HOPE BANCORP INC

Previous wording

In the course of conducting our business operations, we are exposed to a variety of risks, some of which are inherent in the financial services industry and others of which are more specific to our own business. The following discussion addresses the most significant risks that could affect our business, financial condition, liquidity, results of operations, and capital position. The risks and uncertainties described below are not the only ones we face. Additional risks and uncertainties not presently known to us or that we currently deem immaterial may also affect our business. If any of these known or unknown risks or uncertainties actually occurs, our business, financial condition and results of operations may be materially and adversely effected. In that event, the market price for our common stock would likely decline.

Current wording

In the course of conducting our business operations, we are exposed to a variety of risks, some of which are inherent in the financial services industry and others of which are more specific to our own business. The following discussion addresses the most significant risks that could affect our business, financial condition, liquidity, results of operations, and capital position. The risks and uncertainties described below are not the only ones we face. Additional risks and uncertainties not presently known to us or that we currently deem immaterial may also affect our business. If any of these known or unknown risks or uncertainties actually occurs, our business, financial condition and results of operations may be materially and adversely affected. In that event, the market price for our common stock would likely decline.

Previous wording

We have a high level of loans secured by real estate collateral. A downturn in the real estate market may seriously impair our loan portfolio. As of December 31, 2024, approximately 63% of our loan portfolio consisted of loans secured by various types of commercial real estate (excluding 1-4 family residential mortgage loans). A slowdown in the economy is often accompanied by declines in the value of real estate, which may have a material and adverse effect on our net income and capital levels.

Current wording

We have a high level of loans secured by real estate collateral. A downturn in the real estate market may seriously impair our loan portfolio. As of December 31, 2025, approximately 58% of our loan portfolio consisted of loans secured by various types of commercial real estate (excluding 1-4 family residential mortgage loans). A slowdown in the economy is often accompanied by declines in the value of real estate, which may have a material and adverse effect on our net income and capital levels.

Previous wording

Changes in U.S. trade policies, including the imposition of tariffs and retaliatory tariffs, may adversely impact our business, financial condition, and results of operations. The current Presidential Administration has signaled that tariffs and retaliatory tariffs, as well as other trade restrictions, may be imposed against U.S. trading partners. In response to tariffs, foreign countries have implemented, or may implement, retaliatory tariffs on U.S. goods. Historically, tariffs have led to increased trade and political tensions. Political tensions as a result of trade policies could reduce trade volume, investment, technological exchange, and other economic activities between major international economies, resulting in a material adverse effect on global economic conditions and the stability of global financial markets. It may also cause the prices of our customers’ products to increase, which could reduce demand for such products, or reduce our customers' margins, and adversely impact their revenues, financial results, and ability to service debt. This in turn could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations. In addition, to the extent changes in the political environment have a negative impact on us, or on the markets in which we operate our business, our results of operations and financial condition could be materially and adversely impacted in the future. At this time, it remains unclear what the U.S. government or foreign governments will or will not do with respect to additional tariffs that may be imposed or international trade agreements and policies.

Current wording

Changes in U.S. trade policies, including the imposition of tariffs and retaliatory tariffs, may adversely impact our business, financial condition, and results of operations. The current Presidential Administration has imposed tariffs and retaliatory tariffs, and has signaled imposing other trade restrictions, against U.S. trading partners. In response to tariffs, foreign countries have implemented, or may implement, retaliatory tariffs on U.S. goods. Historically, tariffs have led to increased trade and political tensions. Political tensions as a result of trade policies could reduce trade volume, investment, technological exchange, and other economic activities between major international economies, resulting in a material adverse effect on global economic conditions and the stability of global financial markets. It may also cause the prices of our customers’ products to increase, which could reduce demand for such products, or reduce our customers' margins, and adversely impact their revenues, financial results, and ability to service debt. This in turn could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations. In addition, to the extent changes in the political environment have a negative impact on us, or on the markets in which we operate our business, our results of operations and financial condition could be materially and adversely impacted in the future. On February 20, 2026, the U.S. Supreme Court struck down the Presidential Administration’s imposition of the 2025 tariffs imposed in reliance of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act; however, the administration has signaled that it may pursue alternative channels to maintain or increase such tariffs. At this time, it remains unclear what the U.S. government or foreign governments will or will not do with respect to additional tariffs that may be imposed or international trade agreements and policies.

Previous wording

We may experience adverse effects from acquisitions. We have acquired other banking companies and bank offices in the past, and will consider additional acquisitions as opportunities arise. For example, on April 26, 2024, we entered into a merger agreement with Territorial Bancorp Inc. See Item 1 “Business-Business Overview” and Note 24 of our Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for more information about our pending merger with Territorial Bancorp Inc. If we do not adequately address the financial and operational risks associated with acquisitions of other companies, we may incur material unexpected costs and disruption of our business. Future acquisitions may increase the degree of such risks.

Current wording

We may experience adverse effects from acquisitions. We have acquired other banking companies and bank offices in the past, and will consider additional acquisitions as opportunities arise. For example, on April 2, 2025, we completed a merger with Territorial Bancorp Inc. See Item 1 “Business-Business Overview” and Note 19 of our Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for more information about our merger with Territorial Bancorp Inc. If we do not adequately address the financial and operational risks associated with acquisitions of other companies, we may incur material unexpected costs and disruption of our business. Future acquisitions may increase the degree of such risks.

Previous wording

As we expand outside our traditional geographic markets, we may encounter additional risks that may adversely affect us. Currently, the majority of our offices are located in California, but we also have branches or loan production offices in the greater New York City area, Chicago, Houston, Dallas, Tampa, and Seattle metropolitan areas, New Jersey, Colorado, Georgia, and Alabama. Over time, we may seek to establish offices in other parts of the United States as well. We may encounter significant risks, including unfamiliarity with the characteristics and business dynamics of new markets, increased marketing and administrative expenses and operational difficulties arising from our efforts to attract business in new markets, manage operations in noncontiguous geographic markets, comply with local laws and regulations and effectively, and consistently manage our non-California personnel and business. If we are unable to manage these risks, our operations may be materially and adversely affected.

Current wording

As we expand outside our traditional geographic markets, we may encounter additional risks that may adversely affect us. Currently, the majority of our offices are located in California and Hawaii, but we also have branches or loan production offices in the greater New York City area, Chicago, Houston, Dallas, Tampa, and Seattle metropolitan areas, New Jersey, Colorado, Georgia, and Alabama. Over time, we may seek to establish offices in other parts of the United States as well. We may encounter significant risks, including unfamiliarity with the characteristics and business dynamics of new markets, increased marketing and administrative expenses and operational difficulties arising from our efforts to attract business in new markets, manage operations in noncontiguous geographic markets, comply with local laws and regulations and effectively, and consistently manage our non-California personnel and business. If we are unable to manage these risks, our operations may be materially and adversely affected.

Previous wording

We may reduce or discontinue the payment of dividends on common stock. Our stockholders are only entitled to receive such dividends as our board of directors (the “Board”) may declare out of funds legally available for such payments. Although we have historically declared cash dividends on our common stock, we are not required to do so and may need to reduce or eliminate our common stock dividend in the future. Our ability to pay dividends to our stockholders is subject to the restrictions set forth in Delaware law, by the FRB, and by certain covenants contained in our subordinated debentures. Notification to the FRB is also required prior to our declaring and paying a cash dividend to our stockholders during any period in which our quarterly and/or cumulative twelve-month net earnings are insufficient to fund the dividend amount, among other requirements. We may not pay a dividend if the FRB objects or until such time as we receive approval from the FRB or we no longer need to provide notice under applicable regulations. In addition, we often rely on cash distributions from the Bank to fund dividends to our stockholders. The Bank’s ability to make cash distributions to Hope Bancorp is subject to the restrictions set forth under the California Financial Code and would also be subject to prior approval or restriction by the DFPI if the distribution by the Bank exceeds the lesser of (a) the retained earnings of the Bank or (b) three fiscal years net income, less distributions made by the Bank during such period. We cannot provide assurance that the Bank will be able to continue making cash distributions to Hope Bancorp, which could in turn, affect our ability to continue paying dividends on our common stock. The Bank may not be able to distribute cash to us if the DFPI objects or until such time as the Bank receives approval from the DFPI or the Bank no longer needs to obtain approval under applicable regulations. Further, the Bank may be restricted by applicable law or regulation or actions taken by its regulators, now or in the future, from making cash distributions to Hope Bancorp, which could, in turn, adversely impact our ability to pay dividends to our stockholders. Likewise, we may be restricted by applicable law or regulation or actions taken by our regulators, now or in the future, from paying dividends to our stockholders. Lastly, we cannot provide assurance that we will continue paying dividends on our common stock at current levels or at all. A reduction or discontinuance of dividends on our common stock could have a material adverse effect on our business, including the market price of our common stock.

Current wording

We may reduce or discontinue the payment of dividends on common stock. Our stockholders are only entitled to receive such dividends as our board of directors (the “Board”) may declare out of funds legally available for such payments. Although we have historically declared cash dividends on our common stock, we are not required to do so and may need to reduce or eliminate our common stock dividend in the future. Our ability to pay dividends to our stockholders is subject to the restrictions set forth in Delaware law, by the FRB, and by certain covenants contained in our subordinated debentures. Notification to the FRB is also required prior to our declaring and paying a cash dividend to our stockholders during any period in which our quarterly and/or cumulative twelve-month net earnings are insufficient to fund the dividend amount, among other requirements. We may not pay a dividend if the FRB objects or until such time as we receive approval from the FRB or we no longer need to provide notice under applicable regulations. In addition, we often rely on cash distributions from the Bank to fund dividends to our stockholders. The Bank’s ability to make cash distributions to Hope Bancorp is subject to the restrictions set forth under the California Financial Code and would also be subject to prior approval or restriction by the DFPI if the distribution by the Bank exceeds the lesser of (a) the retained earnings of the Bank or (b) three fiscal years net income, less distributions made by the Bank during such period. We cannot provide assurance that the Bank will be able to continue making cash distributions to Hope Bancorp, which could in turn, affect our ability to continue paying dividends on our common stock. The Bank may not be able to distribute cash to us if the DFPI objects or until such time as the Bank receives approval from the DFPI or the Bank no longer needs to obtain approval under applicable regulations. Further, the Bank may be restricted by applicable law or regulation or actions taken by its regulators, now or in the future, from making cash distributions to Hope Bancorp, which could, in turn, adversely impact our ability to pay dividends to our stockholders. Likewise, we may be restricted by applicable law or regulation or actions taken by our regulators, now or in the future, from paying dividends to our stockholders. Lastly, we cannot provide assurance that we will continue paying dividends on our common stock at current levels or at all. A reduction or discontinuation of dividends on our common stock could have a material adverse effect on our business, including the market price of our common stock.