| PART I | Page |
| Item 1 | | 5 |
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| Item 1A | | 16 |
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| Item 1B | | 28 |
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| Item 1C | | 28 |
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| Item 2 | | 29 |
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| Item 3 | | 29 |
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| Item 4 | | 29 |
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| PART II | |
| Item 5 | | 30
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| Item 6 | | 32 |
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| Item 7 | | 33 |
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| Item 7A | | 57 |
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| Item 8 | | 58 |
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| Item 9 | | 116 |
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| Item 9A | | 116 |
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| Item 9B | | 116 |
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| Item 9C | | 116 |
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| PART III | |
| Item 10 | | 117 |
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| Item 11 | | 117 |
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| Item 12 | | 118 |
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| Item 13 | | 118 |
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| Item 14 | | 118 |
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| PART IV | |
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| Item 15 | | 119 |
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| Item 16 | | 122 |
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| 123 |
NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This report includes forward-looking statements, which may include forecasts of our financial results and condition, expectations for our operations and business, and our assumptions for those forecasts and expectations. Do not rely unduly on forward-looking statements. Actual results might differ significantly compared to our forecasts and expectations. See Part I, Item 1A. “Risk Factors,” and the other risks described in this report for factors to be considered when reading any forward-looking statements in this filing.
This report includes forward-looking statements, which are subject to the “safe harbor” created by section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. We may make forward-looking statements in our Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) filings, press releases, news articles and when we are speaking on behalf of the Company. Forward-looking statements can be identified by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts. Often, they include the words “believe,” “expect,” “target,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “plan,” “seek,” “estimate,” “potential,” “project,” or words of similar meaning, or future or conditional verbs such as “will,” “would,” “should,” “could,” “might,” or “may.” These forward-looking statements are intended to provide investors with additional information with which they may assess our future potential. All of these forward-looking statements are based on assumptions about an uncertain future and are based on information available to us at the date of these statements. We do not undertake to update forward-looking statements to reflect facts, circumstances, assumptions or events that occur after the date the forward-looking statements are made.
In this document, for example, we make forward-looking statements, which discuss our expectations about:
| ● | Our business objectives, strategies and initiatives, our organizational structure, the growth of our business and our competitive position and prospects, and the effect of competition on our business and strategies |
| ● | Our assessment of significant factors and developments that have affected or may affect our results |
| ● | Legal and regulatory actions, and future legislative and regulatory developments |
| ● | Regulatory and compliance controls, processes and requirements and their impact on our business |
| ● | The costs and effects of legal or regulatory actions |
| ● | Expectations regarding draws on performance letters of credit and liabilities that may result from recourse provisions in standby letters of credit |
| ● | Our intent to sell or hold, and the likelihood that we would be required to sell, various investment securities |
| ● | Our regulatory capital requirements, including the capital rules established after the 2008 financial crisis by the U.S. federal banking agencies and our current intention not to elect to use the community bank leverage ratio framework |
| ● | Expectations regarding our non-payment of a cash dividend on our common stock in the foreseeable future |
| ● | Credit quality and provision for credit losses and management of asset quality and credit risk, expectations regarding collections and the timing thereof |
| ● | Our allowances for credit losses, including the conditions we consider in determining the unallocated allowance and our portfolio credit quality, the adequacy of the allowance for credit losses, underwriting standards, and risk grading |
| ● | Our assessment of economic conditions and trends and credit cycles and their impact on our business |
| ● | The seasonal nature of our business |
| ● | The impact of changes in interest rates and our strategy to manage our interest rate risk profile and the possible effect of changes in residential mortgage interest rates on new originations and refinancing of existing residential mortgage loans |
| ● | Loan portfolio composition and risk grade trends, expected charge-offs, portfolio credit quality, loan demand, our strategy regarding loan modifications, delinquency rates and our underwriting standards and our expectations regarding our recognition of interest income on loans that were provided payment deferrals upon completion of the payment forbearance period |
| ● | Our deposit base including renewal of time deposits and the outlook for deposit balances |
| ● | The impact on our net interest income and net interest margin of changes in interest rates |
| ● | The effect of possible changes in the initiatives and policies of the federal and state bank regulatory agencies, as well as the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board, the Financial Accounting Standards Board, the Securities and Exchange Commission and other standard setters |
| ● | Tax rates and the impact of changes in the U.S. tax laws |
| ● | Our pension and retirement plan costs |
| ● | Our liquidity strategies and beliefs concerning the adequacy of our liquidity, sources and amounts of funds and ability to satisfactorily manage our liquidity |
| ● | Critical accounting policies and estimates, the impact or anticipated impact of recent accounting pronouncements or changes in accounting principles |
| ● | Expected rates of return, maturities, loss exposure, growth rates, yields, and projected results |
| ● | The possible impact of weather-related or other natural conditions, including drought, fire or flooding, seismic events, and related governmental responses, including related electrical power outages, on economic conditions, especially in the agricultural sector |
| ● | Maintenance of insurance coverages appropriate for our operations |
| ● | Threats to the banking sector and our business due to cybersecurity issues and attacks and regulatory expectations related to cybersecurity |
| ● | Possible changes in the fair values recorded on our financial statements of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed in our business combination completed in January 2023 |
| ● | The possible effects on community banks and our business from the failures of other banks |
| ● | The possible adverse impacts on the banking industry and our business from a period of significant, prolonged inflation |
| ● | Descriptions of assumptions underlying or relating to any of the foregoing |
There are numerous risks and uncertainties that could and will cause actual results to differ materially from those discussed in our forward-looking statements. Many of these factors are beyond our ability to control or predict and could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations or prospects. Such risks and uncertainties include but are not limited to those listed in this “Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements,” Part I, Item 1A “Risk Factors,” Part II and Item 7 “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in this report and in our other reports to the SEC.
Readers of this document should not rely unduly on forward-looking information and should consider all uncertainties and risks disclosed throughout this document and in our other reports to the SEC, including, but not limited to, those discussed below. Any factor described in this report could by itself, or together with one or more other factors, adversely affect our business, future prospects, results of operations, or financial condition. We do not undertake to update forward-looking statements to reflect facts, circumstances, assumptions, or events that occur after the date the forward-looking statements are made.
PART I
General
First Northern Community Bancorp (the “Company”) is a bank holding company registered under the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended (“BHCA”). Its legal headquarters and principal administrative offices are located at 195 N. First Street, Dixon, CA 95620 and its telephone number is (707) 678-3041. The Company provides a full range of community banking services to individual and corporate customers throughout the California Counties of Solano, Yolo, Placer, and Sacramento as well as portions of El Dorado County through its wholly-owned subsidiary bank, First Northern Bank of Dixon (“First Northern” or the “Bank”). The Company’s operating policy since inception has emphasized the banking needs of individuals and small- to medium-sized businesses. In addition, the Bank owns 100% of the capital stock of Yolano Realty Corporation, a subsidiary created for the purpose of managing selected other real estate owned properties.
The Bank was established in 1910 under a California state charter as Northern Solano Bank, and opened for business on February 1st of that year. On January 2, 1912, the First National Bank of Dixon was established under a federal charter, and until 1955, the two entities operated side by side under the same roof and with the same management. In an effort to increase efficiency of operation, reduce operating expense, and improve lending capacity, the two banks were consolidated on April 8, 1955, with the First National Bank of Dixon as the surviving entity. On January 1, 1980, the Bank's federal charter was relinquished in favor of a California state charter, and the Bank's name was changed to First Northern Bank of Dixon.
In April of 2000, the shareholders of First Northern approved a corporate reorganization, which provided for the creation of the bank holding company. This reorganization, effected May 19, 2000, enabled the Company to better compete and grow in its competitive and rapidly changing marketplace.
On January 20, 2023, the Company completed the acquisition of three branches of Columbia State Bank, a Washington state-chartered commercial bank (“Columbia”), and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Columbia Banking System, Inc., in the California towns of Colusa, Orland and Willows. This acquisition enabled the Company to extend its existing footprint. The aggregate deposits assumed totaled approximately $116 million, and the aggregate principal balance of the loans acquired totaled approximately $4 million.
The Bank has fourteen full-service branches located in the cities of Auburn, Colusa, Davis, Dixon, Fairfield, Orland, Rancho Cordova, Roseville, Sacramento, Vacaville, West Sacramento, Winters, Willows and Woodland. The Bank has one satellite banking office inside a retirement community in the city of Davis and a residential mortgage loan office in Davis. The Bank engages financial advisors, through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc., who offer non-FDIC insured investment and brokerage services throughout the region from offices strategically located in West Sacramento, Davis and Auburn. The Bank’s operations center is located in Dixon and provides back-office support including information services, central operations, and the central loan department. In 2019, the Bank opened an additional administrative office in Sacramento.
The Bank is in the commercial banking business and generates most of its revenue by providing a wide range of products and services to small- and medium-sized businesses and individuals, including accepting demand, interest bearing transaction, savings, and time deposits, and making commercial, consumer, and real estate related loans. It also rents safe deposit boxes and provides other customary banking services.
First Northern offers a broad range of alternative investment products, fiduciary and other financial services through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc. First Northern also offers equipment leasing, credit cards, merchant card processing, payroll services, and limited international banking services through third parties.
The Bank’s principal source of revenue is interest income. Interest income is primarily derived from interest and fees on loans and leases, interest on investments, and due from banks interest bearing accounts. For the year ended December 31, 2024, these sources comprised approximately 70%, 19%, and 9%, respectively, of the Company’s interest income.
The Bank is a member of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation ("FDIC") and all deposit accounts are insured by the FDIC to the maximum amount permitted by law, currently $250,000 per depositor. Most of the Bank's deposits are attracted from the market of northern and central Solano County, southern and central Yolo County and Placer County. The Bank’s deposits are not received from a single depositor or group of affiliated depositors, the loss of any one which would have a materially adverse impact on the business of the Bank. A material portion of the Bank’s deposits are not concentrated within a single industry group of related industries.
As of December 31, 2024, the Company had consolidated assets of approximately $1.89 billion, liabilities of approximately $1.72 billion and stockholders’ equity of approximately $176.3 million. The Company and its subsidiaries employed 187 full-time-equivalent employees as of December 31, 2024. The Company and the Bank consider their relationship with their employees to be good and have not experienced any interruptions of operations due to labor disagreements.
Available Information
The Company makes available free of charge on its website, www.thatsmybank.com, its Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K and amendments to those reports, as soon as reasonably practicable after the Company electronically files such material with, or furnishes it to, the SEC. These filings are also accessible on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. The information found on the Company’s website shall not be deemed incorporated by reference by any general statement incorporating by reference this report into any filing under the Securities Act of 1933 or under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and shall not otherwise be deemed filed under such Acts.
The Effect of Government Policy on Banking
The earnings and growth of the Bank are affected not only by local market area factors and general economic conditions, but also by government monetary and fiscal policies. For example, the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (“FRB”) influences the supply of money through its open market operations in U.S. Government securities, adjustments to the discount rates applicable to borrowings by depository institutions and others and establishment of reserve requirements against both member and non-member financial institutions’ deposits. Such actions significantly affect the overall growth and distribution of loans, investments, and deposits and also affect interest rates charged on loans and paid on deposits. The nature and impact of future changes in economic conditions and governmental policies on the business and earnings of the Company cannot be predicted. Additionally, state and federal tax policies can impact banking organizations.
Because of the extensive regulation of commercial banking activities in the United States, the business of the Company is particularly susceptible to being affected by the enactment of federal and state legislation which may have the effect of increasing or decreasing the cost of doing business, modifying permissible activities or enhancing the competitive position of other financial institutions. Any change in applicable laws, regulations, or policies may have a material adverse effect on the business, financial condition, or results of operations, or prospects of the Company.
In May 2018, President Trump signed into law the Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief and Consumer Protection Act (the “EGRRCPA”) which amended various provisions of the Dodd-Frank Act as well as other federal banking statutes, and generally authorized the FRB to tailor regulation to better reflect the character of the different banking firms that the FRB supervises. In August 2018, the FRB began implementing the EGRRCPA with several interim final rules which, among other things, revised the FRB’s Small Bank Holding Company and Savings and Loan Holding Company Policy Statement (the “policy statement”) to raise the consolidated assets threshold from $1 billion to $3 billion, allowing the Company to qualify under the policy statement. This policy statement applies to bank holding companies with pro forma consolidated assets of less than $3 billion that (i) are not engaged in significant nonbanking activities either directly or through a nonbank subsidiary; (ii) do not conduct significant off-balance sheet activities (including securitization and asset management or administration) either directly or through a nonbank subsidiary; and (iii) do not have a material amount of debt or equity securities outstanding (other than trust preferred securities) that are registered with the SEC. This policy statement permits qualifying bank holding companies, such as the Company, to operate with higher levels of debt, facilitating the ability of community banks to issue debt and raise capital. Qualifying bank holding companies, such as the Company, also are permitted to be examined by a Federal banking agency every 18 months (as opposed to every 12 months) and are eligible to use shorter call report forms. Whether and to what extent the EGRRCPA or new legislation will result in additional regulatory initiatives and policies, or modifications of existing regulations and policies, which may impact our business, cannot be predicted at this time. See "Possible Future Legislation and Regulatory Initiatives" below for more information.
The new Trump Administration has indicated a desire to reduce the regulatory burden on U.S. companies, including financial institutions. See “Possible Future Legislation and Regulatory Initiatives” below for additional information.
Supervision and Regulation of Bank Holding Companies
The Company is a bank holding company subject to the BHCA. The Company reports to, registers with, and is subject to regulation, supervision and examination by, the FRB. The FRB also has the authority to examine the Company’s subsidiaries. The costs of any examination by the FRB are payable by the Company.
The FRB has significant supervisory, regulatory and enforcement authority over the Company and its affiliates. The FRB requires the Company to maintain certain levels of capital. See “Capital Standards” below for more information. The FRB also has the authority
to take enforcement action against any bank holding company that commits any unsafe or unsound practice, or violates certain laws, regulations, or conditions imposed in writing by the FRB. See “Prompt Corrective Action and Other Enforcement Mechanisms” below for more information. Such enforcement powers include the power to assess civil money penalties against any bank holding company violating any provision of the BHCA or any regulation or order of the FRB under the BHCA. Knowing violations of the BHCA or regulations or orders of the FRB can also result in criminal penalties for the bank holding company and any individuals participating in such conduct. Under long-standing FRB policy and provisions of the Dodd-Frank Act, bank holding companies are required to act as a source of financial and managerial strength to their subsidiary banks, and to commit resources to support their subsidiary banks. This support may be required at times when a bank holding company may not have the resources to provide such support, or may not be inclined to provide such support under the then-existing circumstances.
Under the BHCA, a company generally must obtain the prior approval of the FRB before it exercises a controlling influence over a bank, or acquires, directly or indirectly, more than 5% of the voting shares or substantially all of the assets of any bank or bank holding company. Thus, the Company is required to obtain the prior approval of the FRB before it acquires, merges, or consolidates with any bank or bank holding company. Any company seeking to acquire, merge, or consolidate with the Company also would be required to obtain the prior approval of the FRB.
The Company is generally prohibited under the BHCA from acquiring ownership or control of more than 5% of the voting shares of any company that is not a bank or bank holding company and from engaging directly or indirectly in activities other than banking, managing banks, or providing services to affiliates of the holding company. However, a bank holding company, with the approval of the FRB, may engage, or acquire the voting shares of companies engaged, in activities that the FRB has determined to be so closely related to banking or managing or controlling banks as to be a proper incident thereto. A bank holding company must demonstrate that the benefits to the public of the proposed activity will outweigh the possible adverse effects associated with such activity.
The FRB generally prohibits a bank holding company from declaring or paying a cash dividend which would impose undue pressure on the capital of subsidiary banks or would be funded only through borrowing or other arrangements that might adversely affect a bank holding company’s financial position. The FRB’s policy is that a bank holding company should not continue its existing rate of cash dividends on its common stock unless its net income is sufficient to fully fund each dividend and its prospective rate of earnings retention appears consistent with its capital needs, asset quality, and overall financial condition. The Company is also subject to restrictions relating to the payment of dividends under California corporate law. See “Restrictions on Dividends and Other Distributions” below for additional restrictions on the ability of the Company and the Bank to pay dividends.
Supervision and Regulation of the Bank
The Bank is subject to regulation, supervision and regular examination by the Financial Institutions Division of the California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation ("DFPI") and the FDIC. The regulations of and laws administered by these agencies affect most aspects of the Bank’s business and prescribe permissible types of loans and investments, the amount of required reserves, requirements for branch offices, the permissible scope of the Bank’s activities and various other requirements. While the Bank is not a member of the FRB, it is directly subject to certain regulations of the FRB dealing with such matters as check clearing activities, establishment of banking reserves, Truth-in-Lending (“Regulation Z”), and Equal Credit Opportunity (“Regulation B”). The FDIC regularly conducts compliance examinations of insured depository institutions to determine whether the institution is meeting its responsibility to comply with the requirements of consumer protection laws and regulations. The Bank is also subject to regulations of (although not direct supervision and examination by) the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (“CFPB”), which was created by the Dodd-Frank Act. Among the CFPB’s responsibilities are implementing and enforcing federal consumer financial protection laws, reviewing the business practices of financial services providers for legal compliance, monitoring the marketplace for transparency on behalf of consumers and receiving complaints and questions from consumers about consumer financial products and services. The Dodd-Frank Act added prohibitions on unfair, deceptive or abusive acts and practices to the scope of consumer protection regulations overseen and enforced by the CFPB.
Many states and local jurisdictions have consumer protection laws analogous, and in addition, to those listed above. These federal, state and local laws regulate the manner in which financial institutions deal with customers when taking deposits, making loans or conducting other types of transactions. Failure to comply with these laws and regulations could give rise to regulatory sanctions, customer rescission rights, action by state and local attorneys general and civil or criminal liability. Failure to comply with consumer protection requirements may also result in our failure to obtain any required bank regulatory approval for merger or acquisition transactions we may wish to pursue or our prohibition from engaging in such transactions even if approval is not required. See “Possible Future Legislation and Regulatory Initiatives” below for additional information about potential changes to the CFPB and consumer protection laws and enforcement.
The banking industry is also subject to significantly increased regulatory controls and processes regarding the Bank Secrecy Act and anti-money laundering laws. Over the past decade, a number of banks and bank holding companies announced the imposition of regulatory sanctions, including regulatory agreements and cease and desist orders and, in some cases, fines and penalties, by the bank
regulators due to failures to comply with the Bank Secrecy Act and other anti-money laundering legislation. In a number of these cases, the fines and penalties have been significant. Failure to comply with these additional requirements may also adversely affect the Bank's ability to obtain regulatory approvals for future initiatives requiring regulatory approval, including acquisitions.
Under California law, the Bank is subject to various restrictions on, and requirements regarding, its operations and administration including the maintenance of branch offices and automated teller machines, capital and reserve requirements, deposits and borrowings, and investment and lending activities.
California law permits a state-chartered bank to invest in the stock and securities of other corporations, subject to a state-chartered bank receiving either general authorization or, depending on the amount of the proposed investment, specific authorization from the DFPI. Federal banking laws, however, impose limitations on the activities and equity investments of state-chartered, federally insured banks. The FDIC rules on investments prohibit a state bank from acquiring an equity investment of a type, or in an amount, not permissible for a national bank. FDIC rules also prohibit a state bank from engaging as a principal in any activity that is not permissible for a national bank, unless the bank is adequately capitalized and the FDIC approves the activity after determining that such activity does not pose a significant risk to the deposit insurance fund. The FDIC rules on activities generally permit subsidiaries of banks, without prior specific FDIC authorization, to engage in those activities that have been approved by the FRB for bank holding companies because such activities are so closely related to banking to be a proper incident thereto. Other activities generally require specific FDIC prior approval, and the FDIC may impose additional restrictions on such activities on a case-by-case basis in approving applications to engage in otherwise impermissible activities.
The USA Patriot Act
Title III of the United and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Act of 2001 (“USA Patriot Act”) includes numerous provisions for fighting international money laundering and blocking terrorism access to the U.S. financial system. The USA Patriot Act requires certain additional due diligence and record keeping practices, including, but not limited to, new customers, correspondent and private banking accounts.
Part of the USA Patriot Act is the International Money Laundering Abatement and Financial Anti-Terrorism Act of 2001 (“IMLAFATA”). Among its provisions, IMLAFATA requires each financial institution to: (i) establish an anti-money laundering program; (ii) establish appropriate anti-money laundering policies, procedures, and controls; (iii) appoint a Bank Secrecy Act officer responsible for day-to-day compliance; and (iv) conduct independent audits. In addition, IMLAFATA contains a provision encouraging cooperation among financial institutions, regulatory authorities, and law enforcement authorities with respect to individuals, entities and organizations engaged in, or reasonably suspected of engaging in, terrorist acts or money laundering activities. IMLAFATA expands the circumstances under which funds in a bank account may be forfeited and requires covered financial institutions to respond under certain circumstances to requests for information from federal banking agencies within 120 hours. IMLAFATA also amends the BHCA and the federal Bank Merger Act to require the federal banking agencies to consider the effectiveness of a financial institution’s anti-money laundering activities when reviewing an application under these Acts.
Pursuant to IMLAFATA, the Secretary of the Treasury, in consultation with the heads of other government agencies, has adopted measures applicable to banks, bank holding companies, and/or other financial institutions. These measures include enhanced record keeping and reporting requirements for certain financial transactions that are of primary money laundering concern, due diligence requirements concerning the beneficial ownership of certain types of accounts, and restrictions or prohibitions on certain types of accounts with foreign financial institutions.
Privacy Restrictions
The Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (“GLBA”), which became law in 1999, in addition to the previous described changes in permissible non-banking activities permitted to banks, bank holding companies and financial holding companies, also requires financial institutions in the U.S. to implement policies and procedures regarding the disclosure of nonpublic personal information about consumers to non-affiliated third parties. In general, the GLBA requires explanations to consumers on policies and procedures regarding the disclosure of such nonpublic personal information, and, except as otherwise required by law, prohibits disclosing such information except as provided in the banks’ policies and procedures and applicable law. These regulations also allow consumers to opt-out of the sharing of certain information between affiliates, and impose other requirements.
Certain state laws and regulations designed to protect the privacy and security of customer information also apply to us and our subsidiaries, including laws requiring notification to affected individuals and regulators of data security breaches. For additional information, see “Information Security Breaches or Other Technological Difficulties Could Adversely Affect the Company” in Part I, Item 1A. “Risk Factors” in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
The Company believes that it complies with all provisions of GLBA and all implementing regulations, and that the Bank has
developed appropriate policies and procedures to meet its responsibilities in connection with the privacy provisions of GLBA.
California and other state legislatures have adopted privacy laws, including laws prohibiting sharing of customer information without the customer’s prior permission. These laws may make it more difficult for the Company to share information with its marketing partners, reduce the effectiveness of marketing programs, and increase the cost of marketing programs.
In June 2018, the State of California enacted The California Consumer Privacy Act of 2018 (“CCPA”). This law became effective on January 1, 2020, and provides consumers with expansive rights and controls over their personal information which is obtained by or shared with “covered businesses”, which includes the Bank and most other banking institutions subject to California law. The CCPA gives consumers the right to request disclosure of information collected about them and whether that information has been sold or shared with others, the right to request deletion of personal information subject to certain exceptions, the right to opt out of the sale of the consumer’s personal information and the right not to be discriminated against because of choices regarding the consumer’s personal information. The CCPA provides for certain monetary penalties and for its enforcement by the California Attorney General or consumers whose rights under the law are not observed. It also provides for damages as well as injunctive or declaratory relief if there has been unauthorized access, theft or disclosure of personal information due to failure to implement reasonable security procedures. The CCPA contains several exemptions, including a provision to the effect that the CCPA does not apply where the information is collected, processed, sold or disclosed pursuant to the GLBA if the GLBA is in conflict with the CCPA.
In November 2020, California voters approved state-wide Proposition 24, also known as the California Privacy Rights and Enforcement Act of 2020 (the “CPREA") which expanded and amended certain provisions of the CCPA and created the California Privacy Protection Agency to enforce privacy rights for Californians and impose fines for violations of such rights. The CPREA requires businesses to not share a consumer’s personal information upon the consumer’s request, provides consumers with an opt-out option for having their sensitive personal information used or disclosed for advertising or marketing, to obtain permission for collecting data on certain minors, and to correct a consumer’s inaccurate information upon the consumer’s request. It also removed the ability of businesses to remedy violations before being penalized for violations and increased the penalties for such violations.
These laws could adversely impact the business of the Bank by resulting in increased operating expenses as well as additional exposure to the risk of litigation by or on behalf of consumers.
Capital Standards
The FRB and the federal banking agencies have in place risk-based capital standards applicable to U.S. bank holding companies and banks. In July 2013, the FRB and the other U.S. federal banking agencies adopted final rules making significant changes to the U.S. regulatory capital framework for U.S. banking organizations and to conform this framework to the guidelines published by the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision ("Basel Committee") known as the Basel III Global Regulatory Framework for Capital and Liquidity. The Basel Committee is a committee of banking supervisory authorities from major countries in the global financial system which formulates broad supervisory standards and guidelines relating to financial institutions for implementation on a country-by-country basis. These rules adopted by the FRB and the other federal banking agencies ("the U.S. Basel III Capital Rules") replaced the federal banking agencies’ general risk-based capital rules, advanced approaches rule, market risk rule, and leverage rules, in accordance with certain transition provisions.
Banks, such as First Northern, became subject to these rules on January 1, 2015. The rules implemented higher minimum capital requirements, include a common equity Tier 1 capital requirement, and established criteria that instruments must meet in order to be considered common equity Tier 1 capital, additional Tier 1 capital, or Tier 2 capital. The final rules provided for increased minimum capital ratios as follows: (a) a common equity Tier 1 capital ratio of 4.5%; (b) a Tier 1 capital ratio of 6%; (c) a total capital ratio of 8%; and (d) a Tier 1 leverage ratio to average consolidated assets of 4%. Under these rules, in order to avoid certain limitations on capital distributions, including dividend payments and certain discretionary bonus payments to executive officers, a banking organization must hold a capital conservation buffer composed of common equity Tier 1 capital above its minimum risk-based capital requirements (equal to 2.5% of total risk-weighted assets). The capital conservation buffer is designed to absorb losses during periods of economic stress. First Northern believes that it was in compliance with these requirements at December 31, 2024.
Pursuant to the EGRRCPA, the FRB adopted a final rule, effective August 31, 2018, amending the Small Bank Holding Company and Savings and Loan Holding Company Policy Statement (the “policy statement”) to increase the consolidated assets threshold to qualify to utilize the provisions of the policy statement from $1 billion to $3 billion. Bank holding companies, such as the Company, are subject to capital adequacy requirements of the FRB; however, bank holding companies which are subject to the policy statement are not subject to compliance with the regulatory capital requirements until they hold $3 billion or more in consolidated total assets. As a consequence, as of December 31, 2024, the Company was not required to comply with the FRB’s regulatory capital requirements until such time that its consolidated total assets equal $3 billion or more or if the FRB determines that the Company is no longer deemed to be a small bank holding company. However, if the Company had been subject to these regulatory capital requirements, it would have exceeded all regulatory requirements.
In August of 2020, the federal banking agencies adopted the final version of the community bank leverage ratio framework rule (the “CBLR”), implementing two interim final rules adopted in April of 2020. The rule provides an optional, simplified measure of capital adequacy. Under the optional CBLR framework, the CBLR was 8.5% through calendar year 2021 and 9% thereafter. The rule is applicable to all non-advanced approaches FDIC-supervised institutions with less than $10 billion in total consolidated assets. Banks not electing the CBLR framework will continue to be subject to the generally applicable risk-based capital rule. At the present time, while we are a qualifying community banking organization, the Company and the Bank do not intend to elect to use the CBLR framework.
The following table presents the capital ratios for the Bank as of December 31, 2024 (calculated in accordance with the Basel III capital rules):
| | The Bank | |
| | 2024 | | Adequately Capitalized | | Well Capitalized | |
| | Capital | | Ratio | | Ratio* | | Ratio | |
Tier 1 Leverage Capital (to Average Assets) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Common Equity Tier 1 Capital (to Risk-Weighted Assets) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Tier 1 Capital (to Risk-Weighted Assets) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total Risk-Based Capital (to Risk-Weighted Assets) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
* Ratio for regulatory requirement excludes the capital conservation buffer of 2.50%.
The federal banking agencies must take into consideration concentrations of credit risk and risks from non-traditional activities, as well as an institution’s ability to manage those risks, when determining the adequacy of an institution’s capital. This evaluation will be made as a part of the institution’s regular safety and soundness examination. The federal banking agencies must also consider interest rate risk (when the interest rate sensitivity of an institution’s assets does not match the sensitivity of its liabilities or its off-balance-sheet position) in evaluating a Bank’s capital adequacy.
In January 2014, the Basel Committee issued an updated version of its leverage ratio and disclosure guidance ("Basel III leverage ratio"), which were implemented beginning January 1, 2023. The Basel Committee guidance continues to set a minimum Basel III leverage ratio of 3%. The Basel Committee, in December 2017, adopted further revisions to the Basel III capital standards ("Basel IV") which refined the definition of the leverage ratio “exposure measures” (the Basel III term for non risk-weighted assets). On July 27, 2023, the federal banking agencies issued a proposed rule to implement the final components of the Basel III standards set by the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision in 2017. The proposed rule, which would not apply to the Company and the Bank as proposed, would substantially revise the existing regulatory capital framework for institutions with $100 billion or more of assets.
The new Trump Administration may consider adjustments to these capital and liquidity rules. Whether and the extent to which these proposed rules, or modifications of existing regulations and policies, which may impact our business, will be enacted and implemented is uncertain and cannot be predicted at this time.
Prompt Corrective Action and Other Enforcement Mechanisms
The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Improvement Act of 1991 (“FDICIA”) requires each federal banking agency to take prompt corrective action to resolve the problems of insured depository institutions, including but not limited to those that fall below one or more prescribed minimum capital ratios. The law required each federal banking agency to promulgate regulations defining the following five categories in which an insured depository institution will be placed, based on the level of its capital ratios: well capitalized, adequately capitalized, under-capitalized, significantly undercapitalized, and critically undercapitalized.
Under the prompt corrective action provisions of FDICIA, an insured depository institution generally will be classified in one of five capital categories ranging from "well capitalized" to "critically under-capitalized."
An institution that, based upon its capital levels, is classified as “well capitalized,” “adequately capitalized” or “under-capitalized” may be treated as though it were in the next lower capital category if the appropriate federal banking agency, after notice and opportunity for hearing, determines that an unsafe or unsound condition or an unsafe or unsound practice warrants such treatment. At each successive lower capital category, an insured depository institution is subject to increased restrictions on its operations. Management believes that at December 31, 2024, the Company and the Bank exceeded the required ratios for classification as “well capitalized." Institutions that are “under-capitalized” or lower are subject to certain mandatory supervisory corrective actions. Failure to meet regulatory capital guidelines can result in a bank being required to raise additional capital. An
“under-capitalized” bank must develop a capital restoration plan and its parent holding company must generally guarantee compliance with the plan.
In addition to measures taken under the prompt corrective action provisions, commercial banking organizations may be subject to potential enforcement actions by the federal regulators for unsafe or unsound practices in conducting their businesses or for violations of any law, rule, regulation or any condition imposed in writing by the agency or any written agreement with the agency. Enforcement actions may include the imposition of a conservator or receiver, the issuance of a cease-and-desist order that can be judicially enforced, the termination of insurance of deposits (in the case of a depository institution), the imposition of civil money penalties, the issuance of directives to increase capital, the issuance of formal and informal agreements, the issuance of removal and prohibition orders against institution-affiliated parties and the enforcement of such actions through injunctions or restraining orders based upon a judicial determination that the agency would be harmed if such equitable relief was not granted. Additionally, a holding company’s inability to serve as a source of strength to its subsidiary banking organizations could serve as a further basis for a regulatory action against the holding company.
Safety and Soundness Standards
FDICIA also implemented certain specific restrictions on transactions and required federal banking regulators to adopt overall safety and soundness standards for depository institutions related to internal control, loan underwriting and documentation and asset growth. Among other things, FDICIA limits the interest rates paid on deposits by undercapitalized institutions, restricts the use of brokered deposits, limits the aggregate extensions of credit by a depository institution to an executive officer, director, principal shareholder, or related interest, and reduces deposit insurance coverage for deposits offered by undercapitalized institutions for deposits by certain employee benefits accounts.
The federal banking agencies may require an institution to submit to an acceptable compliance plan as well as have the flexibility to pursue other more appropriate or effective courses of action given the specific circumstances and severity of an institution’s non-compliance with one or more standards.
Restrictions on Dividends and Other Distributions
The power of the board of directors of an insured depository institution to declare a cash dividend or other distribution with respect to capital is subject to statutory and regulatory restrictions which limit the amount available for such distribution depending upon the earnings, financial condition and liquidity needs of the institution, as well as general business conditions. FDICIA prohibits insured depository institutions from paying management fees to any controlling persons or, with certain limited exceptions, making capital distributions, including dividends, if, after such transaction, the institution would be undercapitalized.
The federal banking agencies also have authority to prohibit a depository institution from engaging in business practices, which are considered to be unsafe or unsound, possibly including payment of dividends or other payments under certain circumstances even if such payments are not expressly prohibited by statute.
In addition to the restrictions imposed under federal law, banks chartered under California law generally may only pay cash dividends to the extent such payments do not exceed the lesser of retained earnings of the bank’s net income for its last three fiscal years (less any distributions to shareholders during such period). In the event a bank desires to pay cash dividends in excess of such amount, the bank may pay a cash dividend with the prior approval of the DFPI in an amount not exceeding the greatest of the bank’s retained earnings, the bank’s net income for its last fiscal year, or the bank’s net income for its current fiscal year.
Premiums for Deposit Insurance
The Bank is a member of the Deposit Insurance Fund (“DIF”) maintained by the FDIC. Through the DIF, the FDIC insures the deposits of the Bank up to prescribed limits for each depositor. To maintain the DIF, member institutions are assessed an insurance premium based on their deposits and their institutional risk category. The FDIC determines an institution’s risk category by combining its supervisory ratings with its financial ratios and other risk measures. The FDIC also has the authority to impose special assessments at any time it estimates that DIF reserves could fall to a level that would adversely affect public confidence.
In September, 2020, the FDIC board of directors voted to adopt a restoration plan to restore the DIF reserve ratio to at least 1.35% within 8 years as required by the Dodd-Frank Act. This action was in response to the reserve ratio dropping to 1.30% primarily due to the inflow of more than $1 trillion in estimated insured deposits in the first six month of 2020 resulting mainly from the pandemic, monetary policy actions, direct government assistance and an overall reduction in business spending. On October 18, 2022, the FDIC adopted a final rule, applicable to all insured depository institutions to increase the initial base deposit insurance assessment rate schedules uniformly by two basis points consistent with the Amended Restoration Plan approved by the FDIC on June 21, 2022. The FDIC indicated that it was taking this action in order to restore the DIF reserve ratio to the required statutory minimum of 1.35% by
the statutory deadline of September 30, 2028. Under the final rule, the increase in rates began with the first quarterly assessment period of 2023 and will remain in effect unless and until the reserve ratio meets or exceeds 2% in order to support growth in the DIF in progressing toward the FDIC’s long-term goal of a 2% reserve ratio. The increase in assessment rates will apply to the Bank and is projected to have an insignificant effect on the Company’s capital levels and net income.
Deposit insurance assessments and assessment rates are subject to change by the FDIC and can be impacted by the overall economy and the stability of the banking industry as a whole. On November 16, 2023, the FDIC issued a final rule to implement a special assessment to recover the loss to the DIF associated with protecting uninsured depositors following the closure of Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank. Under the final rule, the assessment base for an insured depository institution was equal to the institution’s estimated uninsured deposits as of December 31, 2022, adjusted to exclude the first $5 billion in estimated uninsured deposits. Under the final rule, the FDIC will collect the special assessment at an annual rate of 13.4 basis points beginning with the first quarterly assessment period of 2024 and continuing for an anticipated total of eight quarterly assessment periods. This special assessment did not apply to the Bank; however, there can be no assurance that the FDIC will not impose special assessments on, or increase annual assessments payable by, the Bank in the future. The ultimate effect on our business of legislative, regulatory and economic developments on the DIF cannot be predicted with certainty. Future increases in insurance premiums could have adverse effects on the operating expenses and results of operations of the Company. Management cannot predict what the FDIC insurance assessment rates will be in the future.
Insurance of a bank’s deposits may be terminated by the FDIC upon a finding that the institution has engaged in unsafe or unsound practices, is in an unsafe or unsound condition to continue operations, or has violated any applicable law, regulation, rule, order, or condition imposed by the FDIC or the Bank’s primary regulator. Management of the Company is not aware of any practice, condition or violation that might lead to termination of the Company’s deposit insurance.
Community Reinvestment Act and Fair Lending
The Bank is subject to certain fair lending requirements and reporting obligations involving its home mortgage lending operations and is also subject to the Community Reinvestment Act (“CRA”). The CRA generally requires the federal banking agencies to evaluate the record of a financial institution in meeting the credit needs of the Bank’s local communities, including low- and moderate-income neighborhoods. In addition to substantive penalties and corrective measures that may be required for a violation of certain fair lending laws, the federal banking agencies may take compliance with such laws and CRA into account when reviewing other activities by the Bank, particularly applications involving business expansion such as acquisitions or de novo branching.
On October 24, 2023, the federal banking agencies jointly issued a final rule to strengthen and modernize the existing CRA regulations. Under the final rule, the agencies will evaluate a bank’s CRA performance based upon the varied activities that it conducts and the communities in which it operates. CRA evaluations and data collection requirements will be tailored based on bank size and type. Under the final rule, the Bank would be considered an intermediate bank (with assets of at least $600 million and less than $2 billion) and therefore will be evaluated under a new retail lending test and will have the flexibility to remain under the existing CD test under the current rule or opt into a new Community Development Financing Test. The final rule includes CRA assessment areas associated with mobile and online banking, and new metrics and benchmarks to assess retail lending performance. In addition, the final rule emphasizes smaller loans and investments that can have a high impact and be more responsive to the needs of low- and moderate-income communities. The final rule exempts small and intermediate banks from new data requirements that apply to banks with assets of at least $2 billion and limits certain new data collection and reporting requirements to large banks with assets greater than $10 billion. The final rule took effect on April 1, 2024; however, on March 21, 2024 the agencies issued a supplemental final rule extending the applicability date for certain provisions. Specifically, the requirements for facility-based assessment areas and public file provisions, initially effective on April 1, 2024, were extended to January 1, 2026. This extension aligns these provisions with the compliance date for other aspects of the final rule. The supplemental final rule also clarifies that banks are not required to make changes to their public files until January 1, 2026, providing institutions additional time to comply with the updated public notice requirements. These developments indicate ongoing legal and regulatory adjustments affecting the implementation timeline of the CRA final rule. The Bank continues to monitor and stay informed on changes to ensure compliance with the evolving regulatory framework.
Cybersecurity
The federal banking regulators regularly issue new guidance and standards, and update existing guidance and standards, regarding cybersecurity intended to enhance cyber risk management among financial institutions. Financial institutions are expected to comply with such guidance and standards and to accordingly develop appropriate security controls and risk management processes. If we fail to observe such regulatory guidance or standards, we could be subject to various regulatory sanctions, including financial penalties. In 2023, the SEC issued a final rule that requires disclosure of material cybersecurity incidents, as well as cybersecurity risk management, strategy and governance. Under this rule, banking organizations that are SEC registrants must generally disclose
information about a material cybersecurity incident within four business days of determining it is material with periodic updates as to the status of the incident in subsequent filings as necessary.
Under a final rule adopted by federal banking agencies in 2021, banking organizations are required to notify their primary banking regulator within 36 hours of determining that a “computer-security incident” has materially disrupted or degraded, or is reasonably likely to materially disrupt or degrade, the banking organization’s ability to carry out banking operations or deliver banking products and services to a material portion of its customer base, its businesses and operations that would result in material loss, or its operations that would impact the stability of the United States. The federal banking agencies have also adopted guidelines for establishing information security standards and cybersecurity programs for implementing safeguards under the supervision of the board of directors. These guidelines, along with related regulatory materials, increasingly focus on risk management and processes related to information technology and the use of third parties in the provision of financial services. Moreover, recent cyberattacks against banks and other financial institutions that resulted in unauthorized access to confidential customer information have prompted the federal banking regulators to issue more extensive guidance on cybersecurity risk management. Among other things, financial institutions are expected to design multiple layers of security controls to establish lines of defense and ensure that their risk management processes address the risks posed by compromised customer credentials, including security measures to authenticate customers accessing internet-based services. A financial institution also should have a robust business continuity program to recover from a cyberattack and procedures for monitoring the security of third-party service providers that may have access to nonpublic data at the institution.
State regulators have also been increasingly active in implementing privacy and cybersecurity standards and regulations. Recently, several states have adopted regulations requiring certain financial institutions to implement cybersecurity programs and many states, including Texas, have also recently implemented or modified their data breach notification, information security and data privacy requirements. We expect this trend of state-level activity in those areas to continue and are continually monitoring developments in the states in which our customers are located.
Risks and exposures related to cybersecurity attacks, including litigation and enforcement risks, are expected to be elevated for the foreseeable future due to the rapidly evolving nature and sophistication of these threats, as well as due to the expanding use of Internet banking, mobile banking and other technology-based products and services by us and our customers.
See Item 1A. “Risk Factors” for a further discussion of risks related to cybersecurity and Item 1C. “Cybersecurity” for a further discussion of risk management strategies and governance processes related to cybersecurity.
Certain CFPB Rules
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau ("CFPB") has adopted an Ability-to-Repay rule that all newly originated residential mortgages must meet. The Ability-to-Repay rule establishes guidelines that the lender must follow when reviewing an applicant’s income, obligations, assets, liabilities, and credit history and requires that the lender make a reasonable and good faith determination of an applicant’s ability to repay the loan according to its terms. Lenders will be presumed to have met the Ability-to-Repay rule by originating loans that meet the criteria for “Qualified Mortgages”, which are set forth in detail in the rule. The mortgage loans originated by the Bank with the intent to sell them to Freddie Mac meet the Qualified Mortgage criteria.
The CFPB has also adopted a rule on simplified and improved mortgage loan disclosures, otherwise known as Know Before You Owe. The rule provides that mortgage borrowers receive a loan estimate three business days after application and a closing disclosure three days before closing. These forms replace disclosure forms previously provided to borrowers under other provisions of federal law. The rule provides for limitations on application fees and increases in closing costs.
Any new or modified regulatory requirements promulgated by the CFPB could have an adverse impact on our residential mortgage lending business as the industry adapts to the additional regulations. Our business strategy, product offerings and profitability may change as the market adjusts to any additional or modified regulations and as these requirements are interpreted by the regulators and courts. See "Possible Future Legislation and Regulatory Initiatives" below for more information about potential changes to the CFPB and consumer protection laws and enforcement.
Conservatorship and Receivership of Insured Depository Institutions
If any insured depository institution becomes insolvent and the FDIC is appointed its conservator or receiver, the FDIC may, under federal law, disaffirm or repudiate any contract to which such institution is a party, if the FDIC determines that performance of the contract would be burdensome, and that disaffirmance or repudiation of the contract would promote the orderly administration of the institution’s affairs. Such disaffirmance or repudiation would result in a claim by its holder against the receivership or conservatorship. The amount paid upon such claim would depend upon, among other factors, the amount of receivership assets available for the payment of such claim and its priority relative to the priority of others. In addition, the FDIC as conservator or receiver may enforce most contracts entered into by the institution notwithstanding any provision providing for termination, default,
acceleration, or exercise of rights upon or solely by reason of insolvency of the institution, appointment of a conservator or receiver for the institution, or exercise of rights or powers by a conservator or receiver for the institution. The FDIC as conservator or receiver also may transfer any asset or liability of the institution without obtaining any approval or consent of the institution’s shareholders or creditors.
The Dodd-Frank Act
The Dodd-Frank Act, enacted in 2010, has resulted in sweeping changes to the U.S. financial system and financial institutions, including us. Many of the law’s provisions have been implemented by rules and regulations of the federal banking agencies. The law contains many provisions which have particular relevance to our business, including provisions that have resulted in adjustments to our FDIC deposit insurance premiums and that resulted in increased capital and liquidity requirements, increased supervision, increased regulatory and compliance risks and costs and other operational costs and expenses, reduced fee-based revenues and restrictions on some aspects of our operations, and increased interest expense on our demand deposits. In May 2018, then President Trump signed into law the EGRRCPA, which amended various provisions of the Dodd-Frank Act as well as other federal banking statutes. See “The Effect of Government Policy on Banking” above for additional information.
The environment in which financial institutions continue to operate since the U.S. financial crisis, including legislative and regulatory changes affecting capital, liquidity, supervision, permissible activities, corporate governance and compensation, and changes in fiscal policy may have long-term effects on the business model and profitability of financial institutions that cannot now be foreseen.
Overdraft and Interchange Fees
The FRB's Regulation E imposes restrictions on banks’ abilities to charge overdraft services and fees. The rule prohibits financial institutions from charging fees for paying overdrafts on ATM and one-time debit card transactions, unless a consumer consents, or opts in, to the overdraft service for those types of transactions. The Dodd-Frank Act, through a provision known as the Durbin Amendment, required the FRB to establish standards for interchange fees that are “reasonable and proportional” to the cost of processing debit card transactions and imposes other requirements on card networks. Under the rule, the maximum permissible interchange fee that a bank may receive is the sum of $0.21 per transaction and five basis points multiplied by the value of the transaction, with an additional upward adjustment of no more than $0.01 per transaction if a bank develops and implements policies and procedures reasonably designed to achieve fraud-prevention standards set by regulation. This regulation has resulted in decreased revenues and increased compliance costs for the banking industry and the Bank, and there can be no assurance that alternative sources of revenues can be implemented to offset the impact of these developments.
Possible Future Legislation and Regulatory Initiatives
The economic and political environment of the past several years has led to a number of proposed legislative, governmental and regulatory initiatives, at both the federal and state levels, certain of which are described above, that may significantly impact our industry. These and other initiatives could significantly change the competitive and operating environment in which we and our subsidiaries operate. We cannot predict whether these or any other proposals will be enacted or the ultimate impact of any such initiatives on our operations, competitive situation, financial condition or results of operations.
On January 20, 2025, President Donald J. Trump was sworn into office as the next President of the United States. The Trump Administration has indicated a desire to reduce the regulatory burden on U.S. companies, including financial institutions. Further, in a recent statement, the Acting Chairman of the FDIC indicated that a matter of FDIC focus (among other things) will include conducting a “wholesale” review of the agency’s regulations, guidance and manuals. President Trump is likely to appoint, or has already appointed, new acting leadership of bank regulatory agencies, including the CFPB, and, once appointed, this new agency leadership can rescind informal agency guidance, including advisory opinions, interpretive rules and policy statements, creating opportunities for deregulation. On January 20, 2025, President Trump signed an executive order to pause all pending regulations. Sweeping in nature, the order applies to “all executive departments and agencies” while directing them to “not propose or issue any rule in any manner, including by sending a rule to the Office of the Federal Register (the “OFR”), until a department or agency head appointed or designated by the President after noon on January 20, 2025, reviews and approves the rule.” The order also states that agencies must “immediately withdraw any rules that have been sent to the OFR but not published in the Federal Register, so that they can be reviewed and approved.” The executive order also states that agencies must “consider postponing for 60 days from the date of this memorandum the effective date for any rules that have been published in the Federal Register, or any rules that have been issued in any manner but have not taken effect, for the purpose of reviewing any questions of fact, law, and policy that the rules may raise.” At this time, no details on potential or proposed reforms have been published, and we are uncertain whether the intended deregulation will, in fact, occur, or have a significant impact on the Company.
In February 2025, the director of the CFPB was dismissed by the new Trump Administration and the new Director of the Office of Management and Budget was appointed as acting director of the CFPB. The new acting director of the CFPB directed agency staff to
stop virtually all work, including supervision activities and pending investigations, and announced that the CFPB would not be taking its next draw of federal funding. While the new Trump Administration appointee to lead the CFPB and Administration policies could result in the rollback of rules implementing and enforcing consumer financial law and regulatory enforcement activities, there is an expectation of increased activity at the state level to enforce consumer protection, data privacy, and banking regulations to address potential gaps in federal oversight. State regulation of financial products and potential enforcement actions could also adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations. It cannot be predicted at this time what impact these changes will have on the CFPB and its regulatory responsibilities in the consumer protection area, or on the regulation and enforcement of consumer protection laws generally.
In May 2024, several federal financial agencies (including the FDIC) adopted a notice of proposed rulemaking to address incentive-based compensation arrangements for financial institutions, re-proposing the regulatory text previously proposed in June 2016 and seeking public comment on certain related matters. The 2024 proposed rule requires enhanced disclosure and reporting of compensation arrangements by covered institutions and prohibits incentive compensation arrangements that involve inappropriate risks or could lead to material financial loss. The Federal Reserve and the SEC have not joined in issuing the 2024 proposed rule, which has not yet been published in the Federal Register or opened for formal public comment. At this time, it cannot be predicted whether this proposed rule will be modified or implemented.
Following a bankruptcy filing by a financial services company known as Synapse, in October 2024, the FDIC approved a proposal which will require banks and their “fin-tech” partners holding certain custodial accounts to maintain timely and accurate records to determine the actual consumers who own funds held in the pooled custodial accounts and the account balance attributable to each consumer so that the FDIC can meet insured deposit claims to beneficial owners underlying the custody accounts upon the failure of the bank. At the present time, the Bank does not have any such “fin-tech” partners.
Competition
In the past, an independent bank’s principal competitors for deposits and loans have been other banks, savings and loan associations, and credit unions. Many of these competitors are large financial institutions that have substantial capital, technology and marketing resources, which are well in excess of ours, although these larger institutions may be required to hold more regulatory capital and as a result, achieve lower returns on equity. For agricultural loans, the Bank also competes with constituent entities with the Federal Farm Credit System. To a lesser extent, competition is also provided by thrift and loans, mortgage brokerage companies and insurance companies. Other institutions, such as brokerage houses, mutual fund companies, credit card companies, and even retail establishments have offered new investment vehicles, which also compete with banks for deposit business. Additionally, technology has lowered barriers to entry and made it possible for non-banks to offer products and services traditionally provided by banks, such as automatic transfer and payment systems. We also experience competition, especially for deposits, from internet-based banking institutions and other financial companies, which do not always have a presence in our market footprint and have grown rapidly in recent years.
Non-traditional financial technology companies are less regulated and continue to expand their offerings of services traditionally provided by financial institutions. Further, the new Trump Administration is expected to seek to promote innovation across financial services through a regulatory environment that is favorable to cryptocurrencies, digital assets, open banking initiatives and financial technology companies, which has the potential to further increase competition within the banking industry.
Current federal law has made it easier for out-of-state banks to enter and compete in California. Competition in our principal markets has further intensified as a result of the Dodd-Frank Act which, among other things, permitted out-of-state de novo branching by national banks, state banks and foreign banks from other states.
The business of banking in California remains highly competitive. Competition in our industry is likely to further intensify as a result of continued consolidation of financial services companies, including consolidations of significance in our market area. In order to compete with major financial institutions and other competitors in its primary service areas, the Bank relies upon the experience of its executive and senior officers in serving business clients, and upon its specialized services, local promotional activities and the personal contacts made by its officers, directors and employees.
For customers whose loan demand exceeds the Bank’s legal lending limit, the Bank may arrange for such loans on a participation basis with correspondent banks. In the past, the seasonal swings, discussed below in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation – Liquidity”, have had some impact on the Bank’s liquidity. The management of investment maturities, sale of loan participations, federal fund borrowings, qualification for funds under the Federal Reserve Bank’s seasonal credit program, and the ability to sell mortgages in the secondary market is intended to allow the Bank to satisfactorily manage its liquidity.
In addition to factors mentioned elsewhere in this Report, the factors contained below, among others, could cause our financial condition and results of operations to be materially and adversely affected. If this were to happen, the value of our common stock could decline, perhaps significantly, and you could lose all or part of your investment.
Recent Negative Developments in the Banking Industry, and any Legislative and/or Bank Regulatory Actions that may Result, Could Adversely Affect our Business Operations, Results of Operations and Financial Condition.
The high-profile bank failures of Silicon Valley Bank, Signature Bank and First Republic Bank in 2023, and related negative media attention, generated significant market trading volatility among publicly-traded bank holding companies and, in particular, regional and community banks, such as the Company. These developments negatively impacted customer confidence in the safety and soundness of regional and community banks. Defaults by, or even rumors or questions about, one or more financial institutions or the financial services industry generally, may lead to market-wide liquidity problems and losses of client, creditor and counterparty confidence and could lead to losses or defaults by us or by other financial institutions.
While we currently do not anticipate liquidity constraints of the kind that caused these other financial services institutions to fail or require external support, constraints on our liquidity could occur as a result of customers choosing to maintain their deposits with larger financial institutions or to invest in higher yielding short-term fixed income securities, which could materially adversely impact our liquidity, cost of funding, loan funding capacity, net interest margin, capital and results of operations. If we were required to sell a portion of our securities portfolio to address liquidity needs, we may incur losses, including as a result of the negative impact of rising interest rates on the value of our securities portfolio, which could negatively affect our earnings and our capital. While the Company has taken actions to maintain adequate and diversified sources of funding and management believes that its liquidity measures are reasonable in light of the nature of the Bank’s customer base, there can be no assurance that such actions will be sufficient in the event of a sudden liquidity crisis.
These recent events may also result in potentially adverse changes to laws or regulations governing banks and bank holding companies, enhanced regulatory supervision and examination policies and priorities, and/or the imposition of restrictions through regulatory supervisory or enforcement activities, including higher capital requirements and/or an increase in the Bank’s deposit insurance assessments. The FDIC has proposed that Congress consider various changes in the FDIC insurance program, including possible increases in the deposit insurance limit for certain types of accounts, such as business payment accounts. Although these legislative and regulatory actions cannot be predicted with certainty, any of these potential legislative or regulatory actions could, among other things, subject us to additional costs, limit the types of financial services and products we may offer, and reduce our profitability, any of which could materially and adversely affect our business, results of operations or financial condition.
Economic Conditions in the U.S. May Soften or Become Recessionary with Resultant Adverse Consequences for the U.S. Financial Services Industry and for the Bank
Following the financial crisis of 2008, adverse financial and economic developments impacted U.S. and global economies and financial markets and presented challenges for the banking and financial services industry and for us. These developments included a general recession both globally and in the U.S. accompanied by substantial volatility in the financial markets.
In response, various significant economic and monetary stimulus measures were implemented by the U.S. government. The FRB also pursued a highly accommodative monetary policy aimed at keeping interest rates at historically low levels. The more recent tightening of the Federal Reserve’s monetary policies, including repeated and aggressive increases in target range for the federal funds rate as well as the conclusion of the Federal Reserve’s tapering of asset purchases, together with ongoing economic and geopolitical instability, increases the risk of an economic recession. The Federal Reserve has signaled caution in easing monetary policy citing strong robust GDP growth, and persistent inflation as reasons to delay rate cuts.
We, and other financial services companies, are impacted to a significant degree by current economic conditions. If the U.S. economy weakens, our growth and profitability from our lending, deposit and investment operations could be constrained and our asset quality, deposit levels, loan demand and results of operations may be adversely affected.
The U.S. government continues to face significant fiscal and budgetary challenges which, if not resolved, could result in renewed adverse U.S. economic conditions. These challenges may be intensified over time if federal budget deficits were to increase and Congress and the Administration cannot effectively work to address them. The overall level of the federal government's debt, the extensive political disagreements regarding the government's statutory debt limit and the continuing substantial federal budget deficits led to a downgrade from “AAA” to “AA+” of the long-term sovereign credit rating of United States debt by one credit rating agency in 2023. This risk could be exacerbated over time.
If substantial federal budget deficits were to continue or increase in the years ahead, further downgrades by the credit rating agencies with respect to the obligations of the U.S. federal government could occur. Any such further downgrades could increase over time the U.S. federal government’s cost of borrowing, which may worsen its fiscal challenges, as well as generate further upward pressure on interest rates generally in the U.S. which could, in turn, have adverse consequences for borrowers and the level of business activity. The long-term impact of this situation, including the impact to the Bank's investment securities portfolio and other assets, cannot be predicted.
The Bank is Subject to Lending Risks of Loss and Repayment Associated with Commercial Banking Activities
The Bank’s business strategy is to focus on commercial business loans (which includes agricultural loans), construction loans, and commercial and multi-family real estate loans. The principal factors affecting the Bank’s risk of loss in connection with commercial business loans include the borrower’s ability to manage its business affairs and cash flows, general economic conditions, and, with respect to agricultural loans, weather and climate conditions.
For a number of years, California has also experienced severe drought, wildfires or other natural disasters. It can be expected that these events will continue to occur from time to time in the areas served by the Bank, and that the consequences of these natural disasters, including public utility public safety power outages when weather conditions and fire danger warrant, may adversely affect the Bank’s business and that of its commercial loan customers, particularly in the agricultural sector.
Loans secured by commercial real estate are generally larger and involve a greater degree of credit and transaction risk than residential mortgage (one to four family) loans. Because payments on loans secured by commercial and multi-family real estate properties are often dependent on successful operation or management of the underlying properties, repayment of such loans may be dependent on factors other than the prevailing conditions in the real estate market or the economy. Real estate construction financing is generally considered to involve a higher degree of credit risk than long-term financing on improved, owner-occupied real estate. Risk of loss on a construction loan is dependent largely upon the accuracy of the initial estimate of the property’s value at completion of construction or development compared to the estimated cost (including interest) of construction. If the estimate of value proves to be inaccurate, the Bank may be confronted with a project which, when completed, has a value which is insufficient to assure full repayment of the construction loan. For additional information, see “The Bank’s Dependence on Real Estate Lending Increases Our Risk of Losses”, below in these “Risk Factors” in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Although the Bank manages lending risks through its underwriting and credit administration policies, no assurance can be given that such risks will not materialize, in which event, the Company’s financial condition, results of operations, cash flows, and business prospects could be materially adversely affected.
Increases in the Allowance for Credit Losses Would Adversely Affect the Bank’s Financial Condition and Results of Operations
The Bank’s allowance for credit losses on loans was approximately $15.9 million, or 1.49% of total loans, at December 31, 2024, compared to $16.6 million, or 1.55% of total loans, at December 31, 2023, and 143.5% of total non-performing loans net of guaranteed portions at December 31, 2024, compared to 199.1% of total non-performing loans, net of guaranteed portions at December 31, 2023. Reversal of provision for credit losses totaled $0.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2024, and provision for credit losses totaled $1.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2023. The reversal of provision for credit losses in 2024 was primarily due to decreases in loans outstanding and unfunded commitments.
Material future additions to the allowance for estimated losses on loans may be necessary if material adverse changes in economic conditions in our markets were to continue to occur and the performance of the Bank’s loan portfolio were to deteriorate.
Other real estate owned is initially recorded at fair value less estimated costs to sell the property, thereby establishing the new cost basis of other real estate. Losses arising at the time of acquisition of such properties are charged against the allowance for credit losses. Subsequent to acquisition, such properties are carried at the lower of cost or fair value less estimated selling expenses, determined on an individual asset basis. Any deficiency resulting from the excess of cost over fair value less estimated selling expenses is recognized as a valuation allowance. Any subsequent increase in fair value up to its cost basis is recorded as a reduction of the valuation allowance. The FDIC and the California DFPI, as an integral part of their examination process, periodically review the Bank’s allowance for credit losses on loans and the carrying value of its assets. Increases in the provisions for estimated losses on loans and foreclosed assets would adversely affect the Bank’s financial condition and results of operations.
The Bank’s Dependence on Real Estate Lending Increases Our Risk of Losses
The Bank’s primary lending focus has historically been commercial (including agricultural), construction, and real estate mortgage. At December 31, 2024, real estate mortgage (excluding loans held-for-sale) and construction loans (residential and other) comprised
approximately 90% and 3%, respectively, of the total loans in the Bank’s portfolio. At December 31, 2024, all of the Bank’s real estate mortgage and construction loans and approximately 1% of its commercial loans were secured fully or in part by deeds of trust on underlying real estate. The Company’s dependence on real estate increases the risk of loss in both the Bank’s loan portfolio and its holdings of other real estate owned if economic conditions in Northern California were to deteriorate. Deterioration of the real estate market in Northern California would have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial condition, and results of operations.
The CFPB has adopted various regulations which have impacted, and may continue to impact, our residential mortgage lending business.
Adverse Economic Factors Affecting Certain Industries the Bank Serves Could Adversely Affect Our Business
The Bank is subject to certain industry-specific economic factors. For example, a portion of the Bank’s total loan portfolio is related to residential and commercial real estate, especially in California. Increases in residential mortgage loan interest rates could have an adverse effect on the Bank’s operations by depressing new mortgage loan originations, which in turn could negatively impact the Bank’s title and escrow deposit levels. Additionally, a downturn in the residential real estate and housing industries in California could have an adverse effect on the Bank’s operations and the quality of its real estate and construction loan portfolio. Although the Bank does not engage in subprime or negative amortization lending, we are not immune to volatility in the real estate market. Real estate valuations are influenced by demand, and demand is driven by economic factors such as employment rates and interest rates, which have been, and may continue to be, affected by the pandemic. These factors could adversely impact the quality of the Bank’s residential construction, residential mortgage and construction related commercial portfolios in various ways, including by decreasing the value of the collateral for our loans, and thereby negatively affecting the Bank’s overall loan portfolio.
The Bank provides financing to, and receives deposits from, businesses in a number of other industries that may be particularly vulnerable to industry-specific economic factors, including the home building, commercial real estate, retail, agricultural, industrial, and commercial industries. Following the financial crisis of 2008, the home building industry in California was especially adversely impacted by the deterioration in residential real estate markets, which lead the Bank to take additional provisions and charge-offs against credit losses in this portfolio. The recessionary economic and market conditions resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic also significantly affected the commercial and residential real estate markets in the U.S. generally, and in California in particular, decreasing property values, increasing the risk of defaults and reducing the value of real estate collateral. Continued volatility in fuel prices and energy costs and drought conditions in California could also adversely affect businesses in several of these industries.
In February 2025, the new Trump Administration announced that it would be imposing increases in tariffs on goods imported to the U.S. from Canada, Mexico, and China and has also indicated that tariffs may be imposed at increased levels on imports to the U.S. from other countries. If other countries, in retaliation to the U.S.’s tariff measures, were to impose increased levels of tariffs on goods exported to such countries by companies in the U.S. such tariff increases may negatively impact companies in the U.S. whose business involves exports to other countries. This could be of particular concern to U.S. companies operating in the agricultural sector who export to other countries. The Company’s customers included a number of agricultural business, which could be negatively affected. Preliminary indications have been that the new Trump Administration tariff increases to Canada and Mexico may be delayed or decreased if such countries adopt various policies urged by the U.S., such as enhanced border security and control measures. The outcome of this process cannot be predicted with any certainty at this time.
Industry specific risks are beyond the Bank’s control and could adversely affect the Bank’s portfolio of loans, potentially resulting in an increase in non-performing loans or charge-offs and a slowing of growth or reduction in our loan portfolio.
In recent years, wildfires across California and in our market areas resulted in significant damage and destruction of property and equipment. The fire damage caused resulted in adverse economic impacts to those affected markets and beyond and on the Bank's customers. In addition, the major electric utility company in our region has adopted programs of electrical power shut-offs, often for multiple days, in wide areas of Northern California during periods of high winds and high fire danger. Shut-offs of power by this utility have adversely impacted the business of some of our customers and also have resulted in some of our branches being temporarily closed. It can be expected that these events will continue to occur from time to time in the areas served by the Bank, and that the consequences of these natural disasters, including programs of public utility public safety power outages when weather conditions and fire danger warrant, may adversely affect the Bank’s business and that of its customers. It is also possible that climate change may be increasing the severity or frequency of adverse weather conditions, thus increasing the impact of these types of natural disasters on our business and that of our customers. For additional information, see "Our Operations, Business and Customers Could be Materially Adversely Affected by the Physical Effects of Climate Change, as well as Governmental and Societal Responses to Climate Change," below in these "Risk Factors" in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
The long-term impact of these developments on the markets we serve cannot be predicted at this time.
Several of California’s Largest Home Insurance Providers Have Recently Paused or Severely Limited Their Issuance of New Policies, or Their Renewal of Existing Policies, in the State, Which Could Increase the Bank’s Risk of Loss in its Loan Portfolio
At December 31, 2024, loans secured by real estate comprised approximately 87% of the total loans in the Bank’s portfolio. At December 31, 2024, all of the Bank’s real estate mortgage and construction loans were secured fully or in part by deeds of trust on underlying real estate. Most of the Company’s customers, including its loan customers, are located in the State of California.
Recently, several of California’s largest home insurance providers, including State Farm, Allstate, Farmers, USAA, Travelers, Nationwide and Chubb, have either paused or severely limited their issuance of new policies, or their renewal of existing policies, in the state. Mounting claims from wildfire damages, the increasing cost of building and repairing homes in California, and a steep increase in reinsurance premiums, as well as state insurance regulations that make it difficult for insurers to adjust premiums in response to the evolving risk landscape, have challenged the capacity of insurance companies to sustainably and profitably offer home insurance in California. The result of these actions has been to significantly limit the availability of home insurance in California, where homeowners already face escalating property values and high wildfire, seismic, severe weather and other risks. The recent catastrophic fires in Southern California, with preliminary estimates of resulting property damage and other claims exceeding $30 billion, are expected to further exacerbate these challenges.
The California Department of Insurance enforces some safeguards to temporarily shield homeowners from the cancellation or non-renewal of home insurance policies in high-risk areas, particularly those prone to wildfires. In addition, the California Fair Access to Insurance Requirements (FAIR) Plan, a state-established risk pool, operates as an insurer of last resort, providing temporary coverage for California homeowners unable to obtain (generally at increased premium cost) such coverage from a traditional insurance carrier; however, enrollment in the FAIR Plan as a percentage of the total number of residential insurance policies in California has steadily increased over the past five years, particularly in counties with the highest wildfire risk, threatening the ongoing stability of the Plan. In late 2023, following the California Governor’s declaration of a State of Emergency regarding property insurance, the Insurance Commissioner of the State of California introduced a comprehensive package of executive actions aimed at insurance reform. In December 2024, the California Department of Insurance adopted regulations intended to cause insurance companies to write more policies in wildfire distressed areas of California as a condition for using forward-looking wildfire modeling designed to more accurately assess wildfire risks and to reverse FAIR Plan growth. There can be no assurance that these regulatory actions, or other proposed legislation, will increase insurance availability or stabilize and strengthen California’s insurance market. particularly in light of the recent catastrophic fires in Southern California.
Many homeowners in the State of California have been negatively impacted by the contraction of insurance options in the State and the resulting lack of access to affordable home insurance, which could adversely impact the ability of prospective homebuyers to obtain insurance, and escalating premiums and limited coverage options could result in limiting coverage in the event of loss. If any loss suffered by a loan customer of the Bank is not insured or exceeds applicable insurance limits, this could increase the risk of loss in the Bank’s loan portfolio, which could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial condition, and results of operations. For additional information, see “The Bank’s Dependence on Real Estate Lending Increases Our Risk of Losses” above in these “Risk Factors” in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
The Effects of Changes or Increases in, or Supervisory Enforcement of, Banking or Other Laws and Regulations or Governmental Fiscal or Monetary Policies Could Adversely Affect Us
We are subject to significant federal and state banking regulation and supervision, which is primarily for the benefit and protection of our customers and the Deposit Insurance Fund and not for the benefit of investors in our securities. In the past, our business has been materially affected by these regulations. This will continue and likely intensify in the future. Laws, regulations or policies, including accounting standards and interpretations, currently affecting us may change at any time. Regulatory authorities may also change their interpretation of and intensify their examination of compliance with these statutes and regulations. Therefore, our business may be adversely affected by changes in laws, regulations, policies or interpretations or regulatory approaches to compliance and enforcement, as well as by supervisory action or criminal proceedings taken as a result of noncompliance, which could result in the imposition of significant civil money penalties or fines. Changes in laws and regulations may also increase our expenses by imposing additional supervision, fees, taxes or restrictions on our operations. Compliance with laws and regulations, especially new laws and regulations, increases our operating expenses and may divert management attention from our business operations.
Following the imposition in 2008 of a federal government conservatorship on the two government-sponsored enterprises (“GSEs”) in the housing finance industry, the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation and the Federal National Mortgage Association, various proposals have been advanced from time to time to reform the role of the GSEs in the housing finance market. These proposals, among other things, include reducing or eliminating over time the role of the GSEs in guaranteeing mortgages and providing funding for mortgage loans, as well as the implementation of reforms relating to borrowers, lenders, and investors in the mortgage market, including reducing the maximum size of a loan that the GSEs can guarantee, phasing in a minimum down payment requirement for
borrowers, improving underwriting standards, and increasing accountability and transparency in the securitization process.
The GSEs remain in federal government conservatorship at this time and proposals for the reform of their role are not being actively pursued in Congress. However, this could change at any time, particularly since GSE reform was a priority during the first Trump Administration. GSE reform could again become a subject under active consideration and if adopted, could well have a substantial impact on the mortgage market and could reduce our income from mortgage originations by increasing mortgage costs or lowering originations. GSE reforms could also reduce real estate prices, which could reduce the value of collateral securing outstanding mortgage loans. This reduction of collateral value could negatively impact the value or perceived collectability of these mortgage loans and may increase our allowance for credit loan losses. Such reforms may also include changes to the Federal Home Loan Bank System, which could adversely affect a significant source of term funding for lending activities by the banking industry, including the Bank. These reforms may also result in higher interest rates on residential mortgage loans, thereby reducing demand, which could have an adverse impact on our residential mortgage lending business.
In July 2013, the FRB and the other U.S. federal banking agencies adopted final rules making significant changes to the U.S. regulatory capital framework for U.S. banking organizations and to conform this framework to the Basel III Global Regulatory Framework for Capital and Liquidity. For additional information, see “Business-Capital Standards” in Item 1 of this Form 10-K.
We maintain systems and procedures designed to comply with applicable laws and regulations. However, some legal/regulatory frameworks provide for the imposition of criminal or civil penalties (which can be substantial) for noncompliance. In some cases, liability may attach even if the noncompliance was inadvertent or unintentional and even if compliance systems and procedures were in place at the time. There may be other negative consequences from a finding of noncompliance, including restrictions on certain activities and damage to our reputation.
Additionally, our business is affected significantly by the fiscal and monetary policies of the U.S. federal government and its agencies. We are particularly affected by the policies of the FRB, which regulates the supply of money and credit in the U.S. Under the Dodd-Frank Act and a long-standing policy of the FRB, a bank holding company is expected to act as a source of financial and managerial strength for its subsidiary banks. As a result of that policy, we may be required to commit financial and other resources to our subsidiary bank in circumstances where we might not otherwise do so. Among the instruments of monetary policy available to the FRB are (a) conducting open market operations in U.S. Government securities, (b) changing the discount rates on borrowings by depository institutions and the federal funds rate, and (c) imposing or changing reserve requirements against certain borrowings by banks and their affiliates. These methods are used in varying degrees and combinations to directly affect the availability of bank loans and deposits, as well as the interest rates charged on loans and paid on deposits. The policies of the FRB can be expected to have a material effect on our business, prospects, results of operations and financial condition.
Refer to “Business – Supervision and Regulation of Bank Holding Companies" and "Business – Supervision and Regulation of the Bank” in Item 1 of this Form 10-K for discussion of certain existing and proposed laws and regulations that may affect our business.
The Bank is Subject to Interest Rate Risk
The income of the Bank depends to a great extent on “interest rate differentials” and the resulting net interest margins (i.e., the difference between the interest rates earned on the Bank’s interest-earning assets such as loans and investment securities, and the interest rates paid on the Bank’s interest-bearing liabilities such as deposits and borrowings). Changes in the relationship between short-term and long-term market interest rates or between different interest rate indices can impact our interest rate differential, possibly resulting in a decrease in our interest income relative to interest expense. Interest rates are highly sensitive to many factors, which are beyond the Bank’s control, including, but not limited to, general economic conditions and the policies of various governmental and regulatory agencies, in particular, the FRB. Changes in monetary policy, including changes in interest rates, influence the origination of loans, the purchase of investments and the generation of deposits and affect the rates received on loans and investment securities and paid on deposits. In addition, an increase in interest rates could adversely affect clients’ ability to pay the principal or interest on existing loans or reduce their borrowings. This may lead to an increase in our non-performing assets, a decrease in loan originations, or a reduction in the value of and income from our loans, any of which could have a material and negative effect on our operations.
Fluctuations in market rates and other market disruptions are neither predictable nor controllable and may adversely affect our financial condition and earnings. Since 2022, inflationary pressures have affected many aspects of the U.S. economy, including gasoline and fuel prices, and global and domestic supply-chain issues have also had a disruptive effect on many industries, including the agricultural industry. In January 2022, due to elevated levels of inflation and corresponding pressure to raise interest rates, the FRB announced after several periods of historically low federal funds rates and yields on Treasury notes that it would be slowing the pace of its bond purchasing and increasing the target range for the federal funds rate over time. The FOMC increased the target range 525 basis points from March 2022 through July 2023. The target range remained unchanged through much of 2024 until the FOMC decreased the rate 100 basis points during the last four months of the year. As of December 31, 2024, the target range for the federal
funds rate had been decreased to 4.25% to 4.50%. It remains uncertain whether the FOMC will further decrease the target range for the federal funds rate to attain a monetary policy sufficiently restrictive to return inflation to more normalized levels, further reduce the federal funds rate or leave the rate at its current elevated level for a lengthy period of time. As noted previously, the new Trump Administration has taken steps to increase tariffs on goods imported to the U.S. from certain countries. Retaliation by such countries through the imposition of higher tariffs on exports from the U.S. appears to be a possibility. The imposition of increased tariffs on imports and exports is believed by some economists to entail the possibility of increased inflationary pressures on the U.S. economy. The impact of these developments on the business of our clients and on our business cannot be predicted with certainty but could present challenges in 2025 and beyond.
Beginning in 2021, the U.S. Economy Began to Reflect Relatively Rapid Rates of Increase in the Consumer Price Index and Other Economic Indices; a Prolonged Elevated Rate of Inflation Could Present Risks for the U.S. Banking Industry and Our Business.
Beginning in 2021, the U.S. economy exhibited relatively rapid rates of increase in the consumer price index and other economic indices. If the U.S. economy encounters a significant, prolonged rate of inflation, this could pose higher relative risks to the banking industry and our business. Such inflationary periods have historically corresponded with relatively weaker earnings and higher credit losses for banks. In the past, inflationary environments have caused financing conditions to tighten and have increased borrowing costs for some marginal borrowers which, in turn, has impacted bank credit quality and loan growth. Additionally, a sustained period of inflation well above the FRB’s long-term target could prompt broad-based selling of longer-duration, fixed-rate debt, which could have negative implications for equity and real estate markets. Lower interest rates enable less credit-worthy borrowers to more readily meet their debt obligations. Small businesses and leveraged loan borrowers can be challenged in a materially higher-rate environment. Higher interest rates can also present challenges for commercial real estate projects, pressuring valuations and loan-to-value ratios. The FRB initiated a series of significant interest rate increases in response to the recent economic developments. For additional information, see "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Results of Operations - Net Interest Income" below in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
In addition, the war between Russia and Ukraine and global reactions thereto have increased U.S. domestic and global energy prices. Oil supply disruptions related to the Russia-Ukraine conflict, and sanctions and other measures taken by the U.S. or its allies, could lead to higher costs for gas, food and goods in the U.S. and exacerbate the inflationary pressures on the economy. As noted previously, the new Trump Administration has taken steps to increase tariffs on goods imported to the U.S. from certain countries. The imposition of increased tariffs on imports and exports is believed by some economists to entail the possibility of increased inflationary pressures on the U.S. economy. The impact of these developments cannot be predicted with certainty, but they could have potentially adverse impacts on our customers and on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
Our Ability to Pay Dividends is Subject to Legal Restrictions
As a bank holding company, our cash flow typically comes from dividends of the Bank. Various statutory and regulatory provisions restrict the amount of dividends the Bank can pay to the Company without regulatory approval. The ability of the Company to pay cash dividends in the future also depends on the Company’s profitability, growth, and capital needs. In addition, California law restricts the ability of the Company to pay dividends. For a number of years, the Company has paid stock dividends, but not cash dividends, to its shareholders. No assurance can be given that the Company will pay any dividends in the future or, if paid, such dividends will not be discontinued. See “Business - Restrictions on Dividends and Other Distributions” above.
Competition Adversely Affects our Profitability
In California generally, and in the Bank’s primary market area specifically, major banks dominate the commercial banking industry. By virtue of their larger capital bases, such institutions have substantially greater lending limits than those of the Bank. Competition is likely to further intensify as a result of the recent and increasing level of consolidation of financial services companies, particularly in our market area resulting from various economic and market conditions. In obtaining deposits and making loans, the Bank competes with these larger commercial banks and other financial institutions, such as savings and loan associations, credit unions and member institutions of the Farm Credit System, which offer many services that traditionally were offered only by banks. Using the financial holding company structure, insurance companies and securities firms may compete more directly with banks and bank holding companies. In addition, the Bank competes with other institutions such as mutual fund companies, brokerage firms, and even retail stores seeking to penetrate the financial services market. Current federal law has also made it easier for out-of-state banks to enter and compete in the states in which we operate. Competition in our principal markets has further intensified as a result of the Dodd-Frank Act which, among other things, permitted out-of-state de novo branching by national banks, state banks and foreign banks from other states. We also experience competition, especially for deposits, from internet-based banking institutions and other non-traditional financial services firms, such as financial technology companies, which do not always have a physical presence in our market footprint and have grown rapidly in recent years. Also, technology and other changes increasingly allow parties to complete financial transactions electronically, and in many cases, without banks. For example, consumers can pay bills and transfer
funds over the internet and by telephone without banks. Non-bank financial service providers may have lower overhead costs, are subject to fewer regulatory constraints and continue to expand their offerings of services traditionally provided by financial institutions. Further, the new Trump Administration is expected to seek to promote innovation across financial services through a regulatory environment that is favorable to cryptocurrencies, digital assets, open banking initiatives and financial technology companies, which has the potential to further increase competition within the banking industry. If consumers do not use banks to complete their financial transactions, we could potentially lose fee income, deposits and income generated from those deposits. During periods of declining interest rates, competitors with lower costs of capital may solicit the Bank’s customers to refinance their loans. Furthermore, during periods of economic slowdown or recession, the Bank’s borrowers may face financial difficulties and be more receptive to offers from the Bank’s competitors to refinance their loans. No assurance can be given that the Bank will be able to compete with these lenders. See “Business – Competition” in Item 1 of this Form 10-K.
Government Regulation and Legislation Could Adversely Affect the Company
The Company and the Bank are subject to extensive state and federal regulation, supervision, and legislation, which govern almost all aspects of the operations of the Company and the Bank. The business of the Bank is particularly susceptible to being affected by the enactment of federal and state legislation, which may have the effect of increasing the cost of doing business, modifying permissible activities, or enhancing the competitive position of other financial institutions. Such laws are subject to change from time to time and are primarily intended for the protection of consumers, depositors and the Deposit Insurance Fund and not for the benefit of shareholders of the Company. Regulatory authorities may also change their interpretation of these laws and regulations. The Company cannot predict what effect any presently contemplated or future changes in the laws or regulations or their interpretations would have on the business and prospects of the Company, but it could be material and adverse. See “Business – Supervision and Regulation of the Bank” in Item 1 of this Form 10-K and "The Effects of Changes or Increases in, or Supervisory Enforcement of, Banking or Other Laws and Regulations or Governmental Fiscal or Monetary Policies Could Adversely Affect Us" above in these "Risk Factors" in this Form 10-K.
We maintain systems and procedures designed to comply with applicable laws and regulations. However, some legal/regulatory frameworks provide for the imposition of criminal or civil penalties (which can be substantial) for non-compliance. In some cases, liability may attach even if the non-compliance was inadvertent or unintentional and even if compliance systems and procedures were in place at the time. There may be other negative consequences from a finding of non-compliance, including restrictions on certain activities and damage to the Company’s reputation.
Our Controls and Procedures May Fail or be Circumvented Which Could Have a Material Adverse Effect on the Company's Financial Condition or Results of Operations
The Company maintains controls and procedures to mitigate against risks such as processing system failures and errors, and customer or employee fraud, and maintains insurance coverage for certain of these risks. Any system of controls and procedures, however well designed and operated, is based in part on certain assumptions and can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurances that the objectives of the system are met. Events could occur which are not prevented or detected by the Company’s internal controls or are not insured against or are in excess of the Company’s insurance limits. Any failure or circumvention of the Company’s controls and procedures or failure to comply with regulations related to controls and procedures could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, results of operations and financial condition.
Changes in Deposit Insurance Premiums Could Adversely Affect Our Business
As discussed above in Part I under the caption “Business – Premiums for Deposit Insurance,” in September, 2020, the FDIC board of directors voted to adopt a restoration plan for the Deposit Insurance Fund to ensure that the ratio of the fund’s reserves to insured deposits reaches 1.35% within the next 8 years, as required by the Dodd-Frank Act. This action was in response to the reserve ratio dropping to 1.30% primarily due to the inflow of more than $1 trillion in estimated insured deposits in the first six month of 2020 resulting mainly from the pandemic, monetary policy actions, direct government assistance and an overall reduction in business spending. On October 18, 2022, the FDIC adopted a final rule, applicable to all insured depository institutions to increase the initial base deposit insurance assessment rate schedules uniformly by two basis points consistent with the Amended Restoration Plan approved by the FDIC on June 21, 2022. The FDIC indicated that it was taking this action in order to restore the DIF reserve ratio to the required statutory minimum of 1.35% by the statutory deadline of September 30, 2028. Under the final rule, the increase in rates began with the first quarterly assessment period of 2023 and will remain in effect unless and until the reserve ratio meets or exceeds 2% in order to support growth in the DIF in progressing toward the FDIC’s long-term goal of a 2% reserve ratio.
On November 16, 2023, the FDIC issued a final rule to implement a special assessment to recover the loss to the DIF associated with protecting uninsured depositors following the closure of Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank. This special assessment did not apply to the Bank; however, there can be no assurance that the FDIC will not impose special assessments on, or increase annual assessments payable by, the Bank in the future.
Any further increases in the deposit insurance assessments the Bank pays would further increase our costs.
Negative Public Opinion Could Damage Our Reputation and Adversely Affect Our Earnings
Reputational risk, or the risk to our earnings and capital from negative public opinion, is inherent in our business. Negative public opinion can result from the actual or perceived manner in which we conduct our business activities, management of actual or potential conflicts of interest and ethical issues, lending practices, governmental enforcement actions, corporate governance deficiencies, use of social media, cyber-security breaches and our protection of confidential client information, the implementation of environmental, social and governance (ESG) practices, or from actions taken by regulators or community organizations in response to such actions. Negative public opinion can adversely affect our ability to keep and attract customers and employees and can expose us to claims and litigation and regulatory action and increased liquidity risk and could have a material adverse effect on the price of our stock.
We May Not Be Able to Hire or Retain Additional Qualified Personnel and Recruiting and Compensation Costs May Increase as a Result of Turnover, Both of Which May Increase Costs and Reduce Profitability and May Adversely Impact Our Ability to Implement Our Business Strategy
Our success depends upon the ability to attract and retain highly motivated, well-qualified personnel. We face significant competition in the recruitment and retention of qualified employees. Executive compensation in the financial services sector has been controversial and the subject of regulation. The FDIC has proposed rules which would increase deposit premiums for institutions with compensation practices deemed to increase risk to the institution. Over time, this guidance and the proposed rules, upon their adoption, could have the effect of making it more difficult for banks to attract and retain skilled personnel.
We May Be Adversely Affected by Unpredictable Catastrophic Events or Terrorist Attacks and Our Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery Plans May Not Adequately Protect Us from Serious Disaster
The occurrence of catastrophic events such as wildfires (including programs of public utility public safety power outages when weather conditions and fire danger warrant), earthquakes, flooding or other large-scale catastrophes and terrorist attacks could adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations if a catastrophe rendered both our production data center in Sacramento and our recovery data center in Las Vegas unusable. There can be no assurance that our current disaster recovery plans and capabilities will protect us from serious disaster.
Changes in Accounting Standards Could Materially Impact Our Financial Statements
The Company’s consolidated financial statements are presented in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, called GAAP. The financial information contained within our consolidated financial statements is, to a significant extent, financial information that is based on approximate measures of the financial effects of transactions and events that have already occurred. A variety of factors could affect the ultimate value that is obtained either when earning income, recognizing an expense, recovering an asset or relieving a liability. Along with other factors, we use historical loss factors to determine the inherent loss that may be present in our loan portfolio. Actual losses could differ significantly from the historical loss factors that we use. Other estimates that we use are fair value of our securities, expected useful lives of our depreciable assets, fair value of stock options, calculation of deferred tax assets and liabilities, and the value of our mortgage servicing rights. We have not entered into derivative contracts for our customers or for ourselves, which relate to interest rate, credit, equity, commodity, energy, or weather-related indices, other than forward commitments related to our loans held for sale portfolio. From time to time, the FASB and SEC change the financial accounting and reporting standards that govern the preparation of our financial statements or new interpretations of existing standards emerge as standard industry practice. These changes can be difficult to predict and operationally complex to implement and can materially impact how we record and report our financial condition and results of operations. In some cases, we could be required to apply a new or revised standard retrospectively, resulting in our restating prior period financial statements.
There is a Limited Public Market for the Company’s Common Stock Which May Make It Difficult for Shareholders to Dispose of Their Shares
The Company’s common stock is not listed on any exchange. However, trades may be reported on the OTC Markets under the symbol “FNRN.” The Company is aware that JWTT, Inc., Monroe Financial Partners and Raymond James all currently make a market in the Company’s common stock. Management is aware that there are also private transactions in the Company’s common stock. However, the limited trading market for the Company’s common stock may make it difficult for shareholders to dispose of their shares. Also, the price of the Company’s common stock may be affected by general market price movements as well as developments specifically related to the financial services sector, including interest rate movements, quarterly variations, or changes in financial estimates by securities analysts and a significant reduction in the price of the stock of another participant in the financial
services industry.
Advances and Changes in Technology, and the Company’s Ability to Adapt Its Technology, May Strain Our Available Resources and Could Adversely Impact Our Ability to Compete and the Company’s Business and Operations
Advances and changes in technology can significantly impact the business and operations of the Company. The financial services industry is undergoing rapid technological change which regularly involves the introduction of new products and services based on new or enhanced technologies. Examples include cloud computing, artificial intelligence and machine learning, biometric authentication and data protection enhancements, as well as increased online and mobile device interaction with customers and increased demand for providing computer access to Bank accounts and the systems to perform banking transactions electronically. The Company’s merchant processing services require the use of advanced computer hardware and software technology and rapidly changing customer and regulatory requirements. The Company’s ability to compete effectively depends on its ability to continue to adapt its technology on a timely and cost-effective basis to meet these requirements. Our continued success and the maintenance of our competitive position depends, in part, upon our ability to meet the needs of our customers through the application of new technologies. If we fail to maintain or enhance our competitive position with regard to technology, whether because we fail to anticipate customer needs and expectations or because our technological initiatives fail to perform as desired or are not timely implemented, we may lose market share or incur additional expense. Our ability to execute our core operations and to implement technology and other important initiatives may be adversely affected if our resources are insufficient or if we are unable to allocate available resources effectively.
In addition, the Company’s business and operations are susceptible to negative impacts from computer system failures, communication and power disruption, and unethical individuals with the technological ability to cause disruptions or failures of the Company’s data processing systems.
Information Security Breaches or Other Technological Difficulties Could Adversely Affect the Company
Our operations rely on the secure processing, storage, transmission and reporting of personal, confidential and other sensitive information in our computer systems, networks and business applications. Although we take protective measures, our computer systems, as well as the systems of our third-party providers, may be vulnerable to breaches or attacks, unauthorized access, misuse, computer viruses or other malicious code, operational errors, including clerical or record-keeping errors or those resulting from faulty or disabled computer or telecommunications systems, and other events that could have significant negative consequences to us. Such events could result in interruptions or malfunctions in our or our customers’ operations, interception, misuse or mishandling of personal or confidential information, or processing of unauthorized transactions or loss of funds. These events could result in litigation, regulatory enforcement actions, and financial losses that are either not insured against or not fully covered by our insurance, or result in regulatory consequences or reputational harm, any of which could harm our competitive position, operating results and financial condition. We maintain cyber insurance, but this insurance may not cover all costs associated with cyber incidents or the consequences of personal or confidential information being compromised. These types of incidents can remain undetected for extended periods of time, thereby increasing the associated risks. We may also be required to expend significant resources to modify our protective measures or to investigate and remediate vulnerabilities or exposures arising from cybersecurity risks.
We depend on the continued efficacy of our technical systems, operational infrastructure, relationships with third parties and our employees in our day-to-day and ongoing operations. Our increasing dependence upon automated systems to record and process transactions may further increase the risk that technical system flaws or employee tampering or manipulation of those systems will result in losses that are difficult to detect. With regard to the physical infrastructure that supports our operations, we have taken measures to implement backup systems and other safeguards, but our ability to conduct business may be adversely affected by any disruption to that infrastructure. Failures in our internal control or operational systems, security breaches or service interruptions could impair our ability to operate our business and result in potential liability to customers, reputational damage and regulatory intervention, any of which could harm our operating results and financial condition.
We may also be subject to disruptions of our operating systems arising from other events that are wholly or partially beyond our control, such as outages related to electrical, internet or telecommunications, natural disasters (such as major seismic events), or unexpected difficulties with the implementation of our technology enhancement and replacement projects, which may give rise to disruption of service to customers and to financial loss or liability. Our business recovery plan may not work as intended or may not prevent significant interruptions of our operations.
In recent years, it has been reported that several of the larger U.S. banking institutions have been the target of various denial-of-service, ransomware or other cyberattacks (including attempts to inject malicious code and viruses into computer systems) that have, for limited periods, resulted in the disruption of various operations of the targeted banks. These cyber-attacks originate from a variety of sophisticated sources who may be involved with organized crime, linked to terrorist organizations or hostile countries and have extensive resources to disrupt the operations of the Bank or the financial system more generally. The potential for denial-of-service,
ransomware and other attacks requires substantial resources to defend and may affect customer satisfaction and behavior. To date we have not experienced any material losses relating to cyberattacks or other information security breaches, but there can be no assurance that we will not suffer such losses or information security breaches in the future. A successful cyber-attack could result in a material disruption of the Bank’s operations, exposure of confidential information and financial loss to the Bank, its clients, customers and counterparties and could lead to significant exposure to litigation and regulatory fines, penalties and other sanctions as well as reputational damage. While we have a variety of cyber-security measures in place, the consequences to our business, if we were to become a target of such attacks, cannot be predicted with any certainty.
In addition, there have been increasing efforts on the part of third parties to breach data security at financial institutions or with respect to financial transactions, including through the use of social engineering schemes such as “phishing.” The ability of our customers to bank remotely, including online and though mobile devices, requires secure transmission of confidential information and increases the risk of data security breaches which would expose us to claims by customers or others and which could adversely affect our reputation and could lead to a material loss.
We, and other banking institutions, are also at risk of increased losses from fraudulent conduct of criminals using increasingly sophisticated techniques which, in some cases, are part of larger criminal organizations which allow them to be more effective. This criminal activity is taking many forms, including information theft, debit/credit card fraud, check fraud, mechanical devices affixed to ATM’s, social engineering, phishing attacks to obtain personal information, or impersonation of customers through falsified or stolen credentials, business email compromise, and other criminal endeavors. We, and other banking institutions are also at risk of fraudulent or criminal activities by employees, contractors, vendors and others with whom we do business. There is also the risk of errors by our employees and others responsible for the systems and controls on which we depend and any resulting failures of these systems and controls could significantly harm the Company, including customer remediation costs, regulatory fines and penalties, litigation or enforcement actions, or limitations on our business activities.
Even if cyber-attacks and similar tactics are not directed specifically at the Bank, such attacks on other large financial institutions could disrupt the overall functioning of the financial system and undermine consumer confidence in banks generally, to the detriment of other financial institutions, including the Bank. A data security breach at a large U.S. retailer resulted in the compromise of data related to credit and debit cards of large numbers of customers requiring many banks, including the Bank, to reissue credit and debit cards for affected customers and reimburse these customers for losses sustained.
We maintain insurance which we believe provides sufficient coverage against these risks at a manageable expense for an institution of our size and scope with similar technological systems. However, we cannot assure that this insurance would be sufficient to cover all financial losses, damages, penalties, including lost revenues, should we experience any one or more of our or a third-party’s systems failing or experiencing attack.
Environmental Hazards Could Have a Material Adverse Effect on the Company’s Business, Financial Condition, and Results of Operations
The Company, in its ordinary course of business, acquires real property securing loans that are in default, and there is a risk that hazardous substances or waste, contaminants or pollutants could exist on such properties. The Company may be required to remove or remediate such substances from the affected properties at its expense, and the cost of such removal or remediation may substantially exceed the value of the affected properties or the loans secured by such properties. Furthermore, the Company may not have adequate remedies against the prior owners or other responsible parties to recover its costs. Finally, the Company may find it difficult or impossible to sell the affected properties either prior to or following any such removal. In addition, the Company may be considered liable for environmental liabilities in connection with its borrowers’ properties, if, among other things, it participates in the management of its borrowers’ operations. The occurrence of such an event could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows.
The Company May Not Be Successful in Raising Additional Capital Needed in the Future
If additional capital is needed in the future as a result of losses or growth or our business strategy or regulatory requirements, there is no assurance that our efforts to raise such additional capital will be successful or that shares sold in the future will be sold at prices or on terms equal to or better than the current market price. The inability to raise additional capital when needed or at prices and terms acceptable to us could adversely affect our ability to implement our business strategies.
In the Future, the Company May Be Required to Recognize an Allowance for Credit Losses With Respect to Investment Securities, Which May Adversely Affect our Results of Operations
The Company’s securities portfolio currently includes securities with unrecognized losses. The Company may continue to observe declines in the fair market value of these securities. Management evaluates the need for an allowance for credit losses on the
securities portfolio, as required by generally accepted accounting principles. There can be no assurance, however, that future evaluations of the securities portfolio will not require us to recognize losses with respect to these and other holdings, which could adversely affect our results of operations.
Changes in the U.S. Tax Laws Have Impacted Our Business and Results of Operations in a Variety of Ways, Some of Which Are Positive, and Others Which May Be Negative
The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (“TCJA”), signed into law on December 22, 2017, enacted sweeping changes to the U.S. federal tax laws generally effective January 1, 2018. These changes have impacted our business and results of operations in a variety of ways, some of which are positive and others which are negative. The TCJA reduced the corporate tax rate to 21% from 35%, which resulted in a net reduction in our annual income tax expense and which has also benefited many of our corporate and other small business borrowers. However, our ability to utilize tax credits, such as those arising from low-income housing and alternative energy investments, is constrained by the lower tax rate. Increases in the U.S. corporate tax rate could adversely impact our profitability and that of our business and commercial customers.
Our Operations, Businesses and Customers Could be Materially Adversely Affected by the Physical Effects of Climate Change, as well as Governmental and Societal Responses to Climate Change
There is increasing concern over the risks of climate change and related environmental sustainability matters. The physical effects of climate change include rising average global temperatures, rising sea levels and an increase in the frequency and severity of extreme weather events and natural disasters, including droughts, wildfires, floods, hurricanes and tornados. Most of the Company’s operations and customers are located in California, which could be adversely impacted by severe weather events and the physical effects of climate change. Agriculture is especially dependent on climate, and climate impacts could include shifting average growing conditions, increased climate and weather variability, decreases in available water sources, and more uncertainty in predicting climate and weather conditions, any or all of which could have a particularly adverse impact on our agricultural customers. Elevated temperatures and carbon dioxide levels can have large impacts on appropriate nutrient levels, soil moisture, water availability, working condition, and various other critical performance conditions. Such climate-related impacts could disrupt our operations or the operations of customers or third parties on which we rely, result in market volatility, negatively impact our customers’ ability to pay outstanding loans, damage collateral or result in the deterioration of the value of collateral or insurance shortfalls. Our borrowers may have collateral properties or operations located in areas at risk of wildfires or subject to the risk of drought in California. The properties pledged as collateral on our loan portfolio could also be damaged by wildfires, earthquakes or other natural disasters, and thereby the recoverability of loans could be impaired. A number of factors can affect credit losses, including the extent of damage to the collateral, the extent of damage not covered by insurance, the extent to which unemployment and other economic conditions caused by the natural disaster adversely affect the ability of borrowers to repay their loans, and the cost of collection and foreclosure to us. Additionally, there could be increased insurance premiums and deductibles, or a decrease in the availability of coverage, due to severe losses resulting from wildfires or other climate-related physical hazards. The ultimate outcome on our business of a natural disaster, whether or not caused by climate change, is difficult to predict but these events could reduce the Company’s earnings and cause volatility in the Company’s financial results for any fiscal quarter or year and have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition and results of operations.
In recent years, the federal banking agencies have increased their focus on climate-related risks impacting the operations of banks, the communities they serve and the broader financial system. Accordingly, the agencies have begun to enhance their supervisory expectations regarding the climate risk management practices of larger banking organizations, including by encouraging such banks to: ensure that management of climate-related risk exposures has been incorporated into existing governance structures; evaluate the potential impact of climate-related risks on the bank’s financial condition, operations and business objectives as part of its strategic planning process; account for the effects of climate change in stress testing scenarios and systemic risk assessments; revise expectations for credit portfolio concentrations based on climate-related factors; consider investments in climate-related initiatives and lending to communities disproportionately impacted by the effects of climate change; evaluate the impact of climate change on the bank’s borrowers and consider possible changes to underwriting criteria to account for climate-related risks to mortgaged properties; incorporate climate-related financial risk into the bank’s internal reporting, monitoring and escalation processes; and prepare for the transition risks to the bank associated with the adjustment to a low-carbon economy and related changes in laws, regulations, governmental policies, technology, and consumer behavior and expectations. The FDIC has indicated that all banks, regardless of their size, may have material exposures to climate-related financial and other risks that require prudent management. As climate-related supervisory guidance is formalized, and relevant risk areas and corresponding control expectations are further refined, we may be required to expend significant capital and incur compliance, operating, maintenance and remediation costs in order to conform to such requirements.
Additional legislation and regulatory requirements and changes in consumer preferences, including those associated with the transition to a low-carbon economy, could increase expenses of, or otherwise adversely impact, the Company, its businesses or its customers. We and our customers may face cost increases, asset value reductions, operating process changes, reduced availability of
insurance, and the like, as a result of governmental actions or societal responses to climate change. New and/or more stringent regulatory requirements relating to climate change or environmental sustainability could materially affect the Company’s results of operations by increasing our compliance costs. Regulatory changes or market shifts to low-carbon products could also impact the creditworthiness of some of our customers or reduce the value of assets securing loans, which may require the Company to adjust our lending portfolios and business strategies.
ITEM 1B
– UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
Not applicable.
| (1) | Summary of Significant Accounting Policies |
First Northern Community Bancorp (the “Company”) is a bank holding company whose only subsidiary, First Northern Bank of Dixon (“Bank”), a California state-chartered bank, conducts general banking activities, including collecting deposits and originating loans, and serves Solano, Yolo, Sacramento, Placer, El Dorado, Glenn, and Colusa Counties. All intercompany transactions between the Company and the Bank have been eliminated in consolidation. The consolidated financial statements also include the accounts of Yolano Realty Corporation, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Bank. Yolano Realty Corporation was formed in September 2009 for the purpose of managing selected other real estate owned properties. Yolano Realty Corporation was an inactive subsidiary in 2024.
The accounting and reporting policies of the Company conform with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. In preparing the consolidated financial statements, management is required to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities as of the date of the balance sheet and revenues and expenses for the period. Actual results could differ from those estimates applied in the preparation of the accompanying consolidated financial statements. For the Company, the most significant accounting estimates are the allowance for credit losses on loans and business combinations. A summary of the significant accounting policies applied in the preparation of the accompanying consolidated financial statements follows.
For purposes of the consolidated statements of cash flows, the Company considers due from banks, federal funds sold for one-day periods and short-term bankers acceptances to be cash equivalents. At times, the Company maintains deposits with other financial institutions in amounts that may exceed federal deposit insurance coverage. Management regularly evaluates the credit risk associated with correspondent banks.
| (b) | Investment Securities and Allowance for Credit Losses |
Investment securities consist of U.S. Treasury securities, U.S. Agency securities, obligations of states and political subdivisions, obligations of U.S. Corporations, collateralized mortgage obligations and mortgage-backed securities. At the time of purchase of a security the Company designates the security as held-to-maturity or available-for-sale, based on its investment objectives, operational needs, and intent to hold. The Company does not purchase securities with the intent to engage in trading activity.
Held-to-maturity securities are recorded at amortized cost, adjusted for amortization or accretion of premiums or discounts. Available-for-sale securities are recorded at fair value with unrealized holding gains and losses, net of the related tax effect, reported as a separate component of stockholders’ equity until realized. The amortized cost of securities is adjusted for amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts to the earliest call date using the effective interest method. Such amortization and accretion is included in investment income, along with interest and dividends. The cost of securities sold is based on the specific identification method; realized gains and losses resulting from such sales are included in earnings.
For available-for-sale debt securities in an unrealized loss position, the Company first assesses whether it intends to sell, or it is more likely than not that it will be required to sell, the security before recovery of its amortized cost basis. If either of the criteria regarding intent or requirement to sell is met, an allowance for credit losses is recorded to bring the security’s amortized cost basis down to fair value. For debt securities available-for-sale that do not meet the aforementioned criteria, the Company evaluates whether the decline in fair value has resulted from credit losses or other factors. In making this assessment, management considers the extent to which fair value is less than amortized cost, any changes to the rating of the security by a rating agency, and adverse conditions specifically related to the security, among other factors. If this assessment 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 cash flows expected to be collected is less than the amortized cost basis, a credit loss exists and an allowance for credit losses is recorded for the credit loss, limited by the amount that the fair value is less than the amortized cost basis. Any unrealized losses that have not been recorded through an allowance for credit losses is recognized in other comprehensive income.
Changes in the allowance for credit losses are recorded as provision for (or reversal of) credit loss expense. Losses are charged against the allowance when management believes the uncollectibility of an available-for-sale security is confirmed or when
either of the criteria regarding intent or requirement to sell is met.
Accrued interest receivable on available-for-sale debt securities is excluded from the estimate of credit losses. Accrued interest receivable on available-for-sale debt securities totaled $2,785 and $2,096 as of December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively, and is included in interest receivable and other assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
| (c) | Federal Home Loan Bank Stock and Other Equity Securities, at Cost |
The Bank is a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco (“FHLB”) and is required to obtain and hold a specific number of shares of capital stock of the FHLB. FHLB stock represents an equity interest that does not have a readily determinable fair value because its ownership is restricted and it lacks a market (liquidity). FHLB stock and other equity securities are recorded at cost and evaluated for impairment as of each reporting period.
| (d) | Loans and Allowance for Credit Losses
|
Loans are reported at the principal amount outstanding, net of deferred loan fees and costs and the allowance for credit losses. Loan fees net of certain direct costs of origination, which represent an adjustment to interest yield are deferred and amortized over the contractual term of the loan using the interest method. Unearned discount on installment loans is recognized as income over the terms of the loans by the interest method. Interest on other loans is calculated by using the simple interest method on the daily balance of the principal amount outstanding.
Loans on which the accrual of interest has been discontinued are designated as non-accrual loans. Accrual of interest on loans is discontinued either when reasonable doubt exists as to the full and timely collection of interest or principal or when a loan becomes contractually past due by ninety days or more with respect to interest or principal. When a loan is placed on non-accrual status, all interest previously accrued but not collected is reversed against current period interest income. Interest accruals are resumed on such loans only when they are brought fully current with respect to interest and principal and when, in the judgment of management, the loans are estimated to be fully collectible as to both principal and interest. Accrual of interest on loans that are modified commence after a sustained period of performance. Interest is generally accrued on such loans in accordance with the new terms.
The allowance for credit losses (ACL) is a valuation account that is deducted from the loan’s amortized cost basis to present the net amount expected to be collected on the loans. Loans are charged off against the allowance when management believes the recorded loan balance is confirmed as uncollectible. Expected recoveries do not exceed the aggregate of amounts previously charged-off and expected to be charged-off. The Company measures its ACL using the current expected credit loss (CECL) methodology in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification Topic 326, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326).
Management estimates the ACL using relevant information, from internal and external sources, relating to past events, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts. In determining the ACL, accruing loans with similar risk characteristics are generally evaluated collectively. To estimate expected losses the Company generally utilizes historical loss trends and the remaining contractual lives of the loan portfolios to determine estimated credit losses through a reasonable and supportable forecast period. Individual loan credit quality indicators, including historical credit losses, have been statistically correlated with various econometrics, including national unemployment rate and national gross domestic product. The Company moved from California state loss drivers to national loss drivers at the beginning of 2024. The reason for the change is a higher credit loss correlation between the national loss driver variables than the state loss driver variables. Model forecasts may be adjusted for inherent limitations or biases that have been identified through independent validation and back-testing of model performance to actual realized results. The Company utilized a reasonable and supportable forecast period of approximately four quarters and obtained the forecast data from Moody’s Analytics. The Company also considered the impact of portfolio concentrations, changes in underwriting practices, imprecision in its economic forecasts, and other risk factors that might influence its loss estimation process.
Loans that do not share similar risk characteristics are individually evaluated by management for potential impairment. Included in loans individually evaluated are collateral dependent loans. A loan is considered to be collateral dependent when repayment is expected to be provided substantially through the operation or sale of the collateral. Collateral dependent loans are considered to have unique risk characteristics and are individually evaluated. The ACL on collateral dependent loans is measured using the fair value of the underlying collateral, adjusted for costs to sell when applicable, less the amortized cost basis of the financial asset. If the value of underlying collateral is determined to be less than the recorded amount of the loan, a charge-off will be taken.
The ACL is measured on a collective (pool) basis when similar risk characteristics exist. The Company has identified the
following portfolio segments to evaluate and measure the ACL:
Commercial:
Commercial loans, whether secured or unsecured, generally are made to support the short-term operations and other needs of small businesses. These loans are generally secured by the receivables, equipment, and other real property of the business and are susceptible to the related risks described above. Problem commercial loans are generally identified by periodic review of financial information that may include financial statements, tax returns, and payment history of the borrower. Based on this information, the Company may decide to take any of several courses of action, including demand for repayment, requiring the borrower to provide a significant principal payment and/or additional collateral or requiring similar support from guarantors. Notwithstanding, when repayment becomes unlikely based on the borrower’s income and cash flow, repossession or foreclosure of the underlying collateral may become necessary. Collateral values may be determined by appraisals obtained through Bank-approved, licensed appraisers, qualified independent third parties, purchase invoices, or other appropriate documentation.
Commercial Real Estate:
Commercial real estate loans generally fall into two categories: owner-occupied and non-owner occupied. Loans secured by owner-occupied real estate are primarily susceptible to changes in the market conditions of the related business. This may be driven by, among other things, industry changes, geographic business changes, changes in the individual financial capacity of the business owner, general economic conditions, and changes in business cycles. These same risks apply to commercial loans whether secured by equipment, receivables or other personal property or unsecured. Problem commercial real estate loans are generally identified by periodic review of financial information that may include financial statements, tax returns, payment history of the borrower, and site inspections. Based on this information, the Company may decide to take any of several courses of action, including demand for repayment, requiring the borrower to provide a significant principal payment and/or additional collateral or requiring similar support from guarantors. Notwithstanding, when repayment becomes unlikely based on the borrower’s income and cash flow, repossession or foreclosure of the underlying collateral may become necessary. Losses on loans secured by owner occupied real estate, equipment, or other personal property generally are dictated by the value of underlying collateral at the time of default and liquidation of the collateral. When default is driven by issues related specifically to the business owner, collateral values tend to provide better repayment support and may result in little or no loss. Alternatively, when default is driven by more general economic conditions, underlying collateral generally has devalued more and results in larger losses due to default. Loans secured by non-owner occupied real estate are primarily susceptible to risks associated with swings in occupancy or vacancy and related shifts in lease rates, rental rates or room rates. Most often, these shifts are a result of changes in general economic or market conditions or overbuilding and resulting over-supply of space. Losses are dependent on the value of underlying collateral at the time of default. Values are generally driven by these same factors and influenced by interest rates and required rates of return as well as changes in occupancy costs. Collateral values may be determined by appraisals obtained through Bank-approved, licensed appraisers, qualified independent third parties, sales invoices, or other appropriate means.
Agriculture:
Agricultural loans, whether secured or unsecured, generally are made to producers and processors of crops and livestock. Repayment is primarily from the sale of an agricultural product or service. Agricultural loans are generally secured by inventory, receivables, equipment, and other real property. Agricultural loans primarily are susceptible to changes in market demand for specific commodities. This may be exacerbated by, among other things, industry changes, changes in the individual financial capacity of the business owner, general economic conditions and changes in business cycles, as well as adverse weather conditions such as drought, fire, or floods. Problem agricultural loans are generally identified by periodic review of financial information that may include financial statements, tax returns, crop budgets, payment history, and crop inspections. Based on this information, the Company may decide to take any of several courses of action, including demand for repayment, requiring the borrower to provide a significant principal payment and/or additional collateral or requiring similar support from guarantors. Notwithstanding, when repayment becomes unlikely based on the borrower’s income and cash flow, repossession or foreclosure of the underlying collateral may become necessary.
Residential mortgage loans: Residential mortgage loans, which are secured by real estate, are primarily susceptible to four risks; non-payment due to diminished or lost income, over-extension of credit, a lack of borrower’s cash flow to sustain payments, and shortfalls in collateral value. In general, non-payment is usually due to loss of employment and follows general economic trends in the economy, particularly the upward movement in the unemployment rate, loss of collateral value, and demand shifts.
Residential construction loans: Construction loans, whether owner-occupied or non-owner occupied residential development loans, are not only susceptible to the risks related to residential mortgage loans, but the added risks of construction, including cost over-runs, mismanagement of the project, or lack of demand and market changes experienced at time of completion. Losses are primarily related to underlying collateral value and changes therein as described above. Problem construction loans are generally identified by periodic review of financial information that may include financial statements, tax
returns and payment history of the borrower. Based on this information, the Company may decide to take any of several courses of action, including demand for repayment, requiring the borrower to provide a significant principal payment and/or additional collateral or requiring similar support from guarantors, or repossession or foreclosure of the underlying collateral. Collateral values may be determined by appraisals obtained through Bank-approved, licensed appraisers, qualified independent third parties, purchase invoices, or other appropriate documentation.
Consumer:
Consumer loans, whether unsecured or secured, are primarily susceptible to four risks: non-payment due to diminished or lost income, over-extension of credit, a lack of borrower’s cash flow to sustain payments, and shortfall in collateral value. In general, non-payment is usually due to loss of employment and will follow general economic trends in the economy, particularly the upward movements in the unemployment rate, loss of collateral value, inflation and demand shifts.
Unfunded commitments: The estimated credit losses associated with these unfunded lending commitments is calculated using the same models and methodologies noted above and incorporate utilization assumptions at time of default. The reserve for unfunded commitments is maintained on the Consolidated Balance Sheets in other liabilities.
Accrued interest receivable on loans is not included in the calculation of the allowance for credit losses. Accrued interest receivable on loans totaled $4,875 and $4,713 as of December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively, and is included in interest receivable and other assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Loans originated and held-for-sale are carried at the lower of cost or estimated fair value in the aggregate. Net fees and costs of originating loans held for sale are deferred and are included in the basis for determining the gain or loss on sales of loans held for sale. Net unrealized losses are recognized through a valuation allowance by charges to income.
| (f) | Premises and Equipment |
Premises and equipment are stated at cost, less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is computed substantially by the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the related assets. Leasehold improvements are depreciated over the estimated useful lives of the improvements or the terms of the related leases, whichever is shorter. The useful lives used in computing depreciation are as follows:
| Buildings and improvements | 15 to 50 years |
| Furniture and equipment | 3 to 10 years |
| (g) | Other Real Estate Owned |
Other real estate acquired by foreclosure is carried at fair value less estimated selling costs. Prior to foreclosure, the value of the underlying loan is written down to the fair value of the real estate to be acquired by a charge to the allowance for credit losses, if necessary. Fair value of other real estate owned is generally determined based on an appraisal of the property. Any subsequent operating expenses or income, reduction in estimated values and gains or losses on disposition of such properties are included in other operating expenses.
Gain recognition on the disposition of real estate is dependent upon the transaction meeting certain criteria relating to the nature of the property sold and the terms of the sale. Under certain circumstances, revenue recognition may be deferred until these criteria are met.
The Bank held no other real estate owned (“OREO”) as of December 31, 2024 and 2023.
| (h) | Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and Long-Lived Assets to Be Disposed Of |
Long-lived assets and certain identifiable intangibles are required to be reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset to future net cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. If such assets are considered to be impaired, the impairment to be recognized is measured by the amount by which the carrying amount of the assets exceeds the fair value of the assets. Assets to be disposed of are reported at the lower of the carrying amount or fair value less costs to sell.
| (i) | Pension Benefit Plans |
The Company and the Bank maintain unfunded non-contributory defined benefit pension plans for a select group of highly compensated employees and directors, as well as a supplemental executive retirement plan. Net periodic benefit cost is recognized over the approximate service period of plan participants and includes discount rate assumptions. See Note 16 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
| (j) | Revenue from Contracts with Customers |
The following are descriptions of the Company’s sources of Non-interest income within the scope of the FASB’s Accounting Standards Codification Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606):
Service charges on deposit accounts
Service charges on deposit accounts include account maintenance and analysis fees and transaction-based fees. Account maintenance and analysis fees consist primarily of account fees and analyzed account fees charged on deposit accounts on a monthly basis. The performance obligation is satisfied and the fees are recognized on a monthly basis as the service period is completed. Transaction-based fees consist of non-sufficient funds fees, wire fees, overdraft fees and fees on other products and services and are charged to deposit customers for specific services provided to the customer. The performance obligation is completed as the transaction occurs and the fees are recognized at the time each specific service is provided to the customer.
Investment and brokerage services income
The Bank earns investment and brokerage services fees for providing a broad range of alternative investment products and services through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc. Brokerage fees are generally earned in two ways. Brokerage fees for managed accounts charge a set annual percentage fee based on the underlying portfolio value and are earned and recognized on a quarterly basis. Brokerage fees for a standard commission account are charged on a per transaction fee and are earned and recognized at the time of the transaction.
Debit card income
Debit card income represents fees earned on Bank-issued debit card transactions. The Bank earns interchange fees from debit cardholder transactions through the related payment network. Interchange fees from cardholder transactions represent a percentage of the underlying transaction value and are recognized daily, concurrently with the transaction processing services provided to the cardholder. The performance obligation is satisfied and the fees are earned when the cost of the transaction is charged to the cardholders’ account. Certain expenses directly associated with the debit card are recorded on a net basis with the interchange income.
Other income
Other income within the scope of Topic 606 includes check sales fees, bankcard fees, and merchant fees. Check sales fees, based on check sales volume, are received from check printing companies and are recognized monthly. Bankcard fees are earned from the Bank’s credit card program and are recognized monthly as the service period is completed. Merchant fees are earned for card payment services provided to its merchant customers. The Bank has a contract with a third party to provide card payment services to merchants that contract for those services. Merchant fees are recognized monthly as the service period is completed.
| (k) | Gain or Loss on Sale of Loans and Servicing Rights |
Transfers and servicing of financial assets are accounted for and reported based on consistent application of a financial-components approach that focuses on control. Transfers of financial assets that are sales are distinguished from transfers that are secured borrowings. A sale is recognized when the transaction closes and the proceeds are other than beneficial interests in the assets sold. A gain or loss is recognized to the extent that the sales proceeds and the fair value of the servicing asset exceed or are less than the book value of the loan.
The Company recognizes an asset for the fair value of the rights to service loans for others when loans are sold on a servicing-retained basis. The Company sold substantially all of its conforming long-term residential mortgage loans originated during the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, for cash proceeds equal to the fair value of the loans.
Mortgage servicing rights (“MSR”) in loans sold are measured by allocating the previous carrying amount of the transferred
assets between the loans sold and retained interest, if any, based on their relative fair value at the date of transfer. The Company determines its classes of servicing assets based on the asset type being serviced along with the methods used to manage the risk inherent in the servicing assets, which includes the market inputs used to value the servicing assets. The Company measures and reports its residential mortgage servicing assets initially at fair value and amortizes the servicing rights in proportion to, and over the period of, estimated net servicing revenues. Management assesses servicing rights for impairment as of each financial reporting date. Fair value adjustments that encompass market-driven valuation changes and the runoff in value that occurs from the passage of time are each separately reported.
In determining the fair value of the MSR, the Company uses quoted market prices when available. Subsequent fair value measurements are determined using a discounted cash flow model. In order to determine the fair value of the MSR, the present value of expected future cash flows is estimated. Assumptions used include market discount rates, anticipated prepayment speeds, delinquency and foreclosure rates, and ancillary fee income. This model is periodically validated by an independent external model validation group. The model assumptions and the MSR fair value estimates are also compared to observable trades of similar portfolios as well as to MSR broker valuations and industry surveys, as available. Key assumptions used in measuring the fair value of the MSR as of December 31, were as follows:
| | 2024 | | | 2023 | |
| Constant prepayment rate | | | 6.76 | % | | | 6.09 | % |
| Discount rate | | | 10.00 | % | | | 10.50 | % |
| Weighted average life (years) | | | 7.55 | | | | 7.99 | |
The expected life of the loan can vary from management’s estimates due to prepayments by borrowers, especially when rates fall. Prepayments in excess of management’s estimates would negatively impact the recorded value of the mortgage servicing rights. The value of the mortgage servicing rights is also dependent upon the discount rate used in the model, which we base on current market rates. Management reviews this rate on an ongoing basis based on current market rates. A significant increase in the discount rate would reduce the value of mortgage servicing rights.
The Company accounts for income taxes under the asset and liability method. Under the asset and liability method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the consolidated financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases and operating loss and tax credit carry forwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. A liability for uncertain tax positions is recorded for unrecognized tax benefits related to uncertain tax positions where it is more likely than not that the position will be sustained upon examination by a taxing authority. Interest and/or penalties related to income taxes are reported as a component of provision for income taxes.
| (m) | Share Based Compensation |
The Company accounts for share based compensation transactions whereby the Company receives employee services in exchange for equity instruments, including stock options and restricted stock. The Company recognizes in the Consolidated Statements of Income the grant-date fair value of stock options and other equity-based forms of compensation issued to employees over their requisite service period (generally the vesting period). The fair value of options granted is determined on the date of the grant using a Black-Scholes-Merton pricing model. The grant date fair value of restricted stock is determined by the closing market price of the day prior to the grant date. The Company issues new shares of common stock upon the exercise of stock options. See Note 14 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
| (n) | Earnings Per Share (“EPS”) |
Basic EPS includes no dilution and is computed by dividing income available to common shareholders by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding for the period, excluding non-vested restricted shares. Diluted EPS reflects the potential dilution of securities that could share in the earnings of an entity. The number of potential common shares included in annual diluted EPS is a year-to-date average of the number of potential common shares included in each quarter’s diluted EPS computation under the treasury stock method. The calculation of weighted average shares includes two classes of the Company’s outstanding common stock: common stock and restricted stock awards. Holders of restricted stock also receive dividends at the same rate as common shareholders, subject to vesting restrictions, and they both share equally in undistributed earnings. There are no unvested share-based payment awards that contain nonforfeitable rights to dividends. See Note 13 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
Advertising costs were $460 and $474 for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. Advertising costs are expensed as incurred.
Accounting principles generally accepted in the United States require that recognized revenue, expenses, gains, and losses be included in net income. Certain changes in assets and liabilities, such as unrealized gain and losses on available-for-sale securities and directors’ and officers’ retirement plans, are reported as a separate component of the equity section of the Consolidated Balance Sheet. Such items, along with net income, are components of comprehensive income.
On January 25, 2024, the Company announced that its Board of Directors had declared a 5% stock dividend which resulted in 739,924 shares, which was paid on March 25, 2024 to shareholders of record as of February 29, 2024. On January 23, 2025, the Company announced that its Board of Directors had declared a 5% stock dividend which will result in approximately 759,192 shares, which will be paid on March 25, 2025 to shareholders of record as of February 28, 2025.
Data for earnings per share and stock compensation plans for all periods presented have been adjusted to give retroactive effect to stock dividends and stock splits, including the 5% stock dividend declared on January 23, 2025. December 31, 2024 figures included in the Consolidated Balance Sheets and Consolidated Statement of Stockholders’ Equity have been adjusted to reflect the estimated impact of the 2025 stock dividend. Figures that have been adjusted include common stock shares issued and outstanding, common stock balance and retained earnings balance. The December 31, 2023 and 2022 balances included in the Consolidated Balance Sheets and Statement of Stockholders’ Equity have not been adjusted to retroactively reflect the stock dividends, but instead show the historical rollforward of stock dividends declared.
The Company is a holding company for a community bank, which offers a wide array of products and services to its customers. The Bank’s primary business is that of a traditional banking institution, gathering deposits and originating loans in its respective primary market areas. Pursuant to its banking strategy, emphasis is placed on building relationships with its customers, as opposed to building specific lines of business. As a result, the Company is not organized around discernible lines of business and prefers to work as an integrated unit to customize solutions for its customers, with business line emphasis and product offerings changing over time as needs and demands change. The Company’s operations are managed, and financial performance is evaluated by our chief operating decision maker on a Company-wide basis. The performance of the Company is reviewed monthly by the Company’s executive management and Board of Directors. As resource allocation and performance decisions are not made based on discrete financial information of individual lines of business, the Company considers its current business and operations as a single reportable operating segment. See Note 22 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
The Company accounts for acquisitions of businesses using the acquisition method of accounting. Under the acquisition method, assets acquired and liabilities assumed are recorded at their estimated fair values at the date of acquisition. Management utilizes various valuation techniques including discounted cash flow analyses to determine these fair values. Any excess of the purchase consideration over the fair value of acquired assets, including identifiable intangible assets, and liabilities assumed is recorded as goodwill and a deficit is recognized as a bargain purchase gain.
Goodwill and intangible assets acquired in a business combination and that are determined to have an indefinite useful life are not amortized, but tested for impairment at least annually or more frequently if events and circumstances exist that indicate the necessity for such impairment tests to be performed. The Company has no goodwill arising from business combinations. The Company recognized a bargain purchase gain arising from business combinations in 2023. The Company recorded the fair values based on the valuations available as of reporting date. In accordance with business combination accounting guidance, the Company continued to evaluate these fair values for upto one year following the acquisition date. Intangible assets with definite useful lives are amortized over their estimated useful lives to their estimated residual values. Core deposit intangible assets arising from business combinations are amortized on an accelerated basis reflecting the pattern in which the economic benefits of the intangible asset are consumed or otherwise used up. The total estimated life of the core deposit intangible is approximately 10 years.
| (t) | Impact of Recently Issued Accounting Standards |
Accounting Standards Adopted in 2024
In January 2021, the FASB issued ASU 2021-01, Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848): Scope. This ASU clarifies that certain optional expedients and exceptions in Topic 848 for contract modifications and hedge accounting apply to derivatives that are affected by the discounting transition. The ASU also amends the expedients and exceptions in Topic 848 to capture the incremental consequences of the scope clarification and to tailor the existing guidance to derivative instruments affected by the discounting transition. An entity may elect to apply ASU 2021-01 on contract modifications that change the interest rate used for margining, discounting, or contract price alignment retrospectively as of any date from the beginning of the interim period that includes March 12, 2020, or prospectively to new modifications from any date within the interim period that includes or is subsequent to January 7, 2021, up to the date that financial statements are available to be issued. An entity may elect to apply ASU 2021-01 to eligible hedging relationships existing as of the beginning of the interim period that includes March 12, 2020, and to new eligible hedging relationships entered into after the beginning of the interim period that includes March 12, 2020. In December 2022, the FASB issued ASU 2022-06, Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848): Deferral of the Sunset Date of Topic 848. This ASU extends the period of time preparers can utilize the reference rate reform relief guidance in Topic 848. ASU 2022-06 defers the sunset date of Topic 848 from December 31, 2022, to December 31, 2024, after which entities will no longer be permitted to apply the relief in Topic 848. Adoption of this ASU did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
In August 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-05, Business Combinations—Joint Venture (JV) Formations: Recognition and Initial Measurement. The guidance requires newly formed JVs to apply a new basis of accounting to all of its contributed net assets, which results in the JV initially measuring its contributed net assets under ASC 805-20, Business Combinations. The new guidance would be applied prospectively and is effective for all newly formed joint venture entities with a formation date on or after January 1, 2025, with early adoption permitted. Adoption of this ASU did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
In November 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-07, Segment Reporting (Topic 280): Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures. This ASU requires that a public entity that has a single reportable segment provide all the disclosures required by the amendments in this ASU and all existing disclosures in Topic 280. The Company has determined that its current business and operations consist of a single business segment and a single reporting unit. The amendments in ASU 2023-07 are intended to improve segment disclosure requirements, primarily through enhanced disclosures about significant segment expenses. The Company applied this ASU retrospectively with no material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements, however, new disclosures have been added as applicable for a single reportable operating segment.
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-09, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures. Among other things, these amendments provide additional transparency into an entity’s income tax disclosures primarily related to the rate reconciliation and income taxes paid information. The standard requires that public business entities disclose, on an annual basis, specific categories in the rate reconciliation and additional information for reconciling items meeting a certain quantitative threshold. The amendments also require that entities disclose on an annual basis: 1) income taxes paid (net of refunds received) disaggregated by federal (national), state, and foreign taxes and 2) the income taxes paid (net of refunds received) disaggregated by individual jurisdictions exceeding 5% of total income taxes paid (net of refunds received). The amendments are effective for public business entities for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2024. The Company has evaluated this ASU and does not expect the adoption to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
In March 2024, the FASB issued guidance within ASU 2024-01, Compensation—Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Scope Application of Profits Interest and Similar Awards. The amendments in the ASU apply to companies that provide employees and non-employees with profits interest and similar awards to align compensation with a company’s operating performance and provide those holders with the opportunity to participate in future profits and/or equity appreciation of the company. The purpose of the ASU is to clarify the application of the scope guidance in Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) paragraph 718-10-15-3 in determining if a profit interest award should be accounted for in accordance with Topic 718: Compensation—Stock Compensation. The amendment in ASC paragraph 718-10-15-3 is solely intended to improve the overall clarity and does not change the guidance. The ASU is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2024. Early adoption is
permitted for both interim and annual financial statements that have not yet been issued or made available for issuance. If a company adopts the amendments in an interim period, it should adopt them as of the beginning of the annual period that includes the interim period. The amendments should be applied either (1) retrospectively to all prior periods presented in the financial statements or (2) on a prospective basis. The Company has evaluated this ASU and does not expect the adoption to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements, as the Company does not typically provide these types of awards.
In November 2024, the FASB issued ASU 2024-03, Income Statement - Reporting Comprehensive Income - Expense Disaggregation Disclosures (Subtopic 220-40): Disaggregation of Income Statement Expenses. This ASU requires public companies to disclose, in the notes to financial statements, specified information about certain costs and expenses at each interim and annual reporting period. In January 2025, the FASB issued ASU 2025-01, Income Statement—Reporting Comprehensive Income—Expense Disaggregation Disclosures (Subtopic 220-40): Clarifying the Effective Date. ASU 2025-01 amends the effective date of ASU 2024-03 to clarify that all public business entities are required to adopt the guidance in annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2026, and interim periods within annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2027. Early adoption of ASU 2024-03 is permitted. The Company is evaluating the accounting and disclosure requirements of this update and the impact of adopting the new guidance on the consolidated financial statements.
