Basis of Presentation (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2014

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

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.

Segments

Segments — 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. Noninterest income and noninterest 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 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 Held-for-Sale

Loans Held-for-Sale — Loans held-for-sale include 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 and if a reduction in value is required at time of the transfer, a charge-off is recorded against the allowance for loan losses (“ALLL”). Normally a formal marketing strategy or plan for sale is developed at the time the decision to sell the loan(s) is made. Any subsequent decline in value or any subsequent gain on sale of the loan(s) is recorded to current earnings and reported as part of other noninterest 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 loans sold.

Loans and Lease Finance Receivables

Loans and Lease Finance Receivables — 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 and purchase price discounts. Purchase Credit Impaired (“PCI”) loans are those loans that when we acquired them were deemed to be impaired. PCI loans are included in total loans and lease finance receivables as of December 31, 2014. Refer to Note 7, “Loans and Lease Finance Receivables” for total loans, excluding PCI loans, by type and to Note 6, — Acquired SJB Assets and FDIC Loss Sharing Asset for PCI loans by type.

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 consolidated financial statements.

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, Small Business Administration (“SBA”) loans, real estate mortgages, 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 loans are deferred and netted against outstanding loan balances. The deferred net loan fees and costs and purchase price discounts are recognized in interest income over the loan term using the effective-yield method.

Interest on loans and lease finance receivables, excluding PCI loans, is credited to income based on the principal amounts of such loans or receivables outstanding. 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 loans and lease finance receivables when collection of interest is deemed by management to be doubtful. Loans, excluding PCI loans, on which the accrual of interest has been discontinued are designated as nonaccrual loans. In general, the accrual of interest on loans, excluding PCI 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 loans and lease finance receivables, excluding PCI loans.

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. As a result of these concessions, restructured loans are considered impaired, and the measurement of impairment is based on the Company’s policy for impaired loans. In addition, the Company may provide a concession to the debtor where it 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 are not 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 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 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 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; 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:

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 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.

Impaired Loans

Impaired Loans — 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. 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 also measure impairment based on an observable market price for the loan, or the value of the collateral, for collateral dependent loans. Impairment on collateral dependent restructured loans is measured by determining the amount by which our recorded investment in 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 applied consistently across all portfolio segments. 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.

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.

Our methodology for assessing the appropriateness of the allowance is conducted on a regular basis and considers the Bank’s overall loan portfolio. The Bank’s methodology consists of two major phases.

In the first phase, individual loans are reviewed to identify loans for impairment. Impairment is measured based on the Company’s policy for impaired loans for collateral dependent loans. If the Company determines that the fair value of the collateral is less than the recorded investment in the loan, the Company either recognizes an impairment reserve as a specific allowance, or charges off the impaired balance if it is determined that such amount represents a confirmed loss. Loans determined to be impaired are excluded from the formula allowance so as not to double count the loss exposure.

The second phase is conducted by evaluating or segmenting the remainder of the loan portfolio into groups or pools of loans with similar characteristics. In this second phase, groups or pools of homogeneous loans are reviewed to determine a portfolio formula allowance. In the case of the portfolio formula allowance, homogeneous portfolios, such as small business loans, consumer loans, agricultural loans, and real estate loans, are aggregated or pooled in determining the appropriate allowance. The risk assessment process in this case emphasizes trends in the different portfolios for delinquency, loss, and other behavioral characteristics of the subject portfolio over a relevant period.

Included in this second phase is our consideration of qualitative factors, including, all known relevant internal and external factors that may affect the collectability of a loan. This includes our estimates of the amounts necessary for concentrations, economic uncertainties, the volatility of the market value of collateral, and other relevant factors. These qualitative factors are used to adjust the historical loan loss rates for each pool of loans to determine the probable loan losses inherent in the portfolio.

Periodically, we assess various attributes utilized in adjusting our historical loss factors to reflect current economic conditions. The methodology is consistently applied across all the portfolio segments taking into account the applicable historical loss rates and the qualitative factors applicable to each pool of loans.

In the fourth quarter ended December 31, 2013, the Bank implemented a change in its methodology to calculate the Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses (“ALLL”). Previously, the Bank used an annual three-year look-back period of historical losses, segmented by loan type, with the loss factors updated annually to include the current year’s loss experience in the fourth quarter of each year. In the selection of an appropriate look-back period, management considered that its historical loss experience was low in the most recent three year period and higher in the past fourth and fifth year. The three-year average loss factor for 2011 to 2013 would have been less than the previously used 2010 to 2012 three-year average loss factor. External factors that were considered were the improving credit environment and the stabilizing economy. The impact on our methodology was to reduce the volatility of credit losses. In determining the look-back period, management considered the period used to develop the historical loss rate should be long enough to capture sufficient loss data. We determined that a rolling twenty quarters look-back period was appropriate as of December 31, 2013 because we believe it represents the best indicator of inherent losses within the loan portfolio as many of the economic factors in the early stages of the economic recovery still exist.

Purchase Credit Impaired Loans

Purchase Credit Impaired Loans — Purchase Credit Impaired (“PCI”) loans are those loans that we acquired in the San Joaquin Bank (“SJB”) acquisition for which we were “covered” for reimbursement for a substantial portion of any future losses under the terms of the FDIC loss sharing agreement. We account for PCI 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). Refer to Note 6 — Acquired SJB Assets and FDIC Loss Sharing Asset for PCI loans by type at December 31, 2014.

A provision for loan losses on the PCI portfolio will be recorded if there is deterioration in the expected cash flows on PCI loans as a result of deteriorated credit quality, compared to those previously. The portion of the loss on SJB loans reimbursable from the FDIC was recorded in noninterest income as a decrease 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 covered 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” during the term of the indemnification agreement.” Under the terms of such loss sharing agreement, the FDIC absorbs 80% of losses and shares 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 covered 5 years for commercial loans and covers 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 was 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 were 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 expected to collect from the FDIC under the loss sharing agreement. The difference between the present value and the undiscounted cash flow the Company expected to collect from the FDIC was accreted (or amortized) into noninterest income over the life of the FDIC indemnification asset. The FDIC indemnification asset was 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 reduced the FDIC indemnification asset and any decreases in the cash flows of covered loans over those acquired decreased 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 were recorded as adjustments to noninterest income. As the loss sharing agreement for commercial loans expired on October 16, 2014, the receivable at December 31, 2014 reflect amounts for which we expect reimbursement from the FDIC.

Other Real Estate Owned

Other Real Estate Owned — 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, less estimated costs to sell (fair value at time of foreclosure). Loan balances in excess of fair value of the real estate acquired at the date of acquisition are charged against the allowance for loan 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.

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 the estimated service lives of the respective asset and are computed on a straight-line basis.  

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 non-controlling 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 exist 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 sheets. Based on the Company’s annual impairment test, there was zero recorded impairment as of December 31, 2014.

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.

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 write-downs of individual assets. Further, we include in Note 20 — Fair Value Information of 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 the cash surrender value. Increases in the cash value of these policies, as well as insurance proceeds received, are recorded in other noninterest 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. 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 — Earnings Per Share Reconciliation of these 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 December 31, 2014, 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 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 18 — Stock Option Plans and Restricted Stock Awards of the consolidated financial statements included herein.

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.

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.

CitizensTrust

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 three offices in Southern California: Pasadena, Ontario and Newport Beach. CitizensTrust has approximately $2.41 billion in assets under administration, including $1.87 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 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, 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 15 — Commitments and Contingencies at December 31, 2014, 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 January 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-01, “Investments — Equity Method and Joint Ventures (Topic 323) — Accounting for Investments in Qualified Affordable Housing Projects.” This ASU allows reporting entities to make an accounting policy election concerning investments in Low Income Housing Tax Credit (“LIHTC”) programs, that meet specified conditions, to present the net tax benefits (net of the amortization of the cost of the investment) within income tax expense. The cost of LIHTC investments, that meet the specified conditions, may be amortized in proportion to the total expected tax benefits, including the tax credits and other tax benefits, as they are realized on the tax return. This ASU is effective beginning after December 15, 2014. This ASU is required to be applied retrospectively, if investors elect the proportional amortization method. However, if investors have existing LIHTC investments accounted for under the effective-yield method at adoption, they may continue to apply that method for those existing investments. The adoption of this new guidance is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

In January 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-04, “Receivables — Troubled Debt Restructurings by Creditors (Subtopic 310-40) — Reclassification of Residential Real Estate Collateralized Consumer Mortgage Loans Upon Foreclosure.” This ASU clarifies when a creditor should reclassify mortgage loans collateralized by residential real estate from loans receivable to other real estate owned. ASU 2014-04 defines when an in-substance repossession or foreclosure has occurred and when a creditor is considered to have received physical possession of residential real estate collateralizing a mortgage loan. This ASU is effective for us on January 1, 2015 and can be applied either prospectively or using a modified retrospective transition method, and early adoption is permitted. The adoption of this new guidance is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606)”. This update to the ASC is the culmination of efforts by the FASB and the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) to develop a common revenue standard for U.S. GAAP and International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). ASU 2014-09 supersedes Topic 605 — Revenue Recognition and most industry-specific guidance. The core principal of the guidance is that an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The guidance in ASU 2014-09 describes a 5-step process entities can apply to achieve the core principle of revenue recognition and requires disclosures sufficient to enable users of financial statements to understand the nature, amount, timing, and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from contracts with customers and the significant judgments used in determining that information. The amendments in ASU 2014-9 are effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods within that reporting period and early application is not allowed. The adoption of this new guidance is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

In June 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-12, “Compensation — Stock Compensation (Topic 718) — Accounting for Share-Based Payments When the Terms of an Award Provide That a Performance Target Could Be Achieved after the Requisite Services Period”. The amendments in ASU 2014-12 provide guidance for determining compensation cost under specific circumstances when an employee is eligible to vest in an award regardless of whether the employee is rendering service on the date the performance target is achieved. ASU 2014-12 becomes effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2015 with early adoption permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the effects of ASU 2014-12 on its consolidated financial statements and disclosures, if any.

In August 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-15, “Presentation of Financial Statements — Going Concern (Subtopic 205-40) — Disclosure of Uncertainties about an Entity’s Ability to Continue as a Going Concern”. The new guidance addresses management’s responsibility to evaluate whether there is substantial doubt about an entity’s ability to continue as a going concern and to provide related footnote disclosures. Management’s evaluation should be based on relevant conditions and events that are known and reasonably knowable at the date that the financial statements are issued. ASU 2014-15 will be effective for the first interim period within annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016. Early adoption is permitted. The adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

In February 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-02, “Consolidation (Topic 810): Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis”. The new guidance reduces the number of consolidation models from four to two as well as simplifies the FASB Accounting Standards Codification and improves GAAP by placing more of an emphasis on risk of loss when determining a controlling financial interest, reducing the frequency of the application of related party guidance when determining a controlling financial interest in a variable interest entity (VIE), and changing the consolidation conclusions for public and private companies in several industries that typically make use of VIE’s. ASU 2015-02 will be effective for the first interim period within annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016. Early adoption is permitted. The adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

Fair Value Hierarchy

Fair Value Hierarchy

The Company uses fair value measurements to record fair value adjustments to certain assets and liabilities. Available-for-sale investment securities are recorded at fair value on a recurring basis. The Company may be required to reflect other assets at fair value on a non-recurring basis, such as OREO, impaired loans, investment securities held-to-maturity, goodwill and identified intangible assets. Nonrecurring fair value measurements typically involve assets that are periodically evaluated for impairment and for which any impairment is recorded in the period in which the remeasurement is performed. These non-recurring fair value adjustments typically involve the lower-of-cost or fair value accounting for individual assets.

In accordance with the Fair Value Measurement and Disclosure topic of the Codification, the Company bases its fair values on the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date.

The Company groups its assets and liabilities measured at fair value into a three-level hierarchy based on the markets in which the respective assets and liabilities are traded and the reliability of the assumptions used to determine the fair values. The following disclosure provides the fair value information for financial assets and liabilities as of December 31, 2014. The fair value hierarchy prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value into three broad levels (Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3).

• Level 1 — Valuation is based upon quoted prices for identical instruments traded in active markets. Level 1 includes highly liquid assets such as cash and cash equivalents.

• Level 2 — Valuation is based upon quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active, and model-based valuation techniques for which all significant assumptions are observable in the market.

• Level 3 — Valuation is generated from model-based techniques that use significant assumptions not observable in the market. These unobservable assumptions reflect the Company’s own estimates of assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. Valuation techniques include use of option pricing models, discounted cash flows and similar techniques.