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SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2021
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES [Abstract]  
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
1.
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Nature of Operations

Community West Bancshares (“CWBC”), incorporated under the laws of the state of California, is a bank holding company providing full-service banking through its wholly-owned subsidiary Community West Bank, N.A. (“CWB” or the “Bank”). Unless indicated otherwise or unless the context suggests otherwise, these entities are referred to herein collectively and on a consolidated basis as the “Company.”

Basis of Presentation

The accounting and reporting policies of the Company are in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”) and conform to practices within the financial services industry.  The accounts of the Company and its consolidated subsidiary are included in these Consolidated Financial Statements.  All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period.  Actual results could differ from those estimates.  Material estimates that are particularly susceptible to significant changes in the near term relate to the determination of the allowance for loan losses and the fair value of securities available for sale.  Although Management believes these estimates to be reasonably accurate, actual amounts may differ.  In the opinion of Management, all necessary adjustments have been reflected in the financial statements during their preparation.

Interim Financial Information

The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements as of June 30, 2021 and 2020, and for the three months, have been prepared in a condensed format, and therefore do not include all of the information and footnotes required by GAAP for complete financial statements.  These statements have been prepared on a basis that is substantially consistent with the accounting principles applied to our audited consolidated financial statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020.

The information furnished in these interim statements reflects all adjustments which are, in the opinion of Management, necessary for a fair statement of the results for each respective period presented.  Such adjustments are of a normal recurring nature.  The results of operations in the interim statements are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for any other quarter or for the full year.  The interim financial information should be read in conjunction with the Company’s audited consolidated financial statements.

Reclassifications
 
Certain amounts in the consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2020 and for the three and six months ended June 30, 2020 have been reclassified to conform to the current presentation.  The reclassifications have no effect on net income, comprehensive income or stockholders’ equity as previously reported.

COVID-19 pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic, first identified in the United States during the first quarter of 2020, has had adverse effects on the economy in the United States, generally, and in our service area, in particular. The assistance the government supported programs under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) and the Consolidated Appropriations Act (CAA), including the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), have lessened the disruptive effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.  CWB has actively worked to assist clients in applying for and receiving assistance through the PPP, and CWB has implemented a distinct COVID-19 relief program of payment deferrals, fee waivers and suspension of residential property foreclosures. While the origination fees recognized by CWB in providing these loans have been beneficial to CWB and, in turn CWBC, the full impact of the COVID-19 pandemic is not known at this time and the extent to which the COVID-19 pandemic will continue to affect our clients and our business is dependent on future developments.  These include the scope and duration of the pandemic, the effectiveness of vaccines and other therapies in treating and preventing the disease, the financial impact of the pandemic on our employees, clients, vendors, and services area, and what further actions the federal and state governments and other third parties may take in response to the pandemic.  The clients in our service area have experienced workforce challenges, business closures, and business slowdowns.  All of this may lead to increased credit ratings downgrades, loan delinquencies, defaults, reductions in asset values, and foreclosures, any of which could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.

Loans Held For Sale

Loans which are originated and intended for sale in the secondary market are carried at the lower of cost or estimated fair value determined on an aggregate basis.  Valuation adjustments, if any, are recognized through a valuation allowance by charges to lower of cost or fair value provision.  Loans held for sale are mostly comprised of commercial agriculture and Small Business Association (‘‘SBA”).  The Company did not incur any lower of cost or fair value provision in the three and six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020.

Loans Held for Investment and Interest and Fees from Loans

Loans are recognized at the principal amount outstanding, net of unearned income, loan participations and amounts charged off.  Unearned income includes deferred loan origination fees reduced by loan origination costs.  Unearned income on loans is amortized to interest income over the life of the related loan using the level yield method.

Interest income on loans is accrued daily using the effective interest method and recognized over the terms of the loans.  Loan fees collected for the origination of loans less direct loan origination costs (net deferred loan fees) are amortized over the contractual life of the loan through interest income.  If the loan has scheduled payments, the amortization of the net deferred loan fee is calculated using the interest method over the contractual life of the loan.  If the loan does not have scheduled payments, such as a line of credit, the net deferred loan fee is recognized as interest income on a straight-line basis over the contractual life of the loan commitment.  Commitment fees based on a percentage of a client’s unused line of credit and fees related to standby letters of credit are recognized over the commitment period.

When loans are repaid or forgiven, any remaining unamortized balances of unearned fees, deferred fees and costs and premiums and discounts paid on purchased loans are accounted for through interest income.

Nonaccrual loans:  For all loan types, when a borrower discontinues making payments as contractually required by the note, the Company must determine whether it is appropriate to continue to accrue interest.  Generally, the Company places loans in a nonaccrual status and ceases recognizing interest income when the loan has become delinquent by more than 90 days or when Management determines that the full repayment of principal and collection of interest is unlikely.  The Company may decide to continue to accrue interest on certain loans more than 90 days delinquent if they are well secured by collateral and in the process of collection.  Other personal loans are typically charged off no later than 120 days delinquent.

For all loan types, when a loan is placed on nonaccrual status, all interest accrued but uncollected is reversed against interest income in the period in which the status is changed.  Subsequent payments received from the client are applied to principal and no further interest income is recognized until the principal has been paid in full or until circumstances have changed such that payments are again consistently received as contractually required.  The Company occasionally recognizes income on a cash basis for non-accrual loans in which the collection of the remaining principal balance is not in doubt.

Impaired loans:  A loan is considered impaired when, based on current information, it is probable that the Company will be unable to collect the scheduled payments of principal and/or interest under the contractual terms of the loan agreement.  Factors considered by management in determining impairment include payment status, collateral value, and the probability of collecting scheduled principal and/or interest payments.  Loans that experience insignificant payment delays or payment shortfalls generally are not classified as impaired.  Management determines the significance of payment delays or payment shortfalls on a case-by-case basis.  When determining the possibility of impairment, management considers the circumstances surrounding the loan and the borrower, including the length of the delay, the reasons for the delay, the borrower’s prior payment record and the amount of the shortfall in relation to the principal and interest owed.  For collateral-dependent loans, the Company uses the fair value of collateral method to measure impairment.  The collateral-dependent loans that recognize impairment are charged down to the fair value less costs to sell.  All other loans are measured for impairment either based on the present value of future cash flows or the loan’s observable market price.

Troubled debt restructured loan (“TDR”): A TDR is a loan on which the Company, for reasons related to the borrower’s financial difficulties, grants a concession to the borrower that the Company would not otherwise consider.  These concessions include but are not limited to term extensions, rate reductions and principal reductions.  Forgiveness of principal is rarely granted and modifications for all classes of loans are predominately term extensions.  A TDR loan is also considered impaired.  Generally, a loan that is modified at an effective market rate of interest may no longer be disclosed as a troubled debt restructuring in years subsequent to the restructuring if it is not impaired based on the terms specified by the restructuring agreement.

Guidance on Non-TDR Loan Modifications due to COVID-19

On March 22, 2020, a statement was issued by banking regulators and titled “Interagency Statement on Loan Modifications and Reporting for Financial Institutions Working with Customers Affected by the Coronavirus” that encouraged financial institutions to work prudently with borrowers unable to meet their contractual payment obligations due to the effects of COVID-19. Additionally, Section 4013 of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) further provided that a qualified loan modification is exempt by law from classification as a TDR as defined by GAAP, from the period beginning March 1, 2020 until the earlier of January 1, 2022 ( the extension of the expiration date was passed as part of the Bipartisan-Bicameral Omnibus COVID Relief Deal on December 21, 2020) or the date that is 60 days after the date on which the national emergency concerning the COVID-19 outbreak declared by the President of the United States under the National Emergencies Act (50 U.S.C. 1601 et seq.) terminates. Accordingly, we offered short-term modifications made in response to COVID-19 to borrowers who are current and otherwise not past due. These include short-term, 180 days or less, modifications in the form of payment deferrals. With the passage of The Economic Aid Act, the Company modified and extended its payment deferral program. The new program is for 90 days. As of June 30, 2021, the outstanding balance of these deferred loans was $0.6 million, or 0.1% of the Bank’s total loan portfolio.

Allowance for Loan Losses and Provision for Loan Losses

The Company maintains a detailed, systematic analysis and procedural discipline to determine the amount of the allowance for loan losses (“ALL”). The ALL is based on estimates and is intended to be appropriate to provide for probable losses inherent in the loan portfolio. This process involves deriving probable loss estimates that are based on migration analysis and historical loss rates, in addition to qualitative factors that are based on Management’s judgment. The migration analysis and historical loss rate calculations are based on the annualized loss rates.  Migration analysis is utilized for the Commercial Real Estate (“CRE”), Commercial, Commercial Agriculture, Small Business Administration (“SBA”), Home Equity Line of Credit (“HELOC”), Single Family Residential, and Consumer portfolios. The historical loss rate method is utilized primarily for the Manufactured Housing portfolio. The migration analysis considers the risk rating of loans that are charged off in each loan category. Loans that are considered Doubtful are typically charged off. The following is a description of the characteristics of loan ratings. Loan ratings are reviewed as part of our normal loan monitoring process, but, at a minimum, updated on an annual basis.

Substantially Risk Free – These borrowers have virtually no probability of default or loss given default and present no identifiable or potential adverse risk to the Company.  Documented repayment is either backed by the full faith and credit of the United States Government or secured by cash collateral of the principal borrowed.  The collateral must be in the possession of the Company and free from potential claim.  In addition, these credits will conform in all aspects to established loan policies and procedures, laws, rules, and regulations.

Nominal Risk – This rating is for the highest quality borrowers with nominal probability of default or loss given default from the transaction.  Typically, this is a borrower with a well-established record of financial performance, a strong equity position, abundant liquidity, and excellent debt service ability.  The borrower’s financial outlook is stable due to a broad range of operations or products and is able to weather an economic downturn without significant impact to liquidity or net worth.  Typically, this borrower will be publicly owned or have access to public debt or equity, all investment grade.  In addition, these credits will conform in all aspects to established loan policies and procedures, laws, rules, and regulations.  Transaction can include marketable securities as collateral, properly margined.

Pass/Watch – The loans in the four remaining pass categories range from minimal risk to moderate risk to acceptable risk to Watch risk rating. Loans rated in the first three categories are acceptable loans, appropriately underwritten, bearing an ordinary risk of loss to the Company. Loans in the minimal and moderate risk categories are loans to quality borrowers with financial statements presenting a good primary source as well as an adequate secondary source of repayment. In the case of individuals, borrowers with this rating are quality borrowers demonstrating a reasonable level of secure income, a net worth adequate to support the loan and presenting a good primary source as well as an adequate secondary source of repayment. Loans rated Watch indicate that although the borrower meets the criteria for a rating of acceptable risk or better, the credit possesses an identified and elevated risk level that should be resolved in a short period of time.  Technical risks include, but are not limited to, inadequate or improperly executed documentation, which may be material, serious delays in the submission of financial reporting or covenant violations that are not indicative of a protracted trend.
 
Special Mention - A Special Mention loan has potential weaknesses that require Management’s close attention.  If left uncorrected, these potential weaknesses may result in deterioration of the repayment prospects for the loan or in the institution’s credit position at some future date.  Special Mention assets are not adversely classified and do not expose an institution to sufficient risk to warrant adverse classification.
 
Substandard - A Substandard loan is inadequately protected by the current sound net worth and paying capacity of the obligor or of the collateral pledged, if any.  These loans have a well-defined weakness or weaknesses that jeopardize full collection of amounts due.  They are characterized by the distinct possibility that the Company will sustain some loss if the borrower’s deficiencies are not corrected.
 
Doubtful - A loan classified Doubtful has all the weaknesses inherent in one classified Substandard with the added characteristic that the weaknesses make collection or liquidation in full, on the basis of currently existing facts, conditions, and values, highly questionable and improbable.  The possibility of loss is extremely high, but because of certain important and reasonably specific pending factors, which may work to the advantage and strengthening of the loan, its classification as an estimated loss is deferred until its more exact status may be determined.  Pending factors include proposed merger, acquisition or liquidation procedures, capital injection, perfecting liens on additional collateral and refinancing plans.
 
Loss - Loans classified Loss are considered uncollectible and of such little value that their continuance as bankable loans is not warranted.  This classification does not mean that the asset has absolutely no recovery or salvage value, but rather it is not practical or desirable to defer writing off this loan even though partial recovery may be realized in the future.  Losses are taken in the period in which they are considered uncollectible.
 
The Company’s ALL is maintained at a level believed appropriate by Management to absorb known and inherent probable losses on existing loans.  The allowance is charged for losses when Management believes that full recovery on the loan is unlikely.  The following is the Company’s policy regarding charging off loans.
 
Commercial, CRE (which includes SBA 504, Land, and Construction) and SBA Loans
 
Charge-offs on these loan categories are taken as soon as all or a portion of any loan balance is deemed to be uncollectible.  A loan is considered impaired when, based on current information, it is probable that the Company will be unable to collect the scheduled payments of principal and/or interest under the contractual terms of the loan agreement.  Factors considered by Management in determining impairment include payment status, collateral value, and the probability of collecting scheduled principal and/or interest payments.  Loans that experience insignificant payment delays or payment shortfalls generally are not classified as impaired. Generally, loan balances are charged-down to the fair value of the collateral, if, based on a current assessment of the value, an apparent deficiency exists.  In the event there is no perceived value, the loan is generally charged-off in full.  Unsecured loans which are delinquent over 90 days are, without clear support, also charged-off in full.
 
Single Family Real Estate, HELOC’s and Manufactured Housing Loans
 
Consumer loans and residential mortgages secured by one-to-four family residential properties, HELOC and manufactured housing loans in which principal or interest is due and unpaid for 90 days, are evaluated for impairment.  Loan balances are charged-off to the fair value of the property, less estimated selling costs, if, based on a current appraisal, an apparent deficiency exists.  In the event there is no perceived equity, the loan is generally fully charged-off.
 
Consumer Loans
 
All consumer loans (excluding real estate mortgages, HELOCs and cash secured loans) are charged-off or charged-down to net recoverable value before becoming 120 days or five payments delinquent.
 
The ALL calculation for the different loan portfolios is as follows:
 

Commercial Real Estate, Commercial, Commercial Agriculture, SBA, HELOC, Single Family Residential, and Consumer – Migration analysis combined with risk rating is used to determine the required ALL for all non-impaired loans.  In addition, the migration results are adjusted based upon qualitative factors that affect the specific portfolio category.  Reserves on impaired loans are determined based upon the individual characteristics of the loan.

Manufactured Housing – The ALL is calculated on the basis of loss history and risk rating, which is primarily a function of delinquency.  In addition, the loss results are adjusted based upon qualitative factors that affect this specific portfolio.
 
The Company evaluates and individually assesses for impairment loans as Substandard or Doubtful, in addition to loans either on nonaccrual, considered a TDR, or when other conditions exist which lead management to review for possible impairment.  Measurement of impairment on impaired loans is determined on a loan-by-loan basis and in total establishes a specific reserve for impaired loans.  The amount of impairment is determined by comparing the recorded investment in each loan with its value measured by one of three methods:
 

The expected future cash flows are estimated and then discounted at the effective interest rate.

The value of the underlying collateral net of selling costs.  Selling costs are estimated based on industry standards, the Company’s actual experience or actual costs incurred as appropriate.  When evaluating real estate collateral, the Company typically uses appraisals or valuations, no more than twelve months old at time of evaluation.  When evaluating non-real estate collateral securing the loan, the Company will use audited financial statements or appraisals no more than twelve months old at time of evaluation.  Additionally, for both real estate and non-real estate collateral, the Company may use other sources to determine value as deemed appropriate.

The loan’s observable market price.
 
Interest income is not recognized on impaired loans except for limited circumstances in which a loan, although impaired, continues to perform in accordance with the loan contract and the borrower provides financial information to support maintaining the loan on accrual.
 
The Company determines the appropriate ALL on a monthly basis.  Any differences between estimated and actual observed losses from the prior month are reflected in the current period in determining the appropriate ALL determination and adjusted as deemed necessary.  The review of the appropriateness of the allowance takes into consideration such factors as concentrations of credit, changes in the growth, size, and composition of the loan portfolio, overall and individual portfolio quality, review of specific problem loans, collateral, guarantees, and economic and environmental conditions that may affect the borrowers’ ability to pay and/or the value of the underlying collateral.  Additional factors considered include geographic location of borrowers, changes in the Company’s product-specific credit policy and lending staff experience.  These estimates depend on the outcome of future events and, therefore, contain inherent uncertainties.
 
Another component of the ALL considers qualitative factors related to non-impaired loans. The qualitative portion of the allowance on each of the loan pools is based on changes in any of the following factors:
 

Concentrations of credit

Trends in volume, maturity, and composition of loans

Volume and trend in delinquency, nonaccrual, and classified assets

Economic conditions

Geographic distance

Policy and procedures or underwriting standards

Staff experience and ability

Value of underlying collateral

Competition, legal, or regulatory environment

Results of outside exams and quality of loan review and Board oversight

Off Balance Sheet and Credit Exposure
 
In the ordinary course of business, the Company has entered into off-balance sheet financial instruments consisting of commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit.  Such financial instruments are recorded in the consolidated financial statements when they are funded.  They involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit risk in excess of amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheets.  Losses would be experienced when the Company is contractually obligated to make a payment under these instruments and must seek repayment from the borrower, which may not be as financially sound in the current period as they were when the commitment was originally made.  Commitments to extend credit are agreements to lend to a client as long as there is no violation of any condition established in the contract.  Commitments generally have fixed expiration dates or other termination clauses and may require payment of a fee.  The Company enters into credit arrangements that generally provide for the termination of advances in the event of a covenant violation or other event of default.  Since many of the commitments are expected to expire without being drawn upon, the total commitment amounts do not necessarily represent future cash requirements.  The Company evaluates each client’s creditworthiness on a case-by-case basis.  The amount of collateral obtained, if deemed necessary by the Company upon extension of credit, is based on Management’s credit evaluation of the party.  The commitments are collateralized by the same types of assets used as loan collateral.
 
As with outstanding loans, the Company applies qualitative factors to its off-balance sheet obligations in determining an estimate of losses inherent in these contractual obligations.  The estimate for loan losses on off-balance sheet instruments is included within other liabilities and the charge to income that establishes this liability is included in non-interest expense.
 
Foreclosed Real Estate and Repossessed Assets
 
Foreclosed real estate and other repossessed assets are recorded at fair value at the time of foreclosure less estimated costs to sell.  Any excess of loan balance over the fair value less estimated costs to sell of the other assets is charged-off against the allowance for loan losses.  Any excess of the fair value less estimated costs to sell over the loan balance is recorded as a loan loss recovery to the extent of the loan loss previously charged-off against the allowance for loan losses; and, if greater, recorded as a gain on foreclosed assets.  Subsequent to the legal ownership date, the Company periodically performs a new valuation, and the asset is carried at the lower of carrying amount or fair value less estimated costs to sell.  Operating expenses or income, and gains or losses on disposition of such properties, are recorded in current operations.
 
Income Taxes
 
The Company uses the asset and liability method, which recognizes an asset or liability representing the tax effects of future deductible or taxable amounts that have been recognized in the consolidated financial statements.  Due to tax regulations, certain items of income and expense are recognized in different periods for tax return purposes than for financial statement reporting.  These items represent “temporary differences.”  Deferred income taxes are recognized for the tax effect of temporary differences between the tax basis of assets and liabilities and their financial reporting amounts at each period end based on enacted tax laws and statutory tax rates applicable to the periods in which the differences are expected to affect taxable income.  A valuation allowance is established for deferred tax assets if, based on the weight of available evidence, it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets may not be realized.  Any interest or penalties assessed by the taxing authorities is classified in the financial statements as income tax expense.  Deferred tax assets are included in other assets on the consolidated balance sheets.
 
Management evaluates the Company’s deferred tax asset for recoverability using a consistent approach, which considers the relative impact of negative and positive evidence, including the Company’s historical profitability and projections of future taxable income.  The Company is required to establish a valuation allowance for deferred tax assets and record a charge to income if Management determines, based on available evidence at the time the determination is made, that it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets may not be realized.
 
The Company is subject to the provisions of ASC 740, Income Taxes (“ASC 740”).  ASC 740 prescribes a more likely than not threshold for the financial statement recognition of uncertain tax positions.  ASC 740 clarifies the accounting for income taxes by prescribing a minimum recognition threshold and measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return.  On a quarterly basis, the Company evaluates income tax accruals in accordance with ASC 740 guidance on uncertain tax positions.
 
Earnings Per Share
 
Basic earnings per common share is computed using the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period divided into the net income.  Diluted earnings per share include the effect of all dilutive potential common shares for the period.  Potentially dilutive common shares include stock options.
 
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
 
In June 2016, the FASB issued updated guidance codified within ASU-2016-13, “Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (Topic 326), Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments,” which amends the guidance for recognizing credit losses from an “incurred loss” methodology that delays recognition of credit losses until it is probable a loss has been incurred to an expected credit loss methodology. The guidance requires the use of the modified retrospective transition method by means of a cumulative-effect adjustment to equity as of the beginning of the period in which the guidance is adopted. The standard is effective for the Company as of January 1, 2023. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of the amended guidance and has not yet determined the effect of the standard on its ongoing financial reporting.

In March 2020, the FASB issued updated guidance codified within ASU-2020-04, “Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848): Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting,” which provide optional guidance for a limited period of time to ease the potential burden in accounting for (or recognizing the effects of) reference rate reform on financial reporting. In response to the risk of cessation of the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”), regulators in several jurisdictions around the world have undertaken reference rate reform initiatives to identify alternative reference rates that are more observable, or transaction based and less susceptible to manipulation. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of the amended guidance. The adoption of this standard is not anticipated to have a material impact on the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements.