News Details

Nara Bancorp Reports Financial Results for First Quarter 2010

April 26, 2010

Q1 2010 Summary:

    --  Net loss of $0.10 per common share
    --  Allowance for loan losses increased to 2.98% from 2.69%
    --  Improving deposit mix driven by growth in core deposits
    --  Efficiency ratio improved to 40.96% from 47.03% in Q4 2009
    --  Total non-performing assets increased $16 million
    --  All capital ratios increased over Q4 2009 levels

LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Nara Bancorp, Inc. (the "Company") (NASDAQ:NARA), the holding company of Nara Bank (the "Bank"), reported a net loss available to common stockholders of ($3.6) million, or ($0.10) per diluted share, for first quarter 2010, compared to a net loss available to common stockholders of ($4.2) million, or ($0.16) per diluted share, for first quarter 2009, and a net loss available to common stockholders of ($1.5) million, or ($0.04) per diluted share, for fourth quarter 2009.

Alvin Kang, President and Chief Executive Officer, said, "We have not seen a noticeable improvement in economic conditions in our markets, so our primary focus remains on balance sheet management. We continue to see an increase in non-performing assets, and we have responded by aggressively charging-off loans and further increasing our allowance for loan losses. Our liquidity, capital and reserves remain at high levels. We continue to successfully increase our base of core deposits, which has enabled us to reduce our balances of higher-cost certificates of deposit. This is having a positive impact on our cost of funds, which should improve our earnings power later in the year."

Financial Highlights

                                 2010            2009            2009

                                 First Quarter   First Quarter   Fourth Quarter

                                 (Dollars in thousands)

Net loss                         $ (2,532    )   $ (3,180    )   $ (476      )

Net loss available to common     $ (3,603    )   $ (4,248    )   $ (1,546    )
stockholders

Diluted loss per share           $ (0.10     )   $ (0.16     )   $ (0.04     )

Net interest income              $ 25,243        $ 20,421        $ 26,414

Net interest margin                3.31      %     3.19      %     3.34      %

Non-interest income              $ 9,384         $ 4,383         $ 5,424

Non-interest expense             $ 14,184        $ 15,248        $ 14,975

Net loans receivable             $ 2,098,269     $ 2,057,875     $ 2,162,009

Deposits                         $ 2,281,792     $ 2,098,312     $ 2,434,190

Non-performing loans *           $ 63,232        $ 41,337        $ 51,674

ALLL to gross loans *              2.98      %     2.42      %     2.69      %

ALLL to non-performing loans *     101       %     122       %     115       %

Provision for loan losses        $ 25,407        $ 15,670        $ 17,853

Efficiency ratio                   40.96     %     61.47     %     47.03     %

* Excludes the guaranteed portion of delinquent SBA loans totaling $14.8
million, $20.2 million and $12.5 million at first quarter 2010, first quarter
2009 and fourth quarter 2009, respectively.



Operating Results for First Quarter 2010

Net Interest Income and Net Interest Margin. First quarter 2010 net interest income before provision for loan losses was $25.2 million, an increase of 24% from first quarter 2009. The increase in net interest income was due to a 19% increase in average interest earning assets and an improved net interest margin.

First quarter 2010 net interest margin (net interest income divided by average interest-earning assets) increased 12 basis points to 3.31% from 3.19% for first quarter 2009. With no change in the prime rate since December of 2008, the yield on loans remained relatively stable while interest-bearing deposits gradually re-priced downward during 2009. However, the yield on securities available-for-sale declined 101 basis points as certain higher yielding securities were sold as part of rebalancing the duration and mix of the investment portfolio. Additionally, higher levels of cash held at the Federal Reserve Bank to cover anticipated CD maturity outflows, affected the overall decline in the yield on interest-earning assets to 5.07% for first quarter 2010, from 5.64% for the same quarter 2009.

The weighted average yield on the loan portfolio for first quarter 2010 increased 5 basis points to 6.06% from 6.01% for the same period last year. At March 31, 2010, fixed rate loans were 51% of the loan portfolio, compared to 49% at March 31, 2009. The weighted average yield on the variable rate and fixed rate loan portfolios (excluding loan discount accretion) at March 31, 2010 was 4.57% and 7.23%, respectively, compared to 4.52% and 7.63% at March 31, 2009.

The weighted average yield on securities available-for-sale ("AFS") for first quarter 2010 decreased 101 basis points to 3.07% from 4.08% for the same period 2009. The decrease was primarily attributable to $768 million in new investment securities purchased during 2009, which had lower yields than the weighed average yield of the portfolio at March 31, 2009. The weighted average yield on AFS investment securities purchased during 2009 was 3.80%. The decrease was also affected by an increase in premium amortization of FNMA and FHLMC mortgage related securities due to the increase in the prepayments of approximately $28.6 million as a result of FNMA and FHLMC accelerated purchases of seriously delinquent loans, under revised guidelines announced on February 10, 2010.

The weighted average cost of deposits for first quarter 2010 decreased 73 basis points to 1.68% from 2.41% for the same period last year. The cost of time deposits decreased 57 basis points to 2.24% from 2.81% for the same period last year.

The weighted average cost of FHLB advances for first quarter 2010 also decreased 6 basis points to 3.45% for first quarter 2010, compared to 3.51% for first quarter 2009.

Following are the weighted average rate data on a spot rate basis at March 31, 2010 and 2009:

                                                                 March 31,

                                                                 2010     2009

Weighted average loan portfolio yield (excluding discounts)      5.94 %   5.95 %

Weighted average securities available-for-sale portfolio yield   2.95 %   4.25 %

Weighted average cost of deposits                                1.42 %   2.42 %

Weighted average cost of total interest-bearing deposits         1.70 %   2.83 %

Weighted average cost of FHLB advances                           3.42 %   3.70 %

Net interest margin                                              3.34 %   2.87 %



Sequentially, first quarter 2010 net interest income before provision for loan losses decreased $1.2 million, or 4%, from fourth quarter 2009. The decrease was attributable to a decrease in average interest-earning assets as well as net interest margin compression. Average interest-earning assets decreased $111.5 million, or 3.5%, to $3.05 billion at March 31, 2010, compared to $3.16 billion at December 31, 2009. The net interest margin decreased by 3 basis points to 3.31% for first quarter 2010 from 3.34% for fourth quarter 2009. The decrease in net interest margin was primarily due to the effect of the FNMA and FHLMC Buyout program and the decrease in the yield on investment securities as previously mentioned.

Non-accrual loan interest reversed was $788 thousand, $394 thousand, and $581 thousand for first quarter 2010, first quarter 2009, and fourth quarter 2009, respectively. Excluding this effect, the net interest margin for first quarter 2010, first quarter 2009, and fourth quarter 2009 was 3.42%, 3.26%, and 3.42%, respectively.

Prepayment penalty income for first quarter 2010, first quarter 2009 and fourth quarter 2009 was $173 thousand, $147 thousand and $166 thousand, respectively. Excluding the effects of both non-accrual loan interest reversed and prepayment penalty income, the net interest margin for first quarter 2010, first quarter 2009 and fourth quarter 2009 was 3.39%, 3.23% and 3.40%, respectively.

Non-interest Income. First quarter 2010 non-interest income was $9.4 million, an increase of $5.0 million, or 114%, compared to first quarter 2009. The increase was primarily due to net gains on sales of securities of $6.3 million during first quarter 2010, compared to $785 thousand during first quarter 2009. A total of $201.8 million in available-for-sale GSE investment securities were sold to rebalance the duration and mix of the investment securities portfolio and to hold higher levels of cash to fund CD maturities. A total of $42.9 million in investment securities were sold during first quarter 2009.

Sequentially, non-interest income increased 73% from fourth quarter 2009. The increase was primarily due to net gains on sale of securities during first quarter 2010, offset by lower net gains from the sale of loans compared to fourth quarter 2009, as a result of new accounting literature adopted January 1, 2010, which requires the Company to defer gain on sales of SBA loans until the 90 days recourse provision expires.

Non-interest Expense. First quarter 2010 non-interest expense was $14.2 million, a decrease of 7% from $15.2 million for the same period last year. The decrease was primarily due to decreases in salaries and benefits expense and credit related expense, offset by an increase in FDIC insurance premiums. Salaries and benefits expense decreased $850 thousand, or 13%, to $5.6 million for first quarter 2010, compared to $6.4 million for the same quarter of 2009. The decrease is primarily due to decreases in stock compensation expense and in the number of full-time equivalent employees, which decreased to 338 at March 31, 2010 from 367 at March 31, 2009. The stock compensation expense decreased $530 thousand, or 92%, to $48 thousand for first quarter 2010, compared to $578 thousand for the same period last year. The decrease was primarily due to the vesting and cancellation of certain stock options and grants.

Credit related expense decreased $925 thousand, or 62%, to $563 thousand for first quarter 2010, compared to $1.5 million for the same period last year. The decrease was primarily due to decreases in OREO related expenses and provision for uncollectible SBA receivables. The OREO related expenses decreased $358 thousand, or 71%, to $145 thousand for first quarter 2010, compared to $503 thousand for same period last year. During first quarter 2009, the Company provided $330 thousand as an allowance for doubtful SBA receivables. There was no such expense during first quarter 2010. FDIC insurance premiums increased $617 thousand, or 82%, to $1.4 million for first quarter 2010, compared to $750 thousand for the same quarter of 2009. The increase is due to an increase in the assessment rate beginning in 2010.

Sequentially, non-interest expense for first quarter 2010 decreased by 5% from $15.0 million in fourth quarter 2009, primarily due to decreases in salaries and benefits expense and credit related expenses, offset by increases in advertising expense and FDIC insurance assessment.

Income Taxes. The effective income tax benefit rate was 49% for first quarter 2010 compared to 48% for first quarter 2009 and 52% for fourth quarter 2009. The higher effective tax benefit rate for fourth quarter 2009 was due to the effect of higher tax credits recognized.

Balance Sheet Summary

Gross loans receivable were $2.16 billion at March 31, 2010, a decrease of $59 million from $2.22 billion at December 31, 2009. New loan production was $48.6 million during first quarter 2010, compared to $149.2 million during fourth quarter 2009, and $62.8 million during first quarter 2009. The lower production during first quarter 2009 was attributable to slower loan demand, our tightened underwriting criteria, and our focus in commercial business lending rather than commercial real estate lending. Loan pay-offs, pay-downs, amortization and other changes totaled $107.0 million during first quarter 2010, compared to $78.3 million during fourth quarter 2009 and $71.9 million during first quarter 2009. Included in pay-downs for first quarter 2010 were 6 problem loans in amount of $25 million that were transferred to loans held for sale.

Total deposits were $2.28 billion at March 31, 2010, a decrease of 6% from $2.43 billion at December 31, 2009. The decrease in total deposits was primarily due to a decrease in retail jumbo CDs. Retail jumbo CDs decreased $257.8 million, or 35%, to $474.6 million at March 31, 2010 from $732.5 million at December 31, 2009. The majority of these jumbo CDs were deposits raised during the campaign held during the first and second quarters of 2009 to strengthen liquidity. Approximately 51% of these matured retail jumbo CDs were retained and either repriced to lower rate CDs or moved to other interest-bearing accounts. The weighted average cost of such deposits decreased 159 basis points to 1.50% at March 31, 2010.

Credit Quality

The Company recorded a provision for loan losses of $25.4 million in first quarter 2010, compared to $15.7 million for the same period of the prior year and $17.9 million in fourth quarter 2009. The increase in the provision for loan losses from fourth quarter 2009 was primarily due to the impact of higher net charge-offs, increases in impaired loans requiring specific reserves or charge-offs, and increases in Special Mention and Classified loans, subject to general allowances.

Total Watchlist loans, defined as Special Mention and Classified loans, were $215.3 million at March 31, 2010, an increase from $199.9 million at December 31, 2009. The increase was primarily in Substandard loans which increased to $169.1 million at March 31, 2010, from $153.5 million at December 31, 2009, primarily due to commercial real estate loans ("CRE") to the hospitality industry.

Total delinquent loans, 30 or more days delinquent, were $75.6 million at March 31, 2010, compared to $69.5 million at December 31, 2009. Loans past due 30 - 59 days decreased to $8.4 million at March 31, 2010, from $14.9 million at December 31, 2009. Loans past due 60-89 days increased to $4.0 million at March 31, 2010, from $2.9 million at December 31, 2009. Non-performing loans (loans past due 90 days or more and non-accrual) at March 31, 2010, were $63.2 million, or 2.94% of total loans, compared to $51.7 million, or 2.34% of total loans, at December 31, 2009. CRE and commercial and industrial loans ("C & I") loans contributed 70% and 30%, respectively, of new inflows to non-performing loans for the first quarter 2010.

Non-performing assets, comprised of non-accrual loans, accruing restructured loans and other real estate owned, at March 31, 2010 were $134.1 million, or 6.23% of gross loans plus other real estate owned, compared to $118.1 million, or 5.34%, at December 31, 2009. Other real estate owned increased to $5.9 million at March 31, 2010, compared to $2.0 million at December 31, 2009, as five new properties totaling $4.6 million were transferred in as other real estate owned, which was offset by sales of $700 thousand. Accruing troubled debt restructured loans included in non-performing assets, increased $685 thousand to $65.0 million at March 31, 2010, from $64.3 million at December 31, 2009.

Net loan charge-offs during first quarter 2010 were $20.8 million, or 3.79% of average loans on an annualized basis, compared to $8.6 million, or 1.63% during first quarter 2009, and $11.4 million, or 2.08% of average loans, during fourth quarter 2009. CRE and C&I loans represented 62% and 37%, respectively, of charge-offs during first quarter 2010. First quarter 2010 charge-offs included five relationships totaling $7.7 million consisting of CRE loans. Excluding these five relationships, the average charge-off during the quarter was $153 thousand.

The allowance for loan losses at March 31, 2010 was $64.0 million, or 2.98% of gross loans receivable (net of the guaranteed portion of delinquent SBA loans), compared to $59.4 million, or 2.69%, at December 31, 2009. The ratio of the allowance for loan losses to non-performing loans was 101% at March 31, 2010, compared to 115% at December 31, 2009.

Impaired loans (defined as loans where it is probable that all principal and interest payments due will not be collectible according to contractual terms) at March 31, 2010, were $146.5 million, an increase from $120.5 million at December 31, 2009. CRE and C&I loans represented 73% and 27%, respectively, of new impaired loans during first quarter 2010. Specific reserves for impaired loans were $26.1 million, or 17.8% of the aggregate impaired loan amount at March 31, 2010, compared to $19.8 million, or 16.43% of the aggregate impaired loan amount at December 31, 2009. Excluding specific reserves for impaired loans, the allowance coverage on the remaining loan portfolio was 1.89% at March 31, 2010, compared to 1.90% at December 31, 2009.

Capital

At March 31, 2010, the Company continued to be in excess of the regulatory capital requirements to be classified as a "well-capitalized" institution. The Leverage Ratio was 12.49% at March 31, 2010, compared to 12.36% at December 31, 2009. The Tier 1 Risk-based Ratio was 17.10% at March 31, 2010, compared to 16.73% at December 31, 2009. The Total Risk-based Ratio was 18.37% at March 31, 2010, compared to 17.99% at December 31, 2009.

At March 31, 2010, common equity represented 9.68% of total assets, compared to 9.37% at December 31, 2009. Tangible common equity (TCE) represented 9.58% of tangible assets at March 31, 2010, compared to 9.27% of tangible assets at December 31, 2009.

Tangible common equity to tangible assets is a non-GAAP financial measure that represents common equity less goodwill and other intangible assets, net divided by total assets less goodwill and other intangible assets, net. Management reviews tangible common equity to tangible assets in evaluating the Company's capital levels and has included this ratio in response to market participant interest in tangible common equity as a measure of capital. See the accompanying financial information for a reconciliation of the ratio of tangible common equity to tangible assets with stockholders' equity and total assets.

Conference Call and Webcast

A conference call with simultaneous webcast to discuss the Company's first quarter 2010 financial results will be held tomorrow, April 27, 2010 at 9:30 am Pacific / 12:30 pm Eastern. Interested participants and investors may access the conference call by dialing 800-762-8795 (domestic) or 480-629-9774 (international), conference ID# 4283463. There will also be a live webcast of the call available at the Investor Relations section of Nara Bank's web site at www.narabank.com.

After the live webcast, a replay will remain available in the Investor Relations section of Nara Bancorp's web site. A replay of the call will be available at 800-406-7325 (domestic) or 303-590-3030 (international) through May 4, 2010, conference ID# 4283463.

About Nara Bancorp, Inc.

Nara Bancorp, Inc. is the parent company of Nara Bank, which was founded in 1989. Nara Bank is a full-service community bank headquartered in Los Angeles, with 20 branches and 1 loan production office in the United States. Nara Bank operates full-service branches in California, New York and New Jersey, and a loan production office in Texas. Nara Bank was founded specifically to serve the needs of Korean-Americans. Presently, Nara Bank serves a diverse group of customers mirroring its communities. Nara Bank specializes in core business banking products for small and medium-sized companies, with an emphasis in commercial real estate and business lending, SBA lending and international trade financing. Nara Bank is a member of the FDIC and is an Equal Opportunity Lender.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements, including statements about future operations and projected full-year financial results that are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include but are not limited to economic, competitive, governmental and technological factors affecting the Company's operations, markets, products, services, and pricing. Readers should carefully review the risk factors and the information that could materially affect the Company's financial results and business, described in documents the Company files from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and Annual Reports on Form 10-K, and particularly the discussions of business considerations and certain factors that may affect results of operations and stock price set forth therein. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this press release. The Company undertakes no obligation to revise or publicly release the results of any revision to these forward-looking statements.

Nara Bancorp, Inc.

Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition

Unaudited (Dollars in Thousands)

Nara Bancorp, Inc.

Assets                 3/31/2010      12/31/2009     %       3/31/2009      %
                                                     change                 change

Cash and due from      $ 260,030      $ 105,592      146 %   $ 44,705       482 %
banks

Federal funds sold       20,000         20,000       0   %     150,000      -87 %

Securities available
for sale, at fair        498,801        782,690      -36 %     430,219      16  %
value

Federal Home Loan
Bank and Federal         24,334         24,334       0   %     22,255       9   %
Reserve Bank stock

Loans held for sale,
at the lower of cost     28,679         4,756        503 %     10,965       162 %
or market

Loans receivable         2,162,264      2,221,433    -3  %     2,108,379    3   %

Allowance for loan       (63,995   )    (59,424   )  8   %     (50,504   )  27  %
losses

Net loans receivable     2,098,269      2,162,009    -3  %     2,057,875    2   %

Accrued interest         9,723          11,261       -14 %     8,276        17  %
receivable

Premises and             10,950         10,865       1   %     11,749       -7  %
equipment, net

Bank owned life          23,645         23,571       0   %     23,402       1   %
insurance

Goodwill                 2,509          2,509        0   %     2,509        0   %

Other intangible         915            1,042        -12 %     1,474        -38 %
assets, net

Other assets             101,165        79,328       28  %     62,108       63  %

Total assets           $ 3,079,020    $ 3,227,957    -5  %   $ 2,825,537    9   %

Liabilities

Deposits               $ 2,281,792    $ 2,434,190    -6  %   $ 2,098,312    9   %

Borrowings from
Federal Home Loan        350,000        350,000      0   %     350,000      0   %
Bank

Other borrowings         43,318         39,268       10  %     39,268       10  %

Accrued interest         10,070         12,674       -21 %     9,273        9   %
payable

Other liabilities        30,019         23,850       26  %     38,999       -23 %

Total liabilities        2,715,199      2,859,982    -5  %     2,535,852    7   %

Stockholders' Equity

Preferred stock,
$0.001 par value;
authorized 10,000,000
undesignated shares;
issued and
outstanding 67,000
shares of Fixed Rate
Cumulative Perpetual     67,000         67,000       0   %     67,000       0   %
Preferred Stock,
Series A with a
liquidation
preference of
$67,428,000 at March
31, 2010, December
31, 2009 and March
31, 2009

Preferred stock          (3,503    )    (3,737    )  -6  %     (4,434    )  -21 %
discount

Common stock, $0.001
par value;
authorized,
40,000,000 shares;
issued and
outstanding,             38             38           0   %     26           46  %
37,835,407,37,824,007
and 26,256,960 shares
at March 31, 2010,
December 31, 2009 and
March 31, 2009,
respectively

Capital surplus          169,848        169,806      0   %     87,435       94  %

Retained earnings        128,288        131,891      -3  %     137,643      -7  %

Accumulated other
comprehensive income     2,150          2,977        -28 %     2,015        -7  %
(loss), net

Total stockholders'      363,821        367,975      -1  %     289,685      26  %
equity

Total liabilities and  $ 3,079,020    $ 3,227,957    -5  %   $ 2,825,537    9   %
stockholders' equity



Nara Bancorp, Inc.

Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss)

Unaudited (Dollars in Thousands, Except for Per Share Data)

                    Three Months Ended,

                    3/31/2010       3/31/2009       %       12/31/2009      %
                                                    change                  change

Interest income:

Interest and fees   $ 33,348        $ 31,672        5    %  $ 34,041        -2   %
on loans

Interest on           5,088           4,320         18   %    7,649         -33  %
securities

Interest on
federal funds sold    225             49            359  %    180           25   %
and other
investments

Total interest        38,661          36,041        7    %    41,870        -8   %
income

Interest expense:

Interest on           9,947           11,825        -16  %    11,808        -16  %
deposits

Interest on other     3,471           3,795         -9   %    3,648         -5   %
borrowings

Total interest        13,418          15,620        -14  %    15,456        -13  %
expense

Net interest
income before         25,243          20,421        24   %    26,414        -4   %
provision for loan
losses

Provision for loan    25,407          15,670        62   %    17,853        42   %
losses

Net interest
income after          (164       )    4,751         -103 %    8,561         -102 %
provision for loan
losses

Non-interest
income:

Service fees on       1,619           1,769         -8   %    1,616         0    %
deposit accounts

Net gains on sales    43              450           -90  %    556           -92  %
of loans

Net gains on sales
of securities         6,296           785           702  %    1,700         270  %
available-for-sale

Net valuation
losses on interest    (231       )    (116       )  -99  %    (94        )  -146 %
rate swaps

Net gains (losses)    15              (130       )  112  %    (8         )  -288 %
on sales of OREO

Other income and      1,642           1,625         1    %    1,654         -1   %
fees

Total non-interest    9,384           4,383         114  %    5,424         73   %
income

Non-interest
expense:

Salaries and          5,593           6,443         -13  %    6,302         -11  %
employee benefits

Occupancy             2,427           2,426         0    %    2,482         -2   %

Furniture and         778             695           12   %    764           2    %
equipment

Advertising and       459             457           0    %    323           42   %
marketing

Data processing       933             901           4    %    955           -2   %
and communications

Professional fees     702             678           4    %    698           1    %

FDIC assessment       1,367           750           82   %    1,057         29   %

Other                 1,925           2,898         -34  %    2,394         -20  %

Total non-interest    14,184          15,248        -7   %    14,975        -5   %
expense

Income (loss)
before income         (4,964     )    (6,114     )  -19  %    (990       )  401  %
taxes

Income tax
provision             (2,432     )    (2,934     )  -17  %    (514       )  373  %
(benefit)

Net income (loss)   $ (2,532     )  $ (3,180     )  -20  %  $ (476       )  432  %

Dividends and
discount accretion  $ (1,071     )  $ (1,068     )  0    %  $ (1,070     )  0    %
on preferred stock

Net income (loss)
available to        $ (3,603     )  $ (4,248     )  -15  %  $ (1,546     )  133  %
common
stockholders

Earnings (Loss)
Per Common Share:

Basic               $ (0.10      )  $ (0.16      )          $ (0.04      )

Diluted             $ (0.10      )  $ (0.16      )          $ (0.04      )

Average Shares
Outstanding:

Basic                 37,828,587      26,250,258              34,571,292

Diluted               37,828,587      26,250,258              34,571,292



Nara Bancorp, Inc.

Supplemental Data

Unaudited (Dollars in Thousands, Except for Per Share Data)

                         (Annualized)

                         At or for the Three Months Ended,

Profitability measures:  3/31/2010  3/31/2009  12/31/2009

ROA 1                    -0.32 %    -0.47 %    -0.06 %

ROE 1                    -2.72 %    -4.36 %    -0.54 %

Net interest margin *    3.31  %    3.19  %    3.34  %

Efficiency ratio         40.96 %    61.47 %    47.03 %

1 based on net income before effect of dividends and discount accretion
on preferred stock



                  Three Months Ended                   Three Months Ended                   Three Months Ended

                  3/31/2010                            3/31/2009                            12/31/2009

                               Interest    Annualized               Interest    Annualized               Interest    Annualized

                  Average      Income/     Average     Average      Income/     Average     Average      Income/     Average

                  Balance      Expense     Yield/Cost  Balance      Expense     Yield/Cost  Balance      Expense     Yield/Cost

                  (Dollars in thousands)               (Dollars in thousands)               (Dollars in thousands)

INTEREST EARNING
ASSETS:

Gross loans*,
includes loans    $ 2,200,488  $ 33,348    6.06 %      $ 2,107,685  $ 31,672    6.01 %      $ 2,193,810  $ 34,041    6.21 %
held for sale

Securities
available for       662,023      5,088     3.07 %        423,907      4,320     4.08 %        781,422      7,649     3.92 %
sale

FRB and FHLB
stock and other     166,191      183       0.44 %        22,880       48        0.84 %        165,193      124       0.30 %
investments

Federal funds       20,000       42        0.84 %        2,267        1         0.18 %        19,783       56        1.13 %
sold

Total interest    $ 3,048,702  $ 38,661    5.07 %      $ 2,556,739  $ 36,041    5.64 %      $ 3,160,208  $ 41,870    5.30 %
earning assets*

INTEREST BEARING
LIABILITIES:

Deposits:

Demand,           $ 504,666    $ 1,288     1.02 %      $ 342,843    $ 2,265     2.64 %      $ 558,389    $ 1,696     1.21 %
interest-bearing

Savings             134,441      805       2.40 %        111,233      1,008     3.62 %        138,924      892       2.57 %

Time deposits:

$100,000 or more    903,466      4,961     2.20 %        579,333      3,544     2.45 %        903,963      5,378     2.38 %

Other               500,067      2,893     2.31 %        637,226      5,008     3.14 %        541,183      3,842     2.84 %

Total time          1,403,533    7,854     2.24 %        1,216,559    8,552     2.81 %        1,445,146    9,220     2.55 %
deposits

Total interest      2,042,640    9,947     1.95 %        1,670,635    11,825    2.83 %        2,142,459    11,808    2.20 %
bearing deposits

FHLB advances       350,000      3,017     3.45 %        368,584      3,237     3.51 %        350,870      3,187     3.63 %

Other borrowings    39,767       454       4.57 %        39,734       558       5.62 %        37,774       461       4.88 %

Total interest
bearing             2,432,407  $ 13,418    2.21 %        2,078,953  $ 15,620    3.01 %        2,531,103  $ 15,456    2.44 %
liabilities

Non-interest
bearing demand      331,875                              291,324                              305,831
deposits

Total funding
liabilities /     $ 2,764,282              1.94 %      $ 2,370,277              2.64 %      $ 2,836,934              2.18 %
cost of funds

Net interest
income / net                   $ 25,243    2.87 %                   $ 20,421    2.63 %                   $ 26,414    2.86 %
interest spread*

Net interest                               3.31 %                               3.19 %                               3.34 %
margin*

Net interest
margin*,
excluding effect                           3.42 %                               3.26 %                               3.42 %
of non-accrual
loan expense

Net interest
margin*,
excluding effect
of non-accrual                             3.39 %                               3.23 %                               3.40 %
loan expense and
prepayment fee
income

Non-accrual loan               $ (788   )                           $ (394   )                           $ (581   )
income reversed

Prepayment fee                   173                                  147                                  166
income received

Net                            $ (615   )                           $ (247   )                           $ (415   )

Cost of
deposits:

Non-interest
bearing demand    $ 331,875    $ -                     $ 291,324    $ -                     $ 305,831    $ -
deposits

Interest bearing    2,042,640    9,947     1.95 %        1,670,635    11,825    2.83 %        2,142,459    11,808    2.20 %
deposits

Total deposits    $ 2,374,515  $ 9,947     1.68 %      $ 1,961,959  $ 11,825    2.41 %      $ 2,448,290  $ 11,808    1.93 %



                      For the Three Months Ended

                      3/31/2010      3/31/2009      % change     12/31/2009     %
                                                                                change

AVERAGE BALANCES

Gross loans*,
includes loans held   $ 2,200,488    $ 2,107,685      4       %  $ 2,193,810    0   %
for sale

Investments             848,214        449,054        89      %    966,398      -12 %

Interest-earning        3,048,702      2,556,739      19      %    3,160,208    -4  %
assets*

Total assets            3,176,343      2,696,951      18      %    3,235,147    -2  %

Interest-bearing        2,042,640      1,670,635      22      %    2,142,459    -5  %
deposits

Interest-bearing        2,432,407      2,078,953      17      %    2,531,103    -4  %
liabilities

Non-interest-bearing    331,875        291,324        14      %    305,831      9   %
demand deposits

Stockholders' Equity    372,363        291,908        28      %    351,779      6   %

Net interest earning    616,295        477,786        29      %    629,105      -2  %
assets*

LOAN PORTFOLIO        3/31/2010      12/31/2009     % change     3/31/2009      %
COMPOSITION: *                                                                  change

Commercial loans      $ 514,975      $ 539,147        -4      %  $ 573,615      -10 %

Real estate loans       1,617,967      1,654,104      -2      %    1,491,480    8   %

Consumer and other      16,766         18,035         -7      %    24,633       -32 %
loans

Loans outstanding*      2,149,708      2,211,286      -3      %    2,089,728    3   %

Unamortized deferred
loan fees - net of      (2,215    )    (2,343    )    -5      %    (1,500    )  48  %
costs

Loans*, net of
deferred loan fees      2,147,493      2,208,943      -3      %    2,088,228    3   %
and costs

Allowance for loan      (63,995   )    (59,424   )    8       %    (50,504   )  27  %
losses

Loan receivable*,     $ 2,083,498    $ 2,149,519      -3      %  $ 2,037,724    2   %
net

* The loan portfolio
composition tables
and net interest
margin excludes the
guaranteed portion
of delinquent SBA     $ 14,771       $ 12,490                    $ 20,151
loans for the
amounts indicated at
each period as these
are 100% guaranteed
by the SBA.

REAL ESTATE LOANS BY  3/31/2010      12/31/2009     % change     3/31/2009      %
PROPERTY TYPE:                                                                  change

Retail buildings      $ 381,892      $ 380,958        0       %  $ 381,222      0   %

Hotels/motels           311,801        324,058        -4      %    301,389      3   %

Gas stations/ car       265,375        266,986        -1      %    258,681      3   %
washes

Mixed-use facilities    153,297        157,136        -2      %    156,071      -2  %

Warehouses              109,778        111,543        -2      %    116,877      -6  %

Multifamily             70,744         75,587         -6      %    33,202       113 %

Other                   325,080        337,836        -4      %    244,038      33  %

Total                 $ 1,617,967    $ 1,654,104      -2      %  $ 1,491,480    8   %

DEPOSIT COMPOSITION   3/31/2010      12/31/2009     % Change     3/31/2009      %
                                                                                Change

Non-interest-bearing  $ 360,801      $ 330,489        9       %  $ 297,540      21  %
demand deposits

Money market and        547,468        524,188        4       %    364,297      50  %
other

Saving deposits         136,821        136,804        0       %    113,614      20  %

Time deposits of        714,952        932,699        -23     %    590,342      21  %
$100,000 or more

Other time deposits     521,750        510,010        2       %    732,519      -29 %

Total deposit         $ 2,281,792    $ 2,434,190      -6      %  $ 2,098,312    9   %
balances

DEPOSIT COMPOSITION   3/31/2010      12/31/2009     3/31/2009
(%)

Non-interest-bearing    15.8      %    13.6      %    14.2    %
demand deposits

Money market and        24.0      %    21.5      %    17.4    %
other

Saving deposits         6.0       %    5.6       %    5.4     %

Time deposits of        31.3      %    38.3      %    28.1    %
$100,000 or more

Other time deposits     22.9      %    21.0      %    34.9    %

Total deposit           100.0     %    100.0     %    100.0   %
balances

CAPITAL RATIOS        3/31/2010      12/31/2009     3/31/2009

Total stockholders'   $ 363,821      $ 367,975      $ 289,685
equity

Tier 1 risk-based       17.10     %    16.73     %    14.03   %
capital ratio

Total risk-based        18.37     %    17.99     %    15.30   %
capital ratio

Tier 1 leverage         12.49     %    12.36     %    11.95   %
ratio

Book value per        $ 7.87         $ 7.99         $ 8.47
common share

Tangible common       $ 7.78         $ 7.90         $ 8.32
equity per share2

Tangible common
equity to tangible      9.58      %    9.27      %    7.74    %
assets2

2 Tangible common equity to tangible assets is a non-GAAP financial measure that
represents common equity less goodwill and other intangible assets, net divided by
total assets less goodwill and other intangible assets, net. Management reviews
tangible common equity to tangible assets in evaluating the Company's capital levels
and has included this ratio in response to market participant interest in tangible
common equity as a measure of capital.



Reconciliation of GAAP financial measures to non-GAAP financial measures:

                                  3/31/2010       12/31/2009      3/31/2009

Total stockholders' equity        $ 363,821       $ 367,975       $ 289,685

Less: Preferred stock, net of       (63,497    )    (63,263    )    (62,566    )
discount

Common stock warrant                (2,383     )    (2,383     )    (4,766     )

Goodwill and other intangible       (3,424     )    (3,551     )    (3,983     )
assets, net

Tangible common equity            $ 294,517       $ 298,778       $ 218,370

Total assets                      $ 3,079,020     $ 3,227,957     $ 2,825,537

Less: Goodwill and other            (3,424     )    (3,551     )    (3,983     )
intangible assets, net

Tangible assets                   $ 3,075,596     $ 3,224,406     $ 2,821,554

Common shares outstanding           37,835,407      37,824,007      26,256,960

Tangible common equity to           9.58       %    9.27       %    7.74       %
tangible assets

Tangible common equity per share  $ 7.78          $ 7.90          $ 8.32



                    For the Three Months Ended

ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN  3/31/2010    12/31/2009   9/30/2009   6/30/2009    3/31/2009
LOSSES:

Balance at
beginning of        $ 59,424     $ 52,967     $ 50,339    $ 50,504     $ 43,419
period

Provision for loan    25,407       17,853       8,500       19,000       15,670
losses

Recoveries            221          155          179         251          83

Charge offs           (21,057 )    (11,551 )    (6,051 )    (19,416 )    (8,668 )

Balance at end of   $ 63,995     $ 59,424     $ 52,967    $ 50,339     $ 50,504
period

Net
charge-off/average    3.79    %    2.08    %    1.11   %    3.66    %    1.63   %
gross loans*
(annualized)

                    For the Three Months Ended,

NET CHARGED OFF     3/31/2010    12/31/2009   9/30/2009   6/30/2009    3/31/2009
LOANS BY TYPE

Real estate loans   $ 12,823     $ 7,065      $ 2,572     $ 12,410     $ 2,121

Commercial loans      7,201        4,236        3,282       6,608        5,204

Consumer loans        812          95           18          147          1,260

Total net           $ 20,836     $ 11,396     $ 5,872     $ 19,165     $ 8,585
charge-offs

NON-PERFORMING      3/31/2010    12/31/2009   9/30/2009   6/30/2009    3/31/2009
ASSETS

Delinquent loans
90 days or more on  $ 62,775     $ 51,674     $ 35,510    $ 30,850     $ 41,330
non-accrual
status*

Delinquent loans
90 days or more on    457          -            -           -            7
accrual status

Total
non-performing        63,232       51,674       35,510      30,850       41,337
loans*

Other real estate     5,856        2,044        4,693       3,805        4,822
owned

Restructured loans    65,026       64,341       44,707      37,026       31,131

Total
non-performing      $ 134,114    $ 118,059    $ 84,910    $ 71,681     $ 77,290
assets*

Non-performing
assets*/ total        4.36    %    3.66    %    2.64   %    2.20    %    2.74   %
assets

Non-performing
assets*/ gross        6.23    %    5.34    %    3.98   %    3.44    %    3.69   %
loans* & OREO

Non-performing
loans*/gross          2.94    %    2.34    %    1.67   %    1.48    %    1.98   %
loans*

Allowance for loan
losses/ gross         2.98    %    2.69    %    2.49   %    2.42    %    2.42   %
loans*

Allowance for loan
losses/               101     %    115     %    149    %    163     %    122    %
non-performing
loans*

BREAKDOWN OF
RESTRUCTURED LOANS  3/31/2010    12/31/2009   9/30/2009   6/30/2009    3/31/2009
BY TYPE:

Retail buildings    $ 8,976      $ 9,620      $ 4,811     $ 1,387      $ 847

Hotels/motels         19,177       16,647       4,400       5,325        5,325

Gas stations/ car     10,941       20,006       19,547      18,931       18,231
washes

Mixed-use             3,355        2,907        373         374          -
facilities

Warehouses            1,522        -            4,455       4,455        -

Multifamily           -            1,371        1,371       -            -

Other3                21,055       13,790       9,750       6,554        6,728

Total               $ 65,026     $ 64,341     $ 44,707    $ 37,026     $ 31,131

3Includes
commercial
business and other
loans



DELINQUENT LOANS BY DAYS  3/31/2010  12/31/2009  9/30/2009  6/30/2009  3/31/2009
PAST DUE

30 - 59 days              $ 8,370    $ 14,926    $ 24,507   $ 5,364    $ 8,272

60 - 89 days                3,978      2,877       7,931      6,593      838

90 days or more and         457        -           -          -          7
accruing

Non-accrual                 62,775     51,674      35,510     30,850     41,330

Total delinquent loans*   $ 75,580   $ 69,477    $ 67,948   $ 42,807   $ 50,447

DELINQUENT LOANS BY       3/31/2010  12/31/2009  9/30/2009  6/30/2009  3/31/2009
TYPE4

Real estate loans         $ 57,634   $ 52,660    $ 54,129   $ 28,242   $ 31,823

Commercial loans            17,107     15,303      13,241     14,041     18,076

Consumer loans              839        1,514       578        524        548

Total delinquent loans*   $ 75,580   $ 69,477    $ 67,948   $ 42,807   $ 50,447

4Delinquent over 30
days, including
non-accrual loans

NON-ACCRUAL LOANS BY      3/31/2010  12/31/2009  9/30/2009  6/30/2009  3/31/2009
TYPE

Real estate loans         $ 49,393   $ 40,354    $ 25,696   $ 20,515   $ 26,153

Commercial loans            13,103     10,275      9,521      10,072     14,876

Consumer loans              279        1,045       293        263        301

Total non-accrual loans*  $ 62,775   $ 51,674    $ 35,510   $ 30,850   $ 41,330

WATCH LIST LOANS          3/31/2010  12/31/2009  9/30/2009  6/30/2009  3/31/2009

Special mention           $ 43,647   $ 42,671    $ 30,762   $ 53,277   $ 68,388

Substandard                 169,149    153,535     110,669    112,641    98,412

Doubtful                    2,519      3,655       2,767      4,237      7,288

Loss                        -          -           -          -          8

Total watch list loans    $ 215,315  $ 199,861   $ 144,198  $ 170,155  $ 174,096

* The loan portfolio composition tables and net interest margin excludes the
guaranteed portion of delinquent SBA loans for the amounts indicated at each
period as these are 100% guaranteed by the SBA.



    Source: Nara Bancorp, Inc.
Contact: Investors and Financial Media: Financial Profiles, Inc Tony Rossi, 310-478-2700 x13 trossi@finprofiles.com