Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Principles of Consolidation

Principles of Consolidation - The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of CVB Financial Corp. and its wholly owned subsidiaries (the “Company”): Citizens Business Bank (the “Bank”) after elimination of all intercompany transactions and balances. The Company also has three inactive subsidiaries; CVB Ventures, Inc.; Chino Valley Bancorp; and ONB Bancorp. The Company is also the common stockholder of CVB Statutory Trust I, CVB Statutory Trust II, CVB Statutory Trust III, and FCB Trust II. CVB Statutory Trusts I and II were created in December 2003 and CVB Statutory Trust III was created in January 2006 to issue trust preferred securities in order to raise capital for the Company. The Company acquired FCB Trust II through the acquisition of First Coastal Bancshares (“FCB”). The FCB Trust II was redeemed on January 7, 2012. In accordance with ASC 810 Consolidation (previously Financial Accounting Standards Board Interpretation No. 46R “Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities”), these trusts do not meet the criteria for consolidation.

Nature of Operations

Nature of Operations - The Company’s primary operations are related to traditional banking activities, including the acceptance of deposits and the lending and investing of money through the operations of the Bank. The Bank also provides automobile and equipment leasing to customers through its Citizens Financial Services Group and trust and investment-related services to customers through its CitizensTrust Division. The Bank’s customers consist primarily of small to mid-sized businesses and individuals located in San Bernardino County, Riverside County, Orange County, Los Angeles County, Madera County, Fresno County, Tulare County, Kern County and San Joaquin County. The Bank operates 42 Business Financial Centers, five Commercial Banking Centers, and two trust office locations with its headquarters located in the city of Ontario.

The Company’s operating business units have been divided into two main segments: (i) Business Financial and Commercial Banking Centers (“Centers”) and (ii) Treasury. The Business Financial and Commercial Banking Centers lines of business generally consist of loans, deposits, and fee generating products and services that the Bank offers to its clients and prospects. The other segment is Treasury, which manages the investment portfolio of the Company. The Company’s remaining centralized functions and eliminations of inter-segment amounts have been aggregated and included in “Other.”

The internal reporting of the Company considers all business units. Funds are allocated to each business unit based on its need to fund assets (use of funds) or its need to invest funds (source of funds). Net income is determined based on the actual net income of the business unit plus the allocated income or expense based on the sources and uses of funds for each business unit. Non-interest income and non-interest expense are those items directly attributable to a business unit.

Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents - Cash on hand, cash items in the process of collection, and amounts due from correspondent banks, the Federal Reserve Bank and interest-bearing balances due from depository institutions, with initial terms of ninety days or less, are included in Cash and cash equivalents.

Investment Securities

Investment Securities - The Company classifies as held-to-maturity those debt securities that the Company has the positive intent and ability to hold to maturity. Securities classified as trading are those securities that are bought and held principally for the purpose of selling them in the near term. All other debt and equity securities are classified as available-for-sale. Securities held-to-maturity are accounted for at cost and adjusted for amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts. Trading securities are accounted for at fair value with the unrealized gains and losses being included in current earnings. Available-for-sale securities are accounted for at fair value, with the net unrealized gains and losses, net of income tax effects, presented as a separate component of stockholders’ equity. Realized gains and losses on sales of securities are recognized in earnings at the time of sale and are determined on a specific-identification basis. Purchase premiums and discounts are recognized in interest income using the effective-yield method over the terms of the securities. For mortgage-backed securities (“MBS”), the amortization or accretion is based on estimated average lives of the securities. The lives of these securities can fluctuate based on the amount of prepayments received on the underlying collateral of the securities. The Company’s investment in Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”) stock is carried at cost.

At each reporting date, securities are assessed to determine whether there is an other-than-temporary impairment (“OTTI”). Other-than-temporary impairment on investment securities is recognized in earnings when there are credit losses on a debt security for which management does not intend to sell and for which it is more-likely-than-not that the Company will not have to sell prior to recovery of the noncredit impairment. In those situations, the portion of the total impairment that is attributable to the credit loss would be recognized in earnings, and the remaining difference between the debt security’s amortized cost and its fair value would be included in other comprehensive income.

Loans Held for Sale

Loans Held for Sale - Loans held for sale include mortgage loans originated for resale and other non-covered or covered loans transferred from our held-for-investment portfolio when a decision is made to sell a loan(s) and are reported at the lower of cost or fair value. Occasionally, we may transfer other loans from our held for investment loan portfolio to loans held for sale when a decision is made to sell a loan(s). Normally a formal marketing strategy or plan for sale is developed at the time the decision to sell the loan(s) is made. Cost generally approximates fair value at any reporting date, as the mortgage loans were recently originated. The transfer of the loan to held for sale is done at the lower of cost or fair value and if a reduction in value is required at time of the transfer, a charge-off is recorded against the allowance for credit losses (“ALLL”). Any subsequent decline in value or any subsequent gain on sale of the loan is recorded to current earnings and reported as part of other non-interest income. Gains or losses on the sale of loans that are held for sale are recognized at the time of sale and determined by the difference between net sale proceeds and the net book value of the loans. We do not currently retain servicing on any mortgage loans sold.

Loans and Lease Finance Receivables

Loans and Lease Finance Receivables - Non-covered loans and lease finance receivables that management has the intent and ability to hold for the foreseeable future or until maturity or payoff are reported at the principal balance outstanding, less deferred net loan origination fees. In the ordinary course of business, the Company enters into commitments to extend credit to its customers. To the extent that such commitments are funded, the unfunded amounts are not reflected in the accompanying consolidated financial statements.

Interest on non-covered loans and lease finance receivables is credited to income based on the principal amount outstanding. Non-covered loans are considered delinquent when principal or interest payments are past due 30 days or more and generally remain on accrual status between 30 and 89 days past due. Interest income is not recognized on non-covered loans and lease finance receivables when collection of interest is deemed by management to be doubtful. Non-covered loans on which the accrual of interest has been discontinued are designated as nonaccrual loans. In general, the accrual of interest on non-covered loans is discontinued when the loan becomes 90 days past due, or when, based on current information and events, it is probable that the Company will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. Factors considered in determining that the full collection of principal and interest is no longer probable include cash flow and liquidity of the borrower or property, the financial position of the guarantors and their willingness to support the loan as well as other factors and involve significant judgment. When an asset is placed on nonaccrual status, previously accrued but unpaid interest is reversed against income. Subsequent collections of cash are applied as reductions to the principal balance unless the loan is returned to accrual status. Interest is not recognized using a cash-basis method. Nonaccrual loans may be restored to accrual status when principal and interest become current and when the borrower is able to demonstrate payment performance for a sustained period, typically for six months. A nonaccrual loan may return to accrual status sooner based on other significant events or mitigating circumstances. This policy is consistently applied to all classes of non-covered financing receivables.

The Company receives collateral to support loans, lease finance receivables, and commitments to extend credit for which collateral is deemed necessary. The most significant categories of collateral are real estate, principally commercial and industrial income-producing properties, real estate mortgages, and assets utilized in dairy, livestock and agribusiness, and various personal property assets utilized in commercial and industrial business governed under the Uniform Commercial Code.

Nonrefundable fees and direct costs associated with the origination or purchase of non-covered loans are deferred and netted against outstanding loan balances. The deferred net loan fees and costs are recognized in interest income over the loan term using the effective-yield method.

Loans are reported as a Troubled Debt Restructuring (“TDR”) if the Company for economic or legal reasons related to the debtor’s financial difficulties grants a concession to the debtor that it would not otherwise consider. Examples of such concessions may include deferral of principal or accrued interest, extending the payment due dates or loan maturity date(s), or providing a lower interest rate than would be normally available for new debt with similar risk. Where collateral is offered by a borrower and it is significant in proportion to the nature of the concession requested, to the extent that it substantially reduces the Company’s risk of loss we may provide a concession. In such cases, these modifications are not considered TDRs as, in substance, no concession was made as a result of the significant additional collateral obtained.

When determining whether or not a loan modification is a TDR under ASC 310-40, the Company evaluates loan modification requests from borrowers experiencing financial difficulties on a case-by-case basis. Any such modifications granted are unique to the borrower’s circumstances, and are not easily categorized by type, key features, or other terms, but are evaluated individually based on all relevant facts and circumstances pertaining to the modification request and the borrower’s/guarantor’s financial condition at the time of the request. The evaluation of whether or not the borrower is experiencing financial difficulties will include, among other relevant factors considered by the Company, a review of significant factors such as (i) whether the borrower is in default on any of its debt, (ii) whether the borrower is experiencing payment delinquency, (iii) whether the borrower’s current cash flows have diminished below what is necessary to service existing debt obligations, (iv) whether the borrower forecasts its cash flows will be insufficient to service the debt in future periods or in accordance with the contractual terms of the existing agreement through maturity, (v) whether the borrower is unable to refinance the subject debt from other financing sources with similar terms, and (vi) whether the borrower is in jeopardy as a going-concern and/or is the borrower considering bankruptcy. In any case, the debtor is presumed to be experiencing financial difficulties if the Company determines it is probable the debtor will default on the original loan if the modification is not granted.

The types of loans subject to modification vary greatly, but during the subject period are concentrated in commercial and industrial loans, dairy and agricultural loans, and term loans to commercial real estate investors. Some examples of key features include payment deferrals and delays, interest rate reductions, and extensions or renewals where the contract rate may or may not be below the market rate of interest for debt with similar characteristics as those of the modified debt. The typical length of the modified terms often ranges from three (3) to twelve (12) months; however, all actual modified terms will depend on the facts, circumstances and attributes of the specific borrower requesting a modification. In general, after a careful evaluation of all relevant facts and circumstances taken together, including the nature of any concession, certain modification requests will result in troubled debt restructurings while certain other modifications will not, pursuant to the criteria and judgments as discussed throughout this report. In many cases, modification requests for delays or deferrals of principal were evaluated and determined to be exempt from TDR reporting because they constituted insignificant delays under ASC 310-40-15.

In situations where the Company has determined that the borrower is experiencing financial difficulties and is evaluating whether a concession is insignificant, and therefore does not result in a troubled debt restructuring, is based on an evaluation of both the amount and the timing of the restructured payments, including the following factors:

1. Whether the amount of the restructured payments subject to delay is insignificant relative to the unpaid principal balance or collateral value of the debt and will result in an insignificant shortfall in the contractual amount due; and

2. The delay is insignificant relative to any of the following:

• The frequency of payments due;

• The debt’s original contractual maturity; or

• The debt’s original expected duration.

Most modified loans not classified and accounted for as troubled debt restructurings were performing and paying as agreed under their original terms in the six-month period immediately preceding a request for modification. Subsequently, these modified loans continue to perform under the modified terms and deferrals that amounted to insignificant delays which is supported by the fact and circumstances of each individual loan as described above. Payment performance continues to be monitored once modifications are made. The Company’s favorable experience regarding “re-defaults” under modified terms, or upon return of the loan to its original terms, indicates that such relief often improves ultimate collection and reduces the Company’s risk of loss.

A loan is generally considered impaired when based on current events and information it is probable that we will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. A loan including a restructured loan, for which there is an insignificant delay relative to the frequency of payments due, and/or original contractual maturity is not considered an impaired loan. Generally, impaired loans include loans on nonaccrual status and TDRs.

The Company’s policy is to record a specific valuation allowance, which is included in the allowance for credit losses, or charge -off that portion of an impaired loan that represents the impairment or shortfall amount as determined utilizing one of the three methods described in ASC 310-10-35-22. Impairment on non-collateral dependent restructured loans are measured by comparing the present value of expected future cash flows on the restructured loans discounted at the interest rate of the original loan agreement to the loan’s carrying value. The impairment amount, if any, is generally charged-off and recorded against the allowance for credit losses at the time impairment is measurable and a probable loss is determined. As a result, most of the TDRs have no specific allowance allocated because, consistent with the Company’s stated practice, any impairment is typically charged-off in the period in which it is identified. Impairment on collateral dependent restructured loans are measured by determining the amount the impaired loan exceeds the fair value of the collateral less estimated selling costs. The fair value is generally determined by an appraisal of the collateral performed by a Company-approved third-party independent appraiser. The majority of impaired loans that are collateral dependent are charged-off down to their estimated fair value of the collateral (less selling costs) at each reporting date based on current appraised value.

Appraisals of the collateral for impaired collateral-dependent loans are typically ordered at the earlier of the time the loan is identified as showing signs of inherent weakness, which may jeopardize repayment of when the loan is identified as impaired. These appraisals are normally updated at least annually, or more frequently, if there are concerns or indications that the value of the collateral may have changed significantly since the previous appraisal. On exception, a specific valuation allowance is only recorded on collateral dependent impaired loans when a current appraisal is not yet available, a recent appraisal is still under review or on single-family mortgage loans if the loans are currently under review for a loan modification. Such valuation allowances are generally based on previous appraisals adjusted for current market conditions, based on preliminary appraisal values that are still being reviewed or for single-family loans under review for modification on an appraisal or indications of comparable home sales from external sources.

Charge-offs of unsecured consumer loans are recorded when the loan reaches 120 days past due or sooner as circumstances dictate. Except for the charge-offs of unsecured consumer loans, the charge-off policy is applied consistently across all portfolio segments.

The Company measures impairment based on the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate, except that as a practical expedient, the Company may measure impairment based on a loan’s observable market price, or the fair value of the collateral if the loan is a collateral-dependent loan. Impaired single-family mortgage loans that have been modified in accordance with the various government modification programs are also measured based on the present value of the expected cash flows discounted at the loan’s pre-modification interest rate. The Company recognizes the change in present value attributable to the passage of time as interest income on such performing single-family mortgage loans and the amount of interest income recognized has been insignificant. During 2011, eleven such single-family mortgage loans have been returned to accrual status after demonstrating sustained repayment performance.

Covered Loans

Covered Loans - We refer to “covered loans” as those loans that we acquired in the San Joaquin Bank (“SJB”) acquisition for which we will be reimbursed for a substantial portion of any future losses under the terms of the FDIC loss sharing agreement. We account for loans under ASC 310-30, Loans and Debt Securities Acquired with Deteriorated Credit Quality (“acquired impaired loan accounting”) when (i) we acquire loans deemed to be impaired when there is evidence of credit deterioration since their origination and it is probable at the date of acquisition that we would be unable to collect all contractually required payments and (ii) as a general policy election for non-impaired loans that we acquire in a distressed bank acquisition. Acquired impaired loans are accounted for individually or in pools of loans based on common risk characteristics. The excess of the loan’s or pool’s scheduled contractual principal and interest payments over all cash flows expected at acquisition is the nonaccretable difference. The remaining amount, representing the excess of the loan’s cash flows expected to be collected over the fair value is the accretable yield (accreted into interest income over the remaining life of the loan or pool).

Deteriorated Credit Quality (“acquired impaired loan accounting”) when (i) we acquire loans deemed to be impaired when there is evidence of credit deterioration since their origination and it is probable at the date of acquisition that we would be unable to collect all contractually required payments and (ii) as a general policy election for non-impaired loans that we acquire in a distressed bank acquisition. Acquired impaired loans are accounted for individually or in pools of loans based on common risk characteristics. The excess of the loan’s or pool’s scheduled contractual principal and interest payments over all cash flows expected at acquisition is the nonaccretable difference. The remaining amount, representing the excess of the loan’s cash flows expected to be collected over the fair value is the accretable yield (accreted into interest income over the remaining life of the loan or pool).

Provision and Allowance for Credit Losses

Provision and Allowance for Credit Losses - The allowance for credit losses is established as management’s estimate of probable losses inherent in the loan and lease receivables portfolio. The allowance is increased by the provision for losses and decreased by charge-offs when management believes the uncollectability of a loan is confirmed. Subsequent recoveries, if any, are credited to the allowance. The determination of the balance in the allowance for credit losses is based on an analysis of the loan and lease finance receivables portfolio using a systematic methodology and reflects an amount that, in management’s judgment, is appropriate to provide for probable credit losses inherent in the portfolio, after giving consideration to the character of the loan portfolio, current economic conditions, past credit loss experience, and such other factors that would deserve current recognition in estimating inherent credit losses.

There are different qualitative risks for the loans in each portfolio segment. The construction and real estate segments’ predominant risk characteristic is the collateral and the geographic location of the property collateralizing the loan as well as the operating cash flow for commercial real estate properties. The commercial and industrial segment’s predominant risk characteristics are the cash flow of the businesses we lend to, the global cash flows and liquidity of the guarantors as well as economic and market conditions. The dairy and livestock segment’s predominant risk characteristics are milk and beef prices in the market as well as the cost of feed and cattle. The municipal lease segment’s predominant risk characteristics are the municipality’s general financial condition and tax revenues or if applicable the specific project related financial condition. The consumer, auto and other segment’s predominant risk characteristics are employment and income levels as it relates to consumers and cash flows of the businesses as it relates to equipment and vehicle leases to businesses.

The Company’s methodology is consistently applied across all the portfolio segments taken into account the applicable historical loss rates and the qualitative factors applicable to each pool of loans. A key factor in the Company’s methodology is the loan risk rating (Pass, Special Mention, Substandard, Doubtful and Loss). Loan risk ratings are updated as facts related to the loan or borrower become available. In addition, all term loans in excess of $1.0 million are subject to an annual internal credit review process where all factors underlying the loan, borrower and guarantors are reviewed and may result in changes to the loan’s risk rating. There have been no significant changes to the methodology or policies in the periods presented, except for one new factor added to the allowance for credit losses methodology during the quarter ended September 30, 2011. As part of the qualitative analysis, this new factor is used to adjust the historical loan loss rates to include an adjustment for indicated volatility in the value of various types of real estate collateral in our market area. The estimate is reviewed quarterly by the Board of Directors and management and periodically by various regulatory entities and, as adjustments become necessary, they are reported in earnings in the periods in which they become known.

A provision for credit losses on the covered portfolio will be recorded if there is deterioration in the expected cash flows on covered loans compared to those previously estimated without regard to the reimbursement from the FDIC under the FDIC loss sharing agreement. The portion of the loss on covered loans reimbursable from the FDIC is recorded in noninterest income as an increase in FDIC loss sharing asset. Decreases in expected cash flows on the acquired impaired loans as of the measurement date compared to previously estimated are recognized by recording a provision for credit losses on acquired impaired loans. Loans accounted for as part of a pool are measured based on the expected cash flows of the entire pool.

FDIC Loss Sharing Asset

FDIC Loss Sharing Asset - The FDIC loss sharing asset is initially recorded at fair value which represents the present value of the estimated cash payments from the FDIC for future losses on covered loans. The estimated gross cash flows associated with this asset were $144.9 million as of October 16, 2009. The ultimate collectability of this asset is dependent upon the performance of the underlying covered loans, the passage of time and claims paid by the FDIC. The loss estimates used in calculating the FDIC loss sharing asset are determined on the same basis as the loss estimates on the related covered loans and is the present value of the cash flows the Company expects to collect from the FDIC under the shared-loss agreement. The difference between the present value and the undiscounted cash flow the Company expects to collect from the FDIC is accreted into noninterest income over the life of the FDIC indemnification asset. The FDIC indemnification asset is adjusted for any changes in expected cash flows based on the loan performance. Any increases in cash flow of the loans over those expected will reduce the FDIC indemnification asset and any decreases in cash flow of the loans over those expected will increase the FDIC indemnification asset. Increase and decreases to the FDIC indemnification asset are recorded as adjustments to other operating income.

Non-Covered Other Real Estate Owned

Non-covered Other Real Estate Owned - Non-covered other real estate owned (“OREO”) represents real estate acquired through foreclosure in lieu of repayment of commercial and real estate loans and is stated at fair value, minus estimated costs to sell (fair value at time of foreclosure). Non-covered loan balances in excess of fair value of the real estate acquired at the date of acquisition are charged against the allowance for credit losses. Any subsequent operating expenses or income, reduction in estimated values, and gains or losses on disposition of such properties are charged to current operations. Gain recognition upon disposition of a property is dependent on the sale having met certain criteria relating to the buyer’s initial investment in the property sold.

Covered Other Real Estate Owned

Covered Other Real Estate Owned - All other real estate owned acquired in the FDIC-assisted acquisition of SJB are included in a FDIC shared-loss agreement and are referred to as covered other real estate owned. Covered other real estate owned is reported exclusive of expected reimbursement cash flows from the FDIC. Fair value adjustments on covered other real estate owned result in a reduction of the covered other real estate carrying amount and a corresponding increase in the estimated FDIC reimbursement, with the estimated net loss to the Company charged against earnings.

Premises and Equipment

Premises and Equipment - Premises and equipment are stated at cost, less accumulated depreciation, which is provided for in amounts sufficient to relate the cost of depreciable assets to operations over their estimated service lives using the straight-line method. Properties under capital lease and leasehold improvements are amortized over the shorter of estimated economic lives of 15 years or the initial terms of the leases. Estimated lives are 3 to 5 years for computer equipment, 5 to 7 years for furniture, fixtures and equipment, and 15 to 40 years for buildings and improvements. Long-lived assets are reviewed periodically for impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. The existence of impairment is based on undiscounted cash flows. To the extent impairment exists, the impairment is calculated as the difference in fair value of assets and their carrying value. The impairment loss, if any, would be recorded in noninterest expense.

Goodwill and Intangible Assets

Goodwill and Intangible Assets - Goodwill resulting from business combinations prior to January 1, 2009, represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of the net assets of the businesses acquired. Goodwill resulting from business combinations after January 1, 2009, is generally determined as the excess of the fair value of the consideration transferred, plus the fair value of any noncontrolling interest in the acquiree, over the fair value of the net assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of the acquisition date. Goodwill and intangible assets acquired in a purchase business combination and determined to have an indefinite useful life are not amortized, but tested for impairment at least annually, or more frequently if events and circumstances exists that indicate that a goodwill impairment test should be performed. The Company selected July 1 as the date to perform the annual impairment test. Intangible assets with definite useful lives are amortized over their estimated useful lives to their estimated residual values. Goodwill is the only intangible asset with an indefinite life on our balance sheet. There was no recorded impairment as of December 31, 2011.

Other intangible assets consist of core deposit intangible assets arising from business combinations and are amortized over an accelerated method over their estimated useful lives.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

Fair Value of Financial Instruments - We use fair value measurements to record fair value adjustments to certain financial instruments and to determine fair value disclosures. Investment securities available-for-sale and interest-rate swaps are financial instruments recorded at fair value on a recurring basis. Additionally, from time to time, we may be required to record at fair value other financial assets on a non-recurring basis, such as impaired loans and OREO. These nonrecurring fair value adjustments typically involve application of lower-of-cost-or-market accounting or writedowns of individual assets. Further, we include in Note 20 to the Consolidated Financial Statements information about the extent to which fair value is used to measure assets and liabilities, the valuation methodologies used and its impact to earnings. Additionally, for financial instruments not recorded at fair value we disclose the estimate of their fair value.

Bank Owned Life Insurance

Bank Owned Life Insurance - The Company invests in Bank-Owned Life Insurance (“BOLI”). BOLI involves the purchasing of life insurance by the Company on a select group of employees. The Company is the owner and primary beneficiary of these policies. BOLI is recorded as an asset at cash surrender value. Increases in the cash value of these policies, as well as insurance proceeds received, are recorded in other non-interest income and are not subject to income tax.

Income Taxes

Income Taxes - Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases and operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. Future realization of deferred tax assets ultimately depends on the existence of sufficient taxable income of the appropriate character (for example, ordinary income or capital gain) within the carryback or carryforward periods available under the tax law. Based on historical and future expected taxable earnings and available strategies, the Company considers the future realization of these deferred tax assets more likely than not.

The tax effects from an uncertain tax position are recognized in the financial statements only if, based on its merits, the position is more likely than not to be sustained on audit by the taxing authorities. Interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions are recorded as part of other operating expense.

Earnings Per Common Share

Earnings per Common Share - The Company calculates earnings per common share (“EPS”) using the two-class method. The two-class method requires the Company to present EPS as if all of the earnings for the period are distributed to common shareholders and any participating securities, regardless of whether any actual dividends or distributions are made. All outstanding unvested share-based payment awards that contain rights to non-forfeitable dividends are considered participating securities. The Company grants restricted shares under the 2008 Equity Incentive Plan that qualify as participating securities. Restricted shares issued under this plan are entitled to dividends at the same rate as common stock. A reconciliation of the numerator and the denominator used in the computation of basic and diluted earnings per common share is included in Note 17.

Stock-Based Compensation

Stock-Based Compensation - At December 31, 2011, the Company has three stock-based employee compensation plans. The Company accounts for stock compensation using the “modified prospective” method. Under this method, awards that are granted, modified, or settled after December 31, 2005, are fair valued as of grant date and compensation costs recognized over the vesting period on a straight-lined basis. Also under this method, unvested stock awards as of January 1, 2006 are recognized over the remaining service period with no change in historical reported earnings.

Derivative Financial Instruments

Derivative Financial Instruments - All derivative instruments, including certain derivative instruments embedded in other contracts, are recognized on the consolidated balance sheet at fair value. For derivatives designated as fair value hedges, changes in the fair value of the derivative and the hedged item related to the hedged risk are recognized in earnings. Changes in fair value of derivatives designated and accounted for as cash flow hedges, to the extent they are effective as hedges, are recorded in “Other Comprehensive Income,” net of deferred taxes, and are subsequently reclassified to earnings when the hedged transaction affects earnings. Any hedge ineffectiveness would be recognized in the income statement line item pertaining to the hedged item.

Statement of Cash Flows

Statement of Cash Flows - Cash and cash equivalents as reported in the statements of cash flows include cash and due from banks, interest-bearing balances due from depository institutions and federal funds sold with original maturities of three months or less. Cash flows from loans and deposits are reported net.

Citizens Trust

CitizensTrust - This division provides trust, investment and brokerage related services, as well as financial, estate and business succession planning services. CitizensTrust services its clients through two offices in Southern California: Pasadena, and Ontario. CitizensTrust has approximately $2.0 billion in assets under administration, including $1.6 billion in assets under management. The amount of these funds and the related liability have not been recorded in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets because they are not assets or liabilities of the Bank or Company, with the exception of any funds held on deposit with the Bank.

Use of Estimates in the Preparation of Financial Statements

Use of Estimates in the Preparation of Financial Statements- The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. A material estimate that is particularly susceptible to significant change in the near term relates to the determination of the allowance for credit losses. Other significant estimates which may be subject to change include fair value determinations and disclosures, impairment of investments, goodwill, loans, determining the amount and realization of the FDIC loss sharing asset, and valuation of deferred tax assets, other intangibles and OREO.

Other Contingencies

Other Contingencies - In the ordinary course of business, the Company becomes involved in litigation. Based upon the Company’s internal records and discussions with legal counsel, the Company records reserves as appropriate, for estimates of the probable outcome of all cases brought against the Company. Except as discussed in Note 14 at December 31, 2011 the Company does not have any litigation reserves and is not aware of any material pending legal action or complaints asserted against the Company.

Recent Accounting Pronouncement

Recent Accounting Pronouncements - In April 2011, the FASB issued ASU 2011-02, Receivables (Topic 310): A Creditor’s Determination of Whether a Restructuring Is a Troubled Debt Restructuring. The update provides additional guidance for creditors in determining whether a creditor has granted a concession and whether a debtor is experiencing financial difficulties for purposes of determining whether a restructuring constitutes a troubled debt restructuring. The provisions of this standard are effective for the first interim or annual period beginning on or after June 15, 2011, and should be applied retrospectively to restructurings occurring on or after January 1, 2011. The adoption of this guidance on July 1, 2011 did not have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

In June 2011, the FASB issued ASU 2011-05, “Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Presentation of Comprehensive Income.” Under ASU 2011-05, an entity will have the option to present the components of net earnings and comprehensive income in either a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or in two separate but consecutive statements. This standard eliminates the option in United States generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) to present other comprehensive income in the statement of changes in equity. ASU 2011-05 should be applied retrospectively and is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2011. Early adoption is permitted. Adoption of this standard did not have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

In September 2011, the FASB issued ASU 2011-08, “Testing Goodwill for Impairment.” The provisions of ASU 2011-08 permits an entity an option to first perform a qualitative assessment to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. If an entity believes, as a result of its qualitative assessment, that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, the quantitative impairment test is required. Otherwise, no further impairment testing is required. ASU 2011-08 includes examples of events and circumstances that may indicate that a reporting unit’s fair value is less than its carrying amount. The provisions of ASU No. 2011-08 are effective for annual and interim goodwill impairment tests performed for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2011. Early adoption is permitted provided that the entity has not yet performed its annual impairment test for goodwill. The Company performs its annual impairment test for goodwill on July 1 of each year. The Company does not expect adoption of this amendment to have a material effect on its consolidated financial statements.

Reclassification

Reclassification - Certain amounts in the prior periods’ financial statements and related footnote disclosures have been reclassified to conform to the current presentation with no impact on previously reported net income or stockholders’ equity.