OP Bancorp
For the period ended Dec 31, 2024. Filed Mar 28, 2025.
View on SEC.govAbout this filing
A company's yearly report to the SEC, with audited financial statements. It is the fullest account a company gives of its business, its finances and the risks it sees.
FY2024 · Filed Mar 28, 2025
Extracted filing text, with the paragraph anchors used by the comparison.
See the whole filing, with its images and exhibitsContents
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Note 1. Business and Basis of Presentation
OP Bancorp ("Company") is a California corporation and bank holding company for Open Bank (“Bank”). The Company commenced operation as a bank holding company on June 1, 2016, and substantially all of its assets, operations and business are owned and conducted through the Bank. The Bank is a California state-chartered and Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation ("FDIC")-insured financial institution, which began its operations on June 10, 2005. Headquartered in downtown Los Angeles, California, Open Bank operates primarily in the traditional banking business arena that includes accepting deposits and making loans and investments. Open Bank's primary deposit products are demand and time deposits, and the primary lending products are commercial business loans to small to medium sized businesses. OP Bancorp is operating with eleven full-service branches located in California, Washington, Nevada and Texas, andfive loan production offices located in California, Georgia, Washington, Colorado, and Virginia.
Basis of Presentation: The consolidated financial statements of the Company have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”).
Use of Estimates: To prepare financial statements in conformity with GAAP, management makes estimates and assumptions based on available information. These estimates and assumptions affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and the disclosures provided, and actual results could differ.
Concentration of Risk: Most of the Company’s customers are located within Los Angeles County and the surrounding area. The concentration of loans originated in this area may subject the Company to the risk of adverse impacts of economic, regulatory or other developments that could occur in Southern California. The Company has significant concentration in commercial real estate loans. The Company obtains what it believes to be sufficient collateral to secure potential losses. The extent and value of the collateral obtained varies based upon the details underlying each loan agreement.
Segments: Our chief operating decision maker (“CODM”), the Chief Executive Officer, manages the Company’s business activities asone single operating and reportable segment at the consolidated level. Accordingly, our CODM uses consolidated net income to measure segment profit or loss, allocate resources and assess performance. Further, the CODM reviews and utilizes net interest income, noninterest income and noninterest expenses (compensation and benefits, information services, occupancy and general, administrative and other) at the consolidated level to manage the Company’s operations.
Cash Flows: Cash and cash equivalents include cash, deposits with other financial institutions with original maturities less than 90 days, and federal funds sold. Net cash flows are reported for customer loan and deposit transactions.
Securities: Securities are classified as held to maturity and carried at amortized cost when management has the positive intent and ability to hold them to maturity. Securities are classified as available-for-sale when they might be sold before maturity. Securities available for sale are carried at fair value, with unrealized holding gains and losses reported in other comprehensive income, net of tax. Interest income includes amortization of purchase premium or discount. Premiums and discounts on securities are amortized on the level-yield method without anticipating prepayments. Gains and losses on sales are recorded on the trade date and determined using the specific identification method.
Securities available for sale are measured at fair value and are subject to impairment testing. For securities available for sale in an unrealized loss position, management evaluates whether the decline in fair value has resulted in from a credit-related loss or other factors. In making this assessment, management considers the extent to which fair value is less than amortized cost, any changes to the rating of the security by a rating agency, and adverse conditions specifically related to the security, among other factors. Management (1) recognizes an allowance for credit losses by a charge to earnings for the credit-related component of the decline in fair value, and (2) recognize in other comprehensive income (loss) any non-credit related components of the fair value decline. If the amount of the amortized cost basis expected to be recovered increases in a future period, the valuation reserve would be reduced, but not more than the amount of the current existing reserve for that security. The Company does not recognize a separate allowance for expected credit losses for accrued interest receivable and records reversals of accrued interest receivable as reductions of interest income.
Other Investments: Other investments includes the followings: (i) Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”) Stock - the Bank is a member of the FHLB system. Members are required to own a certain amount of stock based on the level of borrowings and other factors, and may invest in additional amounts. FHLB stock is carried at cost, classified as a restricted security, and periodically evaluated for impairment based on ultimate recovery of par value. Both cash and stock dividends are reported as income; (ii) Pacific Coast Bankers Bank (“PCBB”) Stock - the Bank is a member of PCBB. PCBB stock is carried at cost, classified as a restricted security, and periodically evaluated for impairment based on ultimate recovery of par value. Both cash and stock dividends are reported as income; and (iii) the Company’s investment in a mutual fund to satisfy the Company’s requirements under the Community Reinvestment Act (“CRA”). CRA mutual fund is reported at fair value. Unrealized gains and losses on a CRA fund are recognized in other income in the Consolidated Statements of Income.
Loans Held for Sale: Certain Small Business Administration (“SBA”) loans that may be sold prior to maturity are designated as held for sale at origination and are recorded at the lower of their cost or fair value less costs to sell, determined on an aggregate basis. A valuation allowance is established if the market value of such loans is lower than their cost, and operations are charged or credited for valuation adjustments. Origination fees on loans held for sale, net of certain costs of processing and closing the loans, are deferred until the time of sale and are included in the computation of the gain or loss from the sales of the related loans. A portion of the premium on sale of SBA loans is recognized as gains on sales of loans at the time of the sale. These loans are generally sold with servicing retained.
Loans Receivable: Loans that management has the intent and ability to hold for the foreseeable future or until maturity or payoff are reported at the principal balance outstanding, net of deferred loan fees and costs and an allowance for credit losses. Interest income is accrued on the unpaid principal balance. Loan origination fees, net of certain direct origination costs, are deferred and recognized in interest income using the level-yield method without anticipating prepayments. The recorded investment in loans includes accrued interest receivable, deferred loan fees and costs, and unearned income.
The accrual of interest income on commercial real estate and other commercial and industrial loans is discontinued at the time the loan is 90 days delinquent unless the loan is well-secured and in process of collection. Consumer loans are typically charged off no later than 120 days past due. Past due status is based on the contractual terms of the loan. In all cases, loans are placed on nonaccrual status or charged-off at an earlier date if collection of principal or interest is considered doubtful. Nonaccrual loans and loans past due 90 days still on accrual include both smaller balance homogeneous loans that are collectively evaluated for impairment and individually classified impaired loans.
All interest accrued but not received for loans placed on nonaccrual status is reversed against interest income. Interest received on such loans is accounted for on the cash-basis or cost-recovery method, until qualifying for return to accrual. Loans are returned to accrual status when all the principal and interest amounts contractually due are brought current and future payments are reasonably assured.
Allowance for Credit Losses: The Company employs a modeled approach that takes into account current and future economic conditions to estimate lifetime expected losses on a collective basis. With the adoption of Current Expected Credit Losses, the Company elected not to consider accrued interest receivable in its estimated credit losses because the Company writes off uncollectible accrued interest receivable in a timely manner. The Company considers writing off accrued interest amounts once the amounts become 90 days past due to be considered within a timely manner. The Company has elected to write off accrued interest receivable by reversing interest income. The Company uses transition matrices to develop the Probability of Default ("PD") and Loss Given Default ("LGD") approach, incorporating quantitative factors and qualitative considerations in the calculation of the allowance for credit losses for collectively assessed loans. The model provides forecasts of PD and LGD based on national unemployment rates using regression analysis. The Company incorporates future economic conditions using a weighted multiple scenario approach: baseline and adverse. The Company applies a reasonable and supportable period ofone year for the baseline scenario andtwo years for the adverse scenario, after which loss assumptions revert to historical loss information through aone-year reversion period for the baseline scenario and atwo-year reversion period for the adverse scenario. Additionally, the Company aggregated loan portfolio based on similar risk characteristic. The Company does not recognize a separate allowance for expected credit losses for accrued interest receivable and records reversals of accrued interest receivable as reductions of interest income. The Company reverses previously accrued but uncollected interest when an asset is placed on nonaccrual status. Accrued interest receivable and the related allowance for expected credit losses is included as a component of other assets. The Company uses the Call Report codes and loan risk ratings for loan segmentation in allowance for credit losses.
In order to quantify the credit risk impact of other trends and changes within the loan portfolio, the Company utilizes qualitative adjustments to the modeled estimated loss approaches. Included in the qualitative portion of our analysis of the allowance for credit losses are key inputs including GDP, unemployment rates, interest rates, asset quality ratios, loan portfolio concentration, California house price index and commercial real estate price index. The parameters for making adjustments are established under a Credit Risk Matrix that provides different possible scenarios for each of the factors listed below. The Credit Risk Matrix and the possible scenarios enable the Bank to qualitatively adjust the loss rates. This matrix considers the following nine factors, which are patterned after the guidelines provided under the Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council Interagency Policy Statement on the Allowance for Credit Losses, updated to reflect the adoption of Current Expected Credit Losses:
Changes in lending policies and procedures, including changes in underwriting standards and practices for collection, charge-offs, and recoveries;
Actual and expected changes in national and local economic and business conditions and developments in which the institution operates that affect the collectivity of loans;
Changes in the nature and volume of the loan portfolio;
Changes in the experience, ability, and depth of lending management and staff;
Changes in the volume and severity of past due loans, the volume of nonaccrual loans, and the volume and severity of adversely classified loans;
Changes in the quality of the credit review function;
Changes in the value of the underlying collateral for loans that are not collateral-dependent;
The existence, growth, and effect of any concentrations of credit, and
The effect of other external factors, such as the regulatory, legal and technological environments; competition; and events such as natural disasters.
The Company segments loans primarily by Call Report codes (collateral type) and loan risk ratings, considering that the same type of loans share considerable similar risk characteristics. For loans that do not share similar risk characteristics such as nonaccrual loans above $500 thousand, the Company evaluates these loans on an individual basis in accordance with ASC 326. Such nonaccrual loans are considered to have different risk profiles than performing loans and are therefore evaluated individually. The Company elected to collectively assess nonaccrual loans with balances below $500 thousand along with the performing and accrual loans, in order to reduce the operational burden of individually assessing small nonaccrual loans with immaterial balances. For individually assessed loans, the allowance for credit losses is measured using either 1) the present value of future cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate; or 2) the fair value of the collateral, if the loan is collateral-dependent. For the collateral-dependent loans, the Company obtains a new appraisal to determine the fair value of collateral. The appraisals are based on an “as-is” valuation. To ensure that appraised values remain current, the Company obtains updated appraisals every twelve months from a qualified independent appraiser. If the fair value of the collateral is less than the amortized balance of the loan, the Company recognizes an allowance for credit losses with a corresponding charge to the provision for credit losses.
The Company maintains a separate allowance for credit losses for its off-balance sheet commitments. The Company uses an estimated funding rate to allocate an allowance to undrawn exposures. This funding rate is used as a credit conversion factor to capture how much undrawn lines of credit can potentially become drawn at any point. The funding rate is determined based on a look-back period of 8 quarters. Credit loss is not estimated for off-balance sheet commitments that are unconditionally cancellable by the Company.
Servicing Assets: When SBA loans are sold with servicing retained, servicing assets are initially recorded at fair value with the income statement effect recorded in gains on sales of loans. Fair value is based on a valuation model that calculates the present value of estimated future net servicing income. The valuation model incorporates assumptions that market participants would use in estimating future net servicing income, such as the cost to service, the discount rate, prepayment speeds, and default rates and losses. The Company compares the valuation model inputs and results to published industry data in order to validate the model results and assumptions. Servicing assets are subsequently measured using the amortization method which requires servicing assets to be amortized into noninterest income in proportion to, and over the period of, the estimated future net servicing income of the underlying loans.
Servicing assets are evaluated for impairment based upon the fair value of the assets as compared to their carrying amount. Impairment is recognized through a valuation allowance to the extent that fair value is less than the carrying amount. If the Company later determines that all or a portion of the impairment no longer exists, a reduction of the valuation allowance may be recorded as an increase to income. Changes in the valuation allowances are reported with other income on the income statement. The fair values of servicing rights are subject to fluctuations as a result of changes in estimated and actual prepayment speeds, default rates, and losses.
Servicing fee income, which is reported on the income statement as other income, is recorded for fees earned for servicing loans. The fees are based on a contractual percentage of the outstanding principal and are recorded as income when earned. The amortization of servicing assets is netted against loan servicing fee income. Late fees and ancillary fees related to loan servicing are not material.
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities: FASB ASC 815, Derivatives and Hedging (“ASC 815”), provides the disclosure requirements for derivatives and hedging activities with the intent to provide users of financial statements with an enhanced understanding of: (a) how and why an entity uses derivative instruments, (b) how the entity accounts for derivative instruments and related hedged items, and (c) how derivative instruments and related hedged items affect an entity’s financial position, financial performance, and cash flows. Further, qualitative disclosures are required that explain the Company’s objectives and strategies for using derivatives, as well as quantitative disclosures about the fair value of and gains and losses on derivative instruments, and disclosures about credit-risk-related contingent features in derivative instruments.
As required by ASC 815, the Company records all derivatives on the balance sheet at fair value. The accounting for changes in the fair value of derivatives depends on the intended use of the derivative, whether the Company has elected to designate a derivative in a hedging relationship and apply hedge accounting and whether the hedging relationship has satisfied the criteria necessary to apply hedge accounting. Derivatives designated and qualifying as a hedge of the exposure to changes in the fair value of an asset, liability, or firm commitment attributable to a particular risk, such as interest rate risk, are considered fair value hedges. Derivatives designated and qualifying as a hedge of the exposure to variability in expected future cash flows, or other types of forecasted transactions, are considered cash flow hedges. Hedge accounting generally provides for the matching of the timing of gain or loss recognition on the hedging instrument with the recognition of the changes in the fair value of the hedged asset or liability that are attributable to the hedged risk in a fair value hedge or the earnings effect of the hedged forecasted transactions in a cash flow hedge. The Company may enter into derivative contracts that are intended to economically hedge certain of its risk, even though hedge accounting does not apply, or the Company elects not to apply hedge accounting. For a fair value hedge, the gain or loss on the derivative, as well as the offsetting loss or gain on the hedged item attributable to the hedged risk, are recognized in current earnings as fair values change. For a cash flow hedge, the gain or loss on the derivative is reported in other comprehensive income and is reclassified into earnings in the same period during which the hedged transaction affects earnings. Changes in fair value of derivatives not designated are reported currently in earnings, as non-interest income.
The Company discontinues hedge accounting when it determines that the derivative is no longer effective in offsetting changes in the fair value or cash flows of the hedged item, the derivative is settled or terminates, a hedged forecasted transaction is no longer probable, a hedged firm commitment is no longer firm, or treatment of the derivative as a hedge is no longer appropriate or intended. When hedge accounting is discontinued, subsequent changes in fair value of the derivative are recorded as non-interest income. When a fair value hedge is discontinued, the hedged asset or liability is no longer adjusted for changes in fair value and the existing basis adjustment is amortized or accreted over the remaining life of the asset or liability. When a cash flow hedge is discontinued but the hedged cash flows or forecasted transactions are still expected to occur, gains or losses that were accumulated in other comprehensive income are amortized into earnings over the same periods which the hedged transactions will affect earnings.
In accordance with the FASB’s fair value measurement guidance in Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2011-04, the Company made an accounting policy election to measure the credit risk of its derivative financial instruments that are subject to master netting agreements on a net basis by counterparty portfolio.
Company Owned Life Insurance: The Company has purchased life insurance policies on certain key executives. Company owned life insurance is recorded at the amount that can be realized under the insurance contract at the balance sheet date, which is the cash surrender value adjusted for other charges or other amounts due that are probable at settlement.
Transfers of Financial Assets: Transfers of financial assets are accounted for as sales when control over the assets has been relinquished. Control over transferred assets is deemed to be surrendered when the assets have been isolated from the Company, the transferee obtains the right (free of conditions that constrain it from taking advantage of that right) to pledge or exchange the transferred assets, and the Company does not maintain effective control over the transferred assets through an agreement to repurchase them before their maturity.
Premises and Equipment: Premises and equipment are stated at cost, less accumulated depreciation. Equipment and furnishings are depreciated over 3 to 10 years, and leasehold improvements are amortized over the lesser of the terms of the respective leases or the estimated useful lives. The straight-line method of depreciation is used for financial reporting purposes. Repairs and maintenance are charged to operating expenses as incurred.
Other Real Estate Owned ("OREO"): Real estate acquired by foreclosure or deed in lieu of foreclosure is recorded at fair value at the date of foreclosure, establishing a new cost basis by a charge to the allowance for credit losses, if necessary. Other real estate owned is carried at the lower of our carrying value of the property or its fair value, less estimated carrying costs and costs of disposition. Fair value is based on current appraisals less estimated selling costs. Any subsequent write-downs are charged against operating expenses and recognized as a valuation allowance. Operating expenses and related income of such properties and gains and losses on their disposition are included in other income or expenses.
Operating Lease Right of Use ("ROU') Assets and Lease Liabilities: The ROU assets and lease liabilities are recognized based on the present value of the future minimum lease payments over the lease term at commencement date. The lease terms include periods covered by options to extend or terminate the lease if we are reasonably certain to exercise such options. We use our incremental borrowing rate to determine the present value of our lease liabilities, and we do not recognize ROU assets or lease liabilities for short-term leases.
We determine if a contract arrangement is a lease at inception and we primarily enter into operating lease contracts for our branch locations, office space, and certain equipment. Lease expense for lease payments is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term. We did not possess any leases that have variable lease payments or residual value guarantees as of December 31, 2024.
Loan Commitments and Related Financial Instruments: Financial instruments include off-balance sheet credit instruments, such as commitments to make loans and commercial letters of credit, issued to meet customer financing needs. The face amount for these items represents the exposure to loss, before considering customer collateral or ability to repay. Such financial instruments are recorded when they are funded.
Low Income Housing Partnership Investments: The Company records the low income housing partnership investments, net of amortization, using the proportional amortization method and the Company reports it to other assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The Company recognizes tax credits in income tax expense on the Consolidated Statement of Income. The commitments to fund the low income housing partnership investments are also recorded and included to other liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The Company utilizes the year to date tax credits on the Company’s income tax returns for the year.
Stock-Based Compensation: Compensation cost is recognized for stock options and restricted stock awards issued to employees based on the fair value of the awards at the date of grant. A Black-Scholes model is utilized to estimate the fair value of stock options, while the market price of the Company’s common stock at the date of the grant is used for restricted stock awards. Compensation cost is recognized over the required service period, generally defined as the vesting period. For awards with graded vesting, compensation cost is recognized on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period for the entire award.
Earnings per Common Share: Basic and diluted earnings per share ("EPS") is based on the two-class method prescribed in ASC Topic 260, Earnings Per Share (ASC 260). Stock options and restricted stock awards are considered outstanding for this calculation unless unearned. Diluted earnings per common share includes the dilutive effect of additional potential common shares issuable under stock-based compensation plans. Earnings and dividends per share are restated for all stock splits and stock dividends through the date of issuance of the financial statements.
Income Taxes: Income tax expense is the total of the current year income tax due or refundable and the change in deferred tax assets and liabilities. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are the expected future tax amounts for the temporary differences between carrying amounts and tax bases of assets and liabilities, computed using enacted tax rates. A valuation allowance, if needed, reduces deferred tax assets to the amount expected to be realized.
A tax position is recognized as a benefit only if it is “more likely than not” that the tax position would be sustained in a tax examination, with a tax examination being presumed to occur. The amount recognized is the largest amount of tax benefit that is greater than 50% likely of being realized on examination. For tax positions not meeting the “more likely than not” test, no tax benefit is recorded. The Company does not expect the total amount of unrecognized tax benefits to significantly increase or decrease in the next twelve months.
The Company recognizes interest and/or penalties related to income tax matters in income tax expense. There wereno interest or penalties recognized in the years ended December 31, 2024 or 2023.
Comprehensive Income: Comprehensive income consists of net income and other comprehensive income. Other comprehensive income includes unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale ("AFS") debt securities, which are also recognized as separate components of shareholders’ equity, net of tax.
Loss Contingencies: Loss contingencies, including claims and legal actions arising in the ordinary course of business, are recorded as liabilities when the likelihood of loss is probable and an amount or range of loss can be reasonably estimated. Management does not believe there now are such matters that will have a material effect on the financial statements.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments: Fair values of financial instruments are estimated using relevant market information and other assumptions, as more fully disclosed in Note 13—Fair Value of Financial Instruments. Fair value estimates involve uncertainties and matters of significant judgment regarding interest rates, credit risk, prepayments, and other factors, especially in the absence of broad markets for particular items. Changes in assumptions or in market conditions could significantly affect these estimates.
New Accounting Pronouncements Adopted
Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2016-13, Financial Instruments — Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments. The Company adopted ASU 2016-13 using a modified retrospective approach on January 1, 2023 without electing the fair value option on eligible financial instruments under ASU 2019-05. The Company replaced the current incurred loss accounting model with the Current Expected Credit Losses ("CECL") approach for financial instruments measured at amortized cost and other commitments to extend credit. CECL requires the immediate recognition of estimated credit losses expected to occur over the estimated remaining life of the asset. The forward-looking concept of CECL requires loss estimates to consider historical experience, current conditions and reasonable and supportable forecasts.
The adoption of this ASU increased the allowance for credit losses by $1.9 million and allowance for off-balance sheet commitments by $184 thousand. The Company also recorded a deferred tax assets of $624 thousand and a decrease to opening retained earnings of $1.5 million on January 1, 2023. The increase to allowance for credit losses was primarily longer duration of home mortgage loans, offset primarily by shorter duration of commercial and industrial ("C&I") loans. The Company did not record an allowance for credit losses on the Company’s available-for-sale debt securities as a result of this adoption. Disclosures for periods after January 1, 2023 are presented in accordance with ASC 326 while prior period amounts continue to be reported in accordance with previously applicable standards and the accounting policies.
The following table illustrates the impact of ASU 2016-13:
| January 1, 2023, Adoption Date | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| ($ in thousands) | As Reported | Pre-ASU 2016-13 | Impact |
| Assets: | |||
| Loans: | |||
| Commercial real estate | $7,826 | $6,951 | $875 |
| SBA—real estate | 1,369 | 1,607 | (238) |
| SBA—non-real estate | 65 | 207 | (142) |
| C&I | 1,323 | 1,643 | (320) |
| Home mortgage | 10,579 | 8,826 | 1,753 |
| Consumer | 3 | 7 | (4) |
| Allowance for credit losses on loans | $21,165 | $19,241 | $1,924 |
| Liabilities: | |||
| Allowance for credit losses on off-balance sheet commitments | $446 | $262 | $184 |
FASB issued ASU 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. The Company adopted ASU 2022-02 on January 1, 2023, and the adoption of ASU 2022-02 did not have a significant impact on its consolidated financial statements.
FASB ASU No. 2023-02 -Investments - Equity Method and Joint Ventures (Topic 323): Accounting for Investments in Tax Credit Structures Using the Proportional Amortization Method. This ASU permits reporting entities to elect to account for tax equity investments, regardless of the tax credit program for which the income tax credits are received, using the proportional amortization method if certain conditions are met. Under the proportional amortization method, an entity amortizes the initial cost of the investment in proportion to the income tax credits and other income tax benefits received and recognizes the net amortization and income tax credits and other income tax benefits in the Statement of Income as a component of income tax expense. A reporting entity makes 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. The Company adopted ASU No. 2023-02 on January 1, 2024, and the adoption did not have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.
FASB ASU No. 2023-07 -Segment Reporting (Topic 280): Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures. This expands disclosures about a public entity’s reportable segments and requires more enhanced information about a reportable segment’s expenses, interim segment profit or loss, and how a public entity’s chief operating decision maker uses reported segment profit or loss information in assessing segment performance and allocating resources. ASU 2023-07 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023 and interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024 and should be applied retrospectively. The Company adopted ASU 2023-07 in 2024 and it did not have an impact on the Company's financial position or results of operation as it impacts disclosures only.
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncement under Evaluation
FASB ASU No. 2023-09 -Income Taxes (Topic 740): Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures. This ASU amends the disclosure requirements for income taxes, including the requirement for further disaggregation of the income tax rate reconciliation and income taxes paid disclosures. The amendments in this guidance must be applied prospectively, with the option to apply retrospectively. This guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this new standard on its consolidated financial statements and the adoption is not expected to have a significant impact on the consolidated financial statements.
Note 2. Securities
The following table summarizes the amortized cost, the corresponding amounts of gross unrealized gains and losses, and estimated fair value of available-for-sale ("AFS") debt securities as of December 31, 2024 and 2023:
| ($ in thousands) | AmortizedCost | GrossUnrealizedGain | GrossUnrealizedLoss | FairValue |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| U.S. Government agencies or sponsored agency securities: | ||||
| Residential mortgage-backed securities | $41,521 | $— | $(4,445) | $37,076 |
| Residential collateralized mortgage obligations | 160,187 | 312 | (17,458) | 143,041 |
| Municipal securities - tax exempt | 5,830 | 37 | (75) | 5,792 |
| Total AFS debt securities | $207,538 | $349 | $(21,978) | $185,909 |
| ($ in thousands) | AmortizedCost | GrossUnrealizedGain | GrossUnrealizedLoss | FairValue |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| U.S. Government agencies or sponsored agency securities: | ||||
| Residential mortgage-backed securities | $48,318 | $— | $(4,441) | $43,877 |
| Residential collateralized mortgage obligations | 162,142 | 67 | (17,750) | 144,459 |
| Municipal securities - tax exempt | 5,726 | 189 | (1) | 5,914 |
| Total AFS debt securities | $216,186 | $256 | $(22,192) | $194,250 |
There wereno sales of AFS debt securities during the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023.
The amortized cost and estimated fair value of AFS debt securities as of December 31, 2024, by contractual maturity, are shown below:
| ($ in thousands) | Amortized Cost | Fair Value |
|---|---|---|
| One year or less | $22 | $22 |
| After one year through five years | 1,172 | 1,134 |
| After five years through ten years | 2,817 | 2,577 |
| After ten years | 203,527 | 182,176 |
| Total AFS debt securities | $207,538 | $185,909 |
Expected maturities may differ from contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties. As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, there were no holdings of securities of any one issuer, other than the U.S. Government and its agencies, in an amount greater than 10% of shareholders’ equity.
The following table presents the fair value and the associated gross unrealized losses on AFS debt securities by length of time those individual securities in each category have been in a continuous loss as of December 31, 2024 and 2023:
| Less Than 12 Months | 12 Months or Longer | Total | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ($ in thousands) | Fair Value | UnrealizedLoss | Fair Value | UnrealizedLoss | Fair Value | UnrealizedLoss |
| U.S. Government agencies or sponsored agency securities: | ||||||
| Residential mortgage-backed securities | $5,442 | $(133) | $31,634 | $(4,312) | $37,076 | $(4,445) |
| Residential collateralized mortgage obligations | 27,614 | (214) | 93,236 | (17,244) | 120,850 | (17,458) |
| Municipal securities - tax exempt | 895 | (19) | 1,788 | (56) | 2,683 | (75) |
| Total AFS debt securities | $33,951 | $(366) | $126,658 | $(21,612) | $160,609 | $(21,978) |
| Less Than 12 Months | 12 Months or Longer | Total | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ($ in thousands) | Fair Value | UnrealizedLoss | Fair Value | UnrealizedLoss | Fair Value | UnrealizedLoss |
| U.S. Government agencies or sponsored agency securities: | ||||||
| Residential mortgage-backed securities | $6,488 | $(59) | $37,389 | $(4,382) | $43,877 | $(4,441) |
| Residential collateralized mortgage obligations | 25,439 | (177) | 105,963 | (17,573) | 131,402 | (17,750) |
| Municipal securities - tax exempt | 1,842 | (1) | — | — | 1,842 | (1) |
| Total AFS debt securities | $33,769 | $(237) | $143,352 | $(21,955) | $177,121 | $(22,192) |
Available-for-sale debt securities are measured at fair value and are subject to impairment testing. A security is impaired if the fair value of the security is less than its amortized cost basis. When an available-for-sale debt security is considered impaired, the Company must determine if the decline in fair value has resulted from a credit-related loss or other factors and then, (1) recognize an allowance for credit losses by a charge to earnings for the credit-related component of the decline in fair value, and (2) recognize in other comprehensive income (loss) any non-credit related components of the fair value decline. If the amount of the amortized cost basis expected to be recovered increases in a future period, the valuation reserve would be reduced, but not more than the amount of the current existing reserve for that security.
As of December 31, 2024, the Company's AFS debt securities consisted of 90 securities, of which 84 were in an unrealized loss position.
The unrealized losses from the decline in fair value is attributable to changes in interest rates, and not credit quality. The issuers of the AFS debt securities are of high credit quality. Approximately 97% of the AFS debt securities are residential mortgage-backed securities and residential collateralized mortgage obligations that were issued by U.S. government-sponsored agencies, such as Ginnie Mae, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. The remaining 3% of the AFS debt securities are tax-exempt municipal securities.
All securities are performing and the Company believes that the unrealized losses presented in the previous tables are temporary and no credit losses are expected. As a result, the Company expects full collection of the carrying amount of these securities, does not intend to sell the securities in an unrealized loss position, and it was more-likely-than-not the Company will not have to sell these securities prior to recovery of amortized cost. Accordingly, for available-for-sale debt securities, the Company did not have allowance for credit losses as of December 31, 2024 and 2023.
As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, there wereno pledged securities to secure public deposits, borrowing and letters of credit from the Federal Home Loan Bank System ("FHLB") and the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, and for other purposes required or permitted by law.
The following table presents the other investments, which are included in other investments on the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2024 and 2023:
| December 31, | ||
|---|---|---|
| ($ in thousands) | 2024 | 2023 |
| FHLB stock | $12,615 | $12,528 |
| Pacific Coast Bankers Bank ("PCBB") stock | 190 | 190 |
| Mutual fund - Community Reinvestment Act ("CRA") qualified | 3,532 | 3,463 |
| Time deposits placed in other banks | 100 | 95 |
| Total other investments | $16,437 | $16,276 |
The Company has equity investment in a mutual fund with readily determinable fair value of $3.5 million as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, which is measured at fair value with changes in fair value recorded in net income. The Company invested in the mutual fund for CRA purposes. For the mutual fund, the Company recorded unrealized losses of $32 thousand and unrealized gains of $48 thousand for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. The unrealized gains (losses) of the mutual fund are included in other income in the consolidated statements of income.
Note 3. Loans and Allowance for Credit Losses on Loans
The following table presents the composition of the loan portfolio as of December 31, 2024 and 2023:
| December 31, | ||
|---|---|---|
| ($ in thousands) | 2024 | 2023 |
| Commercial real estate | $980,247 | $885,585 |
| SBA—real estate | 231,962 | 224,695 |
| SBA—non-real estate | 21,748 | 14,997 |
| C&I | 213,097 | 120,970 |
| Home mortgage | 509,524 | 518,024 |
| Consumer | 274 | 1,574 |
| Gross loans receivable | 1,956,852 | 1,765,845 |
| Allowance for credit losses | (24,796) | (21,993) |
| Loans receivable, net(1) | $1,932,056 | $1,743,852 |
(1)Includes net deferred loan fees and net unamortized discounts of $702 thousand as of December 31, 2024 and net deferred loan costs and net unamortized premiums of $140 thousand as of December 31, 2023.
No loans were outstanding to related parties as of December 31, 2024 and 2023.
The following table summarizes the activity in the allowance for credit losses on loans by portfolio segment for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022:
| ($ in thousands) | CommercialReal Estate | SBA—Real Estate | SBA —Non-Real Estate | C&I | Home Mortgage | Consumer | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Balance as of January 1, 2022 | $8,150 | $2,022 | $199 | $2,848 | $2,891 | $13 | $16,123 |
| Provision for (reversal of) credit losses | (1,199) | (409) | 66 | (1,205) | 5,935 | (7) | 3,181 |
| Charge-offs | — | (14) | (127) | — | — | — | (141) |
| Recoveries | — | 8 | 69 | — | — | 1 | 78 |
| Balance as of December 31, 2022 | 6,951 | 1,607 | 207 | 1,643 | 8,826 | 7 | 19,241 |
| Impact of CECL adoption | 875 | (238) | (142) | (320) | 1,753 | (4) | 1,924 |
| Provision for (reversal of) credit losses | 723 | 321 | 73 | (11) | 466 | 10 | 1,582 |
| Charge-offs | (686) | (46) | (35) | (97) | — | — | (864) |
| Recoveries | 52 | 13 | 44 | — | — | 1 | 110 |
| Balance as of December 31, 2023 | 7,915 | 1,657 | 147 | 1,215 | 11,045 | 14 | 21,993 |
| Provision for (reversal of) credit losses | 1,375 | 3,966 | 271 | 673 | (3,361) | (11) | 2,913 |
| Charge-offs | — | (66) | (27) | (44) | — | — | (137) |
| Recoveries | — | — | 27 | — | — | — | 27 |
| Balance as of December 31, 2024 | $9,290 | $5,557 | $418 | $1,844 | $7,684 | $3 | $24,796 |
Collateral-dependent loans are loans where repayment is expected to be provided solely by the sale of the underlying collateral and there are no other available and reliable sources of repayment. The estimated credit losses for these loans are based on the collateral’s fair value less selling costs. In most cases, the Company records a partial charge-off to reduce the loan’s carrying value to the collateral’s fair value less selling costs at the time of foreclosure.
As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, there were $7.7 million and $5.2 million, respectively, of collateral-dependent loans which are primarily secured by SBA—real estate and residential real estate. The allowance for credit losses allocated to these loans as of December 31, 2024 and 2023 was $1.2 million and $355 thousand, respectively.
The following table represents the amortized cost basis of collateral-dependent loans by class of loans as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, for which repayment is expected to be obtained through the sale of the underlying collateral.
| ($ in thousands) | Hotel / Motel | Retail | Single-Family Residential | Total(1) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Commercial real estate | $1,580 | $363 | $— | $1,943 |
| SBA—real estate | 3,702 | 2,006 | — | 5,708 |
| Total | $5,282 | $2,369 | $— | $7,651 |
| SBA—real estate | $2,923 | $— | $— | $2,923 |
| Home mortgage | — | — | 2,241 | 2,241 |
| Total | $2,923 | $— | $2,241 | $5,164 |
(1)Excludes guaranteed portion of SBA loans of $15.2 million as of December 31, 2024. There wasno guaranteed portion of SBA loans asof December 31, 2023.
The following table presents the recorded investment in nonaccrual loans and loans past due 90 or more days and still accruing interest, by portfolio as of December 31, 2024 and 2023:
| ($ in thousands) | Nonaccrual Loans with a Related Allowance for Credit Losses | Nonaccrual Loans without a Related Allowance for Credit Losses | Total Nonaccrual Loans | 90 or MoreDaysPast Due &Still Accruing | Total(1) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Commercial real estate | $363 | $1,580 | $1,943 | $— | $1,943 |
| SBA—real estate | 2,006 | 3,702 | 5,708 | — | 5,708 |
| SBA—non-real estate | 169 | — | 169 | — | 169 |
| Total | $2,538 | $5,282 | $7,820 | $— | $7,820 |
| SBA—real estate | $2,302 | $1,136 | $3,438 | $— | $3,438 |
| SBA—non-real estate | 154 | — | 154 | — | 154 |
| Home mortgage | 249 | 2,241 | 2,490 | — | 2,490 |
| Total | $2,705 | $3,377 | $6,082 | $— | $6,082 |
(1)Excludes guaranteed portion of loans of $16.3 million and $2.0 million as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
Nonaccrual loans and loans past due 90 or more days and still accruing interest include both homogeneous loans that are collectively and individually evaluated for impairment and individually classified impaired loans.
The following table represents the aging analysis of the recorded investment in past due loans as of December 31, 2024 and 2023:
| ($ in thousands) | 30-59 DaysPast Due | 60-89 DaysPast Due | > 90 DaysPast Due | TotalPast Due(1) | Loans NotPast Due | Total(2) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Commercial real estate | $— | $— | $362 | $362 | $979,885 | $980,247 |
| SBA—real estate | 237 | 75 | 2,006 | 2,318 | 229,644 | 231,962 |
| SBA—non-real estate | 254 | 138 | 2 | 394 | 21,354 | 21,748 |
| C&I | 15 | — | — | 15 | 213,082 | 213,097 |
| Home mortgage | 2,774 | 5,594 | — | 8,368 | 501,156 | 509,524 |
| Consumer | — | — | — | — | 274 | 274 |
| Total | $3,280 | $5,807 | $2,370 | $11,457 | $1,945,395 | $1,956,852 |
| Commercial real estate | $— | $— | $— | $— | $885,585 | $885,585 |
| SBA—real estate | 1,868 | 932 | 1,983 | 4,783 | 219,912 | 224,695 |
| SBA—non-real estate | 154 | — | — | 154 | 14,843 | 14,997 |
| C&I | — | — | — | — | 120,970 | 120,970 |
| Home mortgage | 4,076 | 2,730 | 2,491 | 9,297 | 508,727 | 518,024 |
| Consumer | — | — | — | — | 1,574 | 1,574 |
| Total | $6,098 | $3,662 | $4,474 | $14,234 | $1,751,611 | $1,765,845 |
(1)Excludes guaranteed portion of loans of $8.7 million and $1.9 million as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
(2)Excludes accrued interest receivables of $8.1 million and $7.3 million as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
Loan Modifications to Borrowers Experiencing Financial Difficult: On January 1, 2023, the Company adopted ASU No. 2022-02, “Financial Instruments -Credit Losses (Topic 326): Troubled Debt Restructurings and Vintage Disclosures”, which eliminated the accounting guidance for troubled debt restructurings (“TDRs”) while enhancing disclosure requirements for certain loan refinancing and restructurings by creditors when a borrower is experiencing financial difficulty. This guidance was applied on a prospective basis. Upon adoption of this guidance, the Company no longer establishes a specific reserve for modifications to borrowers experiencing financial difficulty, unless those loans do not share the same risk characteristics with other loans in the portfolio. Provided that is not the case, these modifications are included in their respective cohort and the allowance for credit losses is estimated on a pooled basis consistent with the other loans with similar risk characteristics.
Modifications to borrowers experiencing financial difficulty may include interest rate reductions, principal or interest forgiveness, other than insignificant payment deferrals, other than insignificant term extensions, and other actions intended to minimize economic loss and to avoid foreclosure or repossession of collateral. No charge-offs of previously modified loans were recorded for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023.
The following table presents the amortized cost of modified loans and the financial effects of the modification for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 by loan class and modification type:
| Modification Type · Percentage to Each Loan Segment | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ($ in thousands) · Payment Delay · Interest Only · Term Extension · Total | |||||
| Commercial real estate | $1,580 | $— | $— | $1,580 | 0.16% |
| SBA—real estate(1) | 3,702 | 391 | — | 4,093 | 1.76% |
| C&I | — | — | 400 | 400 | 0.19% |
| Total | $5,282 | $391 | $400 | $6,073 | |
(1)Excludes guaranteed portion of SBA loans of $7.4 million.
| Modification Type · Percentage to Each Loan Segment | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ($ in thousands) · Payment Delay · Term Extension · Total | ||||
| Commercial real estate | $— | $625 | $625 | 0.07% |
| SBA—real estate(1) | 2,969 | — | 2,969 | 0.57% |
| SBA—non-real estate | 131 | — | 131 | 0.87% |
| C&I | 354 | — | 354 | 0.16% |
| Total | $354 | $625 | $4,079 | |
(1)Excludes guaranteed portion of SBA loans of $2.4 million.
The Company tracks the performance of modified loans. A modified loan may become delinquent and may result in a payment default (generally 90 days past due) subsequent to modification. There were no loans that received a modification within the last 12 months at December 31, 2024 that subsequently defaulted.
The Company hadno additional commitments to lend to borrowers whose loans were modified as of December 31, 2024. The Company had additional commitments totaling $3.6 million to lend to borrowers whose loans were modified as of December 31, 2023.
The Company closely monitors the performance of loans that are modified to borrowers experiencing financial difficulty to understand the effectiveness of its modification efforts. The following table presents financial performance of such loans that have been modified in the last 12 months as of December 31, 2024 and 2023:
| ($ in thousands) | Current | 30 - 89 Days Past Due | 90+ Days Past Due | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Commercial real estate | $1,580 | $— | $— | $1,580 |
| SBA—real estate(1) | 4,093 | — | — | 4,093 |
| C&I | 400 | — | — | 400 |
| Total | $6,073 | $— | $— | $6,073 |
(1)Excludes guaranteed portion of SBA loans of $7.4 million.
| ($ in thousands) | Current | 30 - 89 Days Past Due | 90+ Days Past Due | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Commercial real estate | $625 | $— | $— | $625 |
| SBA—real estate(1) | 2,232 | — | 737 | 2,969 |
| SBA—non-real estate | 131 | — | — | 131 |
| Home mortgage | 354 | — | — | 354 |
| Total | $3,342 | $— | $737 | $4,079 |
(1)Excludes guaranteed portion of SBA loans of $2.4 million.
The following tables describe the financial effect of the loan modifications made to borrowers experiencing financial difficulty for the periods presented:
| Financial Effect | ||
| Modification & Loan Types | Description of Financial Effect | Year Ended December 31, 2024 |
|---|---|---|
| Payment Delay: | ||
| Commercial real estate | Deferment of Payment by a weighted average of: | 0.5 years |
| SBA—real estate | Deferment of Payment by a weighted average of: | 0.9 years |
| Term Extension: | ||
| C&I | Extended term by a weighted average of: | 0.6 years |
| Interest Only: | ||
| SBA—real estate | Interest only Payment by a weighted average of: | 0.5 years |
| Financial Effect | ||
| Modification & Loan Types | Description of Financial Effect | Year Ended December 31, 2023 |
|---|---|---|
| Payment Delay: | ||
| SBA—real estate | Deferment of Payment by a weighted average of: | 0.7 years |
| SBA—non-real estate | Deferment of Payment by a weighted average of: | 0.2 years |
| Home mortgage | Deferment of Payment by a weighted average of: | 0.5 years |
| Term Extension: | ||
| Commercial real estate | Extended term by a weighted average of: | 1.0 year |
Credit Quality Indicators: The Company categorizes loans into risk categories based on relevant information about the ability of borrowers to service their debt such as: current financial information, historical payment experience, credit documentation, public information, and current economic trends, among other factors. For consumer loans, a credit grade is established at inception, and generally only adjusted based on performance. The Company analyzes loans individually by classifying the loans as to credit risk. This analysis is performed on a quarterly basis. The Company uses the following definitions for risk ratings:
Special Mention—Loans classified as special mention have a potential weakness that deserves management’s close attention. If left uncorrected, these potential weaknesses may result in deterioration of the repayment prospects for the loan or of the Company’s credit position at some future date.
Substandard—Loans classified as substandard are inadequately protected by the current net worth and paying capacity of the obligor or of the collateral pledged, if any. Loans so classified have a well-defined weakness or weaknesses that jeopardize the liquidation of the debt. They are characterized by the distinct possibility that the institution will sustain some loss if the deficiencies are not corrected.
Doubtful—Loans classified as doubtful have all the weaknesses inherent in those classified as 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.
Loans not meeting the criteria above that are analyzed individually as part of the above described process are considered to be pass-rated loans.
The following table presents the loan portfolio's amortized cost by loan type, risk rating and year of origination as of December 31, 2024 and 2023:
| Term Loans by Origination Year · Revolving Loans · Revolving Loans Converted to Term Loans · Total(1) | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ($ in thousands) · 2024 · 2023 · 2022 · 2021 · 2020 · Prior | |||||||||
| Commercial real estate | |||||||||
| Pass | $201,141 | $85,056 | $190,968 | $137,425 | $88,993 | $250,291 | $17,012 | $— | $970,886 |
| Special mention | — | — | 579 | 2,246 | — | — | — | — | 2,825 |
| Substandard | — | 1,580 | 319 | — | — | 4,637 | — | — | 6,536 |
| Doubtful | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| Subtotal | $201,141 | $86,636 | $191,866 | $139,671 | $88,993 | $254,928 | $17,012 | $— | $980,247 |
| Current period charge-offs | $— | $— | $— | $— | $— | $— | $— | $— | $— |
| SBA— real estate | |||||||||
| Pass | $31,441 | $26,508 | $41,375 | $18,819 | $16,166 | $72,440 | $— | $— | $206,749 |
| Special mention | — | — | 2,345 | — | — | 739 | — | — | 3,084 |
| Substandard | — | 1,182 | 9,965 | 2,868 | — | 8,114 | — | — | 22,129 |
| Doubtful | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| Subtotal | $31,441 | $27,690 | $53,685 | $21,687 | $16,166 | $81,293 | $— | $— | $231,962 |
| Current period charge-offs | $— | $— | $— | $66 | $— | $— | $— | $— | $66 |
| SBA—non-real estate | |||||||||
| Pass | $10,443 | $4,498 | $1,837 | $154 | $1,303 | $2,621 | $— | $— | $20,856 |
| Special mention | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| Substandard | — | — | 483 | — | 157 | 154 | — | — | 794 |
| Doubtful | — | — | — | — | — | 98 | — | — | 98 |
| Subtotal | $10,443 | $4,498 | $2,320 | $154 | $1,460 | $2,873 | $— | $— | $21,748 |
| Current period charge-offs | $— | $— | $— | $— | $— | $27 | $— | $— | $27 |
| C&I | |||||||||
| Pass | $19,712 | $11,525 | $14,016 | $18,122 | $3,356 | $2,664 | $140,278 | $3,024 | $212,697 |
| Special mention | — | — | — | — | — | — | 400 | — | 400 |
| Substandard | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| Doubtful | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| Subtotal | $19,712 | $11,525 | $14,016 | $18,122 | $3,356 | $2,664 | $140,678 | $3,024 | $213,097 |
| Current period charge-offs | $— | $44 | $— | $— | $— | $— | $— | $— | $44 |
| Home mortgage | |||||||||
| Pass | $42,112 | $63,000 | $284,208 | $70,326 | $17,749 | $32,129 | $— | $— | $509,524 |
| Special mention | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| Substandard | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| Doubtful | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| Subtotal | $42,112 | $63,000 | $284,208 | $70,326 | $17,749 | $32,129 | $— | $— | $509,524 |
| Current period charge-offs | $— | $— | $— | $— | $— | $— | $— | $— | $— |
| Consumer | |||||||||
| Pass | $27 | $— | $— | $— | $— | $— | $247 | $— | $274 |
| Special mention | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| Substandard | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| Doubtful | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| Subtotal | $27 | $— | $— | $— | $— | $— | $247 | $— | $274 |
| Current period charge-offs | $— | $— | $— | $— | $— | $— | $— | $— | $— |
| Total loans | |||||||||
| Pass | $304,876 | $190,587 | $532,404 | $244,846 | $127,567 | $360,145 | $157,537 | $3,024 | $1,920,986 |
| Special mention | — | — | 2,924 | 2,246 | — | 739 | 400 | — | 6,309 |
| Substandard | — | 2,762 | 10,767 | 2,868 | 157 | 12,905 | — | — | 29,459 |
| Doubtful | — | — | — | — | — | 98 | — | — | 98 |
| Subtotal | $304,876 | $193,349 | $546,095 | $249,960 | $127,724 | $373,887 | $157,937 | $3,024 | $1,956,852 |
| Current period charge-offs | $— | $44 | $— | $66 | $— | $27 | $— | $— | $137 |
(1)Excludes accrued interest receivables of $8.1 million as of December 31, 2024.
| Term Loans by Origination Year · Revolving Loans · Revolving Loans Converted to Term Loans · Total(1) | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ($ in thousands) · 2023 · 2022 · 2021 · 2020 · 2019 · Prior | |||||||||
| Commercial real estate | |||||||||
| Pass | $97,114 | $207,860 | $154,872 | $97,137 | $138,908 | $163,320 | $21,059 | $— | $880,270 |
| Special mention | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| Substandard | — | 319 | — | — | — | 4,996 | — | — | 5,315 |
| Doubtful | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| Subtotal | $97,114 | $208,179 | $154,872 | $97,137 | $138,908 | $168,316 | $21,059 | $— | $885,585 |
| Current period charge-offs | $— | $457 | $121 | $— | $91 | $17 | $— | $— | $686 |
| SBA— real estate | |||||||||
| Pass | $31,920 | $44,504 | $26,188 | $22,732 | $28,244 | $64,442 | $— | $— | $218,030 |
| Special mention | — | — | — | — | — | 1,428 | — | — | 1,428 |
| Substandard | — | 1,787 | 1,079 | 1,136 | — | 1,235 | — | — | 5,237 |
| Doubtful | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| Subtotal | $31,920 | $46,291 | $27,267 | $23,868 | $28,244 | $67,105 | $— | $— | $224,695 |
| Current period charge-offs | $— | $— | $46 | $— | $— | $— | $— | $— | $46 |
| SBA—non-real estate | |||||||||
| Pass | $5,408 | $2,584 | $200 | $1,556 | $950 | $3,423 | $— | $— | $14,121 |
| Special mention | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| Substandard | — | 591 | — | — | — | 187 | — | — | 778 |
| Doubtful | — | — | — | — | — | 98 | — | — | 98 |
| Subtotal | $5,408 | $3,175 | $200 | $1,556 | $950 | $3,708 | $— | $— | $14,997 |
| Current period charge-offs | $— | $— | $— | $— | $— | $35 | $— | $— | $35 |
| C&I | |||||||||
| Pass | $15,117 | $17,939 | $22,098 | $4,695 | $1,720 | $1,734 | $55,106 | $2,561 | $120,970 |
| Special mention | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| Substandard | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| Doubtful | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| Subtotal | $15,117 | $17,939 | $22,098 | $4,695 | $1,720 | $1,734 | $55,106 | $2,561 | $120,970 |
| Current period charge-offs | $17 | $— | $80 | $— | $— | $— | $— | $— | $97 |
| Home mortgage | |||||||||
| Pass | $72,182 | $304,346 | $79,585 | $18,634 | $8,939 | $31,848 | $— | $— | $515,534 |
| Special mention | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| Substandard | — | 2,241 | 249 | — | — | — | — | — | 2,490 |
| Doubtful | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| Subtotal | $72,182 | $306,587 | $79,834 | $18,634 | $8,939 | $31,848 | $— | $— | $518,024 |
| Current period charge-offs | $— | $— | $— | $— | $— | $— | $— | $— | $— |
| Consumer | |||||||||
| Pass | $4 | $— | $— | $— | $77 | $— | $1,493 | $— | $1,574 |
| Special mention | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| Substandard | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| Doubtful | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| Subtotal | $4 | $— | $— | $— | $77 | $— | $1,493 | $— | $1,574 |
| Current period charge-offs | $— | $— | $— | $— | $— | $— | $— | $— | $— |
| Total loans | |||||||||
| Pass | $221,745 | $577,233 | $282,943 | $144,754 | $178,838 | $264,767 | $77,658 | $2,561 | $1,750,499 |
| Special mention | — | — | — | — | — | 1,428 | — | — | 1,428 |
| Substandard | — | 4,938 | 1,328 | 1,136 | — | 6,418 | — | — | 13,820 |
| Doubtful | — | — | — | — | — | 98 | — | — | 98 |
| Subtotal | $221,745 | $582,171 | $284,271 | $145,890 | $178,838 | $272,711 | $77,658 | $2,561 | $1,765,845 |
| Current period charge-offs | $17 | $457 | $247 | $— | $91 | $52 | $— | $— | $864 |
(1)Excludes accrued interest receivables of $7.3 million as of December 31, 2023.
Note 4. Premises and Equipment
The following table presents information regarding the premises and equipment as of December 31, 2024 and 2023:
| December 31, | ||
|---|---|---|
| ($ in thousands) | 2024 | 2023 |
| Leasehold improvements | $10,019 | $9,135 |
| Furniture and fixtures | 4,902 | 4,814 |
| Equipment and others | 3,831 | 3,504 |
| Total premises and equipment | 18,752 | 17,453 |
| Accumulated depreciation | (13,303) | (12,205) |
| Total premises and equipment, net | $5,449 | $5,248 |
Total depreciation expense included in occupancy and equipment expenses was $1.4 million, $1.3 million and $1.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
Note 5. Servicing Assets
The Company recognizes the right to service SBA loans for others as servicing assets when the servicing income the Company receives is more than adequate compensation. Servicing assets are accounted for using the amortization method. Under this method, the Company amortizes the servicing assets over the period of the economic life of the assets arising from estimated net servicing revenue.
The Company periodically stratifies its servicing assets into groupings based on risk characteristics and assesses each group for impairment based on fair value. Based on the results of the impairment test, there wasno valuation allowance for impairment as of December 31, 2024 and 2023.
The following table presents an analysis of the changes in activity for loan servicing assets during the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023:
| Year Ended December 31, | ||
|---|---|---|
| ($ in thousands) | 2024 | 2023 |
| Beginning balance | $11,741 | $12,759 |
| Additions from loans sold with servicing retained | 2,841 | 3,400 |
| Amortized to expense | (3,748) | (4,418) |
| Ending balance | $10,834 | $11,741 |
The fair value of the servicing assets was $16.2 million as of December 31, 2024, which was determined using discount rates ranging from 4.07% to 11.29% and prepayment speeds ranging from 12.90% to 13.60%, depending on the stratification of the specific assets.
The fair value of the servicing assets was $17.2 million as of December 31, 2023, which was determined using discount rates ranging from 3.75% to 11.00% and prepayment speeds ranging from 12.80% to 13.20% depending on the stratification of the specific assets.
Note 6. Leases
As a lessee, the Company enters into leases of buildings and our real estate leases primarily relate to bank branches and office space from nonaffiliated parties with remaining lease terms ranging from 1 to 10 years as of
December 31, 2024. Certain lease arrangements contain extension option which are typically around 5 years. As these extension options are not generally considered reasonably certain of exercise, they are not included in the lease term.
As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, operating right-of-use (“ROU”) assets were $7.4 million and $8.5 million, respectively, and related liabilities were $7.9 million and $9.3 million, respectively. Short-term operating leases, which are defined as leases with term of twelve months or less, were not recognized as ROU assets with related lease liabilities as permitted under ASU No. 2016-02. The lease payments on short-term operating leases are immaterial. The Company did not have any finance leases as of December 31, 2024 and 2023.
Operating lease ROU assets represent the Company’s right to use the underlying asset during the lease term and operating lease liabilities represent the Company’s obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease. ROU assets and operating lease liabilities are recognized at lease commencement based on the present value of the remaining lease payments using the Company’s incremental borrowing rate at the lease commencement date. Operating lease expense, which is comprised of amortization of the ROU asset and the implicit interest accreted on the operating lease liability, is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term and is recorded in occupancy expense in the consolidated statements of income. The Company’s occupancy expense also includes variable lease costs which is comprised of the Company's share of actual costs for utilities, common area maintenance, property taxes, and insurance that are not included in lease liabilities and are expensed as incurred. Variable lease costs can also include rent escalations based on changes to indices, such as the Consumer Price Index, where the Company estimates future rent increases and records the actual difference to variable costs.
The table below summarizes total lease costfor the periods indicated:
| Year Ended December 31, | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| ($ in thousands) | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
| Operating lease cost | $2,352 | $2,280 | $2,046 |
| Variable lease cost | 985 | 844 | 859 |
| Total lease cost | $3,337 | $3,124 | $2,905 |
The tables below summarize other information related to the Company’s operating leases as of the associated period:
| Year Ended December 31, | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| ($ in thousands) | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
| Operating right-of-use assets | $7,415 | $8,497 | $9,097 |
| Operating lease liabilities | 7,857 | 9,341 | 10,213 |
| Weighted average remaining lease term - operating leases | 4.7 years | 5.5 years | 6.3 years |
| Weighted average discount rate - operating leases | 2.45% | 2.47% | 2.44% |
| Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities: | |||
| Operating cash flows from operating leases | $2,751 | $2,511 | $2,253 |
Rent expense was $3.3 million, $3.1 million and $2.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 and 2022, respectively.
The table below summarizes the remaining contractually obligated lease payments and a reconciliation to the lease liability reported on the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2024:
| ($ in thousands) | |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $1,999 |
| 2026 | 2,336 |
| 2027 | 2,233 |
| 2028 | 1,802 |
| 2029 | 1,431 |
| Thereafter | 546 |
| Total lease payments | 10,347 |
| Discount to present value | (2,490) |
| Total lease liability | $7,857 |
Note 7. Deposits
Time deposits that exceed the FDIC insurance limit of $250 thousand as of December 31, 2024 and 2023 were $565.8 million and $433.9 million, respectively.
The following table presents the scheduled contractual maturities of time deposits as of December 31, 2024:
| ($ in thousands) | |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $1,173,240 |
| 2026 | 19,235 |
| 2027 | 266 |
| 2028 | 473 |
| 2029 and thereafter | 48 |
| Total | $1,193,262 |
Deposits from principal officers, directors, and their affiliates as of December 31, 2024 and 2023 were $2.3 million and $1.8 million, respectively.
Note 8. Borrowing Arrangements
As of December 31, 2024, the Company had $95.0 million advances from FHLB with a weighted average interest rate of 4.34% and a weighted average remaining term of 0.2 years, compared to $105.0 million advances with a weighted average interest rate of 4.65% and a weighted average remaining term of 0.9 years as of December 31, 2023. The Company has a letter of credit with the FHLB in the amount of $100.0 million and $67.0 million to secure a public deposit as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
The Company had available borrowing capacity from the following institutions as of December 31, 2024:
| ($ in thousands) | |
|---|---|
| FHLB | $401,900 |
| Federal Reserve Bank | 215,115 |
| Pacific Coast Bankers Bank | 50,000 |
| Zions Bank | 25,000 |
| First Horizon Bank | 25,000 |
| Total | $717,015 |
The Company has pledged approximately $1.41 billion and $1.39 billion of loans as collateral for these lines of credit as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
Note 9. Income Taxes
The following table presents the components of income taxes expense (benefit) for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022:
| Year Ended December 31, | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| ($ in thousands) | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
| Current income tax expense: | |||
| Federal | $6,610 | $6,238 | $7,959 |
| State | 3,000 | 3,332 | 4,374 |
| Total current income tax expense | 9,610 | 9,570 | 12,333 |
| Deferred income tax expense (benefit): | |||
| Federal | (982) | 217 | 783 |
| State | (618) | (214) | 298 |
| Total deferred income tax expense (benefit) | (1,600) | 3 | 1,081 |
| Total income tax expense | $8,010 | $9,573 | $13,414 |
The following table presents a reconciliation of the applicable statutory U.S. federal income tax rate to the effective tax rate for the periods indicated:
| Year Ended December 31, | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | |
| Federal statutory income tax rate | 21.0% | 21.0% | 21.0% |
| Increase (decrease) in tax rate resulting from: | |||
| Meals and entertainment | 0.2 | 0.2 | — |
| State income taxes, net of federal tax benefit | 7.8 | 8.0 | 8.4 |
| Stock option expense and related excess tax benefits | (0.1) | 0.1 | — |
| Company owned life insurance | (0.5) | (0.4) | (0.2) |
| Other, net | (0.8) | (0.3) | (0.5) |
| Effective tax rate | 27.6% | 28.6% | 28.7% |
The significant components of deferred tax assets and liabilities as of December 31, 2024 and 2023 are reflected in the following table:
| December 31, | ||
|---|---|---|
| ($ in thousands) | 2024 | 2023 |
| Deferred tax assets: | ||
| Organizational costs | $15 | $18 |
| Allowance for credit losses | 7,331 | 6,502 |
| Loans held for sale | 108 | — |
| Stock-based compensation | 574 | 509 |
| Accrued compensation | 322 | 302 |
| Lease liability | 2,323 | 2,762 |
| State taxes | 645 | 675 |
| Net unrealized loss on AFS debt securities | 6,394 | 6,485 |
| Net unrealized loss on swap | 75 | — |
| Nonaccrual loan interest income | 224 | 224 |
| Other | 242 | 279 |
| Total deferred tax assets | 18,253 | 17,756 |
| Deferred tax liabilities: | ||
| Loan origination costs | (388) | (1,110) |
| Depreciation | (498) | (553) |
| Right of use asset | (2,192) | (2,512) |
| Other | (282) | (272) |
| Total deferred tax liabilities | (3,360) | (4,447) |
| Net deferred tax asset | $14,893 | $13,309 |
A valuation allowance for deferred tax assets is recorded when it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income and tax planning strategies which will create taxable income during the periods in which those temporary differences become deductible. Management reevaluated all positive and negative evidence that existed and concluded all deferred tax assets are realizable. Therefore, no valuation allowance was necessary as of December 31, 2024 and 2023.
The Company is subject to U.S. Federal income tax as well as various state taxing jurisdictions. The Company is no longer subject to examination by Federal taxing authorities for tax years prior to 2021 and for state taxing authorities for tax years prior to 2020.
There wereno significant unrealized tax benefits recorded as of December 31, 2024 and 2023 and the Company does not expect any significant increase in unrealized tax benefits in the next twelve months.
Note 10. Commitments and Contingencies
Off-Balance-Sheet Credit Risk: In the normal course of business, the Company enters into commitments to extend credit such as loan commitments and standby letters of credits. These commitments expose the Company to varying degrees of credit and market risk and are subject to the same credit and market risk limitation reviews as those instruments recorded on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Loan commitments represent arrangements to lend funds or provide liquidity subject to specified contractual conditions. Standby letters of credit are conditional commitments issued by the Company to guarantee the performance of a customer to a third party. These commitments generally have fixed expiration dates or contain termination clauses in the event the customer’s credit quality deteriorates. Since many of the commitments are expected to expire without being drawn upon, the commitment amounts do not necessarily represent future funding requirements.
The Company applies the same credit underwriting criteria to extend loans and commitments to customers. Each customer’s credit worthiness is evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Collateral may be obtained based on management’s assessment of a customer’s credit. Collateral may include securities, accounts receivable, inventory, property, plant and equipment, and income producing commercial or other properties.
The following table presents the distribution of undisbursed credit-related commitments as of December 31, 2024 and 2023:
| December 31, | ||
|---|---|---|
| ($ in thousands) | 2024 | 2023 |
| Loan commitments | $261,446 | $257,626 |
| Standby letter of credit | 21,059 | 6,707 |
| Commercial letter of credit | 49 | 22 |
| Total undisbursed credit related commitments | $282,554 | $264,355 |
The majority of these off-balance sheet commitments have a variable interest rate. Management does not anticipate any material losses as a result of these transactions.
Investments in low-income housing partnership: The Company invests in qualified affordable housing partnerships.
The following table shows the balance of the investments in low-income housing partnerships and the total unfunded commitments related to the investments in low-income housing partnerships as of December 31, 2024 and 2023:
| December 31, | ||
|---|---|---|
| ($ in thousands) | 2024 | 2023 |
| Investments in low-income housing partnerships | $15,191 | $16,887 |
| Unfunded commitments to fund investments for low-income housing partnerships | 7,622 | 11,905 |
These balances are reflected in the other assets and other liabilities lines on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The Company expects to finish fulfilling these commitments during the year ending 2040.
Under the proportional amortization method, the Company amortizes the initial cost of the investment in proportion to the tax credit and other benefits received and recognizes the amortization in income tax expense on the Consolidated Statements of Income. The Company recognized amortization expense of $1.7 million, $1.3 million and $697 thousand for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively. Additionally, the Company recognized tax credits and other benefits from the investments in low-income housing partnerships of $2.5 million, $1.7 million and $926 thousand for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
Note 11. Stock-Based Compensation
The Company hastwo stock-based compensation plans currently in effect as of December 31, 2024, as described further below. Total compensation cost that has been charged against earnings for these plans was $1.2 million, $1.3 million and $558 thousand for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
2010 Plan: In 2010, the Board of Directors of the Bank approved a new equity incentive plan for granting stock options and restricted stock awards to key employees, officers, and non-employee directors of the Bank (the “2010 Plan”). In 2013, the 2010 Plan was amended and approved by the shareholders to increase the number of shares authorized to be issued under from 1,350,000 shares to 2,500,000 shares of common stock. The 2010 Plan was assumed by the Company in 2016 at the time of the bank holding company reorganization.
The exercise prices of stock options granted under the plan may not be less than 100% of the fair value of the Company’s stock at the date of grant. The options, when granted, vest ratably over five years from the date of the grant and expire afterten years if not exercised. The 2010 Plan expired in August 2020, and no further grants can be made under the 2010 Plan.
Restricted stock awards issued under the 2010 Plan may or may not be subject to vesting provisions. Owners of the restricted stock awards shall have all of the rights of a shareholder including the right to vote the shares and to all dividends (cash or stock). Compensation expense related to restricted stock awards will be recognized over the vesting period of the awards based on the fair value of the Company’s common stock at the issue date.
A summary of the stock options outstanding under the 2010 Plan for the year ended December 31, 2024 is as follows:
| ($ in thousands, except share data) | Number of Options Outstanding | Weighted Average Exercise Price | Aggregate Intrinsic Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Outstanding, as of January 1, 2024 | 60,000 | $8.00 | $177 |
| Options granted | — | — | |
| Options exercised | (60,000) | 8.00 | |
| Options forfeited | — | — | |
| Options expired | — | — | |
| Outstanding, as of December 31, 2024 | — | $— | $— |
| Fully vested and expected to vest | — | $— | $— |
| Vested | — | $— | $— |
Information related to stock options exercised under the 2010 Plan for the periods indicated follows:
| Year Ended December 31, | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| ($ in thousands) | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
| Intrinsic value of options exercised | $144 | $186 | $224 |
| Cash received from option exercises | 160 | 720 | 480 |
| Tax provision realized from option exercised | 24 | (3) | — |
A summary of the changes in the Company's non-vested restricted stock awards under the 2010 Plan for the year ended December 31, 2024 is as follows:
| ($ in thousands, except share data) | Shares Issued | Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value | Aggregate Intrinsic Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Non-vested, as of January 1, 2024 | 10,000 | $9.69 | $110 |
| Awards granted | — | — | |
| Awards vested | (10,000) | 9.69 | |
| Awards forfeited | — | — | |
| Non-vested, as of December 31, 2024 | — | $— | $— |
Information related to vested restricted stock awards under the 2010 Plan for the periods indicated follows:
Information related to vested restricted stock under the 2010 Plan for the periods indicated follows:
| Year Ended December 31, | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| ($ in thousands) | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
| Tax benefit (provision) realized from awards vested | $19 | $4 | $— |
2021 Plan: In 2021, the Board of Directors of the Company approved a new equity incentive plan for granting stock options and restricted stock awards to key employees, officers, and non-employee directors of the Company and the Bank (the “2021 Plan”). The 2021 Plan was approved by the Company’s shareholders at the 2021 Annual Meeting. The number of shares authorized to be issued under the 2021 Plan was 1,500,000 shares of the Company’s common stock.
The exercise prices of stock options granted under the plan may not be less than 100.00% of the fair value of the Company’s stock at the date of grant. There areno stock options granted under the 2021 Plan as of December 31, 2024.
Restricted stock awards issued under the 2021 Plan may or may not be subject to vesting provisions. Owners of the restricted stock awards shall have all rights of a shareholder including the right to vote the shares and to all dividends (cash or stock). Compensation expense related to restricted stock awards will be recognized over the vesting period of the awards based on the fair value of the Company’s common stock at the issue date.
A summary of the changes in the Company’s non-vested restricted stock awards under the 2021 Plan for the year ended December 31, 2024 is as follows:
| ($ in thousands, except share data) | Shares Issued | Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value | Aggregate Intrinsic Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Non-vested, as of January 1, 2024 | 278,851 | $11.45 | $3,053 |
| Awards granted | 57,566 | 10.88 | |
| Awards vested | (75,829) | 9.73 | |
| Awards forfeited | (10,500) | 12.90 | |
| Non-vested, as of December 31, 2024 | 250,088 | $11.78 | $3,954 |
Information related to vested restricted stock awards under the 2021 Plan for the periods indicated follows:
| Year Ended December 31, | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| ($ in thousands) | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
| Tax provision realized from awards vested | $(3) | $(34) | $12 |
There were 1,078,188 shares available for future grants of either stock options or restricted stock awards under the 2021 Plan as of December 31, 2024. The Company had approximately $1.0 million of unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested restricted stock awards under the 2021 Plan as of December 31, 2024. The Company expects to recognize these costs over a weighted average period of 1.2 years.
Note 12. Employee Benefit Plan
The Company sponsors a defined contribution plan, 401(k) profit sharing plan (the “401(k) Plan”), designed to provide retirement benefits financed by participant contributions, as well as contributions from the Company. Employees are eligible to participate in the 401(k) Plan as of the first day of the first calendar month after the date they have completed three months of service with the Company and have attained the age of 18. Each employee is allowed to contribute to the 401(k) Plan up to the maximum percentage allowable, not to exceed the limits of applicable IRS Code Sections. Each year, the Company may, in its discretion, make matching contributions to the 401(k) Plan. Total employer contributions to the 401(k) Plan amounted to $1,140 thousand, $986 thousand and $867 thousand for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 and 2022, respectively.
Note 13. Fair Value of Financial Instruments
Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or the price that would be paid to transfer a liability on the measurement date and is determined using an exit price in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants. The Company uses fair value measurements to record fair value adjustments to certain assets and liabilities and to determine fair value disclosures. Assets and liabilities recorded at fair value on a recurring basis, such as AFS securities and equity investments. Additionally, from time to time, the Company records fair value adjustments on a nonrecurring basis. These nonrecurring adjustments typically involve application of lower of cost or fair value accounting and write-downs of individual assets.
The Company classifies its assets and liabilities recorded at fair value as one of the following three categories and a financial instrument’s level within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of input significant to the fair value measurement:
Level 1—Quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities in active markets that the entity has the ability to access as of the measurement date.
Level 2—Significant other observable inputs other than Level 1 prices such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities, quoted prices in markets that are not active, or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data.
Level 3—Significant unobservable inputs that reflect a company’s own assumptions about the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability.
Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis
Following is a description of the valuation methodologies used for instruments measured at fair value on a recurring basis, as well as the general classification of such instruments pursuant to the valuation hierarchy.
Securities AFS: The fair values of investment securities are determined by matrix pricing, which is a mathematical technique used to value debt securities without relying exclusively on quoted prices for the specific securities, but rather by relying on the securities’ relationship to other benchmark quoted securities (Level 2). Management obtains the fair values of investment securities on a monthly basis from a third-party pricing service.
Other Investment: The Company has an equity investment with readily determinable fair value. The fair value for the equity investment with readily determinable fair value is obtained from unadjusted quoted prices in active markets on the date of measurement and classified as Level 1.
Derivatives: The fair values of derivatives are based on valuation models using observable market data as of the measurement date (Level 2).
Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2024 and 2023 are summarized below:
| Fair Value Measure on a Recurring Basis | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ($ in thousands) | TotalFair Value | QuotedPrices inActive Markets(Level 1) | Significant OtherObservableInputs(Level 2) | SignificantUnobservableInputs(Level 3) |
| Assets: | ||||
| U.S. Government agencies or sponsored agency securities: | ||||
| Residential mortgage-backed securities | $37,076 | $— | $37,076 | $— |
| Residential collateralized mortgage obligations | 143,041 | — | 143,041 | — |
| Municipal securities - tax exempt | 5,792 | — | 5,792 | — |
| Other investments: | ||||
| Mutual fund - CRA qualified | 3,532 | 3,532 | — | — |
| Derivative financial instruments | 368 | — | 368 | — |
| Liabilities: | ||||
| Derivative financial instruments | $579 | $— | $579 | $— |
| Assets: | ||||
| U.S. Government agencies or sponsored agency securities: | ||||
| Residential mortgage-backed securities | $43,877 | $— | $43,877 | $— |
| Residential collateralized mortgage obligations | 144,459 | — | 144,459 | — |
| Municipal securities - tax exempt | 5,914 | — | 5,914 | — |
| Other investments: | ||||
| Mutual fund - CRA qualified | 3,463 | 3,463 | — | — |
There were no transfers of assets or liabilities between the Level 1 and Level 2 classifications for the years ended December 31, 2024 or 2023.
Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Nonrecurring Basis
The Company may be required, from time to time, to measure certain assets at fair value on a nonrecurring basis in accordance with GAAP. These adjustments to fair value usually result from application of lower of cost or fair value and write-downs of individual assets.
Collateral-dependent loans: Collateral-dependent loans are loans where repayment is expected to be provided solely by the sale of the underlying collateral and there are no other available and reliable sources of repayment. Fair value for collateral-dependent loans are measured based on the value of the collateral securing these loans and are classified at a Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy. Collateral may include real estate, or business assets including equipment, inventory and accounts receivable. The value of real estate collateral is determined based on an appraisal by qualified licensed appraisers hired by the Company. The value of business equipment is based on an appraisal by qualified licensed appraisers hired by the Company if significant, or the equipment’s net book value on the business’ financial statements. Inventory and accounts receivable collateral are valued based on independent field examiner review or aging reports. Appraisals may utilize a single valuation approach or a combination or approaches including comparable sales and the income approach. Adjustments are routinely made in the appraisal process by the independent appraisers to adjust for differences between the comparable sales and income data available for similar loans and collateral underlying such loans. Appraised values are reviewed by management using historical knowledge, market considerations, and knowledge of the client and client’s business.
OREO: Fair value of OREO is based primarily on third party appraisals, less costs to sell and result in a Level 3 classification of the inputs for determining fair value. Appraisals are required annually and may be updated more frequently as circumstances require and the fair value adjustments are made to OREO based on the updated appraised value of the property.
The following table presents the fair value hierarchy and fair value of assets that were still held and had fair value adjustments measured on a nonrecurring basis as of December 31, 2024 and 2023:
| Fair Value Measure on a Nonrecurring Basis | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ($ in thousands) | TotalFair Value | QuotedPrices inActive Markets(Level 1) | Significant OtherObservableInputs(Level 2) | SignificantUnobservableInputs(Level 3) |
| Collateral-dependent loans: | ||||
| Commercial real estate | $173 | $— | $— | $173 |
| SBA—real estate | 952 | — | — | 952 |
| OREO | 1,237 | — | — | 1,237 |
| Total | $2,362 | $— | $— | $2,362 |
| Collateral-dependent loans: | ||||
| SBA—real estate | $1,432 | $— | $— | $1,432 |
| Total | $1,432 | $— | $— | $1,432 |
| Total | ||||
The following table presents the increase (decrease) in value of certain assets held at the end of the respective reporting periods presented for which a nonrecurring fair value adjustment was recognized during the period presented:
| Year Ended December 31, | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| ($ in thousands) | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
| Collateral-dependent loans: | |||
| SBA—real estate | $— | $— | $28 |
| Total | $— | $— | $28 |
The following table presents information about significant unobservable inputs utilized in the Company’s nonrecurring Level 3 fair value measurements as of December 31, 2024 and 2023:
| ($ in thousands) | Fair ValueMeasurements(Level 3) | ValuationTechniques | UnobservableInputs | Range ofInputs | Weighted-Average ofInputs(1) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Collateral-dependent loans: | |||||
| Commercial real estate | $173 | Income approach - income capitalization | Capitalization rate | 5.5% to 7.3% | 6.0% |
| SBA—real estate | 539 | Income approach - income capitalization | Capitalization rate | 5.5% to 7.3% | 10.4% |
| SBA—real estate | 413 | Sales comparison | Market data / purchase price | n/a | n/a |
| OREO | $1,237 | Sales comparison approach | Market data comparison | (3.7)% to 2.2% | (0.5)% |
| Collateral-dependent loans: | |||||
| SBA—real estate | $1,432 | Income approach - income capitalization | Capitalization rate | 9.3% to 11.0% | 9.9% |
(1)Weighted-average of inputs is based on the relative fair value of the respective assets as of December 31, 2024 and 2023.
Financial Instruments: The carrying amounts and estimated fair values of financial instruments that are not carried at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2024 and 2023 are as follows. These financial assets and liabilities are measured at amortized cost basis on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets:
| ($ in thousands) | CarryingAmount | Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Fair Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Financial assets: | |||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | $134,943 | $134,943 | $— | $— | $134,943 |
| Loans held for sale | 4,581 | — | 4,946 | — | 4,946 |
| Loans receivable, net | 1,932,056 | — | — | 1,986,813 | 1,986,813 |
| Accrued interest receivable, net | 9,188 | 181 | 888 | 8,119 | 9,188 |
| Other investments: | |||||
| FHLB and PCBB stock | 12,805 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Time deposits placed | 100 | — | 100 | — | 100 |
| Financial liabilities: | |||||
| Deposits | 2,027,285 | — | 2,026,092 | — | 2,026,092 |
| FHLB advances | 95,000 | — | 94,986 | — | 94,986 |
| Accrued interest payable | 16,067 | — | 16,067 | — | 16,067 |
| ($ in thousands) | CarryingAmount | Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Fair Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Financial assets: | |||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | $91,216 | $91,216 | $— | $— | $91,216 |
| Loans receivable, net | 1,743,852 | — | — | 1,793,258 | 1,793,258 |
| Accrued interest receivable, net | 8,259 | 69 | 859 | 7,331 | 8,259 |
| Other investments: | |||||
| FHLB and PCBB stock | 12,718 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Time deposits placed | 95 | — | 95 | — | 95 |
| Financial liabilities: | |||||
| Deposits | 1,807,558 | — | 1,808,444 | — | 1,808,444 |
| FHLB advances | 105,000 | — | 104,231 | — | 104,231 |
| Accrued interest payable | 12,628 | — | 12,628 | — | 12,628 |
Note 14. Derivative Financial Instruments
Risk Management Objective of Using Derivatives
The Company is exposed to certain risk arising from both its business operations and economic conditions. The Company principally manages its exposures to a wide variety of business and operational risks through management of its core business activities. The Company manages economic risks, including interest rate, liquidity, and credit risk primarily by managing the amount, sources, and duration of its assets and liabilities and the use of derivative financial instruments. Specifically, the Company enters into derivative financial instruments to manage exposures that arise from business activities that result in the receipt or payment of future known and uncertain cash amounts, the value of which are determined by interest rates.
Cash Flow Hedges of Interest Rate Risk
The Company’s objectives in using interest rate derivatives are to add stability to interest expense and to manage its exposure to interest rate movements. To accomplish this objective, the Company primarily uses interest rate swaps as part of its interest rate risk management strategy. Interest rate swaps designated as cash flow hedges involve the receipt of variable amounts from a counterparty in exchange for the Company making fixed-rate payments over the life of the agreements without exchange of the underlying notional amount. During 2024, such derivatives were used to hedge the variable cash flows associated with existing variable-rate debt. The Company had no fair value hedges nor derivatives not designated as hedges as of December 31, 2024.
For derivatives designated and that qualify as cash flow hedges of interest rate risk, the gain or loss on the derivative is recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income ("OCI") and subsequently reclassified into interest expense in the same period(s) during which the hedged transaction affects earnings. Amounts reported in accumulated OCI related to derivatives will be reclassified to interest expense as interest payments are made on the Company’s variable-rate debt. During the next 12 months, the Company estimates that an additional $47 thousand will be reclassified as a reduction to interest expense.
The table below presents the fair value of the Company’s derivative financial instruments as well as their classification on the Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2024:
| Derivative Assets · Derivative Liabilities | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ($ in thousands) · Notional Amount · Balance Sheet Location · Fair Value · Notional Amount · Balance Sheet Location · Fair Value | |||||||
| Derivatives designated as hedging instruments: | |||||||
| Interest rate products | $25,000 | Other assets | $368 | $50,000 | Other liabilities | $579 | |
| Total derivatives designated as hedging instruments | $368 | $579 | |||||
As of December 31, 2023, the Company had no derivative financial instruments.
The table below presents the effect of cash flow hedge accounting on accumulated OCI for the and year ended December 31, 2024:
| Derivatives in Subtopic 815-20 Hedging Relationships ($ in thousands) | Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in OCI on Derivative | Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in OCI Included Component | Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in OCI Excluded Component | Location of Gain (Loss) Recognized from Accumulated OCI into Income | Amount of Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income | Amount of Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income Included Component | Amount of Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income Excluded Component |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Derivatives in cash flow hedging relationships: | |||||||
| Interest rate products | $75 | $75 | $— | Interest expense | $328 | $328 | $— |
| Total | $75 | $75 | $— | $328 | $328 | $— | |
The Company had no derivative instruments that affect accumulated OCI for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022.
The table below presents the effect of the Company’s derivative financial instruments on the Statement of Income for the year ended December 31, 2024:
| ($ in thousands) | Interest Expense |
|---|---|
| Total amounts of income and expense line items presented in the statement of financial performance in which the effects of fair value or cash flow hedges are recorded | $328 |
| The effects of cash flow hedging: | |
| Interest contracts | |
| Amount of loss reclassified from accumulated OCI into income | $328 |
| Amount of gain (loss) reclassified from accumulated OCI into income as a result that a forecasted transaction is no longer probable of occurring | — |
| Amount of loss reclassified from accumulated OCI into income - included component | 328 |
| Amount of gain (loss) reclassified from accumulated OCI into income - excluded component | — |
The Company had no derivative instruments that affect statement of income for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022.
The table below presents a gross presentation, the effects of offsetting, and a net presentation of the Company’s derivatives as of December 31, 2024. The net amounts of derivative assets or liabilities can be reconciled to the tabular disclosure of fair value. The tabular disclosure of fair value provides the location that derivative assets and liabilities are presented on the Balance Sheet:
| Offsetting of Derivative Assets | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gross Amounts of Recognized Assets · Gross Amounts Offset in the Balance Sheet · Net Amounts of Assets presented in the Balance Sheet · Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Balance Sheet | ||||||
| ($ in thousands) · Financial Instruments · Cash Collateral Received · Net Amount | ||||||
| Derivatives | $368 | $— | $368 | $— | $368 | $— |
| Total | $368 | $— | $368 | $— | $368 | $— |
| Offsetting of Derivative Liabilities | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gross Amounts of Recognized Liabilities · Gross Amounts Offset in the Balance Sheet · Net Amounts of Liabilities presented in the Balance Sheet · Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Balance Sheet | ||||||
| ($ in thousands) · Financial Instruments · Cash Collateral Posted · Net Amount | ||||||
| Derivatives | $579 | $— | $579 | $— | $579 | $— |
| Total | $579 | $— | $579 | $— | $579 | $— |
As of December 31, 2023, the Company had no derivative financial instruments.
Note 15. Regulatory Capital Matters
The Bank is subject to certain risk-based capital and leverage ratio requirements under the U.S. Basel III capital rules administered by the federal and state banking agencies. Failure to be well-capitalized or to meet minimum capital requirements could result in certain mandatory and possible additional discretionary actions by regulators that, if undertaken, could have an adverse material effect on the Company's operations or financial condition. The Basel III capital rules also require the Bank to maintain a capital conservation buffer of 2.50% above the minimum risk-based capital ratios in order to absorb losses during periods of economic stress, effective January 1, 2019. Banking institutions with a ratio of common equity tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets above the minimum but below the capital conservation buffer will face constraints on dividends. equity repurchases and compensation based on the amount of the shortfall. Management believes that as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, the Bank met all capital adequacy requirements to which they are subject to. Based on recent changes to the Federal Reserve’s definition of a “Small Bank Holding Company” that increased the threshold to $3 billion in assets, the Company is not currently subject to separate minimum capital measurements. At such time as the Company reaches the $3 billion asset level, it will again be subject to capital measurements independent of the Bank.
The following table presents the regulatory capital amounts and ratios for the Company and the Bank as of dates indicated:
| Actual(1) | Required for Capital Adequacy Purposes | Minimum To be Considered "Well Capitalized" | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ($ in thousands) | Amount | Ratio | Amount | Ratio | Amount | Ratio |
| Total capital (to risk-weighted assets) | ||||||
| Consolidated | $244,659 | 12.60% | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Bank | 242,966 | 12.50 | $155,463 | 8.00% | $194,328 | 10.00% |
| Tier 1 capital (to risk-weighted assets) | ||||||
| Consolidated | 220,390 | 11.35 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Bank | 218,675 | 11.25 | 116,597 | 6.00 | 155,463 | 8.00 |
| Common equity Tier 1 capital (to risk-weighted assets) | ||||||
| Consolidated | 220,390 | 11.35 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Bank | 218,675 | 11.25 | 87,448 | 4.50 | 126,313 | 6.50 |
| Tier 1 capital (to average assets) | ||||||
| Consolidated | 220,390 | 9.27 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Bank | 218,675 | 9.20 | 95,055 | 4.00 | 118,819 | 5.00 |
(1)The capital requirements are only applicable to the Bank, and the Company's ratios are included for comparison purpose.
| Actual(1) | Required for Capital Adequacy Purposes | Minimum To be Considered "Well Capitalized" | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ($ in thousands) | Amount | Ratio | Amount | Ratio | Amount | Ratio |
| Total capital (to risk-weighted assets) | ||||||
| Consolidated | $229,544 | 13.77% | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Bank | 227,773 | 13.66 | $133,353 | 8.00% | $166,691 | 10.00% |
| Tier 1 capital (to risk-weighted assets) | ||||||
| Consolidated | 208,707 | 12.52 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Bank | 206,936 | 12.41 | 100,014 | 6.00 | 133,353 | 8.00 |
| Common equity Tier 1 capital (to risk-weighted assets) | ||||||
| Consolidated | 208,707 | 12.52 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Bank | 206,936 | 12.41 | 75,011 | 4.50 | 108,349 | 6.50 |
| Tier 1 capital (to average assets) | ||||||
| Consolidated | 208,707 | 9.57 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Bank | 206,936 | 9.49 | 87,207 | 4.00 | 109,008 | 5.00 |
(1)The capital requirements are only applicable to the Bank, and the Company's ratios are included for comparison purpose.
Note 16. Earnings Per Share
Basic EPS is calculated using the two-class method. Under the two-class method, all earnings (distributed and undistributed) are allocated to common stock and participating securities. The Company grants restricted stock awards, which entitle recipients to receive nonforfeitable dividends during the vesting period on a basis equivalent to dividends paid to holders of the Company's common stock. These restricted stock awards meet the definition of participating securities based on their respective rights to receive nonforfeitable dividends, and they are treated as a separate class of securities in computing basic EPS. Participating securities are not included as incremental shares in computing diluted EPS.
Diluted EPS incorporates the potential impact of contingently issuable shares. Diluted EPS is calculated under both the two-class and treasury stock methods, and the more dilutive amount is reported. For each of the periods presented in the table below, diluted EPS calculated under two-class method was more dilutive.
The following table presents the calculation of net income applicable to common stockholders and basic and diluted EPS for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022:
| Year Ended December 31, | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| ($ in thousands, except share and per share data) | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
| Basic | |||
| Net income | $21,069 | $23,918 | $33,310 |
| Distributed and undistributed earnings allocated to participating securities | (375) | (476) | (704) |
| Net income allocated to common shares | $20,694 | $23,442 | $32,606 |
| Weighted average common shares outstanding | 14,871,876 | 15,149,597 | 15,171,240 |
| Basic earnings per common share | $1.39 | $1.55 | $2.15 |
| Diluted | |||
| Net income allocated to common shares | $20,694 | $23,442 | $32,606 |
| Weighted average common shares outstanding for basic earnings per common share | 14,871,876 | 15,149,597 | 15,171,240 |
| Add: Dilutive effects of assumed exercises of stock options | — | 9,260 | 60,178 |
| Average shares and dilutive potential common shares | 14,871,876 | 15,158,857 | 15,231,418 |
| Diluted earnings per common share | $1.39 | $1.55 | $2.14 |
No share of common stock was antidilutive for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022.
Note 17. Parent Company Condensed Financial Statements
The following tables present the Parent Company-only condensed financial statements:
Condensed Balance Sheets
| December 31, | ||
|---|---|---|
| ($ in thousands) | 2024 | 2023 |
| Assets | ||
| Cash and cash equivalents | $1,463 | $1,653 |
| Investment in bank subsidiary | 203,278 | 190,855 |
| Other assets | 390 | 177 |
| Total assets | $205,131 | $192,685 |
| Liabilities and shareholders' equity | ||
| Other liabilities | $138 | $59 |
| Shareholders’ equity | 204,993 | 192,626 |
| Total liabilities and shareholders' equity | $205,131 | $192,685 |
Condensed Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income
| Year Ended December 31, | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| ($ in thousands) | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
| Income | |||
| Dividends from bank subsidiary | $10,560 | $11,789 | $6,675 |
| Expense | |||
| Salaries and employee benefits | 238 | 227 | 219 |
| Occupancy and equipment | 56 | 49 | 49 |
| Directors’ fees | 219 | 228 | 214 |
| Other expense | 512 | 445 | 395 |
| Total expense | 1,025 | 949 | 877 |
| Income before income tax benefit and undistributed net income of bank subsidiary | 9,535 | 10,840 | 5,798 |
| Income tax benefit | 295 | 252 | 202 |
| Equity in undistributed net income of bank subsidiary | 11,239 | 12,826 | 27,310 |
| Net income | 21,069 | 23,918 | 33,310 |
| Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax | 38 | 2,392 | (16,646) |
| Comprehensive income | $21,107 | $26,310 | $16,664 |
Condensed Statements of Cash Flows
| Year Ended December 31, | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| ($ in thousands) | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
| Cash flows from operating activities | |||
| Net income | $21,069 | $23,918 | $33,310 |
| Adjustments: | |||
| Equity in undistributed net loss of bank subsidiary | (21,799) | (24,615) | (33,985) |
| Change in other assets | (213) | 145 | (164) |
| Change in other liabilities | 79 | 59 | (33) |
| Net cash used in operating activities | (864) | (493) | (872) |
| Cash flows from investing activities | |||
| Net cash from investing activities | — | — | — |
| Cash flows from financing activities | |||
| Repurchase of common stock | (2,743) | (3,934) | — |
| Cash dividend paid on common stock | (7,143) | (7,269) | (6,674) |
| Proceeds from subsidiaries | 10,560 | 11,789 | 6,675 |
| Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities | 674 | 586 | 1 |
| Net change in cash and cash equivalents | (190) | 93 | (871) |
| Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year | 1,653 | 1,560 | 2,431 |
| Cash and cash equivalents at end of year | $1,463 | $1,653 | $1,560 |
The text of this filing, as the company filed it with the SEC, without its images or exhibits. This is not investment advice.