		—		278		1,023		5,631		161
Land	9,431		—		—		571		10,002		3,175
Business loans:
Commercial owner occupied	145,436		6,474		—		4,469		156,379		7,359
Commercial and industrial	71,574		1,379		637		3,264		76,854		3,415
Warehouse facilities	9,352		—		—		—		9,352		—
SBA	2,552		133		—		583		3,268		891
Other loans	1,211		37		—		16		1,264		18
Totals	$	676,479	$	11,811	$	2,820	$	11,990	$	703,100	$	20,650