Credit Quality Indicators. We utilize a ten-point risk rating system and assign a risk rating for all credit exposures. The risk rating system is designed to define the basic characteristics and identify risk elements of each credit extension.

Credits risk rated 1 through 7 are considered to be “pass” credits. Pass credits can be assets where there is virtually no credit risk, such as cash secured loans with funds on deposit with the Bank. Pass credits also include credits that are on our watch and special mention lists, where the borrower exhibits potential weaknesses, which may, if not checked or corrected, negatively affect the borrower's financial capacity and threaten their ability to fulfill debt obligations in the future. A seasoned loan with a Debt Service Coverage Ratio ("DSCR") of greater than 1.00 is the minimum acceptable level for a " Pass Credit". Particular attention is paid to the coverage trend analysis as any loan with a declining DSCR trend may warrant a higher risk grade even if the current coverage is at or above the 1.00 threshold.

Credits classified as Watch are risk rated 6 and possess weaknesses that deserve management's close attention. These assets do not expose the Bank to sufficient risk to warrant adverse classification in the substandard, doubtful or loss categories. We use this rating when a material documentation deficiency exists but correction is anticipated within an acceptable time frame.

A loan classified as Watch may have the following characteristics:


•	Acceptable asset quality, but requiring increased monitoring. Strained liquidity and less than anticipated performance. The loan may be fully leveraged.


•	Apparent management weakness, perhaps demonstrated by an irregular flow of adequate and/or timely performance information required to support the credit.


•	The borrower has a plausible plan to correct problem(s) in the near future that is devoid of material uncertainties.


•	Lacks reserve capacity, so the risk rating will improve or decline in relatively short time (results of corrective actions should be apparent within six months or less).

Credits classified as Special Mention are risk rated 7. These credits have potential weaknesses that deserve management's close attention. If left uncorrected, these potential weaknesses may result in deterioration of the repayment prospects for the asset. Special Mention assets are not adversely classified and do not expose the Bank to sufficient risk to warrant adverse classification.

A loan classified as Special Mention may have the following characteristics:


•	Performance is poor or significantly less than expected. A debt service deficiency either exists or cannot be ruled out.

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Generally an undesirable business credit. Assets in this category are protected, but are potentially weak. These assets constitute an undue and unwarranted credit risk, but not to the point of justifying a classification of Substandard. Special Mention assets have potential weaknesses which may, if not checked or corrected, weaken the asset or inadequately protect the Bank's credit position at some future date.


•	Assets which might be detailed in this category include credits that the lending officer may be unable to supervise properly because of lack of expertise, an inadequate loan agreement, the condition of and control over collateral, failure to obtain proper documentation, or any other deviations from prudent lending practices.


•	An adverse trend in the borrower's operations or an imbalanced position in the balance sheet which does not jeopardize liquidation may best be handled by this classification.


•	A Special Mention classification should not be used as a compromise between a pass and substandard rating. Assets in which actual, not potential, weaknesses are evident and significant, and should be considered for more serious criticism.

A loan classified as Substandard is risk rated 8. They are characterized by the distinct possibility that the Bank will sustain some loss if the deficiencies are not corrected. An asset is considered Substandard if it is inadequately protected by the current net worth and payment capacity of the borrower or of any collateral pledged.

A loan classified as Substandard may have the following characteristics:


•	Unacceptable business credit. The asset is inadequately protected by the current sound worth and paying capacity of the borrower or of the collateral pledged, if any. Assets so classified must have a well defined weakness or weaknesses that jeopardize the liquidation of the debt.


•	Though no loss is envisioned, the outlook is sufficiently uncertain to preclude ruling out the possibility. Some liquidation of assets will likely be necessary as a corrective measure.


•	Assets in this category may demonstrate performance problems such as debt servicing deficiencies with no immediate relief, including having a DSCR of less than 1.00. Borrowers have an inability to adjust to prolonged and unfavorable industry or economic trends. Management's character and/or effectiveness have become suspect.

A loan classified as Doubtful is risk rated 9 and has all the inherent weaknesses as those classified Substandard with the added characteristic that the weaknesses make collection or liquidation in full, on the basis of currently existing facts, conditions, and values highly questionable is improbable.

A loan classified as Doubtful is risk rated 9 and has the following characteristics:


•	The possibility of loss is extremely high, but because of certain important and reasonable specific pending factors which may work to the advantage and strengthening of the asset, its classification as an estimated loss is deferred until its more exact status may be determined.


•	Pending factors include proposed merger, acquisition, or liquidation procedures, capital injection, perfecting liens on additional collateral and refinancing plans.

A loan risk rated 10 is a loan for which a total loss is expected.

A loan classified as a Loss has the following characteristics:


•	An uncollectible asset or one of such little value that it does not warrant classification as an active, earning asset. Such an asset may, however, have recovery or salvageable value, but not to the point of deferring full write off, even though some recovery may occur in the future.


•	The Bank will charge off such assets as a loss during the accounting period in which they were identified.


•	Loan to be eliminated from the active loan reporting system via charge off.