ITEM 2. | MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS |
This discussion is designed to provide insight into management’s assessment of significant trends related to the Company’s consolidated financial condition, results of operations, liquidity, capital resources and interest rate sensitivity. It should be read in conjunction with the Company’s unaudited interim consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included herein and the audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021, and the other financial information appearing elsewhere in this report.
Forward Looking Statements
This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2022 (this “Form 10-Q”) contains certain forward-looking statements about the Company and the Bank that are intended to be covered by the safe harbor for “forward-looking statements” provided by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Statements that are not historical or current facts, including statements about future financial and operational results, expectations, or intentions are forward-looking statements. Such statements reflect management’s current views of future events and operations. These forward-looking statements are based on information currently available to the Company as of the date of this Form 10-Q. It is important to note that these forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve and are subject to significant risks, contingencies, and uncertainties, many of which are difficult to predict and are generally beyond our control including, but not limited to, risks from the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic; wars and international conflicts including the current military actions involving the Russian Federation and Ukraine; the strength of the United States economy in general and of the local economies in which we conduct operations; the effect of, and changes in, trade, monetary and fiscal policies and laws, including changes in interest rate policies of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, inflation; including the rising costs of oil and gas; supply chain interruptions; weather, natural disasters, climate change; increased unemployment; deterioration in credit quality of our loan portfolio and/or the value of the collateral securing the repayment of those loans; reduction in the value of our investment securities; the costs and effects of litigation and of adverse outcomes of such litigation; the cost and ability to attract and retain key employees; a breach of our operational or security systems, policies or procedures including cyber-attacks on us or third party vendors or service providers; regulatory or legal developments; United States tax policies, including our effective income tax rate; and our ability to implement and execute our business plan and strategy and expand our operations as provided therein. Actual results may differ materially from those set forth or implied in the forward-looking statements as a result of a variety of factors including the risk factors contained in documents filed by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission and are available in the “Investor Relations” section of our website, https://www.communitywest.com/sec-filings/documents. The Company is under no obligation (and expressly disclaims any obligation) to update or alter such forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as required by law.
Forward-looking statements contained in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q involve substantial risks and uncertainties, many of which are difficult to predict and are generally beyond the control of the Company and may cause our actual results to differ significantly from historical results and those expressed in any forward-looking statement. Risks and uncertainties include those set forth in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission and the following factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those presented:
| • | general economic conditions, either nationally or locally in some or all areas in which business is conducted, or conditions in the real estate or securities markets or the banking industry which could affect liquidity in the capital markets, the volume of loan origination, deposit flows, real estate values, the levels of non-interest income and the amount of loan losses; |
| • | COVID-19 pandemic and measures to prevent its spread may continue to have an effect on our business; |
| • | changes in existing loan portfolio composition and credit quality, and changes in loan loss requirements; |
| • | legislative or regulatory changes which may adversely affect the Company’s business; |
| • | the water shortage in certain areas of California and its impact on the economy; |
| • | the Company’s success in implementing its new business initiatives, including expanding its product line, adding new branches, and successfully building its brand image; |
| • | changes in interest rates which may reduce or increase net interest margin and net interest income; |
| • | increases in competitive pressure among financial institutions or non-financial institutions; |
| • | technological changes which may be more difficult to implement or more expensive than anticipated; |
| • | changes in borrowing facilities, capital markets and investment opportunities which may adversely affect the business; |
| • | changes in accounting principles, policies or guidelines which may cause conditions to be perceived differently; |
| • | litigation or other matters before regulatory agencies, whether currently existing or commencing in the future, which may delay the occurrence or non-occurrence of events longer than anticipated; |
| • | the occurrence or non-occurrence of events longer than anticipated; |
| • | the ability to originate loans with attractive terms and acceptable credit quality; |
| • | the ability to attract and retain key members of management; |
| • | the ability to realize cost efficiencies; |
| • | a failure or breach of our operational or security systems or infrastructure; |
| • | a return of recessionary conditions could result in increases in our level of non-performing loans and/or reduce demand for our products and services; and |
| • | possible impact by the transition from Libor as a reference rate; and, |
| • | risks related to natural disasters, terrorist attacks, threats of war or actual war and health epidemics may impact our operations, revenues, costs, and stock price. |
For additional information regarding risks that may cause our actual results to differ materially from any forward-looking statements, see “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021 and in item 1A of Part II of this Quarterly Report.
Financial Overview and Highlights
Community West Bancshares (“CWBC”) incorporated under the laws of the state of California, is a bank holding company headquartered in Goleta, California providing full-service banking and lending through its wholly-owned subsidiary Community West Bank (“CWB” or the “Bank”), which has seven California branch banking offices in Goleta, Ventura, Santa Maria, Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, Oxnard, and Paso Robles and one wholly owned subsidiary, 445 Pine LLC which was formed to hold certain repossessed property. These entities are collectively referred to herein as the “Company”.
COVID-19 Update
Although the COVID-19 pandemic continues to persist, we believe that the pandemic has not adversely affected our primary objective of providing our clients with financial services they need to conduct their operations and that we have been able to successfully navigate the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic to date. The future trajectory of COVID-19 cases and timing of when the virus will be fully controlled or abated remain uncertain. We cannot predict the potential future impact that COVID-19 may have on our operations and financial performance.
Financial Result Highlights for the First Quarter of 2022
The significant factors impacting the Company’s first quarter earnings performance were:
| • | net income was $4.0 million, or $0.45 per diluted share in the first quarter 2022, compared to $3.0 million, or $0.35 per diluted share in first quarter 2021. |
| • | net interest income increased to $10.7 million for the first quarter 2022, compared to $10.0 million in first quarter 2021. |
| • | a negative provision for loan losses of $284,000 was booked for the first quarter 2022, compared to a provision credit for loan losses of $173,000 for first quarter 2021. |
| • | net interest margin was 3.86% for the first quarter 2022, compared to 4.19% for first quarter 2021. |
| • | return on average assets was 1.39% compared to 1.22% for the first quarter 2021. |
| • | return on average equity was 15.52% for the first quarter 2022 compared to 13.48% for the first quarter 2021. |
| • | non-interest-bearing demand deposits increased $16.2 million during the quarter to $226.1 million at March 31, 2022, compared to $209.9 million at December 31, 2021. |
| • | book value per common share increased to $12.07 at March 31, 2022, compared to $11.72 at December 31, 2021. |
| • | net non-accrual loans were $536,000 at March 31, 2022, compared to $565,000 at December 31, 2021. |
| • | The Bank’s Tier 1 leverage ratio was 8.88% at March 31, 2022, compared to 8.56% at December 31, 2021. |
The impact to the Company from these items, and others of both a positive and negative nature, will be discussed in more detail as they pertain to the Company’s overall comparative performance for the three months ended March 31, 2022 throughout the analysis sections of this report on Form 10-Q.
Critical Accounting Estimates
The Company’s significant accounting policies conform with generally accepted accounting Principles (“GAAP”) and are described in “Note 1 of the Notes to Financial Statements section in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K” for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021. In applying those accounting policies, management of the Company is required to exercise judgment in determining many of the methodologies, assumptions and estimates to be utilized. Certain of the critical accounting estimates are more dependent on such judgement and in some cases may contribute to volatility in the Company’s reported financial performance should the assumptions and estimates used change over time due to changes in circumstances. The more significant areas in which management of the Company applies critical assumptions and estimates include the following:
The Company maintains an ALL at a level deemed appropriate by management to provide for known or probable incurred losses in the portfolio at the consolidated statements of financial condition date. The determination of ALL requires estimates and assumptions in the preparation of the Company’s financial statements that can be particularly susceptible to significant change. The Company has implemented and adheres to an internal loan review system and loss allowance methodology designed to provide for the detection of problem loans and maintenance of an adequate allowance to cover loan losses. Management’s determination of the adequacy of ALL is based on an evaluation of the composition of the portfolio, actual loss experience, industry charge-off experience on loans, current economic conditions, and other relevant factors in the areas in which the Company’s lending activities are based. These factors may affect the borrowers’ ability to pay and the value of the underlying collateral. The allowance is calculated by applying loss factors to loans held for investment according to loan type and loan credit classification. The loss factors are evaluated on a quarterly basis and established based primarily upon the Bank’s historical loss experience. Various regulatory agencies, as an integral part of their examination process, periodically review the Company’s ALL. Such agencies may require the Bank to recognize additions to the allowance based on judgments different from those of management. In the opinion of management, and in accordance with the credit loss allowance methodology, the present allowance is considered adequate to absorb estimable and probable credit losses. Additions and reductions to the allowance are reflected in current operations. Charge-offs to the allowance are made when specific loans (or portions thereof) are considered uncollectible or are transferred to OREO and the fair value of the property is less than the loan’s recorded investment. Recoveries are credited to the allowance.
Although management uses the best information available to make these estimates, future adjustments to the allowance may be necessary due to economic, operating, regulatory and other conditions that may be beyond the Company’s control. Changes in the circumstances considered when determining management’s estimates and assumptions could result in changes in those estimates and assumptions, which could result in adjustment of the allowance for loan losses in future periods. A discussion of facts and circumstances considered by management in determining the allowance for loan losses is included in “Note 1 Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Note 4 Loans Held for Investment.”
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
A summary of our results of operations and select metrics is included in the following table:
| | Three Months Ended March 31, | |
| | 2022 | | | 2021 | |
| | (dollars in thousands) | |
Net income | | $ | 3,960 | | | $ | 3,021 | |
Basic earnings per share | | | 0.46 | | | | 0.36 | |
Diluted earnings per share | | | 0.45 | | | | 0.35 | |
Net interest margin | | | 3.86 | % | | | 4.19 | % |
Return on average assets | | | 1.39 | % | | | 1.22 | % |
Return on average stockholders’ equity | | | 15.52 | % | | | 13.48 | % |
Dividend payout ratio | | | 15.22 | % | | | 16.67 | % |
Equity to assets ratio | | | 9.22 | % | | | 9.02 | % |
The following table sets forth a summary financial overview for the comparable three months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021:
| | Three Months Ended March 31, | | | Increase | |
| | 2022 | | | 2021 | | | (Decrease) | |
Consolidated Income Statement Data: | | (dollars in thousands) | |
Interest income | | $ | 11,500 | | | $ | 11,055 | | | $ | 445 | |
Interest expense | | | 764 | | | | 1,013 | | | | (249 | ) |
Net interest income | | | 10,736 | | | | 10,042 | | | | 694 | |
Credit (provision) for loan losses | | | (284 | ) | | | (173 | ) | | | (111 | ) |
Net interest income after provision for loan losses | | | 11,020 | | | | 10,215 | | | | 805 | |
Non-interest income | | | 1,291 | | | | 897 | | | | 394 | |
Non-interest expenses | | | 6,971 | | | | 6,860 | | | | 111 | |
Income before income taxes | | | 5,340 | | | | 4,252 | | | | 1,088 | |
Provision for income taxes | | | 1,380 | | | | 1,231 | | | | 149 | |
Net income | | $ | 3,960 | | | $ | 3,021 | | | $ | 939 | |
Income per share - basic | | $ | 0.46 | | | $ | 0.36 | | | $ | 0.10 | |
Income per share - diluted | | $ | 0.45 | | | $ | 0.35 | | | $ | 0.10 | |
Interest Rates and Differentials
The following table illustrates average yields on interest-earning assets and average rates on interest-bearing liabilities for the periods indicated:
| | Three Months Ended March 31, | |
| | 2022 | | | 2021 | |
| | Average Balance | | | Interest | | | Average Yield/Cost(2) | | | Average Balance | | | Interest | | | Average Yield/Cost(2) | |
Interest-Earning Assets | | (in thousands) | |
Federal funds sold and interest-earning deposits | | $ | 205,815 | | | $ | 109 | | | | 0.21 | % | | $ | 71,287 | | | $ | 39 | | | | 0.22 | % |
Investment securities | | | 26,897 | | | | 197 | | | | 2.97 | % | | | 25,892 | | | | 160 | | | | 2.51 | % |
Loans (1) | | | 894,539 | | | | 11,194 | | | | 5.08 | % | | | 875,766 | | | | 10,856 | | | | 5.03 | % |
Total earnings assets | | | 1,127,251 | | | | 11,500 | | | | 4.14 | % | | | 972,945 | | | | 11,055 | | | | 4.61 | % |
Nonearning Assets | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Cash and due from banks | | | 2,161 | | | | | | | | | | | | 2,076 | | | | | | | | | |
Allowance for loan losses | | | (10,615 | ) | | | | | | | | | | | (10,230 | ) | | | | | | | | |
Other assets | | | 39,138 | | | | | | | | | | | | 39,820 | | | | | | | | | |
Total assets | | $ | 1,157,935 | | | | | | | | | | | $ | 1,004,611 | | | | | | | | | |
Interest-Bearing Liabilities | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Interest-bearing demand deposits | | $ | 519,454 | | | $ | 319 | | | | 0.25 | % | | $ | 410,615 | | | $ | 481 | | | | 0.48 | % |
Savings deposits | | | 23,931 | | | | 16 | | | | 0.27 | % | | | 19,327 | | | | 21 | | | | 0.44 | % |
Time deposits | | | 175,448 | | | | 235 | | | | 0.54 | % | | | 173,541 | | | | 240 | | | | 0.56 | % |
Total interest-bearing deposits | | | 718,833 | | | | 570 | | | | 0.32 | % | | | 603,483 | | | | 742 | | | | 0.50 | % |
Other borrowings | | | 90,000 | | | | 194 | | | | 0.87 | % | | | 105,000 | | | | 271 | | | | 1.05 | % |
Total interest-bearing liabilities | | | 808,833 | | | | 764 | | | | 0.38 | % | | | 708,483 | | | | 1,013 | | | | 0.58 | % |
Noninterest-Bearing Liabilities | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Noninterest-bearing demand deposits | | | 227,980 | | | | | | | | | | | | 189,019 | | | | | | | | | |
Other liabilities | | | 17,640 | | | | | | | | | | | | 16,203 | | | | | | | | | |
Stockholders’ equity | | | 103,482 | | | | | | | | | | | | 90,906 | | | | | | | | | |
Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity | | $ | 1,157,935 | | | | | | | | | | | $ | 1,004,611 | | | | | | | | | |
Net interest income and margin (3) | | | | | | $ | 10,736 | | | | 3.86 | % | | | | | | $ | 10,042 | | | | 4.19 | % |
Net interest spread (4) | | | | | | | | | | | 3.76 | % | | | | | | | | | | | 4.04 | % |
(1) | Includes nonaccrual loans. |
(3) | Net interest margin is computed by dividing net interest income by total average earning assets. |
(4) | Net interest spread represents average yield earned on interest-earning assets less the average rate paid on interest-bearing liabilities. |
The table below sets forth the relative impact on net interest income of changes in the volume of earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities and changes in rates earned and paid by the Company on such assets and liabilities. For purposes of this table, nonaccrual loans have been included in the average loan balances.
| | Three Months Ended March 31, | |
| | 2022 versus 2021 | |
| Increase (Decrease) Due to Changes in (1) | |
| | Volume | | | Rate | | | Total | |
| | (in thousands) | |
Interest income: | | | | | | | | | |
Federal funds sold and interest-earning deposits | | $ | 70 | | | $ | - | | | $ | 70 | |
Investment securities | | | 7 | | | | 30 | | | | 37 | |
Loans, net | | | 235 | | | | 103 | | | | 338 | |
Total interest income | | | 312 | | | | 133 | | | | 445 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Interest expense: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Interest-bearing demand deposits | | | 67 | | | | (229 | ) | | | (162 | ) |
Savings deposits | | | 3 | | | | (8 | ) | | | (5 | ) |
Time deposits | | | 3 | | | | (8 | ) | | | (5 | ) |
Short-term borrowings | | | (32 | ) | | | (45 | ) | | | (77 | ) |
Total interest expense | | | 41 | | | | (290 | ) | | | (249 | ) |
Net increase | | $ | 271 | | | $ | 423 | | | $ | 694 | |
(1) | Changes due to both volume and rate have been allocated to volume changes. |
Comparison of interest income, interest expense and net interest margin
For the three months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021 net interest income was $10.7 million and $10.0 million, respectively. The net interest margin for the quarter ended March 31, 2022, was 3.86% compared with 4.19% for the same period in 2021. Interest income increased $445 thousand, or 4%, to $11.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2022, from $11.1 million for the same period in 2021. The increase is primarily attributable to increased balances in loans and interest-bearing deposits. Interest expense decreased $249 thousand, or 25%, to $764 thousand for the three months ended March 31, 2022, from $1.0 million for the same period in 2021. The decrease is primarily attributable to lower rates paid on interest-bearing deposits and lower average balances and rates on borrowings.
The average balance of interest earning assets increased $154.3 million, or 16%, to $1.1 billion for the three months ended March 31, 2022, from $972.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021. The average loan balance of loans increased $18.8 million, or 2%, to $894.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2022, from $875.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021. The increase in average balances was primarily due to increases in commercial real estate and manufactured housing loan balances partially offset lower SBA PPP loan balances as a result of paydowns and loan forgiveness. The average balance of investment securities increased $1.0 million, or 4%, to $26.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2022, from $25.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021. The average balance of interest-bearing deposits in other banks increased $134.5 million, or 189%, to $205.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2022, from $71.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021. The increase is due to growth in customer deposits as a result of deposit gather efforts.
The average balance of interest-bearing liabilities increased $100.4 million, or 14%, to $808.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2022, from $708.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021. The average balance of interest-bearing deposits increased $115.4 million, or 19%, to $718.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2022, from $603.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021. The average borrowings decreased $15 million, or 14%, to $90 million for the three months ended March 31, 2022, from $105 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021.
Provision for loan losses
For the three months ended March 31, 2022 and March 31, 2021, the Company recorded a negative provision expense of $284 thousand and $173 thousand, respectively. For the three months ended March 31, 2022, net recoveries were $427 thousand compared with net recoveries of $212 thousand for the three months ended March 31, 2021.
The percentage of net nonaccrual loans to the total loan portfolio has remained unchanged at 0.06% as of March 31, 2022 compared to 0.06% at December 31, 2021.
The ALL compared to net nonaccrual loans has increased to 1967.7% as of March 31, 2022 from 1841.4% as of December 31, 2021. Total past due loans increased to $2.0 million as of March 31, 2022 from $0.7 million as of December 31, 2021.
Non-Interest Income
The following table summarizes the Company’s non-interest income for the periods indicated:
| | Three Months Ended March 31, | | | Increase | |
| | 2022 | | | 2021 | | | (Decrease) | |
| | (in thousands) | |
Other loan fees | | $ | 246 | | | $ | 313 | | | $ | (67 | ) |
Gains from loan sales, net | | | 60 | | | | 118 | | | | (58 | ) |
Document processing fees | | | 101 | | | | 106 | | | | (5 | ) |
Service charges | | | 88 | | | | 67 | | | | 21 | |
Other | | | 796 | | | | 293 | | | | 503 | |
Total non-interest income | | $ | 1,291 | | | $ | 897 | | | $ | 394 | |
Total non-interest income increased to $1.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2022 compared to $0.9 million for the same period in 2021. The increase was primarily due to recognition of $0.6 million of Bank Owned Life Insurance death benefits in the first quarter of 2022, which are included in other income. Service charges increased slightly in the first quarter of 2022 compared to the first quarter 2021 primarily due to increased consumer and business account fees and wire transfer charges in 2022 compared to 2021. Other loan fees, document processing fees and gains from loan sales for the three months ended March 31, 2022 decreased due to decreased new loan volumes during the first three months of 2022 compared to 2021.
Non-Interest Expenses
The following table summarizes the Company’s non-interest expenses for the periods indicated:
| | Three Months Ended March 31, | | | Increase | |
| | 2022 | | | 2021 | | | (Decrease) | |
| | (in thousands) | |
Non-interest expenses: | | | | | | | | | |
Salaries and employee benefits | | $ | 4,865 | | | $ | 4,565 | | | $ | 300 | |
Occupancy, net | | | 997 | | | | 779 | | | | 218 | |
Professional services | | | 399 | | | | 340 | | | | 59 | |
Data processing | | | 310 | | | | 340 | | | | (30 | ) |
Depreciation | | | 183 | | | | 205 | | | | (22 | ) |
FDIC assessment | | | 171 | | | | 91 | | | | 80 | |
Advertising and marketing | | | 258 | | | | 183 | | | | 75 | |
Stock based compensation | | | 92 | | | | 68 | | | | 24 | |
Other | | | (304 | ) | | | 289 | | | | (593 | ) |
Total non-interest expenses | | $ | 6,971 | | | $ | 6,860 | | | $ | 111 | |
Total non-interest expenses increased $111 thousand to $7.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2022 compared to $6.9 million for the same period in 2021. Salaries and employee benefits increased in the first quarter of 2022 compared to 2021 due to increased competition for qualified candidates and having to pay higher wages and cover staffing shortages with temporary employees or contract workers. Occupancy costs also increased in the first quarter of 2022 compared to 2021 primarily due to increased contracted services expense of $0.2 million in the first quarter of 2022 compared to 2021 as a result of the Company’s strategic outsourcing of many of its information technology department functions. These increased expenses were offset by recaptured loan collection and legal expenses of $1.0 million received from the settlement of a long-standing lawsuit with a former borrower in the first quarter of 2022. This expense recapture was partially offset by additional other real estate expenses of $0.3 million in the first quarter 2022 related to one repossessed property.
Income Taxes
Income tax provision for the three months ended March 31, 2022 was $1.4 million compared to $1.2 million in the same period during 2021. The combined state and federal effective income tax rates for the three months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021 were 25.8% and 29.0%, respectively. The drop in the effective tax rate for the first quarter of 2022 was due to proceeds from Bank Owned Life Insurance proceeds which are non-taxable to the Company.
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts and their respective tax basis including operating losses and tax credit carryforwards. Net deferred tax assets of $4.3 million and $4.4 million at March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021, respectively, are reported in other assets in the consolidated balance sheet.
Accounting standards Codification Topic 740, Income Taxes, requires that companies assess whether a valuation allowance should be established against their deferred tax assets based on the consideration of all available evidence using a “more likely than not” standard.
A valuation allowance is established for deferred tax assets if, based on weight of available evidence, it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets may not be realized. Management evaluates the Company’s deferred tax assets for recoverability using a consistent approach which considers the relative impact of negative and positive evidence, including the Company’s historical profitability and projections of future taxable income. The Company is required to establish a valuation allowance for deferred tax assets and record a charge to income if management determines, based on available evidence at the time the determination is made, that it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets may not be realized.
There was no valuation allowance on deferred tax assets at March 31, 2022 or December 31, 2021.
The Company is subject to the provisions of ASC 740, Income Taxes (ASC 740). ASC 740 prescribes a more likely than not threshold for the financial statement recognition of uncertain tax positions. ASC 740 clarifies the accounting for income taxes by prescribing a minimum recognition threshold and measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. On a quarterly basis, the Company undergoes a process to evaluate whether income tax accruals are in accordance with ASC 740 guidance on uncertain tax positions. There were no uncertain tax positions at March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021.
BALANCE SHEET ANALYSIS
Total assets decreased $20.4 million to $1.1 billion at March 31, 2022 from $1.2 billion at December 31, 2021. The decrease in total assets was primarily due to decreases in cash and cash equivalents and net loans. Cash and cash equivalents decreased $15.2 million and net loans held for investment decreased $1.9 million. Net loans decreased by $1.9 million to $879.8 million at March 31, 2022 from $881.7 million at December 31, 2021. Most of the loan decrease was due to decreases in SBA loans and commercial loans which decreased $14.0 million and $1.9 million, respectively. The decrease in loans was partially offset by increases in commercial real estate and manufactured housing loans which increased $11.4 million and $2.6 million, respectively.
Total liabilities decreased $23.9 million to $1.0 billion at March 31, 2022 from $1.2 billion at December 31, 2021 mostly due to a $24.4 million decreased in total deposits.
The decrease in total deposits was largely due to a decrease in interest-bearing demand deposits and certificates of deposits which declined $33.3 million and $7.8 million, respectively. The decline in deposits was partially offset by a $16.2 million increase in non-interest-bearing demand deposits.
Total stockholders’ equity increased $3.5 million to $104.8 million at March 31, 2022 from $101.4 million at December 31, 2021. The $4.0 million increase in retained earnings from net income was partially offset by a $0.6 million decrease from common stock dividends. The book value per common share was $12.07 at March 31, 2022 compared to $11.72 at December 31, 2021.
Selected Balance Sheet Accounts
| | March 31, 2022 | | | December 31, 2021 | | | Increase (Decrease) | | | Percent Increase (Decrease) | |
| | (dollars in thousands) | |
Cash and cash equivalents | | $ | 193,188 | | | $ | 208,375 | | | $ | (15,187 | ) | | | (7.3 | )% |
Investment securities available-for-sale | | | 18,815 | | | | 19,711 | | | | (896 | ) | | | (4.5 | )% |
Investment securities held-to-maturity | | | 2,771 | | | | 2,815 | | | | (44 | ) | | | (1.6 | )% |
Loans – held for sale | | | 24,193 | | | | 23,408 | | | | 785 | | | | 3.4 | % |
Loans – held for investment, net | | | 855,568 | | | | 858,271 | | | | (2,703 | ) | | | (0.3 | )% |
Total assets | | | 1,136,603 | | | | 1,157,052 | | | | (20,449 | ) | | | (1.8 | )% |
Total deposits | | | 925,740 | | | | 950,131 | | | | (24,391 | ) | | | (2.6 | )% |
Other borrowings | | | 90,000 | | | | 90,000 | | | | - | | | | - | |
Total stockholders’ equity | | | 104,828 | | | | 101,375 | | | | 3,453 | | | | 3.4 | % |
The table below summarizes the distribution of the Company’s loans held for investment at the end of each of the periods indicated.
| | March 31, 2022 | | | December 31, 2021 | |
| | (in thousands) | |
Manufactured housing | | $ | 299,969 | | | $ | 297,363 | |
Commercial real estate | | | 492,181 | | | | 480,801 | |
Commercial | | | 52,603 | | | | 55,287 | |
SBA | | | 9,623 | | | | 23,659 | |
HELOC | | | 3,475 | | | | 3,579 | |
Single family real estate | | | 8,896 | | | | 8,749 | |
Consumer | | | 31 | | | | 109 | |
Total loans held for investment, gross | | | 866,778 | | | | 869,547 | |
Allowance for loan losses | | | (10,547 | ) | | | (10,404 | ) |
Deferred costs, net | | | (546 | ) | | | (838 | ) |
Discount on SBA loans | | | (33 | ) | | | (34 | ) |
Other loans in process | | | (84 | ) | | | - | |
Total loans held for investment, net | | $ | 855,568 | | | $ | 858,271 | |
The Company had $24.2 million of loans held for sale at March 31, 2022 compared to $23.4 million at December 31, 2021. Loans held for sale at March 31, 2022 consisted of $6.3 million SBA loans and $17.9 million commercial agriculture loans. Loans held for sale at December 31, 2021, consisted of $6.3 million SBA loans and $17.1 million commercial agriculture loans.
Concentrations of Lending Activities
The Company’s lending activities are primarily driven by manufactured housing, commercial, SBA, construction, real estate and consumer customers served in the market areas where the Company has branch offices in the Central Coast of California. The Company monitors concentrations within selected categories such as geography and product. The Company’s business is concentrated in these areas and the loan portfolio includes significant credit exposure to the manufactured housing and commercial real estate markets of these areas. As of March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021, manufactured housing loans comprised 33.7% and 33.3%, respectively, of total loans. As of March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021, commercial real estate loans accounted for approximately 55.3% and 53.8% of total loans, respectively. The Company was within established concentration policy limits at March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021.
Asset Quality
For all banks and bank holding companies, asset quality plays a significant role in the overall financial condition of the institution and results of operations. The Company measures asset quality in terms of nonaccrual loans as a percentage of gross loans, and net charge-offs as a percentage of average loans. Net charge-offs are calculated as the difference between charged-off loans and recovery payments received on previously charged-off loans.
| | March 31, 2022 | | | December 31, 2021 | |
| | (in thousands) | |
Nonaccrual loans (net of government guaranteed portion) | | $ | 536 | | | $ | 565 | |
Troubled debt restructured loans, gross | | | 6,852 | | | | 8,565 | |
Nonaccrual loans (net of government guaranteed portion) to gross loans | | | 0.06 | % | | | 0.06 | % |
Net charge-offs (recoveries) (annualized) to average loans | | | (0.19 | )% | | | (0.04 | )% |
Allowance for loan losses to nonaccrual loans (net of government guaranteed portion) | | | 1,967 | % | | | 1,841 | % |
Allowance for loan losses to gross loans | | | 1.22 | % | | | 1.20 | % |
The following table reflects the recorded investment in certain types of loans at the dates indicated:
| | March 31, 2022 | | | December 31, 2021 | |
| | (in thousands) | |
Total nonaccrual loans | | $ | 536 | | | $ | 565 | |
Government guaranteed portion of loans included above | | | — | | | | — | |
Total nonaccrual loans, without guarantees | | $ | 536 | | | $ | 565 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Loans 30 through 89 days past due with interest accruing | | $ | 2,042 | | | $ | 704 | |
Loans 90 days or more past due with interest accruing | | $ | — | | | $ | — | |
Allowance for loan losses to gross loans held for investment | | | 1.22 | % | | | 1.20 | % |
Impaired loans
A loan is considered impaired when, based on current information, it is probable that the Company will be unable to collect the scheduled payments of principal and/or interest under the contractual terms of the loan agreement. Factors considered by management in determining impairment include payment status, collateral value and the probability of collecting scheduled principal and/or interest payments. Loans that experience insignificant payment delays or payment shortfalls generally are not classified as impaired. Management determines the significance of payment delays or payment shortfalls on a case-by-case basis. When determining the possibility of impairment, management considers the circumstances surrounding the loan and the borrower, including the length of the delay, the reasons for the delay, the borrower’s prior payment record and the amount of the shortfall in relation to the principal and interest owed. For collateral-dependent loans, the Company uses the fair value of collateral method to measure impairment. All other loans are measured for impairment based on the present value of future cash flows. Impairment is measured on a loan-by-loan basis for all loans in the portfolio.
A loan is considered a troubled debt restructured loan (“TDR”) when concessions have been made to the borrower and the borrower is in financial difficulty. These concessions include but are not limited to term extensions, rate reductions and principal reductions. Forgiveness of principal is rarely granted and modifications for all classes of loans are predominantly term extensions. TDR loans are also considered impaired.
The following schedule summarizes impaired loans and specific reserves by loan class as of the periods indicated:
| | Manufactured Housing | | | Commercial Real Estate | | | Commercial | | | SBA | | | HELOC | | | Single Family Real Estate | | | Consumer | | | Total Loans | |
Impaired Loans as of March 31, 2022: | | (in thousands) | |
Recorded Investment: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Impaired loans with an allowance recorded | | $ | 3,356 | | | $ | 217 | | | $ | 80 | | | $ | 186 | | | $ | — | | | $ | 419 | | | $ | — | | | $ | 4,258 | |
Impaired loans with no allowance recorded | | | 1,312 | | | | — | | | | 1,456 | | | | 220 | | | | — | | | | 249 | | | | — | | | | 3,237 | |
Total loans individually evaluated for impairment | | | 4,668 | | | | 217 | | | | 1,536 | | | | 406 | | | | — | | | | 668 | | | | — | | | | 7,495 | |
Related Allowance for Credit Losses | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Impaired loans with an allowance recorded | | | 194 | | | | 17 | | | | — | | | | 1 | | | | — | | | | 12 | | | | — | | | | 224 | |
Impaired loans with no allowance recorded | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | |
Total loans individually evaluated for impairment | | | 194 | | | | 17 | | | | — | | | | 1 | | | | — | | | | 12 | | | | — | | | | 224 | |
Total impaired loans, net | | $ | 4,474 | | | $ | 200 | | | $ | 1,536 | | | $ | 405 | | | $ | — | | | $ | 656 | | | $ | — | | | $ | 7,271 | |
| | Manufactured Housing | | | Commercial Real Estate | | | Commercial | | | SBA | | | HELOC | | | Single Family Real Estate | | | Consumer | | | Total Loans | |
Impaired Loans as of December 31, 2021: | | (in thousands) | |
Recorded Investment: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Impaired loans with an allowance recorded | | $ | 3,563 | | | $ | 220 | | | $ | 85 | | | $ | 194 | | | $ | — | | | $ | 425 | | | $ | — | | | $ | 4,487 | |
Impaired loans with no allowance recorded | | | 1,358 | | | | 1,402 | | | | 1,505 | | | | 226 | | | | — | | | | 258 | | | | — | | | | 4,749 | |
Total loans individually evaluated for impairment | | | 4,921 | | | | 1,622 | | | | 1,590 | | | | 420 | | | | — | | | | 683 | | | | — | | | | 9,236 | |
Related Allowance for Credit Losses | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Impaired loans with an allowance recorded | | | 210 | | | | 17 | | | | — | | | | 1 | | | | — | | | | 12 | | | | — | | | | 240 | |
Impaired loans with no allowance recorded | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | |
Total loans individually evaluated for impairment | | | 210 | | | | 17 | | | | — | | | | 1 | | | | — | | | | 12 | | | | — | | | | 240 | |
Total impaired loans, net | | $ | 4,711 | | | $ | 1,605 | | | $ | 1,590 | | | $ | 419 | | | $ | — | | | $ | 671 | | | $ | — | | | $ | 8,996 | |
Total impaired loans decreased $1.7 million in the first quarter of 2022 compared to December 31, 2021. This decrease was primarily due to decreased in impaired commercial real estate loans of $1.4 million and impaired manufactured housing loans of $0.3 million.
The following table summarizes the composite of nonaccrual loans:
| | At March 31, 2022 | | | At December 31, 2021 | |
| | Nonaccrual Balance | | | % | | | Percent of Total Loans | | | Nonaccrual Balance | | | % | | | Percent of Total Loans | |
| | (dollars in thousands) | |
Manufactured housing | | $ | 286 | | | | 53.35 | % | | | 0.03 | % | | $ | 306 | | | | 54.16 | % | | | 0.03 | % |
Commercial real estate | | | — | | | | 0.00 | % | | | 0.00 | % | | | — | | | | 0.00 | % | | | 0.00 | % |
Commercial | | | — | | | | 0.00 | % | | | 0.00 | % | | | — | | | | 0.00 | % | | | 0.00 | % |
SBA | | | 1 | | | | 0.19 | % | | | 0.00 | % | | | 1 | | | | 0.18 | % | | | 0.00 | % |
HELOC | | | — | | | | 0.00 | % | | | 0.00 | % | | | — | | | | 0.00 | % | | | 0.00 | % |
Single family real estate | | | 249 | | | | 46.46 | % | | | 0.03 | % | | | 258 | | | | 45.66 | % | | | 0.03 | % |
Consumer | | | — | | | | 0.00 | % | | | 0.00 | % | | | — | | | | 0.00 | % | | | 0.00 | % |
Total nonaccrual loans | | $ | 536 | | | | 100.00 | % | | | 0.06 | % | | $ | 565 | | | | 100.00 | % | | | 0.06 | % |
Nonaccrual loans decreased slightly at March 31, 2022 compared to December 31, 2021. Net nonaccrual loans to total loans were unchanged at 0.06% at March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021.
Allowance For Loan Losses
The following table summarizes the allocation of allowance for loan losses by loan type. However, allocation of a portion of the allowance to one category of loans does not preclude its availability to absorb losses in other categories:
| | Three Months Ended March 31, | |
| | 2022 | | | 2021 | |
Allowance for loan losses: | | (in thousands) | |
Balance at beginning of period | | $ | 10,404 | | | $ | 10,194 | |
Provisions charged to operating expenses: | | | | | | | | |
Manufactured housing | | | 1,145 | | | | (128 | ) |
Commercial real estate | | | (703 | ) | | | 250 | |
Commercial | | | (510 | ) | | | (281 | ) |
SBA | | | (231 | ) | | | (29 | ) |
HELOC | | | 15 | | | | (2 | ) |
Single family real estate | | | — | | | | 18 | |
Consumer | | | — | | | | (1 | ) |
Total Provision (credit) | | | (284 | ) | | | (173 | ) |
Recoveries of loans previously charged-off: | | | | | | | | |
Manufactured housing | | | 7 | | | | 139 | |
Commercial real estate | | | 20 | | | | 20 | |
Commercial | | | 167 | | | | 10 | |
SBA | | | 231 | | | | 41 | |
HELOC | | | 2 | | | | 2 | |
Single family real estate | | | — | | | | — | |
Consumer | | | — | | | | — | |
Total recoveries | | | 427 | | | | 212 | |
Loans charged-off: | | | | | | | | |
Manufactured housing | | | — | | | | — | |
Commercial real estate | | | — | | | | — | |
Commercial | | | — | | | | — | |
SBA | | | — | | | | — | |
HELOC | | | — | | | | — | |
Single family real estate | | | — | | | | — | |
Consumer | | | — | | | | — | |
Total charged-off | | | — | | | | — | |
Net charge-offs (recoveries) | | | (427 | ) | | | (212 | ) |
Balance at end of period | | $ | 10,547 | | | $ | 10,233 | |
The ratio of allowance for loan losses to loans held for investment was 1.22% at March, 31, 2022 compared to 1.20% at December 31, 2021. The increase was primarily attributable to a change in loan mix as the balance of SBA PPP loans declined, and commercial real estate loan balances increased during the quarter. Net loan loss recoveries were $427,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2022 compared to $96,000 for the three months ended December 31, 2021.
Investment Securities
Investment securities are classified at the time of acquisition as either held-to-maturity or available-for-sale based upon various factors, including asset/liability management strategies, liquidity and profitability objectives, and regulatory requirements. Held-to-maturity securities are carried at amortized cost, adjusted for amortization of premiums or accretion of discounts. Available-for-sale securities are securities that may be sold prior to maturity based upon asset/liability management decisions. Investment securities identified as available-for-sale are carried at fair value. Unrealized gains or losses on available-for-sale securities are recorded as accumulated other comprehensive income in stockholders’ equity. Amortization of premiums or accretion of discounts on mortgage-backed securities is periodically adjusted for estimated prepayments.
The investment securities portfolio of the Company is utilized as collateral for borrowings, required collateral for public deposits and to manage liquidity, capital, and interest rate risk.
The carrying value of investment securities was as follows:
| | March 31, 2022 | | | December 31, 2021 | |
| | (in thousands) | |
U.S. government agency notes | | $ | 5,334 | | | $ | 5,508 | |
U.S. government agency mortgage-backed securities (“MBS”) | | | 2,771 | | | | 2,815 | |
U.S. government agency collateralized mortgage obligations (“CMO”) | | | 4,489 | | | | 4,883 | |
Corporate debt securities | | | 8,992 | | | | 9,320 | |
Equity securities: Farmer Mac class A stock | | | 219 | | | | 248 | |
Total | | $ | 21,805 | | | $ | 22,774 | |
Other Assets Acquired Through Foreclosure
The following table represents the changes in other assets acquired through foreclosure:
| | Three Months Ended March 31, | |
| | 2022 | | | 2021 | |
| | (in thousands) | |
Balance, beginning of period | | $ | 2,518 | | | $ | 2,614 | |
Additions | | | — | | | | 136 | |
Proceeds from dispositions | | | (140 | ) | | | — | |
Gain (loss) on foreclosed assets, net | | | 11 | | | | (178 | ) |
Third-party portion of write-down/loss | | | — | | | | — | |
Balance, end of period | | $ | 2,389 | | | $ | 2,572 | |
Other assets acquired through foreclosure consist primarily of properties acquired as a result of, or in-lieu-of, foreclosure. Properties or other assets (primarily manufactured housing) are classified as other real estate owned and other repossessed assets and are reported at fair value at the time of foreclosure less estimated costs to sell. Costs relating to development or improvement of the assets are capitalized and costs related to holding the assets are charged to expense. The balance is primarily attributable to a single commercial agricultural relationship.
Deposits
The following table provides the balance and percentage change in the Company’s deposits:
| | March 31, 2022 | | | December 31, 2021 | | | Increase (Decrease) | | | Percent Increase (Decrease) | |
| | (dollars in thousands) | |
Non-interest bearing demand deposits | | $ | 226,073 | | | $ | 209,893 | | | $ | 16,180 | | | | 7.7 | % |
Interest-bearing demand deposits | | | 504,209 | | | | 537,508 | | | | (33,299 | ) | | | (6.2 | )% |
Savings | | | 24,239 | | | | 23,675 | | | | 564 | | | | 2.4 | % |
Certificates of deposit ($250,000 or more) | | | 13,197 | | | | 17,612 | | | | (4,415 | ) | | | (25.1 | )% |
Other certificates of deposit | | | 158,022 | | | | 161,443 | | | | (3,421 | ) | | | (2.1 | )% |
Total deposits | | $ | 925,740 | | | $ | 950,131 | | | $ | (24,391 | ) | | | (2.6 | )% |
Total deposits decreased to $925.7 million at March 31, 2022 from $950.1 million at December 31, 2021, a decrease of $24.4 million. This decrease was primarily due to decreases in interest-bearing demand deposits and certificates of deposits partially offset by an increase in non-interest-bearing deposits. Deposits are the primary source of funding the Company’s asset growth. In addition, the Bank is a member of Certificate of Deposit Account Registry Service (“CDARS”) and Insured Cash Sweep (“ICS”). CDARS and ICS provide a mechanism for obtaining FDIC insurance for large deposits. At March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021, the Company had $100.5 million and $109.3 million, respectively, of CDARS and ICS deposits.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Liquidity
Liquidity for a bank is the ongoing ability to fund asset growth and business operations, to accommodate liability maturities and deposit withdrawals and meet contractual obligations through unconstrained access to funding at reasonable market rates. Liquidity management involves forecasting funding requirements and maintaining sufficient capacity to meet the needs and accommodate fluctuations in asset and liability levels due to changes in our business operations or unanticipated events.
The ability to have readily available funds sufficient to repay fully maturing liabilities is of primary importance to depositors, creditors and regulators. CWB’s available liquidity, represented by cash and amounts due from banks, federal funds sold and non-pledged marketable securities. CWB manages its liquidity risk through operating, investing and financing activities. In order to ensure funds are available, when necessary, on at least a quarterly basis, CWB projects the amount of funds that will be required and strive to maintain relationships with a diversified customer base. Liquidity requirements can also be met through short-term borrowings or the disposition of short-term assets.
The Company has established policies as well as analytical tools to manage liquidity. Proper liquidity management ensures that sufficient funds are available to meet normal operating demands in addition to unexpected customer demand for funds, such as high levels of deposit withdrawals or increased loan demand, in a timely and cost-effective manner. CWB’s liquidity management is viewed from a long-term and short-term perspective, as well as from an asset and liability perspective. Management monitors liquidity through regular reviews of maturity profiles, funding sources and loan and deposit forecasts to minimize funding risk. The Bank has asset/liability committees (“ALCO”) at the Board and Bank management level to review asset/liability management and liquidity issues.
The Company through CWB has a blanket lien credit line with the Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”). FHLB advances are collateralized in the aggregate by CWB’s eligible loans and securities. Total FHLB fixed rate advances were $90.0 million at March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021, respectively. The Company also had $77.4 million of letters of credit with FHLB at March 31, 2022 to secure public funds. At March 31, 2022, CWB had pledged to the FHLB, $12.6 million of securities and $273.7 million of loans. At March 31, 2022, CWB had $25.7 million available for additional borrowing. At December 31, 2021, CWB had pledged to the FHLB, securities of $13.2 million at carrying value and $286.6 million of loans.
CWB has established a credit line with the Federal Reserve Bank (“FRB”). There were no outstanding FRB advances as of March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021. CWB had $102.2 million and $119.0 million in borrowing capacity as of March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021, respectively.
The Company has federal funds purchased lines at correspondent banks with a total borrowing capacity of $20.0 million. There was no amount outstanding as of March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021.
The Company continues to face strong competition for core deposits. The liquidity ratio of the Company was 20.8% and 21.7% at March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021, respectively. The Company’s liquidity ratio fluctuates in conjunction with loan funding demands. The liquidity ratio consists of the sum of cash and due from banks, deposits in other financial institutions, available for sale investments, federal funds sold, and loans held for sale, divided by total assets.
As a legal entity, separate and distinct from the Bank, CWBC must rely on its own resources for its liquidity. CWBC’s routine funding requirements primarily consisted of certain operating expenses, common stock dividends and interest payments on the other borrowings. CWBC obtains funding to meet its obligations from dividends collected from CWB and fees charged for services provided to CWB and has the capability to issue equity and debt securities. Federal banking laws and regulatory requirements regulate the amount of dividends that may be paid by a banking subsidiary without prior approval. During the first quarter of 2022, CWBC declared dividends of $0.6 million. On April 28, 2022, the Company’s Board of Directors declared a $0.075 per share dividend payable May 31, 2022, to stockholders of record on May 13, 2022. The Company anticipates that it will continue to pay quarterly cash dividends in the future, although there can be no assurance that payment of such dividends will continue or that they will not be reduced.
CWBC has a $5.0 million revolving line of credit with CalFirst Bank. The Company must maintain a deposit account with the lender. In addition, the Company must maintain a minimum debt service coverage ratio of 1.65, a minimum Tier 1 leverage ratio of 7.0%, a minimum total risked based capital ratio of 10.0% and a maximum net non-accrual ratio of not more than 3.0%. At March 31, 2022, and December 31, 2021, the line of credit balance was zero.
Our material cash requirements may include funding existing loan commitments, funding equity investments, withdrawal/maturity of existing deposits, repayment of borrowings, operating lease payments, and expenditures necessary to maintain current operations.
The Company enters into contractual obligations in the normal course of business as a source of funds for its asset growth and to meet required capital needs. The following schedule summarizes maturities and principal payments due on our contractual obligations excluding interest:
| | At March 31, 2022 | |
| | Less than 1 year | | | More than 1 year | | | Total | |
| | (dollars in thousands) | |
Time deposit maturities | | $ | 41,560 | | | $ | 129,659 | | | $ | 171,219 | |
FHLB advances | | | - | | | | 90,000 | | | | 90,000 | |
Operating lease obligations | | | 638 | | | | 4,988 | | | | 5,626 | |
Total | | $ | 42,198 | | | $ | 224,647 | | | $ | 266,845 | |
In the ordinary course of business, we enter into various transactions to meet financing needs of our customers, which, in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, are not included in our consolidated balance sheets. These transactions include off-balance sheet commitments, including commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit. The following table presents a summary of the Company’s commitments to extend credit by expiration period.
| | At March 31, 2022 | |
| | Less than 1 year | | | More than 1 year | | | Total | |
| | (dollars in thousands) | |
Loan commitments to extend credit | | $ | 42,254 | | | | 35,253 | | | $ | 77,507 | |
Standby letters of credit | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | |
Total | | $ | 42,254 | | | | 35,253 | | | $ | 77,507 | |
Capital Resources
Maintaining capital strength continues to be a long-term objective for the Company. Capital is necessary to sustain growth, provide protection against unanticipated declines in asset values, and to safeguard depositor funds. Capital is also a source of funds for loan demand and enables the Company to effectively manage its assets and liabilities. The Company has the capacity to issue 60,000,000 shares of common stock of which 8,682,363 have been issued at March 31, 2022. Conversely, the Company may decide to repurchase shares of its outstanding common stock, depending on the market price and other relevant factors. CWB is subject to various regulatory capital requirements administered by the federal banking agencies. Failure to meet minimum capital requirements could trigger certain mandatory or discretionary actions that, if undertaken, could have a material effect on the Company’s business and financial statements. Under capital adequacy guidelines and the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action, CWB must meet specific capital guidelines that involve quantitative measures of its assets, liabilities, and certain off-balance sheet items as calculated under regulatory accounting practices. The capital amounts and classifications are also subject to qualitative judgements by the regulators about components, risk weightings and other factors.
In 2019, the federal banking agencies jointly issued a final rule, which provides for an additional optional, simplified measure of capital adequacy, the community bank leverage ratio framework. Under this framework, the bank would choose the option of using the community bank leverage ratio (CBLR). A CBLR bank may opt out of the framework at any time, without restriction, by reverting to the generally applicable risk-based capital rules. As of the fourth quarter 2021, the Company rescinded its CBLR election.
The following tables illustrate the Bank’s regulatory ratios and the Federal Reserve’s current adequacy guidelines as of March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021.
| | Total Capital (To Risk- Weighted Assets) | | | Tier 1 Capital (To Risk- Weighted Assets) | | | Common Equity Tier 1 (To Risk- Weighted Assets) | | | Leverage Ratio/Tier 1 Capital (To Average Assets) | |
March 31, 2022 | | | | | | | | | | | | |
CWB’s actual regulatory ratios | | | 12.49 | % | | | 11.32 | % | | | 11.32 | % | | | 8.88 | % |
Minimum capital requirements | | | 8.00 | % | | | 6.00 | % | | | 4.50 | % | | | 4.00 | % |
Well-capitalized requirements | | | 10.00 | % | | | 8.00 | % | | | 6.50 | % | | | N/A | |
| | Total Capital (To Risk- Weighted Assets) | | | Tier 1 Capital (To Risk- Weighted Assets) | | | Common Equity Tier 1 (To Risk- Weighted Assets) | | | Leverage Ratio/Tier 1 Capital (To Average Assets) | | | Community Banking Leverage Ratio | |
December 31, 2021 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
CWB’s actual regulatory ratios | | | 12.19 | % | | | 11.02 | % | | | 11.02 | % | | | 8.56 | % | | | N/A | |
Minimum capital requirements | | | 8.00 | % | | | 6.00 | % | | | 4.50 | % | | | 4.00 | % | | | 8.00 | % |
Well-capitalized requirements | | | 10.00 | % | | | 8.00 | % | | | 6.50 | % | | | N/A | | | | 9.00 | % |
There are no conditions or events since March 31, 2022 that management believes have changed the Company’s or the Bank’s risk-based capital category. The Company is closely monitoring capital levels in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the potential impact of its effect upon earnings.
Supervision and Regulation
Banking is a complex, highly regulated industry. The primary goals of the regulatory scheme are to maintain a safe and sound banking system, protect depositors and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation’s (“FDIC”) insurance fund, and facilitate the conduct of sound monetary policy. In furtherance of these goals, Congress and the states have created several largely autonomous regulatory agencies and enacted numerous laws that govern banks, bank holding companies and the financial services industry. Consequently, the growth and earnings performance of the Company can be affected not only by management decisions and general economic conditions, but also by the requirements of applicable state and federal statutes, regulations, and the policies of various governmental regulatory authorities, including the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (“OCC”), and FDIC.
The system of supervision and regulation applicable to financial services businesses governs most aspects of the business of CWBC and CWB, including: (i) the scope of permissible business; (ii) investments; (iii) reserves that must be maintained against deposits; (iv) capital levels that must be maintained; (v) the nature and amount of collateral that may be taken to secure loans; (vi) the establishment of new branches; (vii) mergers and consolidations with other financial institutions; and (viii) the payment of dividends.
Laws or regulations are enacted which may have the effect of increasing the cost of doing business, limiting, or expanding the scope of permissible activities, or changing the competitive balance between banks and other financial and non-financial institutions. Proposals to change the laws and regulations governing the operations of banks and bank holding companies are frequently made in Congress and by various bank and other regulatory agencies. Future changes in the laws, regulations or policies that impact the Company cannot necessarily be predicted, but they may have a material effect on the Company’s business and earnings.
For a detailed discussion of the regulatory scheme governing the Company and CWB, please see the discussion in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021 under the caption “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation – Supervision and Regulation.”
ITEM 3. | QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK |
Certain qualitative and quantitative disclosures about market risk are set forth in Item 7A of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021. There has been no material change in these disclosures as previously disclosed in the Company’s Form 10-K. For further discussion of interest rate risk, see Item 7. “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Liquidity - Interest Rate Risk.”
The Company expects to see continued volatility in the economic markets and government responses to the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russian Federation invasion of Ukraine. These changing conditions and governmental responses could have impacts on the balance sheet and income statement of the Company.
ITEM 4. | CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES |
The Company’s management, with the participation of the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, carried out an evaluation of the effectiveness of disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(e). Based upon that evaluation, the Company’s management, which includes the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer, has concluded that, as of the end of the period covered by this report, disclosure controls and procedures are effective in ensuring that information relating to the Company (including its consolidated subsidiary) required to be disclosed by the Company in reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in Securities and Exchange Commission rules and forms.
Disclosure controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and implemented, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving an entity’s disclosure objectives. The likelihood of achieving such objectives is affected by limitations inherent in disclosure controls and procedures. These include the fact that human judgment in decision-making can be faulty and that breakdowns in internal control can occur because of human failures such as simple errors or mistakes or intentional circumvention of the established process.
The Company’s management, with the participation of the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, has evaluated whether there was any change in internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the quarter ended March 31, 2022 and determined that there was no change in internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the quarter ended March 31, 2022 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
PART II – OTHER INFORMATION
The Company is involved in various other litigation matters of a routine nature that are being handled and defended in the ordinary course of the Company’s business. In the opinion of Management, based in part on consultation with legal counsel, the resolution of these litigation matters are not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s financial position or results of operations.
Investing in our common stock involves various risks which are particular to our Company, our industry, and our market area. Several risk factors that may have a material adverse impact on our business, operating results and financial condition are discussed in Item 1A of Part I of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021. There has been no material change in the Company’s risk factors as previously disclosed in the Company’s Form 10-K.
ITEM 2. | UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS |
The Company made no repurchases of its common stock during the quarter ended March 31, 2022 and there was approximately $1.4 million that may yet be purchased under the Company’s repurchase program.
ITEM 3. | DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES |
None.
ITEM 4. | MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES |
Not applicable.
None.
The following Exhibits are filed herewith.
Exhibit Number | |
| |
31.1 | Certification of Chief Executive Officer of the Registrant pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15d-14(a), promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. |
| |
31.2 | Certification of Chief Financial Officer of the Registrant pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15d-14(a), promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. |
| |
32.1* | Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer of the Registrant pursuant to Rule 13a-14(b) or Rule 15d-14(b), promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as Amended, and 18 U.S.C. 1350. |
| |
101.INS | Inline XBRL Instance Document (the instance document does not appear in the Interactive Data File because its XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document). |
101.SCH | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema |
101.CAL | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase |
101.DEF | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase |
101.LAB | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase |
101.PRE | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase |
104 | Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted as inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101). |
* | This certification is furnished to, but shall not be deemed filed, with the Commission. This certification shall not be deemed to be incorporated by reference into any filing under the Securities Act of 1933 or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, except to the extent that the Registrant specifically incorporates it by reference. |
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
COMMUNITY WEST BANCSHARES
(Registrant)
Date: May 13, 2022 | BY: | /s/ Richard Pimentel |
| Richard Pimentel |
| Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer |
| |
| On Behalf of Registrant and as a Duly Authorized Officer |
| and as Principal Financial and Accounting Officer |
EXHIBIT INDEX
Exhibit Number | |
| |
| Employment and Confidentiality Agreement, dated, January 3, 2022, among Community West Bank and Richard Pimentel. |
| |
| Certification of Chief Executive Officer of the Registrant pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15d-14(a), promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. |
| |
| Certification of Chief Financial Officer of the Registrant pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15d-14(a), promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. |
| |
| Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer of the Registrant pursuant to Rule 13a-14(b) or Rule 15d-14(b), promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and 18 U.S.C. 1350. |
| |
101.INS | Inline XBRL Instance Document (the instance document does not appear in the Interactive Data File because its XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document). |
101.SCH | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema |
101.CAL | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase |
101.DEF | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase |
101.LAB | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase |
101.PRE | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase |
104 | Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted as inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101). |
* | This certification is furnished to, but shall not be deemed filed, with the Commission. This certification shall not be deemed to be incorporated by reference into any filing under the Securities Act of 1933 or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, except to the extent that the Registrant specifically incorporates it by reference. |
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