UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-K

x  ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016 

OR

¨  TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE

ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from             to

Commission file number:  000-31977

CENTRAL VALLEY COMMUNITY BANCORP

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

CALIFORNIA	77-0539125
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)	(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
7100 N. Financial Dr., Suite 101, Fresno, CA	93720
(Address of principal executive offices)	(Zip Code)

559-298-1775

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

[None]

(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Title of Each Class	Name of Each Exchange on which Registered
Common Stock, no par value	NASDAQ Capital Market
	[EXCHANGE]

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:  None 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.  Yes o No x

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act.  Yes o No x

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.  Yes x No o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Website, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulations S-T (232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).  Yes x No o

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. x

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

Large accelerated filer  o	Accelerated filer  x
Non-accelerated filer  o	Smaller reporting company  o
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).  Yes o No  x

As of June 30, 2016, the aggregate market value of the registrant’s common stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant was $123,746,000 based on the price at which the stock was last sold on June 30, 2016. 

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.

Common Stock, No Par Value	Outstanding at March 13, 2017
[Common Stock, No par value]	12,195,460	shares

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATEDBY REFERENCE

Portions of the Registrant’s definitive proxy statement to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to Regulation 14A in connection with the 2017 Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on May 18, 2017 are incorporated by reference into Part III of this Report. The proxy statement will be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission not later than 120 days after the Registrant’s fiscal year ended December 31, 2016

TABLE OF CONTENTS

ITEM 1 -	DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS	3
ITEM 1A -	RISK FACTORS	14
ITEM 1B -	UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS	14
ITEM 2 -	DESCRIPTION OF PROPERTY	20
ITEM 3 -	LEGAL PROCEEDINGS	21
ITEM 4 -	MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES	21
ITEM 5 -	MARKET FOR COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES	21
ITEM 6 -	SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA	22
ITEM 7-	MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS	24
ITEM 7A-	QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK	54
ITEM 8 -	FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA	57
ITEM 9 -	CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE	108
ITEM 9A -	CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES	108
ITEM 9B-	OTHER INFORMATION	109
ITEM 10 -	DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS, PROMOTERS AND CONTROL PERSONS; COMPLIANCE WITH SECTION 16(a) OF THE EXCHANGE ACT	109
ITEM 11 -	EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION	109
ITEM 12 -	SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS	109
ITEM 13 -	CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS	109
ITEM 14 -	PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES	110
ITEM 15 -	EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES	110
SIGNATURES		111

PART I

ITEM 1 - DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS

General

Central Valley Community Bancorp (the Company) was incorporated on February 7, 2000 as a California corporation, for the purpose of becoming the holding company for Central Valley Community Bank (the Bank), formerly known as Clovis Community Bank, a California state chartered bank, through a corporate reorganization.  In the reorganization, the Bank became the wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, and the shareholders of the Bank became the shareholders of the Company.  The Company made a decision in the first half of 2002 to change the name of its one subsidiary, Clovis Community Bank, to Central Valley Community Bank. The Company is registered as a bank holding company under the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended (the BHC Act), and is subject to supervision and regulation by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (the Board of Governors).

At December 31, 2016, we had one banking subsidiary, the Bank.  The Bank is a multi-community bank that offers a full range of commercial banking services to small and medium size businesses, and their owners, managers and employees in the central valley area of California.  We serve eight contiguous counties in California’s central valley including Fresno County, El Dorado County, Madera County, Merced County, Sacramento County, San Joaquin County, Stanislaus County, and Tulare County, and their surrounding areas through the Bank.  We do not currently conduct any operations other than through the Bank.  Unless the context otherwise requires, references to us refer to the Company and the Bank on a consolidated basis.  At December 31, 2016, we had consolidated total assets of approximately $1,443,323,000.  See Items 7 and 8, Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, and Financial Statements.

Effective October 1, 2016, the Company and Sierra Vista Bank (SVB) completed a merger under which Sierra Vista Bank, with three full-service offices, located in Folsom and Fair Oaks (Sacramento County) and Cameron Park (El Dorado County), merged with and into the Bank. The Bank is regulated by the California Department of Business Oversight and its primary Federal regulator is the FDIC.

As of March 1, 2017, we had a total of 319 employees and 287 full time equivalent employees, including the employees of the Bank.

The Bank

The Bank was organized in 1979 and commenced business as a California state chartered bank in 1980.  The deposits of the Bank are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (the FDIC) up to applicable limits.  The Bank is not a member of the Federal Reserve System.

The Bank operates 22 full-service banking offices in Cameron Park, Clovis, Exeter, Fair Oaks, Folsom, Fresno, Kerman, Lodi, Madera, Merced, Modesto, Oakhurst, Prather, Sacramento, Stockton, Tracy, and Visalia. The Bank conducts a commercial banking business, which includes accepting demand, savings and time deposits and making commercial, real estate and consumer loans.  It also provides domestic and international wire transfer services and provides safe deposit boxes and other customary banking services.  The Bank also has offered Internet banking since 2000.  Internet banking consists of inquiry, account status, bill paying, account transfers, and cash management.  The Bank does not offer trust services or international banking services and does not currently plan to do so in the near future.  The Bank has a Real Estate Division, an Agribusiness Center, and an SBA Lending Division in Fresno.  All real estate related transactions are conducted and processed through the Real Estate Division, including interim construction loans for single family residences and commercial buildings.  We offer permanent single family residential loans through our mortgage broker services.  Our total market share of deposits in Fresno, Madera, and Tulare counties was 4.82% in 2016 compared to 4.76% in 2015 based on FDIC deposit market share information published as of June 30, 2016. Our total market share in the other counties we operate in (El Dorado, Merced, San Joaquin, Sacramento, and Stanislaus), was less than 1.00% in 2016. At December 31, 2016, we had total loans of $756,628,000.  Total commercial and industrial loans outstanding were $88,652,000, total agricultural land and production loans outstanding were $25,509,000, total real estate construction and other land loans outstanding were $69,200,000; total other real estate loans outstanding were $481,596,000, total equity loans and lines of credit were $64,494,000 and total consumer installment loans outstanding were $25,910,000.  Our loans are collateralized by real estate, listed securities, savings and time deposits, automobiles, inventory, accounts receivable, machinery and equipment.

In 2005, the Company acquired the Bank of Madera County (BMC) and its two branches in Madera and Oakhurst, California.

In 2008, the Company acquired Service 1st and its banking subsidiary, S1 Bank, adding three branches located in Tracy, Stockton and Lodi, California.

In 2009, we opened a new full service office in Merced, California and relocated our Oakhurst office to a new smaller facility in a more desirable location.

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In 2010, the Company expanded the existing Modesto loan production office opened in 2007, to a larger full-service branch.

In 2013, the Company acquired Visalia Community Bank, adding four branches located in Exeter and Visalia, California.

In 2016, the Company acquired Sierra Vista Bank, adding three branches located in Folsom, Fair Oaks and Cameron Park, California.

As opposed to acquisition, opening new branches provides the Company with opportunities to expand its loan and deposit base; however, based on past experience, management expects these new offices may initially have a negative impact on earnings until the volume of business grows to cover fixed overhead expenses.  The Bank anticipates opening new branches in the future. In February 2017, the Bank established the Real Estate and Agribusiness Center Branch in Fresno, California. The Bank’s private banking office in Gold River, California will be closed in late April, 2017 and will open a full-service branch in Roseville, California the same weekend in April, 2017. After extensive analysis combined with the rising popularity of online and mobile banking trends, the Company chose to consolidate the Sunnyside office into our Fresno Downtown office in April 2016.

The Company terminated its interest in Central Valley Community Insurance Services, LLC (CVCIS) at the beginning of the third quarter of 2015. The Bank’s interest in CVCIS was originally established in 2006 for the purpose of providing health, commercial property and casualty insurance products and services primarily to business customers. The operating results of CVCIS were not significant to the Company’s operations. The termination of this entity did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial statements.

Since August of 1995 the Bank has been a party to an agreement with Investment Centers of America, pursuant to which Investment Centers of America provides Bank customers with access to investment services.  In connection with entering into this agreement, the Bank adopted a policy intended to comply with FDIC Regulation Section 337.4, which outlines the guidelines under which an insured non-member bank may be affiliated with a company that directly engages in the sale, distribution, or underwriting of stocks, bonds, debentures, notes, or other securities.

No individual or single group of related accounts is considered material in relation to the Bank’s assets or deposits, or in relation to the overall business of the Company.  However, at December 31, 2016 approximately 81.4% of our loan portfolio held for investment consisted of loans secured by real estate, including construction loans, equity loans and lines of credit and commercial loans secured by real estate and 15.1% consisted of commercial loans.  See Item 7 — Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.  In addition, our business activities currently are mainly concentrated in Fresno, El Dorado, Madera, Merced, Sacramento, San Joaquin, Stanislaus, and Tulare Counties in California.  Consequently, our results of operations and financial condition are dependent upon the general trends in this part of the California economy and, in particular, the residential and commercial real estate markets.  Further, our concentration of operations in this area of California exposes us to greater risk than other banking companies with a wider geographic base in the event of catastrophes, such as earthquakes, fires, droughts, and floods in this region, or as a result of energy shortages in California.

Our deposits are attracted from individual and commercial customers.  A material portion of our deposits have not been obtained from a single person or a few persons, the loss of any one or more of which would not have a material adverse effect on our business.

Competition

The banking business in California generally, and our primary service area specifically, is highly competitive with respect to both loans and deposits, and is dominated by a relatively small number of major banks with many offices operating over a wide geographic area.  Among the advantages such major banks have over us is their ability to finance wide-ranging advertising campaigns and to allocate their investment assets, including loans, to regions of higher yield and demand.  Major banks offer certain services such as international banking and trust services which we do not offer directly but which we usually can offer indirectly through correspondent institutions.  To compete effectively, we rely substantially on local promotional activity, personal contacts by our officers, directors and employees, referrals by our shareholders, extended hours, personalized service and our reputation in the communities we serve.

In Fresno and Madera Counties, in addition to our 10 full-service branch locations serving the Bank’s primary service areas, as of June 30, 2016 there were 144 operating banking and credit union offices in our primary service area, which consists of the cities of Clovis, Fresno, Kerman, Oakhurst, Madera, and Prather, California. Prather does not contain any banking offices other than our office. The June 2016 FDIC Summary of Deposits report indicated the Company had 4.88% of the total deposits held by all depositories in Fresno County and 8.08% in Madera County.  In San Joaquin County, in addition to our three full service branch locations, as of June 30, 2016 there were 101 operating banking and credit union offices. The FDIC Summary of Deposits as of June 2016 report indicated the Company had 1.57% of total deposits held by all depositories in San Joaquin County. In Merced County, in addition to our one branch, as of June 30, 2016 there were 30 operating banking and credit union offices in our primary service area. In Sacramento County, in addition to our three branches, as of June 30, 2016 there were 223 operating banking and credit union offices in our primary service area.  In Stanislaus County, in addition to our

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one branch, there were 88 operating banking and credit union offices in our primary service area. In Tulare County, in addition to our four branches there were 54 operating banking and credit union offices in our primary service area. In El Dorado County, in addition to our one branch, there were 39 operating banking and credit union offices in our primary service area. Business activity in our primary service area is oriented toward light industry, small business and agriculture.

By virtue of their greater total capitalization, larger banks have substantially higher lending limits than we do.  Legal lending limits to an individual customer are limited to a percentage of our total capital. As of December 31, 2016, the Bank’s legal lending limits to individual customers were $19,561,000 for unsecured loans and $32,601,000 for unsecured and secured loans combined. As of December 31, 2016 the Bank’s lending commitments in excess of $6.5 million to 21 borrowers are summarized in the table below.

	Loans Outstanding		Loan Commitments
(Dollars in thousands)			Secured		Unsecured		Total
Loans	$	197,716	$	170,085	$	58,020	$	228,105
Number of loans			60		26		86

For borrowers desiring loans in excess of the Bank’s lending limits, the Bank seeks to make such loans on a participation basis with other financial institutions. Banks also compete with money market funds and other money market instruments, which are not subject to interest rate ceilings.  In recent years, increased competition has also developed from specialized finance and non-finance companies that offer wholesale finance, credit card, and other consumer finance services, including on-line banking services and personal finance software.  Competition for deposit and loan products remains strong, from both banking and non-banking firms, and affects the rates of those products as well as the terms on which they are offered to customers.

Technological innovation continues to contribute to greater competition in domestic and international financial services markets.  Technological innovation has, for example, made it possible for non-depository institutions to offer customers automated transfer payment services that previously have been traditional banking products.  In addition, customers now expect a choice of several delivery systems and channels, including telephone, mail, home computer, ATMs, remote deposit, mobile banking applications, self-service branches, and in-store branches.

Mergers between financial institutions have placed additional pressure on banks to streamline their operations, reduce expenses, and increase revenues to remain competitive.  In addition, competition has intensified due to federal and state interstate banking laws, which permit banking organizations to expand geographically with fewer restrictions than in the past.  Such laws allow banks to merge with other banks across state lines, thereby enabling banks to establish or expand banking operations in our market.  The competitive environment also is significantly impacted by federal and state legislation, which may make it easier for non-bank financial institutions to compete with us.

Supervision and Regulation

GENERAL

The banking and financial services businesses in which we engage are extensively regulated under both federal and state law.  Such regulation is intended, among other things, to protect depositors whose deposits are insured by the FDIC and the banking system as a whole.  The monetary and fiscal policies of the federal government and the policies of regulatory agencies, particularly the Board of Governors, also influence the commercial banking business.  The Board of Governors implements national monetary policies (with objectives such as curbing inflation and combating recession) by its open-market operations in United States Government securities, by adjusting the required level of reserves for financial intermediaries subject to its reserve requirements and by varying the discount rates applicable to borrowings by depository institutions.  The actions of the Board of Governors in these areas influence the growth of bank loans, investments and deposits and also affect interest rates charged on loans and paid on deposits.  Indirectly such actions may also affect the ability of non-bank financial institutions to compete with the Bank.  The nature and impact of any future changes in monetary policies cannot be predicted.

The laws, regulations, and policies affecting financial services businesses are continuously under review by Congress and state legislatures, and federal and state regulatory agencies.  From time to time, legislation is enacted which has the effect of increasing the cost of doing business, limiting or expanding permissible activities or affecting the competitive balance between banks and other financial intermediaries.  Proposals to change the laws and regulations governing the operations and taxation of banks, bank holding companies and other financial intermediaries are frequently made in Congress, in the California legislature and before various bank regulatory and other professional agencies.  Changes in the laws, regulations or policies that affect us cannot necessarily be predicted, but they may have a material effect on our business and earnings.

BANK HOLDING COMPANY REGULATION

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The Company, as a bank holding company, is subject to regulation under the BHC Act, and is subject to the supervision and examination of the Board of Governors.  Pursuant to the BHC Act, we are required to obtain the prior approval of the Board of Governors before we may acquire all or substantially all of the assets of any bank, or ownership or control of voting shares of any bank if, after giving effect to such acquisition, we would own or control, directly or indirectly, more than five percent of such bank.

Under the BHC Act, we may not engage in any business other than managing or controlling banks or furnishing services to our subsidiaries that the Board of Governors deems to be so closely related to banking as to be a proper incident to banking.  Bank holding companies that qualify and elect to be treated as “financial holding companies” may engage in a broad range of additional activities that are (i) financial in nature or incidental to such financial activities or (ii) complementary to a financial activity and do not pose a substantial risk to the safety and soundness of depository institutions or the financial system generally. These activities include securities underwriting and dealing, insurance underwriting and making merchant banking investments. We have not elected to be treated as a financial holding company and currently have no plans to make a financial holding company election.

We are also prohibited, with certain exceptions, from acquiring direct or indirect ownership or control of more than five percent of the voting shares of any company unless the company is engaged in banking activities or the Board of Governors determines that the activity is so closely related to banking to be a proper incident to banking.  The Board of Governors’ approval must be obtained before the shares of any such company can be acquired and, in certain cases, before any approved company can open new offices.

The BHC Act and regulations of the Board of Governors also impose certain constraints on the redemption or purchase by a bank holding company of its own shares of stock.

Our earnings and activities are affected by legislation, by actions of regulators, and by local legislative and administrative bodies and decisions of courts in the jurisdictions in which both the Company and the Bank conduct business.  For example, these include limitations on the ability of the Bank to pay dividends to the Company and the ability of the Company to pay dividends to its shareholders.  It is the policy of the Board of Governors that bank holding companies should pay cash dividends on common stock only out of income available over the past year and only if prospective earnings retention is consistent with the organization’s expected future needs and financial condition.  The policy provides that bank holding companies should not maintain a level of cash dividends that undermines the bank holding company’s ability to serve as a source of strength to its banking subsidiaries.  Various federal and state statutory provisions limit the amount of dividends that subsidiary banks can pay to their holding companies without regulatory approval.  In addition to these explicit limitations, the federal regulatory agencies are authorized to prohibit a banking subsidiary or bank holding company from engaging in an unsafe or unsound banking practice.  Depending upon the circumstances, the agencies could take the position that paying a dividend would constitute an unsafe or unsound banking practice.

In addition, banking subsidiaries of bank holding companies are subject to certain restrictions imposed by federal law in dealings with their holding companies and other affiliates.  Transactions between affiliates are subject to Sections 23A and 23B of the Federal Reserve Act. Regulation W codifies interpretive guidance with respect to affiliate transactions. Subject to certain exceptions set forth in the Federal Reserve Act and Regulation W, a bank can make a loan or extend credit to an affiliate, purchase or invest in the securities of an affiliate, purchase assets from an affiliate, accept securities of an affiliate as collateral security for a loan or extension of credit to any person or company, issue a guarantee, or accept letters of credit on behalf of an affiliate only if the aggregate amount of the above transactions of such subsidiary does not exceed 10 percent of such subsidiary’s capital stock and surplus on a per affiliate basis or 20 percent of such subsidiary’s capital stock and surplus on an aggregate affiliate basis.  Such transactions must be on terms and conditions that are consistent with safe and sound banking practices and on terms that are not more favorable than those provided to a non-affiliate. A bank and its subsidiaries generally may not purchase a “low-quality asset,” as that term is defined in the Federal Reserve Act, from an affiliate.  Such restrictions also generally prevent a holding company and its other affiliates from borrowing from a banking subsidiary of the holding company unless the loans are secured by collateral.

A holding company and its banking subsidiaries are prohibited from engaging in certain tie-in arrangements in connection with any extension of credit, sale or lease of property or provision of services.  For example, with certain exceptions a bank may not condition an extension of credit on a customer obtaining other services provided by it, a holding company or any of its other bank affiliates, or on a promise by the customer not to obtain other services from a competitor.

The Board of Governors has cease and desist powers over parent bank holding companies and non-banking subsidiaries where actions of a parent bank holding company or its non-financial institution subsidiaries represent an unsafe or unsound practice or violation of law.  The Board of Governors has the authority to regulate debt obligations (other than commercial paper) issued by bank holding companies by imposing interest ceilings and reserve requirements on such debt obligations.

We are also a bank holding company within the meaning of Section 3700 of the California Financial Code.  As such, we and our subsidiaries are subject to examination by the California Department of Business Oversight (DBO).

Further, we are required by the Board of Governors to maintain certain capital levels.  See “Capital Standards.”

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REGULATION OF THE BANK

Banks are extensively regulated under both federal and state law.  The Bank, as a California state-chartered bank, is subject to primary supervision, regulation and periodic examination by the DBO and the FDIC.  The Bank is not a member of the Federal Reserve System, but is nevertheless subject to certain regulations of the Board of Governors.

If, as a result of an examination of a bank, the FDIC should determine that the financial condition, capital resources, asset quality, earnings prospects, management, liquidity, or other aspects of the Bank’s operations are unsatisfactory or that the Bank or its management is violating or has violated any law or regulation, various remedies are available to the FDIC. Such remedies include the power to enjoin “unsafe or unsound” practices, to require affirmative action to correct any conditions resulting from any violation or practice, to issue an administrative order that can be judicially enforced, to direct an increase in capital, to restrict the growth of the Bank, to assess civil monetary penalties, to remove officers and directors, and ultimately to terminate the Bank’s deposit insurance, which for a California chartered bank would result in a revocation of the Bank’s charter.  The DBO has many of the same remedial powers.

The Bank is a member of the FDIC, which currently insures customer deposits in each member bank to a maximum of $250,000 per depositor.  For this protection, the Bank is subject to the rules and regulations of the FDIC, and, as is the case with all insured banks, may be required to pay a semi-annual statutory assessment. All of a depositors’ accounts at an insured depository institution, including all non-interest bearing transactions accounts, will be insured by the FDIC up to the standard maximum deposit insurance amount of ($250,000) for each deposit insurance ownership category.

Various requirements and restrictions under the laws of the State of California and the United States affect the operations of the Bank. State and federal statutes and regulations relate to many aspects of the Bank’s operations, including standards for safety and soundness, reserves against deposits, interest rates payable on deposits, loans, investments, mergers and acquisitions, borrowings, dividends, locations of branch offices, fair lending requirements, Community Reinvestment Act activities, and loans to affiliates.

Depositor Preference. In the event of the “liquidation or other resolution” of an insured depository institution, the claims of depositors of the institution, including the claims of the FDIC as subrogee of insured depositors, and certain claims for administrative expenses of the FDIC as a receiver, will have priority over other general unsecured claims against the institution. If an insured depository institution fails, insured and uninsured depositors along with the FDIC, will have priority in payment ahead of unsecured, non-deposit creditors including the parent bank holding company with respect to any extensions of credit they have made to such insured depository institution.

Brokered Deposit Restrictions. Well-capitalized institutions are not subject to limitations on brokered deposits, while an adequately capitalized institution is able to accept, renew or roll over brokered deposits only with a waiver from the FDIC and subject to certain restrictions on the yield paid on such deposits. Undercapitalized institutions are generally not permitted to accept, renew, or roll over brokered deposits. The Bank is eligible to accept brokered deposits without limitations.

Loans to Directors, Executive Officers and Principal Shareholders.The authority of the Bank to extend credit to its directors, executive officers and principal shareholders, including their immediate family members and corporations and other entities that they control, is subject to substantial restrictions and requirements under Sections 22(g) and 22(h) of the Federal Reserve Act and Regulation O promulgated thereunder, as well as the Sarbanes- Oxley Act of 2002. These statutes and regulations impose specific limits on the amount of loans the Bank may make to directors and other insiders, and specified approval procedures must be followed in making loans that exceed certain amounts. In addition, all loans the Bank makes to directors and other insiders must satisfy the following requirements:

• the loans must be made on substantially the same terms, including interest rates and collateral, as prevailing at the time for comparable transactions with persons not affiliated with the Bank;

• the Bank must follow credit underwriting procedures at least as stringent as those applicable to comparable transactions with persons who are not affiliated with the Bank; and

• the loans must not involve a greater than normal risk of non-payment or include other features not favorable to the Bank.

Furthermore, the Bank must periodically report all loans made to directors and other insiders to the bank regulators, and these loans are closely scrutinized by the regulators for compliance with Sections 22(g) and 22(h) of the Federal Reserve Act and Regulation O. Each loan to directors or other insiders must be pre-approved by the Bank board of directors with the interested director abstaining from voting.

PAYMENT OF DIVIDENDS

THE COMPANY

Our shareholders are entitled to receive dividends when and as declared by our Board of Directors, out of funds legally available, subject to the dividends preference, if any, on preferred shares that may be outstanding, and also subject to the restrictions of the California Corporations Code. 

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The principal source of cash revenue to the Company is dividends received from the Bank.  The Bank’s ability to make dividend payments to the Company is subject to state and federal regulatory restrictions.

THE BANK

Dividends payable by the Bank to the Company are restricted under California law to the lesser of the Bank’s retained earnings, or the Bank’s net income for the latest three fiscal years, less dividends paid during that period, or, with the approval of the DBO, to the greater of the retained earnings of the Bank, the net income of the Bank for its last fiscal year or the net income of the Bank for its current fiscal year.

In addition to the regulations concerning minimum uniform capital adequacy requirements described below, the FDIC has established guidelines regarding the maintenance of an adequate allowance for credit losses.  Therefore, the future payment of cash dividends by the Bank will generally depend, in addition to regulatory constraints, upon the Bank’s earnings during any fiscal period, the assessment of the Board of Directors of the capital requirements of the Bank and other factors, including the maintenance of an adequate allowance for credit losses.

CAPITAL STANDARDS

Banks and bank holding companies are subject to various capital requirements administered by state and federal banking agencies.  Capital adequacy guidelines involve quantitative measures of assets, liabilities and certain off-balance-sheet items calculated under regulatory accounting practices. Capital amounts and classifications are also subject to qualitative judgments by regulators about components, risk weighting and other factors.

The Board of Governors, the FDIC and other federal banking agencies have issued risk-based capital adequacy guidelines intended to provide a measure of capital adequacy that reflects the degree of risk associated with a banking organization’s operations for both transactions reported on the balance sheet as assets, and transactions, such as letters of credit and recourse arrangements, which are reported as off-balance-sheet items.  Under these guidelines, nominal dollar amounts of assets and credit equivalent amounts of off-balance-sheet items are multiplied by one of several risk adjustment percentages, which range from 0% for assets with low credit risk, such as certain U.S. government securities, to 100% for assets with relatively higher credit risk, such as business loans.

Prior to January 1, 2015, the guidelines included a minimum required ratio of qualifying Tier 1 capital plus Tier 2 capital to total risk weighted assets of 8% or total risk-based capital ratio, and a minimum required ratio of Tier 1 capital to total risk weighted assets of 4% or Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio. The guidelines also provided for a minimum ratio of Tier 1 capital to average assets, or “leverage ratio,” of 3% for institutions having the highest regulatory rating, and 4% for all other institutions.

Tier 1 capital was generally defined as the sum of core capital elements, less goodwill and other intangible assets, accumulated other comprehensive income, disallowed deferred tax assets, and certain other deductions. The following items were defined as core capital elements: (i) common shareholders’ equity; (ii) qualifying non-cumulative perpetual preferred stock and related surplus (and, in the case of holding companies, senior perpetual preferred stock issued to the U.S. Treasury Department pursuant to the Troubled Asset Relief Program); (iii) minority interest in the equity accounts of consolidated subsidiaries; and (iv) “restricted” core capital elements (which include qualifying trust preferred securities) up to 25% of all core capital elements. Tier 2 capital included the following supplemental capital elements: (i) allowance for loan and lease losses (but not more than 1.25% of an institution's risk-weighted assets); (ii) perpetual preferred stock and related surplus not qualifying as core capital; (iii) hybrid capital instruments, perpetual debt and mandatory convertible debt instruments; and (iv) term subordinated debt and intermediate-term preferred stock and related surplus. The maximum amount of Tier 2 capital was capped at 100% of Tier 1 capital.

As of December 31, 2016, the Company and the Bank’s regulatory capital ratios all exceeded regulatory requirements. See Part II, Item 7, Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation.

In July 2013, the federal bank regulators approved final rules, or the capital rules, implementing the Basel Committee’s December 2010 final capital framework for strengthening international capital standards, known as Basel III, and various provisions of Dodd-Frank. The capital rules substantially revise the risk-based capital requirements applicable to bank holding companies and banks compared to the previous risk-based capital rules. The capital rules revise the components of capital and address other issues affecting the numerator in regulatory capital ratio calculations. Subject to a phase-in period for various provisions, the capital rules became effective for the Company and Bank beginning on January 1, 2015.

The Basel III capital rules: (i) introduce a new capital measure called “common equity tier 1” and related regulatory capital ratio of common equity Tier 1 to risk-weighted assets: (ii) specify that Tier 1 capital consists of common equity Tier 1 and “Additional Tier 1 capital” instruments meeting certain revised requirements; (iii) mandate that most deductions/adjustments to regulatory capital measures be made to common equity Tier 1 and not to the other components of capital; and (iv) expand the scope of the deductions from and adjustments to capital as compared to existing regulations. Under the Basel III capital rules, for most banking organizations, the most common form of Additional Tier 1 capital is noncumulative perpetual preferred stock and the most common form of Tier 2 capital is subordinated debt and a portion of the allowance for loan and

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lease losses, which in each case, are subject to the Basel III capital rules’ specific requirements. Under the Basel III capital rules, the following are the initial minimum capital ratios applicable to the Company and Bank as of January 1, 2015:

*    4.5% Common equity Tier 1 to risk-weighted assets;

*    6.0% Tier 1 capital (common equity Tier 1 plus Additional Tier 1 capital) to risk-weighted assets;

*    8.0% total capital (Tier 1 capital plus Tier 2 capital) to risk-weighted assets; and

*    4.0% Tier 1 leverage ratio

The Basel III capital rules also introduce a new “capital conversation buffer” for banking organizations to maintain a common equity Tier 1 ratio more than 2.5% above these minimum risk-weighted asset ratios. The capital conservation buffer is designed to absorb losses during periods of economic stress. Banking institutions with a ratio of common equity Tier 1 to risk-weighted assets above the minimum but below the capital conservation buffer will face constraints on dividends, equity repurchases and compensation based on the amount of the shortfall. The implementation of the capital conservation buffer was phased in beginning on January 1, 2016 at 0.625% and will be phased in over a four-year period (increasing by that amount on each subsequent January 1, until it reaches 2.5% on January 1, 2019). Thus, when fully phased-in on January 1, 2019, the Company and Bank will be required to maintain this additional capital conservation buffer of 2.5% of common equity Tier 1 resulting in the following minimum capital ratios:

* 4.5% Common equity Tier 1 to risk-weighted assets, plus the capital conversation buffer, or a minimum ratio of common equity Tier 1 to risk weighted assets of at least 7%;

* 6.0% Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets, plus the capital conservation buffer, or a minimum Tier 1 capital ratio of at least 8.5%;

* 8.0% Total capital to risk-weighted assets, plus the capital conservation buffer, or a minimum total capital ratio of at least 10.5%; and

*    4.0% Tier 1 leverage ratio

The Basel III capital rules provide for a number of deductions from and adjustments to common equity Tier 1. These include, for example, the requirement that: (i) mortgage servicing rights; (ii) deferred tax assets arising from temporary differences that could not be realized through net operating loss carrybacks, and (iii) significant investments in non-consolidated financial entities be deducted from common equity Tier 1 to the extent that any one such category exceeds 10% of common equity Tier 1 or all such items, in the aggregate, exceed 15% of common equity Tier 1. Implementation of the deductions and other adjustments to common equity Tier 1 began on January 1, 2015 and will be phased-in over a four-year period (beginning at 40% on January 1, 2015 and an additional 20% per year thereafter). In addition, the Company and Bank made a one-time election as permitted under the Basel III capital rules to continue the current capital standards under which the effects of accumulated other comprehensive income or loss (“AOCI”) items included in shareholders’ equity (for example, unrealized gains or losses on securities held in the available-for-sale portfolio) under U.S. GAAP are excluded for the purposes of determining regulatory capital ratios. The Company and Bank made this election in order to avoid significant variations in the level of capital depending upon the impact of interest rate fluctuations on the fair value of its available-for-sale securities portfolio.

The capital rules also increase the required capital for certain categories of assets, including higher-risk construction real estate loans, certain past-due or nonaccrual loans, and certain exposures related to securitizations. The capital rules adopt the same risk weightings for residential mortgages that existed under previous risk-based capital rules.

Based on existing capital levels at December 31, 2016 and 2015, the Company and Bank meet all capital adequacy requirements under the Basel III capital rules on a fully phased-in basis. See Part II, Item 7, Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation.

A bank that does not achieve and maintain the required capital levels may be issued a capital directive by the FDIC to ensure the maintenance of required capital levels.  As discussed above, the Company and the Bank are required to maintain certain levels of capital.  The regulatory capital guidelines as well as the actual capitalization, exclusive of the capital conservation buffer, for the Bank and the Company on a consolidated basis as of December 31, 2016 are as follows:

	Requirement				Actual
	Adequately Capitalized		For the Bank to be Well Capitalized		Bank		Company
Total risk-based capital ratio	8.00	%	10.00	%	13.57	%	13.72	%
Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio	6.00	%	8.00	%	12.59	%	12.74	%
Common equity Tier 1 ratio	4.50	%	6.50	%	12.59	%	12.48	%
Tier 1 leverage capital ratio	4.00	%	5.00	%	8.64	%	8.75	%

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VOLCKER RULE

The final rules adopted on December 10, 2013, to implement a part of the Dodd-Frank Act commonly referred to as the “Volcker Rule”, would prohibit insured depository institutions and companies affiliated with insured depository institutions (“banking entities”) from engaging in short-term proprietary trading of certain securities, derivatives, commodity futures and options on these instruments, for their own account. The final rules also impose limits on banking entities’ investments in, and other relationships with, hedge funds or private equity funds. These rules became effective on April 1, 2014.  Certain collateralized debt obligations (“CDOs”), securities backed by trust preferred securities which were initially defined as covered funds subject to the investment prohibitions, have been exempted to address the concern that many community banks holding such CDOs securities may have been required to recognize significant losses on those securities.

Like the Dodd-Frank Act, the final rules provide exemptions for certain activities, including market making, underwriting, hedging, trading in government obligations, insurance company activities, and organizing and offering hedge funds or private equity funds. The final rules also clarify that certain activities are not prohibited, including acting as agent, broker, or custodian.

The compliance requirements under the final rules vary based on the size of the banking entity and the scope of activities conducted. Banking entities with significant trading operations will be required to establish a detailed compliance program and their CEOs will be required to attest that the program is reasonably designed to achieve compliance with the final rule. Independent testing and analysis of an institution’s compliance program will also be required. The final rules reduce the burden on smaller, less-complex institutions by limiting their compliance and reporting requirements. Additionally, a banking entity that does not engage in covered trading activities will not need to establish a compliance program. The Company and the Bank held no investment positions at December 31, 2016 that were subject to the final rule.  Therefore, while these new rules may require us to conduct certain internal analysis and reporting, we believe that they will not require any material changes in our operations or business.

USA PATRIOT ACT

On October 26, 2001, President Bush signed the Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism (USA PATRIOT) Act of 2001.  The USA PATRIOT Act also made significant changes to the Bank Secrecy Act.  Under the USA PATRIOT Act, financial institutions are subject to prohibitions against specified financial transactions and account relationships as well as enhanced due diligence and of identifying customers when establishing new relationships and standards in their dealings with foreign financial institutions and foreign customers.  For example, the enhanced due diligence policies, procedures, and controls generally require financial institutions to take reasonable steps:

* To conduct enhanced scrutiny of account relationships to guard against money laundering and report any suspicious transaction;

* To ascertain the identity of the nominal and beneficial owners of, and the source of funds deposited into, each account as needed to guard against money laundering and report any suspicious transactions;

* To ascertain for any foreign bank, the shares of which are not publicly traded, the identity of the owners of the foreign bank, and the nature and extent of the ownership interest of each such owner; and

* To ascertain whether any foreign bank provides correspondent accounts to other foreign banks and, if so, the identity of those foreign banks and related due diligence information.

Under the USA PATRIOT Act, financial institutions are to establish anti-money laundering programs to enhance their Bank Secrecy Act program.  The USA PATRIOT Act sets forth minimum standards for these programs, including:

* The development of internal policies, procedures, and controls;

* The designation of a compliance officer;

* An ongoing employee training program; and

* An independent audit function to test the programs.

Bank management believes that the Bank is currently in compliance with the US PATRIOT Act.

OFFICE OF FOREIGN ASSETS CONTROL REGULATION

The U.S. Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (“OFAC”), administers and enforces economic and trade sanctions against targeted foreign countries and regimes under authority of various laws, including designated foreign countries, nationals and others. OFAC publishes lists of specially designated targets and countries. The Company and the Bank are responsible for, among other things, blocking accounts of and transactions with such targets and countries, prohibiting unlicensed trade and financial transactions with them and reporting blocked transactions after their occurrence. Failure to comply with these

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sanctions could have serious legal and reputational consequences, including causing applicable bank regulatory authorities not to approve merger or acquisition transactions when regulatory approval is required or to prohibit such transactions even if approval is not required.

SAFEGUARDING OF CUSTOMER INFORMATION AND PRIVACY

The Federal Reserve and other bank regulatory agencies have adopted guidelines for safeguarding confidential, personal customer information. These guidelines require financial institutions to create, implement and maintain a comprehensive written information security program designed to ensure the security and confidentiality of customer information, protect against any anticipated threats or hazards to the security or integrity of such information and protect against unauthorized access to or use of such information that could result in substantial harm or inconvenience to any customer. The Bank has adopted a customer information security program to comply with such requirements.

Financial institutions are also required to implement policies and procedures regarding the disclosure of nonpublic personal information about consumers to non-affiliated third parties. In general, financial institutions must provide 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. The Bank has implemented privacy policies addressing these restrictions which are distributed regularly to all existing and new customers of the Bank.

COMMUNITY REINVESTMENT ACT

The Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) is intended to encourage insured depository institutions, while operating safely and soundly, to help meet the credit needs of their communities. The CRA specifically directs the federal bank regulatory agencies, in examining insured depository institutions, to assess their record of helping to meet the credit needs of their entire community, including low-and moderate-income neighborhoods, consistent with safe and sound banking practices. The CRA further requires the agencies to take a financial institution’s record of meeting its community credit needs into account when evaluating applications for, among other things, domestic branches, consummating mergers or acquisitions or holding company formations. The federal banking agencies have adopted regulations which measure a bank’s compliance with its CRA obligations on a performance based evaluation system. This system bases CRA ratings on an institution’s actual lending service and investment performance rather than the extent to which the institution conducts needs assessments, documents community outreach or complies with other procedural requirements . The ratings range from “outstanding” to a low of “substantial noncompliance.” The Bank had a CRA rating of “satisfactory” as of its most recent regulatory examination.

CONSUMER PROTECTION LAWS AND REGULATIONS

The bank regulatory agencies are focusing greater attention on compliance with consumer protection laws and their implementing regulations.  Examination and enforcement have become more intense in nature, and insured institutions have been advised to monitor carefully compliance with such laws and regulations.  The Bank is subject to many federal consumer protection statutes and regulations, some of which are discussed below.

The Equal Credit Opportunity Act (ECOA) generally prohibits discrimination in any credit transaction, whether for consumer or business purposes, on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, marital status, age, receipt of income from public assistance programs, or good faith exercise of any rights under the Consumer Credit Protection Act.

The Truth in Lending Act (TILA) is designed to ensure that credit terms are disclosed in a meaningful way so that consumers may compare credit terms more readily and knowledgeably.  As a result of the TILA, all creditors must use the same credit terminology to express rates and payments, including the annual percentage rate, the finance charge, the amount financed, the total of payments and the payment schedule, among other things.

The Fair Housing Act (FH Act) regulates many practices, including making it unlawful for any lender to discriminate in its housing-related lending activities against any person because of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, handicap or familial status.  A number of lending practices have been found by the courts to be, or may be considered, illegal under the FH Act, including some that are not specifically mentioned in the FH Act itself.

The Home Mortgage Disclosure Act (HMDA) grew out of public concern over credit shortages in certain urban neighborhoods and provides public information that will help show whether financial institutions are serving the housing credit needs of the neighborhoods and communities in which they are located.  The HMDA also includes a “fair lending” aspect that requires the collection and disclosure of data about applicant and borrower characteristics as a way of identifying possible discriminatory lending patterns and enforcing anti-discrimination statutes.

Finally, the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (RESPA) requires lenders to provide borrowers with disclosures regarding the nature and cost of real estate settlements.  Also, RESPA prohibits certain abusive practices, such as kickbacks,

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and places limitations on the amount of escrow accounts.  Penalties under the above laws may include fines, reimbursements and other civil money penalties.

Due to heightened regulatory concern related to compliance with the CRA, TILA, FH Act, ECOA, HMDA and RESPA generally, the Bank may incur additional compliance costs or be required to expend additional funds for investments in its local community.

CONSUMER FINANCIAL PROTECTION BUREAU

Dodd-Frank created a new, independent federal agency, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), which was granted broad rulemaking, supervisory and enforcement powers under various federal consumer financial protection laws. The CFPB is also authorized to engage in consumer financial education, track consumer complaints, request data and promote the availability of financial services to underserved consumers and communities. Although all institutions are subject to rules adopted by the CFPB and examination by the CFPB in conjunction with examinations by the institution’s primary federal regulator, the CFPB has primary examination and enforcement authority over institutions with assets of $10 billion or more. The FDIC has primary responsibility for examination of the Bank and enforcement with respect to federal consumer protection laws so long as the Bank has total consolidated assets of less than $10 billion, and state authorities are responsible for monitoring our compliance with all state consumer laws. The CFPB also has the authority to require reports from institutions with less than $10 billion in assets, such as the Bank, to support the CFPB in implementing federal consumer protection laws, supporting examination activities, and assessing and detecting risks to consumers and financial markets.

The consumer protection provisions of Dodd-Frank and the examination, supervision and enforcement of those laws and implementing regulations by the CFPB have created a more intense and complex environment for consumer finance regulation. The CFPB has significant authority to implement and enforce federal consumer finance laws, including the Truth in Lending Act, the Equal Credit Opportunity Act and new requirements for financial services products provided for in Dodd-Frank, as well as the authority to identify and prohibit unfair, deceptive or abusive acts and practices. The review of products and practices to prevent such acts and practices is a continuing focus of the CFPB, and of banking regulators more broadly. The ultimate impact of this heightened scrutiny is uncertain but could result in changes to pricing, practices, products and procedures. It could also result in increased costs related to regulatory oversight, supervision and examination, additional remediation efforts and possible penalties. In addition, Dodd-Frank provides the CFPB with broad supervisory, examination and enforcement authority over various consumer financial products and services, including the ability to require reimbursements and other payments to customers for alleged legal violations and to impose significant penalties, as well as injunctive relief that prohibits lenders from engaging in allegedly unlawful practices. The CFPB also has the authority to obtain cease and desist orders providing for affirmative relief or monetary penalties. Dodd-Frank does not prevent states from adopting stricter consumer protection standards. State regulation of financial products and potential enforcement actions could also adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations.

DEPOSIT INSURANCE

The FDIC is an independent federal agency that insures deposits up to prescribed statutory limits of federally insured banks and savings institutions and safeguards the safety and soundness of the banking and savings industries. The FDIC insures the Bank’s customer deposits through the Deposit Insurance Fund (the “DIF”) up to prescribed limits for each depositor. Pursuant to Dodd-Frank, the maximum deposit insurance amount was increased to $250,000. The amount of FDIC assessments paid by each DIF member institution is based on its relative risk of default as measured by regulatory capital ratios and other supervisory factors.

The Bank is subject to deposit insurance assessments to maintain the DIF. In October 2010, the FDIC adopted a revised restoration plan to ensure that the DIF’s designated reserve ratio (“DRR”) reaches 1.35% of insured deposits by September 30, 2020, the deadline mandated by Dodd-Frank. However, financial institutions like the Bank with assets of less than $10 billion are exempted from the cost of this increase. The restoration plan proposed an increase in the DRR to 2% of estimated insured deposits as a long-term goal for the fund. The FDIC also proposed future assessment rate reductions in lieu of dividends when the DRR reaches 1.5% or greater.

We are generally unable to control the amount of premiums that we are required to pay for FDIC insurance. If there are additional bank or financial institution failures or if the FDIC otherwise determines, we may be required to pay even higher FDIC premiums than the recently increased levels. These announced increases and any future increases in FDIC insurance premiums may have a material and adverse effect on our earnings and could have a material adverse effect on the value of or market for our common stock.

In addition to DIF assessments, banks must pay quarterly assessments that are applied to the retirement of Financing Corporation (“FICO”) bonds issued in the 1980’s to assist in the recovery of the savings and loan industry. The FICO assessment amount fluctuates quarterly, but was 0.00140% of average total assets less average tangible equity for the third

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quarter of 2016. As of the date of this report, the Company had not received the FICO assessment for the fourth quarter of 2016. Those assessments will continue until the Financing Corporation bonds mature in 2019.

The FDIC may terminate a depository institution’s deposit insurance upon a finding that the institution’s financial condition is unsafe or unsound or that the institution has engaged in unsafe or unsound practices that pose a risk to the DIF or that may prejudice the interest of the bank’s depositors. The termination of deposit insurance for a bank would also result in the revocation of the bank’s charter by the DBO.

CALIFORNIA FINANCIAL INFORMATION PRIVACY ACT/FAIR CREDIT REPORTING ACT

In 1970, the Federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (the FCRA) was enacted to insure the confidentiality, accuracy, relevancy and proper utilization of consumer credit report information.  Under the framework of the FCRA, the United States has developed a highly advanced and efficient credit reporting system.  The information contained in that broad system is used by financial institutions, retailers and other creditors of every size in making a wide variety of decisions regarding financial transactions.  Employers and law enforcement agencies have also made wide use of the information collected and maintained in databases made possible by the FCRA.  The FCRA affirmatively preempts state law in a number of areas, including the ability of entities affiliated by common ownership to share and exchange information freely, and the requirements on credit bureaus to reinvestigate the contents of reports in response to consumer complaints, among others.

The California Financial Information Privacy Act, which was enacted in 2003, requires a financial institution to provide specific information to a consumer related to the sharing of that consumer’s nonpublic personal information.  The Act allows a consumer to direct the financial institution not to share his or her nonpublic personal information with affiliated or nonaffiliated companies with which a financial institution has contracted to provide financial products and services, and requires that permission from each such consumer be acquired by a financial institution prior to sharing such information.

The FACT Act, (Fair and Accurate Credit Transaction Act) became law in 2003, effectively extending and amending provisions of the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA).  The FACT Act created many new responsibilities for consumer reporting agencies and users of consumer reports.  It contains many new consumer disclosure requirements as well as provisions to address identity theft.

CHECK 21 ACT

On December 22, 2003, the Board of Governors amended Regulation CC and its commentary to implement the Check Clearing for the 21st Century Act (Check 21 Act).  The Check 21 Act became effective on October 28, 2004.

To facilitate check truncation and electronic check exchange, the Check 21 Act authorizes a new negotiable instrument called a “substitute check” and provides that a properly prepared substitute check is the legal equivalent of the original check for all purposes.  A substitute check is a paper reproduction of the original check that can be processed just like the original check.  The Check 21 Act does not require any bank to create substitute checks or to accept checks electronically.  The amendments: 1) set forth the requirements of the Check 21 Act that applies to banks; 2) provide a model disclosure and model notices relating to substitute checks; and 3) set forth bank endorsement and identification requirements for substitute checks.

The Bank has been imaging its customers’ checks since 2000.  Check 21 Act has had limited impact on the Bank.

Other

Other legislation which has been or may be proposed to the United States Congress and the California Legislature and regulations which may be proposed by the Board of Governors, FDIC and the DBO may affect our business.  It cannot be predicted whether any pending or proposed legislation or regulations will be adopted or the effect such legislation or regulations may have upon our business.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Copies of the annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016 may be obtained without charge upon written request to Dave Kinross, Chief Financial Officer, at the Company’s administrative offices,  7100 N. Financial Dr., Suite 101, Fresno, CA  93720. The Form 10-K is available on our website: www.cvcb.com.

Inquiries regarding Central Valley Community Bancorp’s accounting, internal controls or auditing concerns should be directed to Steven D. McDonald, chairman of the Board of Directors’ Audit Committee, at steve.mcdonald@cvcb.com or anonymously at www.ethicspoint.com or EthicsPoint, Inc. at 1-866-294-9588.

General inquiries about Central Valley Community Bancorp or Central Valley Community Bank should be directed to LeAnn Ruiz, Assistant Corporate Secretary at 1-800-298-1775.

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ITEM 1A - RISK FACTORS

An investment in our common stock is subject to risks inherent to our business.  The material risks and uncertainties that Management believes may affect our business are described below.  Before making an investment decision, you should carefully consider the risks and uncertainties described below together with all of the other information included or incorporated by reference in this Annual Report.  The risks and uncertainties described below are not the only ones facing our business.  Additional risks and uncertainties that Management is not aware of or focused on or that Management currently deems immaterial may also impair our business operations.  This Annual Report is qualified in its entirety by these risk factors.

If any of the following risks actually occur, our financial condition and results of operations could be materially and adversely affected.  If this were to happen, the value of our common stock could decline significantly, and you could lose all or part of your investment.

Worsening economic conditions could adversely affect our business.

The economic conditions in the United States in general and within California and in our operating markets suffered from the economic downturn of 2007 through 2010.  The availability of credit and consumer spending, real estate values, and consumer confidence have all been adversely affected by the economic downturn. Unemployment nationwide, in California, and in our operating markets increased significantly through this economic downturn. Although unemployment statistics have returned to more normal historical levels, there is no certainty that these levels will continue in the future.  The volatility of the capital markets and the credit, capital and liquidity problems confronting the U.S. financial system have not been resolved despite massive government expenditures and legislative efforts to stabilize the U.S. financial system.  While economic conditions have improved, the sustainability of the economic recovery remains uncertain.

The Bank conducts banking operations principally in California’s Central Valley.  As a result, our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows are subject to changes in the economic conditions in California’s Central Valley.  Our business results are dependent in large part upon the business activity, population, income levels, deposits and real estate activity in the Central Valley, and adverse economic conditions could have a material adverse effect upon us.  In addition, the Central Valley remains largely dependent on agriculture.  A downturn in agriculture and agricultural related business could indirectly and adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.

We can provide no assurance that economic conditions in the United States in general and in the State of California and within our operating markets will not further deteriorate or that such deterioration will not materially and adversely affect us.  A further deterioration in economic conditions locally, regionally or nationally could result in a further economic downturn in the Central Valley with the following consequences, any of which could further adversely affect our business:

• loan delinquencies and defaults may increase;

• problem assets and foreclosures may increase;

• demand for our products and services may decline;

• low cost or noninterest bearing deposits may decrease;

• collateral for loans may decline in value, in turn reducing customers’ borrowing power, and reducing the value of assets and collateral as sources of repayment of existing loans;

• foreclosed assets may not be able to be sold;

• volatile securities market conditions could adversely affect valuations of investment portfolio assets; and

• reputational risk may increase due to public sentiment regarding the banking industry.

Governmental monetary policies and intervention to stabilize the U.S. financial system may affect our business and are beyond our control.

The business of banking is affected significantly by the fiscal and monetary policies of the Federal government and its agencies. Such policies are beyond our control. We are particularly affected by the policies established by the Federal Reserve Board in relation to the supply of money and credit in the United States. The instruments of monetary policy available to the Federal Reserve Board can be 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, and this can and does have a material effect on our business.

Tightening of credit markets and liquidity risk could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

A tightening of the credit markets or any inability to obtain adequate funds for continued loan growth at an acceptable cost could adversely affect our asset growth and liquidity position and, therefore, our earnings capability.  In addition to core deposit growth, maturity of investment securities and loan and lease payments, we also rely on alternative funding sources including unsecured borrowing lines with correspondent banks, secured borrowing lines with the Federal Home Loan Bank of

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San Francisco and the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco, and public time certificates of deposits.  Our ability to access these sources could be impaired by deterioration in our financial condition as well as factors that are not specific to us, such as a disruption in the financial markets or negative views and expectations for the financial services industry or serious dislocation in the general credit markets.  In the event such a disruption should occur, our ability to access these sources could be adversely affected, both as to price and availability, which would limit or potentially raise the cost of the funds available to us.

We have a concentration risk in real estate related loans.

At December 31, 2016, $615 million, or 81.40% of our total loan and lease portfolio, consisted of real estate related loans.  Substantially all of our real property collateral is located in our operating markets in the Central Valley in California.  In the past decade, deteriorating economic conditions in California and in our operating markets adversely affected commercial and residential real estate values; a return of such conditions could harm the performance of the Company’s real estate related loans, as could a continuing substantial decline in commercial and residential real estate values in our primary market areas as a result of natural disasters such as earthquakes, fires, drought, and floods.  Such a decline in values could have an adverse impact on us by limiting repayment of defaulted loans through sale of commercial and residential real estate collateral and by a likely increase in the number of defaulted loans to the extent that the financial condition of our borrowers is adversely affected by such a decline in values.  The adverse effects of the foregoing matters upon our real estate portfolio could necessitate a material increase in the provision for loan and lease losses.

In addition, banking regulators now give commercial real estate loans extremely close scrutiny due to risks relating to the cyclical nature of the real estate market, and related risks for lenders with high concentrations of such loans. The regulators have required banks with relatively high levels of commercial real estate loans to implement enhanced underwriting standards, internal controls, risk management policies and portfolio stress testing, which has resulted in higher allowances for possible loan losses. Any increase in our allowance for loan losses would adversely affect our net income, and any requirement that we maintain higher capital levels could adversely impact our business, results of operations and financial condition

If our allowance for credit losses is not sufficient to cover actual loan losses, our earnings could decrease.

Our loan customers may not repay their loans according to the terms of these loans, and the collateral securing the payment of these loans may be insufficient to assure repayment.  We may experience significant credit losses that could have a material adverse effect on our operating results.  We make various assumptions and judgments about the collectability of our loan portfolio, including the creditworthiness of our borrowers and the value of the real estate and other assets serving as collateral for the repayment of many of our loans.  In determining the size of the allowance, we rely on our experience and our evaluation of economic conditions.  If our assumptions prove to be incorrect, our current allowance may not be sufficient to cover future loan losses and adjustments may be necessary to allow for different economic conditions or adverse developments in our loan portfolio.  Significant additions to our allowance would materially decrease our net income.

In addition, federal and state regulators periodically review our allowance for credit losses and may require us to increase our provision for credit losses or recognize further loan charge-offs, based on judgments different than those we make.  Any increase in our allowance or charge-offs as required by these regulatory agencies could have a negative effect on us.

Non-performing assets take significant time to resolve and adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.

At December 31, 2016, our non-performing loans and leases were 0.29% of total loans and leases compared to 0.40% at December 31, 2015, and 2.45% at December 31, 2014, and our non-performing assets (which include foreclosed real estate) were 0.18% of total assets compared to 0.19% at December 31, 2015.  The allowance for credit losses as a percentage of non-performing loans and leases was 427.80% as of December 31, 2016 compared to 398.26% at December 31, 2015.  Non-performing assets adversely affect our net income in various ways.  We generally do not record interest income on non-performing loans or other real estate owned, thereby adversely affecting our income and increasing our loan administration costs.  When we take collateral in foreclosures and similar proceedings, we are required to mark the related asset to the then fair value of the collateral, which may ultimately result in a loss.  An increase in the level of non-performing assets increases our risk profile and may impact the capital levels our regulators believe are appropriate in light of the ensuing risk profile, which could result in a request to reduce our level of non-performing assets.  When we reduce problem assets through loan sales, workouts, restructurings and otherwise, decreases in the value of the underlying collateral, or in these borrowers’ performance or financial condition, whether or not due to economic and market conditions beyond our control, could adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.  In addition, the resolution of non-performing assets requires significant commitments of time from management and our directors, which can be detrimental to the performance of their other responsibilities.  There can be no assurance that we will not experience future increases in non-performing assets or that the disposition of such non-performing assets will not adversely affect our profitability.

Our focus on lending to small to mid-sized community-based businesses may increase our credit risk.

Commercial real estate and commercial business loans generally are considered riskier than single-family residential loans because they have larger balances to a single borrower or group of related borrowers.  Commercial real estate and

15

commercial business loans involve risks because the borrowers’ ability to repay the loans typically depends primarily on the successful operation of the businesses or the properties securing the loans.  Most of the Bank’s commercial real estate and commercial business loans are made to small to medium sized businesses who may have a heightened vulnerability to economic conditions.  Moreover, a portion of these loans have been made by us in recent years and the borrowers may not have experienced a complete business or economic cycle.  Furthermore, the deterioration of our borrowers’ businesses may hinder their ability to repay their loans with us, which could adversely affect our results of operations.

Fluctuations in interest rates could reduce our profitability.

We realize income primarily from the difference between interest earned on loans and securities and the interest paid on deposits and borrowings.  We expect that we will periodically experience “gaps” in the interest rate sensitivities of our assets and liabilities, meaning that either our interest-bearing liabilities will be more sensitive to changes in market interest rates than our interest-earning assets, or vice versa. In either event, if market interest rates should move contrary to our position, this “gap” will work against us, and our earnings may be negatively affected.

We are unable to predict fluctuations of market interest rates, which are affected by the following factors outside our control:

• inflation;

• recession;

• competition;

• a rise in unemployment;

• tightening money supply;

• international disorder; and

• instability in domestic and foreign financial markets.

Our asset/liability management strategy, which is designed to address the risk from changes in market interest rates and the shape of the yield curve, may not prevent changes in interest rates from having a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition. In recent years, we have shifted our mix of assets from consisting primarily of loans to a more balanced mix of loans and securities. The value of these securities is subject to interest rate risk, which we must monitor and manage successfully in order to prevent declines in value of these assets if interest rates rise in the future.

Additionally, increasing levels of competition in the banking and financial services business may decrease our net interest spread as well as net interest margin by forcing us to offer lower lending interest rates and pay higher deposit interest rates. Although we believe our current level of interest rate sensitivity is reasonable, significant fluctuations in interest rates (such as a sudden and substantial increase in Prime and Overnight Fed Funds rates) as well as increasing competition may require us to increase rates on deposits at a faster pace than the yield we receive on interest earning assets increases. The impact of any sudden and substantial move in interest rates and/or increased competition may have an adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition as our net interest income (including the net interest spread and margin) may be negatively impacted.

Furthermore, a sustained decrease in market interest rates could adversely affect our earnings. When interest rates decline borrowers tend to refinance higher-rate, fixed-rate loans to lower rates, prepaying their existing loans. Under those circumstances we would not be able to reinvest those prepayments in assets earning interest rates as high as the rates on the prepaid loans. In addition, our commercial real estate and commercial loans, which carry interest rates that, in general, adjust in accordance with changes in the prime rate, will adjust to lower rates. We are also significantly affected by the level of loan demand available in our market. The inability to make sufficient loans directly affects the interest income we earn. Lower loan demand will generally result in lower interest income realized as we place funds in lower yielding investments.

Competition with other financial institutions could adversely affect our profitability.

We face vigorous competition from banks and other financial institutions, including savings institutions, finance companies and credit unions.  A number of these banks and other financial institutions have substantially greater resources and lending limits, larger branch systems and a wider array of banking services.  To a limited extent, we also compete with other providers of financial services, such as money market mutual funds, brokerage firms, consumer finance companies and insurance companies.  This competition may reduce or limit our margins on banking services, reduce our market share and adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.  Additionally, we face competition primarily from other banks in attracting, developing and retaining qualified banking professionals.

Recently, several new banks have opened in our service areas.  We are seeing price competition from these new banks, as they work to establish their markets.  The existence of competitors, large and small, is a normal and expected part of our operations, but in responding to the particular short-term impact on business of new entrants to the marketplace, we could see a negative impact on revenue and income.  Moreover, these near term impacts could be accentuated by the seasonal impact on revenue and income generated by the borrowing and deposit habits of the agricultural community that comprises a significant component of our customer base.

Technology is continually changing and we must effectively implement new technologies.

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Our future growth prospects will be highly dependent on our ability to implement changes in technology that affect the delivery of banking services such as the increased demand for computer access to bank accounts and the availability to perform banking transactions electronically.  Our ability to compete will depend upon our ability to continue to adapt technology on a timely and cost-effective basis to meet such demands.  In addition, our business and operations could be susceptible to adverse effects from computer failures, communication and energy disruption, and activities such as fraud of unethical individuals with the technological ability to cause disruptions or failures of our data processing system.

If our information systems were to experience a system failure, our business and reputation could suffer.

We rely heavily on communications and information systems to conduct our business. The computer systems and network infrastructure we use could be vulnerable to unforeseen problems. Our operations are dependent upon our ability to minimize service disruptions by protecting our computer equipment, systems, and network infrastructure from physical damage due to fire, power loss, telecommunications failure or a similar catastrophic event. We have protective measures in place to prevent or limit the effect of the failure or interruption of our information systems, and will continue to upgrade our security technology and update procedures to help prevent such events. However, if such failures or interruptions were to occur, they could result in damage to our reputation, a loss of customers, increased regulatory scrutiny, or possible exposure to financial liability, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

The occurrence of fraudulent activity, breaches or failures of our information security controls or cybersecurity-related incidents could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

As a financial institution we are susceptible to fraudulent activity, information security breaches and cybersecurity-related incidents that may be committed against us or our customers which may result in financial losses or increased costs to us or our customers, disclosure or misuse of our information or our customer information, misappropriation of assets, privacy breaches against our customers, litigation, or damage to our reputation. Such fraudulent activity may take many forms, including check fraud, electronic fraud, wire fraud, on-line banking, phishing, social engineering and other dishonest acts. Information security breaches and cybersecurity-related incidents may include fraudulent or unauthorized access to systems used by us or our customers, denial or degradation of service attacks, and malware or other cyber-attacks. In recent periods, there continues to be a rise in electronic fraudulent activity, security breaches and cyber-attacks within the financial services industry, especially in the commercial banking sector due to cyber criminals targeting commercial bank accounts. Consistent with industry trends we have also experienced an increase in attempted electronic fraudulent activity, security breaches and cybersecurity-related incidents in recent periods. Moreover, in recent periods, several large corporations, including financial institutions and retail companies, have suffered major data breaches, in some cases exposing not only confidential and proprietary corporate information, but also sensitive financial and other personal information of their customers and employees and subjecting them to potential fraudulent activity. Some of our customers may have been affected by these breaches which increase their risks of identity theft, credit card fraud and other fraudulent activity that could involve their accounts with us.

Information pertaining to us and our customers is maintained and transactions are executed on the networks and systems of ours, our customers and certain of our third party partners, such as our online banking or core systems. The secure maintenance and transmission of confidential information as well as execution of transactions over these systems are essential to protect us and our customers against fraud and security breaches and to maintain our customers’ confidence. Breaches of information security also may occur, and in infrequent, incidental, cases have occurred, through intentional or unintentional acts by those having access to our systems or our customers’ or counterparties’ confidential information, including employees. In addition, increases in criminal activity levels and sophistication, advances in computer capabilities, new discoveries, vulnerabilities in third-party technologies (including browsers and operating systems) or other developments could result in a compromise or breach of the technology, processes and controls that we use to prevent fraudulent transactions and to protect data about us, our customers and underlying transactions as well as the technology used by our customers to access our systems. Although we have developed and continue to invest in systems and processes that are designed to detect and prevent security breaches and cyber-attacks and periodically test our security, our inability to anticipate, or failure to adequately mitigate, breaches of security could result in: losses to us or our customers; our loss of business and/or customers; damage to our reputation; the incurrence of additional expenses; disruption to our business; our inability to grow our online services or other businesses; additional regulatory scrutiny or penalties; or our exposure to civil litigation and possible financial liability - any of which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

More generally, publicized information concerning security and cyber-related problems could inhibit the use or growth of electronic or web-based applications or solutions as a means of conducting commercial transactions. Such publicity may also cause damage to our reputation as a financial institution. As a result, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be adversely affected.

Our controls over financial reporting and related governance procedures may fail or be circumvented.

Management regularly reviews and updates our internal control over financial reporting, disclosure controls and procedures, and corporate governance policies and procedures.  We maintain controls and procedures to mitigate risks such as

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processing system failures or errors and customer or employee fraud, and we maintain 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 provides only reasonable, not absolute, assurances that the objectives of the system are met.  Events could occur which are not prevented or detected by our internal controls, are not insured against, or are in excess of our insurance limits.  Any failure or circumvention of our controls and procedures, or failure to comply with regulations related to controls and procedures, could have an adverse effect on our business.

We may not be successful in raising additional capital needed in the future.

We may need to raise additional capital in the future to provide us with sufficient capital resources and liquidity to meet our commitments and business strategies. Our ability to raise additional capital, if needed, will depend on, among other things, conditions in the capital markets at that time which are outside of our control, and our financial performance. We cannot be assured that such capital will be available to us on acceptable terms or at all. Any occurrence that may limit our access to the capital markets may adversely affect our capital costs and our ability to raise capital. Moreover, if we need to raise capital in the future, we may have to do so when many other financial institutions are also seeking to raise capital and would have to compete with those institutions for investors. An inability to raise additional capital on acceptable terms when needed could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

The effects of changes to FDIC insurance coverage limits are uncertain and increased premiums may adversely affect us.

The Bank’s deposits are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) up to applicable legal limits. All of a depositors’ accounts at an insured depository institution, including all non-interest bearing transactions accounts, will be insured by the FDIC up to the standard maximum deposit insurance amount of ($250,000) for each deposit insurance ownership category.

Increases in FDIC insurance premiums will add to our cost of operations and could have a significant impact on the Bank.  Depending on any future losses that the FDIC insurance fund may suffer due to failed institutions, there can be no assurance that there will not be additional significant premium increases in order to replenish the fund.

On February 7, 2011, the FDIC Board of Directors adopted the final rule, which redefined the deposit insurance assessment base as required by Dodd-Frank, and makes changes to assessment rates, implements Dodd-Frank’s Deposit Insurance Fund (DIF) dividend provisions, and revises the risk based assessment system for all large institutions.  The final rule redefined the deposit insurance assessment base as average consolidated total assets minus average tangible equity, defined as Tier 1 capital. The rule lowered overall assessment rates in order to generate the same approximate amount of revenue under the new larger base as was raised under the old base.  In 2016, the FDIC board of directors approved a final rule revising DIF assessment formulas for community banks with less than $10 billion in assets that have been FDIC-insured for at least five years. The revised method better reflects risks and helps ensure that banks that take on greater risks pay more for deposit insurance than their less risk counterparts. The method change is revenue-neutral meaning aggregate assessment revenue collected from established small banks is expected to be approximately the same as it would have been using the prior method. Assessments were expected to drop by an average of approximately one-third. The range of initial assessment rates for all institutions declines to between 3 cents and 30 cents per $100 of the assessment base from between 5 cents and 35 cents.

We have and in the future we may be required to recognize impairment with respect to investment securities, including the FHLB stock we hold.

Our securities portfolio contains whole loan private mortgage-backed securities and currently includes securities with unrecognized losses and securities that have been downgraded to below investment grade by national rating agencies.  We may continue to observe declines in the fair market value of these securities.  We evaluate the securities portfolio for any other-than-temporary impairment each reporting period, as required by generally accepted accounting principles. Numerous factors, including the lack of liquidity for re-sales of certain securities, the absence of reliable pricing information for securities, adverse changes in the business climate, adverse regulatory actions or unanticipated changes in the competitive environment, could have a negative effect on our securities portfolio and results of operations in future periods. There can be no assurance, however, that future evaluations of the securities portfolio will not require us to recognize further impairment charges with respect to these and other holdings.

In addition, as a condition to membership in the Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco (the FHLB), we are required to purchase and hold a certain amount of FHLB stock.  Our stock purchase requirement is based, in part, upon the outstanding principal balance of advances from the FHLB. At December 31, 2016, we held stock in the FHLB totaling $5,594,000 as compared to our minimum required stock holding of $5,077,000.  The FHLB stock held by us is carried at cost and is subject to recoverability testing under applicable accounting standards.  To date, the FHLB has not discontinued the distribution of dividends on its shares.  However, there can be no assurance the FHLB’s dividend paying practices will continue.  As of December 31, 2016, we did not recognize an impairment charge related to our FHLB stock holdings.  There can be no assurance, however, that future negative changes to the financial condition of the FHLB may not require us to recognize an impairment charge with respect to such holdings.

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If the goodwill we have recorded in connection with our acquisitions becomes impaired, it could have an adverse impact on our earnings and capital.

At December 31, 2016, we had approximately $40,231,000 of goodwill on our balance sheet attributable to our acquisitions of the Bank of Madera County in January 2005, Service 1st Bancorp in November 2008, Visalia Community Bank in July 2013, and Sierra Vista Bank in October 2016.  In accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, our goodwill is not amortized but rather evaluated for impairment on an annual basis or more frequently if events or circumstances indicate that a potential impairment exists.  Such evaluation is based on a variety of factors, including the quoted price of our common stock, market prices of the common stock of other banking organizations, common stock trading multiples, discounted cash flows, and data from comparable acquisitions.  There can be no assurance that future evaluations of goodwill will not result in findings of impairment and write-downs, which could be material.

We may raise additional capital, which could have a dilutive effect on the existing holders of our common stock and adversely affect the market price of our common stock.

We are not restricted from issuing additional shares of common stock or securities that are convertible into or exchangeable for, or that represent the right to receive, common stock.  We frequently evaluate opportunities to access the capital markets taking into account our regulatory capital ratios, financial condition and other relevant considerations, and subject to market conditions, we may take further capital actions.  Such actions could include, among other things, the issuance of additional shares of common stock in public or private transactions in order to further increase our capital levels above the requirements for a well-capitalized institution established by the Federal bank regulatory agencies as well as other regulatory targets.

The issuance of any additional shares of common stock or securities convertible into or exchangeable for common stock or that represent the right to receive common stock, or the exercise of such securities including, without limitation, securities issued upon exercise of outstanding stock options under our stock option plans, could be substantially dilutive to shareholders of our common stock.  With the exception of one major shareholder, holders of our shares of common stock have no preemptive rights that entitle holders to purchase their pro rata share of any offering of shares of any class or series and, therefore, such sales or offerings could result in increased dilution to our shareholders.  The market price of our common stock could decline as a result of sales of shares of our common stock or the perception that such sales could occur.

We may not be able to maintain our historical growth rate which may adversely impact our results of operations and financial condition.

We have initiated internal asset growth programs, completed various acquisitions and opened additional offices in the past few years.  We may not be able to sustain our historical rate of asset growth or may not even be able to grow at all.  We may not be able to obtain the financing necessary to fund additional asset growth and may not be able to find suitable candidates for acquisition.  Various factors, such as economic conditions and competition, may impede or prohibit the opening of new branch offices.  Further, our inability to attract and retain experienced bankers may adversely affect our internal asset growth.  A significant decrease in our historical rate of asset growth may adversely impact our results of operations and financial condition.

We may be unable to complete future acquisitions, and once complete, may not be able to integrate our acquisitions successfully.

Our growth strategy includes our desire to acquire other financial institutions.  We may not be able to complete any future acquisitions and, for completed acquisitions, we may not be able to successfully integrate the operations, management, products and services of the entities we acquire.  We may not realize expected cost savings or make revenue enhancements.  Following each acquisition, we must expend substantial managerial, operating, financial and other resources to integrate these entities.  In particular, we may be required to install and standardize adequate operational and control systems, deploy or modify equipment, implement marketing efforts in new as well as existing locations and employ and maintain qualified personnel.  Our failure to successfully integrate the entities we acquire into our existing operations may adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.

We operate in a highly regulated environment and may be adversely affected by changes in federal and local laws and regulations.

We are subject to extensive regulation, supervision and examination by federal and state banking authorities.  Any change in applicable regulations or federal or state legislation could have a substantial impact on us and our operations.  Additional legislation and regulations may be enacted or adopted in the future that could significantly affect our powers, authority and operations, which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.  Further, regulators have significant discretion and power to prevent or remedy unsafe or unsound practices or violations of laws by banks and bank holding companies in the performance of their supervisory and enforcement duties.  The exercise of this regulatory discretion and power may have a negative impact on us.

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The price of our common stock may fluctuate significantly, and this may make it difficult for you to resell shares of common stock owned by you at times or at prices you find attractive.

The stock market and, in particular, the market for financial institution stocks, has experienced significant volatility, which, in recent quarters, has reached unprecedented levels.  In some cases, the markets have produced downward pressure on stock prices for certain issuers without regard to those issuers’ underlying financial strength.  As a result, the trading volume in our common stock may fluctuate more than usual and cause significant price variations to occur.  This may make it difficult for you to resell shares of common stock owned by you at times or at prices you find attractive.  The low trading volume in our common shares on the NASDAQ Capital Market means that our shares may have less liquidity than other publicly traded companies.  We cannot ensure that the volume of trading in our common shares will be maintained or will increase in the future.

The trading price of the shares of our common stock will depend on many factors, which may change from time to time and which may be beyond our control, including, without limitation, our financial condition, performance, creditworthiness and prospects, future sales or offerings of our equity or equity related securities, and other factors identified above in the forward-looking statement discussion under the section titled “Cautionary Statements Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” and below.  These broad market fluctuations have adversely affected and may continue to adversely affect the market price of our common stock. Among the factors that could affect our stock price are:

• actual or anticipated quarterly fluctuations in our operating results and financial condition;

• changes in financial estimates or publication of research reports and recommendations by financial analysts or actions taken by rating agencies with respect to our common stock or those of other financial institutions;

• failure to meet analysts’ revenue or earnings estimates;

• speculation in the press or investment community generally or relating to our reputation, our market area, our competitors or the financial services industry in general;

• strategic actions by us or our competitors, such as acquisitions, restructurings, dispositions or financings;

• actions by our current shareholders, including sales of common stock by existing shareholders and/or directors and executive officers;

• fluctuations in the stock price and operating results of our competitors;

• future sales of our equity, equity-related or debt securities;

• changes in the frequency or amount of dividends or share repurchases;

• proposed or adopted regulatory changes or developments;

• anticipated or pending investigations, proceedings, or litigation that involves or affects us;

• trading activities in our common stock, including short-selling;

• domestic and international economic factors unrelated to our performance; and

• general market conditions and, in particular, developments related to market conditions for the financial services industry.

A significant decline in our stock price could result in substantial losses for individual shareholders.

ITEM 1B - UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

Not applicable.

ITEM 2 - DESCRIPTION OF PROPERTY.

The Company owns the property on which full-service branch offices are situated at the following California locations: the Clovis Main office in Clovis, the Foothill office in Prather, the Modesto office, the Kerman office, the Floral office in Visalia, and the Exeter office.

All other property is leased by the Company, including the principal executive offices in Fresno.  This facility houses the Company’s corporate offices, comprised of various departments, including accounting, information services, human resources, real estate department, loan servicing, credit administration, branch support operations, and compliance.

The Company continually evaluates the suitability and adequacy of the Company’s offices and has a program of relocating or remodeling them as necessary to be efficient and attractive facilities.  Management believes that its existing facilities are adequate for its present purposes.

Properties owned by the Bank are held without loans or encumbrances.  All of the property leased is leased directly from independent parties.  Management considers the terms and conditions of each of the existing leases to be in the aggregate favorable to the Company.  SeeNote 13 of the Company’s audited Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Annual Report.

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ITEM 3 - LEGAL PROCEEDINGS.

The Company is subject to legal proceedings and claims which arise in the ordinary course of business.  In the opinion of management, the amount of ultimate liability with respect to such actions will not materially affect the consolidated financial position or consolidated results of operations of the Company.

None of our directors, officers, affiliates, more than 5% shareholders or any associates of these persons is a party adverse to the Company or the Bank or has a material interest adverse to the Company or the Bank in any material legal proceeding.

ITEM 4 - MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

None to report.

PART II

ITEM 5 - MARKET FOR COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES.

Our common stock is listed for trading on the Nasdaq Capital Market under the ticker symbol CVCY.  As of March 13, 2017, we had approximately 970 shareholders of record.

The following table shows the high and low sales prices for the common stock for each quarter as reported by The NASDAQ Stock Market and cash dividend payment for each quarter presented.

Common Stock Prices and Dividends

	Quarter 1 2015		Quarter 2 2015		Quarter 3 2015		Quarter 4 2015		Quarter 1 2016		Quarter 2 2016		Quarter 3 2016		Quarter 4 2016
High	$	12.16	$	12.35	$	12.50	$	12.50	$	12.49	$	14.64	$	16.42	$	20.00
Low	$	9.55	$	10.25	$	10.66	$	10.51	9.45		10.78		13.30		13.75
Dividends per share	$	—	$	0.06	$	0.06	$	0.06	$	0.06	$	0.06	$	0.06	$	0.06

We paid common share cash dividends of $0.24 and $0.18 per share in 2016 and 2015, respectively. The Company’s primary source of income with which to pay cash dividends is dividends from the Bank.  The Bank would not pay any dividend that would cause it to be deemed not “well capitalized” under applicable banking laws and regulations.  See Note 14in the audited Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Annual Report.

The amount of future dividends will depend upon our earnings, financial condition, capital requirements and other factors, and will be determined by our board of directors on a quarterly basis. It is Federal Reserve policy that bank holding companies generally pay dividends on common stock only out of income available over the past year, and only if prospective earnings retention is consistent with the organization’s expected future needs and financial condition. It is also Federal Reserve policy that bank holding companies not maintain dividend levels that undermine the holding company’s ability to be a source of strength to its banking subsidiaries. Additionally, in consideration of the current financial and economic environment, the Federal Reserve has indicated that bank holding companies should carefully review their dividend policy and has discouraged payment ratios that are at maximum allowable levels unless both asset quality and capital are very strong. Under the federal Prompt Corrective Action regulations, the Federal Reserve or the FDIC may prohibit a bank holding company from paying any dividends if the holding company’s bank subsidiary is classified as undercapitalized.

As a holding company, our ability to pay cash dividends is affected by the ability of our bank subsidiary, to pay cash dividends. The ability of the Bank (and our ability) to pay cash dividends in the future and the amount of any such cash dividends is and could be in the future further influenced by bank regulatory requirements and approvals and capital guidelines.

The decision whether to pay dividends will be made by our board of directors in light of conditions then existing, including factors such as our results of operations, financial condition, business conditions, regulatory capital requirements and covenants under any applicable contractual arrangements, including agreements with regulatory authorities.

The Company has outstanding trust preferred securities from special purpose trust and accompanying subordinated debt. The subordinated debt is senior to our shares of common stock. As a result, we must make payments on the subordinated debt before any dividends can be paid on our common stock. Under the terms of the subordinated debt, we may defer interest payments for up to five years. If the Company should ever defer such interest payments, we would be prohibited from declaring or paying any cash dividends on any shares of our common stock.

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For information on the statutory and regulatory limitations on the ability of the Company to pay dividends and on the Bank to pay dividends to Company see “Item 1 - Business - Supervision and Regulation - Dividends.”

EQUITY COMPENSATION PLAN INFORMATION

The following chart sets forth information for the year ended December 31, 2016, regarding equity based compensation plans of the Company.

	Number of securities to be issued upon exercise of outstanding options, warrants and rights		Weighted- average exercise price of outstanding options, warrants and rights		Number of securities remaining available for future issuance under equity compensation plans (excluding securities reflected in column (a))
Plan Category	(a)		(b)		(c)
Equity compensation plans approved by security holders	202,215	(1)	$	6.87	829,200	(2)
Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders	N/A		N/A		N/A
Total	202,215		$	6.87	829,200

(1)    Under the Central Valley Community Bancorp 2015 Omnibus Incentive Plan (2015 Plan) and the Central Valley Community Bancorp 2005 Omnibus Incentive Plan (2005 Plan), the Company is authorized to issue restricted stock awards. Restricted stock awards are not included in the total in column (a). During 2016, the Company issued 54,650 shares of restricted stock. During 2014, the Company entered into an agreement with an executive to issue $100,000 of restricted stock per year during each of 2015 and 2016 (based on then-prevailing market prices) from the 2005 Plan. At December 31, 2016, there were 93,501 shares of restricted stock issued and outstanding. See Note 15in the audited Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Annual Report.

(2)    Includes securities available for issuance of stock options and restricted stock.

No options to purchase shares of the Company’s common stock were issued during the years ending December 31, 2016 and 2015 from any of the Company’s stock based compensation plans. During the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, 54,650 and 9,268 shares of restricted common stock were granted from outstanding grants under the 2015 and 2005 Plans.

ITEM 6 - SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA

	Years Ended December 31,
(In thousands, except per share amounts)	2016			2015		2014			2013		2012
Statements of Income
Total interest income	$	46,676		$	41,822	$	41,039		$	34,836	$	31,820
Total interest expense	1,096			1,047		1,156			1,385		1,883
Net interest income before provision for credit losses	45,580			40,775		39,883			33,451		29,937
(Reversal of) Provision for credit losses	(5,850		)	600		7,985			—		700
Net interest income after provision for credit losses	51,430			40,175		31,898			33,451		29,237
Non-interest income	9,591			9,387		8,164			7,831		7,242
Non-interest expenses	38,922			36,016		35,338			31,685		27,274
Income before provision for (benefit from) income taxes	22,099			13,546		4,724			9,597		9,205
Provision for (benefit from) income taxes	6,917			2,582		(570		)	1,347		1,685
Net income	15,182			10,964		5,294			8,250		7,520
Preferred stock dividends and accretion of discount	—			—		—			350		350
Net income available to common shareholders	$	15,182		$	10,964	$	5,294		$	7,900	$	7,170
Basic earnings per share	$	1.34		$	1.00	$	0.48		$	0.77	$	0.75
Diluted earnings per share	$	1.33		$	1.00	$	0.48		$	0.77	$	0.75
Cash dividends declared per common share	$	0.24		$	0.18	$	0.20		$	0.20	$	0.05

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	December 31,
(In thousands)	2016		2015		2014		2013		2012
Balances at end of year:
Investment securities, Federal funds sold and deposits in other banks	$	558,132	$	580,544	$	520,511	$	529,398	$	424,516
Net loans	747,302		588,501		564,280		503,149		385,185
Total deposits	1,255,979		1,116,267		1,039,152		1,004,143		751,432
Total assets	1,443,323		1,276,736		1,192,183		1,145,635		890,228
Shareholders’ equity	164,033		139,323		131,045		120,043		117,665
Earning assets	1,319,065		1,173,591		1,074,942		1,042,552		801,098
Average balances:
Investment securities, Federal funds sold and deposits in other banks	$	560,860	$	529,046	$	513,866	$	445,859	$	368,818
Net loans	636,475		577,784		531,382		444,770		394,675
Total deposits	1,144,231		1,065,798		1,006,560		848,493		719,601
Total assets	1,321,007		1,222,526		1,157,483		986,924		853,078
Shareholders’ equity	154,325		135,062		130,414		119,746		114,561
Earning assets	1,210,082		1,112,758		1,052,097		895,330		766,937

Data from 2016 reflects the partial year impact of the acquisition of Sierra Vista Bank on October 1, 2016. Data from 2013 reflects the partial year impact of the acquisition of Visalia Community Bank on July 1, 2013.

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ITEM 7 - MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS.

Management’s discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with the Company’s audited Consolidated Financial Statements, including the Notes thereto, in Item 8 of this Annual Report.

Certain matters discussed in this report constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.  All statements contained herein that are not historical facts, such as statements regarding the Company’s current business strategy and the Company’s plans for future development and operations, are based upon current expectations.  These statements are forward-looking in nature and involve a number of risks and uncertainties.  Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to (1) significant increases in competitive pressure in the banking industry; (2) the impact of changes in interest rates; (3) a decline in economic conditions in the Central Valley; (4) the Company’s ability to continue its internal growth at historical rates; (5) the Company’s ability to maintain its net interest margin; (6) the decline quality of the Company’s earning assets; (7) decline in credit quality; (8) changes in the regulatory environment; (9) fluctuations in the real estate market; (10) changes in business conditions and inflation; (11) changes in securities markets (12) risks associated with acquisitions, relating to difficulty in integrating combined operations and related negative impact on earnings, and incurrence of substantial expenses.  Therefore, the information set forth in such forward-looking statements should be carefully considered when evaluating the business prospects of the Company.

When the Company uses in this Annual Report the words “anticipate,” “estimate,” “expect,” “project,” “intend,” “commit,” “believe” and similar expressions, the Company intends to identify forward-looking statements.  Such statements are not guarantees of performance and are subject to certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions, including those described in this Annual Report.  Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those anticipated, estimated, expected, projected, intended, committed or believed.  The future results and shareholder values of the Company may differ materially from those expressed in these forward-looking statements.  Many of the factors that will determine these results and values are beyond the Company’s ability to control or predict. For those statements, the Company claims the protection of the safe harbor for forward-looking statements contained in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.  See also the discussion of risk factors in Item 1A, “Risk Factors.”

We are not able to predict all the factors that may affect future results. You should not place undue reliance on any forward looking statement, which speaks only as of the date of this Report on Form 10-K. Except as required by applicable laws or regulations, we do not undertake any obligation to update or revise any forward looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

INTRODUCTION

Central Valley Community Bancorp (NASDAQ: CVCY) (the Company) was incorporated on February 7, 2000.  The formation of the holding company offered the Company more flexibility in meeting the long-term needs of customers, shareholders, and the communities it serves.  The Company currently has one bank subsidiary, Central Valley Community Bank (the Bank) and one business trust subsidiary, Service 1st Capital Trust 1. The Company and Sierra Vista Bank (SVB) completed a merger under which SVB was merged with and into the Bank on October 1, 2016. SVB had one branch in Folsom, one branch in Fair Oaks, and one branch in Cameron Park which continue to be operated by the Bank. The Company’s market area includes the central valley area from Sacramento, California to Bakersfield, California.

During 2016, we focused on asset quality and capital adequacy due to the uncertainty created by the economy.  We also focused on assuring that competitive products and services were made available to our clients while adjusting to the many new laws and regulations that affect the banking industry.

As of December 31, 2016, the Bank operated 22 full-service offices. The Bank has a Real Estate Division, an Agribusiness Center and an SBA Lending Division in Fresno.  All real estate related transactions are conducted and processed through the Real Estate Division, including interim construction loans for single family residences and commercial buildings.  We offer permanent single family residential loans through our mortgage broker services. The SVB acquisition added total assets, at fair value, of approximately $155.15 million, $122.53 million in loans, at fair value, and $138.38 million in deposits, at fair value, at October 1, 2016. SVB’s results of operations have been included in the Company’s results of operations beginning October 1, 2016. The one-time pre-tax severance, retention, acquisition and integration costs totaled $1.78 million for the year ended December 31, 2016.

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ECONOMIC CONDITIONS

The economy in California’s Central Valley had been negatively impacted by the recession that began in 2007 and the related real estate market and the slowdown in residential construction. The recession impacted most industries in our market area.  Initially, housing values throughout the nation and especially in the Central Valley decreased dramatically, which in turn negatively affected the personal net worth of much of the population in our service area. Over the last several years the economy, as evidenced by the California and Central Valley unemployment rates, and housing prices have shown slow but steady improvement.  Housing in the Central Valley continues to be relatively more affordable than the major metropolitan areas in California.

Agriculture and agricultural related businesses remain a critical part of the Central Valley’s economy.  The Valley’s agricultural production is widely diversified, producing nuts, vegetables, fruit, cattle, dairy products, and cotton.  The continued future success of agriculture related businesses is highly dependent on the availability of water and is subject to fluctuation in worldwide commodity prices, currency exchanges, and demand. From time to time, California experiences severe droughts, which could significantly harm the business of our customers and the credit quality of the loans to those customers. We closely monitor the water resources and the related issues affecting our customers, and will remain vigilant for signs of deterioration within the loan portfolio in an effort to manage credit quality and work with borrowers where possible to mitigate any losses.

OVERVIEW

Diluted earnings per share (EPS) for the year ended December 31, 2016 was $1.33 compared to $1.00 and $0.48 for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.  Net income for 2016 was $15,182,000 compared to $10,964,000 and $5,294,000 for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.  The increase in net income and EPS was primarily driven by a decrease in provision for credit losses, an increase in net interest income, and an increase in non-interest income offset by increases in non-interest expense and the provision for income taxes in 2016 compared to 2015. Total assets at December 31, 2016 were $1,443,323,000 compared to $1,276,736,000 at December 31, 2015.

Return on average equity for 2016 was 9.84% compared to 8.12% and 4.06% for 2015 and 2014, respectively.  Return on average assets for 2016 was 1.15% compared to 0.90% and 0.46% for 2015 and 2014, respectively.  Total equity was $164,033,000 at December 31, 2016 compared to $139,323,000 at December 31, 2015.  The increase in equity in 2016 compared to 2015 was primarily driven by the issuance of stock in connection with the Sierra Vista Bank acquisition, as well as the retention of earnings, net of dividends paid, partially offset by a decrease in unrealized gains on available-for-sale securities recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income (AOCI).

Average total loans increased $59,811,000 or 10.19% to $646,573,000 in 2016 compared to $586,762,000 in 2015.  In 2016, we recorded a reverse provision for $5,850,000 for credit losses compared to a provision for $600,000 in 2015 and $7,985,000 in 2014.  The Company had nonperforming assets, consisting of $2,180,000 in nonaccrual loans and $362,000 in repossessed assets, totaling $2,542,000 at December 31, 2016.  At December 31, 2015, nonperforming assets totaled $2,413,000.  Net recoveries (charge-offs) for 2016 were $5,566,000 compared to $702,000 for 2015 and $(8,885,000) for 2014.  Refer to “Asset Quality” below for further information.

Key Factors in Evaluating Financial Condition and Operating Performance

In evaluating our financial condition and operating performance, we focus on several key factors including:

•Return to our shareholders;

•Return on average assets;

•Development of revenue streams, including net interest income and non-interest income;

•Asset quality;

•Asset growth;

•Capital adequacy;

•Operating efficiency; and

•Liquidity.

Return to Our Shareholders

One measure of our return to our shareholders is the return on average equity (ROE).  ROE is a ratio that measures net income divided by average shareholders’ equity. Our ROE was 9.84% for the year ended 2016 compared to 8.12% and 4.06% for the years ended 2015 and 2014, respectively. 

Our net income for the year ended December 31, 2016increased $4,218,000 compared to 2015 and increased $5,670,000 in 2015 compared to 2014.  During 2016, net income increased due to a decrease in the provision for credit losses,

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increases in net interest income, and increases in non-interest income, partially offset by an increase in tax expense and increases in non-interest expenses, compared to 2015. 

Net interest income increased primarily because of increases in loan and investment income, offset by increases in interest expense on deposits. During 2016, our net interest margin (NIM) increased 8 basis points to 4.09% compared to 2015.  Our net interest margin increased as a result of yield changes, asset mix changes, and an increase in average earning assets, partially offset by an increase in interest-bearing liabilities. Net interest income during 2016 was positively impacted by the collection of nonaccrual loans which resulted in a recovery of interest income of approximately $657,000. The recovery was partially offset by reversal of approximately $71,000 in interest income on loans placed on nonaccrual during the year. Net interest income during 2015 was positively impacted by the collection of non-accrual loan which resulted in a recovery of interest income of approximately $431,000. The recovery was partially offset by reversal of approximately $7,000 in interest income on loans put on nonaccrual during the year.

During the year ended 2016, the increase in non-interest income was primarily driven by a $425,000increase in net realized gains on sales and calls of investment securities, an increase in loan placement fees of $41,000, a $50,000increase in Federal Home Loan Bank dividends, a $31,000 increase in interchange fees, partially offset by a $48,000decrease in service charge income, and a $121,000decrease in other income, in 2016 compared to 2015. The Company also realized $190,000 and $345,000 tax-free gains related to the collection of life insurance proceeds in 2016 and 2015, respectively, which are included in other non-interest income. In addition, the Company recorded an other-than-temporary impairment loss of $136,000 during the year ended December 31, 2016.

Non-interest expenses increased in 2016 compared to 2015 primarily due to the SVB acquisition. The net increase year over year was a result of increases in salary and employee benefit expenses of $1,045,000, increase in acquisition and integration expenses of $1,782,000, data processing expenses of $568,000, occupancy and equipment expenses of $85,000, ATM/Debit card expenses of $85,000, partially offset by a decrease in Internet banking expenses of $31,000, a decrease of regulatory assessments of $417,000, advertising fees of $32,000, professional services of $246,000, and amortization of core deposit intangibles of $171,000. Basic EPS was $1.34 for 2016 compared to $1.00 and $0.48 for 2015 and 2014, respectively.  Diluted EPS was $1.33 for 2016 compared to $1.00 and $0.48 for 2015 and 2014, respectively.  The increase in EPS for 2016 is primarily due to the increase in net income.

We experienced an increase in capital due to increases in retained earnings and from the issuance of common stock as a result of the Sierra Vista Bank acquisition, offset by a decrease in accumulated other comprehensive income. 

Return on Average Assets

Our return on average assets (ROA) is a ratio that measures our performance compared with other banks and bank holding companies.  Our ROA for the year ended 2016 was 1.15% compared to 0.90% and 0.46% for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.  The 2016increase in ROA is primarily due to the increase in net income.  Annualized ROA for our peer group was 0.99% at December 31, 2016.  Peer group information from SNL Financial data includes bank holding companies in central California with assets from $600 million to $2.5 billion.

Development of Revenue Streams

Over the past several years, we have focused on not only our net income, but improving the consistency of our revenue streams in order to create more predictable future earnings and reduce the effect of changes in our operating environment on our net income.  Specifically, we have focused on net interest income through a variety of strategies, including increases in average interest earning assets, and minimizing the effects of the recent interest rate decline on our net interest margin by focusing on core deposits and managing the cost of funds.  Our net interest margin (fully tax equivalent basis) was 4.09% for the year ended December 31, 2016, compared to 4.01% and 4.11% for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.  We experienced an increase in 2016 net interest margin compared to 2015, resulting from the increase in loan and investment yields.  The effective tax equivalent yield on total earning assets increased 8 basis points, while the cost of total interest-bearing liabilities and total deposits remained unchanged. Our cost of total deposits in 2016 and 2015 was 0.09% compared to 0.11% for the same period in 2014. Our net interest income before provision for credit losses increased $4,805,000 or 11.78% to $45,580,000 for the year ended 2016 compared to $40,775,000 and $39,883,000 for the years ended 2015 and 2014, respectively.

Our non-interest income is generally made up of service charges and fees on deposit accounts, fee income from loan placements, appreciation in cash surrender value of bank owned life insurance, and net gains from sales and calls of investment securities.  Non-interest income in 2016increased $204,000 or 2.17% to $9,591,000 compared to $9,387,000 in 2015 and $8,164,000 in 2014.  The increase resulted primarily from increases in net realized gains on sales and calls of investment securities, loan placement fees, interchange fees, and Federal Home Loan Bank dividends, partially offset by a decrease in service charge income, appreciation in cash surrender value of bank owned life insurance, and gain on sale of other real estate owned compared to 2015. Customer service charges decreased $48,000 or 1.56% to $3,022,000 in 2016 compared to $3,070,000 and $3,280,000 in 2015 and 2014, respectively.  Further detail on non-interest income is provided below.

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Asset Quality

For all banks and bank holding companies, asset quality has a significant impact on the overall financial condition and results of operations.  Asset quality is measured in terms of classified and nonperforming loans, and is a key element in estimating the future earnings of a company.  Total nonperforming assets were $2,542,000 and $2,413,000 at December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively.  Nonperforming assets totaled 0.34% of gross loans as of December 31, 2016 and 0.40% of gross loans as of December 31, 2015. The nonperforming assets for 2016 includes repossessed asset of $362,000 compared to no repossessed asset at December 31, 2015. The Company had no other real estate owned (OREO) at December 31, 2016 or December 31, 2015. Management maintains certain loans that have been brought current by the borrower (less than 30 days delinquent) on nonaccrual status until such time as management has determined that the loans are likely to remain current in future periods.

The ratio of nonperforming loans to total loans was 0.29% as of December 31, 2016 and 0.40% as of December 31, 2015. The allowance for credit losses as a percentage of outstanding loan balance was 1.23% as of December 31, 2016 and 1.61% as of December 31, 2015. The ratio of net recoveries to average loans was 0.86% as of December 31, 2016 and 0.12% as of December 31, 2015.

Asset Growth

As revenues from both net interest income and non-interest income are a function of asset size, the continued growth in assets has a direct impact in increasing net income and therefore ROE and ROA.  The majority of our assets are loans and investment securities, and the majority of our liabilities are deposits, and therefore the ability to generate deposits as a funding source for loans and investments is fundamental to our asset growth.  Total assets increased 13.05% during 2016 to $1,443,323,000 as of December 31, 2016 from $1,276,736,000 as of December 31, 2015.  Total gross loans increased 26.50% to $756,628,000 as of December 31, 2016, compared to $598,111,000 at December 31, 2015.  Total investment securities and Federal funds sold increased 7.50% to $547,764,000 as of December 31, 2016 compared to $509,556,000 as of December 31, 2015.  Total deposits increased 12.52% to $1,255,979,000 as of December 31, 2016 compared to $1,116,267,000 as of December 31, 2015.  Our loan to deposit ratio at December 31, 2016 was 60.24% compared to 53.58% at December 31, 2015.  The loan to deposit ratio of our peers was 78.96% at December 31, 2016. The growth information above includes the results of our acquisition of Sierra Vista Bank which added approximately $122,533,000 in net loans and $138,236,000 in deposits during 2016.

Capital Adequacy

At December 31, 2016, we had a total capital to risk-weighted assets ratio of 13.72%, a Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of 12.74%, common equity Tier 1 ratio of 12.48%, and a leverage ratio of 8.75%.  At December 31, 2015, we had a total capital to risk-weighted assets ratio of 15.04%, a Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of 13.79% and a leverage ratio of 8.65%.  At December 31, 2016, on a stand-alone basis, the Bank had a total risk-based capital ratio of 13.57%, a Tier 1 risk based capital ratio of 12.59%, common equity Tier 1 ratio of 12.59%, and a leverage ratio of 8.64%.  At December 31, 2015, the Bank had a total risk-based capital ratio of 14.93%, Tier 1 risk-based capital of 13.67% and a leverage ratio of 8.58%.  Note 14 of the audited Consolidated Financial Statements provides more detailed information concerning the Company’s capital amounts and ratios. As of January 1, 2015, along with other community banking organizations, the Company and the Bank became subject to new capital requirements, and certain provisions of the new rules are being phased in through 2019 under the Dodd-Frank Act and Basel III. The Company’s consolidated capital ratios exceeded regulatory guidelines and the Bank’s capital ratios exceeded the regulatory guidelines for a well-capitalized financial institution under the Basel III regulatory requirements at December 31, 2016.

Operating Efficiency

Operating efficiency is the measure of how efficiently earnings before taxes are generated as a percentage of revenue.  A lower ratio represents greater efficiency.  The Company’s efficiency ratio (operating expenses, excluding amortization of intangibles and foreclosed property expense, divided by net interest income plus non-interest income, excluding net gains and losses from sale of securities) was 68.45% for 2016 compared to 69.22% for 2015 and 69.33% for 2014.  The improvement in the efficiency ratio in 2016 is due to the growth in revenues outpacing the growth in non-interest expense. The increase in the efficiency ratio in 2015 compared to 2014 is due to the growth in revenues outpacing the growth in non-interest expense. The Company’s net interest income before provision for credit losses plus non-interest income increased 9.99% to $55,171,000 in 2016 compared to $50,162,000 in 2015 and $48,047,000 in 2014, while operating expenses increased 8.07% in 2016, 1.92% in 2015, and 11.53% in 2014.

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Liquidity

Liquidity management involves our ability to meet cash flow requirements arising from fluctuations in deposit levels and demands of daily operations, which include providing for customers’ credit needs, funding of securities purchases, and ongoing repayment of borrowings. Our liquidity is actively managed on a daily basis and reviewed periodically by our management and Directors’ Asset/Liability Committee. This process is intended to ensure the maintenance of sufficient funds to meet our needs, including adequate cash flows for off-balance sheet commitments. Our primary sources of liquidity are derived from financing activities which include the acceptance of customer and, to a lesser extent, broker deposits, Federal funds facilities and advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco.  We have available unsecured lines of credit with correspondent banks totaling approximately $40,000,000 and secured borrowing lines of approximately $351,713,000 with the Federal Home Loan Bank. These funding sources are augmented by collection of principal and interest on loans, the routine maturities and pay downs of securities from our investment securities portfolio, the stability of our core deposits, and the ability to sell investment securities.  Primary uses of funds include origination and purchases of loans, withdrawals of and interest payments on deposits, purchases of investment securities, and payment of operating expenses.

We had liquid assets (cash and due from banks, interest-earning deposits in other banks, Federal funds sold and available-for-sale securities) totaling $586,317,000 or 40.62% of total assets at December 31, 2016 and $572,171,000 or 44.82% of total assets as of December 31, 2015.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Net Income

Net income was $15,182,000 in 2016 compared to $10,964,000 and $5,294,000 in 2015 and 2014, respectively.  Basic earnings per share was $1.34, $1.00, and $0.48 for 2016, 2015, and 2014, respectively.  Diluted earnings per share was $1.33, $1.00, and $0.48 for 2016, 2015, and 2014, respectively.  ROE was 9.84% for 2016 compared to 8.12% for 2015 and 4.06% for 2014.  ROA for 2016 was 1.15% compared to 0.90% for 2015 and 0.46% for 2014.

The increase in net income for 2016 compared to 2015 can be attributed to a decrease in the provision for credit losses, an increase in net interest income, and an increase in non-interest income, partially offset by an increase in provision for income taxes and an increase in non-interest expense including acquisition and integration expenses related to the SVB acquisition. The increase in net income for 2015 compared to 2014 was primarily attributed to a decrease in the provision for credit losses, and an increase in non-interest income, partially offset by an increase in provision for income taxes and an increase in non-interest expense.

Interest Income and Expense

Net interest income is the most significant component of our income from operations.  Net interest income (the interest rate spread) is the difference between the gross interest and fees earned on the loan and investment portfolios and the interest paid on deposits and other borrowings.  Net interest income depends on the volume of and interest rate earned on interest-earning assets and the volume of and interest rate paid on interest-bearing liabilities.

The following table sets forth a summary of average balances with corresponding interest income and interest expense as well as average yield and cost information for the periods presented.  Average balances are derived from daily balances, and nonaccrual loans are not included as interest-earning assets for purposes of this table.

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SCHEDULE OF AVERAGE BALANCES, AVERAGE YIELDS AND RATES

	Year Ended December 31, 2016							Year Ended December 31, 2015							Year Ended December 31, 2014
(Dollars in thousands)	Average Balance			Interest Income/ Expense		Average Interest Rate		Average Balance			Interest Income/ Expense		Average Interest Rate		Average Balance			Interest Income/ Expense		Average Interest Rate
ASSETS
Interest-earning deposits in other banks	$	53,514		$	289	0.54	%	$	64,963		$	209	0.32	%	$	53,781		$	175	0.32	%
Securities
Taxable securities	313,006			5,876		1.88	%	285,585			4,793		1.68	%	296,014			5,538		1.87	%
Non-taxable securities (1)	194,224			9,787		5.04	%	178,247			9,569		5.37	%	163,778			8,837		5.40	%
Total investment securities	507,230			15,663		3.09	%	463,832			14,362		3.10	%	459,792			14,375		3.13	%
Federal funds sold	116			—		0.51	%	251			1		0.25	%	293			1		0.25	%
Total securities and interest-earning deposits	560,860			15,952		2.84	%	529,046			14,572		2.75	%	513,866			14,551		2.83	%
Loans (2) (3)	644,282			34,051		5.29	%	578,899			30,504		5.27	%	533,531			29,493		5.53	%
Federal Home Loan Bank stock	4,940			630		12.75	%	4,813			580		12.05	%	4,700			327		6.96	%
Total interest-earning assets	1,210,082			$	50,633	4.18	%	1,112,758			$	45,656	4.10	%	1,052,097			$	44,371	4.22	%
Allowance for credit losses	(10,098		)					(8,978		)					(8,147		)
Nonaccrual loans	2,291							7,863							5,998
Cash and due from banks	23,840							25,019							23,905
Bank premises and equipment	9,053							9,664							10,511
Other non-earning assets	85,839							76,200							73,119
Total average assets	$	1,321,007						$	1,222,526						$	1,157,483
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Interest-bearing liabilities:
Savings and NOW accounts	$	337,804		$	317	0.09	%	$	300,741		$	261	0.09	%	$	265,751		$	241	0.09	%
Money market accounts	249,620			133		0.05	%	227,743			141		0.06	%	229,769			174		0.08	%
Time certificates of deposit	139,656			525		0.38	%	149,383			546		0.37	%	162,218			645		0.40	%
Total interest-bearing deposits	727,080			975		0.13	%	677,867			948		0.14	%	657,738			1,060		0.16	%
Other borrowed funds	5,157			121		2.35	%	5,156			99		1.89	%	5,155			96		1.83	%
Total interest-bearing liabilities	732,237			$	1,096	0.15	%	683,023			$	1,047	0.15	%	662,893			$	1,156	0.17	%
Non-interest bearing demand deposits	417,151							387,931							348,822
Other liabilities	17,294							16,510							15,354
Shareholders’ equity	154,325							135,062							130,414
Total average liabilities and shareholders’ equity	$	1,321,007						$	1,222,526						$	1,157,483
Interest income and rate earned on average earning assets				$	50,633	4.18	%				$	45,656	4.10	%				$	44,371	4.22	%
Interest expense and interest cost related to average interest-bearing liabilities				1,096		0.15	%				1,047		0.15	%				1,156		0.17	%
Net interest income and net interest margin (4)				$	49,537	4.09	%				$	44,609	4.01	%				$	43,215	4.11	%

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(1) Interest income is calculated on a fully tax equivalent basis, which includes Federal tax benefits relating to income earned on municipal bonds totaling $3,327, $3,254, and $3,005 in 2016, 2015, and 2014, respectively.

(2) Loan interest income includes loan fees of $134 in 2016, $255 in 2015, and $272 in 2014.

(3) Average loans do not include nonaccrual loans.

(4) Net interest margin is computed by dividing net interest income by total average interest-earning assets.

The following table sets forth a summary of the changes in interest income and interest expense due to changes in average asset and liability balances (volume) and changes in average interest rates for the periods indicated. The change in interest due to both rate and volume has been allocated to the change in rate.

Changes in Volume/Rate	For the Years Ended December 31, 2016 Compared to 2015									For the Years Ended December 31, 2015 Compared to 2014
(In thousands)	Volume			Rate			Net			Volume			Rate			Net
Increase (decrease) due to changes in:
Interest income:
Interest-earning deposits in other banks	$	(36	)	$	116		$	80		$	36		$	(2	)	$	34
Investment securities:
Taxable	460			623			1,083			(195		)	(550		)	(745		)
Non-taxable (1)	857			(639		)	218			780			(48		)	732
Total investment securities	1,317			(16		)	1,301			585			(598		)	(13		)
Federal funds sold	(1		)	—			(1		)	—			—			—
Loans	3,446			101			3,547			2,507			(1,496		)	1,011
FHLB Stock	16			34			50			7			246			253
Total earning assets (1)	4,742			235			4,977			3,135			(1,850		)	1,285
Interest expense:
Deposits:
Savings, NOW and MMA	46			2			48			30			(43		)	(13		)
Time certificate of deposits	(36		)	14			(22		)	(53		)	(46		)	(99		)
Total interest-bearing deposits	10			16			26			(23		)	(89		)	(112		)
Other borrowed funds	—			22			22			1			2			3
Total interest bearing liabilities	10			38			48			(22		)	(87		)	(109		)
Net interest income (1)	$	4,732		$	197		$	4,929		$	3,157		$	(1,763	)	$	1,394

(1) Computed on a tax equivalent basis for securities exempt from federal income taxes.

Interest and fee income from loans increased $3,547,000 or 11.63% in 2016 compared to 2015.  Interest and fee income from loans increased $1,011,000 or 3.43% in 2015 compared to 2014.  The increase in 2016 is primarily attributable to an increase in average total loans outstanding, as well as an increase in the yield on loans by 2 basis points. The net interest income during 2016 was positively impacted by the SVB acquisition in addition to the collection of nonaccrual loans which resulted in a recovery of interest income of approximately $657,000. The recovery was partially offset by reversal of approximately $71,000 in interest income on loans placed on nonaccrual status during the year. Interest income during 2015 was positively impacted by the collection of nonaccrual loans which resulted in a recovery of interest income of approximately $431,000. The recovery was partially offset by reversal of approximately $7,000 in interest income on loans placed on nonaccrual status during the year. Average total loans for 2016increased $59,811,000 to $646,573,000 compared to $586,762,000 for 2015 and $539,529,000 for 2014.  Of the increase in 2016, approximately $31.6 million was attributed to organic growth and approximately $28.2 million from the acquisition of SVB. The yield on loans for 2016 was 5.29% compared to 5.27% and 5.53% for 2015 and 2014, respectively.

Interest income from total investments on a non tax-equivalent basis, (total investments include investment securities, Federal funds sold, interest-bearing deposits in other banks, and other securities), increased $1,307,000 or 11.55% in 2016 compared to 2015. The yield on average investments increased 9 basis points to 2.84% for the year ended December 31, 2016 from 2.75% for the year ended December 31, 2015. Average total investments increased $31,814,000 to $560,860,000 in 2016 compared to $529,046,000 in 2015.  In 2015, total investment income on a non tax-equivalent basis decreased $228,000 or 1.97% compared to 2014.

A significant portion of the investment portfolio is mortgage-backed securities (MBS) and collateralized mortgage obligations (CMOs).  At December 31, 2016, we held $181,064,000 or 33.06% of the total market value of the investment

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portfolio in MBS and CMOs with an average yield of 1.88%.  We invest in Collateralized Mortgage Obligations (CMO) and Mortgage Backed Securities, (MBS) as part of our overall strategy to increase our net interest margin.  CMOs and MBS by their nature are affected by prepayments which are impacted by changes in interest rates.  In a normal declining rate environment, prepayments from MBS and CMOs would be expected to increase and the expected life of the investment would be expected to shorten.  Conversely, if interest rates increase, prepayments normally would be expected to decline and the average life of the MBS and CMOs would be expected to extend.  However, in the current economic environment, prepayments may not behave according to historical norms.  Premium amortization and discount accretion of these investments affects our net interest income.  Our management monitors the prepayment speed of these investments and adjusts premium amortization and discount accretion based on several factors.  These factors include the type of investment, the investment structure, interest rates, interest rates on new mortgage loans, expectation of interest rate changes, current economic conditions, the level of principal remaining on the bond, the bond coupon rate, the bond origination date, and volume of available bonds in market.  The calculation of premium amortization and discount accretion is by nature inexact, and represents management’s best estimate of principal pay downs inherent in the total investment portfolio.

The cumulative net of tax effect of the change in market value of the available-for-sale investment portfolio as of December 31, 2016 was an unrealized loss of $516,000 and is reflected in the Company’s equity.  At December 31, 2016, the average life of the investment portfolio was 6.18 years and the market value reflected a pre-tax unrealized loss of $891,000.  Management reviews market value declines on individual investment securities to determine whether they represent other-than-temporary impairment (OTTI). For the year ended December 31, 2016, OTTI was recorded in the amount of $136,000. For the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, no OTTI was recorded.   Future deterioration in the market values of our investment securities may require the Company to recognize additional OTTI losses.

A component of the Company’s strategic plan has been to use its investment portfolio to offset, in part, its interest rate risk relating to variable rate loans.  Measured at December 31, 2016, an immediate rate increase of 200 basis points would result in an estimated decrease in the market value of the investment portfolio by approximately $(43,123,000).  Conversely, with an immediate rate decrease of 200 basis points, the estimated increase in the market value of the investment portfolio would be $40,501,000.  The modeling environment assumes management would take no action during an immediate shock of 200 basis points.  However, the Company uses those increments to measure its interest rate risk in accordance with regulatory requirements and to measure the possible future risk in the investment portfolio.  For further discussion of the Company’s market risk, refer to Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk.

Management’s review of all investments before purchase includes an analysis of how the security will perform under several interest rate scenarios to monitor whether investments are consistent with our investment policy.  The policy addresses issues of average life, duration, and concentration guidelines, prohibited investments, impairment, and prohibited practices.

Total interest income in 2016increased $4,854,000 to $46,676,000 compared to $41,822,000 in 2015 and $41,039,000 in 2014.  The increase was the result of yield changes, asset mix changes, and an increase in average earning assets, partially offset by an increase in interest-bearing liabilities.  The tax equivalent yield on interest earning assets increased to 4.18% for the year ended December 31, 2016 from 4.10% for the year ended December 31, 2015.  Average interest earning assets increased to $1,210,082,000 for the year ended December 31, 2016 compared to $1,112,758,000 for the year ended December 31, 2015.  Average interest-earning deposits in other banks decreased $11,449,000 comparing 2016 to 2015.  Average yield on these deposits was 0.54% compared to 0.32% on December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 respectively.  Average investments and interest-earning deposits increased $31,814,000 but the tax equivalent yield on those assets increased 9 basis points.  Average total loans increased $59,811,000 and the yield on average loans increased 2 basis points.

The increase in total interest income total for 2015 was the result of yield changes, asset mix changes, and an increase in average earning assets, partially offset by an increase in interest-bearing liabilities. The yield on interest-earning assets increased to 4.10% for the year ended December 31, 2015 from 4.22% for the year ended December 31, 2014.  Average interest-earning assets increased to $1,112,758,000 for the year ended December 31, 2015 compared to $1,052,097,000 for the year ended December 31, 2014. 

Interest expense on deposits in 2016increased $27,000 or 2.85% to $975,000 compared to $948,000 in 2015 and $1,060,000 in 2014.  The increase in interest expense in 2016 compared to 2015 was a result of the deposits acquired in the fourth quarter acquisition of Sierra Vista Bank. The yield on interest-bearing deposits decreased 1 basis points to 0.13% in 2016 from 0.14% in 2015.  The decrease in interest expense in 2015 compared to 2014 was due to repricing of interest-bearing deposits, which decreased 2 basis points to 0.14% in 2015 from 0.16% in 2014.  Average interest-bearing deposits were $727,080,000 for 2016 compared to $677,867,000 and $657,738,000 for 2015 and 2014, respectively.  The increases in average interest-bearing deposits in 2016 and 2015 was the result of organic growth and the SVB acquisition in 2016.

Average other borrowings were $5,157,000 with an effective rate of 2.35% for 2016 compared to $5,156,000 with an effective rate of 1.89% for 2015.  In 2014, the average other borrowings were $5,155,000 with an effective rate of 1.83%.  Included in other borrowings are the junior subordinated deferrable interest debentures acquired from Service 1st, advances on lines of credit, advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB), and overnight borrowings.  The debentures were acquired in the merger with Service 1st and carry a floating rate based on the three month LIBOR plus a margin of 1.60%. The rate was 2.48% for 2016, 1.92% for 2015, and 1.83% for 2014.

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The cost of all interest-bearing liabilities remained unchanged at 0.15% basis points for 2016 and 2015 compared to 0.17% for 2014.  The cost of total deposits remained unchanged at 0.09% for the year ended December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 compared to 0.11% for the year ended 2014.  Average demand deposits increased 7.53% to $417,151,000 in 2016 compared to $387,931,000 for 2015 and $348,822,000 for 2014. The ratio of non-interest demand deposits to total deposits increased to 36.46% for 2016 compared to 36.40% and 34.65% for 2015 and 2014, respectively.

Net Interest Income before Provision for Credit Losses

Net interest income before provision for credit losses for 2016increased $4,805,000 or 11.78% to $45,580,000 compared to $40,775,000 for 2015 and $39,883,000 for 2014.  The increase in 2016 was due to the increase in average earning assets while the yield on interest bearing liabilities remained unchanged. Our net interest margin (NIM) increased 8 basis points. Yield on interest earning assets increased 8 basis points. The change in the mix of average interest earning assets also affected NIM.  Interest-earning deposits in other banks and investment securities, which tend to have lower effective yields, increased reflective of the Federal Reserve rate increase.  Net interest income before provision for credit losses increased $892,000 in 2015 compared to 2014, mainly due to the increase in average earning assets and a 2 basis point decrease in the average interest rate on interest-bearing deposits, partially offset by the decrease in the average rate on earning assets. Average interest-earning assets were $1,210,082,000 for the year ended December 31, 2016 with a NIM of 4.09% compared to $1,112,758,000 with a NIM of 4.01% in 2015, and $1,052,097,000 with a NIM of 4.11% in 2014.  For a discussion of the repricing of our assets and liabilities, refer to Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure about Market Risk.

Provision for Credit Losses

We provide for probable incurred credit losses through a charge to operating income based upon the composition of the loan portfolio, delinquency levels, historical losses and nonperforming assets, economic and environmental conditions and other factors which, in management’s judgment, deserve recognition in estimating credit losses.  Loans are charged off when they are considered uncollectible or when continuance as an active earning bank asset is not warranted.

The establishment of an adequate credit allowance is based on both an accurate risk rating system and loan portfolio management tools.  The Board has established initial responsibility for the accuracy of credit risk grades with the individual credit officer.  The grading is then submitted to the Chief Credit Officer (CCO), who reviews the grades for accuracy and gives final approval.  The CCO is not involved in loan originations.  The risk grading and reserve allocation is analyzed quarterly by the Senior Risk Manager, CCO, Chief Financial Officer, and Board; and at least annually by a third party credit reviewer and by various regulatory agencies.

Quarterly, the Senior Risk Manager and the CCO set the specific reserve for all adversely risk-graded credits.  This process includes the utilization of loan delinquency reports, classified asset reports, collateral analysis, and portfolio concentration reports to assist in accurately assessing credit risk and establishing appropriate reserves.  Reserves are also allocated to credits that are not impaired based on inherent risk in those loans.

The allowance for credit losses is reviewed at least quarterly by the Board’s Audit/Compliance Committee and by the Board of Directors.  Reserves are allocated to loan portfolio categories using percentages which are based on both historical risk elements such as delinquencies and losses and predictive risk elements such as economic, competitive and environmental factors.  We have adopted the specific reserve approach to allocate reserves to each impaired credit for the purpose of estimating potential loss exposure.  Although the allowance for credit losses is allocated to various portfolio categories, it is general in nature and available for the loan portfolio in its entirety.  Changes in the allowance for credit losses may be required based on the results of independent loan portfolio examinations, regulatory agency examinations, or our own internal review process.  Additions are also required when, in management’s judgment, the allowance does not properly reflect the portfolio’s probable loss exposure. Management believes that all adjustments, if any, to the allowance for credit losses are supported by the timely and consistent application of methodologies and processes resulting in detailed documentation of the allowance of the allowance calculation and other portfolio trending analysis.

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The allocation of the allowance for credit losses is set forth below (in thousands):

Loan Type	December 31, 2016		December 31, 2015
Commercial:
Commercial and industrial	$	1,884	$	3,143
Agricultural land and production	296		419
Real estate:
Owner occupied	1,408		1,556
Real estate construction and other land loans	698		694
Commercial real estate	1,969		1,686
Agricultural real estate	1,969		1,149
Other real estate	156		119
Consumer:
Equity loans and lines of credit	483		500
Consumer and installment	369		234
Unallocated reserves	94		110
Total allowance for credit losses	$	9,326	$	9,610

Loans are charged to the allowance for credit losses when the loans are deemed uncollectible.  It is the policy of management to make additions to the allowance so that it remains adequate to cover all probable incurred credit losses that exist in the portfolio at that time. We assign qualitative and environmental factors (Q factors) to each loan category. Q factors include reserves held for the effects of lending policies, economic trends, and portfolio trends along with other dynamics which may cause additional stress to the portfolio.

Managing credits identified through the risk evaluation methodology includes developing a business strategy with the customer to mitigate our potential losses.  Management continues to monitor these credits with a view to identifying as early as possible when, and to what extent, additional provisions may be necessary. While the overall level of loans with an internal risk rating of substandard has increased by $17.7 million or 55.7% to $49.5 million at December 31, 2016 from $31.8 million at December 31, 2015, the classification of those loans has migrated from Agricultural land and production to Agricultural real estate. Management believes that the additional collateral obtained related to these classified assets provides the Company with a reduced risk of loss if a default event was to occur. The increase in substandard loans related to acquired SVB loans was $4.0 million at December 31, 2016. In addition, the level of commercial and industrial loans graded special mention or worse have substantially declined from $24.4 million at December 31, 2015 to $13.4 million at December 31, 2016. However, as of December 31, 2016, 2016, $12.5 million of the $13.4 million are graded substandard as compared to the $1.8 million of the $24.4 million as of December 31, 2015. Management believes that the level of allowance for loan losses allocated to Commercial and Real estate loans has been adjusted accordingly.

During the year ended December 31, 2016, the company recorded a reverse provision for credit losses of $5,850,000 compared to a provision of $600,000 and $7,985,000 for the same periods in 2015 and 2014, respectively. The reversal from the allowance for credit losses is primarily the result of $5,566,000 in net loan loss recoveries and our assessment of the overall adequacy of the allowance for credit losses considering a number of factors as discussed in the "Allowance for Credit Losses" section.

During the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 the Company had net charge-offs (recoveries) totaling $(5,566,000), $(702,000), and $8,885,000 respectively. The net charge-off (recovery) ratio, which reflects net charge-offs (recoveries) to average loans, was (0.86)%, (0.12)% and 1.65% for 2016, 2015, and 2014, respectively.

Nonperforming loans were $2,180,000 and $2,413,000 at December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively.  Nonperforming loans as a percentage of total loans were 0.29% at December 31, 2016 compared to 0.40% at December 31, 2015.  The Company had no other real estate owned at December 31, 2016, December 31, 2015, and December 31, 2014. The carrying value of foreclosed assets was $362,000 at December 31, 2016, and is included in other assets on the consolidated balance sheets. No foreclosed assets were recorded at December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014.

We had no loans past due, not including nonaccrual loans at December 31, 2016 compared to $136,000 at December 31, 2015.  Excluding 2014, the Company has seen a decline in the amount of non-performing loans to an amount more in line with historical levels before the recession triggered by the financial crisis of 2008.

Notwithstanding improvements in the economy, we anticipate weakness in economic conditions on national, state and local levels to continue. Continued economic pressures may negatively impact the financial condition of borrowers to whom the Company has extended credit and as a result we may be required to make further significant provisions to the allowance for credit losses in the future. Many farmers and ranchers have instituted improved farming practices including planting less acreage, as part of the mitigation for the cost of water delivery and the expense of pumping. We continue to closely monitor the

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water and the related issues affecting our customers. We have been and will continue to be proactive in looking for signs of deterioration within the loan portfolio in an effort to manage credit quality and work with borrowers where possible to mitigate any further losses. As of December 31, 2016, there were $49.5 million in classified loans of which $27.1 million related to agricultural real estate, $12.5 million to commercial and industrial loans, $3.8 million to real estate owner occupied, $1.4 million to real estate construction, and $2.7 million to commercial real estate. This compares to $31.8 million in classified loans as of December 31, 2015 of which $8.5 million related to agricultural real estate, $3.1 million to real estate construction, $1.8 million to commercial and industrial, $10.1 million to agricultural production, and $4.7 million to commercial real estate. The reduction in classified agricultural production loans relates to the refinance of a single loan which is now secured by agricultural real estate. The increase in classified agricultural real estate relates primarily to this single borrower with multiple loans totaling approximately $20.0 million which continues to perform under the terms of the loan agreements, while management has observed and continues to monitor some indications of deterioration in the borrower’s overall financial condition. These changes in classified loans contributed to the shift in the amount of allowance for credit losses allocated between commercial loans and real estate loans.

As of December 31, 2016, we believe, based on all current and available information, the allowance for credit losses is adequate to absorb probable incurred losses within the loan portfolio; however, no assurance can be given that we may not sustain charge-offs which are in excess of the allowance in any given period.  Refer to “Allowance for Credit Losses” below for further information.

Net Interest Income after Provision for Credit Losses

Net interest income, after the provision for credit losses was $51,430,000 for 2016 compared to $40,175,000 and $31,898,000 for 2015 and 2014, respectively.

Non-Interest Income

Non-interest income is comprised of customer service charges, gains on sales and calls of investment securities, income from appreciation in cash surrender value of bank owned life insurance, loan placement fees, Federal Home Loan Bank dividends, and other income.  Non-interest income was $9,591,000 in 2016 compared to $9,387,000 and $8,164,000 in 2015 and 2014, respectively. The $204,000 or 2.17% increase in non-interest income in 2016 was due to increases in net realized gains on sales and calls of investment securities, loan placement fees, Federal Home Loan Bank dividends, and interchange fees compared to 2015, partially offset by a decrease in service charge income, appreciation in cash surrender value of bank owned life insurance, gain on other real estate owned, and other income. The $1,223,000 or 14.98% increases in non-interest income in 2015 compared to 2014 was due to increases in net realized gains on sales and calls of investment securities, loan placement fees, Federal Home Loan Bank dividends, and other income, partially offset by a decrease in service charge income, interchange fees, and appreciation in cash surrender value of bank owned life insurance.

Customer service charges decreased $48,000 to $3,022,000 in 2016 compared to $3,070,000 in 2015 and $3,280,000 in 2014.  The decrease in 2016 from 2015 and in 2015 from 2014 was the result of lower NSF fees and lower analyzed service charge fee income.

During the year ended December 31, 2016, we realized net gains on sales and calls of investment securities of $1,920,000. In 2016, we recorded an other-than-temporary impairment loss of $136,000 as compared to none during the year ended December 31, 2015, and 2014. In 2015, we realized a net gain of $1,495,000 compared to a net gain of $904,000 in 2014 from sales and calls of investment securities. The net gains in 2016, 2015, and 2014 were the results of partial restructuring of the investment portfolio designed to improve the future performance of the portfolio.  See Footnote 4 to the audited Consolidated Financial Statements for more detail.

Income from the appreciation in cash surrender value of bank owned life insurance (BOLI) totaled $558,000 in 2016 compared to $596,000 and $614,000 in 2015 and 2014, respectively.  The Bank’s salary continuation and deferred compensation plans and the related BOLI are used as a retention tool for directors and key executives of the Bank.

Interchange fees totaled $1,228,000 in 2016 compared to $1,197,000 and $1,205,000 in 2015 and 2014, respectively. Part of the increases in 2016 was attributable to the SVB acquisition.

We earn loan placement fees from the brokerage of single-family residential mortgage loans provided for the convenience of our customers.  Loan placement fees increased $41,000 in 2016 to $1,083,000 compared to $1,042,000 in 2015 and $544,000 in 2014.  Fees were higher in 2016 compared to 2015 and 2014. Refinancing and new mortgage activity increased in 2016 and in 2015. In competing for mortgage loans in our market, we continue to see the historically low mortgage rates and first time home buyer tax incentives driving business in the mortgage market.

The Bank holds stock from the Federal Home Loan Bank in relationship with its borrowing capacity and generally receives quarterly dividends.  As of December 31, 2016, we held $5,594,000 in FHLB stock compared to $4,823,000 at December 31, 2015.  Dividends in 2016 increased to $630,000 compared to $580,000 in 2015 and $327,000 in 2014.

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Other income decreased to $1,286,000 in 2016 compared to $1,407,000 and $1,290,000 in 2015 and 2014, respectively. The period-to-period decrease in 2016 compared to 2015 was primarily due to the decrease in realized tax-free gain of $190,000 compared to $345,000 related to the collection of life insurance proceeds which is included in other income.

Non-Interest Expenses

Salaries and employee benefits, occupancy and equipment, regulatory assessments, acquisition and integration-related expenses, data processing expenses, ATM/Debit card expenses, license and maintenance contract expenses, and professional services (consisting of audit, accounting, consulting and legal fees) are the major categories of non-interest expenses.  Non-interest expenses increased $2,906,000 or 8.07% to $38,922,000 in 2016 compared to $36,016,000 in 2015, and $35,338,000 in 2014. The net increase period-over-period is primarily due to the SVB acquisition and integration expenses of $1,782,000 and various items discussed below.

Our efficiency ratio, measured as the percentage of non-interest expenses (exclusive of amortization of core deposit intangibles, other real estate owned, and repossessed asset expenses) to net interest income before provision for credit losses plus non-interest income (exclusive of realized gains or losses on sale and calls of investments) was 68.45% for 2016 compared to 69.22% for 2015 and 69.33% for 2014. The improvement in the efficiency ratio in 2016 and 2015 is due to the growth in revenues outpacing the growth in non-interest expense.

Salaries and employee benefits increased $1,045,000 or 5.02% to $21,881,000 in 2016 compared to $20,836,000 in 2015 and $19,721,000 in 2014.  Full time equivalents were 277 for the year ended December 31, 2016 compared to 273 for the year ended December 31, 2015. The increase in salaries and employee benefits in 2016 compared to 2015 is a result of higher overall salary and benefit expenses; however, direct loan origination costs including salaries and employee benefits, which are capitalized and expensed as an adjustment to interest and fees on loans increased during 2016 compared to 2015. The SVB acquisition attributed to approximately $426,000 of the increase in 2016.

For the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014, the compensation cost recognized for share based compensation was $284,000, $238,000 and $173,000, respectively. As of December 31, 2016, there was $1,067,000 of total unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested share-based compensation arrangements granted under all plans.  The cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 3.70 years.  See Notes 1and 15 to the audited Consolidated Financial Statements for more detail. No options to purchase shares of the Company’s common stock were issued during the years ending December 31, 2016 and 2015. Restricted stock awards of 54,650 shares and 9,268 shares were awarded in 2016 and 2015, respectively.

Occupancy and equipment expense increased $85,000 or 1.82% to $4,754,000 in 2016 compared to $4,669,000 in 2015 and $4,835,000 in 2014. The addition of three new branches from the SVB acquisition resulted in approximately $68,000 increase in rent expense. The decrease in 2015 was the result of the closure of an ATM location in Visalia. The Company made no changes in depreciation expense methodology.

Regulatory assessments decreased $417,000 or 39.38% to $642,000 in 2016 compared to $1,059,000 and $762,000 in 2015 and 2014, respectively.  The assessment base for calculating the amount owed is average assets minus average tangible equity. Beginning in the third quarter of 2016, the FDIC approved a final rule revising DIF assessment formulas which resulted in lower assessments for the Company. The higher assessment rate in 2015 was a result of changes in credit quality ratios used in determining the assessment rate along with higher average assets.

Data processing expenses were $1,707,000 in 2016 compared to $1,139,000 in 2015 and $1,820,000 in 2014.  The $568,000 or 49.87%increase in 2016 primarily resulted from transitioning to a new provider for data transmission. Acquisition and integration expenses related to the SVB merger were $1,782,000 in 2016 compared to none in 2015. Professional services decreased $246,000 in 2016 compared to 2015.

Amortization of core deposit intangibles was $149,000 for 2016, $320,000 for 2015, and $337,000 for 2014. During 2016, amortization expense related to SVB core deposit intangible (CDI) was $12,000, and amortization expense related to VCB CDI was $137,000. During 2015, amortization expense related to Service 1st Bank CDI was $183,000, and amortization expense related to VCB CDI was $137,000. During 2014, amortization expense related to Service 1st Bank CDI was $200,000, and amortization expense related to VCB CDI was $137,000.

ATM/Debit card expenses increased $85,000 to $633,000 for the year ended December 31, 2016 compared to $548,000 in 2015 and $624,000 in 2014.  License and maintenance contracts increased $11,000 to $531,000 for the year ended December 31, 2016 compared to $520,000 and $488,000 in 2015 and 2014, respectively.  Other non-interest expenses decreased $136,000 or 3.71% to $3,801,000 in 2016 compared to $3,665,000 in 2015 and $3,965,000 in 2014.

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The following table describes significant components of other non-interest expense as a percentage of average assets.

For the years ended December 31, (Dollars in thousands)	Other Expense 2016		% Average Assets		Other Expense 2015		% Average Assets		Other Expense 2014		% Average Assets
Stationery/supplies	$	247	0.02	%	$	269	0.02	%	$	266	0.02	%
Amortization of software	257		0.02	%	240		0.02	%	224		0.02	%
Director fees and related expenses	333		0.03	%	306		0.03	%	262		0.02	%
Telephone	357		0.03	%	292		0.02	%	230		0.02	%
Postage	200		0.02	%	212		0.02	%	238		0.02	%
Armored courier fees	227		0.02	%	218		0.02	%	221		0.01	%
Risk management expense	150		0.01	%	163		0.01	%	207		0.01	%
Loss on sale or write-down of assets	4		—	%	6		—	%	201		—	%
Donations	171		0.01	%	185		0.02	%	179		0.01	%
Personnel other	161		0.01	%	173		0.01	%	154		0.01	%
Credit card expense	196		0.01	%	124		0.01	%	95		0.01	%
Education/training	154		0.01	%	148		0.01	%	135		0.01	%
General insurance	159		0.01	%	150		0.01	%	141		0.01	%
Appraisal fees	86		0.01	%	66		0.01	%	130		0.01	%
Operating losses	175		0.01	%	56		—	%	53		0.01	%
Other	924		0.07	%	1,057		0.09	%	1,229		0.14	%
Total other non-interest expense	$	3,801	0.29	%	$	3,665	0.30	%	$	3,965	0.32	%

Provision for Income Taxes

Our effective income tax rate was 31.3% for 2016 compared to 19.1% for 2015 and (12.0)% for 2014.  The Company reported an income tax provision (benefit) of $6,917,000, $2,582,000, and $(570,000) for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014, respectively.  The effective tax rate in 2016 was affected by the large negative provision for credit losses which resulted in higher pretax and taxable income and also diluted the impact of the Company’s tax exempt municipal bonds and other tax planning strategies. In addition, changes in the Company’s effective tax rate, other than changes in the level of income before taxes, were due in part to changes in tax law which limited the use of various tax credits and incentives beginning in 2014.

FINANCIAL CONDITION

Summary of Changes in Consolidated Balance Sheets