Oak Valley Bancorp

OAK VALLEY BANCORP

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTE 1–** BASIS OF PRESENTATION**

Oak Valley Bancorp (“the Company”, “us”, “our”) is the parent holding company for Oak Valley Community Bank (the “Bank”), a California state-chartered bank. Eastern Sierra Community Bank operates as a division within Oak Valley Community Bank for select branches. The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the parent company and its wholly-owned bank subsidiary. Unless otherwise stated, the “Company” refers to the consolidated entity, Oak Valley Bancorp, while the “Bank” refers to Oak Valley Community Bank. All material intercompany transactions have been eliminated. The interim consolidated financial statements included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q are unaudited but reflect all adjustments which, in the opinion of management, are necessary for a fair presentation of the financial position and results of operations for the interim periods presented. All such adjustments are of a normal recurring nature. The results of operations for the three and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2024 are not necessarily indicative of the results of a full year’s operations. [Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation. There was no effect on net income or shareholders’ equity as previously reported as a result of reclassifications.] For further information, refer to the audited consolidated financial statements and footnotes included in the Company’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023.

The Company was incorporated under the laws of the State of California on May 31, 1990, and began operations in Oakdale, California on May 28, 1991. The Company operates branches in Oakdale, Sonora, Bridgeport, Bishop, Mammoth Lakes, Modesto, Manteca, Patterson, Turlock, Ripon, Stockton, Escalon, and Sacramento, California. The Bridgeport, Mammoth Lakes, and Bishop branches operate as a separate division, Eastern Sierra Community Bank. The Company’s primary source of revenue is providing loans to customers who are predominantly middle-market businesses.

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions. These estimates and assumptions affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Significant accounting estimates reflected in the Company’s consolidated financial statements include the allowance for credit losses and fair value measurements. The estimates and assumptions may change as new events occur, as more experience is acquired, as additional information is obtained and as the Company’s operating environment changes. Actual results may differ from these estimates due to the uncertainty of various qualitative factors. Descriptions of our significant accounting policies are included in Note 1. Summary of Accounting Policies in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in the 2023 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

NOTE 2–** RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS**

In June 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2016-13,Financial Instruments–* Credit Losses (Topic 326).* This update revises the methodology used by financial institutions under GAAP to recognize credit losses in the financial statements. Previously, GAAP required the use of an “incurred loss” model, whereby financial institutions recognize in current period earnings, incurred credit losses and those inherent in the financial statements, as of the date of the balance sheet. The “incurred loss” methodology for recognizing credit losses delayed recognition until it is probable that a loss has been incurred. ASU 2016-13 replaces such incurred loss impairment model with a new methodology that requires organizations to measure all expected credit losses for financial instruments held at the reporting date based on historical experience, current conditions and reasonable and supportable forecasts that affect the collectability of the reported amount. This ASU guidance results in a new model for estimating the allowance for credit losses, commonly referred to as the Current Expected Credit Loss (“CECL”) model. Under the CECL model, financial institutions are required to estimate future credit losses and recognize those losses in current period earnings. The amendments within the update were initially effective for fiscal years and all interim periods beginning after December 15, 2019. In October 2019, FASB approved an amendment that delayed the adoption of this ASU for three years for certain entities including the Company since we are classified as a Smaller Reporting Company. The Company adopted these standards as required on January 1, 2023 using the modified retrospective method for all financial assets measured at amortized cost and off-balance sheet credit exposures. There was no cumulative effect adjustment related to our available-for-sale investment portfolio upon adoption and the Company had no securities designated as held-to-maturity as of January 1, 2023.

Results for reporting periods beginning after January 1, 2023 are presented under CECL. The transition adjustment of the CECL adoption included an increase in the allowance for credit losses of $346,000, an increase of $547,000 to the reserve for unfunded commitments, a $629,000 decrease to retained earnings, and a $264,000 tax benefit recorded as part of the deferred tax asset in the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheet.

In March 2020, FASB issued ASU 2020-04 -Reference Rate Reform (Subtopic 848): Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting. This ASU provides optional expedients and exceptions for contracts, hedging relationships, and other transactions that reference LIBOR or other reference rates expected to be discontinued because of reference rate reform. The ASU was effective for all entities as of March 12, 2020 through December 31, 2022. In December 2022, FASB Issued ASU 2022-06 to defer the sunset date from December 31, 2022 to December 31, 2024. The ASU did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements. As a result of the phase out of LIBOR immediately after June 30, 2023, our loans that were indexed to LIBOR have transitioned to CME Term SOFR, as of September 30, 2024.

In March 2022, the FASB issued ASU No. 2022-02,Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326): Troubled Debt Restructurings and Vintage Disclosures (“ASU 2022-02”). ASU 2022-02 eliminates the accounting guidance for troubled debt restructurings in Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Subtopic 310-40, Receivables - Troubled Debt Restructurings by Creditors, while enhancing disclosure requirements for certain loan refinancing and restructurings by creditors when a borrower is experiencing financial difficulty. Additionally, ASU 2022-02 requires entities to disclose current-period gross write-offs by year of origination for financing receivables and net investments in leases within the scope of ASC Subtopic 326-20, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses - Measured at Amortized Cost. ASU 2022-02 became effective on January 1, 2023. The adoption of ASU 2022-02 did not have a significant impact on our consolidated financial statements.

In March 2023, the FASB issued ASU No. 2023-02,Investments-Equity Method and Joint Ventures (Topic 323): Accounting for Investments in Tax Credit Structures Using the Proportional Amortization Method (a consensus of the Emerging Issues Task Force). The amendments in this update permit reporting entities to elect to account for their tax equity investments, regardless of the program from which the income tax credits are received, using the proportional amortization method if certain conditions are met. A reporting entity may make an accounting policy election to apply the proportional amortization method on a tax-credit-program-by-tax-credit-program basis rather than electing to apply the proportional amortization method at the reporting entity level or to individual investments. Previously, only Low-Income Housing Tax Credit investments were eligible to apply the proportional amortization method. This ASU became effective on January 1, 2024. The adoption of this ASU did not have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements.

In November 2023, the FASB issued ASU No. 2023-07,Segment Reporting (Topic 280): Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures (ASU 2023-07). The update requires enhanced disclosures about significant segment expenses, enhanced interim disclosure requirements, clarification for when multiple segment measures of profit or loss can be disclosed and other requirements intended to improve overall reportable segment disclosures in annual and interim periods. ASU 2023-07 is effective for the Company in the annual period beginning on January 1, 2024 and interim periods beginning on January 1, 2025 with retrospective application to all prior periods presented. Early adoption is permitted. The Company does not expect ASU 2023-07 to have a significant impact on its disclosures as the Company operates as a single segment and reporting unit.

In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU No. 2023-09,Income Taxes (Topic 740): Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures (ASU 2023-09). ASU 2023-09 requires additional annual disclosures including further disaggregation of information in the rate reconciliation, additional information for reconciling items meeting a quantitative threshold, further disaggregation of income taxes paid and other required disclosures. ASU 2023-09 is effective for the Company in the annual period beginning on January 1, 2025 and applied on a prospective basis with both early adoption and retrospective application permitted. The Company does not anticipate ASU 2023-09 to have a significant impact on its income tax disclosures or financial statements.

NOTE 3–** SECURITIES**

Equity Securities

The Company held equity securities with fair values of $3,274,000 and $3,132,000 as of September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively. There wereno sales of equity securities during the three and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2024 and 2023. Consistent with ASC 321,*Equity Securities,*these securities are carried at fair value with the changes in fair value recognized in the condensed consolidated statements of income. Accordingly, the Company recognized a gain of $141,000 during the three-month period ended September 30, 2024, and a loss of $60,000, during the nine-month period ended September 30, 2024, as compared to losses of $144,000 and $141,000 during the same periods of 2023.

Debt Securities

Debt securities have been classified in the financial statements as available for sale. The amortized cost and estimated fair values of debt securities as of September 30, 2024 are as follows:

The following table details the gross unrealized losses and fair values of debt securities aggregated by investment category and the length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position as of September 30, 2024.

For available-for-sale debt securities in an unrealized loss position, management evaluates whether the decline in fair value is a reflection of credit deterioration or other factors. In performing this evaluation, management considers the extent which fair value has fallen below amortized cost, changes in ratings by rating agencies, and other information indicating a deterioration in repayment capacity of either the underlying issuer or the borrowers providing repayment capacity in a securitization. If management’s evaluation indicates that a credit loss exists then a present value of the expected cash flows is calculated and compared to the amortized cost basis of the security in question and, to the degree that the amortized cost basis exceeds the present value, an allowance for credit loss (“ACL”) is established, with the caveat that the maximum amount of the reserve on any individual security is the difference between the fair value and amortized cost balance of the security in question. Any unrealized loss that has not been recorded through an ACL is recognized in other comprehensive income. As of September 30, 2024, accrued interest receivable on available-for-sale securities was $4,164,000 and is not included in the tables within this footnote.

The unrealized losses are due primarily to rising market yields and not due to credit deterioration. As such, no ACL on available-for-sale securities has been established as of September 30, 2024. The Company does not intend to sell the securities and it is not likely that the Company will be required to sell the securities before the earlier of the forecasted recovery or the maturity of the underlying investment security.

The amortized cost and estimated fair value of debt securities as of September 30, 2024, segregated by contractual maturity or call date, are shown below. Expected maturities will differ from contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties.

The amortized cost and estimated fair values of debt securities as of December 31, 2023 are as follows:

The following tables detail the gross unrealized losses and fair values aggregated of debt securities by investment category and length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position at December 31, 2023.

There wereno sales of available-for-sale securities during the three-months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023. The Company sold eighteen available-for-sale securities during the nine-months ended September 30, 2024 with a book value of $28,258,000, resulting in gross gains of $106,000, as compared to 24 available-for-sale securities sold with a book value of $42,791,000, resulting in gross losses of $72,000 and gross gains of $215,000, for a net gain of $143,000 during the nine-months ended September 30, 2023. In addition, the Company recognized a net gain of $8,000 and $9,000 on called securities during the three and nine-month periods ended June, 2024, respectively, as compared to gains of $13,000 during the comparable 2023 periods.

Debt securities carried at $305,109,000 and $288,199,000 as of September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively, were pledged to secure deposits of public funds.

NOTE 4–** LOANS**

The Company’s customers are primarily located in Stanislaus, San Joaquin, Tuolumne, Inyo, and Mono Counties. As of September 30, 2024, approximately 86% of the Company’s loans are commercial real estate loans, which include construction loans. Approximately 8% of the Company’s loans are for general commercial uses including professional, retail, and small business. Additionally,3% of the Company’s loans are for residential real estate and other consumer loans. The remaining 3% are agriculture loans. As of September 30, 2024, accrued interest receivable on loans was $3,680,000 and is not included in the tables within this footnote. Loan totals were as follows:

Loan Origination/Risk Management. The Company has certain lending policies and procedures in place that are designed to maximize loan income within an acceptable level of risk. Management reviews and approves these policies and procedures on a regular basis. A reporting system supplements the review process by providing management with frequent reports related to loan production, loan quality, concentrations of credit, loan delinquencies and non-performing and potential problem loans. Diversification in the loan portfolio is a means of managing risk associated with fluctuations in economic conditions.

Commercial and industrial loans are underwritten after evaluating and understanding the borrower’s ability to operate profitably and prudently expand its business. Underwriting standards are designed to promote relationship banking rather than transactional banking. Once it is determined that the borrower’s management possesses sound ethics and solid business acumen, the Company’s management examines current and projected cash flows to determine the ability of the borrower to repay their obligations as agreed. Commercial and industrial loans are primarily made based on the identified cash flows of the borrower and secondarily on the underlying collateral provided by the borrower. The cash flows of borrowers, however, may not be as expected and the collateral securing these loans may fluctuate in value. Most commercial and industrial loans are secured by the assets being financed or other business assets such as accounts receivable or inventory and may incorporate a personal guarantee; however, some short-term loans may be made on an unsecured basis. In the case of loans secured by accounts receivable, the availability of funds for the repayment of these loans may be substantially dependent on the ability of the borrower to collect amounts due from its customers.

Commercial real estate loans are subject to underwriting standards and processes similar to commercial and industrial loans, in addition to those of real estate loans. These loans are viewed primarily as cash flow loans and secondarily as loans secured by real estate. Commercial real estate lending typically involves higher loan principal amounts and the repayment of these loans is generally largely dependent on the successful operation of the property securing the loan or the business conducted on the property securing the loan. Commercial real estate loans may be more adversely affected by conditions in the real estate markets or in the general economy. The properties securing the Company’s commercial real estate portfolio are diverse in terms of type and geographic location. This diversity helps reduce the Company’s exposure to adverse economic events that affect any single market or industry. Management monitors and evaluates commercial real estate loans based on collateral, geography and risk grade criteria. As a general rule, the Company avoids financing single-purpose projects unless other underwriting factors are present to help mitigate risk. The Company also utilizes third-party experts to provide insight and guidance about economic conditions and trends affecting market areas it serves. In addition, management tracks the level of owner-occupied commercial real estate loans versus non-owner occupied loans. As of September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, approximately 35% of the outstanding principal balance of the Company’s commercial real estate loans were secured by owner-occupied properties.

With respect to loans to developers and builders that are secured by non-owner occupied properties that the Company may originate from time to time, the Company generally requires the borrower to have had an existing relationship with the Company and have a proven record of success.

Construction loans are underwritten utilizing feasibility studies, independent appraisal reviews, sensitivity analysis of absorption and lease rates and financial analysis of the developers and property owners. Construction loans are generally based upon estimates of costs and value associated with the complete project. These estimates may be inaccurate. Significant events can affect the construction industry, including: the inherent volatility of real estate markets and vulnerability to delays due to weather, change orders, inability to obtain construction permits, labor or material shortages, and price changes. Construction loans often involve the disbursement of substantial funds with repayment substantially dependent on the success of the ultimate project. Sources of repayment for these types of loans may be pre-committed permanent loans from approved long-term lenders, sales of developed property or an interim loan commitment from the Company until permanent financing is obtained. These loans are closely monitored by on-site inspections and are considered to have higher risks than other real estate loans due to their ultimate repayment being sensitive to interest rate changes, governmental regulation of real property, general economic conditions and the availability of long-term financing.

Consumer loans are originated utilizing a computer-based credit scoring analysis to supplement the underwriting process. To monitor and manage consumer loan risk, policies and procedures are developed and modified, as needed, jointly by line and staff personnel. This activity, coupled with relatively small loan amounts that are spread across many individual borrowers, minimizes risk. Additionally, trend and outlook reports are reviewed by management on a regular basis. Underwriting standards for home equity loans follow bank policy, which include, but are not limited to, a maximum loan-to-value percentage of 80%, a maximum housing and total debt ratio of 36% and 42%, respectively and other specified credit and documentation requirements.

Agricultural loans largely consist of real estate loans, development loans, and operating facilities to support crop production, livestock, dairy, and other agricultural interests. Agricultural loans are especially vulnerable to two risk factors that are largely outside the control of the Company and borrowers: commodity prices and weather conditions. Other environmental factors such as the availability of water will also affect the production of crops. Underwriting practices include estimating future repayment sources based on information taken from the customer, peer reports, or appraisals. With the cyclicality of agricultural operations, increased focus is placed on access to liquidity and equity to support the operations when faced with unfavorable industry trends as well as the sponsor’s industry experience.

The Company maintains an independent loan review function that validates the credit risk program on a periodic basis. Results of these reviews are presented to management. The loan review process complements and reinforces the risk identification and assessment decisions made by lenders and credit personnel, as well as the Company’s policies and procedures.

Non-Accrual and Past Due Loans. Loans are considered past due if the required principal and interest payments have not been received as of the date such payments were due. Loans are placed on non-accrual status when, in management’s opinion, the borrower may be unable to meet payment obligations as they become due, as well as when required by regulatory provisions. Loans may be placed on non-accrual status regardless of whether or not such loans are considered past due. When interest accrual is discontinued, all unpaid accrued interest is reversed. Interest income is subsequently recognized only to the extent cash payments are received in excess of principal due. Loans are returned to accrual status when all the principal and interest amounts contractually due are brought current and future payments are reasonably assured.

No loans were on non-accrual status as of September 30, 2024, December 31, 2023, and September 30, 2023.

The following table analyzes past due loans including any past due non-accrual loans, segregated by class of loans, as of September 30, 2024 (in thousands):

The following table analyzes past due loans including any past due non-accrual loans, segregated by class of loans, as of December 31, 2023 (in thousands):

*Collateral Dependent Loans.*Management’s evaluation as to the ultimate collectability of loans includes estimates regarding future cash flows from operations and the value of property, real and personal, pledged as collateral. These estimates are affected by changing economic conditions and the economic prospects of borrowers. Under CECL, loans can be determined to be collateral dependent if foreclosure of the loan’s underlying collateral is probable or as a practical expedient if the borrower is experiencing financial difficulties and the repayment is expected to be provided substantially through the operation or sale of the collateral. Loans are written down to the lower of cost or fair value of underlying collateral, less estimated costs to sell. The Company hadno collateral dependent loans as of September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023.

Loan Modification Disclosures Pursuant to ASU 2022-02 - The Company may agree to different types of concessions when modifying a loan. There were no loan modifications to borrowers experiencing financial difficulty, including principal forgiveness, rate reductions, payment deferral or term extension, during the three and nine-months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023.

Loan Risk Grades– Quality ratings (Risk Grades) are assigned to all commitments and stand-alone notes. Risk grades define the basic characteristics of commitments or stand-alone note in relation to their risk. All loans are graded using a system that maximizes the loan quality information contained in loan review grades, while ensuring that the system is compatible with the grades used by bank examiners.

The Company grades loans using the following letter system:

1 Exceptional Loan

2 Quality Loan

3A Better Than Acceptable Loan

3B Acceptable Loan

3C Marginally Acceptable Loan

4 (W) Watch Acceptable Loan

5 Special Mention Loan

6 Substandard Loan

7 Doubtful Loan

8 Loss

1. Exceptional Loan** **- Loans with A+ credits that contain very little, if any, risk. Grade 1 loans are considered Pass. To qualify for this rating, the following characteristics must be present:

2. Quality Loan** **- Loans with excellent sources of repayment that conform in all respects to bank policy and regulatory requirements. These are also loans for which little repayment risk has been identified. No credit or collateral exceptions. Grade 2 loans are considered Pass. Other factors include:

3A. Better than Acceptable Loan** **- In the interest of better delineating the loan portfolio’s true credit risk for reserve allocation, further granularity has been sought by splitting the grade 3 category into three classifications. The distinction between the three are bank-defined guidelines and represent a further refinement of the regulatory definition of a pass, or grade 3 loan. Grade 3A is characterized by:

3B. Acceptable Loan** **- 3B loans are simply defined as all loans that are less qualified than 3A loans and are stronger than 3C loans. These loans are characterized by acceptable sources of repayment that conform to bank policy and regulatory requirements. Repayment risks are acceptable for these loans. Credit or collateral exceptions are minimal, are in the process of correction, and do not represent repayment risk. These loans:

3C. Marginally Acceptable Loan** **- 3C loans have similar characteristics as that of 3Bs with the following additional characteristics:

4(W). Watch Acceptable Loan** **- Watch grade will be assigned to any credit that is adequately secured and performing but monitored for a number of indicators. These characteristics may include:

5. Special Mention Loan** **- A special mention extension of credit is defined as having potential weaknesses that deserve management’s close attention. If left uncorrected, these potential weaknesses may, at some future date result in the deterioration of the repayment prospects for the credit or the institution’s credit position. Extensions of credit that might be detailed in this category include the following:

6. Substandard Loan** **- A “substandard” extension of credit is inadequately protected by the current sound worth and paying capacity of the obligor or of the collateral pledged, if any. Extensions of credit so classified must have a well-defined weakness or weaknesses that jeopardize the liquidation of the debt. They are characterized by the distinct possibility that the Bank will sustain some loss if the deficiencies are not corrected. Loss potential, while existing in the aggregate amount of substandard credits, does not have to exist in individual extensions of credit classified as substandard.

7. Doubtful Loan** **- An extension of credit classified as “doubtful” has all the weaknesses inherent in one classified substandard, with the added characteristic that the weaknesses make collection or liquidation in full, on the basis of currently existing facts, conditions, and values, highly questionable and improbable. The possibility of loss is extremely high but because of certain important and reasonably specific pending factors that may work to the advantage of and strengthen the credit, its classification as an estimated loss is deferred until its more exact status may be determined. Pending factors may include a proposed merger or acquisition, liquidation proceedings, capital injection, perfecting liens on additional collateral or refinancing plans. The entire loan need not be classified as doubtful when collection of a specific portion appears highly probable.

8. Loss** **- Extensions of credit classified as “loss” are considered uncollectible and of such little value that their continuance as bankable assets is not warranted. This classification does not mean that the credit has absolutely no recovery or salvage value, but rather that it is not practical or desirable to defer writing off, even though partial recovery may be affected in the future. It should not be the Company’s practice to attempt long-term recoveries while the credit remains on the books. Losses should be taken in the period in which they surface as uncollectible.

As of September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, there areno loans that are classified with risk grades of8- Loss.

The risk grades are reviewed every month, at a minimum and on an as-needed basis depending on the specific circumstances of the loan.

The following table summarizes loan risk grade totals by class and year of origination as of September 30, 2024. Risk grades 1 through 4(W) have been aggregated in the “Pass” line.

The following table summarizes loan risk grade totals by class and year of origination as of December 31, 2023. Risk grades 1 through 4(W) have been aggregated in the “Pass” line.

Allowance for Credit Losses (“ACL”). As noted in Note 2, as required by ASU 2016-13, on January 1, 2023 the Company implemented CECL and increased our ACL, previously the allowance for loan losses, with a $346,000 cumulative adjustment. Under ASU 2016-13, the allowance for credit losses is a valuation account that is deducted from the related loan’s amortized cost basis to present the net amount expected to be collected on the loans. The measurement of expected credit losses is based on relevant information about past events, including historical experience, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts that affect the collectability of the reported amount. The Company’s ACL is calculated monthly, with any difference in the calculated ACL and the recorded ACL trued-up through an entry to the provision for credit losses. Management calculates the quantitative portion of collectively evaluated reserves for all loan categories, using a discounted cash flow (“DCF”) methodology. For purposes of estimating the Company’s ACL, management generally evaluates collectively evaluated loans by Federal Call code in order to group loans with similar risk characteristics together, however management has grouped loans in selected call codes together in determining portfolio segments, due to similar risk characteristics and reserve methodologies used for certain call code classifications.

The DCF quantitative reserve methodology incorporates the consideration of probability of default (“PD”) and loss given default (“LGD”) estimates to estimate periodic losses. The PD estimates are derived through the application of reasonable and supportable economic forecasts to call code specific regression models, derived from the consideration of historical bank-specific and peer loss-rate data. The loss rate data has been regressed against benchmark economic indicators, for which reasonable and supportable forecasts exist, in the development of the call-code specific regression models. Regression models are generally refreshed on an annual basis, in order to pull in more recent loss rate data. Reasonable and supportable forecasts of the selected economic metric are then input into the regression model to calculate an expected default rate. The expected default rates are then applied to expected monthly loan balances estimated through the consideration of contractual repayment terms and expected prepayments. The Company utilizes a four-quarter forecast period, after which the expected default rates revert to the historical average for each call code, over a four-quarter reversion period, on a straight-line basis. The prepayment assumptions applied to expected cash flow over the contractual life of the loans are estimated based on historical, bank-specific experience, peer data and the consideration of current and expected conditions and circumstances including the level of interest rates. The prepayment assumptions may be updated by Management in the event that changing conditions impact Management’s estimate or additional historical data gathered has resulted in the need for a reevaluation. LGD utilized in the DCF is derived from the application of the Frye-Jacobs theory which relates LGD to PD based on historical peer data, as calculated by a third-party. The call code regression models utilized upon implementation of CECL on January 1, 2023, and as of September 30, 2024, were identical, and relied upon reasonable and supportable forecasts of the National Unemployment Rate. Some of the call code regression models also use the Real Gross Domestic Product. Management selected the National Unemployment Rate and the Real Gross Domestic Product as the drivers of quantitative portion of collectively reserves on loan classes reliant upon the DCF methodology, primarily as a result of high correlation coefficients identified in regression modeling, the availability of forecasts including the quarterly FOMC forecast, and given the widespread familiarity of stakeholders with this economic metric.

Management recognizes that there are additional factors impacting risk of loss in the loan portfolio beyond what is captured in the quantitative portion of reserves on collectively evaluated loans. As current and expected conditions, may vary compared with conditions over the historical lookback period, which is utilized in the calculation of quantitative reserves, management considers whether additional or reduced reserve levels on collectively evaluated loans may be warranted given the consideration of a variety of qualitative factors. Several of the following qualitative factors (“Q-factors”) considered by management reflect the legacy regulatory guidance on Q-factors, whereas several others represent factors unique to the Company or unique to the current time period.

● Changes in lending policies and procedures, including changes in underwriting standards and collection, charge-off, and recovery practices

● Changes in international, regional and local economic and business conditions, and developments that affect the collectability of the portfolio, as reflected in forecasts of the California unemployment rate

● Changes in the nature and volume of the loan portfolio

● Changes in the experience, ability, and depth of lending management and other relevant staff

● Changes in the volume and severity of past due, watch loans and classified loans

● Changes in the quality of the Bank’s loan review processes

● Changes in the value of underlying collateral for loans not identified as collateral dependent

● Changes in loan categorization concentrations

● Other external factors, which include, the regulatory risk ratings.

The qualitative portion of the Company’s reserves on collectively evaluated loans are calculated using a combination of numeric frameworks and management judgement, to determine risk categorizations in each of the Q-factors presented above. The amount of qualitative reserves is also contingent upon the relative weighting of Q-factors according to management’s judgement.

Loans identified as losses by management, internal loan review and/or bank examiners are charged-off. Furthermore, consumer loan accounts are charged-off automatically based on regulatory requirements.

Accrued interest receivable for loans is included in the “Interest receivable and other assets” line item on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheet. The Company elected not to measure an allowance for accrued interest receivable and instead elected to reverse accrued interest income on loans that are placed on nonaccrual status. The Company believes this policy results in the timely reversal of uncollectible interest.

The following table details activity in the ACL by portfolio segment for the three and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2024 and 2023. Allocation of a portion of the allowance to one category of loans does not preclude its availability to absorb losses in other categories.

Allowance for Credit Losses

For the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2024 and 2023

The loan recoveries of $1,992,000 recorded during the three months ended September 30, 2024 consisted of two loans to different borrowers, both of which date back to the recession period approximately 15 years ago in which collateral values were considerably depressed. One of the loans was acquired in 2015 when we completed a bank acquisition. The loan recoveries initially increased the ACL, which subsequently resulted in the reversal of $1,620,000.

The following table details the ACL and ending gross loan balances as of September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, summarized by collective and individual evaluation methods of impairment.

The following tables present gross charge-offs for the three and nine-months ended September 30, 2024 by portfolio class and origination year:

Changes in the reserve for off-balance-sheet commitments for the three and nine-months ended September 30, 2024 were as follows:

The method for calculating the reserve for off-balance-sheet loan commitments is based on a historical funding rate applied to the undisbursed loan amount to estimate an average outstanding amount during the life of the loan commitment. Then, a historic loss rate as computed by our CECL model is applied to the estimated average outstanding balance to calculate the off-balance-sheet reserve amount. The funding rates, historic loss rates and resulting reserve amount for off-balance-sheet commitments are evaluated by management periodically as part of the CECL procedures. Reserves for off-balance-sheet commitments are recorded in interest payable and other liabilities on the condensed consolidated balance sheets.

At September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, loans carried at $1,075,136,000 and $1,016,579,000, respectively, were pledged as collateral on advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank.

NOTE 5—** FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS**

Fair values of financial instruments— The condensed consolidated financial statements include various estimated fair value information as of September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023. Such information, which pertains to the Company’s financial instruments, does not purport to represent the aggregate net fair value of the Company. Further, the fair value estimates are based on various assumptions, methodologies, and subjective considerations, which vary widely among different financial institutions and which are subject to change.

We determine the fair values of our financial instruments based on the fair value hierarchy established under applicable accounting guidance which requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value:

Level 1: Inputs to the valuation methodology are quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities in active markets.

Level 2: Inputs to the valuation methodology include quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets and inputs that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the financial instrument.

Level 3: Inputs to the valuation methodology are unobservable and significant to the fair value measurement.

In certain cases, the inputs used to measure fair value may fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy. In such cases, the level in the fair value hierarchy within which the fair value measurement in its entirety falls has been determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety. The Company’s assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement in its entirety requires judgment and considers factors specific to the asset or liability. Transfers between levels of the fair value hierarchy are recognized on the actual date of the event or circumstance that caused the transfer, which generally corresponds with the Company’s quarterly valuation process. There were no transfers between levels during the three and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2024 and 2023.

The estimated fair values of the Company’s financial instruments not measured at fair value as of September 30, 2024 were as follows:

The estimated fair values of the Company’s financial instruments not measured at fair value as of December 31, 2023 were as follows:

The following tables present the carrying value of recurring and nonrecurring financial instruments that were measured at fair value and that were still held in the condensed consolidated balance sheets at each respective period end, by level within the fair value hierarchy as of September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023.

Available-for-sale and equity securities* -*Investment securities are recorded at fair value on a recurring basis. Fair value measurement is based upon quoted market prices, if available. If quoted market prices are not available, fair values are measured using independent pricing models or other model-based valuation techniques such as the present value of future cash flows, adjusted for the security’s credit rating, prepayment assumptions, and other factors such as credit loss assumptions. Level 1 securities include those traded on an active exchange, such as the New York Stock Exchange, U.S. Treasury securities that are traded by dealers or brokers in active over-the-counter markets and money market funds. Level 2 securities include mortgage-backed securities issued by government sponsored entities, municipal bonds and corporate debt securities. Securities classified as Level 3 include asset-backed securities in less liquid markets where significant inputs are unobservable.

Loans Evaluated Individually - The Company does not record portfolio loans at fair value on a recurring basis. However, periodically, a loan is evaluated individually and is reported at the fair value of the underlying collateral, less estimated costs to sell, if repayment is expected solely from the collateral. If the collateral value is not sufficient, a specific reserve is recorded. Collateral values are estimated using a combination of observable inputs, including recent appraisals, and unobservable inputs based on customized discounting criteria. Due to the significance of unobservable inputs, fair values of individually evaluated collateral dependent loans have been classified as Level 3.

There have been no significant changes in the valuation techniques during the three and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2024.

NOTE 6–** EARNINGS PER SHARE**

Earnings per share (“EPS”) are based upon the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during each year. The following table shows: (1) weighted average basic shares, (2) effect of dilutive securities related to non-vested restricted stock, and (3) weighted average shares of common stock and common stock equivalents. Net income available to common stockholders is calculated as net income reduced by dividends accumulated on preferred stock, if any. Basic EPS is calculated by dividing net income available to common stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during each period, excluding unvested restricted stock awards. Diluted EPS is calculated using the weighted average diluted shares, which reflects the potential dilution that could occur if securities or other contracts to issue common stock were exercised or converted into common stock. The dilutive shares included in year-to-date diluted EPS is a weighted average of the dilutive shares included in each quarterly diluted EPS computation under the treasury stock method. The Company hastwo forms of outstanding common stock: fully vested common stock and unvested restricted stock awards. Holders of restricted stock awards receive non-forfeitable dividends at the same rate as common stockholders and they both share equally in undistributed earnings. Therefore, under the two-class method the difference in EPS is not significant for these participating securities.

The Company’s calculation of basic and diluted EPS for the three and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2024 and 2023 are reflected in the tables below.