Christopher D. Myers
Analyst · Sidoti & Company
Thanks, Rich. Now let's talk about the economic conditions. In terms of the dairy industry, milk prices increased, while feed costs continued to decrease. According to the California Department of Food and Agriculture, the CDFA, feed costs in California represented 65.4% of total milk production costs at the end of the third quarter of 2013, down from 66.8% of total milk production costs for the second quarter of 2013. Thanks to a reported bumper U.S. corn crop during 2013 and slowing exports, dairy farmers saw a significant drop in corn prices. This downward trend may help to lower the cost of other feed products as well. It remains difficult, however, to project the future cost of feed as it will continue to be dependent on many factors, one of which is weather. Turning to the California economy. Although its overall recovery has not progressed at a rapid pace, California's economy continues to get stronger each month. According to the state's Employment Development Division, the California unemployment rate was 8.5% in November 2013 compared with 8.7% in October and 9.9% back in November 2012, over a year ago. Through August 2013, California had recovered just shy of 830,000 of the nearly 1.37 million jobs lost during the recession. The real estate market, which is strengthening, is expected to continue to perform well over the next several quarters. Local economists forecast home price appreciation to remain in the double-digits into mid-2014. Not only are home prices rising, but California's housing inventory remains undersupplied. The longer development and permitting processes, along with the regulatory climate, have been keeping the new supply of housing comparatively muted. The tight supply keeps home prices high relative to other states and makes it more difficult for individuals to afford the cost of housing while still maintaining their overall quality of life. Individual incomes, overall consumer spending and exports of key commodities and products continue to be positive economic factors. Hotel occupancy and other tourism have also strengthened. With 2013 now in the books, I would like to thank our employees for their continued hard work and commitment; our customers, for their loyalty; our shareholders, for their continued support; and our Board of Directors, for their ongoing guidance. As we move into 2014, we remain focused on quality loan growth, fee income expansion, stronger core deposits and overall operating efficiency. We also continue to actively focus on acquisition opportunities with respect to community banks in or adjacent to our geographic footprint. Well, that concludes today's presentation. And now, Rich and I will be happy to take any questions that you might have.