grepcent public filings, reorganized for comparison

WESTAMERICA BANCORPORATION (WABC) FY 2021 MD&A

Verbatim Item 7 Management's Discussion and Analysis from WESTAMERICA BANCORPORATION's 10-K for fiscal year 2021. Filing date: 2022-02-28. Report date: 2021-12-31. Accession: 0001171843-22-001403.

This page reproduces the company's own Item 7 MD&A text from the linked SEC filing. It is filer text, not grepcent analysis, scoring, or investment advice.

Extracted structurally from real Item 7 body heading to real Item 7A/8 boundary. Confidence: high.

Company profile: WABC · All MD&A years: index · Next year: FY 2022

ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The following discussion addresses information pertaining to the financial condition and results of operations of Westamerica Bancorporation and subsidiaries (the “Company”) that may not be otherwise apparent from a review of the consolidated financial statements and related footnotes. It should be read in conjunction with those statements and notes found on pages 51 through 90, as well as with the other information presented throughout this Report.

Critical Accounting Policies

The Company’s consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America and follow general practices within the banking industry. Application of these principles requires the Company to make certain estimates, assumptions, and judgments that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. These estimates, assumptions, and judgments are based on information available as of the date of the financial statements; accordingly, as this information changes, the financial statements could reflect different estimates, assumptions, and judgments. Certain accounting policies inherently have a greater reliance on the use of estimates, assumptions and judgments and as such have a greater possibility of producing results that could be materially different than originally reported. Estimates, assumptions and judgments are necessary when assets and liabilities are required to be recorded at fair value, when a decline in the value of an asset not carried on the financial statements at fair value warrants an impairment writedown or valuation reserve to be established, or when an asset or liability needs to be recorded contingent upon a future event. Carrying assets and liabilities at fair value inherently results in more financial statement volatility. The fair values and the information used to record valuation adjustments for certain assets and liabilities are based either on quoted market prices or are provided by other third-party sources, when available.

The most significant accounting policies followed by the Company are presented in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements. These policies, along with the disclosures presented in the other financial statement notes and in this discussion, provide information on how significant assets and liabilities are valued in the financial statements and how those values are determined. Based on the valuation techniques used and the sensitivity of financial statement amounts to the methods, assumptions, and estimates underlying those amounts, Management has identified the allowance for credit losses accounting to be the accounting area requiring the most subjective or complex judgments, and as such could be most subject to revision as new information becomes available. A discussion of the factors affecting accounting for the allowance for credit losses and purchased loans is included in the “Loan Portfolio Credit Risk” discussion below. Certain amounts in prior periods have been reclassified to conform to current presentation.

Financial Overview

Westamerica Bancorporation and subsidiaries’ (collectively, the “Company”) reported net income of $86.5 million or $3.22 diluted earnings per common share in 2021 compared with net income of $80.4 million or $2.98 diluted earnings per common share in 2020. 2021 results included “make-whole” interest income on corporate bonds redeemed prior to maturity of $2.8 million. 2020 results included a provision for credit losses of $4.3 million, which reduced EPS $0.11, representing Management’s estimate of additional reserves needed over the remaining life of its loans due to increased credit-risk from deteriorating economic conditions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, and $3. 5 million gain on sales of a closed branch building

The Company’s primary and wholly-owned subsidiary, Westamerica Bank (the “Bank”), continued to support its customers during the pandemic. The Bank originated $106 million in loans under the second round of the Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”) during the first six months of 2021. PPP loans meaningfully increased interest-earning assets and related interest and fee income. The Bank continues to work with loan customers who requested deferral of loan payments due to economic weakness caused by the pandemic. At December 31, 2021, loans granted deferrals under the CARES Act included $84 thousand, all of which were consumer automobile loans.

In response to the pandemic, the Federal Reserve has engaged significant levels of monetary policy to provide liquidity and credit facilities to the financial markets. On March 15, 2020, the Federal Open Market Committee (“FOMC”) reduced the target range for the federal funds rate to 0 to 0.25 percent; relatedly, the FOMC reduced the interest rate paid on deposit balances to 0.10 percent effective March 16, 2020. Effective June 17, 2021, FOMC increased the interest rate paid on excess reserve balances to 0.15%. The Bank maintains deposit balances at the Federal Reserve Bank; the amount that earns interest is identified in the Company’s financial statements as “interest-bearing cash”.

- 21 -

The extent of the spread of the coronavirus and its ultimate containment are uncertain at this time. The effectiveness of the Federal Reserve Bank’s monetary policies and the federal government’s fiscal policies in stimulating the United States economy is uncertain at this time. Management expects the Company’s net interest margin and non-interest income to decline and credit-related losses to increase for an uncertain period given the decline in economic activity occurring due to the coronavirus. The amount of impact on the Company’s financial results is uncertain.

The Company presents its net interest margin and net interest income on a fully taxable equivalent (“FTE”) basis using the current statutory federal tax rate. Management believes the FTE basis is valuable to the reader because the Company’s loan and investment securities portfolios contain a relatively large portion of municipal loans and securities that are federally tax exempt. The Company’s tax exempt loans and securities composition may not be similar to that of other banks, therefore in order to reflect the impact of the federally tax exempt loans and securities on the net interest margin and net interest income for comparability with other banks, the Company presents its net interest margin and net interest income on an FTE basis.

The Company’s significant accounting policies (see Note 1 “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” to the Consolidated Financial Statements below) are fundamental to understanding the Company’s results of operations and financial condition. The Company adopted the following new accounting guidance:

FASB Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2019-12, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes, was issued December 2019. The ASU is intended to simplify various aspects related to accounting for income taxes, eliminates certain exceptions to the general principles in ASC Topic 740 related to intra-period tax allocation, simplifies when companies recognize deferred taxes in an interim period, and clarifies certain aspects of the current guidance to promote consistent application. This guidance effective for public entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020, and for interim period within those fiscal years, with early adoption permitted. The Company adopted the ASU provisions on January 1, 2021 and the adoption of the ASU provisions did not have a significant impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

FASB ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments, was issued on June 16, 2016. The ASU significantly changed estimates for credit losses related to financial assets measured at amortized cost and certain other contracts. For estimating credit losses, the FASB replaced the incurred loss model with the current expected credit loss (CECL) model, which accelerated recognition of credit losses. Additionally, credit losses relating to debt securities available-for-sale are recorded through an allowance for credit losses under the new standard. The Company is also required to provide additional disclosures related to the financial assets within the scope of the new standard.

The Company adopted the ASU provisions on January 1, 2020. Management evaluated available data, defined portfolio segments of loans with similar attributes, and selected loss estimate models for each identified loan portfolio segment. Management measured historical loss rates for each portfolio segment. Management also segmented debt securities held to maturity, selected methods to estimate losses for each segment, and measured a loss estimate. Agency mortgage-backed securities were assigned no credit loss allowance due to the perceived backing of government sponsored entities. Municipal securities were evaluated for risk of default based on credit rating and remaining term to maturity using Moody’s risk of default factors; Moody’s loss upon default factors were applied to the assumed defaulted principal amounts to estimate the amount for credit loss allowance. The adjustment to the allowance for credit losses was recorded through an offsetting after-tax adjustment to shareholders’ equity. The implementing entry increased allowance for credit losses on loans by $2,017 thousand, reduced allowance for unfunded credit commitments by $2,107 thousand and increased retained earnings by $52 thousand.

[The remainder of this page intentionally left blank]

- 22 -

Net Income

Following is a summary of the components of net income for the periods indicated:

For the Years Ended December 31,
202120202019
($ in thousands, except per share data)
Net interest and loan fee income$171,488$164,032$156,794
FTE adjustment2,6633,6504,612
Net interest and loan fee income (FTE)174,151167,682161,406
Provision for credit losses-(4,300)-
Noninterest income43,34545,63747,408
Noninterest expense(97,806)(98,566)(98,986)
Income before income taxes (FTE)119,690110,453109,828
Income taxes (FTE)(33,181)(30,040)(29,439)
Net income$86,509$80,413$80,389
Net income per average fully-diluted common share$3.22$2.98$2.98
Net income as a percentage of average shareholders' equity11.52%11.30%11.90%
Net income as a percentage of average total assets1.23%1.30%1.44%

Comparing 2021 with 2020, net income increased $6.1 million. Net interest and loan fee (FTE) income increased $6.5 million due to higher average balances of investments, higher average balances of interest-bearing cash and higher yield on PPP loans, partially offset by lower yield on investments, interest-earning cash and loans excluding PPP loans. Results for 2021 included “make-whole” interest income on corporate bonds redeemed prior to maturity of $2.8 million. The Company provided no provision for credit losses in 2021, reflecting Management's evaluation of credit risk over the remaining life of loans and bonds. Results for 2020 included a provision of credit losses of $4.3 million, representing Management’s estimate of additional reserves needed over the remaining life of its loans due to credit-risk from economic weakness caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Noninterest income decreased $2.3 million in 2021 compared with 2020 primarily because 2020 included $3.5 million in gains on sales of a closed branch building and a $603 thousand recovery on previously charged off loans. Fee income from merchant card processing, debit cards and trust accounts increased in 2021 compared with 2020. In 2021 noninterest expense decreased $760 thousand compared with 2020 due to lower salaries and related benefits, partially offset by higher professional fees and other noninterest expense. The tax rate (FTE) was 27.7% for and 27.2% for 2020.

Net income remained at the same level in 2020 and 2019. Net interest and loan fee (FTE) income increased $6.3 million due to higher average balances of investments and average balances of $151 million of PPP loans, partially offset by lower yield on interest-bearing earning assets and lower average balances of other loans. Results for 2020 include a provision of credit losses of $4.3 million, representing Management estimate of additional reserves needed over the remaining life of its loans due to credit-risk from economic weakness caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Noninterest income decreased $1.8 million compared with 2019 due to lower income from activity based fees due to reduced economic activity related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, the results for 2019 included a life insurance gain of $433 thousand. The decrease in noninterest income from 2019 to 2020 was partially offset by $3.5 million in gains on sales of a closed branch building in 2020. In 2020 noninterest expense decreased $420 thousand compared with 2019 due to lower salaries, occupancy and equipment expenses, and lower amortization of intangible assets, and because the results for 2019 included $553 thousand of loss contingency. The decrease was partially offset by higher FDIC assessments (included in “other noninterest expense”) in 2020 because FDIC assessments in 2019 were reduced by application of the Bank’s FDIC assessment credit described in Part 1, Item 1, “Premiums for Deposit Insurance and FDIC Regulation”. The effective tax rate (FTE) was 27.2% for 2020 compared with 26.8% for 2019.

[The remainder of this page intentionally left blank]

- 23 -

Net Interest and Loan Fee Income (FTE)

The Company's primary source of revenue is net interest income, or the difference between interest income earned on loans and investment securities and interest expense paid on interest-bearing deposits and other borrowings.

Components of Net Interest and Loan Fee Income (FTE)

For the Years Ended December 31,
202120202019
($ in thousands)
Interest and loan fee income$173,443$165,856$158,682
FTE adjustment2,6633,6504,612
Net interest and loan fee income (FTE)176,106169,506163,294
Interest expense(1,955)(1,824)(1,888)
Net interest and loan fee income (FTE)$174,151$167,682$161,406
Net interest margin (FTE)2.62%2.91%3.11%

Net interest and loan fee income (FTE) increased $6.5 million in 2021 compared with 2020 due to higher average balances of investments (up $431 million), higher average balances of interest-bearing cash (up $486 million) and higher yield on PPP loans (up 0.71%), partially offset by lower yield on investments (down 0.20%), interest-earning cash (down 0.18%) and loans excluding PPP loans. Results for 2021 included “make-whole” interest income on corporate bonds redeemed prior to maturity of $2.8 million.

Net interest and loan fee income (FTE) increased $6.3 million in 2020 compared with 2019 due to higher average balances of investments (up $445 million) and average balances of $151 million of PPP loans, partially offset by lower yield on interest-bearing earning assets (down 0.20%) and lower average balances of other loans (down $74 million).

The net interest margin (FTE) was 2.62% in 2021, 2.91% in 2020 and 3.11% in 2019. The yield on earning assets (FTE) was 2.65% in 2021, 2.94% in 2020 and 3.14% in 2019. Market interest rates declined in 2020 compared with 2019. Additionally, interest-bearing cash balances, which carry lower yield than loans and investments, made up a higher percentage of total earning assets in 2021 than in prior periods. (12.9% in 2021 compared with 6.4% in 2020 and 6.3% in 2019).

The Company’s funding costs were 0.03% in 2021, 2020 and 2019. Average balances of time deposits in 2021 declined $11 million from 2020. Average balances of lower-cost checking and savings deposits grew 16% from 2020 to 2021. Average balances of checking and saving deposits accounted for 97.5% of average total deposits in 2021 compared with 96.9% in 2020 and 96.2% in 2019.

Net Interest Margin (FTE)

The following summarizes the components of the Company's net interest margin (FTE) for the periods indicated.

For the Years Ended December 31,
202120202019
Yield on earning assets (FTE)2.65%2.94%3.14%
Rate paid on interest-bearing liabilities0.06%0.06%0.07%
Net interest spread (FTE)2.59%2.88%3.07%
Impact of noninterest-bearing demand deposits0.03%0.03%0.04%
Net interest margin (FTE)2.62%2.91%3.11%

[The remainder of this page intentionally left blank]

- 24 -

Summary of Average Balances, Yields/Rates and Interest Differential

The following tables present information regarding the consolidated average assets, liabilities and shareholders’ equity, the amounts of interest income earned from average interest earning assets and the resulting yields, and the amounts of interest expense incurred on average interest-bearing liabilities and the resulting rates. Average loan balances include nonperforming loans. Interest income includes reversal of previously accrued interest on loans placed on non-accrual status during the period and proceeds from loans on nonaccrual status only to the extent cash payments have been received and applied as interest income and accretion of purchased loan discounts. Yields on tax-exempt securities and loans have been adjusted upward to reflect the effect of income exempt from federal income taxation at the federal statutory tax rate of 21 percent.

Distribution of Assets, Liabilities & Shareholders’ Equity and Yields, Rates & Interest Margin

For the Year Ended December 31, 2021
Interest
AverageIncome/Yields/
BalanceExpenseRates
($ in thousands)
Assets
Investment securities:
Taxable$4,267,522$106,3292.49%
Tax-exempt (1)312,94610,6773.41%
Total investments (1)4,580,468117,0062.55%
Loans:
Taxable:
PPP loans152,1497,6395.02%
Other992,45448,3764.87%
Total taxable1,144,60356,0154.89%
Tax-exempt (1)50,5321,9533.87%
Total loans (1)1,195,13557,9684.85%
Total interest-bearing cash857,0291,1320.13%
Total Interest-earning assets (1)6,632,632176,1062.65%
Other assets406,652
Total assets$7,039,284
Liabilities and shareholders' equity
Noninterest-bearing demand$2,897,244$--%
Savings and interest-bearing transaction3,050,8591,4450.05%
Time less than $100,00083,5801670.20%
Time $100,000 or more69,1652650.38%
Total interest-bearing deposits3,203,6041,8770.06%
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase114,266780.07%
Federal Funds purchased1-0.87%
Other borrowed funds53-0.35%
Total interest-bearing liabilities3,317,9241,9550.06%
Other liabilities73,447
Shareholders' equity750,669
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity$7,039,284
Net interest spread (1) (2)2.59%
Net interest and fee income and interest margin (1) (3)$174,1512.62%
Column 1Column 2
(1)Amounts calculated on an FTE basis using the current statutory federal tax rate.
Column 1Column 2
(2)Net interest spread represents the average yield earned on interest-earning assets less the average rate incurred on interest-bearing liabilities.

- 25 -

Distribution of Assets, Liabilities & Shareholders’ Equity and Yields, Rates & Interest Margin

For the Year Ended December 31, 2020
Interest
AverageIncome/Yields/
BalanceExpenseRates
($ in thousands)
Assets
Investment securities:
Taxable$3,689,769$93,1632.52%
Tax-exempt (1)460,19115,3953.35%
Total investments (1)4,149,960108,5582.62%
Loans:
Taxable:
PPP loans151,3206,5164.31%
Other1,039,72451,3364.94%
Total taxable1,191,04457,8524.86%
Tax-exempt (1)48,1001,9314.01%
Total loans (1)1,239,14459,7834.82%
Total interest-bearing cash371,4441,1650.31%
Total Interest-earning assets (1)5,760,548169,5062.94%
Other assets413,922
Total assets$6,174,470
Liabilities and shareholders' equity
Noninterest-bearing demand$2,538,819$--%
Savings and interest-bearing transaction2,603,4761,2580.05%
Time less than $100,00091,5191930.21%
Time $100,000 or more72,3633190.44%
Total interest-bearing deposits2,767,3581,7700.06%
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase80,455530.07%
Federal funds purchased1-0.88%
Other borrowed funds17410.35%
Total interest-bearing liabilities2,847,9881,8240.06%
Other liabilities76,109
Shareholders' equity711,554
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity$6,174,470
Net interest spread (1) (2)2.88%
Net interest and fee income and interest margin (1) (3)$167,6822.91%
Column 1Column 2
(1)Amounts calculated on an FTE basis using the current statutory federal tax rate.
Column 1Column 2
(2)Net interest spread represents the average yield earned on interest-earning assets less the average rate incurred on interest-bearing liabilities.
Column 1Column 2
(3)Net interest margin is computed by calculating the difference between interest income and expense, divided by the average balance of interest-earning assets. The net interest margin is greater than the net interest spread due to the benefit of noninterest-bearing demand deposits.

[The remainder of this page intentionally left blank]

- 26 -

Distribution of Assets, Liabilities & Shareholders’ Equity and Yields, Rates & Interest Margin

For the Year Ended December 31, 2019
Interest
AverageIncome/Yields/
BalanceExpenseRates
($ in thousands)
Assets
Investment securities:
Taxable$3,089,099$77,8002.52%
Tax-exempt (1)615,66519,9233.24%
Total investments (1)3,704,76497,7232.64%
Loans:
Taxable1,112,25056,5505.08%
Tax-exempt (1)49,5292,0284.10%
Total loans (1)1,161,77958,5785.04%
Total interest bearing cash324,7336,9932.15%
Total interest-earning assets(1)5,191,276163,2943.14%
Other assets405,833
Total assets$5,597,109
Liabilities and shareholders' equity
Noninterest-bearing demand$2,222,876$--%
Savings and interest-bearing transaction2,396,6041,2740.05%
Time less than $100,000103,3992540.25%
Time $100,000 or more78,9253260.41%
Total interest-bearing deposits2,578,9281,8540.07%
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase51,441340.07%
Federal funds purchased1-1.98%
Total interest-bearing liabilities2,630,3701,8880.07%
Other liabilities68,351
Shareholders' equity675,512
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity$5,597,109
Net interest spread (1) (2)3.07%
Net interest and fee income and interest margin (1) (3)$161,4063.11%
Column 1Column 2
(1)Amounts calculated on a fully taxable equivalent basis using the current statutory federal tax rate.
Column 1Column 2
(2)Net interest spread represents the average yield earned on interest-earning assets less the average rate incurred on interest-bearing liabilities.
Column 1Column 2
(3)Net interest margin is computed by calculating the difference between interest income and expense, divided by the average balance of interest-earning assets. The net interest margin is greater than the net interest spread due to the benefit of noninterest-bearing demand deposits.

[The remainder of this page intentionally left blank]

- 27 -

Summary of Changes in Interest Income and Expense due to Changes in Average Asset & Liability Balances and Yields Earned & Rates Paid

The following tables set forth a summary of the changes in interest income and interest expense due to changes in average assets and liability balances (volume) and changes in average interest yields/rates for the periods indicated. Changes not solely attributable to volume or yields/rates have been allocated in proportion to the respective volume and yield/rate components.

Summary of Changes in Interest Income and Expense

For the Year Ended December 31, 2021
Compared with
For the Year Ended December 31, 2020
VolumeYield/RateTotal
(In thousands)
Increase (decrease) in interest and loan fee income:
Investment securities:
Taxable$14,588$(1,422)$13,166
Tax-exempt (1)(4,926)208(4,718)
Total investments (1)9,662(1,214)8,448
Loans:
Taxable:
PPP loans421,0811,123
Other(2,334)(626)(2,960)
Total taxable(2,292)455(1,837)
Tax-exempt (1)98(76)22
Total loans (1)(2,194)379(1,815)
Total interest-bearing cash1,523(1,556)(33)
Total increase (decrease) in interest and loan fee income (1)8,991(2,391)6,600
Increase (decrease) in interest expense:
Deposits:
Savings and interest-bearing transaction216(29)187
Time less than $100,000(17)(9)(26)
Time $100,000 or more(14)(40)(54)
Total interest-bearing deposits185(78)107
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase22325
Other borrowed funds(1)-(1)
Total increase (decrease) in interest expense206(75)131
Increase (decrease) in net interest and loan fee income (1)$8,785$(2,316)$6,469
Column 1Column 2
(1)Amounts calculated on an FTE basis using the current statutory federal tax rate.

[The remainder of this page intentionally left blank]

- 28 -

Summary of Changes in Interest Income and Expense

For the Year Ended December 31, 2020
Compared with
For the Year Ended December 31, 2019
VolumeYield/RateTotal
(In thousands)
Increase (decrease) in interest and loan fee income:
Investment securities:
Taxable$15,128$235$15,363
Tax-exempt (1)(5,031)503(4,528)
Total investments (1)10,09773810,835
Loans:
Taxable:
PPP loans6,516-6,516
Other(3,687)(1,527)(5,214)
Total taxable2,829(1,527)1,302
Tax-exempt (1)(59)(38)(97)
Total loans (1)2,770(1,565)1,205
Total interest-bearing cash1,006(6,834)(5,828)
Total increase (decrease) in interest and loan fee income (1)13,873(7,661)6,212
Increase (decrease) in interest expense:
Deposits:
Savings and interest-bearing transaction110(126)(16)
Time less than $100,000(29)(32)(61)
Time $100,000 or more(27)20(7)
Total interest-bearing deposits54(138)(84)
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase19-19
Other borrowed funds1-1
Total increase (decrease) in interest expense74(138)(64)
Increase (decrease) in net interest and loan fee income (1)$13,799$(7,523)$6,276

(1) Amounts calculated on an FTE basis using the current statutory federal tax rate.

Provision for Credit Losses

The Company manages credit costs by consistently enforcing conservative underwriting and administration procedures and aggressively pursuing collection efforts with debtors experiencing financial difficulties. The provision for credit losses reflects Management's assessment of credit risk in the loan portfolio and debt securities held to maturity during each of the periods presented.

The Company provided no provision for credit losses in 2021 based on Management’s estimate of reserves needed over the remaining life of its loans and investments. The Company provided a provision for credit losses of $4.3 million recorded in 2020. The 2020 provision represented Management’s estimate of additional reserves needed over the remaining life of its loans and investments due to credit-risk from weakened economic conditions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The Company provided no provision for loan losses in 2019 based on Management’s evaluation of credit quality, the level of the provision for loan losses in 2019, and the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses at December 31, 2019. For further information regarding credit risk, net credit losses and the allowance for credit losses, see the “Loan Portfolio Credit Risk” and “Allowance for Credit Losses” sections of this Report.

- 29 -

Noninterest Income

Components of Noninterest Income

For the Years Ended December 31,
202120202019
(In thousands)
Service charges on deposit accounts$13,697$14,149$17,882
Merchant processing services11,99810,20810,132
Debit card fees6,8596,1816,357
Trust fees3,3113,0122,963
ATM processing fees2,2802,2732,776
Other service fees1,8841,8372,255
Financial services commissions356372392
Gains on sales of real property-3,536-
Life insurance gains--433
Securities gains3471217
Other noninterest income2,9263,9984,001
Total Noninterest Income$43,345$45,637$47,408

In 2021, noninterest income decreased $2.3 million compared with 2020 primarily because 2020 results included a $3.5 million gain on the sale of a closed branch building, a $603 thousand recovery in excess of previously charged off loan amounts, and higher service charges on deposit accounts. Decreases in 2021 results, compared with 2020, were partially offset by higher transaction volumes from merchant processing services and debit cards, and increases in trust fees.

In 2020, noninterest income decreased $1.8 million compared with 2019 due to lower income from activity based fees due to reduced economic activity related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, the results for 2019 included a life insurance gain of $433 thousand. The decrease was partially offset by a $3.5 million gain on the sale of a closed branch building in 2020.

Noninterest Expense

Components of Noninterest Expense

For the Years Ended December 31,
202120202019
(In thousands)
Salaries and related benefits$48,011$50,749$51,054
Occupancy and equipment19,13919,63720,240
Outsourced data processing services9,6019,4269,471
Professional fees3,2532,4232,465
Courier service2,1772,0011,878
Amortization of identifiable intangibles269287538
Loss Contingency--553
Other noninterest expense15,35614,04312,787
Total Noninterest Expense$97,806$98,566$98,986

In 2021, noninterest expense decreased $760 thousand compared with 2020. The decrease in salaries and related benefits in 2021 compared with 2020 was attributable to attrition. Occupancy and equipment expenses decreased due to lower depreciation expense. These decreases were partially offset by higher professional fees and other noninterest expense.

In 2020, noninterest expense decreased $420 thousand compared with 2019 due to lower salaries, occupancy and equipment expenses, and lower amortization of intangible assets, and because the results for 2019 included $553 thousand of loss contingency. The decrease was partially offset by higher FDIC assessments (included in “other noninterest expense”) in 2020 because FDIC assessments in 2019 were reduced by application of the Bank’s FDIC assessment credit described in Part 1, Item 1, “Premiums for Deposit Insurance and FDIC Regulation”.

- 30 -

Provision for Income Tax

The Company’s income tax provision (FTE) was $33.2 million in 2021 compared with $30.0 million in 2020 and $29.4 million in 2019. The effective tax rates (FTE) were 27.7% in 2021 compared with 27.2% in 2020 and 26.8% in 2019.

The higher effective tax rates (FTE) in 2021 and 2020 compared with 2019 are due to lower levels of tax-exempt interest income and stock compensation tax deductions in 2020. The tax provisions (FTE) for 2021, 2020 and 2019 include tax benefits of $-0- thousand, $87 thousand and $435 thousand, respectively, for tax deductions from the exercise of employee stock options which exceed related compensation expenses recognized in the financial statements. In 2019, the Company decreased unrecognized tax benefits by $909 thousand related to settlements with taxing authorities. The settlements incorporated amended tax returns for which the Company had recognized a deferred tax asset in the amount of $1,003 thousand.

Investment Securities Portfolio

The Company maintains an investment securities portfolio consisting of securities issued by state and political subdivisions and corporations, collateralized loan obligations, agency and non-agency issued mortgage backed securities, and other securities.

Management managed the investment securities portfolio in response to changes in deposit and loan volumes. The carrying value of the Company’s investment securities portfolio was $4.9 billion at December 31, 2021 and $4.6 billion at December 31, 2020. The following table lists debt securities in the Company’s portfolio by type as of the indicated dates. The Company adopted ASU 2016-13 effective January 1, 2020. Debt securities held to maturity of $306,403 thousand at December 31, 2021 and $515,598 thousand at December 31, 2020, are listed at amortized cost before related reserve for expected credit losses of $7 thousand and $9 thousand, respectively. Debt securities available for sale are listed at fair value.

At December 31, 2021At December 31, 2020
Carrying ValueAs a percent of total investment securitiesCarrying ValueAs a percent of total investment securities
($ in thousands)
Agency mortgage-backed securities$559,35811%$893,28420%
Obligations of states and political subdivisions251,9335%384,9328%
Corporate securities2,746,73556%2,117,97846%
Commercial paper--%24,9901%
Collateralized loan obligations1,386,35528%1,156,10125%
Other877-%1,498-%
Total$4,945,258100%$4,578,783100%
Debt securities available for sale$4,638,855$4,063,185
Debt securities held to maturity306,403515,598
Total$4,945,258$4,578,783

Management continually evaluates the Company’s investment securities portfolio in response to established asset/liability management objectives, changing market conditions that could affect profitability, liquidity, and the level of interest rate risk to which the Company is exposed. These evaluations may cause Management to change the level of funds the Company deploys into investment securities and change the composition of the Company’s investment securities portfolio.

At December 31, 2021, substantially all of the Company’s investment securities were investment grade as rated by one or more major rating agencies. In addition to monitoring credit rating agency evaluations, Management performs its own evaluations regarding the credit worthiness of the issuer or the securitized assets underlying asset-backed securities. The Company’s procedures for evaluating investments in securities are in accordance with guidance issued by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, “Investing in Securities without Reliance on Nationally Recognized Statistical Rating Agencies” (SR 12-15) and other regulatory guidance. There have been no significant differences in the Company’s internal analyses compared with the ratings assigned by the third party credit rating agencies.

The Company had no marketable equity securities at December 31, 2021, December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019. All of the marketable equity securities were sold with no gains or losses from the sale during the third quarter 2019. The market value of the marketable equity securities was $1,747 thousand at December 31, 2018. The Company recognized gross unrealized holding gains of $50 thousand in earnings in 2019.

- 31 -

The following table shows the fair value carrying amount of the Company’s equity securities and debt securities available for sale as of the dates indicated:

At December 31,
202120202019
(In thousands)
Debt securities available for sale:
U.S. Treasury securities$-$-$20,000
Securities of U.S. Government sponsored entities--111,167
Agency residential mortgage-backed securities (MBS)411,726652,952939,750
Agency commercial MBS--3,708
Securities of U.S. Government entities119154544
Obligations of states and political subdivisions93,920111,010163,139
Corporate securities2,746,7352,117,9781,833,783
Commercial paper-24,990-
Collateralized Loan Obligations1,386,3551,156,1016,755
Total debt securities available for sale$4,638,855$4,063,185$3,078,846

The following table sets forth the relative maturities and contractual yields of the Company’s debt securities available for sale (stated at fair value) at December 31, 2021. Yields on state and political subdivision securities have been calculated on a fully taxable equivalent basis using the current federal statutory rate. Mortgage-backed securities are shown separately because they are typically paid in monthly installments over a number of years.

Debt Securities Available for Sale Maturity Distribution

At December 31, 2021
Within one yearAfter one but within five yearsAfter five but within ten yearsAfter ten yearsMortgage- backedTotal
($ in thousands)
Securities of U.S. Government entities$-$119$-$-$-$119
Interest rate-%2.59%-%-%-%2.59%
Obligations of states and political subdivisions3,57635,70554,639--93,920
Interest rate4.10%3.41%2.92%-%-%3.07%
Corporate securities305,681697,5951,528,846214,613-2,746,735
Interest rate2.61%3.24%2.62%2.36%-%2.72%
Collaterized loan obligations-4,638763,757617,960-1,386,355
Interest rate-%2.12%1.76%1.83%-%1.79%
Subtotal309,257738,0572,347,242832,573-4,227,129
Interest rate2.63%3.24%2.35%1.97%-%2.42%
MBS----411,726411,726
Interest rate-%-%-%-%1.86%1.86%
Total$309,257$738,057$2,347,242$832,573$411,726$4,638,855
Interest rate2.63%3.24%2.35%1.97%1.86%2.37%

[The remainder of this page intentionally left blank]

- 32 -

The following table shows the amortized cost carrying amount and fair value before related reserve for expected credit losses of $7 thousand at December 31, 2021 and $9 thousand at December 31, 2020, of the Company’s debt securities held to maturity as of the dates indicated:

At December 31,
202120202019
(In thousands)
Agency residential MBS$147,632$240,332$353,937
Non-agency residential MBS7581,3442,354
Obligations of states and political subdivisions158,013273,922381,781
Total$306,403$515,598$738,072
Fair value$312,562$529,687$744,296

The following table sets forth the relative maturities and contractual yields of the Company’s debt securities held to maturity at December 31, 2021. Yields on state and political subdivision securities have been calculated on a fully taxable equivalent basis using the current federal statutory rate. Mortgage-backed securities are shown separately because they are typically paid in monthly installments over a number of years.

Debt Securities Held to Maturity Maturity Distribution

At December 31, 2021
Within one yearAfter one but within five yearsAfter five but within ten yearsAfter ten yearsMortgage- backedTotal
($ in thousands)
Obligations of states and political subdivisions$15,836$125,001$17,176$-$-$158,013
Interest rate3.01%3.38%3.59%-%-%3.40%
MBS----148,390148,390
Interest rate-%-%-%-%1.68%1.68%
Total$15,836$125,001$17,176$-$148,390$306,403
Interest rate3.01%3.38%3.59%-%1.68%2.57%

The following table summarizes total corporate securities by credit rating:

At December 31, 2021At December 31, 2020
Market valueAs a percent of total corporate securitiesMarket valueAs a percent of total corporate securities
($ in thousands)
AAA$21,4001%$21,9051%
AA+20,4791%20,9791%
AA19,7811%41,2322%
AA-105,3734%46,9692%
A+128,3255%153,9177%
A539,06219%374,15518%
A-628,08923%385,64218%
BBB+797,86029%489,67723%
BBB474,64817%486,10823%
BBB-11,718-%82,4314%
Investment grade2,746,735100%2,103,01599%
Below investment grade--%14,9631%
Total Corporate securities$2,746,735100%$2,117,978100%

The Company’s below investment grade corporate bond with a balance of $14.96 million at December 31, 2020 paid off in full at maturity in July 2021.

- 33 -

The following table summarizes total corporate securities by the industry sector in which the issuing companies operate:

At December 31, 2021At December 31, 2020
Market valueAs a percent of total corporate securitiesMarket valueAs a percent of total corporate securities
($ in thousands)
Financial$1,421,31752%$938,22244%
Consumer, Non-cyclical271,06910%184,0699%
Industrial217,0658%188,8039%
Utilities208,5227%185,4869%
Communications161,5376%173,4838%
Technology127,8535%130,7256%
Consumer, Cyclical125,6864%93,3304%
Basic Materials114,9644%120,8116%
Energy98,7224%103,0495%
Total Corporate securities$2,746,735100%$2,117,978100%

The following table summarizes total consumer, cyclical by sub-sector:

At December 31, 2021
Market value
($ in thousands)
Hotels$-
Restaurants20,478
Department Stores-
Casinos-
Airlines-
Other105,208
Total Consumer, Cyclical$125,686

The Company’s $20.5 million (fair value) in corporate bonds to issuers operating in the consumer cyclical – restaurant subsector represent bonds of one company which retails, roasts and provides its own brand of specialty coffee and other complementary products through retail locations worldwide and sells coffee through several distribution channels. The bonds mature in 2023. At December 31, 2021, the bonds were rated BBB and priced with an unrealized gain of $480 thousand.

At December 31, 2021
AmortizedFair
CostValue
(In thousands)
Energy$95,380$98,722
Industrial213,017217,065
Total$308,397$315,787

The $98.7 million (fair value) in corporate bonds in the energy sector are issued by 4 issuers at December 31, 2021. The $217.1 million (fair value) in corporate bonds in the industrial sector are issued by 10 issuers at December 31, 2021.

The Company’s $1.4 billion (fair value) in collateralized loan obligations at December 31, 2021, consist of investments in 157 issues that are within the senior tranches of their respective fund securitization structures. All of the Company’s collateralized loan obligation investments are rated AAA or AA at December 31, 2021.

- 34 -

The following tables summarize the total general obligation and revenue bonds issued by states and political subdivisions held in the Company’s investment securities portfolios as of the dates indicated, identifying the state in which the issuing government municipality or agency operates.

At December 31, 2021, the Company’s investment securities portfolios included securities issued by 197 state and local government municipalities and agencies located within 33 states. The largest exposure to any one municipality or agency was $7.4 million (fair value) represented by five general obligation bonds.

At December 31, 2021
AmortizedFair
CostValue
(In thousands)
Obligations of states and political subdivisions:
General obligation bonds:
California$48,332$49,829
Washington13,46013,924
Texas11,65312,024
Other (27 states)110,722114,132
Total general obligation bonds$184,167$189,909
Revenue bonds:
California$14,912$15,208
Kentucky8,8469,093
Virginia7,5767,809
Colorado6,1586,241
Indiana5,7475,821
Other (12 states)20,71420,934
Total revenue bonds$63,953$65,106
Total obligations of states and political subdivisions$248,120$255,015

[The remainder of this page intentionally left blank]

- 35 -

At December 31, 2020, the Company’s investment securities portfolios included securities issued by 317 state and local government municipalities and agencies located within 40 states. The largest exposure to any one municipality or agency was $8.2 million (fair value) represented by six general obligation bonds.

At December 31, 2020
AmortizedFair
CostValue
(In thousands)
Obligations of states and political subdivisions:
General obligation bonds:
California$67,386$70,075
Texas20,64421,283
New Jersey17,40317,629
Washington16,22617,000
Other (32 states)159,019164,764
Total general obligation bonds$280,678$290,751
Revenue bonds:
California$17,587$18,054
Kentucky10,82211,210
Indiana9,3509,565
Virginia7,6048,019
Colorado6,3026,519
Washington6,2256,358
Maryland5,9726,043
Other (19 states)35,06135,656
Total revenue bonds$98,923$101,424
Total obligations of states and political subdivisions$379,601$392,175

At December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, the revenue bonds in the Company’s investment securities portfolios were issued by state and local government municipalities and agencies to fund public services such as water utility, sewer utility, recreational and school facilities, and general public and economic improvements. The revenue bonds were payable from 14 revenue sources at December 31, 2021 and 19 revenue sources at December 31, 2020. The revenue sources that represent 5% or more individually of the total revenue bonds are summarized in the following tables.

At December 31, 2021
AmortizedFair
CostValue
(In thousands)
Revenue bonds by revenue source:
Water$10,123$10,222
Sewer8,5258,828
Sales tax8,2038,304
Lease (renewal)6,9697,175
Lease (abatement)6,9227,010
Lease (appropriation)4,5644,618
Special Assessment4,0804,197
Intergovernmental Agreement3,8603,926
Other (6 sources)10,70710,826
Total revenue bonds by revenue source$63,953$65,106

[The remainder of this page intentionally left blank]

- 36 -

At December 31, 2020
AmortizedFair
CostValue
(In thousands)
Revenue bonds by revenue source:
Water$22,731$23,095
Sewer12,44712,989
Sales tax10,73811,013
Lease (renewal)9,2099,545
Lease (abatement)8,4838,674
Other (14 sources)35,31536,108
Total revenue bonds by revenue source$98,923$101,424

See Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements for additional information related to the investment securities.

Loan Portfolio

The Company originates loans with the intent to hold such assets until principal is repaid. Management follows written loan underwriting policies and procedures which are approved by the Bank’s Board of Directors. Loans are underwritten following approved underwriting standards and lending authorities within a formalized organizational structure. The Board of Directors also approves independent real estate appraisers to be used in obtaining estimated values for real property serving as loan collateral. Prevailing economic trends and conditions are also taken into consideration in loan underwriting practices.

All loan applications must be for clearly defined legitimate purposes with a determinable primary source of repayment, and as appropriate, secondary sources of repayment. All loans are supported by appropriate documentation such as current financial statements, tax returns, credit reports, collateral information, guarantor asset verification, title reports, appraisals, and other relevant documentation.

During 2020 and the first six months of 2021, the Bank processed customer PPP loan applications as established by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (the “CARES Act”). The United States Small Business Administration guarantees PPP loans; given this guarantee, the PPP loans are not considered to have default risk. PPP loans, net of deferred fees and costs, were $46 million at December 31, 2021 and $187 million at December 31, 2020.

Commercial loans represent term loans used to acquire durable business assets or revolving lines of credit used to finance working capital. Underwriting practices evaluate each borrower’s cash flow as the principal source of loan repayment. Commercial loans are generally secured by the borrower’s business assets as a secondary source of repayment. Commercial loans are evaluated for credit-worthiness based on prior loan performance and borrower financial information including cash flow, borrower net worth and aggregate debt. PPP loans are included in commercial loans.

Commercial real estate loans represent term loans used to acquire or refinance real estate to be operated by the borrower in a commercial capacity. Underwriting practices evaluate each borrower’s global cash flow as the principal source of loan repayment, independent appraisal of value of the property, and other relevant factors. Commercial real estate loans are generally secured by a first lien on the property as a secondary source of repayment.

Real estate construction loans represent the financing of real estate development. Loan principal disbursements are controlled through the use of project budgets, and disbursements are approved based on construction progress, which is validated by project site inspections. A first lien on the real estate serves as collateral to secure the loan.

Residential real estate loans generally represent first lien mortgages used by the borrower to purchase or refinance a principal residence. For interest-rate risk purposes, the Company offers only fully-amortizing, adjustable-rate mortgages. In underwriting first lien mortgages, the Company evaluates each borrower’s ability to repay the loan, an independent appraisal of the value of the property, and other relevant factors. The Company does not offer riskier mortgage products, such as non-amortizing “interest-only” mortgages and “negative amortization” mortgages.

For loans secured by real estate, the Bank requires title insurance to insure the status of its lien and each borrower is obligated to insure the real estate collateral, naming the Company as loss payee, in an amount sufficient to repay the principal amount outstanding in the event of a property casualty loss.

- 37 -

Consumer installment and other loans are predominantly comprised of indirect automobile loans with underwriting based on credit history and scores, personal income, debt service capacity, and collateral values.

Loan volumes have declined due to payoffs and problem loan workout activities, particularly with purchased loans, and reduced volumes of loan originations. The Company did not take an aggressive posture relative to loan portfolio growth during the post-recession period of historically low interest rates. Management increased investment securities as loan volumes declined.

The following table shows the composition of the loan portfolio of the Company by type of loan and type of borrower, on the dates indicated:

Loan Portfolio

At December 31,
20212020201920182017
(In thousands)
PPP loans$45,888$186,945$-$-$-
Other commercial187,202207,861222,085275,080335,996
Total commercial233,090394,806222,085275,080335,996
Commercial real estate535,261564,300578,758580,480568,584
Construction481291,6183,9825,649
Residential real estate18,13323,47132,74844,86665,183
Consumer installment and other281,594273,537291,455302,794312,570
Total loans1,068,1261,256,2431,126,6641,207,2021,287,982

The following table shows the maturity distribution and interest rate sensitivity of loans at December 31, 2021. There were no loans with a remaining maturity of over fifteen years as of December 31, 2021.

Loan Maturity Distribution

At December 31, 2021
Within One YearOne to Five YearsFive to Fifteen YearsTotal
(In thousands)
Commercial$89,429$99,755$43,906$233,090
Commercial real estate94,763283,307157,191535,261
Construction48--48
Residential real estate5,10510,4442,58418,133
Consumer and other installment78,914196,9585,722281,594
Total$268,259$590,464$209,403$1,068,126
Loans with fixed interest rates182,201288,17232,284502,657
Loans with floating or adjustable interest rates86,058302,292177,119565,469
Total$268,259$590,464$209,403$1,068,126

Commitments and Letters of Credit

The Company issues formal commitments on lines of credit to well-established and financially responsible commercial enterprises. Such commitments can be either secured or unsecured and are typically in the form of revolving lines of credit for seasonal working capital needs. Occasionally, such commitments are in the form of letters of credit to facilitate the customers’ particular business transactions. Commitment fees are generally charged for commitments and letters of credit. Commitments on lines of credit and letters of credit typically mature within one year. For further information, see the accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.

Loan Portfolio Credit Risk

The Company extends loans to commercial and consumer customers which expose the Company to the risk that the borrowers will default, causing loss. The Company’s lending activities are exposed to various qualitative risks. All loan segments are exposed to risks inherent in the economy and market conditions. Significant risk characteristics related to the commercial loan segment include the borrowers’ business performance and financial condition, and the value of collateral for secured loans. Significant risk characteristics related to the commercial real estate segment include the borrowers’ business performance and the value of properties collateralizing the loans. Significant risk characteristics related to the construction loan segment include the borrowers’ performance in successfully developing the real estate into the intended purpose and the value of the property collateralizing the loans. Significant risk characteristics related to the residential real estate segment include the borrowers’ financial wherewithal to service the mortgages and the value of the property collateralizing the loans. Significant risk characteristics related to the consumer loan segment include the financial condition of the borrowers and the value of collateral securing the loans.

- 38 -

During 2020 and the first six months of 2021, the Bank processed customer PPP loan applications pursuant to the CARES Act. The United States Small Business Administration guarantees PPP loans; given this guarantee, the PPP loans are not considered to have default risk and do not carry an allowance for credit losses. The outstanding balances of PPP loans, net of deferred fees and costs, were $46 million at December 31, 2021.

On April 7, 2020, the U.S. banking agencies issued an Interagency Statement on Loan Modifications and Reporting for Financial Institutions Working with Customers Affected by the Coronavirus (Revised). The statement describes accounting for COVID-19-related loan modifications, including clarifying the interaction between current accounting rules and the temporary relief provided by the CARES Act. The Bank has been actively working with consumer and commercial borrowers requesting deferral of loan payments, granting deferrals of principal and interest payments for 90 days. At December 31, 2021, loans granted loan deferrals totaled $84 thousand, all of which were consumer automobile loans.

The preparation of the financial statements requires Management to estimate the amount of expected losses in the loan portfolio and establish an allowance for credit losses. The allowance for credit losses is maintained by assessing or reversing a provision for credit losses through the Company’s earnings. In estimating credit losses, Management must exercise judgment in evaluating information deemed relevant, such as financial information regarding individual borrowers, overall loss experience, the amount of past due, nonperforming and classified loans, recommendations of regulatory authorities, prevailing economic conditions and other information. The amount of ultimate losses on the loan portfolio can vary from the estimated amounts. Management follows a systematic methodology to estimate loss potential in an effort to reduce the differences between estimated and actual losses.

The Company closely monitors the markets in which it conducts its lending operations and follows a strategy to control exposure to loans with high credit risk. The Bank’s organization structure separates the functions of business development and loan underwriting; Management believes this segregation of duties avoids inherent conflicts of combining business development and loan approval functions. In measuring and managing credit risk, the Company adheres to the following practices:

Column 1Column 2Column 3
The Bank maintains a Loan Review Department which reports directly to the audit committee of the Board of Directors. The Loan Review Department performs independent evaluations of loans to challenge the credit risk grades assigned by Management, using grading standards employed by bank regulatory agencies. Those loans judged to carry higher risk attributes are referred to as “classified loans.” Classified loans receive elevated Management attention in order to maximize collection.
Column 1Column 2Column 3
The Bank maintains two loan administration offices whose sole responsibility is to manage and collect classified loans.

Classified loans with higher levels of credit risk are further designated as “nonaccrual loans.” Management places classified loans on nonaccrual status when full collection of contractual interest and principal payments is in doubt. Uncollected interest previously accrued on loans placed on nonaccrual status is reversed as a charge against interest income. The Company does not accrue interest income on loans following placement on nonaccrual status. Interest payments received on nonaccrual loans are applied to reduce the carrying amount of the loan unless the carrying amount is well secured by loan collateral. “Nonperforming assets” include nonaccrual loans, loans 90 or more days past due and still accruing, and repossessed loan collateral (commonly referred to as “Other Real Estate Owned”).

[The remainder of this page intentionally left blank]

- 39 -

Nonperforming Assets

At December 31,
20212020201920182017
(In thousands)
Nonperforming nonaccrual loans$265$526$659$998$1,641
Performing nonaccrual loans4273,8033,7813,8704,285
Total nonaccrual loans6924,3294,4404,8685,926
Accruing loans 90 or more days past due339450440551531
Total nonperforming loans1,0314,7794,8805,4196,457
Other real estate owned--433501,426
Total nonperforming assets$1,031$4,779$4,923$5,769$7,883

At December 31, 2021, nonaccrual loans consisted of five loans with an average carrying value of $138 thousand.

Management believes the overall credit quality of the loan portfolio is reasonably stable; however, classified and nonperforming assets could fluctuate from period to period. The performance of any individual loan can be affected by external factors such as the interest rate environment, economic conditions, pandemics, and collateral values or factors particular to the borrower. No assurance can be given that additional increases in nonaccrual and delinquent loans will not occur in the future.

Allowance for Credit Losses

Effective January 1, 2020, the Company adopted Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2016-13, Financial Instruments – Credit Losses: Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments (“CECL”). The following table summarizes allowance for credit losses at the dates indicated:

At December 31,
20212020
(In thousands)
Allowance for Credit Losses on Loans$23,514$23,854
Allowance for Credit Losses on Held to Maturity Debt Securities79
Total Allowance for Credit Losses$23,521$23,863
Allowance for unfunded credit commitments201101

Allowance for Credit Losses on Debt Securities Held to Maturity

Management segmented debt securities held to maturity, selected methods to estimate losses for each segment, and measured a loss estimate. Agency mortgage-backed securities were assigned no credit loss allowance due to the perceived backing of government sponsored entities. Municipal securities were evaluated for risk of default based on credit rating and remaining term to maturity using Moody’s risk of default factors; Moody’s loss upon default factors were applied to the assumed defaulted principal amounts to estimate the amount for credit loss allowance. The adoption of the ASU resulted in establishment of allowance for credit losses related to debt securities held to maturity of $16 thousand. It was reduced to $7 thousand at December 31, 2021 and $9 thousand at December 31, 2020 to reflect the expected credit losses on debt securities held to maturity.

Allowance for Credit Losses on Loans

The Company’s allowance for credit losses on loans represents Management’s estimate of forecasted credit losses in the loan portfolio based on the CECL model. In evaluating credit risk for loans, Management measures the loss potential of the carrying value of loans. As described above, payments received on nonaccrual loans may be applied against the principal balance of the loans until such time as full collection of the remaining recorded balance is expected.

[The remainder of this page intentionally left blank]

- 40 -

The following table summarizes the allowance for credit losses, chargeoffs and recoveries for the periods indicated. The allowance for loan losses for 2017, 2018 and 2019 is shown under legacy GAAP.

At and For the Years Ended December 31,
20212020201920182017
($ in thousands)
Analysis of the Allowance for Credit Losses
Balance, end of prior period$23,854$19,484$21,351$23,009$25,954
Adoption of ASU 2016-13-2,017---
Balance, beginning of period23,85421,50121,35123,00925,954
Provision for (reversal of) credit losses on loans24,307--(1,900)
Loans charged off:
Commercial(56)(236)(97)(513)(961)
Commercial real estate---(240)-
Consumer and other installment(3,192)(3,963)(4,473)(4,124)(4,957)
Total chargeoffs(3,248)(4,199)(4,570)(4,877)(5,918)
Recoveries of loans previously charged off:
Commercial2283517681,447762
Commercial real estate74349196-88
Construction----1,899
Consumer and other installment1,9351,8451,7391,7722,124
Total recoveries2,9062,2452,7033,2194,873
Net loan losses(342)(1,954)(1,867)(1,658)(1,045)
Balance, end of period$23,514$23,854$19,484$21,351$23,009
Net loan losses as a percentage of average loans0.03%0.16%0.16%0.14%0.08%
Selected financial data:
Loans$1,068,126$1,256,243$1,126,664$1,207,202$1,287,982
Nonaccrual loans6924,3294,4404,8685,926
Allowance for credit losses as a percentage of loans2.20%1.90%1.73%1.77%1.79%
Nonaccrual loans as a percentage of loans0.06%0.34%0.39%0.40%0.46%
Allowance for credit losses to nonaccrual loans3397.98%551.03%438.83%438.60%388.27%

The following table summarizes net (chargeoffs) recoveries and the ratio of net (charge-offs) recoveries to average loans for the periods indicated:

For the Years ended December 31,
202120202019
As a percentageAs a percentageAs a percentage
of Net chargeoffsof Net chargeoffsof Net chargeoffs
Net (chargeoffs)(recoveries)Net (chargeoffs)(recoveries)Net (chargeoffs)(recoveries)
Recoveriesto Average loansRecoveriesto Average loansRecoveriesto Average loans
($ in thousands)
Commercial$172(0.05)%$115(0.03)%$671(0.28)%
Commercial real estate743(0.14)%49(0.01)%196(0.03)%
Construction--%--%--%
Residential real estate--%--%--%
Consumer and other installment(1,257)0.45%(2,118)0.76%(2,734)0.92%
Total$(342)0.03%$(1,954)0.16%$(1,867)0.16%

The Company's allowance for credit losses on loans is maintained at a level considered adequate to provide for expected losses based on historical loss rates adjusted for current and expected conditions over a forecast period. These include conditions unique to individual borrowers, as well as overall loan loss experience, the amount of past due, nonperforming and classified loans, recommendations of regulatory authorities, prevailing and forecasted economic conditions, or credit protection agreements and other factors. Loans that share common risk characteristics are segregated into pools based on common characteristics, which is primarily determined by loan, borrower, or collateral type. Historical loss rates are determined for each pool. Loans that do not share risk characteristics with other loans in the pools are evaluated individually. See Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements for additional information.

[The remainder of this page intentionally left blank]

- 41 -

The following table presents the allocation of the allowance for credit losses as of December 31 for the periods indicated. The allowance for loan losses for 2017, 2018 and 2019 is shown under legacy GAAP.

At December 31,
20212020201920182017
Allocation of the Allowance BalanceLoans as Percent of Total LoansAllocation of the Allowance BalanceLoans as Percent of Total LoansAllocation of the Allowance BalanceLoans as Percent of Total LoansAllocation of the Allowance BalanceLoans as Percent of Total LoansAllocation of the Allowance BalanceLoans as Percent of Total Loans
($ in thousands)
Commercial$6,96622%$9,20531%$4,95920%$6,31123%$7,74626%
Commercial real estate6,52950%5,66045%4,06451%3,88448%3,84944%
Construction2-%6-%109-%1,465-%3351%
Residential real estate452%472%2063%8694%9955%
Consumer installment and other9,97226%8,93622%6,44526%5,64525%6,41824%
Unallocated portion--%--%3,701-%3,177-%3,666-%
Total$23,514100%$23,854100%$19,484100%$21,351100%$23,009100%
Allowance for Credit Losses
For the Year Ended December 31, 2021
Consumer
CommercialResidentialInstallment
CommercialReal EstateConstructionReal Estateand OtherTotal
(In thousands)
Allowance for credit losses:
Balance at beginning of period$9,205$5,660$6$47$8,936$23,854
(Reversal) provision(2,411)126(4)(2)2,2932
Chargeoffs(56)---(3,192)(3,248)
Recoveries228743--1,9352,906
Total allowance for credit losses$6,966$6,529$2$45$9,972$23,514

Management considers the $23.5 million allowance for credit losses on loans to be adequate as a reserve against current expected credit losses in the loan portfolio as of December 31, 2021.

See Note 3 to the consolidated financial statements for additional information related to the loan portfolio, loan portfolio credit risk, and allowance for credit losses.

Asset/Liability and Market Risk Management

Asset/liability management involves the evaluation, monitoring and management of interest rate risk, market risk, liquidity and funding. The fundamental objective of the Company's management of assets and liabilities is to maximize its economic value while maintaining adequate liquidity and a conservative level of interest rate risk.

Interest Rate Risk

Interest rate risk is a significant market risk affecting the Company. Many factors affect the Company’s exposure to interest rates, such as general economic and financial conditions, customer preferences, historical pricing relationships, and re-pricing characteristics of financial instruments. Financial instruments may mature or re-price at different times. Financial instruments may re-price at the same time but by different amounts. Short-term and long-term market interest rates may change by different amounts. The timing and amount of cash flows of various financial instruments may change as interest rates change. In addition, the changing levels of interest rates may have an impact on loan demand and demand for various deposit products.

The Company’s earnings are affected not only by general economic conditions, but also by the monetary and fiscal policies of the United States government and its agencies, particularly the FOMC. The monetary policies of the FOMC can influence the overall growth of loans, investment securities, and deposits and the level of interest rates earned on loans and investment securities and paid for deposits and other borrowings. The nature and impact of future changes in monetary policies are generally not predictable.

Management attempts to manage interest rate risk while enhancing the net interest margin and net interest income. At times, depending on expected increases or decreases in market interest rates, the relationship between long and short-term interest rates, market conditions and competitive factors, Management may adjust the Company's interest rate risk position. The Company's results of operations and net portfolio values remain subject to changes in interest rates and to fluctuations in the difference between long, intermediate, and short-term interest rates.

- 42 -

Management monitors the Company’s interest rate risk using a purchased simulation model, which is periodically validated using supervisory guidance issued by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, SR 11-7 “Guidance on Model Risk Management.” Management measures its exposure to interest rate risk using both a static and dynamic composition of financial instruments. Within the static composition simulation, cash flows are assumed redeployed into like financial instruments at prevailing rates and yields, except cash flows from PPP loans are reinvested into interest-bearing cash. Within the dynamic composition simulation, Management makes assumptions regarding the expected change in the volume of financial instruments given the assumed change in market interest rates. Both simulations are used to measure expected changes in net interest income assuming various levels of change in market interest rates.

The Company’s asset and liability position was slightly “asset sensitive” at December 31, 2021, depending on the interest rate assumptions applied to each simulation model. An “asset sensitive” position results in a slightly larger change in interest income than in interest expense resulting from application of assumed interest rate changes.

At December 31, 2021, Management’s most recent measurements of estimated changes in net interest income were:

Static Simulation (balance sheet composition unchanged):
Assumed Immediate Parallel Shift in Interest Rates+1.00%
First Year Change in Net Interest Income+13.2%
Dynamic Simulation (balance sheet composition changes):
Assumed Change in Interest Rates Over 1 Year+1.00%
First Year Change in Net Interest Income+7.9%

Simulation estimates depend on, and will change with, the size and mix of the actual and projected composition of financial instruments at the time of each simulation.

The Company does not currently engage in trading activities or use derivative instruments to manage interest rate risk, even though such activities may be permitted with the approval of the Company's Board of Directors.

Market Risk - Equity Markets

Equity price risk can affect the Company. Preferred or common stock holdings, as permitted by banking regulations, can fluctuate in value. Changes in value of preferred or common stock holdings are recognized in the Company's income statement.

Fluctuations in the Company's common stock price can impact the Company's financial results in several ways. First, the Company has at times repurchased and retired its common stock; the market price paid to retire the Company's common stock affects the level of the Company's shareholders' equity, cash flows and shares outstanding. Second, the Company's common stock price impacts the number of dilutive equivalent shares used to compute diluted earnings per share. Third, fluctuations in the Company's common stock price can motivate holders of options to purchase Company common stock through the exercise of such options thereby increasing the number of shares outstanding and potentially adding volatility to the book tax provision. Finally, the amount of compensation expense and tax deductions associated with share based compensation fluctuates with changes in and the volatility of the Company's common stock price.

Market Risk - Other

Market values of loan collateral can directly impact the level of loan chargeoffs and the provision for credit losses. The financial condition and liquidity of debtors issuing bonds and debtors whose mortgages or other obligations are securitized can directly impact the credit quality of the Company’s investment securities portfolio requiring the Company to establish or increase reserves for credit losses. Other types of market risk, such as foreign currency exchange risk, are not significant in the normal course of the Company's business activities.

Liquidity and Funding

The objective of liquidity management is to manage cash flow and liquidity reserves so that they are adequate to fund the Bank's operations and meet obligations and other commitments on a timely basis and at a reasonable cost. The Bank achieves this objective through the selection of asset and liability maturity mixes that it believes best meet its needs. The Bank's liquidity position is enhanced by its ability to raise additional funds as needed by selling debt securities available-for-sale or borrowing in the wholesale markets.

- 43 -

In recent years, the Bank's deposit base has provided the majority of the Bank's funding requirements. This relatively stable and low-cost source of funds, along with shareholders' equity, provided 97% of funding for average total assets in the year ended December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020. The stability of the Bank’s funding from customer deposits is in part reliant on the confidence clients have in the Bank. The Bank places a very high priority in maintaining this confidence through conservative credit and capital management practices and by maintaining an appropriate level of liquidity.

Liquidity is further provided by assets such as balances held at the Federal Reserve Bank, investment securities, and amortizing loans. The Bank's investment securities portfolio provides a substantial secondary source of liquidity. The Bank held $4.9 billion in total investment securities at December 31, 2021. Under certain deposit, borrowing and other arrangements, the Bank must hold and pledge investment securities as collateral. At December 31, 2021, such collateral requirements totaled approximately $1.0 billion.

The Bank funded $249 million in PPP loans in the second quarter 2020 and $106 million in the first six months of 2021 by crediting loan proceeds to the borrower’s deposit accounts. PPP loans, net of deferred fees and costs, were $46 million at December 31, 2021. The Federal Reserve Board established the Paycheck Protection Program Liquidity Facility (“PPPLF”) to provide funding for eligible firms extending PPP loans. Under the PPPLF, the Bank must pledge PPP loans as collateral for PPPLF borrowings. Principal reductions on the pledged PPP loans must immediately result in principal reduction of the PPPLF borrowing. The Bank had no PPPLF borrowings at December 31, 2021.

Liquidity risk can result from the mismatching of asset and liability cash flows, or from disruptions in the financial markets. The Bank performs liquidity stress tests on a periodic basis to evaluate the sustainability of its liquidity. Under the stress testing, the Bank assumes outflows of funds increase beyond expected levels. Measurement of such heightened outflows considers the composition of the Bank’s deposit base, including any concentration of deposits, non-deposit funding such as short-term borrowings, and unfunded lending commitments. The Bank evaluates its stock of highly liquid assets to meet the assumed higher levels of outflows. Highly liquid assets include cash and amounts due from other banks from daily transaction settlements, reduced by branch cash needs and Federal Reserve Bank reserve requirements, and investment securities based on regulatory risk-weighting guidelines. Based on the results of the most recent liquidity stress test, Management is satisfied with the liquidity condition of the Bank. However, no assurance can be given the Bank will not experience a period of reduced liquidity.

Management continually monitors the Bank’s cash levels. Loan demand from credit worthy borrowers will be dictated by economic and competitive conditions. The Bank aggressively solicits non-interest bearing demand deposits and money market checking deposits, which are the least sensitive to changes in interest rates. The growth of these deposit balances is subject to heightened competition, the success of the Bank's sales efforts, delivery of superior customer service, new regulations and market conditions. The Bank does not aggressively solicit higher-costing time deposits. Changes in interest rates, most notably rising interest rates or increased consumer spending, could impact deposit volumes. Depending on economic conditions, interest rate levels, liquidity management and a variety of other conditions, deposit growth may be used to fund loans or purchase investment securities. However, due to possible volatility in economic conditions, competition and political uncertainty, loan demand and levels of customer deposits are not certain. Shareholder dividends are expected to continue subject to the Board's discretion and continuing evaluation of capital levels, earnings, asset quality and other factors.

Westamerica Bancorporation ("Parent Company") is a separate entity apart from the Bank and must provide for its own liquidity. In addition to its operating expenses, the Parent Company is responsible for the payment of dividends declared for its shareholders, and interest and principal on any outstanding debt. The Parent Company currently has no debt. Substantially all of the Parent Company's revenues are obtained from subsidiary dividends and service fees.

The Bank’s dividends paid to the Parent Company, proceeds from the exercise of stock options, and Parent Company cash balances provided adequate cash for the Parent Company to pay shareholder dividends of $44 million each in the year ended December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020 and retire common stock in the amounts of $232 thousand and $16 million, respectively. Payment of dividends to the Parent Company by the Bank is limited under California and Federal laws. The Company believes these regulatory dividend restrictions will not have an impact on the Parent Company's ability to meet its ongoing cash obligations.

Capital Resources

The Company has historically generated high levels of earnings, which provide a means of accumulating capital. The Company's net income as a percentage of average shareholders' equity (“return on equity” or “ROE”) has been 11.5% for the year ended December 31, 2021 and 11.3% for the year ended December 31, 2020. The Company also raises capital as employees exercise stock options. Capital raised through the exercise of stock options was $3.0 million in the year ended December 31, 2021 and $2.8 million in the year ended December 31, 2020.

- 44 -

The Company paid common dividends totaling $44 million each in the year ended December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, which represent dividends per common share of $1.65 and $1.64, respectively. The Company's earnings have historically exceeded dividends paid to shareholders. The amount of earnings in excess of dividends provides the Company resources to finance growth and maintain appropriate levels of shareholders' equity. In the absence of profitable growth opportunities, the Company has at times repurchased and retired its common stock as another means to return capital to shareholders. The Company repurchased and retired 4 thousand shares valued at $232 thousand in the year ended December 31, 2021 and 319 thousand shares valued at $16 million in the year ended December 31, 2020.

The Company's primary capital resource is shareholders' equity, which was $827 million at December 31, 2021 compared with $845 million at December 31, 2020. The Company's ratio of equity to total assets was 11.1% at December 31, 2021 and 12.5% at December 31, 2020.

The Company performs capital stress tests on a periodic basis to evaluate the sustainability of its capital. Under the stress testing, the Company assumes various scenarios such as deteriorating economic and operating conditions, and unanticipated asset devaluations. The Company measures the impact of these scenarios on its earnings and capital. Based on the results of the most recent stress tests, Management is satisfied with the capital condition of the Bank and the Company. However, no assurance can be given the Bank or Company will not experience a period of reduced earnings or a reduction in capital from unanticipated events and circumstances.

Capital to Risk-Adjusted Assets

The capital ratios for the Company and the Bank under current regulatory capital standards are presented in the tables below, on the dates indicated. For Common Equity Tier I Capital, Tier 1 Capital and Total Capital, the minimum percentage required for regulatory capital adequacy purposes include a 2.5% “capital conservation buffer.”

To Be
Well-capitalized
Required forUnder Prompt
At December 31, 2021Capital AdequacyCorrective Action
CompanyBankPurposesRegulations (Bank)
Common Equity Tier I Capital14.93%12.48%7.00%6.50%
Tier I Capital14.93%12.48%8.50%8.00%
Total Capital15.47%13.17%10.50%10.00%
Leverage Ratio9.06%7.55%4.00%5.00%
To Be
Well-capitalized
Required forUnder Prompt
At December 31, 2020Capital AdequacyCorrective Action
CompanyBankPurposesRegulations (Bank)
Common Equity Tier I Capital16.04%13.00%7.00%6.50%
Tier I Capital16.04%13.00%8.50%8.00%
Total Capital16.68%13.80%10.50%10.00%
Leverage Ratio9.40%7.58%4.00%5.00%

In June 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued an update to the accounting standards for credit losses known as the "Current Expected Credit Losses" (CECL) methodology, which replaced the existing incurred loss methodology for certain financial assets. The Company adopted the CECL methodology effective January 1, 2020, which involved an implementing accounting entry to retained earnings on a net-of-tax basis. The adoption of the CECL methodology did not have a material adverse day-one impact to capital ratios and the Company did not adopt the phase in regulatory capital relief. See Note 1 to consolidated financial statements, “Recently Adopted Accounting Standards” for more information on the CECL methodology.

- 45 -

PPP loans are zero percent risk weighted for regulatory capital purposes; average PPP loans of $69 million did not affect regulatory capital ratios. The changes in the Leverage ratio would have been insignificant for both the Company and the Bank without PPP loans. To the extent funding of PPP loans is through excess cash balances or PPPLF borrowings, the Leverage ratio is unaffected. However, PPP loans funded by increased non-PPPLF borrowings reduces the leverage ratio.

The Company and the Bank routinely project capital levels by analyzing forecasted earnings, credit quality, shareholder dividends, asset volumes, share repurchase activity, stock option exercise proceeds, and other factors. Based on current capital projections, the Company and the Bank expect to maintain regulatory capital levels in excess of the minimum required to be considered well-capitalized under the prompt corrective action framework while continuing to pay quarterly dividends to shareholders. No assurance can be given that changes in capital management plans will not occur.

Deposit Categories

The Company primarily attracts deposits from local businesses and professionals, as well as through retail savings and checking accounts, and, to a more limited extent, certificates of deposit.

The following table summarizes the Company’s average daily amount of deposits and the rates paid for the periods indicated:

Deposit Distribution and Average Rates Paid

For the Years Ended December 31,
202120202019
Average BalancePercentage of Total DepositsRateAverage BalancePercentage of Total DepositsRateAverage BalancePercentage of Total DepositsRate
($ In thousands)
Noninterest-bearing demand$2,897,24447.5%-%$2,538,81947.8%-%$2,222,87646.3%-%
Interest bearing:
Transaction1,208,26919.8%0.03%1,008,75819.0%0.03%932,52419.4%0.05%
Savings1,842,59030.2%0.06%1,594,71830.1%0.06%1,464,08030.5%0.06%
Time less than $100 thousand83,5801.4%0.20%91,5191.7%0.21%103,3992.2%0.25%
Time $100 thousand or more69,1651.1%0.38%72,3631.4%0.44%78,9251.6%0.41%
Total (1)$6,100,848100.0%0.06%$5,306,177100.0%0.06%$4,801,804100.0%0.07%
Column 1Column 2
(1)The rates for total deposits were calculated using the average balances of interest-bearing deposits.

The Company’s strategy includes building the value of its deposit base by building balances of lower-costing deposits and avoiding reliance on higher-costing time deposits. Average balances of higher costing time deposits declined 16% to $153 million from 2019 to 2021. The Company’s average balances of checking and savings accounts represented 97% of average balances of total deposits in 2021 and 2020 compared with 96% in 2019.

Estimated uninsured deposits were $3.1 billion at December 31, 2021 and $2.5 billion at December 31, 2020.

Total time deposits were $144 million and $156 million at December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively. The following table sets forth, by time remaining to maturity, the Company’s total domestic time deposits. The Company has no foreign time deposits.

Time Deposits Maturity Distribution

At December 31, 2021
(In thousands)
2022$108,459
202315,006
202411,750
20255,435
20262,939
Thereafter23
Total$143,612

- 46 -

The standard FDIC deposit insurance amount is $250,000 per depositor, for each account ownership category. The following table shows the time remaining to maturity of the Company’s time deposits with a balance greater than $250,000:

At December 31, 2021
(In thousands)
Three months or less$9,379
Over three through six months3,170
Over six through twelve months3,504
Over twelve months7,366
Total$23,419

Short-term Borrowings

The following table sets forth the short-term borrowings of the Company:

Short-Term Borrowings Distribution

At December 31,
202120202019
(In thousands)
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase the securities$146,246$102,545$30,928
Total short-term borrowings$146,246$102,545$30,928

Further detail of federal funds purchased and other borrowed funds is as follows:

For the Years Ended December 31,
202120202019
($ in thousands)
Federal funds purchased balances and rates paid on outstanding amount:
Average balance for the year$1$1$1
Maximum month-end balance during the year---
Average interest rate for the year0.87%0.88%1.98%
Average interest rate at period end-%-%-%
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase the securities balances and rates paid on outstanding amount:
Average balance for the year$114,266$80,455$51,441
Maximum month-end balance during the year146,552110,84661,411
Average interest rate for the year0.07%0.07%0.07%
Average interest rate at period end0.07%0.07%0.06%
PPPLF balances and rates paid on outstanding amount:
Average balance for the year$53$174$-
Maximum month-end balance during the year---
Average interest rate for the year0.35%0.35%-%
Average interest rate at period end-%-%-%

[The remainder of this page intentionally left blank]

- 47 -

Financial Ratios

The following table shows key financial ratios for the periods indicated:

At and For the Years Ended December 31,
202120202019
Return on average total assets1.23%1.30%1.44%
Return on average common shareholders' equity11.52%11.30%11.90%
Average shareholders' equity as a percentage of:
Average total assets10.66%11.52%12.07%
Average total loans62.81%57.42%58.14%
Average total deposits12.30%13.41%14.07%
Common dividend payout ratio51%55%55%

[The remainder of this page intentionally left blank]

- 48 -

Back to the WABC company profile or the MD&A index.