Southern California Bancorp CA

March 31, 2024

NOTE 1 –BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Nature of Operations

Southern California Bancorp is a California corporation incorporated on October 2, 2019 and is registered with the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System as a bank holding company for Bank of Southern California, N.A. under the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended. On May 15, 2020, the Company completed a reorganization whereby Bank of Southern California, N.A. became a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company. Bank of Southern California, N.A. began business operations in December 2001 under the name Ramona National Bank. The Bank changed its name to First Business Bank, N.A. in 2006 and to Bank of Southern California, N.A. in 2010. Bank of Southern California, N.A. has a wholly-owned subsidiary, BCAL OREO1, LLC, which was incorporated on February 14, 2024. BCAL OREO1, LLC is used for holding other real estate owned and other assets acquired by foreclosure. The Bank operates under a federal charter and its primary regulator is the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (“OCC”). The words “we,” “us,” “our,” or the “Company” refer to Southern California Bancorp, and Bank of Southern California, N.A. collectively and on a consolidated basis. References herein to “Southern California Bancorp,” “SCB,” “Bancorp” or the “holding company,” refer to Southern California Bancorp on a stand-alone basis. References to the “Bank” refer to Bank of Southern California, N.A.

As a relationship-focused community bank, the Bank offers a range of financial products and services to individuals, professionals, and small- to medium-sized businesses through its 13 branch offices serving Orange, Los Angeles, San Diego and Ventura counties, as well as the Inland Empire. Many of the banking offices have been acquired through a number of acquisitions.

On May 11, 2023, our common stock became listed on the Nasdaq Capital Market under the symbol BCAL. Prior to that date, our common stock was quoted under the same symbol on the OTC Pink Open Market.

On January 30, 2024, the Company announced the execution of a definitive merger agreement with California BanCorp (NASDAQ: CALB), the holding company for California Bank of Commerce, pursuant to which California BanCorp will merge into Southern California Bancorp in an all-stock merger valued at approximately $233.6 million based on the closing price of Southern California Bancorp on January 29, 2024. Under the terms of the merger agreement, which has been unanimously approved by the boards of directors of Southern California Bancorp and California BanCorp, each outstanding share of California BanCorp common stock will be exchanged for the right to receive 1.590 shares of Southern California Bancorp common stock. As a result of the transaction, Southern California Bancorp shareholders will own approximately 57.1% of the outstanding shares of the combined company and California BanCorp shareholders will own approximately 42.9% of the outstanding shares of the combined company. These amounts are subject to fair value adjustments upon the close of the Merger. The transaction is expected to close in the third quarter of 2024, subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions, including receipt of required regulatory approvals and approvals from Southern California Bancorp and California BanCorp shareholders. At March 31, 2024, California BanCorp had total loans of $1.52 billion, total assets of $1.92 billion, total deposits of $1.64 billion, and total equity of $200.7 million.

Basis of Presentation

The accompanying unaudited interim consolidated financial statements have been prepared pursuant to Article 10 of SEC Regulation S-X and other SEC rules and regulations for reporting on the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. Accordingly, certain disclosures required by U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) are not included herein. These unaudited interim consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and notes included in Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023.

In the opinion of management of the Company, the accompanying unaudited interim consolidated financial statements reflect all of the adjustments (consisting of normal recurring adjustments) necessary for a fair presentation of the consolidated financial condition and consolidated results of operations as of the dates and for the periods presented. The results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2024 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2024.

Principles of Consolidation

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company, including its wholly owned subsidiary, the Bank and the Bank’s wholly-owned subsidiary, BCAL OREO1, LLC. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

Use of Estimates in the Preparation of Consolidated Financial Statements

The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and

expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Material estimates that are particularly susceptible to significant change are the determination of the allowance for credit losses, the fair value of assets and liabilities acquired in business combinations and related purchase price allocation, the valuation of acquired loans, the valuation of goodwill and separately identifiable intangible assets associated with mergers and acquisitions, loan sales and servicing of financial assets and deferred tax assets and liabilities.

Operating Segments

We operateone reportable segment — commercial banking. The factors considered in making this determination include all of the banking products and services offered by the Company are available in each branch of the Company, all branches are located within the same economic environment, management does not allocate resources based on the performance of different lending or transaction activities and how information is reviewed by the chief executive officer and other key decision makers. As a result, we determined that all services we offer relate to commercial banking.

Recently Adopted Accounting Guidance

On January 1, 2023, the Company adopted Accounting Standard Update (“ASU”) 2016-13, Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments (Topic 326), which replaces the incurred loss impairment methodology with a methodology that reflects current expected credit losses (“CECL”) and requires consideration of historical experience, current conditions and reasonable and supportable forecasts to estimate expected credit losses for financial assets held at the reporting date. The measurement of expected credit losses under the CECL is applicable to financial assets measured at amortized cost, including loans, held-to-maturity debt securities and off-balance sheet credit exposures. ASU 2016-13 also requires credit losses on available-for-sale debt securities be measured through an allowance for credit losses. If the measurement indicates that a credit loss exists, the present value of cash flows expected to be collected from the security are compared to the amortized cost basis of the security. If the present value of the cash flows expected to be collected is less than the amortized cost basis, a credit loss exists and an allowance for credit losses ("ACL") is recorded for the credit loss, limited by the amount that the fair value is less than the amortized cost basis. In addition, ASU 2016-13 modifies the other-than-temporary impairment (“OTTI”) model for available-for-sale debt securities to require an allowance for credit impairment instead of a direct write-down, which allows for reversal of credit impairments in future periods based on improvements in credit. The Company elected to account for accrued interest receivable separately from the amortized cost of loans and investment securities. The Company elected the CECL phase-in option provided by regulatory capital rules, which delays the impact of CECL on regulatory capital over a three-year transition period.

Concurrent with the adoption of ASU 2016-13, the Company adopted ASU 2022-02, Financial Instruments—Credit Losses (Topic 326) Troubled Debt Restructurings (“TDR”) and Vintage Disclosures, which eliminated TDR accounting prospectively for all loan modifications occurring on or after January 1, 2023 and added additional disclosure requirements for current period gross charge-offs by year of origination. It also prescribes guidance for reporting modifications for certain loan refinancings and restructurings made to borrowers experiencing financial difficulty. Loans that were considered a TDR prior to the adoption of ASU 2022-02 will continue to be accounted for under the superseded TDR accounting guidance until the loan is paid off, liquidated, or subsequently modified.

The Company adopted ASU 2016-13 using the modified retrospective transition approach, and recorded a net decrease of $3.9 million to the beginning balance of retained earnings as of January 1, 2023 for the cumulative effect adjustment, reflecting an initial adjustment to the ACL of $5.5 million, which included a $5.0 million increase in the ACL - loans and a $439 thousand increase in reserve for unfunded commitments, net of related deferred tax assets arising from temporary differences of $1.6 million, commonly referred to as the “Day 1” adjustment. This Day 1 adjustment reflects the development of the CECL models to estimate lifetime expected credit losses on the loans held for investment and unfunded commitments primarily using a lifetime loss methodology and management’s current expectation of future economic conditions. Results for reporting periods beginning after January 1, 2023 are presented under CECL while prior period amounts continue to be reported in accordance with the probable incurred loss accounting standards. As permitted under ASC 326, the Company elected to maintain the same loan segments that it previously identified prior to adoption of CECL.

At adoption of CECL and continuing through March 31, 2024, the Company did not record an ACL on available-for-sale debt securities or held-to-maturity debt securities as these investment portfolios primarily consisted of debt securities explicitly or implicitly backed by the U.S. government or state and local governments, and historically have had no credit loss experience. Refer to Note 2 –Investment Securities, for more information.

The following table presents the impact of adopting ASU 2016-13 on January 1, 2023:

On January 1, 2024, the Company adopted ASU 2023-01, Leases (Topic 842): Common Control Arrangements. This standard requires entities to amortize leasehold improvements associated with common control leases over the useful life to the common control group. The standard is effective for the Company for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023, including interim periods within these fiscal years. The Company did not have any such common control leases, so adoption of this standard did not have a material impact to the consolidated financial statements.

On January 1, 2024, the Company adopted ASU 2023-02, Investments - Equity Method and Joint Ventures (Topic 323): Accounting for Investments in Tax Credit Structures Using the Proportional Amortization Method, a consensus of the Emerging Issues Task Force. The amendments in this update allow the option for an entity to apply the proportional amortization method of accounting to other equity investments that are made for the primary purpose of receiving tax credits or other income tax benefits, if certain conditions are met. Prior to this update, the application of the proportional amortization method of accounting was only limited to low-income housing tax credit (“LIHTC”) structured investments. The proportional amortization method of accounting results in the amortization of applicable investments, as well as the related income tax credits or other income tax benefits received, being presented on a single line in the consolidated statements of income, income tax expense. Under this update, an entity has the option to apply the proportional amortization method of accounting to applicable investments on a tax-credit-program-by-tax-credit-program basis. In addition, the amendments in this update require that all tax equity investments accounted for using the proportional amortization method use the delayed equity contribution guidance in paragraph 323-740-25-3, requiring a liability be recognized for delayed equity contributions that are unconditional and legally binding or for equity contributions that are contingent upon a future event when that contingent event becomes probable. Under this update, LIHTC structured investments for which the proportional amortization method is not applied can no longer be accounted for using the delayed equity contribution guidance. Further, this update specifies that impairment of LIHTC structure investments not accounted for using the equity method must apply the impairment guidance in Subtopic 323-10 - Investments - Equity Method and Joint Ventures - Overall. This update also clarifies that for LIHTC structure investments not accounted for under the proportional amortization method or the equity method, an entity shall account for them under Topic 321 - Investments - Equity Securities. The amendments in this update also require additional disclosures in interim and annual periods concerning investments for which the proportional amortization method is applied, including (i) the nature of tax equity investments, and (ii) the effect of tax equity investments and related income tax credits and other income tax benefits on the financial position and results of operations. The provisions of this update are effective for the Company for interim and annual periods beginning December 15, 2023. Early adoption is permitted. The adoption of this standard did not have a material impact to the consolidated financial statements.

Significant Accounting Policies

The accounting and reporting policies of the Company are based upon GAAP and conform to predominant practices within the banking industry. We have not made any changes in our significant accounting policies from those disclosed in Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023. Updates to our significant accounting policies described below reflect the impact of the adoption of ASU 2016-13, Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments (Topic 326) and the related amendments, and ASU 2022-02, Financial Instruments—Credit Losses (Topic 326) Troubled Debt Restructurings and Vintage Disclosures.

Allowance for Credit Losses — Held-to-Maturity Debt Securities

An ACL is established for losses on held-to-maturity debt securities at the time of purchase or designation and is updated each period to reflect management’s expectations of CECL as of the date of the consolidated balance sheets. The ACL is estimated collectively for groups of debt securities with similar risk characteristics, and is determined at the individual security level when the Company deems a security to no longer possess shared risk characteristics. Accrued interest receivable on held-to-maturity debt securities is excluded from the estimate of credit losses. For debt securities where the Company has reason to believe the credit loss exposure is remote, a zero credit loss assumption is applied. Such debt securities were municipal securities, and historically have had limited credit loss experience. The Company does not anticipate any credit related losses in this investment portfolio. Changes in the ACL on held-to-maturity debt securities are recorded as a component of the (reversal of) provision for credit losses in the consolidated statements of income. Losses are charged against the ACL when management believes the uncollectibility of a held-to-maturity debt security is confirmed.

Allowance for Credit Losses — Available-for-Sale Debt Securities

For available-for-sale debt securities, the Company evaluates, on an individual basis, whether a decline in fair value below the amortized cost basis has resulted from a credit loss or other factors. The portion of the decline attributable to credit losses is recognized through an ACL, and changes in the ACL on available-for-sale debt securities are recorded as a component of the (reversal of) provision for credit losses in the consolidated statements of income. The portion of decline in fair value below the amortized cost basis not attributable to credit is recognized through other comprehensive income (loss), net of applicable taxes.

Allowance for Credit Losses — Loans

An ACL is the Company’s estimate of expected lifetime credit losses for its loans held for investment at the time of origination or acquisition and is maintained at a level deemed appropriate by management to provide for expected lifetime credit losses in the portfolio. The ACL consists of: (i) a specific allowance established for current expected credit losses on loans individually evaluated, (ii) a quantitative allowance for current expected credit losses based on the portfolio and expected economic conditions over a reasonable and supportable forecast period that reverts back to long-term trends to cover the expected life of the loan, (iii) a qualitative allowance including management judgment to capture factors and trends that are not adequately reflected in the quantitative allowance, and (iv) the ACL for off-balance sheet credit exposure for unfunded loan commitments (described in Allowance for Credit Losses - Off-Balance Sheet Credit Exposure).

The ACL on loans held for investment represents the portion of the loans’ amortized cost basis that the Company does not expect to collect due to anticipated credit losses over the loans’ contractual life. Amortized cost does not include accrued interest, which management elected to exclude from the estimate of expected credit losses. Provision for credit losses for loans held for investment is included in (reversal of) provision for credit losses in the consolidated statements of income. Loan charge-offs are recognized when management believes the collectability of the principal balance outstanding is unlikely. Subsequent recoveries, if any, are credited to the ACL. Credit losses are not estimated for accrued interest receivable as interest that is deemed uncollectible is written off through interest income.

Estimating expected credit losses requires management to use relevant forward-looking information, including the use of reasonable and supportable forecasts. Pools of loans with similar risk characteristics are collectively evaluated while loans that no longer share risk characteristics with loan pools are evaluated individually. The Company measures the ACL using a discounted cash flow methodology, which utilizes pool-level assumptions and cash flow projections on individual loan basis, which then aggregated at the portfolio segment level and supplemented by a qualitative reserve that is applied to each portfolio segment level.

The Company’s loan portfolio consists of the following segments, based on regulatory call codes and related risk ratings:

Construction and land development loans are typically adjustable rate residential and commercial construction loans to builders, developers and consumers, with terms generally limited to 12 to 36 months. These loans generally require payment in full upon the sale or refinance of the property. Construction and development loans generally carry a higher degree of risk because repayment depends on the ultimate completion of the project and usually on the subsequent sale or refinance of the property, unless the project is user-owned which would then convert to a conventional term loan. Specific material risks may include (i) unforeseen delays in the building or the project, (ii) cost overruns or inadequate contingency reserves, (iii) poor management of construction process, (iv) inferior or improper construction techniques, (v) changes in the economic environment during the construction period, (vi) a downturn in the real estate market, (vii) rising interest rates which may impact the sale of the property and its price, and (viii) failure to sell or stabilize completed projects in a timely manner. The Company attempts to reduce risks associated with construction and land development loans by obtaining personal guarantees and by keeping the maximum loan-to-value (“LTV”) ratio at or below 75%, depending on the project type. Many of the construction and land development loans include interest reserves built into the loan commitment. For owner-occupied commercial construction loans, periodic cash payments for interest are required from the borrower’s cash flow.

Real estate loans are secured by single family residential properties (one to four units), multifamily residential properties (five or more units), owner-occupied commercial real estate (“CRE”), and non-owner occupied CRE. Real estate loans are subject to the same general risks as other loans and may also be impacted by changing demographics, collateral maintenance, and product supply and demand. Rising interest rates, as well as other factors arising after a loan has been made, could negatively affect not only property values but also a borrower’s cash flow, creditworthiness, and ability to repay the loan. Increasing interest rates can impact real estate values as rising rates generally cause a similar movement in capitalization rates which can cause real estate collateral values to decline. The Company usually obtains a security interest in real estate, in addition to any other available collateral, in order to increase the likelihood of the ultimate repayment of the loan. The Company does not underwrite closed-end term consumer loans secured by a borrower’s residence. Junior liens may be considered in connection with a consumer home equity line of credit (“HELOC”), or as additional collateral support for SBA and other business loans.

The Company’s commercial and industrial (“C&I”) loans are generally made to businesses located in the Southern California region and surrounding communities. These loans are made to finance operations, to provide working capital, or for specific purposes such as to finance the purchase of assets or equipment or to finance accounts receivable and inventory. The Company’s C&I loans may be secured (other than by real estate) or unsecured. They may take the form of single payment, installment, or lines of credit. These are generally based on the financial strength and integrity of the borrower and guarantor(s) and generally (with some exceptions) are collateralized by short-term assets such as accounts receivable, inventory, equipment, or a borrower’s other business assets. Commercial term loans are typically made to provide working capital to finance the acquisition of fixed assets, refinance short-term debt originally used to purchase fixed assets or, in rare cases, to finance the purchase of businesses.

Consumer loans consist of loans to individuals for personal and household purposes, including secured and unsecured installment loans and revolving lines of credit. Consumer loans are underwritten based on the borrower’s income, current debt level, past credit history, and the availability and value of collateral. Consumer rates are both fixed and variable, with negotiable terms. The Company’s installment loans typically amortize over periods up to 5 years. Although the Company typically requires monthly payments of interest and a portion of the principal on its loan products, the Company will offer consumer loans with a single maturity date when a specific source of repayment is available. Consumer loans are generally considered to have greater risk than first or second mortgages on real estate because they may be unsecured, or, if they are secured, the value of the collateral may be difficult to assess and more likely to decrease in value than real estate.

The Company’s ACL model incorporates assumptions for prepayment/curtailment rates, probability of default (“PD”), and loss given default (“LGD”) to project each loan’s cash flow throughout its entire life cycle. An initial reserve amount is determined based on the difference between the amortized cost basis of each loan and the present value of all future cash flows. The initial reserve amount is then aggregated at the loan segment level to derive the segment level quantitative loss rates. For prepayment and curtailment rates, the Company utilized Abrigo’s benchmark since the adoption on January 1, 2023 through the second quarter of 2023 and switched to the Company’s own historical prepayment and curtailment experience beginning in the third quarter of 2023. Quarterly PD is forecasted using a regression model that incorporates certain economic variables as inputs. The LGD is derived from PD using the Frye-Jacobs index provided by the Company’s third-party model provider. Reasonable and supportable forecasts are used to predict current and future economic conditions. Management elected to use a four quarter reasonable and supportable forecast period followed by an eight quarter straight-line reversion period. After twelve quarters of forecast plus reversion period, the PD is assumed to remain unchanged for the remaining life of the loan.

The Company uses numerous key macroeconomic variables within the economic forecast scenarios from Moody’s Analytics. These economic forecast scenarios are based on past events, current conditions, and the likelihood of future events occurring. These scenarios include a baseline forecast which represents their best estimate of future economic activity. Moody’s Analytics also provides nine alternative scenarios, including five direct variations of the baseline scenario and four more extensive departures from their baseline forecast, including a slower growth, a stagflation, a next cycle recession and a low oil price scenario. Management recognizes the non-linearity of credit losses relative to economic performance and believes the use of multiple probability-weighted economic scenarios is appropriate in estimating credit losses over the forecast period. This approach is based on certain assumptions. The first assumption is that no single forecast of the economy, however detailed or complex, is completely accurate over a reasonable forecast timeframe and is subject to revisions over time. By considering multiple scenarios, management believes some of the uncertainty associated with a single scenario approach can be mitigated. Management periodically evaluates economic scenarios, determines whether to utilize multiple probability-weighted scenarios in the Company’s ACL model, and, if multiple scenarios are utilized, evaluates and determines the weighting for each scenario used in the Company’s ACL model, and thus the scenarios and weightings of each scenario may change in future periods. Economic scenarios as well as assumptions within those scenarios can vary based on changes in current and expected economic conditions.

The ACL process involves subjective and complex judgments and is reflective of significant uncertainties that could potentially result in materially different results under different assumptions and conditions. In addition to the aforementioned quantitative model, management periodically considers the need for qualitative adjustments to the ACL. Such qualitative adjustments may be related to and include, but are not limited to factors such as: differences in segment-specific risk characteristics, periods wherein current conditions and reasonable and supportable forecasts of economic conditions differ from the conditions that existed at the time of the estimated loss calculation, model limitations and management’s overall assessment of the adequacy of the ACL. Qualitative risk factors are periodically evaluated by management.

Generally, the measurement of the ACL is performed by collectively evaluating loans with similar risk characteristics. Loans that do not share similar risk characteristics are evaluated individually for credit loss and are not included in the evaluation process discussed above. Expected credit losses on all individually evaluated loans are measured, primarily through the evaluation of estimated cash flows expected to be collected, or collateral values measured by reference to an observable market value, if one exists, or the fair value of the collateral for a collateral-dependent loan. The Company selects the measurement method on a loan-by-loan basis except that collateral-dependent loans for which foreclosure is probable are measured at the net realizable value of the collateral. Cash receipts on individually evaluated loans for which the accrual of interest has been discontinued are applied first to principal and then to interest income. Prior to the adoption of ASC Topic 326, individually evaluated loans were referred to as impaired loans. Amounts are charged-off when available information confirms that specific loans or portions thereof, are uncollectible. This methodology for determining charge-offs is consistently applied to each loan segment.

Loans with terms that have been modified resulting in a concession, and for which the borrower is experiencing financial difficulties, are evaluated for an ACL utilizing one of the methodologies above.

Allowance for Credit Losses — Off-Balance Sheet Credit Exposures

The Company also maintains a separate allowance for off-balance sheet commitments. Beginning January 1, 2023, management estimates anticipated losses using expected loss factors consistent with those used for the ACL methodology for loans described above, and utilization assumptions based on historical experience. Provision for credit losses for off-balance sheet commitments is included in (reversal of) provision for credit losses in the consolidated statements of income and added to the allowance for off-balance sheet commitments, which is included in accrued interest payable and other liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets.

Loan Modifications, Refinancings and Restructurings

Prior to the adoption of ASU 2022-02, a loan was classified as a TDR when the Company granted a concession to a borrower experiencing financial difficulties that it otherwise would not consider under its normal lending policies under ASC Subtopic 310-40, Troubled Debt Restructurings by Creditors. Upon the adoption of ASU 2022-02, the Company applies the general loan modification guidance provided in ASC 310-20 to all loan modifications, including modifications made for borrowers experiencing financial difficulty. The Company considers some of the indicators that a borrower is experiencing financial difficulty to be: currently in payment default on any of their debt, declaring bankruptcy, having issues continuing as a going concern, insufficient cash flow to service all debt service requirements, inability to obtain funds from other sources at a market rate for similar debt to non-troubled borrowers, and currently classified as substandard loans that are categorized as having well-defined weaknesses.

Under the general loan modification guidance, a modification is treated as a new loan only if the following two conditions are met: (1) the terms of the new loan are at least as favorable to the Company as the terms for comparable loans to other customers with similar collection risks; and (2) modifications to the terms of the original loan are more than minor. If either condition is not met, the modification is accounted for as the continuation of the existing loan with any effect of the modification treated as a prospective adjustment to the loan’s effective interest rate. If the refinancing or restructuring is deemed to be a new loan, unamortized net fees or costs from the original loan and any prepayment penalties are recognized in interest income when the new loan is granted. In addition, a new effective interest rate will be determined. If the refinancing or restructuring is deemed to be a modification, the investment in the new loan is comprised of the remaining net investment in the original loan, any additional funds advanced to the borrower, any fees received, and direct loan origination costs associated with the refinancing or restructuring. The effective interest rate of the loan is recalculated based upon the amortized cost basis of the new loan and its revised contractual cash flows.

A modification may vary by program and by borrower-specific characteristics, that may include interest rate reductions, principal forgiveness, term extensions, payment delays and any combination of the above. It is intended to minimize the Company’s economic loss and to avoid foreclosure or repossession of collateral. The Company applies the same credit loss methodology it uses for similar loans that were not modified.

GAAP requires that certain types of modifications be reported, which consist of (1) principal forgiveness; (2) interest rate reduction; (3) other-than-insignificant payment delay; (4) term extension; and any combination of the above. Since adoption of ASU 2022-02 on January 1, 2023, the Company did not have any loan modifications under ASU 2022-02. At December 31, 2023, the Company did not have any loans that have been modified and classified as TDRs under previous GAAP.

Recent Accounting Guidance Not Yet Effective

In October 2023, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued ASU 2023-06, Disclosure Improvements–Codification Amendments in Response to the SEC’s Disclosure Update and Simplification Initiative (“ASU 2023-06”). The amendments in this update modify the disclosure or presentation requirements for a variety of topics in the codification. Certain amendments represent clarifications to or technical corrections of the current requirements. The following is a summary of the topics included in the update and which pertain to the Company: 1. Statement of cash flows (Topic 230): Requires an accounting policy disclosure in annual periods of where cash flows associated with derivative instruments and their related gains and losses are presented in the statement of cash flows; 2. Accounting changes and error corrections (Topic 250): Requires that when there has been a change in the reporting entity, the entity disclose any material prior-period adjustment and the effect of the adjustment on retained earnings in interim financial statements; 3. Earnings per share (Topic 260): Requires disclosure of the methods used in the diluted earnings-per-share computation for each dilutive security and clarifies that certain disclosures should be made during interim periods, and amends illustrative guidance to illustrate disclosure of the methods used in the diluted earnings per share computation; 4. Commitments (Topic 440): Requires disclosure of assets mortgaged, pledged, or otherwise subject to lien and the obligations collateralized; and 5. Debt (Topic 470): Requires disclosure of amounts and terms of unused lines of credit and unfunded commitments and the weighted-average interest rate on outstanding short-term borrowings. For public business entities, the amendments in ASU 2023-06 are effective on the date which the SEC’s removal of that related disclosure from Regulation S-X or Regulation S-K becomes effective. If by June 30, 2027, the SEC has not removed the applicable requirement from Regulation and S-X or Regulation S-K, the pending content of the related amendment will be removed from the codification and will not become effective for any entity. Early adoption is not permitted and the amendments are required to be applied on a prospective basis. The Company expects the adoption of this standard will not have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.

ASU No. 2023-09, Income Taxes (Topic 740) – Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures: On December 14, 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-09 “Income Taxes (Topic 740): Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures,” to address requests for improved income tax disclosures from investors, lenders, creditors and other allocators of capital that use the financial statements to make capital allocation decisions. This ASU is intended to improve the transparency of tax disclosures by requiring (1) consistent categories and greater disaggregation of information in the rate reconciliation and (2) income taxes paid disaggregated by jurisdiction, in addition to certain other amendments intended to improve the effectiveness of income tax disclosures. For public business entities, this ASU is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2024. For other entities, this ASU is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2025. Early adoption is permitted for annual financial statements that have not yet been issued or made available for issuance. The Company expects the adoption of this standard will not have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.

NOTE 2 -INVESTMENT SECURITIES

Debt Securities

Debt securities have been classified as either held-to-maturity or available-for-sale in the consolidated balance sheets according to management’s intent. The amortized cost of held-to-maturity debt securities and their approximate fair values at March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023 were as follows:

The amortized cost of available-for-sale debt securities and their approximate fair values at March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023 were as follows:

During the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, there were no transfers between held-to-maturity and available-for-sale debt securities.

At March 31, 2024 and December 31, 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 our shareholders’ equity.

Accrued interest receivable on held-to-maturity and available-for-sale debt securities totaled $879 thousand and $788 thousand at March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively, and is included within accrued interest receivable and other assets in the consolidated balance sheets. Accrued interest receivable is excluded from the ACL.

At March 31, 2024, held-to-maturity debt securities with an amortized cost of $53.5 million were pledged to the Federal Reserve Bank as collateral for a secured line of credit of $46.3 million. There wereno debt securities pledged at December 31, 2023. See Note 7 –Borrowing Arrangements for additional information regarding the FHLB and Federal Reserve secured lines of credit.

Contractual Maturities

The amortized cost and estimated fair value of all held-to-maturity and available-for-sale debt securities as of March 31, 2024 by contractual maturities are shown below. 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.

Realized Gains and Losses

The following table presents gross realized gains and losses, and related proceeds, for sales and calls of available-for-sale debt securities for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023 follows:

Unrealized Gains and Losses

The gross unrealized losses and related estimated fair values of all available-for-sale debt securities aggregated by investment category and length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position at March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023 are summarized as follows:

As of March 31, 2024, the Company had a total of 84 available-for-sale debt securities in a gross unrealized loss position totaling $8.9 million, consisting of 63 securities with total gross unrealized losses of $7.4 million that had been in a continual loss position for twelve months and longer. As of December 31, 2023, the Company had a total of 76 available-for-sale debt securities in a gross unrealized loss position totaling $7.1 million, consisting of 58 securities with total gross unrealized losses of $6.7 million that had been in a continual loss position for twelve months and longer. Such unrealized losses on these investment securities have not been recognized into income.

Unrealized losses on available-for-sale debt securities are recognized in shareholders’ equity as accumulated other comprehensive loss. At March 31, 2024, the Company had a net unrealized loss on available-for-sale debt securities of $8.7 million, or $6.1 million net of tax in accumulated other comprehensive loss, compared to a net unrealized loss of $6.3 million, or $4.5 million net of tax in accumulated other comprehensive loss, at December 31, 2023.

Allowance for Credit Losses on Debt Securities

For available-for-sale debt securities with unrealized losses, management considered the financial condition of the issuer and the Company’s intent and ability to retain the investment for a period of time sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery in fair value. The Company’s available-for-sale debt securities consisted of U.S. Treasury, U.S. government and agency and government sponsored enterprise securities, and municipals, which historically have had limited credit loss experience. In addition, the Company reviewed the credit rating of the municipal securities. At March 31, 2024, the total fair value of taxable municipal and tax exempt bank-qualified municipal securities was $1.4 million and $804 thousand, respectively. At March 31, 2024, all of these securities were rated AA and above. At December 31, 2023, the total fair value of taxable municipal and tax exempt bank-qualified municipal securities was $1.4 million and $810 thousand, respectively. These securities rated AA and above totaled $1.4 million and rated A+ totaled $810 thousand at December 31, 2023.

At March 31, 2024,61 held-to-maturity debt securities with fair values totaling $49.5 million had gross unrealized losses totaling $4.0 million, compared to 58 held-to-maturity debt securities with fair values totaling $48.3 million had gross unrealized losses totaling $3.2 million at December 31, 2023. The Company has the intent and ability to hold the securities classified as held-to-maturity until they mature, at which time the Company will receive full value for the securities. At March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, fair values of held-to-maturity debt securities rated AA and above totaled $46.2 million and $47.0 million, respectively and rated AA- totaled $3.3 million and $3.4 million, respectively.

Management evaluates securities in an unrealized loss position at least on a quarterly basis, and determined that the unrealized losses at March 31, 2024 and 2023 related to each investment were primarily attributable to factors other than credit related, including changes in interest rates driven by the Federal Reserve’s policy to fight against inflation and general volatility in market conditions. As such, the Company applied a zero credit loss assumption for these securities andno provision for credit losses was recorded for held-to-maturity or available-for-sale debt securities during the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023.

Restricted Stock

As a member of the Federal Reserve System, the Company must hold stock of the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco in an amount equal to 3% of the Company’s common stock and additional paid-in capital. In addition, as a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”) of San Francisco, the Company is required to own stock of the FHLB based on the Company’s outstanding mortgage assets and outstanding advances from the FHLB.

The table below summarizes the Company’s restricted stock investments at March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023:

During the three months ended March 31, 2024, the Company purchased $11 thousand of Federal Reserve Bank stock, and there wereno purchases of FHLB stock, respectively.

Other Equity Securities Without A Readily Determinable Fair Value

The Company also has equity securities in the form of capital stock invested in two different banker’s bank stocks which totaled $351 thousand at March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023. These equity securities are reported in accrued interest receivable and other assets in the consolidated balance sheets. At March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, the Company evaluated the carrying value of these equity securities and determined that they were not impaired. During the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, there wereno losses related to changes in the fair value of these equity securities.

The Company has other equity investments and an investment in a technology venture capital fund focused on the intersection of fintech and community banking. At March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, the balance of these investments, which is included in accrued interest receivable and other assets in the consolidated balance sheets, was $6.9 million and $7.0 million, respectively. These equity securities are measured using the equity method of accounting when the Company’s ownership interest in such investments exceeds 5%, or carried at cost less impairment, if any, plus or minus changes resulting from observable price changes in orderly transactions for the identical or similar investments of the same issuer. Cash distributions considered return of capital are recorded as a reduction of the Company’s investment. During the three months ended March 31, 2024, the Company received $73 thousand of net capital distributions from these equity investments. During the three months ended March 31, 2023, the Company made $567 thousand of net capital contributions to these equity investments. At March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, the Company evaluated the carrying value of these equity investments and determined they were not impaired. During the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, there wereno losses recognized related to changes in the fair value.

The Company has also invested in a limited partnership that operates affordable housing projects that qualify for and have received an allocation of federal and/or state low-income housing tax credits. This tax credit investment is reported in accrued interest receivable and other assets in the consolidated balance sheets, and is recorded net of accumulated amortization, using the proportional amortization method. Total estimated tax credits allocated and other benefits recognized, and proportional amortization expense recognized were $49 thousand, and $36 thousand, respectively for the three months ended March 31, 2024. The aggregate funding commitment for this investment was $2.0 million at March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023. The unfunded portion of this investment totaled $1.5 million at March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, and is included in other liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets. During the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, there wasno contribution made. At March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, the Company evaluated the carrying value of this tax credit equity investment and determined it was not impaired, andno loss was recognized related to changes in the fair value.

NOTE 3 -LOANS AND ALLOWANCE FOR CREDIT LOSSES

Loans Held for Investment

The Company’s loan portfolio consists primarily of loans to borrowers within its Southern California markets in Orange, Los Angeles, San Diego and Ventura counties, as well as the Inland Empire. Although the Company seeks to avoid concentrations of loans to a single industry or based upon a single class of collateral, real estate and real estate associated businesses are among the principal industries in the Company’s market area. The Company’s loan portfolio in real estate secured credit represented 85% and 83% of total loans at March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively. The Company also originates SBA loans either for sale to institutional investors or for retention in the loan portfolio. Loans identified as held for sale are carried at the lower of cost or market value and separately designated as such in the consolidated financial statements. A portion of the Company’s revenues are from origination of loans guaranteed by the SBA under its various programs and sale of the guaranteed portions of the loans. Funding for these loans depends on annual appropriations by the U.S. Congress.

The composition of the Company’s loan portfolio at March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023 was as follows:

(1)Loans held for investment includes net unearned fees of $1.7 million and $2.3 million and net unearned discounts of $1.4 million and $1.4 million at March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively.

The Company has pledged $1.39 billion of loans with the FHLB under a blanket lien, of which an unpaid principal balance of $882.9 million was considered as eligible collateral under this secured borrowing arrangement and loans with an unpaid principal balance totaling $97.8 million were pledged as collateral under a secured borrowing arrangement with the Federal Reserve as of March 31, 2024. See Note 7 –Borrowing Arrangements for additional information regarding the FHLB and Federal Reserve secured lines of credit.

Loans Held for Sale

At March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, the Company had loans held for sale, consisting primarily of SBA 7(a) loans totaling $2.8 million and $7.3 million, respectively. The Company accounts for loans held for sale at the lower of carrying value or fair value. At March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, the fair value of loans held for sale totaled $3.0 million and $7.8 million, respectively.

Credit Quality Indicators

The Company categorizes loans using risk ratings based on relevant information about the ability of borrowers to service their debt such as current financial information, historical payment experience, collateral adequacy, credit documentation, and current economic trends, among other factors. Larger, non-homogeneous loans such as CRE and C&I loans are analyzed individually for risk rating assessment. For purposes of risk classification, 1-4 Family Residential loans for investment purposes are evaluated with CRE loans. This analysis is performed on an ongoing basis as new information is obtained. The Company uses the following definitions for risk ratings:

Pass - Loans classified as pass include loans not meeting the risk ratings defined below.

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 institution’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.

Loss - Loans classified as loss are considered uncollectible and of such little value that their continuance as bankable assets is not warranted. This classification does not mean that the asset has absolutely no recovery or salvage value, but rather that it is not practical or desirable to defer writing off this basically worthless asset even though partial recovery may be affected in the future.

The risk category of loans by class of loans and origination year as of March 31, 2024 follows:

The risk category of loans by class of loans and origination year as of December 31, 2023 follows:

A summary of gross charge-offs by class of loans and origination year for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023 follows:

Past Due Loans

A summary of past due loans as of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023 follows:

There were no loans over 90 days past due loans and still accruing interest as of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023.

Nonaccrual Loans

A summary of total nonaccrual loans and the amount of nonaccrual loans with no related ACL as of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023 follows:

Collateral dependent Loans

Collateral dependent loans are loans for which the repayment is expected to be provided substantially through the operation or sale of the collateral and the borrower is experiencing financial difficulty. Estimates for costs to sell are included in the determination of the ACL when liquidation of the collateral is anticipated. In cases where the loan is well secured and the estimated value of the collateral exceeds the amortized cost of the loan, no ACL is recorded. At March 31, 2024, a $6.2 million multifamily residential three-year bridge loan originated in May 2022 was classified as a collateral dependent loan, and was collateralized by an 8-unit multifamily apartment building located in Los Angeles, California. Based on a review of the collateral value, after accounting for estimated selling costs, the estimated net collateral value of $6.7 million was sufficient to result inno loss to the Company at March 31, 2024. At December 31, 2023, a $13.0 million multifamily residential loan was classified as a collateral dependent loan, and was collateralized bythree investment multifamily properties. Based on the most recent appraisals, the combined "As-Is" collateral value, after accounting for estimated selling costs, the estimated net collateral value was lower than the loan’s net carrying value resulting in a $1.3 million charge-off during 2023.

Other Real Estate Owned (“OREO”), Net

Real estate acquired by foreclosure or deed in lieu of foreclosure is recorded at fair value less costs to sell at the date of foreclosure, establishing a new cost basis by a charge to the ACL, if necessary. The Company had $13.1 million of foreclosed assets at March 31, 2024, compared withno foreclosed assets at December 31, 2023.

Allowance for Credit Losses - Loans

The ACL consists of: (i) a specific allowance established for CECL on loans individually evaluated, (ii) a quantitative allowance for current expected loan losses based on the portfolio and expected economic conditions over a reasonable and supportable forecast period that reverts back to long-term trends to cover the expected life of the loan, (iii) a qualitative allowance including management judgment to capture factors and trends that are not adequately reflected in the quantitative allowance, and (iv) the ACL for off-balance sheet credit exposure for unfunded loan commitments.

For prepayment and curtailment rates, the Company used its own historical prepayment and curtailment experience with covering the period starting from December 2020 to estimate the ACL. The Company used the probability-weighted two-scenario forecasts, representing a base-case scenario and one downside scenario, to estimate the ACL. The Company utilized economic forecasts released by Moody’s Analytics during the fourth week of March 2024. Other sources of economic forecasts and meeting minutes of the Federal Open Market Committee meeting were also considered by the Company when determining the scenario weighting. At March 31, 2024 as compared to December 31, 2023, the Moody’s economic forecast suggested a minimal change in the interest-rate forecasts, the national unemployment rate and the national gross domestic product forecast based on the current economic data, which included the impact of the ongoing inflationary pressures throughout the U.S. economy, general uncertainty concerning future economic conditions, the potential for recessionary conditions, political uncertainty, geopolitical instability, and the financial system turmoil and related governmental and other reactions to the rising interest rate environment. The underlying assumptions in the Moody’s economic forecasts supporting the baseline forecast remained consistent in the expectation that the Federal Reserve is done raising rates and will continue to reduce the Federal Reserve’s balance sheet through quantitative tightening. This resulted in no change in Moody’s expectation that the Federal Reserve’s first rate cut would take place in the second quarter of 2024, and that a Fed funds rate of 5.25% combined with continued reductions in the Federal Reserve’s balance sheet will be sufficient to slow the economy and bring inflation back to the Federal Reserve’s target rate of 2% without tipping the economy into recession. Moody’s expectation is for the unemployment rate to edge slightly higher, reaching 4% by the end of 2024 before peaking just above that in mid-2025. These forecasts suggested little change from the December 2023 forecasts in their national outlook. Their outlook for Gross Domestic Product (“GDP”) growth rate was improved to 2.5% in 2024 and 1.5% in 2025. This is consistent with the Federal Reserve’s outlook for GDP growth of 2.1% in 2024, and consistent with the Conference Board’s forecast for GDP growth of 2.1% in 2024 and 1.5% in 2025.

Moody’s economic forecasts for California are marginally more pessimistic than the December 2023 forecasts, especially in unemployment rate and state GDP. Moody’s baseline forecast suggested unemployment rate and GDP for California will peak in the second quarter of 2024 at 5.13% and 2.53%, respectively, with those numbers dropping to 4.96% and 0.98%, respectively, in the first quarter of 2025. Moody’s downside scenario suggested the unemployment rate of 5.90% in the second quarter of 2024, peaking at 7.39% in the first quarter of 2025, with GDP of 2.19% in the second quarter of 2024, troughing at -0.85% in the first quarter of 2025, for an average of 0.27% for the year. The pessimistic changes in key economic forecasts for California would have a negative impact to the Company ACL. During the first quarter of 2024, the Company updated its historical prepayment and curtailment rates analysis, and they increased slightly due to higher payoffs and paydowns.

Accrued interest receivable on loans receivable, net, totaled $6.3 million and $6.4 million at March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively, and is included within accrued interest receivable and other assets in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. Accrued interest receivable is excluded from the ACL.

Allowance for Credit Losses - Unfunded Loan Commitments

The allowance for unfunded credit commitments is maintained at a level that management believes to be sufficient to absorb estimated expected credit losses related to unfunded credit facilities. The Company evaluates the loss exposure for unfunded loan commitments to extend credit following the same principles used for the ACL, with consideration for experienced utilization rates on client credit lines and the inherently lower risk of unfunded loan commitments relative to disbursed commitments. The Company recognized a negative provision for unfunded loan commitments of $17 thousand for the three months ended March 31, 2024. There was a $76 thousand provision for unfunded loan commitments for the three months ended March 31, 2023. The provision for unfunded loan commitments is included in provision for credit losses in the consolidated statements of income. The reserve for unfunded loan commitments was $916 thousand and $933 thousand at March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively. The reserve for unfunded loan commitments is included in accrued interest and other liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets.

A summary of the changes in the ACL for the periods indicated follows:

(1)Represents the impact of adopting ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses on January 1, 2023. As a result of adopting ASU 2016-13, the Company’s methodology to compute our ACL is based on a CECL methodology, rather than the previously applied incurred loss methodology.

A summary of changes in the ALL by loan portfolio segment for the periods indicated follows:

(1)Represents the impact of adopting ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses on January 1, 2023. As a result of adopting ASU 2016-13, the Company’s methodology to compute our ACL is based on a CECL methodology, rather than the previously applied incurred loss methodology.

NOTE 4 -TRANSFERS AND SERVICING OF FINANCIAL ASSETS

The Company has originated loans that are serviced for others, including loans partially guaranteed by the SBA, some of which have been sold in the secondary market, as well as CRE loans, C&I loans participated with various other financial institutions and special purpose vehicle (“SPV”) participations for the Main Street loans. Loans serviced for others are accounted for as sales and are therefore not included in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. Loans serviced for others totaled $63.6 million and $58.8 million at March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively. This includes SBA loans serviced for others of $40.4 million and $35.4 million at March 31, 2024, and December 31, 2023, for which there was a related servicing asset of $624 thousand and $546 thousand, respectively.

Consideration for each SBA loan sale includes the cash received and a related servicing asset. The Company receives servicing fees ranging from 0.25% to 1.00% for the services provided over the life of the loan. The servicing asset is based on the estimated fair value of these future cash flows to be collected. The risks inherent in SBA servicing assets primarily relates to accelerated prepayment of loans in excess of what was originally modeled driven by changes in interest rates and a reduction in the estimated future cash flows.

The servicing asset activity includes additions from loan sales with servicing retained, and reductions from amortization as the serviced loans are repaid and servicing fees are earned. The SBA servicing asset is reported in accrued interest receivable and other assets in the consolidated balance sheets.

A summary of changes in the SBA servicing asset for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023 follows:

(1) Amortization included accelerated amortization of $10 thousand and $3 thousand for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.

During the three months ended March 31, 2024, SBA 7(a) loans sold totaled $6.3 million, resulting in total gains on sale of SBA loans of $415 thousand. SBA 7(a) loans sold during the three months ended March 31, 2023 totaled $9.9 million, resulting in total gains on sale of SBA loans of $797 thousand.

The fair value of the servicing asset approximated the carrying value at March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023. The significant assumptions used in the valuation of the SBA servicing asset at March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023 included:

The following table presents the components of net servicing fees, included in servicing and related income on loans, net in the consolidated statements of income, for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023:

NOTE 5 -GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS

Goodwill, the excess purchase price over the fair value of all identifiable assets and liabilities acquired, totaled $37.8 million at March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023. Goodwill is reviewed for impairment at least annually during the fourth quarter of each fiscal year. During the three months ended March 31, 2024, the Company’s stock price and market capitalization decreased due to the continued market volatility. The Company evaluated current conditions and concluded there had been no significant changes in the economic environment or future projections since the annual goodwill impairment test performed at December 31, 2023 and therefore, believes that there is no impairment as of March 31, 2024. Management will continue to evaluate the economic conditions at future reporting periods for applicable changes.

The Company performed a qualitative assessment for potential impairment at December 31, 2023, and as a result of that assessment had determined that there has beenno impairment to the goodwill. There wereno changes to goodwill during the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023.

Core deposit intangibles are amortized over periods of 4.75 to 7.58 years. As of March 31, 2024, the weighted-average remaining amortization period for core deposit intangibles was approximately 5.9 years. The Company performed the annual impairment analysis for the core deposit intangibles at least annually during the fourth quarter of each fiscal year. The Company evaluated current conditions and concluded there had been no significant changes in the economic environment or future projections since the annual core deposit intangibles impairment test performed at September 30, 2023 and therefore, believes that there is no impairment as of March 31, 2024. Management will continue to evaluate the economic conditions at future reporting periods for applicable changes. The following table presents the changes in core deposit intangibles for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023.

Future estimated amortization expense for each of the next five years is as follows:

NOTE 6 -DEPOSITS

The Company offers the Insured Cash Sweep (“ICS”) product, providing customers with FDIC insurance coverage at ICS network institutions. As of March 31, 2024, ICS deposits decreased to $245.3 million, or 12.7% of total deposits, compared to $274.1 million, or 14.1% of total deposits at December 31, 2023.

Time deposits that exceeded the FDIC insurance limit of $250,000 amounted to $126.0 million and $122.6 million as of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively. Brokered time deposits totaled $113.7 million and $107.8 million as of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively.

The Company participates in a state public deposits program that allows it to receive deposits from the state or from political subdivisions within the state in amounts that would not be covered by the FDIC. This program provides a stable source of funding to the Company. As of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, total collateralized deposits, including the deposits of State of California and their public agencies, were $71.5 million and $72.7 million, respectively, and were collateralized by letters of credit issued by the FHLB under the Company’s secured line of credit with the FHLB. See Note 7 –Borrowing Arrangements for additional information regarding the FHLB secured line of credit.

At March 31, 2024, the scheduled maturities of time deposits are as follows:

NOTE 7 -BORROWING ARRANGEMENTS

A summary of outstanding borrowings as of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023 follows:

Federal Home Loan Bank Secured Line of Credit

At March 31, 2024, the Company had a secured line of credit of $499.3 million from the FHLB, of which $395.3 million was available. This secured borrowing arrangement is collateralized under a blanket lien on qualifying real estate loans and is subject to the Company providing adequate collateral and continued compliance with the Advances and Security Agreement and other eligibility requirements established by the FHLB. At March 31, 2024, the Company had pledged qualifying loans with an unpaid principal balance of $882.9 million for this line. In addition, at March 31, 2024, the Company used $77.0 million of its secured FHLB borrowing capacity by having the FHLB issue letters of credit to meet collateral requirements for deposits from the State of California and other public agencies.

The Company had overnight borrowings of $27.0 million with an interest rate of 5.69% and $85.0 million with an interest of 5.70% at March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively.

Federal Reserve Bank Secured Line of Credit

At March 31, 2024, the Company had credit availability of $125.4 million at the Federal Reserve discount window to the extent of collateral pledged. At March 31, 2024, the Company had pledged held-to-maturity debt securities with an amortized cost of $53.5 million as collateral, and qualifying loans with an unpaid principal balance of $97.8 million as collateral through the Borrower-in-Custody (“BIC”) program. The Company hadno discount window borrowings at March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023.

Federal Funds Unsecured Lines of Credit

At March 31, 2024, the Company hadthree overnight unsecured credit lines from correspondent banks totaling $75.0 million. The lines are subject to annual review. There wereno outstanding borrowings under these lines at March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023.

Fixed-to-Floating Rate Subordinated Notes

On May 28, 2020, the Company issued $18 million of 5.50% Fixed-to-Floating Rate Subordinated Notes Due 2030 (the “Notes”). The Notes mature March 25, 2030 and accrue interest at a fixed rate of 5.50% through the fixed-rate period to March 26, 2025, after which interest accrues at a floating rate of 90-day Secured Overnight Financing Rate (“SOFR”) plus 350 basis points, until maturity, unless redeemed early, at the Company’s option, after the end of the fixed-rate period. Issuance costs of $475 thousand were incurred and are being amortized over the first 5-year fixed term of the Notes; unamortized issuance costs at March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, were $111 thousand and $135 thousand, respectively. The net unamortized issuance costs are netted against the balance and recorded in borrowings in the consolidated balance sheets. The amortization expenses are recorded in interest expense in the consolidated statements of income. At March 31, 2024, the Company was in compliance with all covenants and terms of the Notes.

NOTE 8 -SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

Common Stock Repurchase Plan

On June 14, 2023, the Company announced an authorized share repurchase plan, providing for the repurchase of up to 550,000 shares of the Company’s outstanding common stock, or approximately 3% of its then outstanding shares. Repurchases under the program may occur from time to time in open market transactions, in privately negotiated transactions, or by other means in accordance with federal securities laws and other restrictions. The Company intends to fund its repurchases from available working capital and cash provided by operating activities. The timing of repurchases, as well as the number of shares repurchased, will depend on a variety of factors, including price; trading volume; business, economic and general market conditions; and the terms of any Rule 10b5-1 plan adopted by the Company. The repurchase program has no expiration date and may be suspended, modified, or terminated at any time without prior notice.

There wereno shares repurchased under this share repurchase plan during the three months ended March 31, 2024.

NOTE 9 -EARNINGS PER SHARE (“EPS”)

The following is a reconciliation of net income and shares outstanding to the income and number of shares used to compute EPS for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023:

The Company’s only performance based restricted stock grants were vested when the performance conditions had been met on March 1, 2023. A total of 275,171 performance based restricted stock grants were vested and included in the computation of basic EPS for the three months ended March 31, 2023 because the performance conditions had been met. At March 31, 2024 and 2023, there were 1,191 and 74,707 restricted stock units andzero and 22 stock options, respectively, that were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share, because they were anti-dilutive.

NOTE 10 -RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

In the ordinary course of business, the Company has granted loans to certain directors, their related interests with which they are associated, and beneficial owners with more than 5% of any class of the Company’s voting securities. The balance of these loans outstanding and activity in related party loans for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023 follows:

Directors and related interests deposits at March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, amounted to approximately $16.5 million and $16.4 million, respectively.

The Company leases the Ramona branch office from a beneficial owners with more than 5% of any class of the Company’s voting securities and former member of the Company’s Board of Directors under an operating lease expiring in 2027 on terms considered to be prevailing in the market at the time of the lease. Total lease expense for the the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023 was $11 thousand for both periods, and future minimum lease payments under the lease were $140 thousand and $151 thousand, respectively as of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023.

On April 2022, the holding company entered into a commitment of $2.0 million investment with the Castle Creek Launchpad Fund I (“Launchpad”). As of March 31, 2024, the holding company has committed to a $2.0 million investment in the Launchpad. A director of the Company is a member of the Investment Committee for Launchpad. At March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, total capital contributions made to this investment were $928 thousand and $910 thousand, respectively.

NOTE 11 -COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

In the ordinary course of business, the Company enters into financial commitments to meet the financing needs of its customers. These financial commitments include commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit. Those instruments involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit and interest rate risk not recognized in the Company’s financial statements.

Commitments to extend credit are agreements to lend to a client as long as there is no violation of any condition established in the contract. Since many of the commitments are expected to expire without being drawn upon, the total amounts do not necessarily represent future cash requirements. The Company evaluates each client’s credit worthiness on a case-by-case basis. Collateral may or may not be required based on management’s credit evaluation of the customer. The majority of the Company’s commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit are secured by real estate.

The Company’s exposure to loan loss in the event of nonperformance on commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit is represented by the contractual amount of those instruments. The Company uses the same credit policies in making commitments as it does for loans reflected in the consolidated financial statements.

The Company had the following outstanding financial commitments whose contractual amount represents potential credit risk at March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023:

The Company entered into deferred compensation agreements with certain key officers. Under these agreements, the Company is obligated to provide, upon retirement, a 10-year benefit to the officers. The annual benefits range from $20 thousand to $75 thousand. The estimated present value of future benefits to be paid is being accrued over the period from the effective date of the agreements until the expected retirement dates of the participants. The expense incurred for these agreements for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, was $81 thousand and $78 thousand, respectively. The Company is a beneficiary of life insurance policies that have been purchased as a method of financing the obligated benefits under these agreements.

In the normal course of business, the Company is named or threatened to be named as a defendant in various legal actions. The ultimate outcome with respect to these legal matters and claims cannot be determined. At this time, the Company believes that liability, if any, is not likely to be material to the consolidated balance sheets or consolidated statements of income.

NOTE 12 -STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLAN

In contemplation of the holding company reorganization, in November 2019 the Company’s Board of Directors adopted the Southern California Bancorp 2019 Omnibus Equity Incentive Plan (the “2019 Plan”). The 2019 Plan was approved by shareholders in April 2020 with a maximum number of shares of common stock that may be issued or paid out under the plan of 2,200,000. In addition, upon the completion of the bank holding company reorganization in 2020, the Bank’s 2001 Stock Option Plan and 2011 Omnibus Equity Incentive Plan were terminated and all outstanding and unexpired stock options and all shares of restricted stock outstanding under the terminated plans became equivalent awards of the Company under the 2019 Plan.

In October 2020, the maximum number of shares under the 2019 Plan was increased by 300,000 to 2,500,000. In June 2021, the maximum number of shares under the 2019 Plan was increased by 900,000 to 3,400,000.

In addition, the 2019 Plan permits the Company to grant additional stock options and restricted share units. The Plan provides for the granting to eligible participants such incentive awards as the Board of Directors or a committee established by the Board, in its sole discretion, to administer the Plan. The Board has the power to determine the terms of the awards, including the exercise price, the number of shares subject to each award, the vesting and exercisability of the awards and the form of consideration payable upon exercise. Stock options expire no later thanten years from the date of the grant. The 2019 Plan provides for accelerated vesting if there is a change of control, as defined in the Plan. Restricted stock units generally vest over a period ofone tofive years.

For the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, total stock-based compensation cost related to stock options and restricted shares units was $895 thousand and $1.7 million, respectively. The Company recorded an accelerated stock-based compensation expense for the performance-based restricted stock units totaling $632 thousand for the three months ended March 31, 2023, and there wasno comparable transaction for the three months ended March 31, 2024.

Stock Options

As of March 31, 2024, there was $33 thousand of total unrecognized compensation cost related to the outstanding stock options. There were 81,400 and 6,950 stock options exercised during the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023. The intrinsic value of stock options exercised was approximately $558 thousand and $49 thousand for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.

The fair value of each option grant is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. There wereno options granted during the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023.

A summary of changes in outstanding stock options during the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023 are presented below:

Restricted Stock Units

A summary of the changes in outstanding unvested restricted stock units during the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023 is presented below:

(1)Included the vesting of performance-based awards totaling 275,171 shares, with a weighted average grant date fair value of $9.29 for the three months ended March 31, 2024.

On March 1, 2023, the Board confirmed that all performance conditions for the performance-based restricted stock units totaling 275,171 shares had been satisfied and accelerated vesting in full. As of March 31, 2024, the Company didnot have any outstanding unvested restricted stock units subject to various financial performance conditions. For the three months ended March 31, 2023, the Company recorded accelerated stock-based compensation totaling $632 thousand.

As of March 31, 2024, there was $7.1 million of total unrecognized compensation expense related to the outstanding restricted stock units that will be recognized over the weighted-average period of 2.1 years. The total grant date fair value of restricted stock units vested was $1.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024, and $3.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2023. Related tax expenses were approximately $79 thousand for the three months ended March 31, 2024, and related tax benefits were approximately $652 thousand for the three months ended March 31, 2023.

Future levels of compensation cost recognized related to stock-based compensation awards may be impacted by new awards and/or modifications, repurchases and cancellations of existing awards. Under the terms of the 2019 Plan, vested options generally expire ninety days after the director or employee terminates their service affiliation with the Company.

NOTE 13 -REGULATORY MATTERS

At March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, the Company qualified for treatment under the Small Bank Holding Company Policy Statement (Regulation Y, Appendix C) and, therefore, is not subject to consolidated capital rules at the bank holding company level.

The Bank is subject to various regulatory capital requirements administered by the federal banking agencies. Failure to meet minimum capital requirements can initiate certain mandatory and possibly additional discretionary actions by regulators that, if undertaken, could have a direct material effect on the Bank’s financial statements. Under capital adequacy guidelines and the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action, the Bank must meet specific capital guidelines that involve quantitative measures of the Bank’s assets, liabilities, and certain off-balance-sheet items as calculated under regulatory accounting practices. The Bank’s capital amounts and classification are also subject to qualitative judgments by the regulators about components, risk weightings, and other factors. The Bank also elected to exclude the effects of credit loss accounting under CECL from common equity Tier 1 capital ratio for a three-year transitional period.

Banks considered to be “adequately capitalized” are required to maintain a minimum total capital ratio of 8.0%, a minimum Tier 1 capital ratio of 6.0%, a minimum common equity Tier 1 capital ratio of 4.5%, and a minimum leverage ratio of 4.0%. Banks considered to be “well capitalized” must maintain a minimum total capital ratio of 10.0%, a minimum Tier 1 capital ratio of 8.0%, a minimum common equity Tier 1 capital ratio of 6.5%, and a minimum leverage ratio of 5.0%. As of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, the Bank exceeded the minimums necessary to qualify as “well capitalized” under the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action (PCA). There are no conditions or events that management believes have changed the Bank’s categories. Management believes, as of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, that the Bank met all capital adequacy requirements to which we are subject.

Basel III, the comprehensive regulatory capital rules for U.S. banking organizations, requires all banking organizations to maintain a capital conservation buffer above the minimum risk-based capital requirements in order to avoid certain limitations on capital distributions, stock repurchases and discretionary bonus payments to executive officers. The capital conservation buffer is exclusively comprised of common equity Tier 1 capital, and it applies to each of the three risk-based capital ratios but not to the leverage ratio. Effective January 1, 2019, the capital conservation buffer increased by 0.625% to its fully phased-in 2.5%, such that the common equity Tier 1, Tier 1 and total capital ratio minimums inclusive of the capital conservation buffers were 7.0%, 8.5%, and 10.5% at March 31, 2024. At March 31, 2024, the Bank was in compliance with the capital conservation buffer requirements. To be categorized as well capitalized, the Bank must maintain minimum ratios as set forth in the table below.

The following table also sets forth the Bank’s actual capital amounts and ratios:

The primary source of funds for the Company is dividends from the Bank. Under federal law, the Bank may not declare a dividend in excess of its undivided profits and, absent the approval of the OCC, the Bank’s primary banking regulator, if the total amount of dividends declared by the Bank in any calendar year exceeds the total of the Bank’s retained net income of that current period, year to date, combined with its retained net income for the preceding two years. The Bank also is prohibited from declaring or paying any dividend if, after making the dividend, the Bank would be considered “undercapitalized” (as defined by reference to other OCC regulations). Federal bank regulatory agencies have authority to prohibit banking institutions from paying dividends if those agencies determine that, based on the financial condition of the bank, such payment will constitute an unsafe or unsound practice.

The Federal Reserve limits the amount of dividends that bank holding companies may pay on common stock to income available over the past year, and only if prospective earnings retention is consistent with the organization’s expected future needs and financial condition. It is also the Federal Reserve’s policy that bank holding companies should not maintain dividend levels that undermine their ability to be a source of strength to its banking subsidiaries. Additionally, in consideration of the current financial and economic environment, the Federal Reserve has indicated that bank holding companies should carefully review their dividend policies.

NOTE 14 -FAIR VALUE

The fair value of a financial instrument is the amount at which the asset or obligation could be exchanged in a current transaction between willing parties, other than in a forced or liquidation sale. Fair value estimates are made at a specific point in time based on relevant market information and information about the financial instrument. These estimates do not reflect any premium or discount that could result from offering for sale at one time the entire holdings of a particular financial instrument. Because no market value exists for a significant portion of the financial instruments, fair value estimates are based on judgments regarding future expected loss experience, current economic conditions, risk characteristics of various financial instruments, and other factors. These estimates are subjective in nature, involve uncertainties and matters of judgment and, therefore, cannot be determined with precision. Changes in assumptions could significantly affect the estimates.

ASC Topic 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures, establishes a fair value hierarchy, which requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. The guidance describes three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value:

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.

Fair value of financial instruments

Fair value estimates are based on financial instruments both on and off the balance sheet without attempting to estimate the value of anticipated future business, and the value of assets and liabilities that are not considered financial instruments. Additionally, tax consequences related to the realization of the unrealized gains and losses can have a potential effect on fair value estimates and have not been considered in many of the estimates. The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate the fair value of significant financial instruments:

Cash and Due from Banks: The carrying amounts of cash and short-term instruments approximate fair values because of the liquidity of these instruments.

Federal Funds Sold and Interest-Bearing Balances: The carrying amount is assumed to be the fair value given the short-term nature of these deposits.

Debt Securities Held to Maturity and Available for Sale: The fair values of securities held to maturity and available for sale are determined by obtaining quoted prices on nationally recognized securities exchanges or matrix pricing, which is a mathematical technique used widely in the industry to value debt securities without relying exclusively on quoted prices for specific securities but rather by relying on the securities’ relationship to other benchmark quoted securities.

Loans Held for Sale: The fair value of loans held-for-sale is based on commitments outstanding from investors as well as what secondary market investors are currently offering for portfolios with similar characteristics.

Loans Held for Investment, net: The fair value of loans, which is based on an exit price notion, is generally determined using an income based approach based on discounted cash flow analysis. This approach utilizes the contractual maturity of the loans and market indications of interest rates, prepayment speeds, defaults and credit risk in determining fair value. If an individually evaluated loan has had a charge-off or if the fair value of the collateral is less than the recorded investment in the loan, we establish a specific reserve and report the loan as nonrecurring Level 3. Loans not requiring an allowance represent loans for which the fair value of the expected repayments or collateral exceed the recorded investments in such loans. For the fair value of collateral-dependent individually evaluated loans, an asset-based approach is applied to determine the estimated fair values of the underlying collateral based on recent real estate appraisals, less costs to sell. These appraisals may utilize a single valuation approach or a combination of approaches including comparable sales and the income approach. New appraisals in certain circumstances, including when there has been significant deterioration in the condition of the collateral, if the foreclosure process has begun, or if the existing valuation is deemed to be outdated. Adjustments are routinely made in the appraisal process by the appraisers to adjust for differences between the comparable sales and income data available. Such adjustments are usually significant and typically result in a Level 3 classification of the inputs for determining fair value.

Restricted Stock Investments: Investments in FHLB and Federal Reserve stocks are recorded at cost and measured for impairment. Ownership of FHLB and Federal Reserve stocks are restricted to member banks and the securities do not have a readily determinable market value. Purchases and sales of these securities are at par value with the issuer. The fair value of investments in FHLB and Federal Reserve stock is equal to the carrying amount.

Other Equity Securities: The fair value of equity securities is based on quoted prices in active markets for identical assets to determine the fair value. If quoted prices are not available to determine fair value, the Company estimates the fair values by using independent pricing models, quoted prices of securities with similar characteristics, or discounted cash flows.

Other Real Estate Owned (“OREO”): Nonrecurring adjustments to certain commercial and residential real estate properties classified as OREO are measured at the lower of the carrying amount or fair value, less costs to sell. The fair value of OREO is generally based on recent real estate appraisals or broker opinions, obtained from independent third parties, which are frequently adjusted by management to reflect current conditions and estimated selling costs.

Accrued Interest Receivable: The fair value of accrued interest receivable approximates their carrying amounts.

Deposits: The fair values disclosed for demand deposits, including interest and non-interest demand accounts, savings, and certain types of money market accounts are by definition based on carrying value. Fair value for fixed-rate certificates of deposit is estimated using a discounted cash flow calculation that applies interest rates currently being offered on certificates to a schedule of aggregate expected monthly maturities on time deposits. Early withdrawal of fixed-rate certificates of deposit is not expected to be significant.

Borrowings: The fair values of the Company’s overnight borrowings from the Federal Home Loan Bank approximates their carrying value as the advances were recently borrowed at market rate. The fair value of fixed-rated term borrowings is estimated using a discounted cash flow through the remaining maturity dates based on the current borrowing rates for similar types of borrowing arrangements. The fair values of subordinated debt are based on rates currently available to the Company for debt with similar terms and remaining maturities.

Accrued Interest Payable: The fair value of accrued interest payable approximates their carrying amounts.

Off-Balance Sheet Financial Instruments: The fair value of commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit is estimated using the fees currently charged to enter into similar agreements. The fair value of these financial instruments is not material.

The estimated fair value hierarchy level and estimated fair value of financial instruments at March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, is summarized as follows:

Recurring fair value measurements

The following table provides the hierarchy and fair value for each major category of assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis at the periods indicated:

Nonrecurring fair value measurements

The Company may also be required, from time to time, to measure certain other assets and liabilities on a nonrecurring basis in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. For the valuation of the collateral-dependent loans, the Company relies primarily on third-party valuation information from certified appraisers and values are generally based upon recent appraisals of the underlying collateral, brokers’ opinions based upon recent sales of comparable properties, estimated equipment auction or liquidation values, income capitalization, or a combination of income capitalization and comparable sales. Depending on the type of underlying collateral, valuations may be adjusted by management for qualitative factors such as economic factors and estimated liquidation expenses. The range of these possible adjustments may vary. At March 31, 2024, the Company didnot have any collateral-dependent individually evaluated loans that was measured on the fair value of its underlying collateral.

At December 31, 2023, the Company took a partial charge-off of $1.3 million on a collateral-dependent individually evaluated loan based on its recent property appraisals during the year ended December 31, 2023.

The following tables summarize the fair value of assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis as of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023.

(1) Collateral-dependent loans whose fair value is based upon appraisals.

Quantitative information about Level 3 fair value measurements measured on a non-recurring basis are summarized below as of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023.