Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2013

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 expected terms of the securities. For mortgage-backed securities (“MBS”), the amortization or accretion is based on the 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 the Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco (“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 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 unfunded, the related unfunded amounts are not reflected in the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

Interest on non-covered loans and lease finance receivables is credited to income based on the principal amounts of such loans or receivables 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 this determination involves 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 by 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.

Troubled Debt Restructurings

Troubled Debt Restructurings — 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. Types of modifications that may be considered concessions, which in turn result in a TDR include, but are not limited to, (i) a reduction of the stated interest rate for the remaining original life of the debt, (ii) an extension of the maturity date or dates at a stated interest rate lower than the current market rate for new debt with similar risk, (iii) a reduction of the face amount or maturity amount of the debt as stated in the instrument or other agreement, or (iv) a reduction of interest. In addition, the Company may provide a concession to the debtor where the debtor offers collateral and the value of such collateral is significant in proportion to the nature of the concession requested, and it substantially reduces the Company’s risk of loss. In such cases, these modifications may not be considered a TDR 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. Because of the Company’s focus on the commercial lending sector, each business customer has unique attributes, which in turn means that modifications of loans to those customers 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 a borrower is experiencing financial difficulties will include, among other relevant factors considered by the Company, a review of (i) whether the borrower is in default on any of its debt, (ii) whether the borrower is experiencing payment delinquency, (iii) whether the global cash flows of the borrower and the owner guarantor(s) of the borrower have diminished below what is necessary to service existing debt obligations, (iv) whether the borrowers’ forecasted cash flows will be insufficient to service the debt in future periods or in accordance with the contractual terms of the existing agreement with the Company (or agreements with other lenders) 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 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 ranges from three (3) to twelve (12) months but may in some cases apply for the remaining term of the loan; 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 certain 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, such analysis is based on an evaluation of both the amount and the timing of the restructured payments, including the following factors:

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

The delay is insignificant relative to any of the following:

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The frequency of payments due;

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The debt’s original contractual maturity; or

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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 have continued to perform under the modified terms and deferrals that amounted to insignificant delays, which in turn is supported by the facts and circumstances of each individual customer and 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 may improve 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 the Company 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 the 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 loan losses, or to 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 is 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 loan 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 is measured by determining the amount by which the impaired loan exceeds the fair value of the collateral less estimated selling costs. The fair value is generally determined by one or more appraisals 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 time the loan is identified as showing signs of inherent weakness. 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 an exception basis, a specific valuation allowance is 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 indicate. Except for the charge-offs of unsecured consumer loans, the charge-off policy is generally 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 to date has been insignificant.

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 Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“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).

Provision and Allowance for Loan Losses

Provision and Allowance for Loan Losses — The allowance for loan losses is 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 loan 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 loan losses inherent in the portfolio, after giving consideration to the character of the loan portfolio, current economic conditions, past loan loss experience, and such other factors that would deserve current recognition in estimating inherent loan 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 flows of the businesses we lend to, the global cash flows and liquidity of the guarantors of such losses, as well as economic and market conditions. The dairy & 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 they relate to consumers and cash flows of the businesses as they relate to equipment and vehicle leases to businesses. The Agribusiness segment’s predominant risk characteristics are the supply and demand conditions of the product, production seasonality, the scale of operations and ability to control costs, the availability and cost of water, and operator experience.

The Company’s methodology is consistently applied across all portfolio segments taking 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 subject to review which may result in changes to the loan’s risk rating. Periodically, we assess various attributes utilized in adjusting our historical loss factors to reflect our view of current economic conditions. The estimate is reviewed quarterly by the Board of Directors and management and periodically by various regulatory agencies and, as adjustments become necessary, they are reported in earnings in the periods in which they become known.

A provision for loan losses on the covered portfolio will be recorded if there is deterioration in the expected cash flows on covered loans as a result of deteriorated credit quality, 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 the 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 loan 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 — On October 16, 2009, the Bank acquired substantially all of the assets and assumed substantially all of the liabilities of SJB from the FDIC in an FDIC-assisted transaction. The Bank entered into a loss sharing agreement with the FDIC, whereby the FDIC will cover a substantial portion of any future losses on certain acquired assets. The acquired assets subject to the loss sharing agreement are referred to collectively as “covered assets.” Under the terms of such loss sharing agreement, the FDIC will absorb 80% of losses and share in 80% of loss recoveries up to $144.0 million with respect to covered assets, after a first loss amount of $26.7 million. The FDIC will reimburse the Bank for 95% of losses and share in 95% of loss recoveries in excess of $144.0 million with respect to covered assets. The loss sharing agreement is in effect for 5 years for commercial loans and 10 years for single-family residential loans from the October 16, 2009 acquisition date and the loss recovery provisions are in effect for 8 and 10 years, respectively, for commercial and single-family residential loans from the acquisition date.

The FDIC loss sharing asset was 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 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 loss sharing agreement. The difference between the present value and the undiscounted cash flow the Company expects to collect from the FDIC is accreted (or amortized) 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 covered loan performance. Any increases in the cash flows of covered loans over those expected will reduce the FDIC indemnification asset and any decreases in the cash flows of covered loans over those expected will increase the FDIC indemnification asset, with the remaining balance amortized on the same basis as the discount, not to exceed its remaining contract life. These increases and decreases to the FDIC indemnification asset are recorded as adjustments to noninterest income.

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.

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. Based on the Company’s annual impairment test, there was zero recorded impairment as of September 30, 2013.

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

At September 30, 2013, goodwill was $55.1 million. As of September 30, 2013, intangible assets that continue to be subject to amortization include core deposit premiums of $2.4 million (net of $29.6 million of accumulated amortization). Amortization expense for such intangible assets was $127,000, and $1.0 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013. Estimated amortization expense for the remainder of 2013 is expected to be $124,000. Estimated amortization expense for the succeeding years is $475,000 for 2014, $437,000 for 2015, $395,000 for 2016, $366,000 for 2017, and $589,000 for the period from 2018 to 2019. The weighted average remaining life of intangible assets is approximately 2.0 years.

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 other real estate owned (“OREO”). These nonrecurring fair value adjustments typically involve application of lower-of-cost-or-market accounting or write-downs of individual assets. Further, we include in Note 8 of the unaudited condensed 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.

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. 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 7 of these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

Stock-Based Compensation

Stock-Based Compensation — Consistent with the provisions of ASC 718, “Stock Compensation”, we recognize expense for the grant date fair value of stock options and restricted shares issued to employees, officers and non-employee directors over the their requisite service periods (generally the vesting period). The service periods may be subject to performance conditions.

At September 30, 2013, the Company had 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 measured at fair value as of the grant date with 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.

The fair value of each stock option grant is estimated as of the grant date using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. Management assumptions used at the time of grant impact the fair value of the option calculated under the Black-Scholes option-pricing model, and ultimately, the expense that will be recognized over the life of the option.

The grant date fair value of restricted stock awards is measured at the fair value of the Company’s common stock as if the restricted share was vested and issued on the date of grant.

Additional information is included in Note 19, “Stock Option Plan and Restricted Stock Awards”, of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Derivative Financial Instruments

Derivative Financial Instruments — All derivative instruments, including certain derivative instruments embedded in other contracts, are recognized on the consolidated balance sheets 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.

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 GAAP 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 loan 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 Part II – Other Information, Item 1. “Legal Proceedings,” at September 30, 2013, 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 Pronouncements

Recent Accounting Pronouncements — In July 2013, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2013-11, “Income Taxes (Topic 740)—Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists”. This ASU requires an entity to present an unrecognized tax benefit as a reduction of a deferred tax asset for a net operating loss carryforward, or similar tax loss or tax credit carryforward, rather than a liability when (1) the uncertain tax position would reduce the net operating loss or other carryforward under the tax law of the applicable jurisdiction and (2) the entity intends to use the deferred tax asset for that purpose. The ASU does not require new recurring disclosures. ASU No. 2013-11 is effective prospectively for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2013. The adoption of this new guidance is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.