Edgar Filing: WESTAMERICA BANCORPORATION

Form 10-Q

UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)


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

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2010


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: 001-9383

WESTAMERICA BANCORPORATION

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)


CALIFORNIA (State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation or Organization)		94-2156203 (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

1108 FIFTH AVENUE, SAN RAFAEL, CALIFORNIA 94901
(Address of Principal Executive Offices) (Zip Code)

Registrant’s Telephone Number, Including Area Code (707) 863-6000

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 þ No o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).

Yes o No o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):


Large accelerated filer þ		Accelerated filer o		Non-accelerated filer o (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)		Smaller reporting company o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

Yes o No þ

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the registrant’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date:


Title of Class		Shares outstanding as of October 22, 2010

Common Stock, No Par Value		29,111,478

TABLE OF CONTENTS


	Page
Forward Looking Statements		3

PART I — FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1 Financial Statements		4

Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements		8

Financial Summary		24

Item 2 Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations		25

Item 3 Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk		48

Item 4 Controls and Procedures		48

PART II — OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1 Legal Proceedings		48

Item 1A Risk Factors		49

Item 2 Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds		50

Item 3 Defaults upon Senior Securities		50

Item 4 Reserved		50

Item 5 Other Information		50

Item 6 Exhibits		51

Signatures		52

Exhibit Index		53

Exhibit 31.1 - Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Securities Exchange Act Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a)
Exhibit 31.2 - Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Securities Exchange Act Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a)
Exhibit 32.1 - Certification of Chief Executive Officer Required by 18 U.S.C. Section 1350
Exhibit 32.2 - Certification of Chief Financial Officer Required by 18 U.S.C. Section 1350
EX-101 INSTANCE DOCUMENT
EX-101 SCHEMA DOCUMENT
EX-101 CALCULATION LINKBASE DOCUMENT
EX-101 LABELS LINKBASE DOCUMENT
EX-101 PRESENTATION LINKBASE DOCUMENT
EX-101 DEFINITION LINKBASE DOCUMENT

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This report on Form 10-Q contains forward-looking statements about Westamerica Bancorporation for which it claims the protection of the safe harbor provisions contained in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Examples of forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to: (i) projections of revenues, expenses, income or loss, earnings or loss per share, the payment or nonpayment of dividends, capital structure and other financial items; (ii) statements of plans, objectives and expectations of the Company or its management or board of directors, including those relating to products or services; (iii) statements of future economic performance; and (iv) statements of assumptions underlying such statements. Words such as “believes”, “anticipates”, “expects”, “intends”, “targeted”, “projected”, “continue”, “remain”, “will”, “should”, “may” and other similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements but are not the exclusive means of identifying such statements.

These forward-looking statements are based on Management’s current knowledge and belief and include information concerning the Company’s possible or assumed future financial condition and results of operations. A number of factors, some of which are beyond the Company’s ability to predict or control, could cause future results to differ materially from those contemplated. These factors include but are not limited to (1) the length and severity of current difficulties in the national and California economies and the effects of federal government efforts to address those difficulties; (2) liquidity levels in capital markets; (3) fluctuations in asset prices including, but not limited to stocks, bonds, real estate, and commodities; (4) the effect of acquisitions and integration of acquired businesses including the recent acquisition of County Bank assets and assumption of County Bank liabilities from the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation; (5) economic uncertainty created by terrorist threats and attacks on the United States, the actions taken in response, and the uncertain effect of these events on the national and regional economies; (6) changes in the interest rate environment; (7) changes in the regulatory environment; (8) competitive pressure in the banking industry; (9) operational risks including data processing system failures or fraud; (10) volatility of interest rate sensitive loans, deposits and investments; (11) asset/liability management risks and liquidity risks; and (12) changes in the securities markets. The Company undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements in this report. The reader is directed to the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009, for further discussion of factors which could affect the Company’s business and cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statement made in this report. The Company undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements in this report.

PART I — FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1 Financial Statements

WESTAMERICA BANCORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(unaudited)


	At September 30,			At December 31,
	2010			2009
	(In thousands)
Assets:
Cash and due from banks	$	344,169		$	361,135
Money market assets		392			442
Investment securities available for sale		569,511			384,208
Investment securities held to maturity, with fair values of:
$642,882 at September 30, 2010		618,838
$736,270 at December 31, 2009					726,935
Purchased covered loans		718,618			855,301
Purchased non-covered loans		212,318			—
Originated loans		2,077,915			2,201,088
Allowance for loan losses		(38,129	)		(41,043	)

Total loans		2,970,722			3,015,346
Non-covered other real estate owned		22,201			12,642
Covered other real estate owned		25,251			23,297
Premises and equipment, net		36,271			38,098
Identifiable intangibles, net		36,226			35,667
Goodwill		121,673			121,699
Interest receivable and other assets		232,617			256,032

Total Assets	$	4,977,871		$	4,975,501


Liabilities:
Noninterest bearing deposits	$	1,428,882		$	1,428,432
Interest bearing deposits		2,643,816			2,631,776

Total deposits		4,072,698			4,060,208
Short-term borrowed funds		193,202			227,178
Federal Home Loan Bank advances		66,934			85,470
Debt financing and notes payable		26,396			26,497
Liability for interest, taxes and other expenses		77,468			70,700

Total Liabilities		4,436,698			4,470,053


Shareholders’ Equity:
Common stock, authorized — 150,000 shares
Issued and outstanding:
29,118 at September 30, 2010		376,123
29,208 at December 31, 2009					366,247
Deferred compensation		2,724			2,485
Accumulated other comprehensive income		7,238			3,714
Retained earnings		155,088			133,002

Total Shareholders’ Equity		541,173			505,448

Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity	$	4,977,871		$	4,975,501

See accompanying notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

WESTAMERICA BANCORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(unaudited)


	Three months ended				Nine months ended
	September 30,				September 30,
	2010		2009		2010		2009
	(In thousands, except per share data)
Interest Income:
Loans	$	44,434	$	48,530	$	133,196	$	143,148
Money market assets and funds sold		1		1		2		3
Investment securities available for sale		4,189		4,272		12,110		12,550
Investment securities held to maturity		6,579		8,393		20,976		27,752

Total Interest Income		55,203		61,196		166,284		183,453

Interest Expense:
Deposits		2,047		3,273		6,716		11,525
Short-term borrowed funds		511		509		1,538		1,572
Federal Home Loan Bank advances		113		295		249		714
Notes payable		425		423		1,272		1,267

Total Interest Expense		3,096		4,500		9,775		15,078

Net Interest Income		52,107		56,696		156,509		168,375
Provision for Loan Losses		2,800		2,800		8,400		7,200

Net Interest Income After Provision For Loan Losses		49,307		53,896		148,109		161,175

Noninterest Income:
Service charges on deposit accounts		8,162		9,479		25,533		27,017
Merchant credit card		2,234		2,163		6,631		6,818
Debit card		1,259		1,267		3,678		3,656
ATM and interchange		1,004		965		2,917		2,792
Trust fees		429		319		1,257		1,056
Financial services commissions		211		129		583		420
Gain on acquisition		178		—		178		48,844
Other		1,594		1,639		5,534		5,712

Total Noninterest Income		15,071		15,961		46,311		96,315

Noninterest Expense:
Salaries and related benefits		15,481		16,402		46,849		50,221
Occupancy		3,962		4,008		11,561		14,831
Outsourced data processing services		2,187		2,258		6,629		6,740
Amortization of identifiable intangibles		1,573		1,671		4,711		5,051
FDIC insurance assessments		1,268		1,442		3,848		4,820
Furniture and equipment		1,067		1,789		3,234		4,618
Professional fees		950		913		2,480		2,580
Courier service		826		989		2,636		2,881
Other		4,194		5,679		13,687		16,198

Total Noninterest Expense		31,508		35,151		95,635		107,940

Income Before Income Taxes		32,870		34,706		98,785		149,550
Provision for income taxes		9,161		9,449		27,939		48,285

Net Income		23,709		25,257		70,846		101,265
Preferred stock dividends and discount accretion		—		1,466		—		3,151

Net Income Applicable to Common Equity	$	23,709	$	23,791	$	70,846	$	98,114


Average Common Shares Outstanding		29,127		29,210		29,187		29,072
Diluted Average Common Shares Outstanding		29,385		29,429		29,515		29,313
Per Common Share Data:
Basic earnings	$	0.81	$	0.81	$	2.43	$	3.37
Diluted earnings		0.81		0.81		2.40		3.35
Dividends paid		0.36		0.35		1.08		1.06

See accompanying notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(unaudited)


	Common									Accumulated
	Shares			Preferred			Common			Deferred		Comprehensive		Retained
	Outstanding			Stock			Stock			Compensation		Income		Earnings			Total
	(In thousands)
Balance, December 31, 2008		28,880		$	—		$	352,265		$	2,409	$	1,040	$	54,138		$	409,852
Comprehensive income
Net income for the period															101,265			101,265
Other comprehensive income, net of tax:
Increase in net unrealized gain on securities available for sale													4,986					4,986
Post-retirement benefit transition obligation amortization													27					27

Total comprehensive income																		106,278
Issuance of preferred stock and related warrants					82,519			1,207										83,726
Redemption of preferred stock					(41,863	)												(41,863	)
Preferred stock dividends and discount accretion					679										(3,151	)		(2,472	)
Exercise of stock options		350						9,094										9,094
Stock option tax benefits								2,179										2,179
Restricted stock activity		7						251			76							327
Stock based compensation								847										847
Stock awarded to employees		2						78										78
Purchase and retirement of stock		(32	)					(374	)						(1,116	)		(1,490	)
Dividends															(30,838	)		(30,838	)

Balance, September 30, 2009		29,207		$	41,335		$	365,547		$	2,485	$	6,053	$	120,298		$	535,718


Balance, December 31, 2009		29,208		$	—		$	366,247		$	2,485	$	3,714	$	133,002		$	505,448
Comprehensive income
Net income for the period															70,846			70,846
Other comprehensive income, net of tax:
Increase in net unrealized gain on securities available for sale													3,497					3,497
Post-retirement benefit transition obligation amortization													27					27

Total comprehensive income																		74,370
Exercise of stock options		305						12,682										12,682
Stock option tax benefits								917										917
Restricted stock activity		7						194			239							433
Stock based compensation								1,060										1,060
Stock awarded to employees		2						101										101
Purchase and retirement of stock		(404	)					(5,078	)						(17,171	)		(22,249	)
Dividends															(31,589	)		(31,589	)

Balance, September 30, 2010		29,118		$	—		$	376,123		$	2,724	$	7,238	$	155,088		$	541,173

See accompanying notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

WESTAMERICA BANCORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(unaudited)


	For the nine months
	ended September 30,
	2010			2009
	(In thousands)
Operating Activities:
Net income	$	70,846		$	101,265
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization		11,359			7,317
Loan loss provision		8,400			7,200
Net amortization of deferred loan cost		12			358
Decrease (increase) in interest income receivable		742			(3,637	)
Gain on acquisition		(178	)		(48,844	)
Decrease in other assets		11,751			48,191
Increase in income taxes payable		2,530			3,811
Decrease in interest expense payable		(28	)		(317	)
(Decrease) increase in other liabilities		(14,778	)		26,398
Stock option compensation expense		1,060			847
Stock option tax benefits		(917	)		(2,179	)
Gain on sale of other assets		(608	)		—
Net (gain on sale) writedown of property and equipment		(445	)		37
Originations of mortgage loans for resale		(277	)		(68	)
Net proceeds from sale of mortgage loans originated for resale		288			101
Net loss (gain) on sale of foreclosed assets		(561	)		(166	)
Writedown of foreclosed assets		793			83

Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities		89,989			140,397


Investing Activities:
Net repayments of loans		227,056			324,315
Proceeds from FDIC loss-sharing indemnification		35,792			43,696
Purchases of investment securities available for sale		(279,827	)		—
Purchases of investment securities held to maturity		—			(522	)
Proceeds from maturity/calls of securities available for sale		122,452			76,185
Proceeds from maturity/calls of securities held to maturity		108,096			172,002
Net change in FRB/FHLB* securities		3,479			1,502
Proceeds from sale of foreclosed assets		10,953			10,009
Purchases of property, plant and equipment		(657	)		(14,146	)
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment		603			—
Net cash acquired from acquisitions		57,895			44,397

Net Cash Provided by Investing Activities		285,842			657,438


Financing Activities:
Net change in deposits		(237,794	)		(298,770	)
Net change in short-term borrowings		(114,764	)		(476,483	)
Exercise of stock options		12,682			9,094
Proceeds from issuance of preferred stock		—			83,726
Redemption of preferred stock		—			(41,863	)
Stock option tax benefits		917			2,179
Repurchases/retirement of stock		(22,249	)		(1,490	)
Dividends paid		(31,589	)		(30,838	)
Preferred dividends		—			(2,215	)

Net Cash Used in Financing Activities		(392,797	)		(756,660	)

Net Change In Cash and Cash Equivalents		(16,966	)		41,175
Cash and Due from Banks at Beginning of Period		361,135			138,883

Cash and Due from Banks at End of Period	$	344,169		$	180,058


Supplemental Cash Flow Disclosures:
Supplemental disclosure of non cash activities:
Loan collateral transferred to other real estate owned	$	24,188		$	23,804
Unrealized gain on securities available for sale, net		3,497			4,986
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow activities:
Interest paid for the period		11,759			21,719
Income tax payments for the period		39,578			27,553
Acquisitions:
Assets acquired	$	315,083		$	1,624,464
Liabilities assumed		314,905			1,575,620

Net		178			48,844

See accompanying notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.


*		Federal Reserve Bank/Federal Home Loan Bank (“FRB/FHLB”)

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 1: Basis of Presentation

The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles for interim financial information and pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. The results of operations reflect interim adjustments, all of which are of a normal recurring nature and which, in the opinion of Management, are necessary for a fair presentation of the results for the interim periods presented. The interim results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009 are not necessarily indicative of the results expected for the full year. These unaudited consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes as well as other information included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009.

The Company has evaluated events and transactions subsequent to the balance sheet date. Based on this evaluation, the Company is not aware of any events or transactions that occurred subsequent to the balance sheet date but prior to filing that would require recognition or disclosure in its consolidated financial statements.

Note 2: Accounting Policies

The Company’s accounting policies are discussed in Note 1 to the audited consolidated financial statements included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009. Certain amounts in prior periods have been reclassified to conform to the current presentation.

Certain accounting policies underlying the preparation of these financial statements require Management to make estimates and judgments. These estimates and judgments may significantly affect reported amounts of assets and liabilities, revenues and expenses, and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities.

Management exercises judgment to estimate the appropriate level of the allowance for credit losses and purchased impaired loans, which are discussed in the Company’s accounting policies.

As described in Note 3 below, Westamerica Bank (“Bank”) acquired assets and assumed liabilities of the former Sonoma Valley Bank on August 20, 2010. The acquired assets and assumed liabilities were measured at estimated fair values, as required by Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 805, Business Combinations. Management made significant estimates and exercised significant judgment in accounting for the acquisition. Management judgmentally measured loan fair values based on loan file reviews (including borrower financial statements and tax returns), appraised collateral values, expected cash flows, and historical loss factors. Repossessed loan collateral was primarily valued based upon appraised collateral values. The Bank also recorded an identifiable intangible asset representing the value of the core deposit customer base of Sonoma Valley Bank based on Management’s evaluation of the cost of such deposits relative to alternative funding sources. In determining the value of the identifiable intangible asset, Management used significant estimates including average lives of depository accounts, future interest rate levels, the cost of servicing various depository products, and other significant estimates. Management used quoted market prices to determine the fair value of investment securities and FHLB advances.

The acquired assets of Sonoma Valley Bank include loans; such loans are not indemnified by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC). However, on February 6, 2009, the Bank acquired loans in a business combination that are indemnified by the FDIC, as described in Note 2 to the audited consolidated financial statements included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009. Pursuant to acquisition accounting, the loans in each business combination were measured at their estimated fair value at the respective acquisition date. This method of measuring the carrying value of purchased loans differs from loans originated by the Company, and as such, the Company identifies purchased loans not indemnified by the FDIC as “Purchased Non-covered Loans” and purchased loans indemnified by the FDIC as “Purchased Covered Loans.”

Loans originated by the Company are measured at the principal amount outstanding, net of unearned discount and unamortized deferred fees and costs. These loans are identified as “Originated Loans.”

Recently Adopted Accounting Standards

In the first quarter of 2010, the Company adopted the following new accounting guidance:

FASB ASC 860, as amended, Transfers and Servicing, has been amended to improve the relevance, representational faithfulness, and comparability of the information that a reporting entity provides in its financial statements about a transfer of financial assets; the effects of a transfer on its financial position, financial performance, and cash flows; and a transferor’s continuing involvement, if any, in transferred financial assets. Specifically to address: (1) practices that have developed since initial issuance, that are not consistent with the original intent and key requirements of that Standard and (2) concerns of financial statement users that many of the financial assets (and related obligations) that have been derecognized should continue to be reported in the financial statements of transferors. This Standard must be applied to transfers occurring on or after January 1, 2010, the effective date. Additionally, on and after the effective date, the concept of a qualifying special-purpose entity is no longer relevant for accounting purposes. The adoption of this Statement did not have any effect on the Company’s financial statements at the date of adoption.

FASB ASC 810, as amended, Consolidation, has been amended to improve financial reporting by enterprises involved with variable interest entities. Specifically to address: (1) the effects on certain provisions as a result of the elimination of the qualifying special-purpose entity concept in ASC 860, Transfers and Servicing, and (2) constituent concerns about the application of certain key provisions of the Standard, including those in which the accounting and disclosures do not always provide timely and useful information about an enterprise’s involvement in a variable interest entity. The adoption of this Statement did not have any effect on the Company’s financial statements at the date of adoption.

FASB Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2010-06, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures (Topic 820), issued January 2010 and effective January 1, 2010, requires new disclosures for: (1) transfers in and out of Levels 1 and 2, including separate disclosure of significant amounts and a description of the reasons for the transfers; and (2) separate presentation of information about purchases, sales, issuances, and settlements (on a gross basis rather than net) in the reconciliation for fair value measurements using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3). The Update clarifies existing disclosure requirements for: (1) Level of disaggregation, which provides measurement disclosures for each class of assets and liabilities. Emphasizing that judgment should be used in determining the appropriate classes of assets and liabilities; and (2) inputs and valuation techniques for both recurring and nonrecurring Level 2 and Level 3 fair value measurements.

This update also includes conforming amendments to the guidance on employer’s disclosures about postretirement benefit plan assets changing the terminology of major categories of assets to classes of assets and providing a cross reference to the guidance in Subtopic 820-10 on how to determine appropriate classes to present fair value disclosures.

The adoption of this Update did not have a significant effect on the Company’s financial statements at the date of adoption.

Recently Issued Accounting Standards

FASB ASU 2010-18, Effect of a Loan Modification When the Loan is Part of a Pool that is Accounted for as a Single Asset (Topic 310), was issued April 2010 and is effective for modifications of loans accounted for within pools under Subtopic 310-30 occurring in the first interim or annual period ending after July 15, 2010. As a result of the amendments in this Update, modification of loans within the pool does not result in the removal of those loans from the pool even if the modification of those loans would otherwise be considered a trouble debt restructuring. An entity will continue to be required to consider whether the pool of assets in which the loan is included is impaired if expected cash flows for the pool change. However, loans within the scope of Subtopic 310-30 that are accounted for individually will continue to be subject to the troubled debt restructuring accounting provisions.

The provisions of this Update will be applied prospectively with early application permitted. Upon initial adoption of the guidance in this Update, an entity may make a one-time election to terminate accounting for loans as a pool under Subtopic 310-30. The election may be applied on a pool-by-pool basis and does not preclude an entity from applying pool accounting to subsequent acquisitions of loans with credit deterioration.

The Company does not have any pools of loans accounted for in accordance with Subtopic 310-30, and therefore, the adoption of this Update will not have a significant effect on the Company’s financial statements.

FASB ASU 2010-20, Disclosures about the Credit Quality of Financing Receivables and the Allowance for Credit Losses (Topic 310), was issued July 2010. The guidance will significantly expand the disclosures that the Company must make about the credit quality of financing receivables and the allowance for credit losses. The objectives of the enhanced disclosures are to provide financial statement users with additional information about the nature of credit risks inherent in the Company’s financing receivables, how credit risk is analyzed and assessed when determining the allowance for credit losses, and the reasons for the change in the allowance for credit losses.

The disclosures as of the end of the reporting period are effective for the Company’s interim and annual periods ending on or after December 15, 2010. The disclosures about activity that occurs during a reporting period are effective for the Company’s interim and annual periods beginning on or after December 15, 2010. The adoption of this Update requires enhanced disclosures and is not expected to have a significant effect on the Company’s financial statements.

Note 3: Acquisition of Sonoma Valley Bank

On August 20, 2010, Westamerica Bank purchased substantially all the assets and assumed substantially all the liabilities of Sonoma Valley Bank (“Sonoma”) from the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”), as Receiver of Sonoma. Sonoma operated 3 commercial banking branches within Sonoma County, California. The FDIC took Sonoma under receivership upon Sonoma’s closure by the California Department of Financial Institutions at the close of business August 20, 2010. Westamerica Bank purchased substantially all of Sonoma’s net assets at a discount of $43 million, and paid a $5 million deposit premium.

The Sonoma acquisition was accounted for under the purchase method of accounting in accordance with FASB ASC 805, Business Combinations. The statement of net assets acquired as of August 20, 2010 and the resulting bargain purchase gain are presented in the following table. The purchased assets and assumed liabilities were recorded at their respective acquisition date fair values, and identifiable intangible assets were recorded at fair value. Fair values are preliminary and subject to refinement for up to one year after the closing date of a merger as information relative to closing date fair values becomes available. A “bargain purchase” gain totaling $178 thousand resulted from the acquisition and is included as a component of noninterest income on the statement of income. The amount of the gain is equal to the amount by which the fair value of assets purchased exceeded the fair value of liabilities assumed. Sonoma’s results of operations prior to the acquisition are not included in Westamerica’s statement of income.

Statement of Net Assets Acquired (at fair value)


	At
	August 20, 2010
	(In thousands)
Assets
Cash and due from banks	$	57,895
Money market assets		26,050
Securities		7,223
Loans		213,664
Other real estate owned		2,916
Core deposit intangible		5,270
Other assets		2,065

Total Assets	$	315,083


Liabilities
Deposits		252,563
Federal Home Loan Bank advances		61,872
Liabilities for interest and other expenses		470

Total Liabilities		314,905


Net assets acquired	$	178


	At
	August 20, 2010
	(In thousands)
Sonoma Valley Bank tangible shareholder’s equity	$	13,923
Adjustments to reflect assets acquired and liabilities assumed at fair value:
Cash payment from FDIC		21,270
Loans and leases, net		(34,562	)
Other real estate owned		(1,491	)
Other assets		(811	)
Core deposit intangible		5,270
Deposits		(1,233	)
Federal Home Loan Bank advances		(1,872	)
Other liabilities		(316	)

Gain on acquisition	$	178

The pro forma consolidated condensed statements of income for Westamerica Bancorporation and Sonoma Valley Bank for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, and the year ended December 31, 2009 are presented below. The unaudited pro forma information presented does not necessarily reflect the results of operations that would have resulted had the acquisition been completed at the beginning of the applicable periods presented, nor does it indicate the results of operations in future periods.

The pro forma purchase accounting adjustments related to loans and leases, deposits and Federal Home Loan Bank advances are being accreted or amortized into income using methods that approximate a level yield over their respective estimated lives. Purchase accounting adjustments related to identifiable intangibles are being amortized and recorded as noninterest expense over their respective estimated lives using accelerated methods. The pro forma consolidated condensed statements of income do not reflect any adjustments to Sonoma’s historical provision for credit losses. (in thousands, except per share data)


	Nine months ended September 30, 2010									Nine months ended September 30, 2009
			Sonoma Valley		Proforma			Pro Forma				Sonoma Valley			Proforma			Pro forma
	Westamerica		Bank		Adjustments			Combined		Westamerica		Bank			Adjustments			combined
Interest Income	$	178,664	$	11,404	$	(872	)	$	189,196	$	183,453	$	13,856		$	(872	)	$	196,437
Interest Expense		9,614		2,387		(863	)		11,138		15,078		3,044			(863	)		17,259

Net Interest Income		169,050		9,017		(9	)		178,058		168,375		10,812			(9	)		179,178
Provision for Credit Losses		8,400		4,400		—			12,800		7,200		29,330			—			36,530

Net Interest Income after Provision for Credit Losses		160,650		4,617		(9	)		165,258		161,175		(18,518	)		(9	)		142,648
Noninterest Income		45,998		2,034		178			48,210		96,315		1,502			178			97,995
Noninterest Expense		95,064		5,143		(43	)		100,164		107,940		6,885			(43	)		114,782

Income (Loss) Before Taxes		111,584		1,508		212			113,304		149,550		(23,901	)		212			125,861
Income Tax Provision (Benefit)		41,268		634		89			41,991		48,285		(4,629	)		89			43,745

Net Income (Loss)	$	70,316	$	874	$	123		$	71,313	$	101,265	$	(19,272	)	$	123		$	82,116


Net Income (Loss) Applicable to Common Equity	$	70,316	$	874	$	123		$	71,313	$	98,114	$	(19,272	)	$	123		$	78,965


Earnings (Loss) Per Common Share	$	2.41	$	0.03	$	0.00		$	2.44	$	3.37	$	(0.66	)	$	0.00		$	2.72
Diluted Earnings (Loss) Per Common Share		2.38		0.03		0.00			2.42		3.35		(0.66	)		0.00			2.69

Average Common Shares Outstanding		29,187									29,072
Diluted Average Common Shares Outstanding		29,515									29,313


	Year ended December 31, 2009
			Sonoma Valley			Proforma			Pro Forma
	Westamerica		Bank			Adjustments			Combined
Interest Income	$	241,949	$	18,177		$	(1,163	)	$	258,963
Interest Expense		19,380		3,883			(1,150	)		22,113

Net Interest Income		222,569		14,294			(13	)		236,850
Provision for Credit Losses		10,500		31,130			—			41,630

Net Interest Income after Provision for Credit Losses		212,069		(16,836	)		(13	)		195,220
Noninterest Income		112,011		2,029			178			114,218
Noninterest Expense		140,776		8,914			(108	)		149,582

Income (Loss) Before Taxes		183,304		(23,721	)		273			159,856
Income Tax Provision (Benefit)		57,878		(4,481	)		115			53,512

Net Income (Loss)	$	125,426	$	(19,240	)	$	158		$	106,344


Net Income (Loss) Applicable to Common Equity	$	121,463	$	(19,240	)	$	158		$	102,381


Earnings (Loss) Per Common Share	$	4.17	$	(0.66	)	$	0.01		$	3.52
Diluted Earnings (Loss) Per Common Share		4.14		(0.66	)		0.01			3.49

Average Common Shares Outstanding		29,105
Diluted Average Common Shares Outstanding		29,353

Note 4: Investment Securities

The amortized cost, unrealized gains and losses accumulated in other comprehensive income, and fair value of the available for sale investment securities portfolio as of September 30, 2010, follows:


			Gross		Gross
	Amortized		Unrealized		Unrealized			Fair
	Cost		Gains		Losses			Value
	(In thousands)
U.S. Treasury securities	$	3,504	$	7	$	—		$	3,511
Securities of U.S. Government sponsored entities		118,673		231		(71	)		118,833
Residential mortgage-backed securities		112,961		5,302		—			118,263
Commercial mortgage-backed securities		5,204		10		(23	)		5,191
Obligations of States and political subdivisions		209,178		5,507		(377	)		214,308
Residential collateralized mortgage obligations		24,228		1,110		—			25,338
Asset-backed securities		9,401		—		(981	)		8,420
FHLMC and FNMA stock		824		30		(237	)		617
Corporate securities		69,811		142		(170	)		69,783
Other securities		2,790		2,487		(30	)		5,247

Total	$	556,574	$	14,826	$	(1,889	)	$	569,511

The amortized cost, unrealized gains and losses, and fair value of the held to maturity investment securities portfolio as of September 30, 2010, follows:


			Gross		Gross
	Amortized		Unrealized		Unrealized			Fair
	Cost		Gains		Losses			Value
	(In thousands)
Residential mortgage-backed securities	$	44,754	$	1,937	$	(2	)	$	46,689
Obligations of States and political subdivisions		470,638		22,426		(319	)		492,745
Residential collateralized mortgage obligations		103,446		2,791		(2,789	)		103,448

Total	$	618,838	$	27,154	$	(3,110	)	$	642,882

The amortized cost, unrealized gains and losses accumulated in other comprehensive income, and fair value of the available for sale investment securities portfolio as of December 31, 2009, follows:


			Gross		Gross
	Amortized		Unrealized		Unrealized			Fair
	Cost		Gains		Losses			Value
	(In thousands)
U.S. Treasury securities	$	2,987	$	—	$	—		$	2,987
Securities of U.S. Government sponsored entities		21,018		48		(25	)		21,041
Residential mortgage-backed securities		143,625		2,504		(124	)		146,005
Obligations of States and political subdivisions		155,093		4,077		(977	)		158,193
Residential collateralized mortgage obligations		40,981		652		(223	)		41,410
Asset-backed securities		10,000		—		(1,661	)		8,339
FHLMC and FNMA stock		824		750		(1	)		1,573
Other securities		2,778		1,926		(44	)		4,660

Total	$	377,306	$	9,957	$	(3,055	)	$	384,208

The amortized cost, unrealized gains and losses, and fair value of the held to maturity investment securities portfolio as of December 31, 2009 follows:


			Gross		Gross
	Amortized		Unrealized		Unrealized			Fair
	Cost		Gains		Losses			Value
	(In thousands)
Residential mortgage-backed securities	$	61,893	$	1,752	$	—		$	63,645
Obligations of States and political subdivisions		516,596		12,528		(2,190	)		526,934
Residential collateralized mortgage obligations		148,446		3,352		(6,107	)		145,691

Total	$	726,935	$	17,632	$	(8,297	)	$	736,270

The amortized cost and fair value of securities as of September 30, 2010, by contractual maturity, are shown in the following table:


	Securities Available				Securities Held
	for Sale				to Maturity
	Amortized		Fair		Amortized		Fair
	Cost		Value		Cost		Value
	(In thousands)
Maturity in years:
1 year or less	$	26,089	$	26,214	$	7,850	$	7,924
Over 1 to 5 years		238,045		239,761		78,128		81,386
Over 5 to 10 years		73,486		75,512		373,875		392,421
Over 10 years		72,947		73,368		10,785		11,014

Subtotal		410,567		414,855		470,638		492,745
Mortgage-backed securities and residential collateralized mortgage obligations		142,393		148,792		148,200		150,137
Other securities		3,614		5,864		—		—

Total	$	556,574	$	569,511	$	618,838	$	642,882

The amortized cost and fair value of securities as of December 31, 2009, by contractual maturity, are shown in the following table:


	Securities Available				Securities Held
	for Sale				to Maturity
	Amortized		Fair		Amortized		Fair
	Cost		Value		Cost		Value
	(In thousands)
Maturity in years:
1 year or less	$	12,763	$	12,852	$	8,303	$	8,389
Over 1 to 5 years		86,757		88,759		58,111		60,075
Over 5 to 10 years		61,532		62,933		413,720		421,955
Over 10 years		28,046		26,016		36,462		36,515

Subtotal		189,098		190,560		516,596		526,934
Mortgage-backed securities and collateralized mortgage obligations		184,606		187,415		210,339		209,336
Other securities		3,602		6,233		—		—

Total	$	377,306	$	384,208	$	726,935	$	736,270

Expected maturities of mortgage-backed securities can differ from contractual maturities because borrowers have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties. In addition, such factors as prepayments and interest rates may affect the yield on the carrying value of mortgage-backed securities.

An analysis of gross unrealized losses of the available for sale investment securities portfolio as of September 30, 2010, follows:


	Less than 12 months					12 months or longer					Total
			Unrealized					Unrealized					Unrealized
	Fair Value		Losses			Fair Value		Losses			Fair Value		Losses
	(In thousands)
Securities of U.S. Government sponsored entities	$	50,812	$	(71	)	$	—	$	—		$	50,812	$	(71	)
Residential mortgage-backed securities		98		—			—		—			98		—
Commercial mortgage-backed securities		3,071		(23	)		—		—			3,071		(23	)
Obligations of States and political subdivisions		14,732		(122	)		10,959		(255	)		25,691		(377	)
Residential collateralized mortgage obligations		5		—			—		—			5		—
Asset-backed securities		—		—			8,420		(981	)		8,420		(981	)
FHLMC and FNMA stock		1		(5	)		472		(232	)		473		(237	)
Corporate securities		29,977		(170	)		—		—			29,977		(170	)
Other securities		5		—			1,970		(30	)		1,975		(30	)

Total	$	98,701	$	(391	)	$	21,821	$	(1,498	)	$	120,522	$	(1,889	)

An analysis of gross unrealized losses of the held to maturity investment securities portfolio as of September 30, 2010, follows:


	Less than 12 months					12 months or longer					Total
			Unrealized					Unrealized					Unrealized
	Fair Value		Losses			Fair Value		Losses			Fair Value		Losses
	(In thousands)
Residential mortgage backed securities	$	437	$	(2	)	$	—	$	—		$	437	$	(2	)
Obligations of States and political subdivisions		1,102		(17	)		13,981		(302	)		15,083		(319	)
Residential collateralized mortgage obligations		—		—			26,698		(2,789	)		26,698		(2,789	)

Total	$	1,539	$	(19	)	$	40,679	$	(3,091	)	$	42,218	$	(3,110	)

The unrealized losses on the Company’s investments in collateralized mortgage obligations and asset backed securities were caused by market conditions for these types of investments. The Company evaluates these securities on a quarterly basis including changes in security ratings issued by ratings agencies, delinquency and loss information with respect to the underlying collateral, changes in the levels of subordination for the Company’s particular position within the repayment structure, and remaining credit enhancement as compared to expected credit losses of the security. Substantially all of these securities continue to be AAA rated by one or more major rating agencies.

The unrealized losses on the Company’s investments in obligations of states and political subdivisions were caused by conditions in the municipal securities market. The Company’s investments in obligations of states and political subdivisions primarily finance essential community services such as school districts, water delivery systems, hospitals and fire protection services. Further, these bonds are primarily “bank qualified” issues whereby the issuing authority’s total debt issued in any one year does not exceed $30 million, thereby qualifying the bonds for tax-exempt status for federal income tax purposes. Therefore, “bank qualified” bonds are relatively small in amount providing a high degree of diversification within the Company’s investment portfolio. The Company evaluates these securities quarterly to determine if a change in security rating has occurred or the municipality has experienced financial difficulties. Substantially all of these securities continue to be investment grade rated.

The Company does not intend to sell any investments and has concluded that it is more likely than not that it will not be required to sell the investments prior to recovery of the amortized cost basis. Therefore, the Company does not consider these investments to be other-than-temporarily impaired as of September 30, 2010.

The fair values of the investment securities could decline in the future if the general economy deteriorates, credit ratings decline, or the liquidity for securities is low. As a result, other than temporary impairments may occur in the future.

An analysis of gross unrealized losses of the available for sale investment securities portfolio as of December 31, 2009, follows:


	Less than 12 months					12 months or longer					Total
			Unrealized					Unrealized					Unrealized
	Fair Value		Losses			Fair Value		Losses			Fair Value		Losses
	(In thousands)
U.S. Treasury securities	$	2,987	$	—		$	—	$	—		$	2,987	$	—
Securities of U.S. Government sponsored entities		19,979		(25	)		—		—			19,979		(25	)
Residential mortgage-backed securities		17,885		(124	)		—		—			17,885		(124	)
Obligations of States and political subdivisions		25,050		(795	)		3,866		(182	)		28,916		(977	)
Residential collateralized mortgage obligations		9,896		(37	)		5,002		(186	)		14,898		(223	)
Asset-backed securities		—		—			8,339		(1,661	)		8,339		(1,661	)
FHLMC and FNMA stock		4		(1	)		—		—			4		(1	)
Other securities		—		—			1,956		(44	)		1,956		(44	)

Total	$	75,801	$	(982	)	$	19,163	$	(2,073	)	$	94,964	$	(3,055	)

An analysis of gross unrealized losses of the held to maturity investment securities portfolio as of December 31, 2009, follows:


	Less than 12 months					12 months or longer					Total
			Unrealized					Unrealized					Unrealized
	Fair Value		Losses			Fair Value		Losses			Fair Value		Losses
	(In thousands)
Obligations of States and political subdivisions	$	46,111	$	(995	)	$	16,964	$	(1,195	)	$	63,075	$	(2,190	)
Residential collateralized mortgage obligations		7,639		(42	)		30,674		(6,065	)		38,313		(6,107	)

Total	$	53,750	$	(1,037	)	$	47,638	$	(7,260	)	$	101,388	$	(8,297	)

Note 5: Loans and Allowance for Credit Losses

A summary of the major categories of originated, purchased covered loans and purchased non-covered loans outstanding is shown in the following tables:


	At September 30,			At December 31,
	2010			2009
	(In thousands)
Originated loans:
Commercial	$	491,043		$	498,594
Commercial real estate		769,545			801,008
Construction		28,987			32,156
Residential real estate		320,881			371,197
Consumer installment & other		467,459			498,133

Gross Loans		2,077,915			2,201,088
Allowance for loan losses		(38,129	)		(41,043	)

Net Loans	$	2,039,786		$	2,160,045

The carrying amount of the purchased covered loans at September 30, 2010, consisted of impaired and non impaired purchased covered loans in the following table.


	Impaired		Non Impaired		Total
	Purchased		Purchased		Purchased
	Covered Loans		Covered Loans		Covered Loans
	(In thousands)
Purchased covered loans:
Commercial	$	10,881	$	170,577	$	181,458
Commercial real estate		14,128		385,805		399,933
Construction		9,517		19,423		28,940
Residential real estate		138		18,551		18,689
Consumer installment & other		253		89,345		89,598

Total loans	$	34,917	$	683,701	$	718,618

The carrying amount of the purchased non-covered loans at September 30, 2010, consisted of impaired and non impaired purchased non-covered loans in the following table.


	Impaired		Non Impaired		Total Purchased
	Purchased Non-		Purchased Non-		Non-covered
	covered Loans		covered Loans		Loans
	(In thousands)
Purchased non-covered loans:
Commercial	$	492	$	11,906	$	12,398
Commercial real estate		26,252		89,600		115,852
Construction		7,636		18,469		26,105
Residential real estate		2,143		20,706		22,849
Consumer installment & other		1,217		33,897		35,114

Total loans	$	37,740	$	174,578	$	212,318

The carrying amount of the purchased covered loans at December 31, 2009, consisted of impaired and non impaired purchased covered loans in the following table (refined).


	Impaired		Non Impaired		Total
	Purchased		Purchased		Purchased
	Covered Loans		Covered Loans		Covered Loans
	(In thousands)
Purchased covered loans:
Commercial	$	8,538	$	244,811	$	253,349
Commercial real estate		19,870		425,570		445,440
Construction		14,378		26,082		40,460
Residential real estate		138		18,383		18,521
Consumer installment & other		272		97,259		97,531

Total loans	$	43,196	$	812,105	$	855,301

Changes in the carrying amount of impaired purchased covered loans were as follows for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and the period February 6, 2009 (acquisition date) through December 31, 2009:


				February 6, 2009
				through
	Nine months ended			December 31, 2009
	September 30, 2010			(refined)
	(In thousands)
Carrying amount at the beginning of the period	$	43,196		$	80,544
Reductions during the period		(8,279	)		(37,348	)

Carrying amount at the end of the period	$	34,917		$	43,196

The following table represents the non impaired purchased non-covered loans receivable at the acquisition date of August 20, 2010. The amounts include principal only and do not reflect accrued interest as of the date of acquisition or beyond (dollars in thousands):


Gross contractual loan principal payment receivable	$	188,206
Estimate of contractual principal not expected to be collected		(15,058	)
Fair value of non impaired purchased loans receivable	$	175,922

The Company applied the cost recovery method to impaired purchased non-covered loans at the acquisition date of August 20, 2010 due to the uncertainty as to the timing of expected cash flows as reflected in the following table (dollars in thousands):


Contractually required payments receivable (including interest)	$	70,882
Nonaccretable difference		(33,140	)

Cash flows expected to be collected		37,742
Accretable difference		—

Fair value of loans acquired	$	37,742

Changes in the carrying amount of impaired purchased non-covered loans were as follows for the period from August 20, 2010 (acquisition date) through September 30, 2010:


	August 20, 2010
	through
	September 30, 2010
	(In thousands)
Carrying amount at the beginning of the period	$	37,742
Reductions during the period		(2	)

Carrying amount at the end of the period	$	37,740

Impaired purchased covered loans had an unpaid principal balance (less prior charge-offs) of $52 million, $70 million and $164 million at September 30, 2010, December 31, 2009 and February 6, 2009, respectively.

Impaired purchased non-covered loans had an unpaid principal balance (less prior charge-offs) of $60 million and $60 million at September 30, 2010 and August 20, 2010, respectively.

The Company pledges loans to secure borrowings from the Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB). At September 30, 2010, loans pledged to secure borrowing totaled $170.1 million. The FHLB does not have the right to sell or repledge such loans.

There were no loans held for sale at September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009.

The following summarizes the allowance for credit losses of the Company for the periods indicated:


	Three months ended						Nine months ended
	September 30,						September 30,
	2010			2009			2010			2009
	(In thousands)
Balance, beginning of period	$	42,409		$	45,815		$	43,736		$	47,563
Provision for loan losses		2,800			2,800			8,400			7,200
Provision for unfunded commitments		—			—			—			(400	)
Loans charged off		(5,216	)		(3,870	)		(13,926	)		(10,735	)
Recoveries of previously charged off loans		829			631			2,612			1,748

Net loan losses		(4,387	)		(3,239	)		(11,314	)		(8,987	)

Balance, end of period	$	40,822		$	45,376		$	40,822		$	45,376

Components:
Allowance for loan losses	$	38,129		$	42,683
Reserve for unfunded credit commitments		2,693			2,693

Allowance for credit losses	$	40,822		$	45,376

Allowance for loan losses / originated loans outstanding		1.83	%		1.88	%

Management determined the credit default fair value discounts assigned to covered loans purchased on February 6, 2009 and non-covered loans purchased on August 20, 2010 remained adequate as an estimate of credit losses inherent in purchased covered and non-covered loans as of September 30, 2010.

Nonaccrual originated loans at September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009 were $19.4 million and $19.9 million, respectively. Nonaccrual purchased covered loans at September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009 were $52.2 million and $85.1 million, respectively. Nonaccrual purchased non-covered loans at September 30, 2010 were $37.9 million.

There were no commitments to lend additional funds to borrowers whose loans were on nonaccrual status at September 30, 2010.

Note 6: Goodwill and Other Identifiable Intangible Assets

The Company has recorded goodwill and other identifiable intangibles associated with purchase business combinations. Goodwill is not amortized, but is periodically evaluated for impairment. The Company did not recognize impairment during the nine months ended September 30, 2010.

The changes in the carrying value of goodwill were (in thousands):


December 31, 2009	$	121,699
Recognition of stock option tax benefits for the exercise of options converted upon merger		(26	)

September 30, 2010	$	121,673

Identifiable intangibles are amortized to their estimated residual values over their expected useful lives. Such lives and residual values are also periodically reassessed to determine if any amortization period adjustments are indicated. During the nine months ended September 30, 2010, no such adjustments were recorded.

The gross carrying amount of identifiable intangible assets and accumulated amortization was:


	At September 30,					At December 31,
	2010					2009
	(In thousands)
	Gross					Gross
	Carrying		Accumulated			Carrying		Accumulated
	Amount		Amortization			Amount		Amortization

Core Deposit Intangibles	$	56,808	$	(23,283	)	$	51,538	$	(19,160	)
Merchant Draft Processing Intangible		10,300		(7,599	)		10,300		(7,011	)

Total Identifiable Intangible Assets	$	67,108	$	(30,882	)	$	61,838	$	(26,171	)

As of September 30, 2010, the current year and estimated future amortization expense for identifiable intangible assets was:


			Merchant
	Core		Draft
	Deposit		Processing
	Intangibles		Intangible		Total
	(In thousands)
Ninemonths ended September 30, 2010 (actual)	$	4,123	$	588	$	4,711
Estimate for year ended December 31, 2010		5,559		774		6,333
2011		5,351		624		5,975
2012		4,868		500		5,368
2013		4,304		400		4,704
2014		3,946		324		4,270
2015		3,594		262		3,856

Note 7: Post Retirement Benefits

The Company offers a continuation of group insurance coverage to qualifying employees electing early retirement, for the period from the date of retirement until age 65. For eligible employees the Company pays a portion of these early retirees’ insurance premiums. The Company also reimburses a portion of Medicare Part B premiums for all qualifying retirees over age 65 and their qualified spouses. Eligibility for post-retirement medical benefits is based on age and years of service, and restricted to employees hired prior to February 1, 2006. The Company uses an actuarial-based accrual method of accounting for post-retirement benefits.

The following table sets forth the net periodic post-retirement benefit costs:


	For the nine months ended
	September 30,
	2010			2009
	(In thousands)
Service cost (benefit)	$	(270	)	$	(237	)
Interest cost		144			165
Amortization of unrecognized transition obligation		45			45

Net periodic cost (benefit)	$	(81	)	$	(27	)

The Company does not fund plan assets for any post-retirement benefit plans.

Note 8: Commitments and Contingent Liabilities

Loan commitments are agreements to lend to a customer provided there is no violation of any condition established in the agreement. Commitments generally have fixed expiration dates or other termination clauses. Since many of the commitments are expected to expire without being drawn upon, the total commitment amounts do not necessarily represent future funding requirements. Loan commitments are subject to the Company’s normal credit policies and collateral requirements. Unfunded loan commitments were $409.8 million and $482.0 million at September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, respectively. Standby letters of credit commit the Company to make payments on behalf of customers when certain specified future events occur. Standby letters of credit are primarily issued to support customers’ short-term financing requirements and must meet the Company’s normal credit policies and collateral requirements. Standby letters of credit outstanding totaled $25.5 million and $27.4 million at September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, respectively. The Company also had commitments for commercial and similar letters of credit of $3.3 million and $176 thousand at September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, respectively.

Due to the nature of its business, the Company is subject to various threatened or filed legal cases. Based on the advice of legal counsel, the Company does not expect such cases will have a material, adverse effect on its financial position or results of operations. Legal costs related to covered assets are 80 percent indemnified under loss-sharing agreements with the FDIC if certain conditions are met.

Note 9: Fair Value Measurements

The Company uses fair value measurements to record fair value adjustments to certain assets and liabilities and to determine fair value disclosures. Available for sale investment securities are recorded at fair value on a recurring basis. Additionally, from time to time, the Company may be required to record at fair value other assets on a nonrecurring basis, such as certain loans held for investment and other assets. These nonrecurring fair value adjustments typically involve the lower-of-cost-or-fair value accounting or impairment or write-down of individual assets.

In accordance with the Fair Value Measurement and Disclosure topic of the Codification, the Company bases its fair values on the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in the principal market or most advantageous market for an asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. A fair value measurement reflects all of the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability, including assumptions about the risk inherent in a particular valuation technique, the effect of a restriction on the sale or use of an asset, and the risk of nonperformance.

The Company groups its assets and liabilities measured at fair value into a three-level hierarchy, based on the markets in which the assets and liabilities are traded and the reliability of the assumptions used to determine fair value. These levels are:

Level 1 — Valuation is based upon quoted prices for identical instruments traded in active exchange markets, such as the New York Stock Exchange. Level 1 includes U.S. Treasury and federal agency securities, which are traded by dealers or brokers in active markets. Valuations are obtained from readily available pricing sources for market transactions involving identical assets or liabilities.

Level 2 — Valuation is based upon quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active, and model-based valuation techniques for which all significant assumptions are observable in the market. Level 2 includes mortgage-backed securities, municipal bonds and residential collateralized mortgage obligations as well as other real estate owned and impaired loans collateralized by real property where the fair value is generally based upon independent market prices or appraised values of the collateral.

Level 3 — Valuation is generated from model-based techniques that use significant assumptions not observable in the market. These unobservable assumptions reflect the Company’s estimates of assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. Valuation techniques include use of option pricing models, discounted cash flow models and similar techniques. Level 3 includes those impaired loans collateralized by other business assets where the expected cash flow has been used in determining the fair value.

Assets Recorded at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis

The table below presents assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis.


	At September 30, 2010
			Quoted Prices
			in Active		Significant
			Markets for		Other		Significant
			Identical		Observable		Unobservable
			Assets		Inputs		Inputs
	Fair Value		(Level 1)		(Level 2 )		(Level 3 )
	(In thousands)
U.S. Treasury securities	$	3,511	$	3,511	$	—	$	—
Securities of U.S. Government sponsored entities		118,833		118,833		—		—
Municipal bonds:
Federally Tax-exempt — California		84,505		—		84,505		—
Federally Tax-exempt — 29 other states		119,591		—		119,591		—
Taxable — California		9,711		—		9,711		—
Taxable — 1 other state		501		—		501		—
Residential mortgage-backed securities (“MBS”):
Guaranteed by GNMA		47,613		—		47,613		—
Issued by FNMA and FHLMC		70,650		—		70,650		—
Residential collateralized mortgage obligations:
Issued or guaranteed by FNMA, FHLMC, or GNMA		16,447		—		16,447		—
All other		8,891		—		8,891		—
Commercial mortgage-backed securities		5,191		—		5,191		—
Asset-backed securities — government guaranteed student loans		8,420		—		8,420		—
FHLMC and FNMA stock		617		617		—		—
Corporate securities		69,783		69,783		—		—
Other securities		5,247		3,278		1,969		—

Total securities available for sale	$	569,511	$	196,022	$	373,489	$	—

There were no significant transfers in or out of Levels 1 and 2 for the nine months ended September 30, 2010.


	At December 31, 2009
			Quoted Prices
			in Active		Significant
			Markets for		Other		Significant
			Identical		Observable		Unobservable
			Assets		Inputs		Inputs
	Fair Value		(Level 1)		(Level 2 )		(Level 3 )
	(In thousands)
U.S. Treasury securities	$	2,987	$	2,987	$	—	$	—
Securities of U.S. Government sponsored entities		21,041		21,041		—		—
Municipal bonds:
Federally Tax-exempt — California		56,431		—		56,431		—
Federally Tax-exempt — 25 other states		97,094		—		97,094		—
Taxable — California		4,668		—		4,668		—
Residential mortgage-backed securities (“MBS”):
Guaranteed by GNMA		54,361		—		54,361		—
Issued by FNMA and FHLMC		91,644		—		91,644		—
Residential collateralized mortgage obligations:
Issued or guaranteed by FNMA, FHLMC, or GNMA		29,536		—		29,536		—
All other		11,874		—		11,874		—
Asset-backed securities — government guaranteed student loans		8,339		—		8,339		—
FHLMC and FNMA stock		1,573		1,573		—		—
Other securities		4,660		2,703		1,957		—

Total securities available for sale	$	384,208	$	28,304	$	355,904	$	—

Assets Recorded at Fair Value on a Nonrecurring Basis

The Company may be required, from time to time, to measure certain assets at fair value on a nonrecurring basis in accordance with GAAP. These adjustments to fair value usually result from application of lower-of-cost-or-market accounting or write-downs of individual assets. For assets measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis during the first nine months ended September 30, 2010 and year ended December 31, 2009 that were still held in the balance sheet at the end of such periods, the following table provides the level of valuation assumptions used to determine each adjustment and the carrying value of the related assets at the dates indicated.


	At September 30, 2010
	Fair Value		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total losses
	(In thousands)
Non-covered other real estate owned (1)	$	1,863	$	—	$	1,863	$	—	$	(664	)
Impaired originated loans (2)		4,780		—		4,780		—		—

Total assets measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis	$	6,643	$	—	$	6,643		—	$	(664	)


	At December 31, 2009
	Fair Value		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total losses
	(In thousands)
Non-covered other real estate owned (1)	$	413	$	—	$	413	$	—	$	(233	)
Impaired originated loans (2)		2,447		—		2,447		—		—

Total assets measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis	$	2,860	$	—	$	2,860	$	—	$	(233	)


(1)		Represents the fair value of foreclosed real estate owned that was measured at fair value subsequent to their initial classification as foreclosed assets.

(2)		Represents carrying value of loans for which adjustments are predominantly based on the appraised value of the collateral and loans considered impaired under FASB ASC 310-10-35, Subsequent Measurement of Receivables, where a specific reserve has been established.

Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The following section describes the valuation methodologies used by the Company for estimating fair value of financial instruments not recorded at fair value.

Cash and Due from Banks The carrying amount of cash and amounts due from banks approximate fair value due to the relatively short period of time between their origination and their expected realization.

Money Market Assets The carrying amount of money market assets approximate fair value due to the relatively short period of time between their origination and their expected realization.

Investment Securities Held to Maturity The fair values of investment securities were estimated using quoted prices as described above for Level 1 and Level 2 valuation.

Loans Loans were separated into two groups for valuation. Variable rate loans, except for those described below, which reprice frequently with changes in market rates were valued using historical cost. Fixed rate loans and variable rate loans that have reached their minimum contractual interest rates were valued by discounting the future cash flows expected to be received from the loans using current interest rates charged on loans with similar characteristics. Additionally, the allowance for loan losses of $38.1 million at September 30, 2010 and $41.0 million at December 31, 2009 and the fair value discount due to credit default risk associated with purchased covered and non-covered loans of $66.5 million and $36.9 million, respectively at September 30, 2010 and $93.3 million associated with purchased covered loans at December 31, 2009 were applied against the estimated fair values to recognize estimated future defaults of contractual cash flows. The Company does not consider these values to be a liquidation price for the loans.

FDIC Receivable The fair value of the FDIC receivable recorded in Other Assets was estimated by discounting estimated future cash flows using current market rates for financial instruments with similar characteristics.

Deposit Liabilities The carrying amount of demand deposits, savings accounts and money market accounts approximates fair value due to the relatively short period of time between their origination and their expected realization. The fair values of the time deposits were estimated by discounting estimated future cash flows related to these financial instruments using current market rates for financial instruments with similar characteristics.

Short-Term Borrowed Funds The carrying amount of securities sold under agreement to repurchase and other short-term borrowed funds approximate fair value due to the relatively short period of time between their origination and their expected realization. The fair values of term repurchase agreements were estimated by using interpolated yields for financial instruments with similar characteristics.

Federal Home Loan Bank Advances The fair values of FHLB advances were estimated by using interpolated yields for financial instruments with similar characteristics.

Debt Financing and Notes Payable The fair values of debt financing and notes payable were estimated by using interpolated yields for financial instruments with similar characteristics.

Restricted Performance Share Grants The fair value of liabilities for unvested restricted performance share grants recorded in Other Liabilities were estimated using quoted prices as described above for Level 1 valuation.

The table below is a summary of fair value estimates for financial instruments, excluding financial instruments recorded at fair value on a recurring basis. The values assigned do not necessarily represent amounts which ultimately may be realized. In addition, these values do not give effect to discounts to fair value which may occur when financial instruments are sold in larger quantities. The carrying amounts in the following table are recorded in the balance sheet under the indicated captions.

The Company has not included assets and liabilities that are not financial instruments, such as goodwill, long-term relationships with deposit, merchant processing and trust customers, other purchased intangibles, premises and equipment, deferred taxes and other assets and liabilities. The total estimated fair values do not represent, and should not be construed to represent, the underlying value of the Company.


	At September 30, 2010				At December 31, 2009
	Carrying		Estimated		Carrying		Estimated
	Amount		Fair Value		Amount		Fair Value
	(In thousands)
Financial Assets
Cash and due from banks	$	344,169	$	344,169	$	361,135	$	361,135
Money market assets		392		392		442		442
Investment securities held to maturity		618,838		642,882		726,935		736,270
Loans		2,970,722		2,992,724		3,015,346		3,024,866
Other assets — FDIC receivable		49,994		49,707		85,787		83,806

Financial Liabilities
Deposits		4,072,698		4,073,550		4,060,208		4,061,380
Short-term borrowed funds		193,202		193,257		227,178		228,463
Federal Home Loan Bank Advances		66,934		67,138		85,470		85,601
Debt financing and notes payable		26,396		26,244		26,497		23,520
Other liabilities — restricted performance share grants		2,069		2,069		1,942		1,942

The majority of the Company’s standby letters of credit and other commitments to extend credit carry current market interest rates if converted to loans. No premium or discount was ascribed to these commitments because virtually all funding would be at current market rates.

Note 10: Shareholders’ Equity

On February 13, 2009, the Company issued to the United States Department of the Treasury (the “Treasury”) 83,726 shares of Series A Fixed Rate Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock (the “Series A Preferred Stock”), having a liquidation preference of $1,000 per share. The structure of the Series A Preferred Stock included cumulative dividends at a rate of 5% per year for the first five years and thereafter at a rate of 9% per year. On September 2, 2009 and November 18, 2009, the Company redeemed 41,863 shares and 41,863 shares, respectively, of its Series A Preferred Stock at $1,000 per share. Prior to redemption, under the terms of the Series A Preferred Stock, the Company could not declare or pay any dividends or make any distribution on its common stock, other than regular quarterly cash dividends not exceeding $0.35 or dividends payable only in shares of its common stock, or repurchase its common stock or other equity or capital securities, other than in connection with benefit plans consistent with past practice and certain other circumstances specified in the Securities Purchase Agreement with the Treasury. The Treasury, as part of the preferred stock issuance, received a warrant to purchase 246,640 shares of the Company’s common stock at an exercise price of $50.92. The proceeds from Treasury were allocated based on the relative fair value of the warrant as compared with the fair value of the preferred stock. The fair value of the warrant was determined using a valuation model which incorporates assumptions including the Company’s common stock price, dividend yield, stock price volatility, the risk-free interest rate, and other assumptions. The Company allocated $1.2 million of the proceeds from the Series A Preferred Stock to the warrant. The discount on the preferred stock was accreted to par value during the period the Series A Preferred Stock was outstanding, and reported as a reduction to net income applicable to common equity over that period.

Note 11: Earnings Per Common Share

The table below shows earnings per common share and diluted earnings per common share. Basic earnings per common share are computed by dividing net income applicable to common equity by the average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per common share are computed by dividing net income applicable to common equity by the average number of common shares outstanding during the period plus the impact of common stock equivalents.


	For the three months ended				For the nine months ended
	September 30,				September 30,
	2010		2009		2010		2009
	(In thousands, except per share data)
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding — basic		29,127		29,210		29,187		29,072
Add exercise of options reduced by the number of shares that could have been purchased with the proceeds of such exercise		258		219		328		241

Weighted average number of common shares outstanding — diluted		29,385		29,429		29,515		29,313

Net income applicable to common equity	$	23,709	$	23,791	$	70,846	$	98,114
Basic earnings per common share	$	0.81	$	0.81	$	2.43	$	3.37
Diluted earnings per common share		0.81		0.81		2.40		3.35

For the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2010, options to purchase 273 thousand and 285 thousand shares of common stock, respectively, were outstanding but not included in the computation of diluted net income per share because the option exercise price exceeded the fair value of the stock such that their inclusion would have had an anti-dilutive effect. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2009, options and warrants to purchase 726 thousand and 889 thousand shares of common stock, respectively, were outstanding but not included in the computation of diluted net income per share because the option exercise price exceeded the fair value of the stock such that their inclusion would have had an anti-dilutive effect.

WESTAMERICA BANCORPORATION

FINANCIAL SUMMARY


	Three months ended						Nine months ended
	September 30,						September 30,
	2010			2009			2010			2009
	(In thousands, except per share data)
Net Interest Income (FTE)*	$	56,669		$	61,593		$	170,271		$	183,270
Provision for Loan Losses		(2,800	)		(2,800	)		(8,400	)		(7,200	)
Noninterest Income:
Gain on acquisition		178			—			178			48,844
Deposit service charges and other		14,893			15,961			46,133			47,471

Total Noninterest Income		15,071			15,961			46,311			96,315
Noninterest Expense		31,508			35,151			95,635			107,940

Income Before Income Taxes (FTE)*		37,432			39,603			112,547			164,445
Income Tax Provision (FTE)*		13,723			14,346			41,701			63,180

Net Income		23,709			25,257			70,846			101,265
Preferred stock dividends and discount accretion		—			1,466			—			3,151

Net Income Applicable to Common Equity	$	23,709		$	23,791		$	70,846		$	98,114


Average Common Shares Outstanding		29,127			29,210			29,187			29,072
Diluted Average Common Shares Outstanding		29,385			29,429			29,515			29,313
Common Shares Outstanding at Period End		29,118			29,207			29,118			29,207

As Reported:
Basic Earnings Per Common Share	$	0.81		$	0.81		$	2.43		$	3.37
Diluted Earnings Per Common Share		0.81			0.81			2.40			3.35
Return On Assets		1.95	%		1.86	%		1.98	%		2.57	%
Return On Common Equity		17.90	%		19.68	%		18.32	%		28.38	%
Net Interest Margin (FTE)*		5.54	%		5.48	%		5.59	%		5.39	%
Net Loan Losses to Average Originated Loans		0.83	%		0.56	%		0.71	%		0.51	%
Efficiency Ratio**		43.9	%		45.3	%		44.2	%		38.6	%

Average Balances:
Total Assets	$	4,835,357		$	5,072,866		$	4,793,266		$	5,113,359
Total Earning Assets		4,068,561			4,470,851			4,071,089			4,541,596
Originated Loans		2,096,937			2,289,331			2,132,687			2,360,540
Purchased Covered Loans		743,126			974,057			787,142			900,922
Purchased Non-covered Loans		97,438			—			32,836			—
Total Deposits		3,981,437			4,131,388			3,944,231			4,066,462
Shareholders’ Equity		525,630			549,331			517,121			527,635

Balances at Period End:
Total Assets	$	4,977,871		$	4,971,159
Total Earning Assets		4,197,592			4,372,739
Originated Loans		2,077,915			2,267,130
Purchased Covered Loans		718,618			932,656
Purchased Non-covered Loans		212,318			—
Total Deposits		4,072,698			4,024,626
Shareholders’ Equity		541,173			535,718

Financial Ratios at Period End:
Allowance for Loan Losses to Originated Loans		1.83	%		1.88	%
Book Value Per Common Share	$	18.59		$	16.93
Equity to Assets		10.87	%		10.78	%
Total Capital to Risk Adjusted Assets		14.88	%		15.07	%

Dividends Paid Per Common Share	$	0.36		$	0.35		$	1.08		$	1.06
Common Dividend Payout Ratio		44	%		43	%		45	%		32	%

The above financial summary has been derived from the Company’s unaudited consolidated financial statements. This information should be read in conjunction with those statements, notes and the other information included elsewhere herein. Percentages under the heading “As Reported” are annualized with the exception of the efficiency ratio.


*		Yields on securities and certain loans have been adjusted upward to a “fully taxable equivalent” (“FTE”) basis, which is a non-GAAP financial measure, in order to reflect the effect of income which is exempt from federal income taxation at the current statutory tax rate.

**		The efficiency ratio is defined as noninterest expense divided by total revenue (net interest income on an FTE basis, which is a non-GAAP financial measure, and noninterest income).

Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Westamerica Bancorporation and subsidiaries (the “Company”) reported third quarter 2010 net income applicable to common equity of $23.7 million or $0.81 diluted earnings per common share. The third quarter of 2010 included a $178 thousand gain on the acquisition of Sonoma Valley Bank. These results compare to net income applicable to common equity of $23.8 million or $0.81 diluted earnings per common share for the same period of 2009.

The Company reported net income applicable to common equity of $70.8 million or $2.40 diluted earnings per common share for the nine months ended September 30, 2010, compared with $98.1 million or $3.35 diluted earnings per common share for the same period of 2009. The first nine months of 2009 included a $48.8 million gain on the acquisition of County Bank (“County”) which increased net income by $28.3 million and earnings per diluted common share by $0.97.

Acquisitions

As described in Note 3, Westamerica Bank (“Bank”) acquired assets and assumed liabilities of the former Sonoma Valley Bank on August 20, 2010. The acquired assets and assumed liabilities were measured at estimated fair values, as required by FASB ASC 805, Business Combinations. Management made significant estimates and exercised significant judgment in accounting for the acquisition. Management judgmentally measured loan fair values based on loan file reviews (including borrower financial statements and tax returns), appraised collateral values, expected cash flows, and historical loss factors. Repossessed loan collateral was primarily valued based upon appraised collateral values. The Bank also recorded an identifiable intangible asset representing the value of the core deposit customer base of Sonoma Valley Bank based on Management’s evaluation of the cost of such deposits relative to alternative funding sources. In determining the value of the identifiable intangible asset, Management used significant estimates including average lives of depository accounts, future interest rate levels, the cost of servicing various depository products, and other significant estimates. Management used quoted market prices to determine the fair value of investment securities, FHLB advances and other borrowings which were purchased and assumed.

On February 6, 2009, Westamerica Bank (“Bank”) acquired the banking operations of County Bank (“County”) from the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”). The Bank acquired approximately $1.62 billion assets and assumed approximately $1.58 billion liabilities. The Bank and the FDIC entered loss sharing agreements regarding future losses incurred on acquired loans and foreclosed loan collateral. Under the terms of the loss sharing agreements, the FDIC absorbs 80 percent of losses and is entitled to 80 percent of loss recoveries on the first $269 million of losses, and absorbs 95 percent of losses and is entitled to 95 percent of loss recoveries on losses exceeding $269 million. The term for loss sharing on residential real estate loans is ten years, while the term for loss sharing on non-residential real estate loans is five years in respect to losses and eight years in respect to loss recoveries. The County acquisition was accounted for under the acquisition method of accounting in accordance with FASB ASC 805, Business Combinations. The Company recorded a “bargain purchase” gain totaling $48.8 million resulting from the acquisition, which is a component of noninterest income on the statement of income. The amount of the gain is equal to the amount by which the estimated fair value of assets purchased exceeded the estimated fair value of liabilities assumed. See Note 2 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information regarding the acquisition.

Net Income

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


	Three months ended						Nine months ended
	September 30,						September 30,
	2010			2009			2010			2009
	(In thousands, except per share data)
Net interest income (FTE)	$	56,669		$	61,593		$	170,271		$	183,270
Provision for loan losses		(2,800	)		(2,800	)		(8,400	)		(7,200	)
Noninterest income		15,071			15,961			46,311			96,315
Noninterest expense		(31,508	)		(35,151	)		(95,635	)		(107,940	)

Income before taxes (FTE)		37,432			39,603			112,547			164,445
Income tax provision (FTE)		(13,723	)		(14,346	)		(41,701	)		(63,180	)

Net income	$	23,709		$	25,257		$	70,846		$	101,265

Net income applicable to common equity	$	23,709		$	23,791		$	70,846		$	98,114


Average diluted common shares		29,385			29,429			29,515			29,313
Diluted earnings per common share	$	0.81		$	0.81		$	2.40		$	3.35

Average total assets	$	4,835,357		$	5,072,866		$	4,793,266		$	5,113,359
Net income applicable to common equity to average total assets (annualized)		1.95	%		1.86	%		1.98	%		2.57	%
Net income applicable to common equity to average common stockholders’ equity (annualized)		17.90	%		19.68	%		18.32	%		28.38	%

Net income applicable to common equity for the third quarter of 2010 was $82 thousand or 0.3% less than the same quarter of 2009, the net result of lower net interest income (FTE) and lower noninterest income, partially offset by decreases in noninterest expense and income tax provision (FTE) and the elimination of preferred stock dividends and discount accretion. A $4.9 million or 8.0% decrease in net interest income (FTE) was mostly attributed to lower average balances of interest earning assets and lower yields on investments, partially offset by higher yields on loans, lower average balances of interest-bearing liabilities and lower rates paid on interest-bearing deposits. The provision for loan losses remained the same, reflecting Management’s evaluation of losses inherent in the originated loan portfolio. Noninterest income decreased $890 thousand mainly due to lower service charges on deposit accounts. Noninterest expense decreased $3.6 million mostly due to lower personnel, occupancy and equipment expenses and other operating expenses. The provision for income taxes (FTE) decreased $623 thousand. Net income applicable to common equity in the third quarter of 2009 reflected $1.5 million in preferred stock dividends and discount accretion.

Comparing the first nine months of 2010 to the first nine months of 2009, net income applicable to common equity decreased $27.3 million, primarily due to a $48.8 million gain on acquisition in the first nine months of 2009, lower net interest income (FTE) and higher provision for loan losses, partially offset by decreases in noninterest expense and income tax provision (FTE) and the elimination of preferred stock dividends and discount accretion. The lower net interest income (FTE) was primarily caused by a lower volume of average interest earning assets, lower yields on investments and higher rates paid on borrowings, partially offset by higher yields on loans, lower average balances of interest-bearing liabilities and lower rates paid on interest-bearing deposits. The provision for loan losses increased $1.2 million, reflecting Management’s evaluation of losses inherent in the originated loan portfolio. Noninterest income decreased $50.0 million largely due to a $48.8 million acquisition gain in the first nine months of 2009. Noninterest expense declined $12.3 million primarily due to decreases in personnel, occupancy and equipment expenses subsequent to integrating the acquired County Bank and lower FDIC insurance assessments. The income tax provision (FTE) decreased $21.5 million. Net income applicable to common equity in the first nine months of 2009 reflected $3.2 million in preferred stock dividends and discount accretion. The preferred stock was redeemed during the fourth quarter of 2009.

Net Interest Income

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


	Three months ended						Nine months ended
	September 30,						September 30,
	2010			2009			2010			2009
	(In thousands)
Interest and fee income	$	55,203		$	61,196		$	166,284		$	183,453
Interest expense		(3,096	)		(4,500	)		(9,775	)		(15,078	)
FTE adjustment		4,562			4,897			13,762			14,895

Net interest income (FTE)	$	56,669		$	61,593		$	170,271		$	183,270


Average earning assets	$	4,068,561		$	4,470,851		$	4,071,089		$	4,541,596
Net interest margin (FTE) (annualized)		5.54	%		5.48	%		5.59	%		5.39	%

Net interest income (FTE) decreased during the third quarter of 2010 by $4.9 million or 8.0% from the same period in 2009 to $56.7 million, mainly due to lower average balances of interest earning assets (down $402 million), lower yields on investments (down 0.38%) and higher rates on short-term borrowings (up 0.08%), partially offset by higher yields on loans (up 0.1%), lower average balances of interest-bearing liabilities (down $264 million) and lower rates paid on interest-bearing deposits (down 0.15%).

Comparing the first nine months of 2010 with the first nine months of 2009, net interest income (FTE) decreased $13.0 million or 7.1%, primarily due to a lower volume of average earning assets (down $471 million) and lower yields on investments (down 0.17%) and higher rates on short-term borrowings (up 0.37%), partially offset by higher yields on loans (up 0.16%), lower average balances of interest-bearing liabilities (down $377 million) and lower rates paid on interest-bearing deposits (down 0.21%).

At September 30, 2010, purchased FDIC covered loans represented 24 percent of the Company’s loan portfolio. Under the terms of the FDIC loss-sharing agreements, the FDIC is obligated to reimburse the Bank 80 percent of loan interest income foregone on covered loans. Such reimbursements are limited to the lesser of 90 days contractual interest or actual unpaid contractual interest at the time a principal loss is recognized in respect to the underlying loan.

Interest and Fee Income

Interest and fee income (FTE) for the third quarter of 2010 decreased $6.3 million or 9.6% from the same period in 2009. The decrease was caused by lower average balances of earning assets (down $402 million) and lower yields on investments (down 0.38%), partially offset by higher yields on loans (up 0.1%). The total average balances of loans declined $326 million or 10.0% due to decreases in the average balances of taxable commercial loans (down $105 million), commercial real estate loans (down $79 million), residential real estate loans (down $69 million), indirect auto loans (down $46 million) and tax-exempt commercial loans (down $19 million). The average investment portfolio decreased $76 million largely due to declines in average balances of collateralized mortgage obligations (down $81 million), residential mortgage backed securities (down $55 million), and municipal securities (down $33 million), partially offset by increases in the average balances of U.S. Government sponsored entities (up $48 million) and corporate and other securities (up $36 million). The average yield on the Company’s earning assets decreased from 5.88% in the third quarter of 2009 to 5.84% in the corresponding period of 2010. The composite yield on loans rose 0.1% to 6.13% due to increases in yields on taxable commercial loans (up 0.5%) and construction loans (up 2.03%), partially offset by decreases in yields on residential real estate loans (down 0.5%) and indirect auto loans (down 0.19%). Nonperforming loans are included in average loan volumes used to compute loan yields; fluctuations in nonaccrual loan volumes impact loan yields. The investment portfolio yield decreased 0.38% to 5.09%, mainly due to declines in yields on U.S. government sponsored entity obligations (down 2.78%), municipal securities (down 0.11%) and U.S. Treasury (down 2.25%), partially offset by a 0.12% increase in yields on corporate and other securities.

Comparing the first nine months of 2010 with the first nine months of 2009, interest and fee income (FTE) was down $18.3 million or 9.2%. The decrease resulted from a lower volume of average earning assets and lower yields on investment securities, partially offset by higher yields on loans. Average interest earning assets decreased $471 million or 10.4% in the first nine months of 2010 compared with the same period of 2009 due to a $309 million decrease in average loans and a $162 million decrease in average investments. The decrease in the average balance of the loan portfolio was attributable to decreases in average balances of indirect auto loans (down $101 million), taxable commercial loans (down $98 million), residential real estate loans (down $78 million), commercial real estate loans (down $57 million), tax-exempt commercial loans (down $19 million) and construction loans (down $12 million), partially offset by a $56 million increase in the average balance of direct consumer loans. The average investment portfolio decreased $162 million largely due to declines in average balances of collateralized mortgage obligations (down $89 million), municipal securities (down $46 million), U.S. government sponsored entity obligations (down $11 million) and residential mortgage backed securities (down $41 million), partially offset by a $19 million increase in the average balances of corporate and other securities. The average yield on earning assets for the first nine months of 2010 was 5.91% compared with 5.83% in the first nine months of 2009. The loan portfolio yield for the first nine months of 2010 compared with the corresponding 2009 period was higher by 0.16%, due to increases in yields on construction loans (up 1.73%), taxable commercial loans (up 0.56%), commercial real estate loans (up 0.07%) and a 0.57% increase in yields on indirect auto loans, partially offset by a 0.34% decrease in yields on residential real estate loans. The investment portfolio yield decreased by 0.17%, reflecting lower yields on U.S. government sponsored entity obligations (down 2.81%), municipal securities (down 0.05%), U.S. Treasury (down 2.32%) and corporate and other securities (down 0.38%).

Interest Expense

Interest expense in the third quarter of 2010 decreased $1.4 million or 31.2% compared with the same period in 2009. The decrease was attributable to lower average balances of interest-bearing liabilities and lower rates paid on the interest-bearing deposits, partially offset by higher rates paid on short-term borrowings. The average rate paid on interest-bearing liabilities decreased from 0.58% in the third quarter of 2009 to 0.43% in the same quarter of 2010. Rates on interest-bearing deposits decreased 0.15% to 0.32% primarily due to decreases in rates paid on time deposits $100 thousand or more (down 0.28%), time deposits less than $100 thousand (down 0.26%) and preferred money market savings (down 0.15%). Rates on short-term borrowings increased 0.08%. Average interest-bearing liabilities declined $264 million. Interest-bearing deposits decreased $196 million mostly due to decreases in the average balance of time deposits less than $100 thousand (down $150 million), time deposits $100 thousand or more (down $32 million) and money market checking accounts (down $30 million). Average FHLB advances and sweep accounts declined $50 million and $21 million, respectively.

Comparing the first nine months of 2010 with the first nine months of 2009, interest expense declined $5.3 million or 35.2%, due to lower average balances of interest-bearing liabilities and lower rates on interest-bearing deposits, offset by higher rates paid on borrowings. Average interest-bearing liabilities during the first nine months of 2010 fell by $377 million over the same period of 2009 mainly due to decreases in average balances of federal funds purchased (down $144 million), FHLB advances (down $54 million), time deposits less than $100 thousand (down $105 million), time deposits $100 thousand or more (down $73 million) and money market checking accounts (down $37 million), partially offset by increases in the average balance of repurchases facilities (up $12 million), regular savings (up $14 million) and money market savings (up $12 million). Rates paid on interest-bearing liabilities averaged 0.46% during the first nine months of 2010 compared with 0.63% for the first nine months of 2009. The average rate paid on interest-bearing deposits declined 0.21% to 0.35% in the first nine months of 2010 compared with the same period of 2009 mainly due to lower rates on time deposits less than $100 thousand (down 0.52%), time deposits $100 thousand or more (down 0.28%), preferred money market savings (down 0.14%) and regular savings (down 0.10%).

Net Interest Margin (FTE)

The following summarizes the components of the Company’s net interest margin for the periods indicated:


	Three months ended						Nine months ended
	September 30,						September 30,
	2010			2009			2010			2009

Yield on earning assets (FTE)		5.84	%		5.88	%		5.91	%		5.83	%
Rate paid on interest-bearing liabilities		0.43	%		0.58	%		0.46	%		0.63	%

Net interest spread (FTE)		5.41	%		5.30	%		5.45	%		5.20	%
Impact of all other net noninterest bearing funds		0.13	%		0.18	%		0.14	%		0.19	%

Net interest margin (FTE)		5.54	%		5.48	%		5.59	%		5.39	%

During the third quarter of 2010, the net interest margin (FTE) increased 0.06% compared with the same period in 2009. Lower rates paid on interest-bearing liabilities were partially offset by lower yields on earning assets and resulted in a 0.11% increase in net interest spread. The increase in the net interest spread was partially reduced by the lower net interest margin contribution of noninterest-bearing demand deposits. The net interest margin (FTE) in the first nine months of 2010 rose by 0.20% compared with the corresponding period of 2009. Earning asset yields increased 0.08% while the cost of interest-bearing liabilities declined by 0.17%, resulting in a 0.25% increase in the net interest spread. The 0.05% decrease in margin contribution from noninterest bearing funding sources resulted in the net interest margin of 5.59%.

Summary of Average Balances, Yields/Rates and Interest Differential

The following tables present, for the periods indicated, information regarding the Company’s consolidated average assets, liabilities and shareholders’ equity, the amount of interest income from average earning assets and the resulting annualized yields, and the amount of interest expense paid on average interest-bearing liabilities and the resulting annualized rate paid. Average loan balances include nonperforming loans. Interest income includes proceeds from loans on nonaccrual status only to the extent cash payments have been received and applied as interest income. Yields on securities and certain loans have been adjusted upward to reflect the effect of income which is exempt from federal income taxation at the current statutory tax rate (FTE).


	For the three months ended
	September 30, 2010
			Interest		Rates
	Average		Income/		Earned/
	Balance		Expense		Paid
	(In thousands)
Assets:
Money market assets and funds sold	$	5,130	$	1		0.08	%
Investment securities:
Available for sale
Taxable		302,176		2,158		2.86	%
Tax-exempt (1)		187,405		3,059		6.53	%
Held to maturity
Taxable		166,634		1,798		4.32	%
Tax-exempt (1)		469,715		7,367		6.27	%
Loans:
Commercial:
Taxable		537,116		8,534		6.30	%
Tax-exempt (1)		164,838		2,733		6.58	%
Commercial real estate		1,234,475		20,696		6.65	%
Real estate construction		71,043		998		5.57	%
Real estate residential		355,103		3,744		4.22	%
Consumer		574,926		8,677		5.99	%

Total loans (1)		2,937,501		45,382		6.13	%

Total earning assets (1)		4,068,561	$	59,765		5.84	%
Other assets		766,796


Total assets	$	4,835,357


Liabilities and shareholders’ equity
Deposits:
Noninterest bearing demand	$	1,417,638	$	—		—
Savings and interest-bearing transaction		1,672,458		892		0.21	%
Time less than $100,000		341,882		357		0.41	%
Time $100,000 or more		549,459		798		0.58	%

Total interest-bearing deposits		2,563,799		2,047		0.32	%
Short-term borrowed funds		203,841		511		0.98	%
Federal Home Loan Bank advances		36,298		113		1.22	%
Debt financing and notes payable		26,417		425		6.43	%

Total interest-bearing liabilities		2,830,355	$	3,096		0.43	%
Other liabilities		61,734
Shareholders’ equity		525,630


Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	$	4,835,357


Net interest spread (1) (2)						5.41	%

Net interest income and interest margin (1) (3)			$	56,669		5.54	%


(1)		Interest and rates calculated on a fully taxable equivalent basis using the current statutory federal tax rate.

(2)		Net interest spread represents the average yield earned on earning assets minus the average rate paid on interest-bearing liabilities.

(3)		Net interest margin is computed by calculating the difference between interest income and expense (annualized), divided by the average balance of earning assets.


	For the three months ended
	September 30, 2009
			Interest		Rates
	Average		Income/		Earned/
	Balance		Expense		Paid
	(In thousands)
Assets:
Money market assets and funds sold	$	602	$	1		0.66	%
Investment securities:
Available for sale
Taxable		237,965		2,352		3.95	%
Tax-exempt (1)		167,339		2,846		6.80	%
Held to maturity
Taxable		275,553		3,025		4.39	%
Tax-exempt (1)		526,004		8,290		6.30	%
Loans:
Commercial:
Taxable		642,366		9,391		5.80	%
Tax-exempt (1)		184,054		3,032		6.54	%
Commercial real estate		1,313,545		21,967		6.63	%
Real estate construction		74,707		667		3.54	%
Real estate residential		424,189		5,004		4.72	%
Consumer		624,527		9,518		6.05	%

Total loans (1)		3,263,388		49,579		6.03	%

Total earning assets (1)		4,470,851	$	66,093		5.88	%
Other assets		602,015


Total assets	$	5,072,866


Liabilities and shareholders’ equity
Deposits:
Noninterest bearing demand	$	1,371,124	$	—		—
Savings and interest-bearing transaction		1,687,028		1,178		0.28	%
Time less than $100,000		491,555		829		0.67	%
Time $100,000 or more		581,681		1,266		0.86	%

Total interest-bearing deposits		2,760,264		3,273		0.47	%
Short-term borrowed funds		221,100		509		0.90	%
Federal Home Loan Bank advances		86,166		295		1.34	%
Debt financing and notes payable		26,551		423		6.36	%

Total interest-bearing liabilities		3,094,081	$	4,500		0.58	%
Other liabilities		58,330
Shareholders’ equity		549,331


Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	$	5,072,866


Net interest spread (1) (2)						5.30	%

Net interest income and interest margin (1) (3)			$	61,593		5.48	%


(1)		Interest and rates calculated on a fully taxable equivalent basis using the current statutory federal tax rate.

(2)		Net interest spread represents the average yield earned on earning assets minus the average rate paid on interest-bearing liabilities.

(3)		Net interest margin is computed by calculating the difference between interest income and expense (annualized), divided by the average balance of earning assets.


	For the nine months ended
	September 30, 2010
			Interest		Rates
	Average		Income/		Earned/
	Balance		Expense		Paid
	(In thousands)
Assets:
Money market assets and funds sold	$	2,174	$	2		0.12	%
Investment securities:
Available for sale
Taxable		272,141		6,465		3.17	%
Tax-exempt (1)		171,122		8,466		6.60	%
Held to maturity
Taxable		186,336		6,119		4.38	%
Tax-exempt (1)		486,651		22,906		6.28	%
Loans:
Commercial:
Taxable		546,269		25,660		6.28	%
Tax-exempt (1)		169,314		8,344		6.59	%
Commercial real estate		1,232,406		61,229		6.64	%
Real estate construction		65,352		2,767		5.66	%
Real estate residential		363,337		12,104		4.44	%
Consumer		575,987		25,984		6.03	%

Total loans (1)		2,952,665		136,088		6.16	%

Total earning assets (1)		4,071,089	$	180,046		5.91	%
Other assets		722,177


Total assets	$	4,793,266


Liabilities and shareholders’ equity
Deposits:
Noninterest bearing demand	$	1,394,033	$	—		—
Savings and interest-bearing transaction		1,640,421		2,725		0.22	%
Time less than $100,000		360,929		1,425		0.53	%
Time $100,000 or more		548,848		2,566		0.63	%

Total interest-bearing deposits		2,550,198		6,716		0.35	%
Short-term borrowed funds		209,846		1,538		0.97	%
Federal Home Loan Bank advances		23,767		249		1.38	%
Debt financing and notes payable		26,450		1,272		6.41	%

Total interest-bearing liabilities		2,810,261	$	9,775		0.46	%
Other liabilities		71,851
Shareholders’ equity		517,121


Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	$	4,793,266


Net interest spread (1) (2)						5.45	%

Net interest income and interest margin (1) (3)			$	170,271		5.59	%


(1)		Interest and rates calculated on a fully taxable equivalent basis using the current statutory federal tax rate.

(2)		Net interest spread represents the average yield earned on earning assets minus the average rate paid on interest-bearing liabilities.

(3)		Net interest margin is computed by calculating the difference between interest income and expense (annualized), divided by the average balance of earning assets.


	For the nine months ended
	September 30, 2009
			Interest		Rates
	Average		Income/		Earned/
	Balance		Expense		Paid
	(In thousands)
Assets:
Money market assets and funds sold	$	942	$	3		0.43	%
Investment securities:
Available for sale
Taxable		242,125		6,775		3.73	%
Tax-exempt (1)		170,519		8,591		6.72	%
Held to maturity
Taxable		332,416		11,384		4.57	%
Tax-exempt (1)		534,132		25,219		6.30	%
Loans:
Commercial:
Taxable		644,107		27,565		5.72	%
Tax-exempt (1)		188,479		9,351		6.63	%
Commercial real estate		1,289,190		63,354		6.57	%
Real estate construction		77,677		2,286		3.93	%
Real estate residential		440,975		15,802		4.78	%
Consumer		621,034		28,018		6.03	%

Total loans (1)		3,261,462		146,376		6.00	%

Total earning assets (1)		4,541,596	$	198,348		5.83	%
Other assets		571,763


Total assets	$	5,113,359


Liabilities and shareholders’ equity
Deposits:
Noninterest bearing demand	$	1,330,495	$	—		—
Savings and interest-bearing transaction		1,647,624		3,635		0.29	%
Time less than $100,000		466,175		3,662		1.05	%
Time $100,000 or more		622,168		4,228		0.91	%

Total interest-bearing deposits		2,735,967		11,525		0.56	%
Short-term borrowed funds		347,072		1,572		0.60	%
Federal Home Loan Bank advances		77,290		714		1.22	%
Debt financing and notes payable		26,584		1,267		6.35	%

Total interest-bearing liabilities		3,186,913	$	15,078		0.63	%
Other liabilities		68,316
Shareholders’ equity		527,635


Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	$	5,113,359


Net interest spread (1) (2)						5.20	%

Net interest income and interest margin (1) (3)			$	183,270		5.39	%


(1)		Interest and rates calculated on a fully taxable equivalent basis using the current statutory federal tax rate.

(2)		Net interest spread represents the average yield earned on earning assets minus the average rate paid on interest-bearing liabilities.

(3)		Net interest margin is computed by calculating the difference between interest income and expense (annualized), divided by the average balance of earning assets.

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 asset and liability balances (volume) and changes in average interest rates for the periods indicated. Changes not solely attributable to volume or rates have been allocated in proportion to the respective volume and rate components.


	Three months ended September 30, 2010
	compared with
	Three months ended September 30, 2009
	Volume			Rate			Total
	(In thousands)
Interest and fee income:
Money market assets and funds sold	$	2		$	(2	)	$	0
Investment securities:
Available for sale
Taxable		553			(747	)		(194	)
Tax-exempt (1)		332			(119	)		213
Held to maturity
Taxable		(1,176	)		(51	)		(1,227	)
Tax-exempt (1)		(883	)		(40	)		(923	)
Loans:
Commercial:
Taxable		(1,626	)		769			(857	)
Tax-exempt (1)		(318	)		19			(299	)
Commercial real estate		(1,325	)		54			(1,271	)
Real estate construction		(34	)		365			331
Real estate residential		(763	)		(497	)		(1,260	)
Consumer		(749	)		(92	)		(841	)

Total loans (1)		(4,815	)		618			(4,197	)

Total decrease in interest and fee income (1)		(5,987	)		(341	)		(6,328	)


Interest expense:
Deposits:
Savings and interest-bearing transaction		(10	)		(276	)		(286	)
Time less than $100,000		(210	)		(262	)		(472	)
Time $100,000 or more		(67	)		(401	)		(468	)

Total interest-bearing deposits		(287	)		(939	)		(1,226	)


Short-term borrowed funds		(41	)		43			2
Federal Home Loan Bank advances		(157	)		(26	)		(183	)
Debt financing and notes payable		(2	)		5			3


Total decrease in interest expense		(487	)		(917	)		(1,404	)

(Decrease) increase in Net Interest Income (1)	$	(5,500	)	$	576		$	(4,924	)


(1)		Amounts calculated on a fully taxable equivalent basis using the current statutory federal tax rate.


	Nine months ended September 30, 2010
	compared with
	Nine months ended September 30, 2009
	Volume			Rate			Total
	(In thousands)
Interest and fee income:
Money market assets and funds sold	$	2		$	(3	)	$	(1	)
Investment securities:
Available for sale
Taxable		780			(1,090	)		(310	)
Tax-exempt (1)		30			(155	)		(125	)
Held to maturity
Taxable		(4,815	)		(450	)		(5,265	)
Tax-exempt (1)		(2,235	)		(78	)		(2,313	)
Loans:
Commercial:
Taxable		(4,436	)		2,531			(1,905	)
Tax-exempt (1)		(945	)		(62	)		(1,007	)
Commercial real estate		(2,815	)		690			(2,125	)
Real estate construction		(405	)		886			481
Real estate residential		(2,642	)		(1,056	)		(3,698	)
Consumer		(2,032	)		(2	)		(2,034	)

Total loans (1)		(13,275	)		2,987			(10,288	)

Total (decrease) increase in interest and fee income (1)		(19,513	)		1,211			(18,302	)


Interest expense:
Deposits:
Savings and interest-bearing transaction		(16	)		(894	)		(910	)
Time less than $100,000		(698	)		(1,539	)		(2,237	)
Time $100,000 or more		(456	)		(1,206	)		(1,662	)

Total interest-bearing deposits		(1,170	)		(3,639	)		(4,809	)


Short-term borrowed funds		(771	)		737			(34	)
Federal Home Loan Bank advances		(550	)		85			(465	)
Debt financing and notes payable		(6	)		11			5


Total decrease in interest expense		(2,497	)		(2,806	)		(5,303	)

(Decrease) increase in Net Interest Income (1)	$	(17,016	)	$	4,017		$	(12,999	)


(1)		Amounts calculated on a fully taxable equivalent basis using the current statutory federal tax rate.

Provision for Loan Losses

The Company manages credit costs by consistently enforcing conservative underwriting and administration procedures and aggressively pursuing collection efforts with troubled debtors. The Company recorded the purchased County loans at estimated fair value upon acquisition as of February 6, 2009. Further, County loans purchased from the FDIC are “covered” by loss-sharing agreements the Company entered with the FDIC. Due to the loss-sharing agreements and fair value recognition, the Company did not record a provision for loan losses during the first nine months of 2010 related to such loans covered by the FDIC loss-sharing agreements. The Company recorded purchased Sonoma loans at estimated fair value upon acquisition as of August 20, 2010. Due to the fair value recognition, the Company did not record a provision for loan losses for the period August 20, 2010 through September 30, 2010 related to purchased Sonoma loans. In Management’s judgment, the acquisition date loan fair value discounts remaining at September 30, 2010 represent appropriate loss estimates for default risk inherent in the purchased loans. The Company provided $2.8 million for loan losses related to originated loans in the third quarter of 2010, unchanged from the third quarter of 2009. For the first nine months of 2010 and 2009, $8.4 million and $7.2 million were provided in each respective period. The provision reflects Management’s assessment of credit risk in the originated loan portfolio for each of the periods presented. For further information regarding credit risk, the FDIC loss-sharing agreements, net credit losses and the allowance for loan losses, see the “Loan Portfolio Credit Risk” and “Allowance for Credit Losses” sections of this report.

Noninterest Income

The following table summarizes the components of noninterest income for the periods indicated.


	Three months ended				Nine months ended
	September 30,				September 30,
	2010		2009		2010		2009
	(In thousands)

Service charges on deposit accounts	$	8,162	$	9,479	$	25,533	$	27,017
Merchant credit card fees		2,234		2,163		6,631		6,818
Debit card fees		1,259		1,267		3,678		3,656
ATM fees and interchange		1,004		965		2,917		2,792
Other service fees		789		558		2,024		1,629
Trust fees		429		319		1,257		1,056
Check sale income		221		223		676		661
Financial services commissions		211		129		583		420
Gain on acquisition		178		—		178		48,844
Other noninterest income		584		858		2,834		3,422


Total	$	15,071	$	15,961	$	46,311	$	96,315

Noninterest income for the third quarter of 2010 declined by $890 thousand or 5.6% from the same period in 2009. Service charges on deposits decreased $1.3 million or 13.9% due to the July 1, 2010 adoption of new regulations over overdraft fees. These new regulations were effective August 15, 2010 for accounts existing as of June 30, 2010; as such, the majority of the impact from the new regulations began August 15, 2010. Overdraft fees were $680 thousand lower in the third quarter 2010 compared to the third quarter 2009. There are other factors which contributed to the decline: Lower returned item charges (down $475 thousand) and deficit fees charged on analyzed accounts (down $270 thousand). The decline in service charges on deposits was partially offset by a $115 thousand increase in fees charged on checking accounts. Other noninterest income fell $274 thousand or 31.9% mostly due to miscellaneous fees and a gain on sale of foreclosed assets in the third quarter of 2009. Other service charges increased $231 thousand or 41.4% mainly due to a new service of cashing checks for non customers which began in July 2010. Trust fees also increased $110 thousand or 34.5%. The third quarter of 2010 included a $178 thousand gain on the acquisition of Sonoma net assets.

In the first nine months of 2010, noninterest income decreased $50.0 million compared with the first nine months of 2009 primarily due to the $48.8 million gain on acquisition in the first nine months of 2009. The third quarter of 2010 included a $178 thousand gain on acquisition. Service charges on deposits decreased $1.5 million or 5.5% due to declines in returned item charges (down $2 million) and deficit fees charged on analyzed accounts (down $600 thousand), partially offset by increases in overdraft fees (up $803 thousand) and fees charged on checking accounts (up $323 thousand). Merchant credit card fees declined $187 thousand or 2.7% mainly due to lower transaction volumes. Other noninterest income fell $588 thousand or 17.2% mostly due to miscellaneous fees and a gain on sale of foreclosed assets in the first nine months of 2009. The decline in other noninterest income was partially offset by a $490 thousand gain on sale of other assets. Other categories of fees partially offset the decline in noninterest income. Other service fees increased $395 thousand or 24.2% mainly due to increases in check cashing fees, internet banking fees and foreign currency commissions. Trust fees increased $201 thousand or 19.0%. Financial service commissions increased $163 thousand or 38.8%. ATM fees and interchange income was higher by $125 thousand or 4.5%.

Noninterest Expense

The following table summarizes the components of noninterest expense for the periods indicated.


	Three months ended						Nine months ended
	September 30,						September 30,
	2010			2009			2010			2009
	(In thousands)

Salaries and related benefits	$	15,481		$	16,402		$	46,849		$	50,221
Occupancy		3,962			4,008			11,561			14,831
Outsourced data processing services		2,187			2,258			6,629			6,740
Amortization of identifiable intangibles		1,573			1,671			4,711			5,051
FDIC insurance assessments		1,268			1,442			3,848			4,820
Equipment		1,067			1,789			3,234			4,618
Professional fees		950			913			2,480			2,580
Courier service		826			989			2,636			2,881
Loan expense		354			491			1,248			1,689
Telephone		346			622			1,141			1,487
Postage		322			576			1,251			1,570
Stationery and supplies		276			450			956			1,191
Operational losses		237			242			615			658
OREO expense		188			(116	)		653			403
In-house meetings		176			367			534			863
Customer checks		170			163			503			526
Advertising/public relations		153			229			629			809
Correspondent service charges		35			302			272			892
Other noninterest expense		1,937			2,353			5,885			6,110


Total	$	31,508		$	35,151		$	95,635		$	107,940


Average full time equivalent staff		1,004			1,086			1,018			1,135

Noninterest expense to revenues (FTE)		43.92	%		45.32	%		44.16	%		38.61	%

Noninterest expense decreased $3.6 million or 10.4% in the third quarter 2010 compared with the same period in 2009 mainly due to declines in lower personnel, occupancy and equipment and other operating expenses. Salaries and related benefits decreased $921 thousand or 5.6% primarily due to a reduction in regular salaries and payroll taxes, partially offset by annual merit increases, higher group health insurance costs, profit sharing and stock based compensation. FDIC insurance assessments declined $174 thousand or 12.1%. Equipment expense declined $722 thousand or 40.4% primarily due to branch and administrative office consolidations. Other categories which decreased from the third quarter 2009 were courier service expense (down $163 thousand or 16.5%), loan expense (down $137 thousand or 27.9%), postage (down $254 thousand or 44.1%), stationery and supplies expense (down $174 thousand or 38.7%) and in-house meeting expense (down $191 thousand or 52.0%). Telephone expense declined $276 thousand or 44.4% mainly due to branch and administrative office consolidations. A $267 thousand or 88.4% decrease in correspondent service charges was mostly attributable to higher interest received on reserve balances held with the Federal Reserve Bank. Other noninterest expense decreased $416 thousand or 17.7% mainly because the third quarter 2009 included settlements and lower cash surrender values for insurance policies. Offsetting the decreases was OREO expense which increased from -$116 thousand in the third quarter 2009 to $188 thousand in the third quarter 2010 mainly due to writedown of foreclosed assets. Additionally, the third quarter 2009 expense was reduced by refunds from cancellation of property insurance and property taxes related to purchased covered foreclosed assets. Gains on sale of foreclosed assets partially offset the increase in OREO expense.

In the first nine months of 2010, noninterest expense decreased $12.3 million or 11.4% compared with the corresponding period of 2009 primarily due to lower personnel, occupancy and equipment expenses resulting from the systems integrations and branch consolidations following the County acquisition and lower FDIC insurance assessments. Salaries and related benefits decreased $3.4 million or 6.7% primarily due to a reduction in salaries and executive bonus and lower payroll taxes and workers compensation expense, partially offset by higher group health insurance costs, annual merit increases and higher profit sharing and stock based compensation. Occupancy and equipment expenses decreased $3.3 million or 22.0% and $1.4 million or 30.0%, respectively, mainly due to branch and administrative office consolidations. Amortization of intangibles declined $340 thousand or 6.7% as intangible

assets are amortized on a declining balance method. FDIC insurance assessments decreased $972 thousand or 20.2% mostly due to a non-routine assessment charged in the first nine months of 2009. Loan expense decreased $441 thousand or 26.1% generally because the first nine months of 2009 included servicing fees on factoring receivables acquired from County. Such factoring receivables were fully liquidated in April 2009. Offsetting the decline were higher credit report expenses. Telephone expense declined $346 thousand or 23.3% mainly due to branch and administrative office consolidations. In-house meeting expense decreased $329 thousand or 38.1% generally because the first nine months of 2009 included employee travel and lodging expenses related to the County integration. A $620 thousand or 69.5% decrease in correspondent service charges was mostly attributable to higher interest received on reserve balances held with the Federal Reserve Bank. Other categories which decreased from the first nine months of 2009 were outsourced data processing expense (down $111 thousand or 1.6%), professional fees (down $100 thousand or 3.9%), courier service expense (down $245 thousand or 8.5%), postage (down $319 thousand or 20.3%), stationery and supplies expense (down $235 thousand or 19.7%) and advertising/public relations expense (down $180 thousand or 22.2%). Other noninterest expense decreased $225 thousand or 3.7% mainly because the third quarter 2009 included lower cash surrender values for insurance policies, partially offset by a $400 thousand reduction in provision for loan commitments in the first nine months of 2009. Offsetting the decreases in noninterest expense was OREO expense which increased from $403 thousand in the first nine months of 2009 to $653 thousand in the first nine months of 2010 mainly due to additional writedowns of foreclosed assets and lower levels of expenses for which FDIC indemnification reimbursements are received. Additionally, the first nine months of 2009 expense was reduced by refunds from cancellation of property insurance and property taxes related to purchased covered foreclosed assets. Gains on sale of foreclosed assets partially offset the increase in OREO expense.

Provision for Income Tax

During the third quarter of 2010, the Company recorded income tax provision (FTE) of $13.7 million compared with $14.3 million for the third quarter of 2009. The current quarter provision represents an effective tax rate (FTE) of 36.7%, compared with 36.2% for the third quarter of 2009.

The income tax provision (FTE) was $41.7 million for the first nine months of 2010 compared with $63.2 million for the corresponding period of 2009. The first nine months of 2010 effective tax rate (FTE) was 37.1% compared to 38.4% for the same period of 2009. The lower effective tax rate (FTE) for the first nine months of 2010 is primarily attributable to tax-exempt interest income representing a higher proportion of pre-tax income and increased tax credits.

Loan Portfolio Credit Risk

The risk that loan customers do not repay loans granted by the Bank is the most significant risk to the Company. 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. In measuring and managing credit risk, the Company adheres to the following practices.

	•		The Bank maintains a Loan Review Department which reports directly to the Board of Directors. The Loan Review Department performs independent evaluations of loans and assigns credit risk grades to evaluated loans 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 to maximize collection.

	•		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 loans on nonaccrual status when full collection of contractual interest and principal payments is in doubt. Interest previously accrued on loans placed on nonaccrual status is charged against interest income, net of estimated FDIC reimbursements under loss- sharing agreements. The Company does not accrue interest income on nonaccrual loans. 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 or covered by FDIC loss-sharing agreements. “Nonperforming assets” include nonaccrual loans, loans 90 or more days past due and still accruing, and repossessed loan collateral.

On February 6, 2009, the Bank purchased loans and repossessed loan collateral of the former County Bank from the FDIC. This purchase transaction included loss-sharing agreements with the FDIC wherein the FDIC and the Bank share losses on the purchased assets. The loss-sharing agreements significantly reduce the credit risk of these purchased assets. In evaluating credit risk, Management separates the Bank’s total loan portfolio between those loans qualifying under the FDIC loss-sharing agreements (referred to as “purchased covered loans”) and loans not qualifying under the FDIC loss-sharing agreements (referred to as “purchased non-covered loans” and “originated loans”). At September 30, 2010, purchased covered loans totaled $719 million, or 24 percent of total loans, originated loans totaled $2.1 billion, or 69 percent and purchased non-covered loans totaled $212 million, or 7 percent of total loans.

Purchased Covered Loans and Repossessed Loan Collateral (Purchased Covered Assets)

Purchased covered loans and repossessed loan collateral qualify under loss-sharing agreements with the FDIC. Under the terms of the loss-sharing agreements, the FDIC absorbs 80 percent of losses and shares in 80 percent of loss recoveries on the first $269 million in losses on purchased covered assets (“First Tier”), and absorbs 95 percent of losses and shares in 95 percent of loss recoveries if losses on purchased covered assets exceed $269 million (“Second Tier”). The term of the loss-sharing agreement on residential real estate assets is ten years, while the term for loss-sharing on non-residential real estate assets is five years with respect to losses and eight years with respect to loss recoveries.

The purchased covered assets are primarily located in the California Central Valley, including Merced County. This geographic area currently has some of the weakest economic conditions within California and has experienced significant declines in real estate values. Management expects higher loss rates on purchased covered assets than on originated assets.

The Bank recorded purchased covered assets at estimated fair value on the February 6, 2009 acquisition date. The credit risk discount ascribed to the $1.2 billion acquired loan and repossessed loan collateral portfolio was $161 million representing estimated losses inherent in the assets at the acquisition date. The Bank also recorded a related receivable from the FDIC in the amount of $129 million representing estimated FDIC reimbursements under the loss-sharing agreements.

The maximum risk to future earnings if First Tier losses exceed Management’s estimated $161 million in recognized losses under the FDIC loss-sharing agreements follows (dollars in thousands):


First Tier Loss Coverage	$	269,000
Less: Recognized credit risk discount		161,203

Exposure to under-estimated risk within First Tier		107,797
Bank loss-sharing percentage	20 percent

First Tier risk to Bank, pre-tax	$	21,559

First Tier risk to Bank, after-tax	$	12,494

Management has judged the likelihood of experiencing losses of a magnitude to trigger Second Tier FDIC reimbursement as remote. The Bank’s maximum after-tax exposure to Second Tier losses is $18 million as of September 30, 2010, which would be realized only if all covered assets at September 30, 2010 generated no future cash flows.

Purchased covered assets have declined since the acquisition date, and losses have been offset against the estimated credit risk discount. Purchased covered assets totaled $744 million at September 30, 2010, net of a credit risk discount of $66 million, compared to $879 million at December 31, 2009, net of a credit risk discount of $93 million. Purchased covered assets are evaluated for risk classification without regard to FDIC indemnification such that Management can identify purchased covered assets with potential payment problems and devote appropriate credit administration practices to maximize collections. Purchased covered assets classified without regard to FDIC indemnification totaled $200 million and $205 million at September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, respectively. FDIC indemnification limits the Company’s loss exposure to covered classified assets.

In Management’s judgment, the credit risk discount recognized for the purchased assets remains adequate as an estimate of credit risk inherent in purchased covered assets as of September 30, 2010. In the event credit risk deteriorates beyond that estimated by Management, losses in excess of the credit risk discount would be recognized as an expense, net of related FDIC loss indemnification.

Classified Purchased Covered Loans and Repossessed Loan Collateral (Classified Purchased Covered Assets)

The following is a summary of classified purchased covered loans and repossessed loan collateral without regard to FDIC indemnification:


	At September 30,		At December 31,
	2010		2009
	(In thousands)
Classified Purchased Covered Assets
Classified loans	$	175,169	$	181,516
Repossessed loan collateral		25,251		23,297

Total	$	200,420	$	204,813

Nonperforming Purchased Covered Loans and Repossessed Loan Collateral (Nonperforming Purchased Covered Assets)

The following is a summary of nonperforming purchased covered assets:


	At September 30,			At December 31,
	2010			2009
	(In thousands)
Nonperforming Purchased Covered Assets
Nonperforming, nonaccrual loans	$	39,783		$	66,965
Performing, nonaccrual loans		12,388			18,183

Total nonaccrual loans		52,171			85,148
Loans 90 days past due and still accruing		4,078			210

Total nonperforming loans		56,249			85,358
Repossessed loan collateral		25,251			23,297

Total	$	81,500		$	108,655


As a percentage of total purchased covered assets		10.96	%		12.37	%

The amount of gross interest income that would have been recorded if all nonaccrual purchased covered loans had been current in accordance with their original terms while outstanding was $1.0 million and $3.5 million in the third quarter and first nine months of 2010, respectively, compared with $1.4 million and $2.5 million for the third quarter and first nine months of 2009, respectively. The amount of interest income that was recognized on nonaccrual purchased covered loans from all cash payments made during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010, totaled $1.6 million and $4.6 million, respectively, compared with $396 thousand for the third quarter and first nine months of 2009, all of which was received in the third quarter of 2009. These cash payments represent annualized yields of 9.95% and 8.67%, respectively, for the third quarter and the first nine months of 2010 compared with 1.97% and 1.07%, respectively, for the third quarter and first nine months of 2009.

There were no cash payments received which were applied against the book balance of nonaccrual purchased covered loans outstanding at September 30, 2010 in the third quarter and first nine months of 2010. Similarly, there were no cash payments received in the third quarter and first nine months of 2009 which were applied against the book balances of nonaccrual loans outstanding at September 30, 2009.

Nonperforming Purchased Non-covered Loans and Repossessed Loan Collateral (Nonperforming Purchased Non-covered Assets)

The following is a summary of nonperforming purchased non-covered assets:


	At September 30,
	2010
	(In thousands)
Nonperforming Purchased Non-covered Assets
Nonperforming, nonaccrual loans	$	18,304
Performing, nonaccrual loans		19,554

Total nonaccrual loans		37,858
Loans 90 days past due and still accruing		—

Total nonperforming loans		37,858
Repossessed loan collateral		2,916

Total	$	40,774


As a percentage of total purchased non-covered assets		18.94	%

The amount of gross interest income that would have been recorded if all nonaccrual purchased non-covered loans had been current in accordance with their original terms while outstanding was $318 thousand in the period from August 20, 2010 through September 30, 2010. There were no cash payments received on nonaccual purchased non-covered loans that were recognized as interest income during the period from August 20, 2010 through September 30, 2010.

The amount of cash payments received, which were applied against the book balance of nonaccrual purchased non-covered loans outstanding at September 30, 2010 in the period from August 20, 2010 through September 30, 2010, totaled $60 thousand.

Classified Originated Loans and Repossessed Loan Collateral (Classified Originated Assets)

The following is a summary of classified originated loans and repossessed loan collateral:


	At September 30,			At December 31,
	2010			2009
	(In thousands)
Classified Originated Assets
Classified loans	$	47,754		$	57,241
Repossessed loan collateral		19,285			12,642

Total	$	67,039		$	69,883

Allowance for loan losses / classified orignated loans		79.84	%		72.00	%

Nonperforming Originated Loans and Repossessed Loan Collateral (Nonperforming Originated Assets)

The following is a summary of nonperforming originated assets on the dates indicated:


	At September 30,			At December 31,
	2010			2009
	(In thousands)
Nonperforming Originated Assets
Nonperforming, nonaccrual loans	$	19,194		$	19,837
Performing, nonaccrual loans		233			25

Total nonaccrual loans		19,427			19,862
Loans 90 days past due and still accruing		686			800

Total nonperforming loans		20,113			20,662
Repossessed loan collateral		19,285			12,642

Total	$	39,398		$	33,304


As a percentage of total originated assets		1.88	%		1.50	%

The amount of gross interest income that would have been recorded if all nonaccrual originated loans had been current in accordance with their original terms while outstanding was $279 thousand and $892 thousand in the third quarter and first nine months of 2010, respectively, compared with $443 thousand and $913 thousand for the third quarter and first nine months of 2009, respectively. The amount of interest income that was recognized on nonaccrual originated loans from all cash payments made during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010, totaled $151 thousand and $583 thousand, respectively, compared with $140 thousand and $263 thousand, respectively, for the third quarter and first nine months of 2009, respectively. These cash payments represent annualized yields of 3.27% and 3.93%, respectively, for the third quarter and the first nine months of 2010 compared with 1.76% and 1.60%, respectively, for the third quarter and first nine months of 2009.

There were no cash payments received, which were applied against the book balance of originated nonaccrual loans outstanding at September 30, 2010 in the third quarter and the first nine months of 2010. Total cash payments received during the third quarter and the first nine months of 2009 which were applied against the book balance of nonaccrual loans outstanding at September 30, 2009 totaled approximately $-0- thousand and $1 thousand, respectively.

Fifty one loans comprised the $19.4 million in nonaccrual originated loans as of September 30, 2010. During the first nine months of 2010 three commercial real estate relationships ($5.1 million) were transferred to OREO while one commercial relationship ($2.2 million) and one commercial real estate relationship ($1.3 million) became current and came off nonaccrual status. Conversely, one construction relationship ($4.1 million), three commercial real estate relationships ($3.9 million) and one commercial relationship ($1.6 million) were placed on nonaccrual status.

The Company had no restructured loans as of September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009.

Delinquent originated commercial, construction and commercial real estate loans on accrual status were as follows:


	At September 30,			At December 31,
	2010			2009
	(In thousands)
Originated Commercial Loans:
30-89 days delinquent:
Dollar amount	$	16,210		$	10,677
Percentage of total originated commercial loans		3.30	%		2.14	%
90 or more days delinquent:
Dollar amount	$	—		$	—
Percentage of total originated commercial loans		—	%		—	%
Originated Construction Loans:
30-89 days delinquent:
Dollar amount	$	149		$	149
Percentage of total orignated construction loans		0.51	%		0.46	%
90 or more days delinquent:
Dollar amount	$	—		$	—
Percentage of total orignated construction loans		—	%		—	%
Originated Commercial Real Estate Loans:
30-89 days delinquent:
Dollar amount	$	13,524		$	12,158
Percentage of total originated commercial real estate loans		1.76	%		1.52	%
90 or more days delinquent:
Dollar amount	$	—		$	—
Percentage of total originated commercial real estate loans		—	%		—	%

The Company’s residential real estate loan underwriting standards for first mortgages limit the loan amount to no more than 80 percent of the appraised value of the property serving as collateral for the loan at the time of origination, and require verification of income of the borrower(s). The Company had no “sub-prime” originated loans as of September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009. At September 30, 2010, $2.1 million originated residential real estate loans were on nonaccrual status.

Delinquent originated residential real estate, indirect automobile and other consumer loans on accrual status were as follows:


	At September 30,			At December 31,
	2010			2009
	(In thousands)
Originated Residential Real Estate Loans:
30-89 days delinquent:
Dollar amount	$	520		$	3,064
Percentage of total originated residential real estate loans		0.16	%		0.83	%
90 or more days delinquent:
Dollar amount	$	—		$	—
Percentage of total originated residential real estate loans		—	%		—	%
Originated Indirect Automobile Loans:
30-89 days delinquent:
Dollar amount	$	5,576		$	6,506
Percentage of total originated indirect automobile loans		1.36	%		1.49	%
90 or more days delinquent:
Dollar amount	$	627		$	723
Percentage of total originated indirect automobile loans		0.15	%		0.17	%
Other Originated Consumer Loans:
30-89 days delinquent:
Dollar amount	$	557		$	762
Percentage of total other originated consumer loans		0.95	%		1.25	%
90 or more days delinquent:
Dollar amount	$	59		$	77
Percentage of total other originated consumer loans		0.10	%		0.13	%

Management believes the overall credit quality of the originated loan portfolio is reasonably stable; however, nonperforming originated 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, and collateral values or factors particular to the borrower. No assurance can be given that additional increases in nonaccrual and delinquent originated loans will not occur in the future.

Allowance for Credit Losses

The Company’s allowance for credit losses represents Management’s estimate of credit losses inherent in the loan portfolio. In evaluating credit risk for loans, Management measures loss potential of the carrying value of loans. As described above, payments 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. Further, the carrying value of purchased loans includes fair value discounts assigned at the time of purchase under the provisions of FASB ASC 805, Business Combinations, and FASB ASC 310-30, Loans or Debt Securities with Deteriorated Credit Quality. The allowance for credit losses represents Management’s estimate of credit losses in excess of these principal reductions.

Management determined the credit default fair value discounts assigned to purchased loans remained adequate as an estimate of credit losses inherent in purchased loans as of September 30, 2010.

The following table summarizes the credit loss provision, net credit losses and allowance for credit losses for the periods indicated:


	Three months ended						Nine months ended
	September 30,						September 30,
	2010			2009			2010			2009
	(In thousands)
Total originated loans outstanding at period end	$	2,077,915		$	2,267,130		$	2,077,915		$	2,267,130
Average originated loans outstanding during the period		2,096,937			2,289,331			2,132,687			2,360,540
Analysis of the allowance
Balance, beginning of period		42,409			45,815			43,736			47,563
Provision for loan losses		2,800			2,800			8,400			7,200
Provision for unfunded commitments		—			—			—			(400	)
Loans charged off:
Commercial and commercial real estate		(2,010	)		(1,514	)		(4,141	)		(3,288	)
Real estate construction		—			—			(1,115	)		(311	)
Real estate residential		(759	)		(114	)		(1,568	)		(242	)
Consumer		(2,447	)		(2,242	)		(7,102	)		(6,894	)

Total originated loans chargeoffs		(5,216	)		(3,870	)		(13,926	)		(10,735	)
Recoveries of previously charged off originated loans:
Commercial and commercial real estate		170			110			750			258
Real estate construction		—			6			—			14
Real estate residential		—			—			—			—
Consumer		659			515			1,862			1,476

Total recoveries		829			631			2,612			1,748

Net loan losses		(4,387	)		(3,239	)		(11,314	)		(8,987	)

Balance, end of period	$	40,822		$	45,376		$	40,822		$	45,376


Net loan losses to average originated loans		0.83	%		0.56	%		0.71	%		0.51	%
Components:
Allowance for loan losses	$	38,129		$	42,683
Reserve for unfunded credit commitments		2,693			2,693

Allowance for credit losses	$	40,822		$	45,376

Allowance for loan losses /originated loans outstanding		1.83	%		1.88	%

The Company’s allowance for credit losses is maintained at a level considered adequate to provide for losses that can be estimated based upon specific and general conditions. These include conditions unique to individual borrowers, as well as overall credit loss experience, the amount of past due, nonperforming loans and classified loans, FDIC loss-sharing coverage relative to purchased covered loan carrying amounts, recommendations of regulatory authorities, prevailing economic conditions and other factors. A portion of the allowance is specifically allocated to impaired loans whose full collectibility is uncertain. Such allocations are determined by Management based on loan-by-loan analyses. A second allocation is based in part on quantitative analyses of historical credit loss experience, in which criticized and classified credit balances identified through an independent internal credit review process are analyzed using a linear regression model to determine standard loss rates. The results of this analysis are applied to current criticized and classified loan balances to allocate the allowance to the respective segments of the loan portfolio. In addition, loans with similar characteristics not usually criticized using regulatory guidelines are analyzed based on the historical loss rates and delinquency trends, grouped by the number of days the payments on these loans are delinquent. Given currently weak economic conditions, Management is applying further analysis to consumer loans. Current levels of indirect automobile loan losses are compared to initial allowance allocations and, based on Management judgment, additional allocations are applied, if needed, to estimated losses. For residential real estate loans, Management is comparing ultimate loss rates on foreclosed residential real estate properties and applying such loss rates to nonaccrual residential real estate loans. Based on this analysis, Management exercises judgment in allocating additional allowance if deemed appropriate to estimated losses on residential real estate loans. Last, allocations are made to non-criticized and non-classified commercial loans based on historical loss rates and other statistical data.

The remainder of the allowance is considered to be unallocated. The unallocated allowance is established to provide for probable losses that have been incurred as of the reporting date but not reflected in the allocated allowance. It addresses additional qualitative factors consistent with Management’s analysis of the level of risks inherent in the loan portfolio, which are related to the risks of the Company’s general lending activity. Included in the unallocated allowance is the risk of losses that are attributable to national or local economic or industry trends which have occurred but have not yet been recognized in loan charge-off history (external factors). The external factors evaluated by the Company include: economic and business conditions, external competitive issues, and other factors. Also included in the unallocated allowance is the risk of losses attributable to general attributes of the Company’s loan portfolio and credit administration (internal factors). The internal factors evaluated by the Company include: loan review system, adequacy of lending Management and staff, loan policies and procedures, problem loan trends, concentrations of credit, and other factors. By their nature, these risks are not readily allocable to any specific loan category in a statistically meaningful manner and are difficult to quantify with a specific number. Management assigns a range of estimated risk to the qualitative risk factors described above based on Management’s judgment as to the level of risk, and assigns a quantitative risk factor from the range of loss estimates to determine the appropriate level of the unallocated portion of the allowance. Management considers the $40.8 million allowance for credit losses to be adequate as a reserve against originated credit losses as of September 30, 2010.

The following table presents the allocation of the allowance for credit losses:


	At September 30,					At December 31,
	2010					2009
	(In thousands)
			Originated Loans					Originated Loans
	Allocation of the		as Percent of Total			Allocation of the		as Percent of Total
	Allowance Balance		Originated Loans			Allowance Balance		Originated Loans
Commercial	$	18,934		61	%	$	19,108		59	%
Real estate construction		2,697		1	%		2,968		1	%
Real estate residential		608		15	%		1,529		17	%
Consumer		7,155		23	%		8,424		23	%
Unallocated portion		11,428		—			11,707		—

Total	$	40,822		100	%	$	43,736		100	%

The allocation to loan portfolio segments changed from December 31, 2009 to September 30, 2010. The decrease in allocation for originated commercial loans was substantially attributable to a decrease in criticized originated commercial loans outstanding and lower commitments, partially offset by the balance of new impaired loans. Additionally, management’s evaluation of loss rates against originated commercial loan performance metrics. The decrease in allocation to originated real estate construction loans reflects a decline in originated criticized construction loans outstanding, partially offset by an increase in impaired loans. The decrease in the allocation to originated real estate residential loans is due to a lower outstanding balance of delinquent originated real estate residential loans and Management’s judgment regarding the appropriate allocation based on recent foreclosure losses and levels of originated nonaccrual mortgages. The lower allocation for originated consumer loans was primarily due to a lower outstanding balance of originated delinquent consumer loans and Management’s judgment regarding the appropriate allocation based on current levels of originated auto loan charge-offs. The unallocated portion of the allowance for credit losses decreased $279 thousand from December 31, 2009 to September 30, 2010. The unallocated allowance is established to provide for probable losses that have been incurred, but not reflected in the allocated allowance. At September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, Management’s evaluations of the unallocated portion of the allowance for credit losses attributed significant risk levels to developing economic and business conditions ($2.4 million and $2.3 million, respectively), external competitive issues ($0.8 million and $0.8 million, respectively), internal credit administration considerations ($2.0 million and $2.0 million, respectively), and delinquency and problem loan trends ($3.4 million and $3.5 million, respectively). The change in the amounts allocated to the above qualitative risk factors was based upon Management’s judgment, review of trends in its originated loan portfolio, extent of migration of previously non-classified originated loans to classified status, levels of the allowance allocated to portfolio segments, and current economic conditions in its marketplace. Based on Management’s analysis and judgment, the amount of the unallocated portion of the allowance for credit losses was $11.4 million at September 30, 2010, compared to $11.7 million at December 31, 2009.

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. Interest rate risk results from many factors. Assets and liabilities may mature or reprice at different times. Assets and liabilities may reprice 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 assets or liabilities may shorten or lengthen as interest rates change. In addition, interest rates may have an impact on loan demand, demand for various deposit products, credit losses, and other sources of earnings such as account analysis fees on commercial deposit accounts and correspondent bank service charges.

In adjusting the Company’s asset/liability position, 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 general 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 in order to manage its net interest margin and net interest income. 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 and short term interest rates.

The Company’s asset and liability position ranged from “neutral” to slightly “asset sensitive” at September 30, 2010, depending on the interest rate assumptions applied to the simulation model employed by Management to measure interest rate risk. A “neutral” position results in similar amounts of change in interest income and interest expense resulting from application of assumed interest rate changes. A slightly “asset sensitive” position results in a slightly larger increase in interest income than in interest expense resulting from application of assumed interest rate changes. Management’s simulation modeling is currently biased toward rising interest rates. Management continues to monitor the interest rate environment as well as economic conditions and other factors it deems relevant in managing the Company’s exposure to interest rate risk.

Management assesses interest rate risk by comparing the Company’s most likely earnings plan with various earnings models using many interest rate scenarios that differ in the direction of interest rate changes, the degree of change over time, the speed of change and the projected shape of the yield curve. For example, using the current composition of the Company’s balance sheet and assuming no change in the federal funds rate and no change in the 10 year Constant Maturity Treasury Bond yield during the same period, earnings are not estimated to change by a meaningful amount compared to the Company’s most likely net income plan for the twelve months ending September 30, 2011. Using the current composition of the Company’s balance sheet and assuming an increase of 100 basis points (“bp”) in the federal funds rate and an increase of 60 bp in the 10 year Constant Maturity Treasury Bond yield during the same period, earnings are not estimated to change by a meaningful amount compared to the Company’s most likely net income plan for the twelve months ending September 30, 2011. The Sonoma Valley Bank acquired assets and assumed liabilities have not significantly altered the Company’s asset/liability position. Simulation estimates depend on, and will change with, the size and mix of the actual and projected balance sheet at the time of each simulation. In the current operating environment, Management’s objective is to maintain a “neutral” to slightly “asset sensitive” interest rate risk position. The Company does not currently engage in trading activities or use derivative instruments to control 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. As an example, any preferred or common stock holdings, as permitted by banking regulations, can fluctuate in value. Management regularly assesses the extent and duration of any declines in market value, the causes of such declines, the likelihood of a recovery in market value, and its intent to hold securities until a recovery in value occurs. Declines in value of preferred or common stock holdings that are deemed “other than temporary” could result in loss recognition 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 regularly repurchased and retired its common stock; the market price paid to retire the Company’s common stock can affect the level of the Company’s shareholders’ equity, cash flows and shares outstanding for purposes of computing earnings per share. 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. Finally, the amount of compensation expense 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 charge-offs and the provision for loan losses. Other types of market risk, such as foreign currency exchange risk and commodity price risk, are not significant in the normal course of the Company’s business activities.

Liquidity and Funding

The Company generates significant liquidity from its operating activities. The Company’s profitability during the first nine months of 2010 and 2009 contributed substantial operating cash flows of $90.0 million and $140.4 million, respectively. In the first nine months of 2010, the Company paid $31.6 million in common shareholder dividends and used $22.2 million to repurchase and retire common stock. In the first nine months of 2009, the Company paid $30.8 million in common shareholder dividends and used $1.5 million to repurchase and retire common stock.

The Company’s routine sources of liquidity include investment securities, consumer and other loans, and other borrowed funds. During the first nine months of 2010, investment securities provided $230.5 million in liquidity from paydowns and maturities and $279.8 million was used to purchase securities. Loans provided $227.1 million in liquidity from scheduled payments, paydowns and maturities, net of loan fundings. First nine months of 2010, operating and investing liquidity provided funds to meet a net reduction in deposits totaling $237.8 million and a $114.8 million reduction in short-term borrowed funds.

During the first nine months of 2009, investment securities provided $248.2 million in liquidity from paydowns and maturities, and loans provided $324.3 million in liquidity from scheduled payments, paydowns and maturities, net of loan fundings. Operating cash flows in the first nine months of 2009 increased $30 million from the settlement of County Bank securities sales which were unsettled trades on the acquisition date. The Company also raised $83.7 million from the issuance of preferred stock to the United States Treasury in the first quarter of 2009 and redeemed $42 million of the same preferred stock in the third quarter of 2009. During the first nine months of 2009, a portion of the liquidity provided by operating activities, investment securities and loans provided funds to meet a net reduction in deposits totaling $298.8 million and a reduction in short-term borrowed funds, primarily federal funds purchased which declined from $335 million at December 31, 2008 to $-0- at September 30, 2009.

The Company projects $68.5 million in additional liquidity from investment security paydowns and maturities during the three months ending December 31, 2010. At September 30, 2010, $291.8 million in residential collateralized mortgage obligations (“CMOs”) and residential mortgage backed securities (“MBSs”) were held in the Company’s investment portfolios. None of the CMOs or MBSs are backed by sub-prime mortgages. Substantially all of the Non Agency residential CMOs are rated AAA based on their subordination structures without reliance on monoline insurance. Other than nominal amounts of FHLMC and FNMA MBSs purchased for Community Reinvestment Act investment purposes and those securities purchased as part of the County acquisition, the Company has not purchased a residential CMO or residential MBS since November 2005. The residential CMOs and MBSs provided $37.2 million in liquidity from paydowns during the three months ended September 30, 2010. At September 30, 2010, indirect automobile loans totaled $409.1 million, which were experiencing stable monthly principal payments of approximately $16.4 million during the third quarter of 2010.

The Company held $1.2 billion in total investment securities at September 30, 2010. Under certain deposit, borrowing and other arrangements, the Company must hold and pledge investment securities as collateral. At September 30, 2010, such collateral requirements totaled approximately $1.0 billion. At September 30, 2010, $569.5 million of the Company’s investment securities were classified as “available-for-sale”, and as such, could provide additional liquidity if sold, subject to the Company’s ability to meet continuing collateral requirements.

In addition, at September 30, 2010, the Company had customary lines for overnight borrowings from other financial institutions in excess of $700 million, under which $-0- million was outstanding. Additionally, the Company has access to borrowing from the Federal Reserve. The Company’s short-term debt rating from Fitch Ratings is F1. The Company’s long-term debt rating from Fitch Ratings is A with a stable outlook. Management expects the Company could access additional long-term debt financing if desired. In Management’s judgment, the Company’s liquidity position is strong and asset liquidations or additional long-term debt are considered unnecessary to meet the ongoing liquidity needs of the Company.

The Company anticipates maintaining its cash levels in the remainder of 2010. It is anticipated that loan demand from credit-worthy borrowers will be weak throughout 2010 and early 2011, although such demand will be dictated by economic and competitive conditions. The Company 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 deposit balances is subject to heightened competition, the success of the Company’s sales efforts, delivery of superior customer service and market conditions. Changes in interest rates, most notably rising interest rates, could impact deposit volumes in the future. Depending on economic conditions, interest rate levels, and a variety of other conditions, deposit growth may be used to fund loans, to reduce borrowings or purchase investment securities. However, due to concerns such as uncertainty in the general economic environment, 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 and apart from Westamerica Bank (“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 outstanding debt. Substantially all of the Parent Company’s revenues are obtained from subsidiary dividends and service fees. Payment of dividends to the Parent Company by the Bank is limited under California law. The amount that can be paid in any calendar year, without prior approval from the state regulatory agency, cannot exceed the net profits (as defined) for the preceding three calendar years less distributions in that period. The Company believes that such restriction 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 provides a means of raising capital. The Company’s net income as a percentage of average common equity (“return on common equity” or “ROE”) was 18.3% in the first nine months of 2010, 25.8% in 2009 and 14.8% in 2008. The Company also raises capital as employees exercise stock options, which are awarded as a part of the Company’s executive compensation programs to reinforce shareholders’ interests in the Management of the Company. Capital raised through the exercise of stock options totaled $12.7 million in the first nine months of 2010, $9.6 million in 2009 and $22.8 million in 2008.

The Company paid dividends totaling $31.6 million in the first nine months of 2010, $41.1 million in 2009 and $40.2 million in 2008, which represent dividends per share of $1.08, $1.41 and $1.39, respectively. The Company’s earnings have historically exceeded dividends paid to shareholders. The amount of earnings in excess of dividends gives the Company resources to finance growth and maintain appropriate levels of shareholders’ equity. In the absence of profitable growth opportunities, the Company has repurchased and retired its common stock as another means to return capital to shareholders. The Company repurchased and retired 404 thousand shares of common stock valued at $22.2 million in the first nine months of 2010, 42 thousand shares valued at $2.0 million in 2009 and 719 thousand shares valued at $35.9 million in 2008. Share repurchases were restricted to amounts conducted in coordination with employee benefit programs under the terms of the February 13, 2009 issuance of preferred stock to the Treasury; such restrictions were removed with full redemption of the preferred stock in November 2009.

The Company’s primary capital resource is shareholders’ equity, which increased $35.7 million or 7.1% at September 30, 2010 since December 31, 2009, primarily due to $70.8 million in profits earned during the first nine months of 2010 and $12.7 million in issuance of stock in connection with exercises of employee stock options, offset by $31.6 million in dividends paid and $22.2 million in stock repurchases.

Capital to Risk-Adjusted Assets

The following summarizes the ratios of capital to risk-adjusted assets for the Company on the dates indicated:


										Minimum			Well-capitalized
	At September 30,			At September 30,			At December 31,			Regulatory			by Regulatory
	2010			2009			2009			Requirement			Definition

Tier I Capital		13.59	%		13.75	%		13.20	%		4.00	%		6.00	%
Total Capital		14.88	%		15.07	%		14.50	%		8.00	%		10.00	%
Leverage ratio		8.52	%		8.00	%		7.60	%		4.00	%		5.00	%

The risk-based capital ratios decreased at September 30, 2010 compared with September 30, 2009, due to redemption of the preferred stock and an increase in risk-weighted assets, partially offset by increased retained earnings. The risk-based capital ratios increased at September 30, 2010, compared with December 31, 2009, due to increased retained earnings, partially offset by an increase in risk-weighted assets. FDIC-covered assets are included in the 20% risk-weight category until the loss-sharing agreements terminate; the residential loss-sharing agreement expires February 6, 2019 and the non-residential loss-sharing agreement expires (as to losses) February 6, 2014.

The following summarizes the ratios of capital to risk-adjusted assets for the Bank on the dates indicated:


										Minimum			Well-capitalized
	At September 30,			At September 30,			At December 31,			Regulatory			by Regulatory
	2010			2009			2009			Requirement			Definition

Tier I Capital		13.49	%		12.93	%		13.39	%		4.00	%		6.00	%
Total Capital		14.95	%		14.43	%		14.88	%		8.00	%		10.00	%
Leverage ratio		8.42	%		7.49	%		7.67	%		4.00	%		5.00	%

The risk-based capital ratios increased at September 30, 2010, compared with September 30, 2009 and December 31, 2009, due to an increase in retained earnings, partially offset by an increase in risk-weighted assets.

The Company and the Bank intend to maintain regulatory capital in excess of the highest regulatory standard, referred to as “well capitalized.” The Company and the Bank routinely project capital levels by analyzing forecasted earnings, credit quality, securities valuations, 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 exceeding the “well capitalized” standard and pay quarterly dividends to shareholders. No assurance can be given that changes in capital management plans will not occur.

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

The Company does not currently engage in trading activities or use derivative instruments to control interest rate risk, even though such activities may be undertaken with the approval of the Company’s Board of Directors. Interest rate risk as discussed above is the most significant market risk affecting the Company. Other types of market risk, such as foreign currency exchange risk, equity price risk and commodity price risk, are not significant in the normal course of the Company’s business activities.

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

The Company’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer have evaluated the effectiveness of the Company’s “disclosure controls and procedures,” as such term is defined in Rule 13a-15(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, as of September 30, 2010. Based upon their evaluation, the principal executive officer and principal financial officer concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports that it files or submits under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time period specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms and are effective in ensuring that information required to be disclosed in the reports that the Company files or submits under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to Management, including the chief executive officer and chief financial officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. The evaluation did not identify any change in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the quarter ended September 30, 2010 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

Due to the nature of the banking business, the Bank is at times party to various legal actions; generally such actions are of a routine nature and arise in the normal course of business of the Bank. The Bank is not a party to any pending or threatened legal action that, if determined adversely to the Bank, is likely in Management’s opinion to have a material adverse effect on the Bank’s financial condition or results of operations.

Item 1A. Risk Factors

The 2009 Form 10-K includes detailed disclosure about the risks faced by the Company’s business. Such risks have not materially changed since December 31, 2009, except as described below:

Regulatory Risks

On July 21, 2010, President Obama signed into law the Dodd Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (“the Act”). The Act will institute far-reaching reforms, including the creation of an independent Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection inside the Federal Reserve Board and new federal government power to wind down large, failing financial institutions.

The Act permanently raises the current standard maximum deposit insurance amount to $250,000. The standard maximum insurance amount of $100,000 had been temporarily raised to $250,000 until December 31, 2013. The FDIC issued a proposed rule to implement Section 343 of the Act to provide temporary unlimited coverage for noninterest-bearing transaction accounts from December 31, 2010 through December 31, 2012. These increases in deposit insurance limits could increase the Company’s future insurance assessments.

The Act requires the Federal Reserve to issue regulations to ensure that fees charged to merchants for debit card transactions are reasonable and proportional to the cost of processing those transactions. While institutions with less than $10 billion in assets are exempt from these regulations, the effect of competition on the fee levels has the potential for making that illusory. In all likelihood, all banks will see a loss of revenue from changes that will occur with interchange fees.

The Act will establish a 10-member Financial Stability Oversight Council. The duties of this council include monitoring financial regulatory proposals and accounting issues, facilitating coordination among the regulatory agencies, requiring Federal Reserve supervision of systemically significant non-bank financial companies, recommending new standards and reviewing accounting principles.

The Act places new limits, known as the Volcker Rule, on the amount of money a bank can invest in hedge funds and private equity funds. It also discourages financial institutions from excessive risk-taking by imposing tough new capital and leverage requirements. Further, it allows the Government Accountability Office to conduct a one-time audit of the Federal Reserve’s emergency lending activities during the financial crisis and establishes the Federal Insurance Office to supervise insurance products, other than health insurance, at the federal level.

Other provisions will establish closer oversight of the over-the-counter derivatives market, including mandatory clearing and trading and real-time reporting of derivatives trades. Among other measures, the bill will institute numerous investor protections, including stricter oversight of credit rating agencies, securitization reforms and expanded Securities and Exchange Commission enforcement powers. The legislation establishes mortgage protections requiring lenders to ensure that their borrowers can repay their loans by establishing minimum federal standards for all home loans.

No assurance can be given as to the ultimate effect that the Act or any of its provisions may have on the Company, the financial services industry or the nation’s economy.

Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

(a) Previously reported on Form 8-K.

(b) None

The table below sets forth the information with respect to purchases made by or on behalf of the Company or any “affiliated purchaser” (as defined in Rule 10b-18(a)(3) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934), of common stock during the quarter ended September 30, 2010.


					(c)		(d)
					Total Number		Maximum Number
					of Shares		of Shares that May
	(a)		(b)		Purchased as Part of		Yet Be Purchased
	Total Number of		Average Price		Publicly Announced		Under the Plans
Period	Shares Purchased		Paid per Share		Plans or Programs*		or Programs
	(In thousands, except per share data)
July 1 through July 31		61	$	52.33		61		1,618

August 1 through August 31		33		51.48		33		1,998

September 1 through September 30		3		54.24		3		1,995

Total		97	$	52.08		97		1,995


*		Includes 2 thousand, 1 thousand and 3 thousand shares purchased in July, August and September, respectively, by the Company in private transactions with the independent administrator of the Company’s Tax Deferred Savings/Retirement Plan (ESOP). The Company includes the shares purchased in such transactions within the total number of shares authorized for purchase pursuant to the currently existing publicly announced program.

The Company repurchases shares of its common stock in the open market to optimize the Company’s use of equity capital and enhance shareholder value and with the intention of lessening the dilutive impact of issuing new shares to meet stock performance, option plans, and other ongoing requirements.

Shares were repurchased during the period from July 1 through August 25, 2010 pursuant to a program approved by the Board of Directors on August 27, 2009 authorizing the purchase of up to 2 million shares of the Company’s common stock from time to time prior to September 1, 2010. Shares were repurchased during the period from August 26, 2010 through September 30, 2010 pursuant to a replacement program approved by the Board of Directors on August 26, 2010 authorizing the purchase of up to 2 million shares of the Company’s common stock from time to time prior to September 1, 2011.

Item 3. Defaults upon Senior Securities

None

Item 4. Reserved

Item 5. Other Information

None

Item 6. Exhibits

Exhibit 31.1: Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Securities Exchange Act Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a)

Exhibit 31.2: Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Securities Exchange Act Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a)

Exhibit 32.1: Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

Exhibit 32.2: Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

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 hereunto duly authorized.

WESTAMERICA BANCORPORATION
(Registrant)


/s/ JOHN “ROBERT” THORSON John “Robert” Thorson
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
(Chief Financial and Accounting Officer)

Date: October 29, 2010

EXHIBIT INDEX

Exhibit 31.1: Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Securities Exchange Act Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a)

Exhibit 31.2: Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Securities Exchange Act Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a)

Exhibit 32.1: Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

Exhibit 32.2: Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002