Pursuant to the Consolidated Appropriations Act, the SBA guaranteed 90% of the principal amount of each qualifying SBA loan originated under the SBA’s 7(a) loan program through October 1, 2021. The SBA presently guarantees 75% to 90% of the principal amount of qualifying loans originated under the 7(a) loan program.
Pursuant to the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021, the SBA guaranteed 90% of the principal amount of each qualifying SBA loan originated under the SBA’s 7(a) loan program through October 1, 2021. The SBA presently guarantees 75% to 90% of the principal amount of qualifying loans originated under the 7(a) loan program.
The market price of our common stock may continue to fluctuate widely in response to a variety of factors including the risk factors described herein and, among other things: • actual or anticipated variations in quarterly or annual operating results, financial conditions, or credit quality; • changes in business or economic conditions; • changes in accounting standards, policies, guidance, interpretations, or principles; • changes in recommendations or research reports about us or the financial services industry in general published by securities analysts; • the failure of securities analysts to cover, or to continue to cover, us; • changes in financial estimates or publication of research reports and recommendations by financial analysts or actions taken by rating agencies with respect to us or other financial institutions; • news reports relating to trends, concerns, and other issues in the financial services industry; • reports related to the impact of natural or man-made disasters in our market; • perceptions in the marketplace regarding us and or our competitors; • sudden increases in the demand for our common stock, including as a result of any “short squeezes”; • significant acquisitions or business combinations, strategic partnerships, joint ventures, or capital commitments by or involving us or our competitors; • additional investments from third parties; • additions or departures of key personnel; • future sales or issuance of additional shares of our common stock; 30 • fluctuations in the market price of our common stock and operating results of our competitors; • changes or proposed changes in laws or regulations, or differing interpretations thereof, affecting our business, or enforcement of these laws or regulations; • new technology used, or services offered, by competitors; • additional investments from third parties; or • geopolitical conditions such as acts or threats of terrorism, pandemics, or military conflicts.
The market price of our common stock 30 may continue to fluctuate widely in response to a variety of factors including the risk factors described herein and, among other things: • actual or anticipated variations in quarterly or annual operating results, financial conditions, or credit quality; • changes in business or economic conditions; • changes in accounting standards, policies, guidance, interpretations, or principles; • changes in recommendations or research reports about us or the financial services industry in general published by securities analysts; • the failure of securities analysts to cover, or to continue to cover, us; • changes in financial estimates or publication of research reports and recommendations by financial analysts or actions taken by rating agencies with respect to us or other financial institutions; • news reports relating to trends, concerns, and other issues in the financial services industry; • reports related to the impact of natural or man-made disasters in our market; • perceptions in the marketplace regarding us and or our competitors; • sudden increases in the demand for our common stock, including as a result of any “short squeezes”; • significant acquisitions or business combinations, strategic partnerships, joint ventures, or capital commitments by or involving us or our competitors; • additional investments from third parties; • additions or departures of key personnel; • future sales or issuance of additional shares of our common stock; • fluctuations in the market price of our common stock and operating results of our competitors; • changes or proposed changes in laws or regulations, or differing interpretations thereof, affecting our business, or enforcement of these laws or regulations; • new technology used, or services offered, by competitors; • additional investments from third parties; or • geopolitical conditions such as acts or threats of terrorism, pandemics, or military conflicts.
Our investment or acquisition activities could be material to our business and involve a number of risks including the following: • investing time and incurring expense associated with identifying and evaluating potential investments or acquisitions and negotiating potential transactions, resulting in our attention being diverted from the operation of our existing business; • the lack of history among our management team in working together on acquisitions and related integration activities; • the time, expense, and difficulty of integrating the operations and personnel of the combined businesses; • unexpected asset quality problems with acquired companies; • inaccurate estimates and judgments used to evaluate credit, operations, management, and market risks with respect to the target institution or assets; • risks of impairment to goodwill or allowance for credit losses of investment securities; • potential exposure to unknown or contingent liabilities of banks and businesses we acquire; • an inability to realize expected synergies or returns on investment; • potential disruption of our ongoing banking business; and • loss of key employees or key customers following our investment or acquisition.
Our investment or acquisition activities could be material to our business and involve a number of risks including the following: • investing time and incurring expense associated with identifying and evaluating potential investments or acquisitions and negotiating potential transactions, resulting in our attention being diverted from the operation of our existing business; • the lack of history among our management team in working together on acquisitions and related integration activities; • the time, expense, and difficulty of integrating the operations and personnel of the combined businesses; • unexpected asset quality problems with acquired companies; • inaccurate estimates and judgments used to evaluate credit, operations, management, and market risks with respect to the target institution or assets; • risks of impairment to goodwill or allowance for credit losses of investment securities; • potential exposure to unknown or contingent liabilities of banks and businesses we acquire; 35 • an inability to realize expected synergies or returns on investment; • potential disruption of our ongoing banking business; and • loss of key employees or key customers following our investment or acquisition.
Although we have historically maintained a high deposit customer retention rate, these deposits are subject to potentially dramatic fluctuations in availability or price due to certain factors outside of our control, such as increasing competitive pressures for deposits, changes in interest rates and returns on other investment classes, customer perceptions of our financial health and general reputation, and a loss of confidence by 20 customers in us or the banking sector generally, which could result in significant outflows of deposits within short periods of time or significant changes in pricing necessary to maintain current customer deposits or attract additional deposits.
Although we have historically maintained a high deposit customer retention rate, these deposits are subject to potentially dramatic fluctuations in availability or price due to certain factors outside of our control, such as increasing competitive pressures for deposits, changes in interest rates and returns on other investment classes, customer perceptions of our financial health and general reputation, and a loss of confidence by customers in us or the banking sector generally, which could result in significant outflows of deposits within short periods of time or significant changes in pricing necessary to maintain current customer deposits or attract additional deposits.
Deterioration of economic conditions affecting borrowers, new information regarding existing loans, inaccurate management assumptions, identification of additional problem loans, temporary modifications, loan forgiveness, automatic forbearance, and other factors, both within and outside of our control, may result in our experiencing higher levels of nonperforming assets and charge-offs, and incurring credit losses in excess of our current allowance for credit losses, requiring us to make material additions to our allowance for credit losses, which could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.
Deterioration of economic conditions affecting borrowers, new information regarding existing loans, inaccurate management assumptions, identification of additional problem loans, temporary modifications, loan forgiveness, automatic forbearance, and other factors, both within and outside of our control, may result in our experiencing higher levels of nonperforming assets and charge-offs, and incurring credit losses in excess of our current allowance for credit losses, 26 requiring us to make material additions to our allowance for credit losses, which could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.
The process for determining whether an allowance for credit losses is required involves complex, subjective judgments about the future financial performance and liquidity of the issuer, any collateral underlying the security, and our intent and ability to hold the security 26 for a sufficient period of time to allow for any anticipated recovery in fair value, in order to assess the probability of receiving all contractual principal and interest payments on the security.
The process for determining whether an allowance for credit losses is required involves complex, subjective judgments about the future financial performance and liquidity of the issuer, any collateral underlying the security, and our intent and ability to hold the security for a sufficient period of time to allow for any anticipated recovery in fair value, in order to assess the probability of receiving all contractual principal and interest payments on the security.
Accordingly, charge-offs on commercial real estate loans may be larger as a percentage of the total principal outstanding than those incurred with our residential or consumer loan portfolios. 24 The appraisals and other valuation techniques we use in evaluating and monitoring loans secured by real property and OREO may not accurately reflect the net value of the asset.
Accordingly, charge-offs on commercial real estate loans may be larger as a percentage of the total principal outstanding than those incurred with our residential or consumer loan portfolios. The appraisals and other valuation techniques we use in evaluating and monitoring loans secured by real property and OREO may not accurately reflect the net value of the asset.
If, as a result of an examination, the Federal Reserve, the FDIC, or the DFPI were to determine that our financial condition, capital resources, asset quality, earnings prospects, management, liquidity, or other aspects of any of our operations had become unsatisfactory, or that we were in violation of any law or regulation, they may take a number of different remedial actions as they deem appropriate.
If, as a result of an examination, the Federal Reserve, the FDIC, or the DFPI were to determine that our financial condition, capital resources, asset quality, earnings prospects, management, liquidity, or other aspects of any of our operations had become unsatisfactory, or that we were in violation of any law or regulation, they may take a number of 28 different remedial actions as they deem appropriate.
A downturn in economic conditions in our market, particularly in the real estate market, heightened competition from other financial services providers, an inability to retain or grow our core deposit base, regulatory and legislative considerations, and failure to attract and retain high-performing talent, among other factors, could limit our ability to grow assets or increase profitability as rapidly as we have in the past.
A downturn in economic conditions in our market, particularly in the real estate market, heightened competition from other financial services providers, an inability to retain or grow our core deposit base, regulatory and legislative considerations, 34 and failure to attract and retain high-performing talent, among other factors, could limit our ability to grow assets or increase profitability as rapidly as we have in the past.
In such event, holders of our common stock will not be entitled to receive any payment or other distribution of assets upon the liquidation, dissolution, or winding up of the Company until after all of our obligations to the debt holders are satisfied and holders of subordinated notes and senior equity securities, including preferred shares, if any, have received any payment or distribution due to them.
In such event, holders of our common stock will not be entitled to receive any payment or other distribution of assets upon the liquidation, dissolution, or winding up of the Company until after all of our 32 obligations to the debt holders are satisfied and holders of subordinated notes and senior equity securities, including preferred shares, if any, have received any payment or distribution due to them.
Secondarily, because of the complexity inherent in these approaches, misunderstanding or misuse of their outputs could similarly result in suboptimal decision making, which could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations. We may not be able to measure and limit our credit risk adequately, which could adversely affect our profitability.
Secondarily, because of the complexity inherent in these approaches, misunderstanding or misuse of 21 their outputs could similarly result in suboptimal decision making, which could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations. We may not be able to measure and limit our credit risk adequately, which could adversely affect our profitability.
In particular, the increase in working from home since outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic could have adverse effects on our loans for office space, which are dependent for repayment on the successful operation and management of the associated commercial real estate. Our underwriting, review, and monitoring cannot eliminate all the risks related to these loans.
In particular, the increase in working from home since outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic could have adverse effects on our loans for office space, which are dependent for repayment on the successful 22 operation and management of the associated commercial real estate. Our underwriting, review, and monitoring cannot eliminate all the risks related to these loans.
If a significant amount of these deposits were withdrawn within a short period of time, it could have a negative impact on our short-term liquidity and have an adverse impact on our earnings. We may also be forced, as a result of withdrawals of deposits, to rely more heavily on other, 25 potentially more expensive and less stable, funding sources.
If a significant amount of these deposits were withdrawn within a short period of time, it could have a negative impact on our short-term liquidity and have an adverse impact on our earnings. We may also be forced, as a result of withdrawals of deposits, to rely more heavily on other, potentially more expensive and less stable, funding sources.
Compliance with these rules and regulations has increased, and will continue to increase, our legal and financial compliance costs, will make some activities more difficult, time-consuming, or costly, and will increase demand on our systems and resources, particularly after we are no longer an “emerging growth company” as defined in the JOBS Act.
Compliance with these rules and regulations has increased, and will continue 33 to increase, our legal and financial compliance costs, will make some activities more difficult, time-consuming, or costly, and will increase demand on our systems and resources, particularly after we are no longer an “emerging growth company” as defined in the JOBS Act.
The SEC recently enacted rules, effective as of December 18, 2023, requiring public companies to disclose material cybersecurity incidents that they experience on Form 8-K within four business days of determining that a material cybersecurity incident has occurred and to disclose on an annual basis material information regarding their cybersecurity risk management, strategy, and governance.
The SEC enacted rules, effective as of December 18, 2023, requiring public companies to disclose material cybersecurity incidents that they experience on Form 8-K within four business days of determining that a material cybersecurity incident has occurred and to disclose on an annual basis material information regarding their cybersecurity risk management, strategy, and governance.
We may not be able to identify all significant deficiencies and/or material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting in the 33 future, and our failure to maintain effective internal control over financial reporting in accordance with Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.
We may not be able to identify all significant deficiencies and/or material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting in the future, and our failure to maintain effective internal control over financial reporting in accordance with Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.
Additionally, if we record goodwill in connection with any acquisition, our business, financial condition, and results of operations may be adversely affected if that goodwill is determined to be impaired, which would require us to take an impairment charge. 35 Our reputation is critical to our business, and damage to it could have an adverse effect on us.
Additionally, if we record goodwill in connection with any acquisition, our business, financial condition, and results of operations may be adversely affected if that goodwill is determined to be impaired, which would require us to take an impairment charge. Our reputation is critical to our business, and damage to it could have an adverse effect on us.
Based on our regulators’ assessment of the quality of our assets, operations, lending practices, investment practices, capital 27 structure, or other aspects of our business, we may be required to take additional charges or undertake, or refrain from taking, actions that could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.
Based on our regulators’ assessment of the quality of our assets, operations, lending practices, investment practices, capital structure, or other aspects of our business, we may be required to take additional charges or undertake, or refrain from taking, actions that could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.
Our asset-liability management strategy may not be effective in mitigating exposure to the risks related to changes in market interest rates. We operate in a highly competitive market and face increasing competition from a variety of traditional and new financial services providers. We have many competitors.
Our asset-liability management strategy may not be effective in mitigating exposure to the risks related to changes in market interest rates. 20 We operate in a highly competitive market and face increasing competition from a variety of traditional and new financial services providers. We have many competitors.
As a result, our 21 inability to successfully manage credit risk could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations. We are exposed to higher credit risk and other risks and costs by our commercial real estate, commercial land and construction, commercial construction, farmland loans and other real estate assets.
As a result, our inability to successfully manage credit risk could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations. We are exposed to higher credit risk and other risks and costs by our commercial real estate, commercial land and construction, commercial construction, farmland loans and other real estate assets.
Cybersecurity breaches and other disruptions would jeopardize the security of information stored in and transmitted through our computer systems and network infrastructure, which may result in business disruptions, significant liability to us, and damage to our reputation and may discourage current and potential customers from using our internet banking services.
Cybersecurity breaches and other disruptions would jeopardize the security of information stored in and 37 transmitted through our computer systems and network infrastructure, which may result in business disruptions, significant liability to us, and damage to our reputation and may discourage current and potential customers from using our internet banking services.
Our security measures, including firewalls and penetration testing, as well as oversight by our board of directors and Audit Committee as well as management's assessment, identification, and management of cybersecurity risks, may not prevent or detect future potential losses from system failures or cybersecurity breaches, attacks, or other disruptions.
Our security measures, including firewalls and penetration testing, as well as oversight by our board of directors and the Audit Committee as well as management’s assessment, identification, and management of cybersecurity risks, may not prevent or detect future potential losses from system failures or cybersecurity breaches, attacks, or other disruptions.
Cybersecurity risk 37 management is incorporated into our overall enterprise risk management model, which is updated on a quarterly basis and subject to oversight by our board of directors. In the normal course of business, we collect, process, and retain sensitive and confidential information regarding our customers.
Cybersecurity risk management is incorporated into our overall enterprise risk management model, which is updated on a quarterly basis and subject to oversight by our board of directors. In the normal course of business, we collect, process, and retain sensitive and confidential information regarding our customers.
This influence may also have the effect of delaying or preventing changes of control or changes in management or limiting the ability of our 31 other shareholders to approve transactions that they may deem to be in the best interests of our Company. The interests of these insiders could conflict with the interests of our other shareholders, including you.
This influence may also have the effect of delaying or preventing changes of control or changes in management or limiting the ability of our other shareholders to approve transactions that they may deem to be in the best interests of our Company. The interests of these insiders could conflict with the interests of our other shareholders, including you.
If we fail to comply with these new requirements we could incur regulatory fines in addition to other adverse consequences to our reputation, business, financial condition, and results of operations. 38 We may also be subject to liability under various data protection laws.
If we fail to comply with these new requirements we could incur regulatory fines in addition to other adverse consequences to our reputation, business, financial condition, and results of operations. We may also be subject to liability under various data protection laws.
In addition, the accuracy of our consolidated 39 financial statements and related disclosures could be affected if the judgments, assumptions, or estimates used in our critical accounting policies are inaccurate. The nature of our business makes us sensitive to the large body of accounting rules in the United States.
In addition, the accuracy of our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures could be affected if the judgments, assumptions, or estimates used in our critical accounting policies are inaccurate. The nature of our business makes us sensitive to the large body of accounting rules in the United States.
If new federal or state laws or regulations are ultimately enacted that significantly raise the cost 22 of foreclosure or raise outright barriers to foreclosure, they could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.
If new federal or state laws or regulations are ultimately enacted that significantly raise the cost of foreclosure or raise outright barriers to foreclosure, they could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.
Our failure to sustain our historical rate of growth, adequately manage the factors that have 34 contributed to our growth, or successfully enter new markets could have an adverse effect on our earnings and profitability and, therefore, on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.
Our failure to sustain our historical rate of growth, adequately manage the factors that have contributed to our growth, or successfully enter new markets could have an adverse effect on our earnings and profitability and, therefore, on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.
Our involvement in any such matters, whether tangential or otherwise and even if the matters are ultimately determined in our favor, could also cause significant harm to our reputation and divert management attention from the operation of our business.
Our involvement in any such matters, whether tangential or otherwise and even if the matters are ultimately determined in our favor, could also cause significant harm to 39 our reputation and divert management attention from the operation of our business.
Although we have historically been able to replace maturing deposits and advances if 23 desired, we may not be able to replace such funds in the future if our financial condition, the financial condition of the FHLB, or market conditions change.
Although we have historically been able to replace maturing deposits and advances if desired, we may not be able to replace such funds in the future if our financial condition, the financial condition of the FHLB, or market conditions change.
We are subject to regulation and supervision by the Federal Reserve, and our Bank is subject to regulation and supervision by the FDIC and the DFPI. Compliance with these laws and regulations can be difficult and costly, and changes to laws and regulations can impose additional compliance costs.
We are subject to regulation and supervision by the Federal Reserve, 27 and our Bank is subject to regulation and supervision by the FDIC and the DFPI. Compliance with these laws and regulations can be difficult and costly, and changes to laws and regulations can impose additional compliance costs.
Accordingly, 32 prospective investors must comply with these requirements, if applicable, in connection with any purchase of shares of our common stock.
Accordingly, prospective investors must comply with these requirements, if applicable, in connection with any purchase of shares of our common stock.
Risk Factor Summary The most significant risks that may have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations are summarized below. • Our business and operations are concentrated in Northern California, and we are sensitive to adverse changes in the local economy. • We operate in a highly competitive market and face increasing competition from traditional and new financial services providers. • We are subject to the various risks associated with our banking business and operations, including, among others, credit, market, liquidity, interest rate, and compliance risks, which may have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations if we are unable to manage such risks. • We may be unable to effectively manage our growth, which could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations. • We operate in a highly regulated industry, and current regulatory requirements, including stringent capital requirements, consumer protection laws, and anti-money laundering laws, and failure to comply with these requirements and any future legislative and regulatory changes may have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations. • We are subject to laws regarding privacy, information security, and protection of personal information, and any violation of these laws or incidents involving personal, confidential, or proprietary information of individuals, including, among others, system failures or cybersecurity breaches of our network security, could damage our reputation and otherwise adversely affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations. • Our charter documents contain certain provisions, including anti-takeover and exclusive forum provisions, that limit the ability of our shareholders to take certain actions and could delay or discourage takeover attempts that shareholders may consider favorable. 18 Risks Related to Our Business Our business and operations are concentrated in California, specifically Northern California, and we are more sensitive than our more geographically diversified competitors to adverse changes in the local economy.
Risk Factor Summary The most significant risks that may have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations are summarized below. • Our business and operations are concentrated in Northern California, and we are sensitive to adverse changes in the local economy. • We operate in a highly competitive market and face increasing competition from traditional and new financial services providers. 18 • We are subject to the various risks associated with our banking business and operations, including, among others, credit, market, liquidity, interest rate, and compliance risks, which may have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations if we are unable to manage such risks. • We may be unable to effectively manage our growth, which could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations. • We operate in a highly regulated industry, and current regulatory requirements, including stringent capital requirements, consumer protection laws, and anti-money laundering laws, and failure to comply with these requirements and any future legislative and regulatory changes may have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations. • We are subject to laws regarding privacy, information security, and protection of personal information, and any violation of these laws or incidents involving personal, confidential, or proprietary information of individuals, including, among others, system failures or cybersecurity breaches of our network security, could damage our reputation and otherwise adversely affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations. • Our charter documents contain certain provisions, including anti-takeover and exclusive forum provisions, that limit the ability of our shareholders to take certain actions and could delay or discourage takeover attempts that shareholders may consider favorable.
Unsecured loans generally involve a higher degree of risk of loss than do secure loans because, without collateral, repayment is wholly dependent upon the success of the borrowers’ businesses. Because of this lack of collateral, we are limited in our ability to collect on defaulted unsecured loans.
Unsecured loans generally involve a higher degree of risk of loss than do secured loans because, without collateral, repayment is wholly dependent upon the success of the borrowers’ businesses. Because of this lack of collateral, we are limited in our ability to collect on defaulted unsecured loans.
As of December 31, 2023, a significant majority of our loan portfolio was comprised of loans with real estate as a primary or secondary component of collateral, with a majority of these real estate loans concentrated in Northern California.
As of December 31, 2024, a significant majority of our loan portfolio was comprised of loans with real estate as a primary or secondary component of collateral, with a majority of these real estate loans concentrated in Northern California.
The Federal Reserve has indicated that it expects to lower the target range for the federal funds rate beginning in 2024. A decrease in the general level of interest rates may affect us through, among other things, increased prepayments on our loan portfolio, and our cost of funds may not fall as quickly as yields on interest-earning assets.
The Federal Reserve has indicated that it expects to continue to lower the target range for the federal funds rate in 2025. A decrease in the general level of interest rates may affect us through, among other things, increased prepayments on our loan portfolio, and our cost of funds may not fall as quickly as yields on interest-earning assets.
On January 1, 2023, the Company adopted ASU No. 2016-13, Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments and all subsequent amendments that modified ASU 2016-13 (collectively, “ASC 326,”), which replaces the current “incurred loss” model for recognizing credit losses with an “expected loss” model referred to as the CECL model.
On January 1, 2023, the Company adopted ASU No. 2016-13, Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments and all subsequent amendments that modified ASU 2016-13 (collectively, “ASC 326,”), which replaced the former “incurred loss” model for recognizing credit losses with an “expected loss” model referred to as the CECL model.
As of December 31, 2023, significant portions of our interest-bearing liabilities were variable rate, where our variable rate liabilities reprice at a faster rate than our variable rate assets.
As of December 31, 2024, significant portions of our interest-bearing liabilities were variable rate, where our variable rate liabilities reprice at a faster rate than our variable rate assets.
Thus, any borrowing by a bank holding company for the 29 purpose of making a capital injection to a subsidiary bank may become more difficult and expensive relative to other corporate borrowings. We face a risk of no ncompliance and enforcement action with the Bank Secrecy Act and other anti-money laundering statutes and regulations.
Thus, any borrowing by a bank holding company for the purpose of making a capital injection to a subsidiary bank may become more difficult and expensive relative to other corporate borrowings. We face a risk of noncompliance and enforcement action with the Bank Secrecy Act and other anti-money laundering statutes and regulations.
As of December 31, 2023, we had outstanding an aggregate of $73.7 million of subordinated notes, net of debt issuance costs, outstanding, and we did not have any outstanding preferred stock or trust preferred securities. We could incur future debt obligations or issue preferred stock in the future to raise additional capital.
As of December 31, 2024, we had outstanding an aggregate of $73.9 million of subordinated notes, net of debt issuance costs, outstanding, and we did not have any outstanding preferred stock or trust preferred securities. We could incur future debt obligations or issue preferred stock in the future to raise additional capital.
Our stock price has fluctuated from a low of $18.21 to a high of $31.92 between our initial public offering and December 31, 2023. Volatility in the market price of our common stock may negatively impact the price at which our common stock may be sold and may also negatively impact the timing of any sale.
Our stock price has fluctuated from a low of $18.21 to a high of $33.55 between our initial public offering and December 31, 2024. Volatility in the market price of our common stock may negatively impact the price at which our common stock may be sold and may also negatively impact the timing of any sale.
Although we endeavor to maintain our allowance for credit losses at a level adequate to absorb any inherent losses in the loan portfolio, these estimates of credit losses are necessarily subjective, and their accuracy depends on the outcome of future events. At December 31, 2023, the allowance for credit losses was $34.4 million.
Although we endeavor to maintain our allowance for credit losses at a level adequate to absorb any inherent losses in the loan portfolio, these estimates of credit losses are necessarily subjective, and their accuracy depends on the outcome of future events. At December 31, 2024, the allowance for credit losses was $37.8 million.
Under this guidance, an institution that has: (i) total reported loans for construction, land development, and other land which represent 100% or more of the institution’s total risk-based capital or (ii) total commercial real estate loans representing 300% or more of the institution’s total risk-based capital, where the outstanding balance of the institution’s commercial real estate loan portfolio has increased 50% or more during the prior 36 months, is identified as having potential commercial real estate concentration risk.
Under this guidance, an institution that has: (i) total reported loans for construction, land development, and other land which represent 100% or more of the institution’s total risk-based capital; or (ii) total reported loans secured by multifamily and non-farm non-residential properties and loans for construction, land development, and other land of 300% or more of the institution’s total risk-based capital, where the outstanding balance of the institution’s commercial real estate loan portfolio has increased 50% or more during the prior 36 months, is identified as having potential commercial real estate concentration risk.
As of December 31, 2023, approximately more than half of our real estate loans measured by dollar amount were secured by collateral located in California, substantially all of which is in Northern California. Therefore, our success will depend upon the general economic conditions and real estate activity in these areas, which we cannot predict with certainty.
As of December 31, 2024, approximately 57.66% of our real estate loans measured by dollar amount were secured by collateral located in California, substantially all of which is in Northern California. Therefore, our success will depend upon the general economic conditions and real estate activity in these areas, which we cannot predict with certainty.
We could recognize losses on investment securities held in our securities portfolio, particularly if interest rates increase or economic and market conditions deteriorate. As of December 31, 2023, the carrying value of our investment securities portfolio was approximately $111.2 million. As of the same date, 9.48% of our investments were U.S. government agency securities.
We could recognize losses on investment securities held in our securities portfolio, particularly if interest rates increase or economic and market conditions deteriorate. As of December 31, 2024, the carrying value of our investment securities portfolio was approximately $100.9 million. As of the same date, 8.27% of our investments were U.S. government agency securities.
As a result, defaults by, declines in the financial condition of, or even rumors or questions about one or more financial services companies, or the financial services industry generally, could lead to market-wide liquidity problems and losses or defaults by us or other institutions. These losses could adversely affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations.
As a result, defaults by, declines in the financial condition of, or even rumors or questions about one or more financial services companies, or the financial services industry generally, could lead to market-wide liquidity problems and losses or defaults by us or other institutions.
We are an “emerging growth company,” as defined in the JOBS Act, and a “smaller reporting company,” as defined in Rule 12b-2 in the Exchange Act, and are able to avail ourselves of reduced disclosure requirements applicable to emerging growth companies and smaller reporting companies, which could make our common stock less attractive to investors and adversely affect the market price of our common stock.
We are an “emerging growth company,” as defined in the JOBS Act and are able to avail ourselves of reduced disclosure requirements applicable to emerging growth companies, which could make our common stock less attractive to investors and adversely affect the market price of our common stock. We are an “emerging growth company,” as defined in the JOBS Act.
Curtailment of government-guaranteed loan programs could affect a segment of our business. One component of our business consists of originating and periodically selling U.S. government-guaranteed loans, in particular those guaranteed by the SBA.
Curtailment of government-guaranteed loan programs or changes in federal government funding could affect our business. One component of our business consists of originating and periodically selling U.S. government-guaranteed loans, in particular those guaranteed by the SBA.
It is our policy to determine borrowers’ ability to repay and not to make predatory loans. Nonetheless, the law and related rules create the potential for increased liability with respect to our lending and loan investment activities. Compliance with these laws increases our cost of doing business.
It is our policy to determine borrowers’ ability to repay and not to make predatory loans. Nonetheless, the law and related rules create the potential for increased liability with respect to our lending and loan investment activities.
If general economic conditions negatively impact the markets in which we operate or any of our borrowers are otherwise affected by adverse business developments, our small to medium-sized borrowers may be disproportionately affected and their ability to repay outstanding loans may be negatively affected, resulting in an adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.
If general economic conditions negatively impact the markets in which we operate or any of our borrowers are otherwise affected by adverse business developments, our small to medium-sized borrowers may be disproportionately affected and their ability to repay outstanding loans may be negatively affected, resulting in an adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations. 19 Our business is significantly dependent on the real estate markets in which we operate, as a significant percentage of our loan portfolio is secured by real estate.
At December 31, 2023, our 40 largest deposit relationships, each accounting for more than $10.0 million, amounted to $1.5 billion, or 49.80% of our total deposits. This includes $693.7 million in deposits from municipalities, of which we conduct a monthly review.
At December 31, 2024, our 49 largest deposit relationships, each accounting for more than $10.0 million, amounted to $1.8 billion, or 50.35% of our total deposits. This includes $674.1 million in deposits from municipalities, of which we conduct a monthly review.
We are an “emerging growth company,” as defined in the JOBS Act. For as long as we continue to be an emerging growth company, we may take advantage of certain exemptions from various requirements generally applicable to public companies.
For as long as we continue to be an emerging growth company, we may take advantage of certain exemptions from various requirements generally applicable to public companies.
Additionally, consumer protection initiatives or changes in state or federal law may substantially increase the time and expenses associated with the foreclosure process or prevent us from foreclosing at all.
Compliance with these laws increases our cost of doing business. 25 Additionally, consumer protection initiatives or changes in state or federal law may substantially increase the time and expenses associated with the foreclosure process or prevent us from foreclosing at all.
We are not able to anticipate or implement effective preventive measures against all security breaches of these types, especially because the techniques used change frequently and because attacks can originate from a wide variety of sources. Our early detection and response mechanisms may be thwarted by sophisticated attacks and malware designed to avoid detection.
We are not able to anticipate or implement effective preventive measures against all security breaches of these types, especially because the techniques used change frequently and because attacks can originate from a wide variety of sources.
As of December 31, 2023, our 30 largest borrowing relationships ranged from approximately $19.9 million to $71.5 million (including unfunded commitments) and totaled approximately $1.1 billion in total commitments (representing, in the aggregate, 35.49% of our total loans held for investment before deferred fees at that date).
As of December 31, 2024, our 30 largest borrowing relationships ranged from approximately $20.3 million to $284.3 million (including unfunded commitments) and totaled approximately $1.4 billion in total commitments (representing, in the aggregate, 38.68% of our total loans held for investment before deferred fees at that date).
As a result, if our regulators assess that we have not exercised adequate oversight and control over our third-party service providers or that such providers have not performed adequately, we could be subject to administrative penalties, fines, or other forms of regulatory enforcement action as well as requirements for consumer remediation, any of which could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations. 36 We are subject to laws regarding the privacy, information security, and protection of personal information, and any violation of these laws or other incidents involving personal, confidential, or proprietary information of individuals could damage our reputation and otherwise adversely affect our business.
As a result, if our regulators assess that we have not exercised adequate oversight and control over our third-party service providers or that such providers have not performed adequately, we could be subject to administrative penalties, fines, or other forms of regulatory enforcement action as well as requirements for consumer remediation, any of which could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.
Furthermore, third-party service providers, and banking organizations’ relationships with those providers, are subject to demanding regulatory requirements and attention by bank regulators. These regulatory expectations may change, and potentially become more rigorous in certain ways, due to an interagency effort to replace existing guidance on the risk management of third-party relationships with new guidance.
These regulatory expectations may change, and potentially become more rigorous in certain ways, due to an interagency effort to replace existing guidance on the risk management of third-party relationships with new guidance.
Although we sold $36.5 million of loans in the year ended December 31, 2023, we may decide to sell more loans in the future. A secondary market for most types of commercial real estate loans is not readily liquid, so we have less opportunity to mitigate credit risk by selling part or all of our interest in these loans.
A secondary market for most types of commercial real estate loans is not readily liquid, so we have less opportunity to mitigate credit risk by selling part or all of our interest in these loans.
We are a bank holding company and are dependent upon the Bank for cash flow, and the Bank’s ability to make cash distributions is restricted. Additionally, the Federal Reserve may require us to commit capital resources to support the Bank.
Such actions could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations. 29 We are a bank holding company and are dependent upon the Bank for cash flow, and the Bank’s ability to make cash distributions is restricted. Additionally, the Federal Reserve may require us to commit capital resources to support the Bank.
These exemptions allow us, among other things, to present only two years of audited financial statements and discuss our results of operations for only two years in related Management’s Discussions and Analyses; not to provide an auditor attestation of our internal control over financial reporting; to take advantage of an extended transition period to comply with the new or revised accounting standards applicable to public companies; to provide reduced disclosure regarding our executive compensation arrangements pursuant to the rules applicable to smaller reporting companies, which means we do not have to include a compensation discussion and analysis and certain other disclosure regarding our executive compensation; and not to seek a non-binding advisory vote on executive compensation or golden parachute arrangements.
These exemptions allow us, among other things, to discuss our results of operations for only two years in the section entitled “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations”; not to provide an auditor attestation of our internal control over financial reporting; to take advantage of an extended transition period to comply with the new or revised accounting standards applicable to public companies; and not to seek a non-binding advisory vote on executive compensation or golden parachute arrangements. 31 We may take advantage of these exemptions until we are no longer an emerging growth company.
Regulatory requirements affecting our loans secured by commercial real estate could limit our ability to leverage our capital and adversely affect our growth and profitability. The federal banking agencies have issued guidance regarding concentrations in commercial real estate lending for institutions that are deemed to have particularly high concentrations of commercial real estate loans within their lending portfolios.
The federal banking agencies have issued guidance regarding concentrations in commercial real estate lending for institutions that are deemed to have particularly high concentrations of commercial real estate loans within their lending portfolios.
Private parties may also have the ability to challenge an institution’s performance under fair lending laws in private litigation, including through class action litigation. Such actions could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.
Private parties may also have the ability to challenge an institution’s performance under fair lending laws in private litigation, including through class action litigation.
Banking organizations are required to notify their primary federal regulator of significant computer security incidents within 36 hours of determining that such an incident has occurred.
Our early detection and response mechanisms may be thwarted by sophisticated attacks and malware designed to avoid detection. 38 Banking organizations are required to notify their primary federal regulator of significant computer security incidents within 36 hours of determining that such an incident has occurred.
An increase in the level of nonperforming assets increases our risk profile and may affect the capital levels regulators believe are appropriate in light of the ensuing risk profile.
An increase in the level of nonperforming assets increases our risk profile and may affect the capital levels regulators believe are appropriate in light of the ensuing risk profile. Our failure to effectively mitigate these risks could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.
If an interruption were to continue for a significant period of time, our business, financial condition, and results of operations could be adversely affected. Even if we are able to replace third-party service providers, it may be at a higher cost to us, which could adversely affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations.
If an interruption were to continue for a significant period of time, our business, financial condition, and results of operations could be adversely affected.
Liquidity is essential to our business, and we monitor our liquidity and manage our liquidity risk at the holding company and bank levels.
Potential losses could adversely affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations. Liquidity risk could impair our ability to fund operations and meet our obligations as they become due. Liquidity is essential to our business, and we monitor our liquidity and manage our liquidity risk at the holding company and bank levels.
The CFPB has proposed rules that would restrict various fees that financial institutions can charge consumers, including credit card late fees and certain insufficient funds (“NSF”) fees. Accordingly, CFPB rulemaking has the potential to have a significant impact on the operations of the Bank.
The CFPB has issued rules that restrict or place conditions on various fees that financial institutions can charge consumers, including credit card late fees and overdraft fees.
Our failure to effectively mitigate these risks could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations. 19 We are subject to interest rate risk, which could adversely affect our profitability.
We are subject to interest rate risk, which could adversely affect our profitability.