10-Q 1 j0527_10q.htm Prepared by MerrillDirect


SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)

x     QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(D) OF
          THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended  March 31, 2001______

OR

o      TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15 (d) OF
          THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from ____________to____________

Commission file number  0-18630________

CATHAY BANCORP, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
 
Delaware

95-4274680

(State of other jurisdiction of incorporation (I.R.S. Employer
or organization) Identification No.)
   
777 North Broadway, Los Angeles, California

90012

(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
   
Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (213) 625-4700

   

(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)

 

          Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.

Yes x         No o

          Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.

          Common stock, $.01 par value, 9,095,239 shares outstanding as of May 4, 2001



 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PART_I__FINANCIAL_INFORMATION    
     
  Item 1. Financial Statements (unaudited)
    Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)
  Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
  Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
     
PART_II__OTHER_INFORMATION    
     
  Item 1. Legal Proceedings
  Item 2. Changes in Securities and Use of Proceeds
  Item 3. Defaults upon Senior Securities
  Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
  Item 5. Other Information
  Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K
     
SIGNATURES    

 

PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

CATHAY BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
(In thousands, except share and per share data)
(unaudited)

 

  March 31, 2001
December 31, 2000
ASSETS    
Cash and due from banks $51,803 $65,687
Federal funds sold and securities purchased under agreements to resell 18,500
19,000
     
   Cash and cash equivalents 70,303 84,687
Securities available-for-sale (amortized cost of $218,972 in 2001 and $173,841 in 2000) 225,898 177,796
Securities held-to-maturity (estimated fair value of $400,790 in 2001 and $388,656 in 2000) 394,711 387,200
Loans 1,485,729 1,463,413
Less:  Allowance for loan losses (22,590) (21,967)
          Unamortized deferred loan fees (4,066)
(4,139)
Loans,net 1,459,073 1,437,307
Other real estate owned, net 5,174 5,174
Investments in real estate, net 16,433 17,348
Premises and equipment, net 29,403 29,723
Customers' liability on acceptance 18,149 20,355
Accrued interest receivable 15,299 15,633
Goodwill 9,528 9,744
Other assets 18,028
21,867
  Total assets $2,261,999
$2,206,834
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY    
Deposits    
  Non-interest bearing demand deposits $215,325 $221,805
  Interest bearing accounts    
    NOW accounts 125,430 125,647
    Money market deposits 137,420 119,805
    Savings deposits 229,962 231,761
    Time deposits under $100 395,595 379,809
    Time deposits of $100 or more 850,792
797,620
  Total deposits 1,954,524 1,876,447
     
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase 43,379 68,173
Advances from Federal Home Loan Bank 10,000 10,000
Acceptances outstanding 18,149 20,355
Other liabilities 10,858
17,072
  Total liabilities 2,036,910 1,992,047
     
Stockholders' equity    
  Preferred stock, $.01 par value; 10,000,000 shares authorized, none issued -- --
  Common stock, $.01 par value; 25,000,000 shares authorized, 9,086,323 and 9,074,365 shares issued and outstanding in 2001 and 2000, respectively 91 91
  Additional paid-in-capital 66,919 66,275
  Accumulated other comprehensive income, net 4,849 2,303
  Retained earnings 153,230
146,118
  Total stockholders' equity 225,089
214,787
     
  Total liabilities and stockholders' equity $2,261,999
$2,206,834
     
     
See accompanying Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.  

CATHAY BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income
(In thousands, except share and per share data)
(Unaudited)

  1st Qtr 1st Qtr
  Mar. 2001
Mar. 2000
INTEREST INCOME    
  Interest on loans $32,374 $28,383
  Interest on securities available-for-sale 3,144 2,500
  Interest on securities held-to-maturity 5,988 6,297
  Interest on Federal funds sold and securities
     purchased under agreements to resell
529 201
  Interest on deposits with banks 11
7
  Total interest income 42,046
37,388
INTEREST EXPENSE    
  Time deposits of $100 or more 11,645 9,180
  Other deposits 7,027 5,930
  Other borrowed funds 735
984
  Total interest expense  19,407
16,094
  Net interest income before provision for loan losses 22,639 21,294
  Provision for loan losses 1,200
1,050
  Net interest income after provision for loan losses 21,439 20,244
     
NON-INTEREST INCOME    
  Securities gains (losses) 864 -
  Letter of credit commissions 540 524
  Service charges 1,212 1,038
  Other operating income 1,236
1,187
  Total non-interest income 3,852
2,749
NON-INTEREST EXPENSE    
  Salaries and employee benefits 5,894 5,433
  Occupancy expense 918 780
  Computer and equipment expense 698 667
  Professional services expense 1,270 858
  FDIC and State assessments 116 112
  Marketing expense 342 264
  Real estate operations, net (62) 38
  Operations of investments in real estate 915 192
  Other operating expense 1,020
908
  Total non-interest expense 11,111
9,252
  Income before income tax expense 14,180 13,741
Income tax expense 4,800
5,387
Net Income 9,380
8,354
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:    
  Unrealized holding gains (losses) arising during the period 1,724 (165)
  Cumulative adjustment upon adoption of FAS No. 133 566 -
  Unrealized gains on cash flow hedging instruments 270 -
    Less: reclassification adjustment for realized gains (losses) included in net income (14)
-
  Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax 2,546 (165)
     
Total comprehensive income $11,926
$8,189
Net income per common share    
  Basic $1.03 $0.92
  Diluted $1.03 $0.92
     
Cash dividends paid per common share $0.25 $0.21
     
Basic average common shares outstanding 9,082,569 9,041,735
Diluted average common shares outstanding 9,115,028 9,051,413
     
See accompanying Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.  

 

CATHAY  BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(in thousands)
(unaudited)

 

  Three months ended March 31,
  2001
2000
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES    
Net Income $9,380 $8,354
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:    
    Provision for loan losses 1,200 1,050
    Provision for losses on other real estate owned - 42
    Depreciation 366 318
    Net gain on sale of other real estate owned - (98)
    (Gain) Loss on sales and calls of securities (18) -
    Amortization of investment security premiums, net 135 (148)
    Amortization of goodwill 216 256
    Unrealized losses on real estate operations 915 192
    Increase (decrease) in deferred loan fees, net (73) 333
    Decrease  in accrued interest receivable 334 762
    Decrease in other assets, net 3,839 1,445
    Increase (decrease)  in other liabilities (6,214)
4,006
      Total adjustments 700
8,158
      Net cash provided by operating activities 10,080
16,512
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES    
Purchase of investment securities available-for-sale (90,322) (198,812)
Proceeds from maturity and call of investment securities available-for-sale 463 188,134
Proceeds from sale of investment securities available-for-sale 42,436 21,562
Proceeds from repayments and sale of mortgage-backed securities available-for-sale 2,370 1,207
Purchase of investment securities held-to-maturity (33,690) (11,235)
Proceeds from maturity and call of investment securities held-to-maturity 14,812 160
Proceeds from repayment of mortgage-backed securities held-to-maturity 10,747 8,493
Net increase in loans (22,893) (49,945)
Purchase of premises and equipment (46) (4,481)
Proceeds from sale of other real estate owned - 1,471
Net (increase) decrease in investments in real estate -
(263)
      Net cash used in investing activities (76,123)
(43,709)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES    
Net increase in demand deposits, NOW accounts,
   money market and savings deposits
9,119 25,715
Net increase in time deposits 68,958 24,869
Net increase (decrease) in federal funds purchased and securitiessold under agreements to repurchase (24,794) 2,363
Cash dividends (2,268) (1,897)
Proceeds from shares issued to Dividend Reinvestment Plan 475 431
Proceeds from exercise of stock options 169
3
      Net cash provided by financing activities 51,659
51,484
Increase(Decrease) in cash and cash equivalents (14,384) 24,287
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of the period 84,687
64,081
Cash and cash equivalents, end of the period $70,303
$88,368
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information    
  Cash paid during the period for:    
      Interest $20,449 $15,875
      Income taxes $4,672 $1,124
  Non-cash investing activities:    
     Transfer to investment securities available-for-sale
         within 90 days of maturity
$560 $10,254
     Net change in unrealized holding gains (losses) on securities
       available-for-sale, net of tax
$1,724 $(165)
    Cumulative adjustment upon adoption of FAS No. 133 $566 $-
    Unrealized gains on cash flow hedging instruments $256 $-
     Transfers to other real estate owned $- $826
     Loans to facilitate the sale of other real estate owned $- $1,345
     
See accompanying Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial statements.  

 

CATHAY BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)

1.          BASIS OF PRESENTATION

             The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X.  Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of Americafor complete financial statements.  In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included.  Operating results for the three months ended March 31, 2001 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ended December 31, 2001.  Certain reclassifications have been made to the prior year’s financial statements to conform with the March 31, 2001 presentation.  For further information, refer to the consolidated financial statements and footnotes included in Cathay Bancorp's annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2000.

2.          RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

             In September 2000, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 140, “Accounting for Transfers and Servicing of Financial Assets and Extinguishments of Liabilities” as a replacement of SFAS No. 125.  The accounting provisions of SFAS No. 140 will apply to the Company for transfers of financial assets and extinguishments of debts occurring after March 31, 2001.  The Company does not expect that the adoption and implementation of SFAS No. 140 will have a material effect on its results of operations or financial condition.

3.          DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

             The Company enters into derivative financial instruments in order to seek to mitigate the risk of interest rate exposures related to its interest earning assets and interest bearing liabilities.  For periods prior to January 1, 2001, for those qualifying derivative instruments that altered the interest rate characteristics of assets or liabilities, the net differential to be paid or received on the instrument was treated as an adjustment to the yield on the underlying assets or liabilities.  Interest rate instruments that did not qualify for the accrual method, were recorded at fair value, with gains and losses recorded in earnings.

             As of January 1, 2001, the Company adopted SFAS No. 133, “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities” as amended by SFAS No. 137 and No. 138.  SFAS No. 133 establishes accounting and reporting standards for derivative instruments, including certain derivative instruments embedded in other contracts, and hedging activities.  It requires the recognition of all derivative instruments as assets or liabilities in the Company’s statement of condition and measurement of those instruments at fair value.  The accounting treatment of changes in fair value is dependent upon whether or not a derivative instrument is designated as a hedge and if so, the type of hedge.  For derivatives designated as cash flow hedges, changes in fair value are recognized in other comprehensive income until the hedged item is recognized in earnings.

             As of January 1, 2001 and March 31, 2001, the Company hedged a portion of its variable interest rate loans through an interest rate swap agreement with a $20.0 million notional amount.  The purpose of the hedge is to provide a measure of stability in the future cash receipts from such loans over the term of the swap agreement, which at March 31, 2001 was approximately four years.  Adoption of SFAS No. 133, resulted in recording a $977,333 ($566,403 net of tax) increase in fair value to accumulated other comprehensive income and other assets.  Amounts to be paid or received on the interest rate swap will be reclassified into earnings upon the receipt of interest payments on the underlying hedged loans including amounts totaling $40,331 that were reclassified into earnings during the period ended March 31, 2001.  The estimated net amount of the existing gains within accumulated other comprehensive income that are expected to be reclassified into earnings within the next 12 months is approximately $413,162.

             The Company entered into a forward rate agreement with a notional amount of $100.0 million that was recorded at fair value, with unrealized gains recorded as securities gains in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income.

Item 2.  MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

             The following discussion is given based on the assumption that the reader has access to and read the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2000 of Cathay Bancorp, Inc. (“Bancorp”) and its subsidiary Cathay Bank (the “Bank" and together the “Company” or “we", “us” or “our”).

             The following discussion, and other sections of this report, include forward-looking statements regarding management’s beliefs, projections and assumptions concerning future results and events.  These forward-looking statements may, but do not necessarily, also include words such as “believes”, “expects”, “anticipates”, “intends”, “plans”, “estimates” or similar expressions.  Forward-looking statements are not guarantees.  They involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause our actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements.  Such factors include, among other things, adverse developments or conditions related to or arising from:

•            Our expansion into new market areas;
•            Fluctuations in interest rates;
•            Demographic changes;
•            Increases in competition;
•            Deterioration in asset or credit quality;
•            Changes in the availability of capital;
•            Adverse regulatory developments;
•            Changes in business strategy or development plans, including plans regarding the registered investment company;
•            General economic or business conditions; and
•            Other factors discussed in the section entitled “Factors that May Affect Future Results” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2000.

             Actual results in any future period may also vary from the past results discussed in this report.  Given these risks and uncertainties, we caution readers not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements, which speak as of the date of this report.  We have no intention and undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statement or to publicly announce the results of any revision of any forward-looking statement to reflect future developments or events.

Results of Operations

             We reported net income of $9.4 million or $1.03 per diluted common share for the first quarter of 2001, compared with $8.4 million or $0.92 per diluted common share for the same quarter of 2000.  The $1.0 million or 12% increase in 2001 first quarter net income was attributable to the following:

•            a $1.3 million or 6.3% increase in net interest income before provision for loan losses

•            a $150,000 or 14.3% increase in provision for loan losses

•            a $1.1 million or 40.1% increase in non-interest income

•            a $1.9 million or 20.1% increase in non-interest expense

•            a $587,000 or 10.9% decrease in income tax expense

             The annualized return on average assets and return on average stockholders’ equity for the first quarter of 2001 and 2000 are presented below:

  1st Qtr, 2001
1st Qtr, 2000
      
                Return on average assets 1.71% 1.67%
                Return on average stockholders’ equity 17.47% 18.66%

Net Interest Income

             Net interest income before provision for loan losses for the first quarter of 2001 and 2000 are summarized below:

  (In thousands)
  1st Qtr, 2001
1st Qtr, 2000
                Net interest income before provision for loan losses $22,639 $21,294
                Net interest income before provision for loan losses, tax equivalent $23,071 $21,709

             The increase in net interest income in the first quarter of 2001 is discussed below:

Interest income

•            Interest income increased $4.7 million or 12.5% to $42.0 million primarily due to a $4.0 million or 14.1% increase in interest on loans to $32.4 million.
•            The $4.0 million increase in interest on loans was attributable to the following:
  •            Increase in volume - an increase of $167.8 million or 13.3% in average net loans from $1,264.1 million in the first quarter of 2000 to $1,431.9 million in the first quarter of 2001 contributed an additional $3.5 million to interest income.  The increase in average loans were funded primarily by growth in deposits, and secondarily Federal funds purchased and securities sold under agreements to repurchase, proceeds from matured securities and cash.
  •            Increase in rate - an increase of 14 basis points in average loan yield from 9.03% to 9.17% added $458,000 to interest income.  The average loan yield increased slightly in the first quarter of 2001, compared with the same quarter of 2000 despite a six basis point decrease in our average reference rate from 8.94% to 8.88% due to three consecutive 50 basis point rate cuts by the Federal Reserve Board in the first quarter of 2001.  The slight increase in average loan yield was attributable to a combination of lower average non-accrual loans as well as higher loan fee income.
•            A change in the mix of interest earning assets – although loan demand softened in the first quarter of 2001, average net loans increased as a percentage of total interest earning assets to 69.75% in the first quarter of 2001 compared with 67.91% in the first quarter of 2000.  This change in the  mix of interest earning assets is favorable to net interest margin as loans generally yield higher than other types of investments.
•            Consequently, the average taxable equivalent yield on interest earning assets increased 21 basis points from 8.20% to 8.41%.

Interest expense

 •           Interest expense increased $3.3 million or 20.6% to $19.4 million, which was entirely attributable to an increase of $3.4 million in interest expense on time deposits.

             •            Increase in volume - Average time deposits grew $131.2 million or 12.1% to $1,214.1 million, of which, $105.7 million were from time deposits over $100,000.  The increase in average time deposits added $1.6 million to interest expense.

             •            Increase in rate – Average rate on time deposits increased 65 basis points to 5.61% in the first quarter of 2001 compared with 4.96% in the same quarter of 2000.  Despite the fact that interest rates were lowered by a total of 150 basis points in the first quarter of 2001, our average rate on time deposits remained high as time deposits generally carry longer terms and do not reprice as quickly when market rate changes.  The increase in rate added $1.8 million to interest expense.

•            Interest expense on other interest bearing deposits increased $133,000 due to a combination of an increase of $23.6 million in volume as well as an increase of five basis points in rate.

•            Interest expense on advance from Federal Home Loan Bank decreased $241,000 in the first quarter of 2001 as the average volume was reduced by $20.0 million.

•            Accordingly, average cost of funds increased 47 basis points from 4.02% to 4.49%.

Net interest margin

•            As a result of the factors noted above, net interest margin, defined as taxable equivalent net interest income to average interest earning assets, decreased 14 basis points from 4.71% to 4.57%.

Provision for loan losses

             Management increased the provision for loan losses by $150,000 to $1.2 million in the first quarter of 2001 compared to $1.05 million in the first quarter of 2000.  Management believes the increase was prudent to cover additional inherent risk resulting from the overall increase of our loan portfolio.  Net charge-offs for the first quarter of 2001 and 2000 were $577,000 and $219,000, respectively.

Non-interest Income

             Non-interest income increased $1.1 million or 40.1% in the first quarter of 2001 to $3.9 million.  In the first quarter of 2001, we recognized $851,000 on a forward rate agreement contract in securities gains.  The contract was entered into on August 31, 2000 and settled on March 5, 2001.  In addition, service charge on deposits increased $0.2 million or 16.8% to $1.2 million primarily due to higher transaction volume.

Non-interest Expense

             Non-interest expense increased $1.9 million or 20.1% to $11.1 million in the first quarter of 2001.  The more significant items are discussed below:

•            Real estate operations, net – we recognized $915,000 in 2001 versus $192,000 in 2000 in losses from low income housing investments that qualify for tax credit.  We anticipate losses to approximate $300,000 each quarter for the remainder of 2001.
•            Salaries and employee benefits increased $461,000 to $5.9 million primarily due to annual salary adjustments for non-exempt employees in the fourth quarter of 2000.
•            Professional services expense rose $412,000 to $1.3 million.  A majority of the increases were related to professional fees for the registered investment company as well as legal fees in connection with loans and other corporate matters.
•            Occupancy expense advanced $138,000 to $918,000.  The higher occupancy expense was mainly attributable to expenses in repair and maintenance, depreciation, property taxes and utilities.

             As a result of the above, the efficiency ratio increased to 41.94% in the first quarter of 2001, compared with 38.48% in the same quarter of 2000.

Income taxes

             The effective tax rate for the first quarter of 2001 was 33.85% compared with 39.20% for the first quarter of 2000.  The lower tax rate for 2001 was due primarily to the impact of the formation of a registered investment company subsidiary that provides flexibility to raise additional capital in a tax efficient manner.  The long-term plan for the registered investment company is currently under review.  Depending on the results of the review and other factors, the effective tax rate may change.  Currently management believes the effective tax rate will be approximately the same for the remainder of 2001.  There can be no assurance that the subsidiary will continue as a registered investment company, or that any tax benefits will continue or as to our ability to raise capital through this subsidiary.

Financial Condition Overview

             Despite deteriorating economic conditions nationwide, we continued to grow in the first quarter of 2001.  The major changes in our balance sheet during the first quarter of 2001 are listed below:

•            Total assets increased $55.2 million or 2.5% to $2,262.0 million.
•            Securities available-for-sale increased $48.1 million or 27.1% to $225.9 million.
•            Securities held-to-maturity increased $7.5 million or 1.9% to $394.7 million.
•            Net loans increased $21.8 million or 1.5% to $1,459.1 million.
•            Total deposits increased $78.1 million or 4.2% to $1,954.5 million.
•            Securities sold under agreements to repurchase decreased $24.8 million or 36.4% to $43.4 million.
•            Stockholders’ equity increased $10.3 million or 4.8% to $225.1 million.

Interest Earning Asset Mix

             The tables below present the components of the interest earning asset as of the dates and for the periods indicated:

    (Dollars in thousands)  
Types of Interest Earning Assets: As of 3/31/01
As of 12/31/00
  Amount
Percentage
Amount
Percentage
Federal funds sold and securities purchased under agreements to resell $18,500 0.9% $19,000 0.9%
Securities available-for-sale 225,898 10.7 177,796 8.8
Securities held-to-maturity 394,711 18.8 387,200 19.2
Loans, net of deferred loan fees 1,481,663 70.5 1,459,274 72.2
Allowance for loan losses (22,590)
(1.1)
(21,967)
(1.1)
Loans, net 1,459,073 69.4 1,437,307 71.1
Deposits with banks 5,119
0.2
899
0
  Total interest earning assets $2,103,301
100.0%
$2,022,202
100.0%

 

         
    (Dollars in thousands)  
Average Interest Earning Assets: 1st Qtr, 2001
1st Qtr, 2000
  Amount
Percentage
Amount
Percentage
Federal funds sold and securities purchased under agreements to resell $38,461 1.9% $13,995 0.7%
Securities available-for-sale 188,680 9.2 160,036 8.6
Securities held-to-maturity 391,021 19.0 422,184 22.7
Loans, net of deferred loan fees 1,454,424 70.9 1,283,935 69.0
Allowance for loan losses (22,475)
(1.1)
(19,809)
(1.1)
Loans, net 1,431,949 69.8 1,264,126 67.9
Deposits with banks 2,828
0.1
1,053
0.1
  Total interest earning assets $2,052,939
100.0%
$1,861,394
100.0%

 

        From the tables above, we can see that:

•       Loan demand moderated in the first quarter of 2001 as total net loans accounted for 69.4% of interest earning assets at March 31, 2001, compared with 71.1% at year-end 2000.
•       On the other hand, securities as a whole accounted for 29.5% of interest earning assets at March 31, 2001 from 27.9% at year-end 2000.
•       Nevertheless, average net loans increased as a percentage of average interest earning assets in the first quarter of 2001 to 69.8% compared with 67.9% for the same quarter of 2000.

Securities

             Securities available-for-sale increased $48.1 million or 27.1% to $225.9 million and securities held-to-maturity advanced $7.5 million or 1.9% to $394.7 million during the quarter ended March 31, 2001.

             We recorded net unrealized holding gains of $6.9 million on securities available-for-sale as of March 31, 2001 compared with $4.0 million at year-end 2000.  These unrealized gains, net of tax effect, were included in accumulated other comprehensive income in stockholders’ equity for the periods reported.  The unrealized gains, net of tax, were $4.0 million as of March 31, 2001 and $2.3 million at year-end 2000. The increased unrealized holding gains in 2001 resulted from the decreasing interest rate environment in the first quarter of 2001.

             The average taxable equivalent yield on securities rose 32 basis points to 6.75% in the first quarter of 2001, compared with 6.43% for the same quarter in 2000 as some existing securities were purchased at higher interest rates.

             The following tables summarize the composition and maturity distribution of the investment portfolio as of the dates indicated:

  As of 3/31/01 (In thousands)
  Amortized Gross Gross  
Securities Available-for-Sale: Cost
Unrealized Gains
Unrealized Losses
Fair Value
         
U.S. government agencies $75,200 $4,250 $-0- $79,450
State and municipal securities 560 -0- -0- 560
Mortgage-backed securities 11,108 193 15 11,286
Collateralized mortgage obligations 5,517 26 -0- 5,543
Assets-backed securities 9,990 155 -0- 10,145
Commercial paper 28,463 -0- 10 28,453
Equity securities 23,603 49 23 23,629
Corporate bonds 64,531
2,301
-0-
66,832
         Total $218,972
$6,974
$48
$225,898

 

  As of 12/31/00 (In thousands)
  Amortized Gross Gross  
Securities Available-for-Sale: Cost
Unrealized Gains
Unrealized Losses
Fair Value
U.S. government agencies $75,187 $3,130 $-0- $78,317
State and municipal securities 1,275 2 -0- 1,277
Mortgage-backed securities 13,151 3 15 13,139
Collateralized mortgage obligations 5,850 68 46 5,872
Assets-backed securities 10,452 -0- 82 10,370
Equity securities 8,460 9 18 8,451
Corporate bonds 59,466
1,119
215
60,370
         Total $173,841
$4,331
$376
$177,796

 

 

  As of 3/31/01 (In thousands)
  Carrying Gross Gross Estimated
Securities Held-to-Maturity: Value
Unrealized Gains
Unrealized Losses
Fair Value
U.S. government agencies $64,707 $1,010 $-0- $65,717
State and municipal securities 69,428 2,148 131 71,445
Mortgage-backed securities 128,607 2,202 56 130,753
Collateralized mortgage obligations 44,819 525 -0- 45,344
Assets-backed securities 9,869 15 -0- 9,884
Corporate bonds 77,281
822
456
77,647
         Total $394,711
$6,722
$643
$400,790

 

  As of 12/31/00 (In thousands)
  Carrying Gross Gross Estimated
Securities Held-to-Maturity: Value
Unrealized Gains
Unrealized Losses
Fair Value
U.S. government agencies $64,689 $586 $262 $65,013
State and municipal securities 68,820 1,567 422 69,965
Mortgage-backed securities 135,494 1,382 631 136,245
Collateralized mortgage obligations 48,694 182 125 48,751
Assets-backed securities 13,156 -0- 80 13,076
Corporate bonds 56,347
159
900
55,606
         Total $387,200
$3,876
$2,420
$388,656

 

Securities Portfolio Maturity Distribution:        
  As of 3/31/01 (In thousands)
  1 Year After 1 But After 5 But Over  
Securities Available-for-Sale: or Less
Within 5 Years
Within 10 Years
10 Years
Total
U.S. government agencies $-0- $17,240 $62,210 $-0- $79,450
State and municipal securities 560 -0- -0- -0- 560
Mortgage-backed securities* 688 464 1,632 8,502 11,286
Collateralized mortgage obligations* -0- -0- 2,474 3,069 5,543
Assets-backed securities* -0- -0- 10,145 -0- 10,145
Commercial paper 28,453 -0- -0- -0- 28,453
Equity securities 23,629 -0- -0- -0- 23,629
Corporate bonds 18,784
35,215
12,833
-0-
66,832
         Total $72,114
$52,919
$89,294
$11,571
$225,898

 

  As of 3/31/01 (In thousands)
  1 Year After 1 But After 5 But Over  
Securities Held-to-Maturity: or Less
Within 5 Years
Within 10 Years
10 Years
Total
U.S. government agencies $-0- $54,716 $9,991 $-0- $64,707
State and municipal securities 1,751 8,336 24,124 35,217 69,428
Mortgage-backed securities* 944 6,584 57,341 63,738 128,607
Collateralized mortgage obligations* -0- -0- 42,160 2,659 44,819
Assets-backed securities* -0- 9,869 -0- -0- 9,869
Corporate bonds 8,979
47,144
21,158
-0-
77,281
         Total $11,674
$126,649
$154,774
$101,614
$394,711
• The mortgage-backed securities and assets-backed securities reflect stated maturities and not anticipated prepayments.

Loans

             We experienced some slowdown in loan demand in the first quarter of 2001.  Total gross loans increased $22.3 million or 1.5% to $1,485.7 million at March 31, 2001 from $1,463.4 million at year-end 2000.

             The increase in gross loans was primarily resulted from increases of $34.5 million in construction loans offset by decreases of $14.0 million in commercial mortgage loans.  The increase in construction loans in the first quarter of 2001 was attributable to both new projects and disbursements on old projects.  As of March 31, 2001 we have approximately $47 million in construction loan commitments.  The decrease in commercial mortgage loans was due to pay-offs.

             Residential mortgage loans increased $2.6 million in the first quarter of 2001.  As interest rates decreased, we experienced more refinancing activities as well as new purchases.

             Commercial loans increased slightly since we experienced seasonal pay downs of trade financing credits as customers collected accounts receivables from the pre-Christmas sales.

             The following table sets forth the classification of loans by type and mix as of the dates indicated:

  (Dollars in thousands)
  As of 3/31/01
As of 12/31/00
Types of Loans: Amount
Percentage
Amount
Percentage
Commercial loans $443,258 30.4% $442,181 30.8%
Residential mortgage loans 223,270 15.3 220,720 15.3
Commercial mortgage loans 616,668 42.3 630,662 43.9
Real estate construction loans 176,533 12.1 142,048 9.9
Installment loans 25,726 1.8 27,329 1.9
Other loans 274
-0- 473
-0-
  Total loans - Gross 1,485,729   1,463,413  
Allowance for loan losses (22,590) (1.6) (21,967) (1.5)
Unamortized deferred loan fees (4,066)
(0.3)
(4,139)
(0.3)
  Total loans - Net $1,459,073
100.0%
$1,437,307
100.0%

Risk Elements of the Loan Portfolio

Non-performing Assets

             Non-performing assets include loans past due 90 days or more and still accruing interest, nonaccrual loans, and other real estate owned (“OREO”).

             Our non-performing assets decreased $3.2 million or 15.9% to $17.2 million at March 31, 2001, compared with $20.5 million at year-end 2000.  The decrease was due to a combination of the following:

•       A decrease of $2.7 million in nonaccrual loans
•       A decrease of $550,000 in loans past due 90 days or more and still accruing interest

 

             As a percentage of gross loans and OREO, non-performing assets decreased to 1.15% at March 31, 2001 from 1.39% at year-end 2000.  The non-performing loan coverage ratio, defined as the allowance for loan losses to non-performing loans, increased to 187.59% at March 31, 2001, compared with 143.72% at year-end 2000.  This much higher non-performing loan coverage ratio at March 31, 2001 was due to a reduction of $3.2 million in non-performing loans coupled with an increase of $623,000 in the allowance for loan losses.

             The following table presents the breakdown of non-performing assets by categories as of the dates indicated:

  (Dollars in thousands)
  3/31/01
12/31/00
Accruing loans past due 90 days or more $39 $589
Nonaccrual loans 12,003
14,696
  Total non-performing loans 12,042 15,285
Real estate acquired in foreclosure 5,174
5,174
  Total non-performing assets $17,216
$20,459
Accruing troubled debt restructurings $4,513 $4,531
Non-performing assets as a percentage of gross loans plus OREO 1.15% 1.39%
Allowance for loan losses as a percentage of non-performing loans 187.59% 143.72%

Nonaccrual Loans

             The nonaccrual loans of $12.0 million at March 31, 2001 consisted mainly of $8.7 million in commercial loans and $2.9 million in commercial mortgage loans.

             The following tables present the type of properties securing the loans and the type of businesses the borrowers engaged in under commercial mortgage and commercial nonaccrual loan categories as of the dates indicated:

    (In thousands)  
  3/31/01 12/31/00
  Nonaccrual Loan Secured by Real Estate Property
  Commercial   Commercial  
Type of Property: Mortgage
Commercial
Mortgage
Commercial
Single/multi-family residence $283 $745 $174 $531
Commercial 243 974 2,277 1,139
Land 2,403 -0- 2,403 -0-
UCC -0- 6,101 -0- 7,083
Others -0- 543 -0- 540
Unsecured -0-
363
-0-
231
  Total $2,929
$8,726
$4,854
$9,524

 

    (In thousands)  
  3/31/01   12/31/00  
  Nonaccrual Loan Balance
  Commercial   Commercial  
Type of Business: Mortgage
Commercial
Mortgage
Commercial
Real estate development $2,646 $89 $2,648 $166
Wholesale/retail -0- 4,639 174 4,798
Food/Restaurant -0- 1,762 -0- 2,005
Import -0- 1,569 -0- 2,092
Investments 283 -0- 2,032 -0-
Others -0-
667
-0-
463
  Total $2,929
$8,726
$4,854
$9,524

Commercial mortgage nonaccrual loans

•            The balance of $2.4 million consisted of one credit secured by first trust deed on land.

Commercial nonaccrual loans

•            The balance of $6.1 million consisted of 14 credits secured by borrowers’ assets, mainly accounts receivables and inventories.
•            The balance of $974,000 comprised four credits secured primarily by first trust deeds on commercial buildings and warehouses.

Troubled debt restructurings

             Troubled debt restructurings stayed approximately the same at $4.5 million as of March 31, 2001 and at year-end 2000.  All of the troubled debt restructurings at March 31, 2001 were commercial mortgage loans.  With an exception of one credit in the amount of $270,000 which was 30 days past due, all other troubled debt restructurings were performing under their revised terms as of March 31, 2001.

Impaired loans

             A loan is considered impaired when it is probable that a creditor will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement based on current circumstances and events.

             We consider all loans classified and restructured in our evaluation of loan impairment.  The classified loans are stratified by size, and loans less than our defined selection criteria are treated as a homogenous portfolio.  If loans meeting the defined criteria are not collateral dependent, we measure the impairment based on the present value of the expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate.  If loans meeting the defined criteria are collateral dependent, we measure the impairment by using the loan’s observable market price or the fair value of the collateral.  If the measurement of the impaired loan is less than the recorded amount of the loan, we then recognize an impairment by creating or adjusting an existing valuation allowance with a corresponding charge to the provision for loan losses.

             We identified impaired loans with a recorded investment of $27.8 million at March 31, 2001 which approximated those at year-end 2000.

Loan concentration

             There were no loan concentrations to multiple borrowers in similar activities, which exceeded 10% of total loans as of March 31, 2001.

Allowance for Loan Losses

             The following table presents information relating to the allowance for loan losses for the periods indicated:

  (Dollars in thousands)
  For the For the
  three months ended year ended
  3/31/01
12/31/00
Balance at beginning of period $21,967 $19,502
Provision for loan losses 1,200 4,200
Loans charged-off (676) (1,905)
Recoveries of charged-off loans 99
170
Balance at end of period $22,590
$21,967
Average net loans outstanding during the period $1,431,949 $1,313,177
Ratio of net charge-offs to average net loans
   outstanding during the period (annualized)
0.16% 0.13%
Provision for loan losses to average net loans
   outstanding during the period (annualized)
0.34% 0.32%
Allowance to non-performing loans at period-end 187.59% 143.72%
Allowance to gross loans at period-end 1.52% 1.50%

             The $676,000 charged-off loans in the first quarter of 2001 included primarily commercial loans, and secondarily, installment loans, international loans and other loans.

             In determing the allowance for loan losses, management continues to assess the risks inherent in the loan portfolio, the possible impact of known and potential problem loans, and other factors such as collateral value, portfolio composition, loan concentration, financial strength of borrower, and trends in local economic conditions.

             Our allowance for loan losses consists of the following:

•           Specific allowances: For impaired loans, we provide specific allowances based on an evaluation of impairment.  For other classified loans, we allocate a portion of the general allowance to each impaired loan based on a loss percentage assigned.  The percentage assigned depends on a number of factors including the current financial condition of the borrowers and guarantors, the prevailing value of the underlying collateral, charge-off history, management’s knowledge of the portfolio and general economic conditions.
•           General allowance: The unclassified portfolio is categorized by loan types.  The allocation is arrived by assigning a loss percentage to each loan type based on an evaluation of the degree of inherent risk, potential loan losses and other significant risk factors inherent in the loans.

 

             The following tables present a breakdown of impaired loans and the related allowances as of the dates indicated:

  As of 3/31/01 (In thousands)
  Recorded   Net
  Investment
Allowance
Balance
Commercial $13,824 $3,390 $10,434
Commercial mortgage 13,229 2,043 11,186
Other 718
120
598
  Total $27,771
$5,553
$22,218

 

  As of 12/31/00 (In thousands)
  Recorded   Net
  Investment
Allowance
Balance
Commercial $13,868 $3,682 $10,186
Commercial mortgage 13,208 1,881 11,327
Other 742
133
609
  Total $27,818
$5,696
$22,122

        Based on our evaluation process and the methodology to determine the level of the allowance for loan losses mentioned previously, management believes the allowance level at March 31, 2001 to be adequate to absorb estimated probable losses identified through its analysis.

Other Real Estate Owned

             Our OREO, net of a valuation allowance of $131,000, was carried at $5.2 million at March 31, 2001, which was comparable to our OREO carried at year-end 2000.

             During the first quarter of 2001, we did not acquire additional OREO or dispose of any existing properties.  As of March 31, 2001, there were five outstanding OREO properties, which included land, commercial buildings and a single family residence.  All properties are located in California.

             We maintain a valuation allowance for OREO properties to reduce the carrying value of OREO to the estimated fair value of the properties.  We perform periodic evaluations on each property and make corresponding adjustments to the valuation allowance, if necessary.  Any decline in value is recognized by a corresponding increase to the valuation allowance in the current period.  Management did not make any provision for OREO losses in the first quarter of 2001.

Investments in Real Estate

             Our investments in real estate at March 31, 2001 comprised investments in four limited partnerships formed for the purpose of investing in low income housing projects, which qualify for Federal low income housing tax credits and/or California tax credit.

             Investments in real estate decreased $915,000 to $16.4 million at March 31, 2001 from $17.3 million at year-end 2000.  The decrease was attributed to a recognition of $915,000 in losses from the partnerships’operations.

             The following table summarizes the composition of our investments in real estate as of the dates indicated:

 

  Percentage of Acquisition    
(Dollars in thousands)
Ownership
Date
3/31/01
12/31/00
         
Las Brisas 49.50% Dec 1993 $88 $189
Los Robles 99.00% Aug 1995 423 393
California Tax Credit Funds 36.00% Mar 1999 13,282 14,127
Wilshire Courtyard 99.90%
May 1999
2,640
2,639
      $16,433
$17,348
         

 

Deposits

             Total deposits amounted to $1,954.5 million as of March 31, 2001, representing an increase of $78.1 million or 4.2% in comparison with $1,876.4 million at year-end 2000.  The majority of the growth came from time deposits:

•            Time deposits of $100,000 or more (“Jumbo CD’s”) grew $53.2 million or 6.7%.
•            Time deposits under $100,000 grew $15.8 million or 4.2%.

             The following tables display the deposit mix as of the dates and for the periods indicated:

    (Dollars in thousands)  
  As of 3/31/01
As of 12/31/00
Types of Deposits: Amount
Percentage
Amount
Percentage
Demand $215,325 11.0% $221,805 11.8%
NOW accounts 125,430 6.4 125,647 6.7
Money market accounts 137,420 7.0 119,805 6.4
Savings deposits 229,962 11.8 231,761 12.4
Time deposits under $100 395,595 20.3 379,809 20.2
Time deposits of $100 or more 850,792
43.5
797,620
42.5
  Total deposits $1,954,524
100.0%
$1,876,447
100.0%

 

 

  (Dollars in thousands)
  1st Qtr, 2001
1st Qtr, 2000
Average Deposits: Amount
Percentage
Amount
Percentage
Demand $213,316 11.2% $201,184 11.6%
NOW accounts 124,287 6.5 122,431 7.1
Money market accounts 127,286 6.7 99,829 5.7
Savings deposits 224,298 11.8 229,978 13.2
Time deposits under $100 392,819 20.6 367,308 21.2
Time deposits of $100 or more 821,318
43.2
715,631
41.2
  Total deposits $1,903,324
100.0%
$1,736,361
100.0%

             As interest rate spreads widened between Jumbo CD’s and other types of interest-bearing deposits under the prevailing interest rate environment, our Jumbo CD portfolio continues to grow faster than other types of deposits.  Management believes our Jumbo CD’s are generally less volatile primarily due to the following reasons:

•            approximately 50% of the Bank’s Jumbo CD’s have stayed with the Bank for more than two years;
•            the Jumbo CD portfolio continued to be diversified with 4,318 individual accounts averaging approximately $173,000 per account owned by 3,048 individual depositors as of January 19, 2001;
•            this phenomenon of having a relatively higher percentage of Jumbo CD’s to total deposits exists in most of the Asian American banks in our California market due to the fact that the customers in this market tend to have a higher savings rate.

             Management continues to monitor the Jumbo CD portfolio to identify any changes in the deposit behavior in the market and of the patrons the Bank is servicing.  To discourage the concentration in Jumbo CD’s, management has continued to make efforts in the following areas:

1)         to offer non-competitive interest rates paid on Jumbo CD’s;
2)         to promote transaction-based products from time to time;
3)         to seek to diversify the customer base by branch expansion and/or acquisition as opportunities arise.

Capital Resources

             Stockholders' equity totaled $225.1 million or 9.95% of total assets as of March 31, 2001, compared with $214.8 million or 9.73% of total assets at year-end 2000.  The increase of $10.3 million or 4.8% in stockholders’ equity was due to the following:

•            an addition of $9.4 million from net income, less dividends paid of $2.27 million;
•            $644,000 from issuance of additional common shares through the Dividend Reinvestment Plan and proceeds from exercise of stock options;
•            an increase of $2.5 million in accumulated other comprehensive income, including:
  •            a favorable difference of $1.7 million in the net unrealized holding gains on securities available-for-sale, net of tax; and
  •            $822,000 from unrealized gains on cash flow hedging instruments.

 

             We declared a cash dividend of $0.25 per common share in January 2001 on 9,074,365 shares outstanding and in April 2001 on 9,086,323 shares outstanding. Total cash dividends paid in 2001, including the $2.27 million paid in April, amounted to $4.5 million.

             On April 9, 2001, we announced a stock repurchase program of up to $15 million worth of shares of our common stock.  Bancorp intends to repurchase shares under the program, from time to time, in the open market or through negotiated purchases throughout the year, under conditions which allow such repurchases to be accretive to earnings while maintaining capital ratios that exceed the guidelines for a well capitalized financial institution.  On April 17, 2001, we purchased 600 shares at $51.77 per share under the stock repurchase program.

             Under the Equity Incentive Plan adopted by the Board of Directors in 1998, we granted 55,500 options to purchase 55,500 shares of common stock with an exercise price of $60.19 per share to eligible officers and directors on January 18, 2001.  On March 15, 2001, we granted additional 900 options to purchase 900 shares of common stock with the same exercise price.

             Management seeks to retain the Company's capital at a level sufficient to support future growth, protect depositors and stockholders, and comply with various regulatory requirements.

             Both Bancorp’s and the Bank’s regulatory capital continued to well exceed the regulatory minimum requirements at March 31, 2001.  In addition, the capital ratios of the Bank place it in the “well capitalized” category which is defined as institutions with total risk-based ratio equal to or greater than 10.0%, Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio equal to or greater than 6.0% and Tier 1 leverage capital ratio equal to or greater than 5.0%.

             The following tables present Bancorp and the Bank's capital and leverage ratios as of March 31, 2001 and December 31, 2000:

  Bancorp (Dollars in thousands)
  As of 3/31/01
As of 12/31/00
  Balance
Percentage
Balance
Percentage
Tier 1 capital (to risk-weighted assets) $210,7121 10.99% $202,7412 11.05%
Tier 1 capital minimum requirement 76,725
4.00
73,392
4.00
  Excess $133,987
6.99%
$129,349
7.05%
Total capital (to risk-weighted assets) $233,3231 12.16% $224,7082 12.25%
Total capital minimum requirement 153,451
8.00
146,784
8.00
  Excess $79,872
4.16%
$77,924
4.25%
Risk-weighted assets $1,918,135   $1,834,804  
Tier 1 capital (to average assets)
          - Leverage ratio
$210,7121 9.53% $202,7412 9.28%
Minimum leverage requirement 88,427
4.00
87,387
4.00
  Excess $122,285
5.53%
$115,354
5.28%
Total average assets $2,210,675   $2,184,666  
         

 

 

    Bank (Dollars in thousands)  
  As of 3/31/01
As of 12/31/00
  Balance
Percentage
Balance
Percentage
Tier 1 capital (to risk-weighted assets) $202,0681 10.55% $194,6942 10.64%
Tier 1 capital minimum requirement 76,582
4.00
73,206
4.00
  Excess $125,486
6.55%
$121,488
6.64%
Total capital (to risk-weighted assets) $224,6801 11.74% $216,6612 11.84%
Total capital minimum requirement 153,164
8.00
146,412
8.00
  Excess $71,516
3.74%
$70,249
3.84%
Risk-weighted assets $1,914,547   $1,830,161  
Tier 1 capital (to average assets)
          - Leverage ratio
$202,0671 9.16% $194,6942 8.93%
Minimum leverage requirement 88,286
4.00
87,251
4.00
  Excess $113,781
5.16%
$107,443
4.93%
Total average assets $2,207,157   $2,181,272  

1Excluding accumulated other comprehensive income of $4,849,000, and goodwill of $9,528,000.

2Excluding accumulated other comprehensive income of $2,303,000, and goodwill of $9,744,000.

Liquidity and Market Risk

Liquidity

             Our principal sources of liquidity are growth in deposits, proceeds from the maturity or sale of securities and other financial instruments, repayments from securities and loans, Federal funds purchased and securities sold under agreements to repurchase and advances from Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”).  As of March 31, 2001, our liquidity ratio (defined as net cash, short-term and marketable securities to net deposits and short-term liabilities) increased to 33.24% from 30.76% at year-end 2000.

             To supplement its liquidity needs, the Bank maintains a total credit line of $52 million for Federal funds with three correspondent banks, a repo line of $110 million with three brokerage firms and a retail certificate of deposit line of five percent of total deposits with another brokerage firm.  The Bank is also a shareholder of FHLB which enables the Bank to have access to lower cost FHLB financing when necessary.  The Bank obtained non-callable advances from FHLB totaling $30 million in the third quarter of 1998 at fixed interest rates, $20 million of which expired during the third quarter of 2000.

             We had significant portion of our time deposits maturing within one year or less as of March 31, 2001.  Management anticipates that there may be some outflow of these deposits upon maturity due to the keen competition in our marketplaces.  However, based on our historical runoff experience, we expect the outflow will be minimal and can be replenished through our normal growth in deposits.

             Management believes all the above-mentioned sources will provide adequate liquidity to the Bank to meet its daily operating needs.

             Bancorp, on the other hand, obtains funding for its activities primarily through dividend income contributed by the Bank and proceeds from investments in the Dividend Reinvestment Plan.  Dividends paid to Bancorp by the Bank are subject to regulatory limitations.  The business activities of Bancorp consist primarily of the operation of the Bank with limited activities in other investments.  Management believes Bancorp’s liquidity generated from its prevailing sources are sufficient to meet its operational needs.

Market Risk

             Market risk is the risk of loss from adverse changes in market prices and rates. Our principal market risk is the interest rate risk inherent in our lending, investing and deposit taking activities, due to the fact that interest earning assets and interest bearing liabilities do not change at the same speed, to the same extent, or on the same basis.

             We actively monitor and manage our interest rate risk through analyzing the repricing characteristics of our loans, securities, and deposits on an on-going basis.  The primary objective is to minimize the adverse effects of changes in interest rates on our earnings, and ultimately the underlying market value of equity, while structuring our asset-liability composition to obtain the maximum spread.  Management uses certain basic measurement tools in conjunction with established risk limits to regulate our interest rate exposure.  Due to the limitations inherent in any individual risk management tool, we use both an interest rate sensitivity analysis and a simulation model to measure and quantify the impact to our profitability or the market value of our assets and liabilities.

             The interest rate sensitivity analysis details the expected maturity and repricing opportunities mismatch or sensitivity gap between interest earning assets and interest bearing liabilities over a specified timeframe.  A positive gap exists when rate sensitive assets which reprice over a given time period exceed rate sensitive liabilities.  During periods of increasing interest rates, net interest margin may be enhanced with a positive gap.  A negative gap exists when rate sensitive liabilities which reprice over a given time period exceed rate sensitive assets.  During periods of increasing interest rates, net interest margin may be impaired with a negative gap.

             As of March 31, 2001, the Bank was asset sensitive with a cumulative gap ratio of a positive 23.86% within three months, and liability sensitive with a cumulative gap ratio of a negative 3.51% within one year.  This compared with a positive 18.13% within three months, and a negative 9.78% within one year at year-end 2000.

             Since interest rate sensitivity analysis does not measure the timing differences in the repricing of asset and liabilities, we use a simulation model to quantify the extent of the differences in the behavior of the lending and funding rates, so as to project future earnings or market values under alternative interest scenarios.

             The simulation measures the volatility of net interest income and net portfolio value, defined as net present value of assets and liabilities, under immediate rising or falling interest rate scenarios in 100 basis point increments.  We establish a tolerance level in our policy to define and limit interest income volatility to a change of plus or minus 30% when the hypothetical rate change is plus or minus 200 basis points.  When the tolerance level is met or exceeded, we then seek corrective action after considering, among other things, market conditions, customer reaction and the estimated impact on profitability.

             We entered into a limited number of derivative financial instruments in 2000 in order to mitigate the risk of interest rate exposures related to our interest earning assets and interest bearing liabilities.  We believe that these transactions, when properly structured and managed, may provide a hedge against inherent interest rate risk in the balance and against risk in specific transactions.  In such instances, the Bank may protect its position through the purchase or sale of interest rate futures contracts for a specific cash or interest rate risk position.  Other hedge transactions may be implemented using interest rate swaps, interest rate caps, floors, financial futures, forward rate agreements, and options on futures or bonds.  Prior to considering any hedging activities, we seek to analyze the costs and benefits of the hedge in comparison to other viable alternative strategies.  All hedges will require an assessment of basis risk and must be approved by the Bank’s Investment Committee.

             On March 21, 2000, we entered into an interest rate swap agreement with a major financial institution in the notional amount of $20 million for a period of five years.  The interest rate swap was for the purpose of hedging the cash flows from a portion of our floating rate loans against declining interest rates.

             On August 31, 2000, we entered into a forward rate agreement (“FRA”) with a major financial institution in the notional amount of $100 million with a term of six months.  The FRA was for the purpose of hedging a portion of our Jumbo CD portfolio against declining interest rates. The FRA settled on March 5, 2001.  We recognized a total of $1.954 million gain on the FRA.  See note 3 of Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

             The composition of our financial instruments that are sensitive to changes in interest rates have not significantly changed since December 31, 2000.

Item 3.  QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

             For information concerning market risk, see “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Market Risk”.

PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

             Bancorp, including its wholly-owned subsidiary, Cathay Bank, has been a party to ordinary routine litigation incidental to various aspects of its operations.

             Management is not currently aware of any other litigation that is expected to have material adverse impact on Bancorp's consolidated financial condition, or the results of operations.

Item 2. CHANGES IN SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

             Not applicable.

Item 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

             Not applicable.

Item 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS

             During the first quarter of 2001, there were no reportable events.

Item 5. OTHER INFORMATION

             Not applicable.

Item 6. EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K

             Exhibit:

                           None

             Reports on Form 8-K:

                           None

SIGNATURES

             Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

 

  Cathay Bancorp, Inc.
  (Registrant)
   
   
Date:  May 14, 2001
By /s/ DUNSON K. CHENG
  Dunson K. Cheng
Chairman and President
   
Date:  May 14, 2001
By /s/ ANTHONY M. TANG
  Anthony M. Tang
Chief Financial Officer