10-Q 1 fcbp-063019x10xq.htm 10-Q Document
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
 
FORM 10-Q

[X] QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended June 30, 2019
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 001-38476
fcblogoa07.gif
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)
     
California
 
 
 
82-2711227
(State or Other Jurisdiction of
 
 
 
(I.R.S. Employer
Incorporation or Organization)
 
 
 
Identification Number)
 
 
 
 
 
17785 Center Court Drive N, Suite 750
Cerritos, CA
 
 
 
90703
(Address of principal executive offices)
 
 
 
(Zip Code)

562-345-9092
(Registrants telephone number, including area code)
  
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 ☐ No
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation 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 ☐ No

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 [  ]
Accelerated Filer: [X]
Non-accelerated Filer: [ ]
Smaller Reporting Company: [X]
 
Emerging growth company [X]

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. x

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

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

Title of each class
Trading Symbol(s)

Name of each exchange on which registered
Common Shares, no par value
FCBP
 Nasdaq Capital Market




There were 11,739,200 shares of common stock outstanding as of August 1, 2019.


FIRST CHOICE BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARY
FORM 10-Q
June 30, 2019


TABLE OF CONTENTS


    

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 



First Choice Bancorp and Subsidiary
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets 
(unaudited)


PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements
 
June 30, 2019 (unaudited)
 
December 31, 2018
ASSETS
(dollars in thousands, except share data)
Cash and due from banks
$
9,340

 
$
17,874

Interest-bearing deposits at other banks
228,263

 
176,502

Federal funds sold

 
3,000

Total cash and cash equivalents
237,603

 
197,376

Securities available-for-sale, at fair value
28,558

 
29,543

Securities held-to-maturity, at cost
5,076

 
5,322

Equity securities, at fair value
2,647

 
2,538

Restricted stock investments, at cost
12,927

 
12,855

Loans held for sale, at lower of cost or fair value
8,428

 
28,022

Loans held for investment
1,336,015

 
1,250,981

Allowance for loan losses
(12,053
)
 
(11,056
)
Loans held for investment, net
1,323,962

 
1,239,925

Accrued interest receivable
5,643

 
5,069

Premises and equipment
1,742

 
1,973

Servicing asset
3,482

 
3,186

Deferred taxes, net
6,625

 
8,666

Goodwill
73,425

 
73,425

Core deposit intangible
6,183

 
6,576

Other assets
14,132

 
8,025

TOTAL ASSETS
$
1,730,433


$
1,622,501

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
 
 
 
Deposits:
 
 
 
Noninterest-bearing demand
$
547,434

 
$
546,713

Money market, interest checking and savings
400,943

 
465,123

Time deposits
307,501

 
240,503

Total deposits
1,255,878

 
1,252,339

Borrowings
195,000

 
104,998

Senior secured notes
12,800

 
8,450

Accrued interest payable and other liabilities
12,634

 
8,645

Total liabilities
1,476,312

 
1,374,432

Commitments and contingencies - Note 11


 


Shareholders’ equity:
 
 
 
Preferred stock 100,000,000 shares authorized, none outstanding

 

Common stock no par value; 100,000,000 shares authorized; issued and outstanding: 11,737,441 at June 30, 2019 and 11,726,074 at December 31, 2018
218,532

 
217,514

Additional paid-in capital
2,588

 
7,269

Retained earnings
33,086

 
23,985

Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net
(85
)
 
(699
)
Total shareholders’ equity
254,121


248,069

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
$
1,730,433


$
1,622,501

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

4

First Choice Bancorp and Subsidiary
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income
(unaudited)

 
Three Months Ended
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
June 30,
2019
 
March 31, 2019
 
June 30,
2018
 
2019
 
2018
 
(dollars in thousands, except share and per share data)
INTEREST and DIVIDEND INCOME
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest and fees on loans
$
21,344

 
$
20,916

 
$
12,320

 
$
42,260

 
$
22,941

Interest on investment securities
215

 
236

 
233

 
451

 
472

Interest on deposits in other financial institutions
454

 
445

 
294

 
899

 
554

Dividends on FHLB and other stock
206

 
242

 
68

 
448

 
137

Total interest and dividend income
22,219

 
21,839

 
12,915

 
44,058

 
24,104

INTEREST EXPENSE
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest on savings, interest checking and money market accounts
1,254

 
1,239

 
969

 
2,493

 
1,788

Interest on time deposits
1,463

 
1,005

 
919

 
2,468

 
1,535

Interest on borrowings
666

 
403

 
208

 
1,069

 
410

Total interest expense
3,383

 
2,647

 
2,096

 
6,030

 
3,733

Net interest income
18,836

 
19,192

 
10,819

 
38,028

 
20,371

Provision for loan losses
550

 
350

 
320

 
900

 
520

Net interest income after provision for loan losses
18,286

 
18,842

 
10,499

 
37,128

 
19,851

NONINTEREST INCOME
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Gain on sale of loans
1,271

 
928

 
448

 
2,199

 
695

Service charges and fees on deposit accounts
564

 
540

 
208

 
1,104

 
423

Net servicing fees
287

 
234

 
126

 
521

 
279

Other income (loss)
200

 
420

 
5

 
620

 
(41
)
Total noninterest income
2,322

 
2,122

 
787

 
4,444

 
1,356

NONINTEREST EXPENSE
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Salaries and employee benefits
6,857

 
6,223

 
3,482

 
13,080

 
7,502

Occupancy and equipment
987

 
1,429

 
575

 
2,416

 
1,101

Data processing
639

 
604

 
448

 
1,243

 
869

Professional fees
426

 
419

 
378

 
845

 
682

Office, postage and telecommunications
255

 
272


193

 
527

 
385

Deposit insurance and regulatory assessments
120

 
195


86

 
315

 
197

Loan related
71

 
214


101

 
285

 
185

Customer service related
273

 
477


101

 
750

 
241

Merger, integration and public company registration costs

 


356

 

 
730

Amortization of core deposit intangible
197

 
196

 

 
393

 

Other expenses
780

 
671


605

 
1,451

 
1,116

Total noninterest expense
10,605

 
10,700


6,325

 
21,305

 
13,008

Income before taxes
10,003

 
10,264


4,961

 
20,267

 
8,199

Income taxes
3,192

 
3,256


1,526

 
6,448

 
2,385

Net income
$
6,811


$
7,008


$
3,435

 
$
13,819

 
$
5,814

Net income per share:
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
Basic
$
0.58

 
$
0.60


$
0.47

 
$
1.18

 
$
0.80

Diluted
$
0.58

 
$
0.59


$
0.47

 
$
1.17

 
$
0.80

Weighted-average common shares outstanding:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
11,581,889

 
11,654,450

 
7,172,020

 
11,616,223

 
7,166,509

Diluted
11,675,057

 
11,813,018

 
7,214,473

 
11,741,910

 
7,207,295



See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

5

First Choice Bancorp and Subsidiary
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
(unaudited)


 
 
Three Months Ended
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
 
June 30,
2019
 
March 31,
2019
 
June 30,
2018
 
2019
 
2018
 
 
(dollars in thousands)
Net income
 
$
6,811

 
$
7,008

 
$
3,435

 
$
13,819

 
$
5,814

Other comprehensive income (loss):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Unrealized gain (loss) on investment securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Change in net unrealized gain (loss) on available-for-sale securities
 
534

 
339

 
(102
)
 
872

 
(525
)
Related income taxes:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Change in net unrealized gain (loss) on available-for-sale securities
 
(159
)
 
(100
)
 
30

 
(258
)
 
155

Total other comprehensive income (loss)
 
375

 
239

 
(72
)
 
614

 
(370
)
Total comprehensive net income
 
$
7,186

 
$
7,247

 
$
3,363

 
$
14,433

 
$
5,444





See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.




6

First Choice Bancorp and Subsidiary
Condensed Consolidated Statement of Shareholders’ Equity
(unaudited)

 
Common Stock
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Number
of
Shares
 
Amount
 
Additional
Paid-in
Capital
 
Retained
Earnings
 
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
 
Total
 
(in thousands, except share and per share data)
Three Months Ended June 30, 2019
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance at March 31, 2019
11,650,020

 
$
216,265

 
$
3,713

 
$
28,617

 
$
(460
)
 
$
248,135

Net income

 

 


6,811



 
6,811

Stock-based compensation

 

 
564


3



 
567

Cash dividends ($0.20 per share)

 

 


(2,345
)


 
(2,345
)
Exercise of stock options
85,271

 
2,400

 
(1,547
)




 
853

Issuance of restricted shares, net of forfeiture
15,101

 

 

 

 

 

Vesting of restricted shares

 
139

 
(139
)




 

Repurchase of shares from restricted shares vesting
(127
)
 

 
(3
)




 
(3
)
Common stock repurchased under stock repurchase program
(12,824
)
 
(272
)
 





 
(272
)
Other comprehensive income, net of taxes

 

 




375

 
375

Balance at June 30, 2019
11,737,441

 
$
218,532

 
$
2,588

 
$
33,086

 
$
(85
)
 
$
254,121

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Three Months Ended June 30, 2018
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance at March 31, 2018
7,251,584

 
$
88,442

 
$
1,492


$
17,363


$
(816
)
 
$
106,481

Net income

 

 

 
3,435

 

 
3,435

Stock-based compensation

 

 
430

 
3

 

 
433

Cash dividends ($0.20 per share)

 

 

 
(1,452
)
 

 
(1,452
)
Issuance of restricted shares, net of forfeiture
2,366

 

 

 

 

 

Vesting of restricted shares

 
773

 
(773
)
 

 

 

Repurchase of shares from restricted shares vesting
(163
)
 

 
(6
)
 

 

 
(6
)
Other comprehensive loss, net of taxes

 

 

 

 
(72
)
 
(72
)
Balance at June 30, 2018
7,253,787

 
$
89,215

 
$
1,143

 
$
19,349

 
$
(888
)
 
$
108,819

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 





See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

7

First Choice Bancorp and Subsidiary
Condensed Consolidated Statement of Shareholders’ Equity
(unaudited)


 
Common Stock
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Number
of
Shares
 
Amount
 
Additional
Paid-in
Capital
 
Retained
Earnings
 
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
 
Total
 
(in thousands, except share and per share data)
Six Months Ended June 30, 2019
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance at December 31, 2018
11,726,074

 
$
217,514

 
$
7,269

 
$
23,985

 
$
(699
)
 
$
248,069

Net income

 

 

 
13,819

 

 
13,819

Stock-based compensation

 

 
966

 
3

 

 
969

Cash dividends ($0.40 per share)

 

 

 
(4,721
)
 

 
(4,721
)
Exercise of stock options
241,737

 
6,811

 
(4,252
)
 
 
 
 
 
2,559

Issuance of restricted shares, net of forfeiture
103,408

 

 

 

 

 

Vesting of restricted shares

 
1,287

 
(1,287
)
 

 

 

Repurchase of shares from restricted shares vesting
(5,008
)
 

 
(108
)
 

 

 
(108
)
Common stock repurchased under stock repurchase program
(328,770
)
 
(7,080
)
 

 

 

 
(7,080
)
Other comprehensive income, net of taxes

 

 

 

 
614

 
614

Balance at June 30, 2019
11,737,441

 
$
218,532

 
$
2,588

 
$
33,086

 
$
(85
)
 
$
254,121

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Six Months Ended June 30, 2018
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance at December 31, 2017
7,260,119

 
$
87,837

 
$
1,940

 
$
16,459

 
$
(542
)
 
$
105,694

Cumulative effect of changes in accounting principles (1)

 

 

 
(24
)
 
24

 

Net income

 

 

 
5,814

 

 
5,814

Stock-based compensation

 

 
888

 
3

 

 
891

Cash dividends ($0.40 per share)

 

 

 
(2,903
)
 

 
(2,903
)
Issuance of restricted shares, net of forfeiture
6,087

 

 

 

 

 

Vesting of restricted shares

 
1,378

 
(1,378
)
 

 

 

Repurchase of shares from restricted shares vesting
(12,419
)
 

 
(307
)
 

 

 
(307
)
Other comprehensive loss, net of taxes

 

 

 

 
(370
)
 
(370
)
Balance at June 30, 2018
7,253,787

 
$
89,215

 
$
1,143

 
$
19,349

 
$
(888
)
 
$
108,819

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1) Impact due to adoption on January 1, 2018 of ASU 2016-01, "Financial Instruments - Overall (Subtopic 825-10): Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities"

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

8

First Choice Bancorp and Subsidiary
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(unaudited)

 
For the six months ended June 30,
 
2019
 
2018
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
(dollars in thousands)
Net income
$
13,819

 
$
5,814

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
 
 
 
Depreciation and amortization
812

 
201

Amortization of premiums of investment securities
84

 
109

Amortization of servicing asset
417

 
356

Provision for loan losses
900

 
520

Provision for losses - unfunded commitments

 
53

Gain on sale of loans
(2,199
)
 
(695
)
Loss on disposal of fixed assets
31

 
8

Impairment charges of fixed assets and right-of-use assets
400

 

Loans originated for sale
(19,839
)
 
(9,837
)
Proceeds from loans originated for sale
37,141

 
9,430

Accretion of net discounts and deferred loan fees, net
(2,528
)
 
(1,331
)
Change in fair value of equity securities
(74
)
 
117

Deferred income taxes
1,783

 
(78
)
Stock-based compensation
969

 
891

     Appreciation of Bank Owned Life Insurance
(53
)
 

Decrease in other items, net
(2,710
)
 
(702
)
Net cash provided by operating activities
28,953

 
4,856

INVESTING ACTIVITIES
 
 
 
Proceeds from maturities and paydown of securities available-for-sale
1,786

 
2,030

Proceeds from maturities and paydown of securities held-to-maturity
235

 
20

Purchases of loans held-for-investment

 
(813
)
Net increase in loans held-for-investment
(78,629
)
 
(40,222
)
Purchase of restricted stock investments
(72
)
 
(226
)
Purchase of equity investment
(185
)
 
(74
)
Proceeds from disposal of premises and equipment

 
6

Purchases of premises and equipment
(403
)
 
(423
)
Net cash used in investing activities
(77,268
)
 
(39,702
)
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
 
 
 
Net increase in deposits
3,540

 
12,278

Net increase in borrowings
90,002

 
40,000

Increase in senior secured notes
4,350

 
3,800

Cash dividends paid
(4,721
)
 
(2,903
)
Repurchase of shares
(7,188
)
 
(307
)
Proceeds from exercise of stock options
2,559

 

Net cash provided by financing activities
88,542

 
52,868

Increase in cash and cash equivalents
40,227


18,022

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period
197,376

 
103,132

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period
$
237,603


$
121,154

 
 
 
 
Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information:
 
 
 
Cash paid during the period for:
 
 
 
Interest paid
$
5,848

 
$
3,646

Taxes paid
$
5,461

 
$
1,823

Noncash investing and financing activities:
 
 
 
Transfers of loans to (from) held for investment from (to) held for sale
$
4,434

 
$
195

Servicing rights asset recognized
$
713

 
$
186

Transfer of securities available-for-sale to equity securities
$

 
$
2,540

Initial recognition of operating lease right-of-use assets
$
6,022

 
$

Initial recognition of operating lease liabilities
$
6,141

 
$


See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

9


First Choice Bancorp and Subsidiary
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(unaudited)
 
NOTE 1. BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
 
Nature of Operations
 
First Choice Bancorp, headquartered in Cerritos, California, is a California corporation that was incorporated on September 1, 2017 and is the registered bank holding company for First Choice Bank. Incorporated in March 2005 and commencing commercial bank operations in August 2005, First Choice Bank is a California-chartered member bank. References herein to “First Choice Bancorp,” “Bancorp” or the “holding company,” refer to First Choice Bancorp on a stand-alone basis. The words “we," "us," "our," or the "Company" refer to First Choice Bancorp and First Choice Bank collectively and on a consolidated basis. References to the “Bank” refer to First Choice Bank on a stand-alone basis.

Headquartered in Cerritos, California, the Bank is a community-based financial institution that serves primarily commercial and consumer clients in diverse communities and specializes in loans to small- to medium-sized businesses and private banking clients, commercial and industrial loans, and commercial real estate loans with a specialization in providing financial solutions for the hospitality industry. The Bank is a Preferred Small Business Administration (“SBA”) Lender. The Bank conducts business through 9 full-service branches, and 2 lending offices located in Los Angeles, Orange and San Diego Counties. Effective May 17, 2019, the Little Tokyo branch was closed and consolidated with the 6th and Figueroa branch located in downtown Los Angeles and the San Diego branch operations was consolidated into the Carlsbad branch. The San Diego location remains as a loan production office.
 
Effective July 31, 2018, we acquired Pacific Commerce Bancorp (“PCB”) and its wholly-owned subsidiary bank, Pacific Commerce Bank, by merger in an all-stock transaction. The acquisition has been accounted for using the acquisition method of accounting and, accordingly, the operating results of PCB have been included in the consolidated financial statements since August 1, 2018. Refer to Note 2 - Business Combination.

As a California-chartered member bank, the Bank is primarily regulated by the California Department of Business Oversight (the “DBO”) and the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (the “FRB”). The Bank’s deposits are insured up to the maximum legal limit by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (the “FDIC”).

First Choice Bancorp's stock is traded on the Nasdaq Capital Market under the ticker symbol “FCBP.”

Basis of Presentation
 
The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Bancorp and the Bank and have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by GAAP for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring adjustments considered necessary for a fair presentation, have been included. Operating results for the six months ended June 30, 2019 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2019. These interim period condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with our audited consolidated financial statements as of and for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, which are included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC").

All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

Certain reclassifications have been made to the condensed consolidated income statement for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018 to conform to the June 30, 2019 presentation. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2018, these reclassifications included i) $96 thousand and $192 thousand of stock-based compensation expense for stock options and restricted stock awards for directors that were previously reported in salaries and employee benefits expense and

10


are now included in other expenses; and ii) $7 thousand and $14 thousand of rental income that were previously reported in occupancy and equipment expense and are now included in other income. 

Use of Estimates in the Preparation of Consolidated Financial Statements

     The preparation of the condensed consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the condensed consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Material estimates that are particularly susceptible to significant change are the determination of the allowance for loan losses, the valuation of acquired loans, the valuation of goodwill and separately identifiable intangible assets associated with mergers and acquisitions, and the valuation of deferred tax assets.

Accounting Policies

Except for the update to reflect the impact of the adoption of ASU 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842) effective January 1, 2019, discussed below, there were no significant changes to our accounting policies from those disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018 under the section entitled "Summary of Critical Accounting Policies," and Note 1 - Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies to the audited consolidated financial statements included therewith.

Leases

We determine if an arrangement contains a lease at contract inception and recognize right-of-use ("ROU") assets and operating lease liabilities based on the present value of lease payments over the lease term. While our operating leases may include options to extend the term, we do not take into account the options in calculating the ROU asset and lease liability unless we are reasonably certain we will exercise such options. Most of our leases do not provide an implicit rate and, therefore, we determine the present value of lease payments by using our incremental borrowing rate, currently our FHLB secured borrowing rate for the remaining lease term, and other information available at lease commencement. Leases with an initial term of 12 months or less are not recorded in the consolidated balance sheets. Lease expense is recognized on a straight line basis over the lease term. We have lease agreements with lease and non-lease components for which we have elected to account for as a single lease component. Refer to – Accounting Standards Adopted in 2019 below and Note 7. Leases for further discussion on our leasing arrangements and related accounting.

 Accounting Standards Adopted in 2019

We adopted ASU 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842) and ASU 2018-11, Leases (Topic 842): Targeted Improvements, referred to herein as Topic 842, effective January 1, 2019. The new guidance establishes the principles to report transparent and economically neutral information about the assets and liabilities that arise from leases. Entities are required to recognize ROU assets and lease liabilities that arise from leases in the statement of financial position and to disclose qualitative and quantitative information about lease transactions, such as information about variable lease payments and options to renew and terminate leases. Under the amendments in ASU 2018-11, entities may elect not to recast the comparative periods presented when transitioning to the new leasing standard.

Upon adoption, we elected to use the modified retrospective transition approach and recorded ROU assets of $6.0 million and lease liabilities of $6.1 million at the date of adoption with no adjustment to opening equity. We elected to apply the package of practical expedients which permits entities to not reassess: (i) whether any expired or existing contracts contain a lease; (ii) lease classification for any expired or existing leases; and (iii) whether initial direct costs for any existing leases qualify for capitalization under the amended guidance. We also elected not to include short-term leases (leases with initial terms of twelve months or less) on the consolidated balance sheets.


11


Recent Accounting Guidance Not Yet Effective
   
In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments—Credit Losses (Topic 326) (“ASU 2016-13”), also known as "CECL". This guidance will replace the incurred loss impairment methodology used to estimate the allowance for credit losses in current GAAP with a methodology that reflects future expected credit losses and requires consideration of a broader range of reasonable and supportable forecasts in the credit loss estimates. On July 17, 2019, the FASB proposed a delay in the effective date of ASU 2016-13 for smaller reporting companies, private companies and other non-SEC filers. We are considered a smaller reporting company. If the FASB approves the delay, this ASU will be effective for the Company on January 1, 2023. If the proposed delay is not approved, we will adopt the guidance as currently established on January 1, 2020. Management continues to have a cross functional committee in place to oversee the project, has selected software to implement the new guidance and has engaged an existing third-party service provider to assist in implementation. We have completed a data gap analysis, are addressing additional data requirements, have developed initial modeling assumptions, and have run a high level sensitivity analysis. We expect to begin parallel calculations, testing, and further sensitivity analysis in the third quarter of 2019. We have not yet determined the potential impact to our condensed consolidated financial statements.

In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-13, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Disclosure Framework-Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement ("ASU 2018-13"). The primary objective of ASU 2018-13 is to improve the effectiveness of disclosures in the notes to financial statements. ASU 2018-13 will be effective on January 1, 2020, although early adoption is permitted. The adoption of ASU 2018-13 is not expected to significantly impact our condensed consolidated financial statements.

In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-15, Intangibles-Goodwill and Other-Internal-Use Software (Subtopic 350-40): Customer’s Accounting for Implementation Costs Incurred in a Cloud Computing Arrangement That Is a Service Contract (a consensus of the FASB Emerging Issues Task Force) ("ASU 2018-15").  ASU 2018-15 aligns the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred in a hosting arrangement that is a service contract with the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred to develop or obtain internal-use software (and hosting arrangements that include an internal use software license). ASU 2018-15 is effective on January 1, 2020, including interim periods within the years of adoption although early adoption is permitted. ASU 2018-15 is not expected to significantly impact our condensed consolidated financial statements.

NOTE 2.    BUSINESS COMBINATION

On February 23, 2018, we entered into an Agreement and Plan of Reorganization and Merger (the "merger agreement"). Under the terms of the merger agreement, and following the receipt of all necessary shareholder and regulatory approvals, PCB was merged with and into First Choice Bancorp and PCB’s bank subsidiary, Pacific Commerce Bank, was merged with and into our bank subsidiary, First Choice Bank (collectively, the “Merger”) on July 31, 2018. The Merger was an all stock transaction valued at approximately $133.3 million, or $13.69 per share, based on the closing price of our common stock of $28.70 at July 31, 2018.

At the effective time of the Merger, each share of PCB common stock was converted into the right to receive 0.47689 shares (referred to as the final exchange ratio) of our common stock, with cash paid in lieu of any fractional shares. The final exchange ratio was higher than the ratio of 0.46531 announced at the time we entered into the merger agreement, as the ratio was subject to adjustment resulting from an increase in PCB’s capital due to the exercise of stock options, lower than budgeted merger transaction costs and higher than projected net income during the first six months of 2018. 

In the aggregate, we issued 4,386,816 shares of our common stock in exchange for the outstanding shares of PCB common stock. In addition, we issued replacement stock options exercisable for 420,393 shares of our common stock in cancellation of PCB stock options with an aggregate fair value of $7.4 million to PCB directors, officers and employees, which we refer to as "rollover options."

PCB was headquartered in Los Angeles, California, with $544.7 million in total assets, $414.9 million in gross loans and $474.8 million in total deposits as of July 31, 2018. PCB had six full-service branches in Los Angeles and San Diego Counties. We also maintained the brand name ProAmérica in downtown Los Angeles. The acquisition of PCB expanded our footprint in Southern California to the Mexican border.

The following table represents the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed of PCB, as of July 31, 2018, recorded using the acquisition method of accounting: 

12


 
Fair Value
 
(dollars in thousands)
Assets acquired:
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
111,035

Loans held for investment, net
399,822

Investment in restricted stock, at cost
4,148

Premises and equipment
719

Servicing assets
1,054

Cash surrender value of bank-owned life insurance
4,712

Deferred taxes
4,612

Core deposit intangible
6,908

Accrued interest receivable and other assets
3,487

Total assets acquired
$
536,497

 
 
Liabilities assumed:
 
Deposits
$
474,925

Accrued interest payable and other liabilities
1,724

Total liabilities assumed
476,649

Net assets acquired
$
59,848

 
 
Purchase consideration:
 
Fair value of shares of First Choice Bancorp issued in the merger
$
125,902

Fair value of equity awards exchanged
7,371

Total purchase consideration
133,273

Goodwill recognized
$
73,425


The final PCB tax return was completed during the second quarter ended June 30, 2019 and there were no adjustments to the acquired deferred tax assets. Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase consideration over the fair value of the net assets acquired and was primarily attributable to the synergies and economies of scale anticipated from combining PCB's operations with our operations. Goodwill from the PCB acquisition is not deductible for U.S. income tax purposes.

The following table presents the amounts that comprise the fair value of loans acquired, excluding purchased credit impaired loans ("PCI loans"), from PCB at July 31, 2018:
 
Loans
 
(dollars in thousands)
Contractual amounts receivable
$
507,720

Contractual cash flows not expected to be collected
(8,520
)
Expected cash flows
499,200

Interest component of expected cash flows
(102,431
)
Fair value of loans acquired, excluding PCI loans
$
396,769


A component of total loans acquired from PCB were PCI loans. Refer to Note 5. Loans for additional information regarding PCI loans. The following table presents the amounts that comprise the fair value of PCI loans at July 31, 2018:

13


 
PCI Loans
 
(dollars in thousands)
Contractually required payments receivable (principal and interest)
$
8,580

Nonaccretable difference (contractual cash flows not expected to be collected)
(3,416
)
Expected cash flows
5,164

Accretable yield
(2,111
)
Fair value of PCI loans acquired
$
3,053


The following table presents the components of merger, integration and public company registration costs for the periods indicated:
 
Three Months Ended June 30,
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
2019
 
2018
 
2019
 
2018
 
(dollars in thousands)
Professional fees
$

 
$
183

 
$

 
$
526

Systems integration

 
17

 

 
16

Other

 
156

 

 
188

Total
$

 
$
356

 
$

 
$
730


The following table presents the total revenue and net income amounts related to PCB's operations included in our condensed consolidated statements of income for the period indicated:
 
Three Months Ended June 30, 2019
 
Six Months Ended June 30, 2019
 
(dollars in thousands)
Net interest income and noninterest income
$
5,788

 
$
12,365

Net income
$
1,796

 
$
4,031


Supplemental pro forma disclosures (unaudited)

The following supplemental pro forma information presents certain financial results for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018 as if the acquisition of PCB, which was completed on July 31, 2018, was effective as of January 1, 2017.  The unaudited pro forma financial information for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018 included in the table below is based on various estimates and is presented for informational purposes only and does not indicate the financial condition or results of operations of the combined company that would have been achieved for the periods presented had the transaction been completed as of the date indicated or that may be achieved in the future.
 
Three Months Ended June 30, 2018
 
Six Months Ended June 30, 2018
 
(in thousands, except per share data)
Net interest income and noninterest income
$
18,961

 
$
36,345

Net income
$
5,982

 
$
9,882

Net income per share:
 
 
 
Basic
$
0.51

 
$
0.85

Diluted
$
0.51

 
$
0.85



14


NOTE 3.    GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS

In connection with the acquisition of PCB, we recognized goodwill of $73.4 million and a core deposit intangible ("CDI") of $6.9 million at July 31, 2018. There were no changes in the carrying amount of goodwill for the three and six months ended June 30, 2019. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2019, we recognized CDI amortization of $197 thousand and $393 thousand. No impairment was recognized.
    
The following table presents the changes in CDI for the three and six months ended June 30, 2019:
 
Three Months Ended
June 30, 2019
 
Six Months Ended
June 30, 2019
 
(dollars in thousands)
Gross balance, beginning of period
$
6,908

 
$
6,908

Accumulated amortization:
 
 
 
Balance, beginning of period
(528
)
 
(332
)
Amortization
(197
)
 
(393
)
Impairment

 

Balance, end of period
(725
)
 
(725
)
Net core deposit intangible, end of period
$
6,183

 
$
6,183

    
The following table shows the estimated amortization expense for CDI during the next five fiscal years:
Year Ended December 31,
(dollars in thousands)
Remainder 2019
$
393

2020
771

2021
753

2022
732

2023
707

Thereafter
2,827

 
$
6,183


NOTE 4.    INVESTMENT SECURITIES
 
Investment securities have been classified in the condensed consolidated balance sheets according to management’s intent to either hold them to maturity or make them available for sale. The carrying amount of securities held-to-maturity and securities available-for-sale and their approximate fair values at June 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018 were as follows:

15


 
Amortized
Cost
 
Gross
Unrealized
Gains
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair
Value
June 30, 2019
(dollars in thousands)
Securities available-for-sale:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Mortgage-backed securities
$
8,676

 
$
23

 
$
(142
)
 
$
8,557

Collateralized mortgage obligations
10,870

 
23

 
(65
)
 
10,828

SBA pools
9,131

 
76

 
(34
)
 
9,173

 
$
28,677

 
$
122

 
$
(241
)
 
$
28,558

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Securities held-to-maturity:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. Government and agency securities
$
3,341

 
$

 
$
(16
)
 
$
3,325

Mortgage-backed securities
1,735

 
25

 
(26
)
 
1,734

 
$
5,076


$
25


$
(42
)

$
5,059

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
December 31, 2018
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Securities available-for-sale:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Mortgage-backed securities
$
9,177

 
$

 
$
(333
)
 
$
8,844

Collateralized mortgage obligations
11,731

 
2

 
(272
)
 
11,461

SBA pools
9,628

 

 
(390
)
 
9,238

 
$
30,536


$
2


$
(995
)

$
29,543

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Securities held-to-maturity:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. Government and agency securities
$
3,340

 
$

 
$
(122
)
 
$
3,218

Mortgage-backed securities
1,982

 

 
(105
)
 
1,877

 
$
5,322


$


$
(227
)

$
5,095


The amortized cost and estimated fair value of all investment securities held-to-maturity and available-for-sale at June 30, 2019, by contractual maturities are shown below. Contractual maturities may differ from expected maturities because the obligors and/or issuers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties.
 
Held to Maturity
 
Available for Sale
 
Amortized
Cost
 
Fair
Value
 
Amortized
Cost
 
Fair
Value
 
(dollars in thousands)
Due in one year or less
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

Due after one year through five years
3,341

 
3,325

 

 

Due after five years through ten years

 

 

 

Due after ten years (1)
1,735

 
1,734

 
28,677

 
28,558

 
$
5,076


$
5,059


$
28,677


$
28,558

(1)
 Mortgage-backed securities, collateralized mortgage obligations and SBA pools do not have a single stated maturity date and, therefore, have been included in the "Due after ten years" category.

At June 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, there were no holdings of securities of any one issuer in an amount greater than 10% of our shareholders’ equity. There were no purchases, sales, maturities or calls of any investment securities available-for-sale or held-to-maturity during the three and six months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018.

At June 30, 2019 securities held-to-maturity with a carrying amount of $5.1 million were pledged to the Federal Reserve Bank as discussed in Note 9 – Borrowing Arrangements.
 

16


As of June 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, unrealized losses and fair value, aggregated by investment category and length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position, are summarized as follows:
 
Less Than Twelve Months
 
Over Twelve Months
 
Total
 
Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair
Value
 
Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair
Value
 
Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair
Value
June 30, 2019
(dollars in thousands)
Securities available-for-sale:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Mortgage-backed securities
$

 
$

 
$
(142
)
 
$
6,766

 
$
(142
)
 
$
6,766

Collateralized mortgage obligations

 

 
(65
)
 
7,521

 
(65
)
 
7,521

SBA pools

 

 
(34
)
 
3,218

 
(34
)
 
3,218

 
$


$


$
(241
)

$
17,505

 
$
(241
)
 
$
17,505

Securities held-to-maturity:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. Government and agency securities
$

 
$

 
$
(16
)
 
$
3,325

 
$
(16
)
 
$
3,325

Mortgage-backed securities

 

 
(26
)
 
789

 
(26
)
 
789

 
$


$


$
(42
)

$
4,114

 
$
(42
)
 
$
4,114

December 31, 2018
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Securities available-for-sale:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Mortgage-backed securities
$
(20
)
 
$
2,397

 
$
(313
)
 
$
6,447

 
$
(333
)
 
$
8,844

Collateralized mortgage obligations
(3
)
 
1,127

 
(269
)
 
9,742

 
(272
)
 
10,869

SBA pools

 

 
(390
)
 
9,238

 
(390
)
 
9,238

 
$
(23
)

$
3,524


$
(972
)

$
25,427


$
(995
)

$
28,951

Securities held-to-maturity:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. Government and agency securities
$

 
$

 
$
(122
)
 
$
3,218

 
$
(122
)
 
$
3,218

Mortgage-backed securities

 

 
(105
)
 
1,877

 
(105
)
 
1,877

 
$


$


$
(227
)

$
5,095


$
(227
)

$
5,095


At June 30, 2019, we had 18 investment securities in an unrealized loss position with total unrealized losses of $283 thousand. Such unrealized losses on these investment securities have not been recognized into income. We do not believe these unrealized losses are other-than-temporary because the issuers’ bonds are above investment grade, management does not intend to sell and it is not more likely than not that management would be required to sell the securities prior to their anticipated recovery, and the decline in fair value is largely due to changes in interest rates.

Equity Securities with a Readily Determinable Fair Value

At June 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, equity securities with a readily determinable fair value of $2.6 million and $2.5 million represent a mutual fund investment consisting of high quality debt securities and other debt instruments supporting domestic affordable housing and community development. With the adoption of ASU 2016-01 on January 1, 2018, we recorded a transition adjustment to reclassify $24 thousand in net unrealized losses from accumulated other comprehensive income to retained earnings for these investments. In addition, we recognized net gains of $39 thousand and net losses of $20 thousand related to changes in fair value during the three months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018, all of which related to equity securities held during those periods. During the six months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018, we recognized net gains of $74 thousand and net losses of $71 thousand related to changes in fair value.

Restricted Stock and Other Bank Stock Investments

The Bank is a member of the FHLB system. Members are required to own FHLB stock of the greater of 1% of FHLB membership asset value or 2.7% of outstanding FHLB advances. At June 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, the Bank owned $6.1 million of FHLB stock which is carried at cost. During the three and six months ended June 30, 2019, there were no required purchases of FHLB stock. We evaluated the carrying value of our FHLB stock investment at June 30, 2019 and

17


determined that it was not impaired. This evaluation considered the long-term nature of the investment, the current financial and liquidity position of the FHLB, repurchase activity of excess stock by the FHLB at its carrying value, the return on the investment from recurring and special dividends, and our intent and ability to hold this investment for a period of time sufficient to recover our recorded investment.
    
As a member of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System ("FRB"), the Bank owned $6.8 million and $6.7 million of FRB stock which is carried at cost at June 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018. The Bank purchased $60 thousand and $72 thousand of FRB stock during the three and six months ended June 30, 2019. We evaluated the carrying value of our FRB stock investment at June 30, 2019 and determined that it was not impaired. This evaluation considered the long-term nature of the investment, the current financial and liquidity position of the FRB, repurchase activity of excess stock by the FRB at its carrying value, the return on the investment from recurring dividends, and our intent and ability to hold this investment for a period of time sufficient to recover our recorded investment.

The Bank also has restricted securities in the form of capital stock invested in two different banker’s bank stocks (collectively "Other Bank Stocks") which totaled $1.0 million at June 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018 and are reported in other assets in the condensed consolidated balance sheets. During the three and six months ended June 30, 2019, there were no changes in the fair value of these equity securities. During the three and six months ended June 30, 2018, we recognized a $31 thousand and $46 thousand loss related to changes in the fair value of these equity securities.
 
NOTE 5. LOANS
 
Our loan portfolio consists primarily of loans to borrowers within our principal market area which includes Los Angeles County, Orange County and San Diego County, California. Although we seek to avoid concentrations of loans to a single industry or based upon a single class of collateral, real estate and real estate associated businesses, such as hospitality businesses, are among the principal industries in our market area and, as a result, our loan and collateral portfolios are, to some degree, concentrated in those industries.
 
We also originate SBA loans either for sale to institutional investors or to hold in the loan portfolio. Loans identified as held for sale are carried at the lower of their net carrying value or market value and separately designated as such in the condensed consolidated financial statements. A portion of our revenues are from origination of loans guaranteed by the SBA under its various programs and sale of the guaranteed portions of the loans. Funding for these loans depends on annual appropriations by the U.S. Congress.
 
As of June 30, 2019, we had certain qualifying loans with an unpaid principal balance of $843.4 million pledged as collateral under a secured borrowing arrangement with the FHLB. See Note 9 –Borrowing Arrangements for additional information regarding the FHLB secured line of credit. 
 
The composition of the loans held for investment, net at June 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018 was as follows:

18


 
June 30, 2019
 
December 31, 2018
 
Loans
 
PCI Loans
 
Total
 
Loans
 
PCI Loans
 
Total
 
(dollars in thousands)
Construction and land development
$
196,034

 
$

 
$
196,034

 
$
184,177

 
$

 
$
184,177

Real estate:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
     Residential
51,512

 

 
51,512

 
57,443

 

 
57,443

     Commercial real estate - owner occupied
180,043

 
118

 
180,161

 
179,362

 
132

 
179,494

     Commercial real estate - non-owner occupied
403,130

 
1,047

 
404,177

 
400,590

 
1,075

 
401,665

Commercial and industrial
332,181

 
528

 
332,709

 
281,121

 
597

 
281,718

SBA loans
170,712

 
588

 
171,300

 
145,622

 
840

 
146,462

Consumer
159

 

 
159

 
159

 

 
159

Loans held for investment, net of discounts
1,333,771

 
2,281

 
1,336,052

 
1,248,474

 
2,644

 
1,251,118

Net deferred origination fees
(37
)
 

 
(37
)
 
(137
)
 

 
(137
)
Loans held for investment
$
1,333,734

 
$
2,281

 
$
1,336,015

 
$
1,248,337

 
$
2,644

 
$
1,250,981

Allowance for loan losses
(12,053
)
 

 
(12,053
)
 
(11,056
)
 

 
(11,056
)
Loans held for investment, net
$
1,321,681

 
$
2,281

 
$
1,323,962

 
$
1,237,281

 
$
2,644

 
$
1,239,925


Loans held for investment were comprised of the following components at June 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018:
 
June 30,
2019
 
December 31,
2018
 
(dollars in thousands)
Gross loans
$
1,347,687

 
$
1,263,891

Unamortized net discounts(1)
(11,635
)
 
(12,773
)
Net unamortized deferred origination fees
(37
)
 
(137
)
Loans held for investment
$
1,336,015

 
$
1,250,981

(1) Unamortized net discounts include discounts related to the retained portion of SBA loans and net discounts on Non-PCI acquired loans. At June 30, 2019 net discounts related to loans acquired in the PCB acquisition totaled $8.1 million and are expected to be accreted into interest income over a weighted average life of 5.3 years. At December 31, 2018 net discounts related to loans acquired in the PCB acquisition totaled $9.5 million.

A summary of the changes in the allowance for loan losses for the three and six months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018 follows:
 
Three Months Ended June 30,
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
2019
 
2018
 
2019
 
2018
 
(dollars in thousands)
Balance, beginning of period
$
11,426

 
$
10,010

 
$
11,056

 
$
10,497

Provision for loan losses
550

 
320

 
900

 
520

Charge-offs
(122
)
 
(21
)
 
(124
)
 
(775
)
Recoveries
199

 
67

 
221

 
134

Net recoveries (charge-offs)
77

 
46

 
97

 
(641
)
Balance, end of period
$
12,053


$
10,376

 
$
12,053

 
$
10,376

 

19


The following table presents the activity in the allowance for loan losses for the three and six months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018 by loan class:
 
Three Months Ended June 30, 2019
 
 
 
Real Estate
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Construction and Land Development
 
Residential
 
Commercial - Owner Occupied
 
Commercial - Non-owner Occupied
 
Commercial and Industrial
 
SBA Loans
 
Consumer
 
Total
 
(dollars in thousands)
Balance, March 31, 2019
$
1,806

 
$
402

 
$
862

 
$
2,508

 
$
4,036

 
$
1,812

 
$

 
$
11,426

Provision for (reversal of) loan losses
86

 
(23
)
 
43

 
79

 
578

 
(213
)
 

 
550

Charge-offs

 

 

 

 
(122
)
 

 

 
(122
)
Recoveries

 

 

 

 
10

 
189

 

 
199

Net (charge-offs) recoveries








(112
)

189




77

Balance, June 30, 2019
$
1,892


$
379


$
905


$
2,587


$
4,502


$
1,788


$


$
12,053

Reserves:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Specific
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

General
1,892

 
379

 
905

 
2,587

 
4,502

 
1,788

 

 
12,053

 
$
1,892


$
379


$
905


$
2,587


$
4,502


$
1,788


$


$
12,053

Loans evaluated for impairment:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Individually
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
238

 
$
3,161

 
$

 
$
3,399

Collectively
196,034

 
51,512

 
180,043

 
403,130

 
331,943

 
167,551

 
159

 
1,330,372

PCI loans

 

 
118

 
1,047

 
528

 
588

 

 
2,281

 
$
196,034


$
51,512


$
180,161


$
404,177


$
332,709


$
171,300


$
159


$
1,336,052


 
Three Months Ended June 30, 2018
 
 
 
Real Estate
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Construction and Land Development
 
Residential
 
Commercial - Owner Occupied
 
Commercial - Non-owner Occupied
 
Commercial and Industrial
 
SBA Loans
 
Consumer
 
Total
 
(dollars in thousands)
Balance, March 31, 2018
$
1,207

 
$
454

 
$
637

 
$
2,749

 
$
3,689

 
$
1,264

 
$
10

 
$
10,010

Provision for (reversal of) loan losses
396

 
(70
)
 

 
6

 
(468
)
 
466

 
(10
)
 
320

Charge-offs

 

 

 

 

 
(21
)
 

 
(21
)
Recoveries

 

 

 

 
67

 

 

 
67

Net (charge-offs) recoveries

 

 

 

 
67

 
(21
)
 

 
46

Balance, June 30, 2018
$
1,603

 
$
384

 
$
637

 
$
2,755

 
$
3,288

 
$
1,709

 
$

 
$
10,376

Reserves:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Specific
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
8

 
$
350

 
$

 
$
358

General
1,603

 
384

 
637

 
2,755

 
3,280

 
1,359

 

 
10,018

 
$
1,603

 
$
384

 
$
637

 
$
2,755

 
$
3,288

 
$
1,709

 
$

 
$
10,376

Loans evaluated for impairment:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Individually
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
108

 
$
1,388

 
$

 
$
1,496

Collectively
133,050

 
51,661

 
59,375

 
258,833

 
191,858

 
87,638

 

 
782,415

 
$
133,050

 
$
51,661

 
$
59,375

 
$
258,833

 
$
191,966

 
$
89,026

 
$

 
$
783,911



20


 
Six Months Ended June 30, 2019
 
 
 
Real Estate
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Construction and Land Development
 
Residential
 
Commercial - Owner Occupied
 
Commercial - Non-owner Occupied
 
Commercial and Industrial
 
SBA Loans
 
Consumer
 
Total
 
(dollars in thousands)
Balance, December 31, 2018
$
1,721

 
$
422

 
$
734

 
$
2,686

 
$
3,686

 
$
1,807

 
$

 
$
11,056

Provision for (reversal of) loan losses
171

 
(43
)
 
171

 
(99
)
 
908

 
(208
)
 

 
900

Charge-offs

 

 

 

 
(124
)
 

 

 
(124
)
Recoveries

 

 

 

 
32

 
189

 

 
221

Net (charge-offs) recoveries

 

 

 

 
(92
)
 
189

 

 
97

Balance, June 30, 2019
$
1,892

 
$
379

 
$
905

 
$
2,587

 
$
4,502

 
$
1,788

 
$

 
$
12,053


 
Six Months Ended June 30, 2018
 
 
 
Real Estate
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Construction and Land Development
 
Residential
 
Commercial - Owner Occupied
 
Commercial - Non-owner Occupied
 
Commercial and Industrial
 
SBA Loans
 
Consumer
 
Total
 
(dollars in thousands)
Balance, December 31, 2017
$
1,597

 
$
375

 
$
655

 
$
3,136

 
$
3,232

 
$
1,494

 
$
8

 
$
10,497

Provision for (reversal of) loan losses
6

 
9

 
(18
)
 
(381
)
 
436

 
476

 
(8
)
 
520

Charge-offs

 

 

 

 
(514
)
 
(261
)
 

 
(775
)
Recoveries

 

 

 

 
134

 

 

 
134

Net charge-offs

 

 

 

 
(380
)
 
(261
)
 

 
(641
)
Balance, June 30, 2018
$
1,603

 
$
384

 
$
637

 
$
2,755

 
$
3,288

 
$
1,709

 
$

 
$
10,376


We categorize loans by risk categories based on relevant information about the ability of borrowers to service their debt such as current financial information, historical payment experience, collateral adequacy, credit documentation, and current economic trends, among other factors. We analyze loans individually by classifying the loans as to credit risk. This analysis typically includes larger, non-homogeneous loans such as commercial real estate and commercial and industrial loans. This analysis is performed on an ongoing basis as new information is obtained. We use the following definitions for risk ratings:
 
Pass - Loans classified as pass represent assets with a level of credit quality which contain no well-defined deficiency or weakness.
 
Special Mention - Loans classified as special mention have a potential weakness that deserves management’s close attention. If left uncorrected, these potential weaknesses may result in deterioration of the repayment prospects for the loan or of the institution’s credit position at some future date.
 
Substandard - Loans classified as substandard are inadequately protected by the current net worth and paying capacity of the obligor or of the collateral pledged, if any. Loans so classified have a well-defined weakness or weaknesses that jeopardize the liquidation of the debt. They are characterized by the distinct possibility that the institution will sustain some loss if the deficiencies are not corrected.

Doubtful - Loans classified as doubtful have all the weaknesses inherent in those classified Substandard with the added characteristic that the weaknesses make collection or liquidation in full, based on currently known facts, conditions and values, highly questionable and improbable.

Loss - Loans classified loss are considered uncollectible and of such little value that their continuance as loans is not warranted.
 

21


The risk category of loans held for investment, net of discounts by class of loans, and excluding PCI loans, as of June 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018 was as follows:
 
June 30, 2019
 
Pass
 
Special
Mention
 
Substandard (1)
 
Total
 
(dollars in thousands)
Construction and land development
$
196,034

 
$

 
$

 
$
196,034

Real estate:
 
 
 
 
 
 

     Residential
51,512

 

 

 
51,512

     Commercial real estate - owner occupied
174,855

 

 
5,188

 
180,043

     Commercial real estate - non-owner occupied
403,130

 

 

 
403,130

Commercial and industrial
320,657

 
5,770

 
5,754

 
332,181

SBA loans
165,095

 
417

 
5,200

 
170,712

Consumer
159

 

 

 
159

 
$
1,311,442


$
6,187


$
16,142


$
1,333,771

(1)
At June 30, 2019, substandard loans included $2.7 million of impaired loans.

 
December 31, 2018
 
Pass
 
Special
Mention
 
Substandard (1)
 
Total
 
(dollars in thousands)
Construction and land development
$
184,177

 
$

 
$

 
$
184,177

Real estate:
 
 
 
 
 
 

     Residential
57,443

 

 

 
57,443

     Commercial real estate - owner occupied
174,505

 
4,857

 

 
179,362

     Commercial real estate - non-owner occupied
399,457

 
1,133

 

 
400,590

Commercial and industrial
269,640

 
8,341

 
3,140

 
281,121

SBA loans
137,740

 
6,065

 
1,817

 
145,622

Consumer
159

 

 

 
159

 
$
1,223,121

 
$
20,396

 
$
4,957

 
$
1,248,474

(1)
At December 31, 2018, substandard loans included $1.7 million of impaired loans.

    
The following tables present past due and nonaccrual loans, net of discounts and excluding PCI loans, presented by loan class at June 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018
 
June 30, 2019
 
Still Accruing
 
 
30-59 Days
Past Due
 
60-89 Days
Past Due
 
90 Days or more
Past Due
 
Nonaccrual
 
(dollars in thousands)
Real estate - residential
$

 
$
905

 
$

 
$

Commercial and industrial
4

 

 

 
238

SBA loans

 

 

 
2,441

Total
$
4


$
905


$


$
2,679



22


 
December 31, 2018
 
Still Accruing
 
 
30-59 Days
Past Due
 
60-89 Days
Past Due
 
90 Days or more
Past Due
 
Nonaccrual
 
(dollars in thousands)
Real estate - residential
$
480

 
$

 
$

 
$

Commercial and industrial
3

 
1

 

 
89

SBA loans

 

 

 
1,633

Total
$
483


$
1


$


$
1,722


A loan is considered impaired when, based on current information and events, it is probable that we will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. Recorded investment represents unpaid principal balance, net of charge-offs, discounts and interest applied to principal on nonaccrual loans, if any. Impaired loans, excluding PCI loans, presented by class of loans at June 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018 were as follows:
 
June 30, 2019
 
 
 
 
 
Impaired Loans
 
 
 
Unpaid
Principal
Balance
 
Recorded
Investment(1)
 
Without
Specific
Reserve
 
With
Specific
Reserve
 
Related
Allowance
 
(dollars in thousands)
Commercial and industrial
$
333

 
$
238

 
$
238

 
$

 
$

SBA loans
4,198

 
3,161

 
3,161

 

 

Total
$
4,531


$
3,399


$
3,399


$


$

(1)
Includes TDRs on accrual of $720 thousand.

 
December 31, 2018
 
 
 
 
 
Impaired Loans
 
 
 
Unpaid
Principal
Balance
 
Recorded
Investment(1)
 
Without
Specific
Reserve
 
With
Specific
Reserve
 
Related
Allowance
 
(dollars in thousands)
Commercial and industrial
$
178

 
$
89

 
$
89

 
$

 
$

SBA loans
2,964

 
1,960

 
1,960

 

 

Total
$
3,142


$
2,049


$
2,049


$


$

(1)
Includes TDRs on accrual of $327 thousand.

The average recorded investment in impaired loans, excluding PCI loans, and related interest income recognized for the three and six months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018 was as follows:
 
Three Months Ended June 30,
 
2019
 
2018
 
Average
Recorded
Investment
 
Interest
Income
Recognized
 
Average
Recorded
Investment
 
Interest
Income
Recognized
 
(dollars in thousands)
Commercial and industrial
$
88

 
$

 
$
110

 
$

SBA loans
1,552

 
10

 
1,425

 

Total
$
1,640


$
10


$
1,535


$



23


 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
2019
 
2018
 
Average
Recorded
Investment
 
Interest
Income
Recognized
 
Average
Recorded
Investment
 
Interest
Income
Recognized
 
(dollars in thousands)
Commercial and industrial
$
86

 
$

 
$
147

 
$

SBA loans
1,730

 
17

 
1,285

 

Total
$
1,816

 
$
17

 
$
1,432

 
$


At June 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, we had approximately $895 thousand and $922 thousand in recorded investment in loans identified as TDRs and there were no specific reserves allocated for these loans and we had not committed to lend any additional amounts to customers with outstanding loans that are classified as TDRs at June 30, 2019.

Loan modifications resulting in TDR status generally included one or a combination of the following: extensions of the maturity date, principal payment deferments or signed forbearance agreements with a payment plan. During the three and six months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018, there were no new loan modifications resulting in TDRs.
 
During the three months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018, there was one loan in each period totaling $95 thousand and $8 thousand modified as a troubled debt restructurings for which there was a payment default within twelve months following the modification. A loan is considered to be in payment default once it is 90 days contractually past due under the modification. During the six months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018, there was one loan of $95 thousand and two loans totaling $103 thousand modified as a troubled debt restructurings for which there was a payment default within twelve months following the modification.

PCI Loans

The following table summarizes the changes in the carrying amount and accretable yield of PCI loans for the three and six months ended June 30, 2019 (Refer to Note 2 - Business Combination for further information):
 
Three Months Ended
June 30, 2019
 
Six Months Ended
June 30, 2019
 
Carrying Amount
 
Accretable
Yield
 
Carrying Amount
 
Accretable
Yield
 
(dollars in thousands)
Balance, beginning of period
$
2,580

 
$
1,934

 
$
2,644

 
$
2,073

Accretion
86

 
(86
)
 
315

 
(315
)
Payments received
(386
)
 

 
(667
)
 

Increase (decrease) in expected cash flows, net
1

 
80

 
(11
)
 
170

Balance, end of period
$
2,281

 
$
1,928

 
$
2,281

 
$
1,928


Loans Held for Sale

At June 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, loans held for sale consisted of SBA 7(a) loans and totaled $8.4 million and $28.0 million. We account for loans held for sale at the lower of carrying value or market. The fair value of loans held for sale totaled $8.8 million and $29.2 million at June 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018.


NOTE 6. TRANSFERS AND SERVICING OF FINANCIAL ASSETS
 

24


We sell loans in the secondary market and, for certain loans, retain the servicing responsibility. The loans serviced for others are accounted for as sales and, therefore, are not included in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets. Loans serviced for others totaled $303.7 million and $288.2 million at June 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018. This includes SBA loans serviced for others of $216.8 million at June 30, 2019 and $198.4 million at December 31, 2018 for which there is a related servicing asset of $3.5 million and $3.2 million. In addition, the loan servicing portfolio includes construction and land development loans, commercial real estate loans and commercial & industrial loans participated with various other institutions of $86.9 million and $89.8 million at June 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018 for which there is no related servicing asset.

Consideration for each SBA loan sale includes the cash received and a related servicing asset. We receive servicing fees ranging from 0.25% to 1.00% for the services provided over the life of the loan. The servicing asset is based on the estimated fair value of these future cash flows to be collected. The risks inherent in SBA servicing assets relates primarily to changes in prepayments that result from shifts in interest rates and a reduction in the estimated future cash flows.

The servicing asset activity includes additions from loan sales with servicing retained and reductions from amortization as the serviced loans are repaid and servicing fees are earned.

The SBA servicing asset activity is summarized for the periods indicated:
 
Three Months Ended June 30,
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
2019
 
2018
 
2019
 
2018
 
(dollars in thousands)
Balance, beginning of period
$
3,351

 
$
2,508

 
$
3,186

 
$
2,618

Additions
337

 
131

 
713

 
186

Amortization
(206
)
 
(191
)
 
(417
)
 
(356
)
Balance, end of period
$
3,482

 
$
2,448

 
$
3,482

 
$
2,448


The fair value of the servicing asset for SBA loans is measured at least quarterly and was $3.7 million and $3.3 million as of June 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018. The significant assumptions used in the valuation of the SBA servicing asset at June 30, 2019 included discount rates, ranging from 7.0% to 26.5%, and a weighted average prepayment speed assumption of 15.9%.

The following table summarizes the estimated change in the value of servicing assets as of June 30, 2019 given hypothetical shifts in prepayments speeds and yield assumptions: 
 
Change in Assumption
 
Change in Estimated Fair Value
 
 
 
(dollars in thousands)
Prepayment speeds
+10%
 
$
(184
)
Prepayment speeds
+20%
 
(350
)
Discount rate
+1%
 
(102
)
Discount rate
+2%
 
(201
)

During the three months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018, SBA loans sold totaled $16.4 million and $6.0 million. Total gains on sale of SBA loans were $1.3 million and $448 thousand. During the six months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018, SBA loans sold totaled $35.0 million and $8.8 million. Total gains on sales of SBA loans were $2.2 million and $695 thousand.

Net servicing fees, a component of noninterest income, represent contractually specified servicing fees reported net of the servicing asset amortization. Net servicing fees totaled $287 thousand and $126 thousand for the three months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018 including contractually specified servicing fees of $493 thousand and $317 thousand, offset by the amortization indicated in the table above. Net servicing fees totaled $521 thousand and $279 thousand for the six months

25


ended June 30, 2019 and 2018, including contractually specified servicing fees of $938 thousand and $635 thousand, offset by the amortization indicated in the table above.

NOTE 7. LEASES

We adopted ASU 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842), and related amendments on January 1, 2019, using the modified retrospective transition method whereby comparative periods were not restated. No cumulative effect adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings was required. We elected the package of practical expedients permitted under the new standard, which allowed us to carry forward historical lease classifications, account for lease and nonlease components as a single lease component, and not to recognize a ROU asset and lease liability for short-term leases.

Substantially all of our leases are operating leases for corporate offices, branch locations and loan production offices. The amount of the lease liability and ROU asset is impacted by the lease term and the discount rate applied to determine the present value of future lease payments. The remaining terms of our operating leases range from 3 months to 4.2 years.

Most of our leases include one or more options to renew, with renewal terms that can extend the lease term by varying amounts. The exercise of renewal options is at our sole discretion. We did not include renewal options in the measurement of ROU assets and lease liabilities as they are not considered reasonably certain of exercise.

Upon adoption of this standard, we recognized ROU assets of $6.0 million and lease liabilities of $6.1 million. Subsequent to adoption, we recognized $220 thousand impairment of the ROU assets and $180 thousand for the estimated impairment of other long lived assets related to the consolidation of two branches. The impairment charges are included in occupancy and equipment expense with rent expense and other lease costs on the condensed consolidated statements of income. The impairment is based on a discounted cash flow of estimated sublease income over the remaining lease terms. The balance of ROU assets, net of impairment, and lease liabilities are included in other assets and other liabilities on the condensed consolidated balance sheets. The balance sheet and supplemental information at June 30, 2019 are shown below.
Balance sheet and supplemental information
 
(dollars in thousands)
 
Operating lease ROU assets classified as other assets
$4,836
Operating lease liability classified as other liabilities
$5,113
Weighted average remaining lease term, in years
3.0

Weighted average discount rate
2.73
%

We elected, for all classes of underlying assets, not to separate lease and non-lease components and instead to account for them as a single lease component. Variable lease cost primarily represents variable payments such as common area maintenance and utilities. The following table represents lease costs and other lease information for the periods indicated:
 
 
Three Months Ended June 30, 2019
 
Six Months Ended
June 30, 2019
 
 
(dollars in thousands)
Lease Costs
 
 
 
 
Operating lease cost
 
$
543

 
$
1,086

Variable lease cost
 
3

 
56

Short-term lease cost
 
3

 
14

Total lease costs
 
$
549

 
$
1,156

 
 
 
 
 
Other Information
 
 
 
 
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities
 
$
560

 
$
1,120


    

26


Maturities of lease liabilities for periods indicated:
Twelve months ended June 30,
(dollars in thousands)
2020
$
2,093

2021
1,479

2022
1,272

2023
465

2024
22

Thereafter

Total future minimum lease payments
5,331

Less: Imputed interest
(218
)
Present value of net future minimum lease payments
$
5,113


NOTE 8. DEPOSITS
 
Our ten largest depositor relationships accounted for approximately 17% of total deposits at June 30, 2019 and 25% at December 31, 2018.

Time deposits that exceeded the FDIC insurance limit of $250,000 amounted to $87.1 million and $109.4 million as of June 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018. Such time deposits included collateralized time deposits from the State of California of $25 million and $35 million at June 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018.

Total collateralized deposits, including the deposits of State of California and other public agencies, are $58.0 million at June 30, 2019 and are collateralized by letters of credit issued by the FHLB under the Bank's secured line of credit with the FHLB. See Note 9 –Borrowing Arrangements for additional information regarding the FHLB secured line of credit.

NOTE 9. BORROWING ARRANGEMENTS
 
Federal Home Loan Bank Secured Line of Credit

At June 30, 2019, the Bank had a secured line of credit of $412.9 million from the FHLB, of which $185.4 million was available. This secured borrowing arrangement is subject to the Bank providing adequate collateral and continued compliance with the Advances and Security Agreement and other eligibility requirements established by the FHLB. At June 30, 2019, the Bank had pledged as collateral certain qualifying loans with an unpaid principal balance of $843.4 million under this borrowing agreement. The Bank had a long term fixed-rate advance of $30.0 million that matures in June 2021 with a weighted average interest rate of 1.93% at June 30, 2019. There were no long term fixed-rated advances at December 31, 2018. Overnight borrowings outstanding under this arrangement were $135.0 million and $90.0 million with a weighted average interest rate of 2.52% and 2.56% at June 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018. The average balance of total FHLB borrowings was $75.9 million and $35.4 million with an average interest rate of 2.50% and 1.87% for the three months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018. The average balance of FHLB borrowings was $55.6 million and $41.4 million with an average interest rate of 2.53% and 1.71% for the six months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018.

In addition, at June 30, 2019, the Bank used $62.5 million of its secured FHLB borrowing capacity by having the FHLB issue letters of credit to meet collateral requirements for deposits from the State of California and other public agencies.

Federal Funds Unsecured Lines of Credit

The Bank has established unsecured overnight borrowing arrangements for an aggregate amount of $77.0 million, subject to availability, with five of its primary correspondent banks. In general, interest rates on these lines approximate the federal funds target rate. Overnight borrowings under these credit facilities were $30.0 million and $15.0 million at June 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018. The average borrowings were $1.5 million and $264 thousand with an average interest rate of

27


2.70% and 3.04% for the three months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018. The average borrowings were $1.3 million and $331 thousand with an average interest rate of 2.70% and 2.44% for the six months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018.

Federal Reserve Bank Secured Line of Credit

At June 30, 2019, the Bank had a total secured line of credit of $4.9 million with the Federal Reserve Bank. At June 30, 2019, the Bank had pledged securities held-to-maturity with a carrying value of $5.1 million as collateral for this line. There were no borrowings under this arrangement at or during the six months ended June 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018.

Senior Secured Notes

At June 30, 2019, the outstanding balance under the holding company's secured line of credit totaled $12.8 million with an interest rate of 5.75%. At December 31, 2018, the outstanding balance totaled $8.5 million with an interest rate of 5.75%. The average outstanding borrowings under this facility totaled $12.4 million and $3.2 million with an average interest rate of 5.89% and 5.11% for the three months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018. The average outstanding borrowings under this facility totaled $12.2 million and $2.2 million with an average interest rate of 5.89% and 5.00% for the six months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018. At June 30, 2019, we were in compliance with all loan covenants on the facility and the remaining available credit was $12.2 million. One of our executives is also a member of the lending bank's board of directors.

NOTE 10. INCOME TAXES
    
We account for income taxes by recognizing deferred tax assets and liabilities based upon temporary differences between the amounts for financial reporting purposes and tax basis of its assets and liabilities. Deferred tax assets decreased by approximately $2.0 million during the six months ended June 30, 2019 as a result of changes to temporary differences. Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance when, in the opinion of management, it is more likely than not that some portion, or all, of the deferred tax asset will not be realized. In assessing the realization of deferred tax assets, management evaluates both positive and negative evidence, including the forecasts of future income, applicable tax planning strategies, and assessments of current and future economic and business conditions. This analysis is updated quarterly and adjusted as necessary. Based on this analysis, management has determined that a valuation allowance for deferred tax assets was not required at June 30, 2019.
    
For the three months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018, income tax expense was $3.2 million and $1.5 million, resulting in an effective income tax rate of 31.9% and 30.8%. For the six months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018, income tax expense was $6.4 million and $2.4 million, resulting in an effective income tax rate of 31.8% and 29.1%. Our effective tax rate is higher than the statutory rate of 29.6% during the three and six months ended June 30, 2019 due to the tax effect of stock-based compensation.

     We are subject to federal income and California franchise tax. At June 30, 2019, the federal statute of limitations for the assessment of income tax is closed for all tax years up to and including 2014. The California statute of limitations for the assessment of franchise tax is closed for all years up to and including 2013. To our knowledge, we are currently not under examination in any taxing jurisdiction.

The total amount of unrecognized tax benefits was $480 thousand at June 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, primarily comprised of unrecognized tax benefits from tax positions taken in prior years. The total amount of tax benefits that, if recognized, would favorably impact the effective tax rate was $0 at June 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018. We expect the total amount of unrecognized tax benefits to decrease by $367 thousand within the next twelve months due to the expiration of the statute of limitations for the assessment of taxes.
    
We recognize interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in income tax expense. We had accrued $74 thousand and $59 thousand of interest at June 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively. No amounts for penalties were accrued.


28


NOTE 11. COMMITMENTS
 
In the ordinary course of business, we enter into financial commitments to meet the financing needs of our customers. These financial commitments include commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit. Those instruments involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit and interest rate risk not recognized in our condensed consolidated financial statements.
 
Our exposure to loan loss in the event of nonperformance on commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit is represented by the contractual amount of those instruments. We use the same credit policies in making commitments as we do for loans reflected in our condensed consolidated financial statements.
 
As of June 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, we had the following outstanding financial commitments whose contractual amounts represent credit risk:
 
June 30,
2019
 
December 31,
2018
 
(dollars in thousands)
Commitments to extend credit
$
336,658

 
$
375,755

Standby letters of credit
8,320

 
4,019

Commitments to contribute capital to low income housing project partnerships and other CRA investments
2,236

 
385

Total
$
347,214

 
$
380,159

 
Commitments to extend credit are agreements to lend to a customer as long as there is no violation of any condition established in the contract. Since many of the commitments are expected to expire without being drawn upon, the total amounts do not necessarily represent future cash requirements. We evaluate each client’s credit worthiness on a case-by-case basis. The amount of collateral obtained if deemed necessary by us is based on management’s credit evaluation of the customer. The majority of our commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit are secured by real estate. The reserve for unfunded commitments was $1.4 million at June 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018. The reserve for unfunded commitments is included in "other liabilities" in our condensed consolidated balance sheets.

We committed to invest in a partnership that sponsors affordable housing projects utilizing the Low Income Housing Tax Credit ("LIHTC") pursuant to Section 42 of the Internal Revenue Code. The purpose of this investment is to achieve a satisfactory return on capital, to facilitate the sale of additional affordable housing projects, and to assist in achieving goals associated with the Community Reinvestment Act ("CRA"). Capital contributions are called for up to an amount specified in the partnership agreement. At June 30, 2019, the Company had unfunded commitments to contribute capital to this LIHTC investments and other CRA investments totaling $2.2 million.
 
NOTE 12. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
 
In the ordinary course of business, we may grant loans to certain executive officers and directors and the companies with which they are associated. There are no related party loans for the three and six months ended June 30, 2019. The balance at June 30, 2018 related to one deceased director who no longer considered a related party after September 2018. The change in outstanding balances during the three and six months ended June 30, 2018 are as follows:
 
Three Months Ended June 30,
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
2018
 
2018
 
(in thousands)
Balance, beginning of period
$
1,755

 
$
1,768

Payments
(13
)
 
(26
)
Balance, end of period
$
1,742

 
$
1,742



29


Deposits from certain officers and directors and the companies with which they are associated at June 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018 amounted to $34.6 million and $33.2 million.
 
We have a $25.0 million senior secured facility (refer to Note 9 – Borrowing Arrangements) with another bank in which one of our executives is also a member of the lending bank’s board of directors. The outstanding balance of this facility was $12.8 million at June 30, 2019.
 
NOTE 13. STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS
 
Our 2013 Omnibus Stock Incentive Plan (“2013 Plan”) was approved by shareholders in May 2013. Under the terms of the 2013 Plan, officers and key employees may be granted both nonqualified and incentive stock options and directors and other consultants, who are not also an officer or employee, may only be granted nonqualified stock options. The 2013 Plan also permits the grant of stock appreciation rights (“SARs”), restricted shares, deferred shares, performance shares and performance unit awards. The 2013 Plan provides that the total shares of common stock that may be awarded under the plan shall not exceed 1,390,620 shares, of which a maximum of 300,000 shares may be granted as incentive stock options. Stock options, SARs, performance share and unit awards are granted at a price not less than 100% of the fair market value of the stock on the date of grant. Options generally vest over a period of three to five years. The 2013 Plan provides for accelerated vesting if there is a change of control, as defined in the 2013 Plan. Stock options expire no later than ten years from the grant. The 2013 Plan expires in 2023.
 
In connection with the Merger, we issued replacement stock options exercisable for 420,393 shares of our common stock in cancellation of PCB stock options with an aggregated fair value of $7.4 million to PCB directors, officers and employees, which we refer to as rollover stock options. The remaining term on the rollover stock options ranges from 1 month to 9 years.

We recognized stock-based compensation expense of $567 thousand and $433 thousand for the three months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018 and $969 thousand and $891 thousand for the six months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018.
 
A summary of activity in our outstanding stock options during the three and six months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018 is as follows:
 
Shares
 
Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
 
Weighted
Average
Remaining Contractual Term
 
Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value
Three Months Ended June 30, 2019:
 
 
 
 
 
 
(dollars in thousands)
Outstanding, beginning of period
226,360

 
$
10.11

 
 
 
 
Exercised
(85,271
)
 
10.00

 
 
 
 
Granted

 

 
 
 
 
Forfeited

 

 
 
 
 
Outstanding, end of period
141,089

 
$
10.18

 
4.4 years
 
$
1,772

Options exercisable
141,089

 
$
10.18

 
4.4 years
 
$
1,772

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Three Months Ended June 30, 2018:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Outstanding, beginning of period
65,978

 
$
10.17

 
 
 
 
Exercised

 

 
 
 
 
Granted

 

 
 
 
 
Forfeited

 

 
 
 
 
Outstanding, end of period
65,978

 
$
10.17

 
5.0 years
 
$
1,345

Options exercisable
57,324

 
$
10.00

 
4.9 years
 
$
1,179



30


 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
2019
 
2018
 
Shares
 
Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
 
Shares
 
Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
Outstanding, beginning of period
383,212

 
$
10.44

 
65,978

 
$
10.17

Exercised
(241,737
)
 
10.58

 

 

Granted

 

 

 

Forfeited
(386
)
 
12.94

 

 

Outstanding, end of period
141,089

 
$
10.18

 
65,978

 
$
10.17

Options exercisable
141,089

 
$
10.18

 
57,324

 
$
10.00

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

As of June 30, 2019, there was no unrecognized compensation cost related to the outstanding stock options. The intrinsic value of options exercised during the three months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018 was approximately $1.0 million and $0. The intrinsic value of options exercised during the six months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018 was approximately $2.7 million and $0 thousand.
 
A summary of activity for outstanding restricted shares for the three and six months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018 is as follows:
 
Three Months Ended June 30,
 
2019
 
2018
 
Shares
 
Weighted
Average
Grant-Date
Fair Value
 
Shares
 
Weighted
Average
Grant-Date
Fair Value
Nonvested, beginning of period
119,226

 
$
23.10

 
83,485

 
$
22.41

Granted
21,413

 
21.50

 
5,501

 
26.94

Vested
(6,274
)
 
22.38

 
(8,224
)
 
21.37

Forfeited
(6,312
)
 
22.21

 
(3,135
)
 
18.51

Nonvested, end of period
128,053

 
$
22.91

 
77,627

 
$
23.03

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
2019
 
2018
 
Shares
 
Weighted
Average
Grant-Date
Fair Value
 
Shares
 
Weighted
Average
Grant-Date
Fair Value
Nonvested, beginning of period
84,120

 
$
23.90

 
142,553

 
$
20.28

Granted
110,233

 
22.19

 
10,940

 
26.21

Vested
(59,475
)
 
23.09

 
(71,013
)
 
22.29

Forfeited
(6,825
)
 
21.88

 
(4,853
)
 
19.24

Nonvested, end of period
128,053

 
$
22.91

 
77,627

 
$
23.03

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

As of June 30, 2019, there was approximately $2.0 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to the restricted shares that will be recognized over the weighted-average period of 2.2 years. The value of restricted shares that vested was approximately $172 thousand and $238 thousand during the three months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018.  The

31


value of restricted shares that vested was approximately $1.4 million and $1.8 million during the six months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018.

NOTE 14. EARNINGS PER SHARE
 
Earnings per share (“EPS”) are computed on a basic and diluted basis. Basic EPS is computed by dividing net income available to common shareholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding. Basic shares outstanding exclude unvested shares of restricted stock and stock options. Diluted EPS reflects the potential dilution that could occur if securities or other contracts to issue common stock were exercised or converted into common stock or resulted in the issuance of common stock that shares in our earnings. Our unvested grants of restricted stock contain non-forfeitable rights to dividends, which are required to be treated as participating securities and included in the computation of earnings per share. The following is a reconciliation of net income and shares outstanding used in the computation of basic and diluted EPS:
 
Three Months Ended
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
June 30,
2019
 
March 31,
2019
 
June 30,
2018
 
2019
 
2018
Numerator for basic earnings per share:
(dollars in thousands, except share and per share data)
Net income
$
6,811

 
$
7,008

 
$
3,435

 
$
13,819

 
$
5,814

Less: dividends and net income allocated to participating securities
(76
)
 
(61
)
 
(37
)
 
(137
)
 
(68
)
Net income available to common shareholders
$
6,735

 
$
6,947

 
$
3,398

 
$
13,682

 
$
5,746

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Denominator for basic earnings per share:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic weighted average common shares outstanding during the period
11,581,889

 
11,654,450

 
7,172,020

 
11,616,223

 
7,166,509

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Denominator for diluted earnings per share:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic weighted average common shares outstanding during the period
11,581,889

 
11,654,450

 
7,172,020

 
11,616,223

 
7,166,509

Net effect of dilutive stock options
93,168

 
158,568

 
42,453

 
125,687

 
40,786

Diluted weighted average common shares
11,675,057

 
11,813,018

 
7,214,473

 
11,741,910

 
7,207,295

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income per common share:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
$
0.58

 
$
0.60

 
$
0.47

 
$
1.18

 
$
0.80

Diluted
$
0.58

 
$
0.59

 
$
0.47

 
$
1.17

 
$
0.80

 
NOTE 15. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
 
The fair value of a financial instrument is the amount at which the asset or obligation could be exchanged (using an exit price notion) in a current transaction between willing parties, other than in a forced or liquidation sale. Fair value estimates are made at a specific point in time based on relevant market information and information about the financial instrument. These estimates do not reflect any premium or discount that could result from offering for sale at one time the entire holdings of a particular financial instrument. Because no market value exists for a significant portion of the financial instruments, fair value estimates are based on judgments regarding future expected loss experience, current economic conditions, risk characteristics of various financial instruments, and other factors. These estimates are subjective in nature, involve uncertainties and matters of judgment and, therefore, cannot be determined with precision. Changes in assumptions could significantly affect the estimates.
 
Fair value estimates are based on financial instruments both on and off the balance sheet without attempting to estimate the value of anticipated future business and the value of assets and liabilities that are not considered financial

32


instruments. Additionally, tax consequences related to the realization of the unrealized gains and losses can have a potential effect on fair value estimates and have not been considered in many of the estimates.
 
The methods and assumptions used to estimate the fair value of certain financial instruments not previously presented are described below:

Loans.     The fair value of loans, which is based on an exit price notion, is generally determined using an income-based approach based on discounted cash flow analysis. This approach utilizes the contractual maturity of the loans and market indications of interest rates, prepayment speeds, defaults and credit risk in determining fair value. For impaired loans, an asset-based approach is applied to determine the estimated fair values of the underlying collateral. This approach utilizes the estimated net sales proceeds to determine the fair value of the loans when deemed appropriate. The implied sales proceeds value provides a better indication of value than using an income-based approach as these loans are not performing or exhibit strong signs indicative of non-performance.
 
Securities. The fair values of securities available-for-sale are determined by matrix pricing, which is a mathematical technique used widely in the industry to value debt securities without relying exclusively on quoted prices for specific securities but rather by relying on the securities’ relationship to other benchmark quoted securities (Level 2).

Equity Securities. The fair value of equity securities is based on quoted prices in active markets for identical assets to determine the fair value. If quoted prices are not available to determine fair value, we use other inputs that are directly observable.

Recurring fair value measurements

The following table provides the hierarchy and fair value for each major category of assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis at June 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018:
 
Recurring Fair Value Measurements
 
 
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Total
June 30, 2019:
(dollars in thousands)
Securities available-for-sale:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Mortgage-backed securities
$

 
$
8,557

 
$

 
$
8,557

Collateralized mortgage obligations

 
10,828

 

 
10,828

SBA Pools

 
9,173

 

 
9,173

Securities available-for-sale
$

 
$
28,558

 
$

 
$
28,558

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Equity securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Mutual fund investment
$
2,647

 
$

 
$

 
$
2,647

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
December 31, 2018:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Securities available-for-sale:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Mortgage-backed securities
$

 
$
8,844

 
$

 
$
8,844

Collateralized mortgage obligations

 
11,461

 

 
11,461

SBA Pools

 
9,238

 

 
9,238

Securities available-for-sale
$

 
$
29,543

 
$

 
$
29,543

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Equity securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Mutual fund investment
$
2,538

 
$

 
$

 
$
2,538


Nonrecurring fair value measurements

These fair value measurements typically result from the application of specific accounting pronouncements under GAAP. The fair value measurements are considered nonrecurring fair value measurements under FASB ASC 820-10. At

33


June 30, 2019 and 2018 the fair value measurements (Level 3) related to collateral dependent impaired loans totaled zero and $1.1 million. Total nonrecurring losses (which include charge-offs, net of recoveries and changes in specific reserves) recognized for impaired loans during the three months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018 totaled zero and $379 thousand in losses. We utilized selling costs ranging from 8% to 10% of appraised values for nonrecurring fair value measurements related to collateral-dependent impaired loans during the three months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018. Total nonrecurring losses (which include charge-offs, net of recoveries and changes in specific reserves) recognized for impaired loans during the six months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018 totaled zero and $613 thousand in losses. We utilized selling costs ranging from 8% to 10% of appraised values for nonrecurring fair value measurements related to collateral-dependent impaired loans during the six months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018.

There were no transfers of financial assets between Levels 1, 2 and 3 for the three and six months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018.

Fair value of financial instruments
 
The fair value hierarchy level and estimated fair value of significant financial instruments at June 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018:
 
 
 
June 30, 2019
 
December 31, 2018
 
Fair Value
Hierarchy
 
Carrying
Amount
 
Fair
Value
 
Carrying
Amount
 
Fair
Value
Financial Assets:
 
 
(dollars in thousands)
Cash and cash equivalents
 Level 1
 
$
237,603

 
$
237,603

 
$
197,376

 
$
197,376

Securities available-for-sale
 Level 2
 
28,558

 
28,558

 
29,543

 
29,543

Securities held-to-maturity
 Level 2
 
5,076

 
5,059

 
5,322

 
5,095

Equity securities
Level 1
 
2,647

 
2,647

 
2,538

 
2,538

Loans held for sale
 Level 2
 
8,428

 
8,757

 
28,022

 
29,238

Loan held for investment, net
 Level 3
 
1,323,962

 
1,364,228

 
1,239,925

 
1,265,013

Restricted stock investments, at cost
 Level 2
 
12,927

 
12,927

 
12,855

 
12,855

Servicing asset
 Level 3
 
3,482

 
3,669

 
3,186

 
3,295

Accrued interest receivable
 Level 2
 
5,643

 
5,643

 
5,069

 
5,069

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Financial Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Deposits
 Level 2
 
$
1,255,878

 
$
1,255,551

 
$
1,252,339

 
$
1,250,555

Borrowings
 Level 2
 
195,000

 
195,000

 
104,998

 
104,998

Senior secured notes
 Level 2
 
12,800

 
12,800

 
8,450

 
8,450

Accrued interest payable
 Level 2
 
347

 
347

 
366

 
366


NOTE 16. REVENUE RECOGNITION

The portion of our noninterest income which is in scope of Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, includes fees from deposit customers for transaction-based fees, account maintenance charges, and overdraft services. Transaction-based fees include items such as ATM and ACH fees, overdraft and stop payment charges, and are recognized at the time such transactions are executed and our service has been fulfilled. Account maintenance charges, which are primarily monthly fees, are earned over the course of the month, which represents the period through which we satisfy our performance obligation. Overdraft fees are recognized at the time the overdraft occurs. Service charges are typically withdrawn from the customer’s account balance. 

The following is a summary of our noninterest income in-scope and not in-scope of Topic 606:

34


 
Three Months Ended June 30,
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
2019
 
2018
 
2019
 
2018
 
(dollars in thousands)
Noninterest income, in-scope:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Service charges and fees on deposit accounts
$
564

 
$
208

 
$
1,104

 
$
423

Other income
45

 
9

 
87

 
18

Total noninterest income, in-scope
609

 
217

 
1,191

 
441

Noninterest income, not in-scope:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Gain on sale of loans
1,271

 
448

 
2,199

 
695

Net servicing fees
287

 
126

 
521

 
279

Change in fair value of equity securities
39

 
(51
)
 
74

 
(117
)
Other income
116

 
47

 
459

 
58

Total noninterest income, not in-scope
1,713

 
570

 
3,253

 
915

Total noninterest income
$
2,322

 
$
787

 
$
4,444

 
$
1,356


NOTE 17. EQUITY

Dividends

During the three months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018, total quarterly cash dividends declared were $0.20 per share and total cash dividends paid were $2.4 million and $1.5 million. During the six months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018, total cash dividends declared were $0.40 per share and total cash dividends paid were $4.7 million and $2.9 million.

Stock Repurchase Plan
 
On December 3, 2018, we announced a stock repurchase plan, providing for the repurchase of up to 1.2 million shares, or approximately 10%, of our then outstanding shares (the "repurchase plan"). The repurchase plan permits shares to be repurchased in open market or private transactions, through block trades, and pursuant to any trading plan that may be adopted in accordance with Rules 10b5-1 and 10b-18. The repurchase plan may be suspended, terminated or modified at any time for any reason, including market conditions, the cost of repurchasing shares, the availability of tentative investment opportunities, liquidity, and other factors management deems appropriate. These factors may also affect the timing and amount of share repurchases. The repurchase plan does not obligate us to purchase any particular number of shares.

During the three months ended June 30, 2019, we repurchased 12,824 shares at an average price of $21.30 per share and a total cost of $272 thousand under the repurchase plan. During the six months ended June 30, 2019, we repurchased 328,770 shares at an average price of $21.54 per share and total cost of $7.1 million. Since the plan was announced, we have repurchased a total of 365,053 shares at an average price of $21.56 per share. The remaining number of shares authorized to be repurchased under this plan is 834,947 shares at June 30, 2019.

NOTE 18. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

On August 1, 2019, we declared a $0.20 cash dividend payable on August 29, 2019 to shareholders of record as of August 15, 2019.
    

35


ITEM 2: MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The purpose of this management's discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations ("MD&A") is to focus on information about our condensed consolidated financial condition at June 30, 2019, March 31, 2019, and December 31, 2018, and our condensed consolidated results of operations for the quarters ended June 30, 2019, March 31, 2019, and June 30, 2018 and for the six months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018. Our condensed consolidated financial statements and the accompanying notes appearing elsewhere in this report, and our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018, should be read in conjunction with this MD&A.

CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

In addition to the historical information, this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q includes forward-looking statements within in the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 regarding management’s beliefs, projections and assumptions concerning future results and events. Forward-looking statements include descriptions of management’s plans or objectives for future operations, products or services, and forecasts of the Company’s revenues, earnings or other measures of economic performance. These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties and are based on management's beliefs and assumptions and on the information available to management at the time that this report was prepared and can be identified by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts. They often include the words or phrases such as "aim," "can," "may," "could," "predict," "should," "will," "would," "believe," "anticipate," "estimate," "expect," "hope," "intend," "plan," "potential," "project," "will likely result," "continue," "seek," "shall," "possible," "projection," "optimistic," and "outlook," and variations of these words and similar expressions or the negative version of those words or phrases.

Forward-looking statements involve substantial risks and uncertainties, many of which are difficult to predict and are generally beyond our control. There are many factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated by these forward-looking statements. Risks and uncertainties that could cause our financial performance to differ materially from our goals, plans, expectations and projections expressed in forward-looking statements include those set forth in our filings with the SEC, Item 1A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K, and the following:

The effects of trade, monetary and fiscal policies and laws.

Possible losses of businesses and population in the Los Angeles, Orange, or San Diego Counties.

Loss of customer checking and money-market account deposits as customers pursue other higher-yield investments.

Possible changes in consumer and business spending and saving habits and the related effect on our ability to increase assets and to attract deposits.

Possible changes in the creditworthiness of customers and the possible impairment of the collectability of loans.

Changes in the speed of loan prepayments, loan origination and sale volumes, loan loss provisions, charge offs or actual loan losses.

Compression of our net interest margin.

Inability of our framework to manage risks associated with our business, including but not limited to operational risk, regulatory risk, cyber risk, liquidity risk, customer risk and credit risk, to mitigate all risk or loss to us.

The effects of any damage to our reputation resulting from developments related to any of the items identified above.

For a more detailed discussion of some risks and uncertainties that could materially and adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations, see the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018 and particularly, Item 1A, titled “Risk Factors.”

36


Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made. The Company does not undertake to update forward-looking statements to reflect circumstances or events that occur after the date the forward-looking statements are made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events and specifically disclaims any obligation to revise or update such forward-looking statements for any reason, except as may be required by applicable law. You should consider any forward-looking statements in light of this explanation, and we caution you about relying on forward-looking statements.

Overview
 
First Choice Bancorp, headquartered in Cerritos, California, is a California corporation that was incorporated on September 1, 2017 and is the registered bank holding company for First Choice Bank. Incorporated in March 2005 and commencing commercial bank operations in August 2005, First Choice Bank is a California-chartered member bank. References herein to “First Choice Bancorp,” “Bancorp” or the “holding company,” refer to First Choice Bancorp on a stand-alone basis. The words “we," "us," "our," or the "Company" refer to First Choice Bancorp and First Choice Bank collectively and on a consolidated basis. References to the “Bank” refer to First Choice Bank, on a stand-alone basis.

Headquartered in Cerritos, California, the Bank is a community-based financial institution that serves primarily commercial and consumer clients in diverse communities and specializes in loans to small- to medium-sized businesses and private banking clients, commercial and industrial loans, and commercial real estate loans with a specialization in providing financial solutions for the hospitality industry. The Bank is a Preferred Small Business Administration (“SBA”) Lender. The Bank conducts business through 9 full service branches, and 2 lending offices located in Los Angeles, Orange and San Diego Counties.  

As a California-chartered member bank, the Bank is primarily regulated by the California Department of Business Oversight (the “DBO”) and the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (the “FRB”). The Bank’s deposits are insured up to the maximum legal limit by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (the “FDIC”) and, as a result, the FDIC also has examination authority over the Bank.

First Choice Bancorp's stock is traded on the Nasdaq Capital Market under the ticker symbol “FCBP.”

Effective July 31, 2018, we acquired Pacific Commerce Bancorp (“PCB”) and its wholly-own subsidiary bank, Pacific Commerce Bank by merger in an all-stock transaction. In connection therewith, we issued, in the aggregate, 4,386,816 shares of our common stock in exchange for all of the outstanding shares of PCB common stock and replacement stock options exercisable for 420,393 shares of our common stock in cancellation of PCB stock options. The acquisition has been accounted for using the acquisition method of accounting and, accordingly, the operating results of PCB have been included in the consolidated financial statements from August 1, 2018. Refer to Note 2 - Business Combination in the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
 
Recent Developments
 
Branch Operations Consolidation

During the second quarter of 2019, after receiving all requisite regulatory approvals, we consolidated our Little Tokyo branch into our 6th and Figueroa branch in downtown Los Angeles and our San Diego branch into our Carlsbad branch. The San Diego location remains as a loan production office. The consolidation of these branches resulted in one-time charges of approximately $400 thousand in the first quarter of 2019 and estimated annualized cost savings of $300 thousand which began during the second quarter of 2019.









37


Financial Highlights

 
 
At or for the Three Months Ended
 
At or for the Six Months Ended
 
 
June 30, 2019
 
March 31,
2019
 
June 30,
2018
 
June 30,
2019
 
June 30,
2018
 
 
(dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
Operating Results
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total interest and dividend income
 
$
22,219

 
$
21,839

 
$
12,915

 
$
44,058

 
$
24,104

Total interest expense
 
3,383

 
2,647

 
2,096

 
6,030

 
3,733

Net interest income
 
18,836

 
19,192

 
10,819

 
38,028

 
20,371

Provision for loan losses
 
550

 
350

 
320

 
900

 
520

Net interest income after provision for loan losses
 
18,286

 
18,842

 
10,499

 
37,128

 
19,851

Total noninterest income
 
2,322

 
2,122

 
787

 
4,444

 
1,356

Total noninterest expense
 
10,605

 
10,700

 
6,325

 
21,305

 
13,008

Income before taxes
 
10,003

 
10,264

 
4,961

 
20,267

 
8,199

Income taxes
 
3,192

 
3,256

 
1,526

 
6,448

 
2,385

NET INCOME
 
$
6,811

 
$
7,008

 
$
3,435

 
$
13,819

 
$
5,814

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Performance Ratios
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income per share-diluted
 
$
0.58

 
$
0.59

 
$
0.47

 
$
1.17

 
$
0.80

Return on average assets
 
1.73
%
 
1.87
%
 
1.48
%
 
1.80
%
 
1.29
%
Return on average equity
 
10.86
%
 
11.45
%
 
12.55
%
 
11.15
%
 
10.80
%
Return on average tangible common equity (1)
 
15.89
%
 
16.89
%
 
12.55
%
 
16.38
%
 
10.80
%
Net interest margin
 
5.14
%
 
5.50
%
 
4.73
%
 
5.32
%
 
4.56
%
Core net interest margin (1)
 
4.96
%
 
5.12
%
 
4.32
%
 
5.04
%
 
4.34
%
Average loan yield
 
6.42
%
 
6.62
%
 
6.17
%
 
6.52
%
 
5.87
%
Core average loan yield (1)
 
6.23
%
 
6.21
%
 
5.70
%
 
6.21
%
 
5.63
%
Cost of deposits
 
0.89
%
 
0.75
%
 
0.98
%
 
0.82
%
 
0.89
%
Cost of funds
 
1.03
%
 
0.85
%
 
1.03
%
 
0.94
%
 
0.94
%
Efficiency ratio (1)
 
50.12
%
 
50.20
%
 
54.50
%
 
50.16
%
 
59.87
%
(1) Non-GAAP measure. See – Non-GAAP Financial Measures in this MD&A.

Financial Performance

Second Quarter of 2019 Compared to First Quarter of 2019

Net income was $6.8 million, or $0.58 per diluted share, for the second quarter of 2019 compared to $7.0 million, or $0.59 per diluted share, for the first quarter of 2019. The return on average assets ("ROAA") was 1.73% and the return on average tangible common equity ("ROTCE") was 15.89% for the second quarter of 2019, compared to 1.87% and 16.89% for the first quarter of 2019. Refer to the section entitled "Non-GAAP Financial Measures" in this MD&A.

The $197 thousand decrease in net income was a result of lower net interest income of $356 thousand and higher provision for loan losses of $200 thousand, offset by higher noninterest income of $200 thousand, lower noninterest expense of $95 thousand, and lower income tax expense of $64 thousand. Net interest income decreased as a result of a lower net interest margin of 5.14% for the second quarter of 2019 compared to 5.50% for the prior quarter due to lower discount accretion and prepayment penalties on loans and higher funding costs, offset by higher volume of average earning assets for the linked quarters. The provision for loan losses is due to net loan growth as credit quality remained solid. The increase in noninterest income relates to higher gain on sale of loans offset in part by lower other income. The higher noninterest expense is due mostly to higher compensation expense offset in part by lower occupancy expense.



38


Second Quarter of 2019 Compared to Second Quarter of 2018
Net income was $6.8 million, or $0.58 per diluted share, for the second quarter of 2019 compared to $3.4 million, or $0.47 per diluted share, for the second quarter of 2018. The $3.4 million increase in net income was due mostly to including PCB's operations since the acquisition date, other organic balance sheet growth, and the impact of higher market interest rates as the target federal funds rate has increased 50 basis points since the end of the second quarter of 2018. This increase in net income relative to the growth in the balance sheet increased the ROAA and ROTCE for the second quarter of 2019 compared to the same quarter in 2018.

Net interest income increased $8.0 million and noninterest income increased $1.5 million, offset by higher provision for loan losses of $230 thousand, higher noninterest expense of $4.3 million and higher income tax expense of $1.7 million. Net interest income increased due to higher average earning assets of $551.8 million and the impact of higher market interest rates. The PCB acquisition added $399.8 million in net loans at the time of acquisition. The net interest margin expanded 41 basis points to 5.14% for the second quarter of 2019 compared to 4.73% for the same quarter of 2018 due to higher market interest rates, the higher yield on the loan portfolio acquired from PCB including net discount accretion on such acquired loans, and an improved funding mix. Our average cost of funds remained unchanged at 1.03% for the second quarters of 2019 and 2018 due to the improved funding mix attributed to the PCB acquisition, offset by an increase in the cost of interest-bearing liabilities from higher market rates.

Six Months Ended June 30, 2019 Compared to Six Months Ended June 30, 2018

Net income was $13.8 million, or $1.17 per diluted share, for the six months ended June 30, 2019 compared to $5.8 million, or $0.80 per diluted share, for the six months ended June 30, 2018. The $8.0 million increase in net income was driven primarily by the acquisition of PCB, other organic balance sheet growth and the impact of higher market interest rates as the target federal funds rate has increased 75 basis points since the end of the first quarter of 2018. This increase in net income relative to the growth in the balance sheet increased the ROAA and ROTCE to 1.80% and 16.38% for the six months ended June 30, 2019, compared to 1.29% and 10.80% for the same period in 2018.

Net interest income increased $17.7 million and noninterest income increased $3.1 million, offset by higher provision for loan losses of $380 thousand, higher noninterest expense of $8.3 million and higher tax expense of $4.1 million. Net interest income increased due to higher average earning assets of $541.3 million due to the PCB acquisition and the impact of higher market interest rates. The net interest margin expanded 76 basis points to 5.32% for the six months ended June 30, 2019 compared to 4.56% for the same 2018 period due to higher market interest rates, the higher yield on the loan portfolio acquired from PCB including net discount accretion on such acquired loans, and an improved funding mix. Our average cost of funds remained unchanged at 0.94% for the six months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018 resulting from the improved funding mix that offset an increase in the cost of interest-bearing liabilities from higher market interest rates.


39


 
 
June 30,
2019
 
March 31,
2019
 
December 31,
2018
 
 
(dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
Financial Conditions
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total assets
 
$
1,730,433

 
$
1,649,759

 
$
1,622,501

Loans held for investment
 
1,336,015

 
1,273,577

 
1,250,981

Noninterest-bearing deposits
 
547,434

 
535,867

 
546,713

Total deposits
 
1,255,878

 
1,215,170

 
1,252,339

Shareholders’ equity
 
254,121

 
248,135

 
248,069

Key Ratios
 
 
 
 
 
 
Noninterest-bearing deposits to total deposits
 
43.6
%
 
44.1
%
 
43.7
%
Equity to assets ratio
 
14.69
%
 
15.04
%
 
15.29
%
Tangible common equity ratio (1)
 
10.57
%
 
10.72
%
 
10.90
%
Book value per share
 
$
21.65

 
$
21.30

 
$
21.16

Tangible book value per share (1)
 
$
14.87

 
$
14.45

 
$
14.33

Credit Quality
 
 
 
 
 
 
Nonperforming loans as a percentage of total assets
 
0.15
%
 
0.10
%
 
0.11
%
Allowance for loan losses as a percentage of total loans held for investment
 
0.90
%
 
0.90
%
 
0.88
%
(1) Non-GAAP measure. See - Non-GAAP Financial Measures in this MD&A.

Balance Sheet Performance

Total consolidated assets increased $107.9 million to $1.73 billion at June 30, 2019 from $1.62 billion at December 31, 2018. Total loans held for investment increased $85.0 million to $1.34 billion at June 30, 2019 since year-end. This is an annualized growth of 13.6%.
 
Total consolidated liabilities increased $101.9 million to $1.48 billion at June 30, 2019 since December 31, 2018. Total deposits increased $3.5 million to $1.26 billion and total borrowings increased $94.4 million to $207.8 million at June 30, 2019 since year end to fund loan growth. Noninterest-bearing demand deposits totaled $547.4 million and represent 43.6% of total deposits at June 30, 2019 compared to approximately the same totals and percentage at December 31, 2018.

Total consolidated equity increased $6.1 million during the six months ended June 30, 2019 to $254.1 million due to net income of $13.8 million and the vesting and exercise of equity awards of $3.4 million, partially offset by stock repurchases of $7.1 million and cash dividends of $4.7 million. At June 30, 2019, our tangible book value per share was $14.87 compared to $14.33 at December 31, 2018. Refer to the section entitled "- Non-GAAP Financial Measures" in this MD&A.

The Company and the Bank remain well-capitalized. At June 30, 2019, the Bank had a total risk-based capital ratio of 14.11% and a Tier 1 common to risk weighted assets ratio of 13.17%; compared to a total risk-based capital ratio of 14.18% and a Tier 1 common to risk weighted assets ratio of 13.26% at December 31, 2018.

Credit Quality

Credit quality remains solid. Non-performing assets totaled $2.7 million and $1.7 million at June 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, and represented 0.15% and 0.11% of total assets. Non-performing loans were $2.7 million and $1.7 million at June 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, and represented 0.20% and 0.14% of loans held for investment. The increase in nonperforming assets is due mostly to downgrading one commercial and industrial loan and seven SBA 7(a) loans which total $1.9 million.




40


Non-GAAP Financial Measures

     This following tables present non-GAAP financial measures for: (1) efficiency ratio, (2) adjusted efficiency ratio, (3) core net interest income, (4) core net interest margin, (5) core loan interest income, (6) core average loan yield, (7) adjusted net income, (8) adjusted return on average assets, (9) adjusted return on average equity, (10) average tangible common equity, (11) return on average tangible common equity, (12) adjusted return on average tangible common equity, (13) tangible common equity, (14) tangible assets, (15) tangible common equity to tangible asset ratio, and (16) tangible book value per share. We believe the presentation of certain non-GAAP financial measures provides useful information to assess our consolidated financial condition and consolidated results of operations and to assist investors in evaluating our financial results relative to our peers. These non-GAAP financial measures complement our GAAP reporting and are presented below to provide investors and others with information that we use to manage the business each period. Because not all companies use identical calculations, the presentation of these non-GAAP financial measures may not be comparable to other similarly titled measures used by other companies. These non-GAAP measures should be taken together with the corresponding GAAP measures and should not be considered a substitute of the GAAP measures.
 
Three Months Ended
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
June 30,
2019
 
March 31,
2019
 
June 30,
2018
 
2019
 
2018
 
(dollars in thousands)
Efficiency Ratio
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Noninterest expense (numerator)
$
10,605

 
$
10,700

 
$
6,325

 
$
21,305

 
$
13,008

Less: Merger, integration and public company registration costs

 

 
356

 

 
730

Adjusted noninterest expense (numerator)
$
10,605

 
$
10,700

 
$
5,969

 
$
21,305

 
$
12,278

Net interest income
$
18,836

 
$
19,192

 
$
10,819

 
$
38,028

 
$
20,371

Plus: Noninterest income
2,322

 
2,122

 
787

 
4,444

 
1,356

Total net interest income and noninterest income (denominator)
$
21,158

 
$
21,314

 
$
11,606

 
$
42,472

 
$
21,727

Efficiency ratio (1)
50.1
%
 
50.2
%
 
54.5
%
 
50.2
%
 
59.9
%
Adjusted efficiency ratio (1)
50.1
%
 
50.2
%
 
51.4
%
 
50.2
%
 
56.5
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net Interest Margin
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net interest income
$
18,836

 
$
19,192

 
$
10,819

 
$
38,028

 
$
20,371

Less: scheduled accretion income
499

 
526

 

 
1,025

 

Less: accelerated accretion and prepayment penalties
155

 
783

 
936

 
938

 
954

Core net interest income (1)
$
18,182

 
$
17,883

 
$
9,883

 
$
36,065

 
$
19,417

Average total interest-earning assets
$
1,469,658

 
$
1,415,528

 
$
917,891

 
$
1,442,743

 
$
901,432

Net interest margin
5.14
%
 
5.50
%
 
4.73
%
 
5.32
%
 
4.56
%
Core net interest margin (1)
4.96
%
 
5.12
%
 
4.32
%
 
5.04
%
 
4.34
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Average loan yield
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Loan interest income
$
21,344

 
$
20,916

 
$
12,320

 
$
42,260

 
$
22,941

Less: scheduled accretion income
499

 
526

 

 
1,025

 

Less: accelerated accretion and prepayment penalties
155

 
783

 
936

 
938

 
954

Core loan interest income (1)
$
20,690

 
$
19,607

 
$
11,384

 
$
40,297

 
$
21,987

Average loan balance
$
1,334,188

 
$
1,280,743

 
$
801,342

 
$
1,307,613

 
$
787,892

Average loan yield
6.42
%
 
6.62
%
 
6.17
%
 
6.52
%
 
5.87
%
Core average loan yield (1)
6.23
%
 
6.21
%
 
5.70
%
 
6.21
%
 
5.63
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Return on Average Assets, Equity, and Tangible Equity

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income
$
6,811

 
$
7,008

 
$
3,435

 
$
13,819

 
$
5,814

Add: After-tax merger, integration and public company registration costs

 

 
356

 

 
708

Adjusted net income (1)
$
6,811

 
$
7,008

 
$
3,791

 
$
13,819

 
$
6,522


41


 
Three Months Ended
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
June 30,
2019
 
March 31,
2019
 
June 30,
2018
 
2019
 
2018
 
(dollars in thousands)
Average assets
$
1,579,740

 
$
1,523,264

 
$
928,766

 
$
1,551,658

 
$
911,707

Average shareholders’ equity
251,662

 
248,168

 
109,813

 
249,924

 
108,609

Less: Average intangible assets
79,731

 
79,928

 

 
79,829

 

Average tangible common equity (1)
$
171,931

 
$
168,240

 
$
109,813

 
$
170,095

 
$
108,609

Return on average assets
1.73
%
 
1.87
%
 
1.48
%
 
1.80
%
 
1.29
%
Adjusted return on average assets (1)
1.73
%
 
1.87
%
 
1.64
%
 
1.80
%
 
1.44
%
Return on average equity
10.86
%
 
11.45
%
 
12.55
%
 
11.15
%
 
10.80
%
Adjusted return on average equity(1)
10.86
%
 
11.45
%
 
13.85
%
 
11.15
%
 
12.11
%
Return on average tangible common equity (1)
15.89
%
 
16.89
%
 
12.55
%
 
16.38
%
 
10.80
%
Adjusted return on average tangible equity (1)
15.89
%
 
16.89
%
 
13.85
%
 
16.38
%
 
12.11
%
(1) Non-GAAP measure.

 
June 30,
2019
 
December 31,
2018
Tangible Common Equity Ratio/Tangible Book Value Per Share
(dollars in thousands, except share and per share data)
Shareholders’ equity
$
254,121

 
$
248,069

Less: Intangible assets
79,608

 
80,001

Tangible common equity (1)
$
174,513

 
$
168,068

Total assets
$
1,730,433

 
$
1,622,501

Less: Intangible assets
79,608

 
80,001

Tangible assets (1)
$
1,650,825

 
$
1,542,500

Equity to asset ratio
14.69
%
 
15.29
%
Tangible common equity to tangible asset ratio (1)
10.57
%
 
10.90
%
Book value per share
$
21.65

 
$
21.16

Tangible book value per share (1)
$
14.87

 
$
14.33

Shares outstanding
11,737,441

 
11,726,074

(1) Non-GAAP measure.

Results of Operations

In addition to net income, the primary factors we use to evaluate and manage our results of operations include net interest income, provision for loan losses, noninterest income and noninterest expense. The comparability of financial information is affected by the acquisition of PCB on July 31, 2018. This acquisition has been accounted for using the acquisition method of accounting and, accordingly, PCB’s operating results have been included in the consolidated financial statements since the July 31, 2018 acquisition date.

Net Interest Income

Net interest income is affected by changes in both interest rates and the volume of average interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities. The following tables summarize the distribution of average assets, liabilities and stockholders’ equity, as well as interest income and yields earned on average interest-earning assets and interest expense and rates paid on average interest-bearing liabilities for the periods indicated:


42


 
Three Months Ended
 
June 30, 2019
 
March 31, 2019
 
June 30, 2018
 
Average
Balance
 
Interest
Income / Expense
 
Yield / Cost
 
Average
Balance
 
Interest
Income / Expense
 
Yield / Cost
 
Average
Balance
 
Interest
Income / Expense
 
Yield / Cost
Interest-earning assets:
(dollars in thousands)
Loans (1)
$
1,334,188

 
$
21,344

 
6.42
%
 
$
1,280,743

 
$
20,916

 
6.62
%
 
$
801,342

 
$
12,320

 
6.17
%
Investment securities
36,337

 
215

 
2.37
%
 
37,094

 
236

 
2.58
%
 
38,153

 
233

 
2.45
%
Deposits in other financial institutions
83,183

 
442

 
2.13
%
 
80,800

 
427

 
2.14
%
 
74,325

 
294

 
1.59
%
Federal funds sold/resale agreements
2,018

 
12

 
2.39
%
 
3,000

 
18

 
2.43
%
 

 

 
%
FHLB and other bank stock dividends
13,932

 
206

 
5.93
%
 
13,891

 
242

 
7.07
%
 
4,071

 
68

 
6.70
%
Total interest-earning assets
1,469,658

 
22,219

 
6.06
%
 
1,415,528

 
21,839

 
6.26
%
 
917,891

 
12,915

 
5.64
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Noninterest-earning assets
110,082

 
 
 
 
 
107,736

 
 
 
 
 
10,875

 
 
 
 
Total assets
$
1,579,740

 
 
 
 
 
$
1,523,264

 
 
 
 
 
$
928,766

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest-bearing liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest checking
$
111,116

 
$
298

 
1.08
%
 
$
118,882

 
$
309

 
1.05
%
 
$
141,598

 
$
407

 
1.15
%
Money market accounts
271,067

 
900

 
1.33
%
 
271,980

 
868

 
1.29
%
 
151,248

 
455

 
1.21
%
Savings accounts
28,825

 
56

 
0.78
%
 
34,357

 
62

 
0.73
%
 
50,978

 
107

 
0.84
%
Time deposits
150,601

 
674

 
1.80
%
 
170,365

 
730

 
1.74
%
 
170,148

 
738

 
1.74
%
Brokered time deposits
128,555

 
789

 
2.46
%
 
60,699

 
275

 
1.84
%
 
52,801

 
181

 
1.37
%
Total interest-bearing deposits
690,164

 
2,717

 
1.58
%
 
656,283

 
2,244

 
1.39
%
 
566,773

 
1,888

 
1.34
%
Borrowings
77,442

 
484

 
2.51
%
 
36,123

 
230

 
2.58
%
 
35,724

 
167

 
1.86
%
Senior secured notes
12,398

 
182

 
5.89
%
 
11,901

 
173

 
5.90
%
 
3,218

 
41

 
5.11
%
Total interest-bearing liabilities
780,004

 
3,383

 
1.74
%
 
704,307

 
2,647

 
1.52
%
 
605,715

 
2,096

 
1.39
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Noninterest-bearing liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Demand deposits
534,192

 
 
 
 
 
561,868

 
 
 
 
 
209,009

 
 
 
 
Other liabilities
13,882

 
 
 
 
 
8,921

 
 
 
 
 
4,229

 
 
 
 
Shareholders’ equity
251,662

 
 
 
 
 
248,168

 
 
 
 
 
109,813

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity
$
1,579,740

 
 
 
 
 
$
1,523,264

 
 
 
 
 
$
928,766

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net interest spread
 
 
$
18,836

 
4.32
%
 
 
 
$
19,192

 
4.74
%
 
 
 
$
10,819

 
4.25
%
Net interest margin
 
 
 
 
5.14
%
 
 
 
 
 
5.50
%
 
 
 
 
 
4.73
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total deposits
$
1,224,356

 
$
2,717

 
0.89
%
 
$
1,218,151

 
$
2,244

 
0.75
%
 
$
775,782

 
$
1,888

 
0.98
%
Total funding sources
$
1,314,196

 
$
3,383

 
1.03
%
 
$
1,266,175

 
$
2,647

 
0.85
%
 
$
814,724

 
$
2,096

 
1.03
%
(1) Average loans include net discounts and deferred costs. Interest income on loans includes $236 thousand, $231 thousand and $142 thousand related to the accretion of net deferred loan fees and $760 thousand, $984 thousand and $989 thousand related to accretion of discounts for the quarters ended June 30, 2019, March 31, 2019 and June 30, 2018.


43


 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
2019
 
2018
 
Average
Balance
 
Interest
Income / Expense
 
Yield / Cost
 
Average
Balance
 
Interest
Income / Expense
 
Yield / Cost
Interest-earning assets:
(dollars in thousands)
Loans (1)
$
1,307,613

 
$
42,260

 
6.52
%
 
$
787,892

 
$
22,941

 
5.87
%
Investment securities
36,714

 
451

 
2.48
%
 
38,826

 
472

 
2.45
%
Deposits in other financial institutions
81,998

 
869

 
2.14
%
 
70,712

 
554

 
1.58
%
Federal funds sold/resale agreements
2,506

 
30

 
2.41
%
 

 

 
%
FHLB and other bank stock dividends
13,912

 
448

 
6.49
%
 
4,002

 
137

 
6.90
%
Total interest-earning assets
1,442,743

 
44,058

 
6.16
%
 
901,432

 
24,104

 
5.39
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Noninterest-earning assets
108,915

 
 
 
 
 
10,275

 
 
 
 
Total assets
$
1,551,658

 
 
 
 
 
$
911,707

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest-bearing liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest checking
$
114,978

 
$
607

 
1.06
%
 
$
166,302

 
$
912

 
1.11
%
Money market accounts
271,521

 
1,768

 
1.31
%
 
121,362

 
619

 
1.03
%
Savings accounts
31,575

 
118

 
0.75
%
 
60,243

 
257

 
0.86
%
Time deposits
160,429

 
1,404

 
1.76
%
 
147,198

 
1,186

 
1.62
%
Brokered time deposits
94,814

 
1,064

 
2.26
%
 
52,201

 
349

 
1.35
%
Total interest-bearing deposits
673,317

 
4,961

 
1.49
%
 
547,306

 
3,323

 
1.22
%
Borrowings
56,897

 
714

 
2.53
%
 
41,735

 
356

 
1.71
%
Senior secured notes
12,151

 
355

 
5.89
%
 
2,176

 
54

 
5.00
%
Total interest-bearing liabilities
742,365

 
6,030

 
1.64
%
 
591,217

 
3,733

 
1.27
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Noninterest-bearing liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Demand deposits
547,954

 
 
 
 
 
207,887

 
 
 
 
Other liabilities
11,415

 
 
 
 
 
3,994

 
 
 
 
Shareholders’ equity
249,924

 
 
 
 
 
108,609

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity
$
1,551,658

 
 
 
 
 
$
911,707

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net interest spread
 
 
$
38,028

 
4.52
%
 
 
 
$
20,371

 
4.12
%
Net interest margin
 
 
 
 
5.32
%
 
 
 
 
 
4.56
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total deposits
$
1,221,271

 
$
4,961

 
0.82
%
 
$
755,193

 
$
3,323

 
0.89
%
Total funding sources
$
1,290,319

 
$
6,030

 
0.94
%
 
$
799,104

 
$
3,733

 
0.94
%
(1)
Average loans include net discounts and deferred costs. Interest income on loans includes $467 thousand and $172 thousand related to the accretion of net deferred loan fees and $1.7 million and $1.2 million related to accretion of discounts for the six months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018.
 
Rate/Volume Analysis

The volume and interest rate variance tables below set forth the dollar difference in interest earned for each major category of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities for the periods indicated, and the amount of such change attributable to changes in average balances (volume) or in average interest rates. Volume variances are equal to the increase or decrease in the average balance multiplied by the prior period rate, and rate variances are equal to the increase or decrease in the average rate multiplied by the prior period average balance. Variances attributable to both rate and volume changes are allocated proportionately based on the amounts of the individual rate and volume changes.
 

44


 
Three Months Ended
 
June 30, 2019 vs. March 31, 2019
 
June 30, 2019 vs. June 30, 2018
 
Change Attributable to
 
Total Change
 
Change Attributable to
 
Total Change
 
Volume
 
Rate
 
 
Volume
 
Rate
 
Interest income:
(dollars in thousands)
Interest and fees on loans
$
989

 
$
(561
)
 
$
428

 
$
8,506

 
$
518

 
$
9,024

Interest on investment securities
(4
)
 
(17
)
 
(21
)
 
(11
)
 
(7
)
 
(18
)
Interest on deposits in financial institutions
11

 
(2
)
 
9

 
50

 
110

 
160

Dividends on FHLB and other stock
1

 
(37
)
 
(36
)
 
146

 
(8
)
 
138

Change in interest income
997

 
(617
)
 
380

 
8,691

 
613

 
9,304

Interest expense:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Savings, interest checking and money market accounts
(32
)
 
47

 
15

 
267

 
18

 
285

Time deposits
314

 
144

 
458

 
306

 
238

 
544

Borrowings
270

 
(7
)
 
263

 
380

 
78

 
458

Change in interest expense
552

 
184

 
736

 
953

 
334

 
1,287

Change in net interest income
$
445

 
$
(801
)
 
$
(356
)
 
$
7,738

 
$
279

 
$
8,017


 
Six Months Ended
 
June 30, 2019 vs. June 30, 2018
 
Change Attributable to
 
Total Change
 
Volume
 
Rate
 
Interest income:
(dollars in thousands)
Interest and fees on loans
$
16,542

 
$
2,777

 
$
19,319

Interest on investment securities
(26
)
 
5

 
(21
)
Interest on deposits in financial institutions
128

 
217

 
345

Dividends on FHLB and other stock
319

 
(8
)
 
311

Change in interest income
16,963

 
2,991

 
19,954

Interest expense:
 
 
 
 
 
Savings, interest checking and money market accounts
557

 
148

 
705

Time deposits
503

 
430

 
933

Borrowings
447

 
212

 
659

Change in interest expense
1,507

 
790

 
2,297

Change in net interest income
$
15,456

 
$
2,201

 
$
17,657


Second Quarter of 2019 Compared to First Quarter of 2019

Net interest income for the second quarter of 2019 was $18.8 million, a decrease of $356 thousand, from $19.2 million for the first quarter of 2019 due to higher interest expense of $736 thousand, offset partially by higher interest income of $380 thousand. The increase in interest income was due to strong loan growth and one additional day in the second quarter compared to the first quarter of 2019 offset by a lower loan yield. Average loans increased $53.4 million to $1.33 billion for the second quarter of 2019. The increase in interest expense is attributed to higher average interest-bearing liabilities, a higher overall cost of such funds, and one additional day in the second quarter. Average interest-bearing deposits and borrowings increased $75.7 million to support loan growth. Deposit interest expense increased $473 thousand, due mostly to the higher cost and volume of brokered time deposits, and borrowings interest expense increased $263 thousand due to the higher volume.

Net interest margin decreased 36 basis points to 5.14% for the second quarter of 2019 from 5.50% for the first quarter of 2019 due to lower discount accretion and prepayment penalties on loans and higher funding costs. The loan yield decreased 20 basis points to 6.42% for the second quarter of 2019 from 6.62% for the first quarter of 2019 due to lower scheduled and accelerated accretion of discounts on loans and prepayment penalties of $655 thousand. The cost of funds increased 18 basis points to 1.03% for the second quarter of 2019 compared to 0.85% for the first quarter of 2019 due in part

45


to average brokered time deposits and borrowings representing a higher percentage of total average funding sources. Average brokered time deposits and total borrowings increased $67.9 million and $41.8 million and average interest-bearing nonmaturity deposits and average noninterest-bearing demand deposits decreased $14.2 million and $27.7 million. The cost of interest-bearing deposits increased 19 basis points to 1.58% due to the mix of deposits and the higher cost of such deposits. During the second quarter of 2019, average noninterest-bearing demand deposits totaled $534.2 million, or 43.6% of total deposits, compared to $561.9 million, or 46.1% of total deposits, for the first quarter of 2019. The total cost of deposits increased 14 basis points to 0.89% from 0.75%.

The core net interest margin decreased 16 basis points to 4.96% for the second quarter compared to 5.12% for the first quarter of 2019 due to higher funding costs. The core loan yield increased 2 basis points to 6.23% for the second quarter compared to the first quarter of 2019. Refer to the section entitled "- Non-GAAP Financial Measures" in this MD&A.

Second Quarter of 2019 Compared to Second Quarter of 2018

Net interest income increased $8.0 million to $18.8 million for the second quarter of 2019 when compared to the same quarter of 2018 due to higher average interest-earning assets of $551.8 million and the impact of higher market interest rates. Average interest earning assets increased due to including PCB's operations after the July 31, 2018 acquisition date and organic loan growth. The PCB acquisition added $399.8 million in net loans at the time of acquisition. Average loan balances increased $532.8 million to $1.33 billion for the second quarter of 2019 compared to $801.3 million for the same quarter of 2018.

Our net interest margin increased 41 basis points to 5.14% for the second quarter of 2019 compared to 4.73% for the same quarter of 2018. The net interest margin expansion was driven by the impact of the 50 basis point increase in the target federal funds rate since the end of the second quarter of 2018 on new loan production and loan repricing, the higher yield on the loan portfolio acquired from PCB including net discount accretion on such acquired loans, and an improved funding mix. Our loan yield increased 25 basis points to 6.42% for the second quarter of 2019 compared to 6.17% for the same quarter of 2018. The average yield on interest-earning assets was 6.06% for the second quarter of 2019 compared to 5.64% for the same quarter of 2018.

Our average cost of funds remained unchanged at 1.03% for the second quarters of 2019 and 2018 due to an improved funding mix as a result of the PCB acquisition, offset by an increase in the cost of interest-bearing liabilities from higher market rates. Average noninterest-bearing deposits totaled $534.2 million and represented 43.6% of average total deposits for the second quarter of 2019 compared to $209.0 million and 26.9% of average total deposits for the same quarter of 2018. Average interest-bearing liabilities were $780.0 million during the second quarter of 2019 compared to $605.7 million for the same quarter of 2018. Our cost of interest-bearing liabilities increased 35 basis points to 1.74% compared to the same quarter of 2018. The average senior secured note balance increased $9.2 million to $12.4 million for the second quarter of 2019 as we used the funds for corporate initiatives including common share repurchases, dividends, operational costs, and merger, integration and public company registration costs.

Six Months Ended June 30, 2019 Compared to Six Months Ended June 30, 2018

Net interest income increased $17.7 million to $38.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2019 when compared to the six months ended June 30, 2018 due to higher interest income of $20.0 million, offset partially by higher interest expense of $2.3 million. The increase in interest income was driven by higher average interest-earning assets of $541.3 million; average interest earning assets totaled $1.44 billion for the six months ended June 30, 2019 compared to $901.4 million for the same 2018 period. The average interest-earning asset growth was primarily from the PCB acquisition and organic loan growth. Average loan balances increased $519.7 million to $1.31 billion for the six months ended June 30, 2019 compared to $787.9 million for the same 2018 period.

Our net interest margin increased 76 basis points to 5.32% for the six months ended June 30, 2019 compared to 4.56% for the same 2018 period. The increase in our net interest margin was driven by the impact of the 75 basis point increase in the target federal funds rate since the end of first quarter of 2018 on new loan production and loan repricing, the higher yield on the loan portfolio acquired from PCB including net discount accretion on such acquired loans, and an improved funding mix. For the six months ended June 30, 2019, interest income included discount accretion and prepayment

46


penalties from early payoffs of loans of $2.0 million, which expanded the net interest margin by 28 basis points; this compared to $954 thousand or 20 basis points for the same 2018 period as shown in the table below.
 
 
Six Months Ended June 30, 2019
 
 
2019
 
2018
 
Variance
Net interest income and net interest margin
 
Net Interest
Income
 
Net Interest Margin
 
Net Interest
Income
 
Net Interest Margin
 
Net Interest
Income
 
Net Interest Margin
 
 
(dollars in thousands)
As reported
 
$
38,028

 
5.32
%
 
$
20,371

 
4.56
%
 
$
17,657

 
0.76
 %
Less: scheduled accretion income
 
1,025

 
0.14
%
 

 
%
 
1,025

 
0.14
 %
Less: accelerated accretion and prepayment penalties
 
938

 
0.14
%
 
954

 
0.20
%
 
(16
)
 
(0.06
)%
Core (non-GAAP)
 
$
36,065

 
5.04
%
 
$
19,417

 
4.34
%
 
$
16,648

 
0.70
 %

The average yield on interest-earning assets increased 77 basis points to 6.16% for the six months ended June 30, 2019 compared to 5.39% for the same 2018 period. Our loan yield increased 65 basis points to 6.52% for the six months ended June 30, 2019 compared to 5.87% for the same 2018 period. The increase in the earnings asset yield and loan yield were driven by higher market interest rates and higher net discount accretion and prepayment penalties. The discount accretion from acquired loans, and accelerated discount accretion and prepayment penalties due to early loan payoffs increased our loan yield 30 basis points and 24 basis points for the six months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018.

Our average cost of funds remained unchanged at 0.94% for the six months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018 due to an improved funding mix from the PCB acquisition offset by an increase in the cost of interest-bearing liabilities due to the impact of higher market interest rates. Average noninterest-bearing deposits increased to $548.0 million and represented 44.9% of average total deposits for the six months ended June 30, 2019 compared to $207.9 million and 27.5% of total average deposits for the same 2018 period. Average interest-bearing liabilities were $742.4 million during the six months ended June 30, 2019 compared to $591.2 million for the same 2018 period and our cost of interest-bearing liabilities increased 37 basis points to 1.64% from the year-ago period. Average senior secured notes increased $10.0 million to $12.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2019.

Provision for Loan Losses

We maintain an allowance for loan losses, which we also refer to as the allowance, at a level we believe is adequate to absorb probable incurred credit losses. The allowance for loan losses is estimated using past loan loss experience, the nature and volume of the loans held for investment, information about specific borrower situations, estimated collateral values, economic conditions, and other factors. At June 30, 2019, the allowance was $12.1 million, or 0.90% of loans held for investment, compared to $11.1 million, or 0.88% of loans held for investment at December 31, 2018. The increase in the allowance at June 30, 2019 results primarily from net growth in the loan portfolio. The net carrying value of loans acquired through the acquisition of PCB includes a remaining net discount of $8.1 million at June 30, 2019, which represents 0.60% of total gross loans.

The provision for loan losses totaled $550 thousand for the second quarter of 2019 compared to $350 thousand for the first quarter of 2019 and $320 thousand for the second quarter of 2018. The provision for loan losses totaled $900 thousand for six months ended June 30, 2019 compared to $520 thousand for the same 2018 period. The provisions for loan losses were primarily the result of organic loan growth and, to a lesser extent, renewals of acquired loans included in loans held for investment.


47


Noninterest Income

The following table shows the components of noninterest income for the periods indicated:
 
Three Months Ended
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
June 30,
2019
 
March 31,
2019
 
June 30,
2018
 
2019
 
2018
 
(dollars in thousands)
Gain on sale of loans
$
1,271

 
$
928

 
$
448

 
$
2,199

 
$
695

Service charges and fees on deposit accounts
564

 
540

 
208

 
1,104

 
423

Net servicing fees
287

 
234

 
126

 
521

 
279

Other income (loss)
200

 
420

 
5

 
620

 
(41
)
Total noninterest income
$
2,322

 
$
2,122

 
$
787

 
$
4,444

 
$
1,356


Second Quarter of 2019 Compared to First Quarter of 2019

Noninterest income for the second quarter of 2019 was $2.3 million, an increase of $200 thousand from $2.1 million for the first quarter of 2019 due to higher gains on sale of loans, service charges and fees on deposit accounts and net servicing fees, offset by lower other income. Loan sales for the second quarter of 2019 relate to loans with a net carrying value of $16.4 million at an average premium percentage of 7.8%, resulting in a gain of $1.3 million compared to loans with a net carrying value of $18.6 million at an average premium percentage of 5.0%, resulting in a gain of $928 thousand for the first quarter of 2019.

Net servicing fees totaled $287 thousand and $234 thousand for the second quarter of 2019 and first quarter of 2019 including contractually-specified servicing fees of $493 thousand and $445 thousand, offset by the amortization of the servicing asset of $206 thousand and $211 thousand. The decrease in amortization of the servicing asset was due to lower amortization from early loan pay-offs which totaled $69 thousand for the second quarter of 2019 compared to $92 thousand for the first quarter of 2019. Our SBA loan servicing portfolio averaged $210.6 million for the second quarter of 2019 compared to $197.7 million for the prior quarter.

Other income for the first quarter of 2019 included a Bank Enterprise Award of $233 thousand from the U.S. Treasury’s Community Development Financial Institutions Fund to recognize the Bank's efforts in providing affordable housing development and small business loans within distressed communities; there was no similar income in the current quarter.

Second Quarter of 2019 Compared to Second Quarter of 2018

Noninterest income increased $1.5 million to $2.3 million for the second quarter of 2019 compared to $787 thousand for the same quarter of 2018 due to higher net earnings for all of the categories due to including PCB's operations since the July 31, 2018 acquisition date and higher gain on sale of loans. The $823 thousand increase in gain on sale of loans for the second quarter of 2019 compared to the same quarter of 2018 is due to a higher volume of loans sold. The $16.4 million of loans sold in the second quarter of 2019 compares to loans sold with a net carrying value of $6.0 million at an average premium percentage of 7.5%, resulting in a gain of $448 thousand for the second quarter of 2018. Services charges and fees on deposit accounts increased $356 thousand due to a higher number of transaction-based accounts and higher total account balances as a result of the PCB acquisition; average non-maturity deposit account balances totaled $945.2 million for the second quarter of 2019 compared to $552.8 million for the same quarter of 2018.

Net servicing fees increased due to higher contractual servicing fees, offset by higher amortization expense of the related servicing asset. Our SBA loan servicing portfolio averaged $210.6 million for the second quarter of 2019 compared to $136.5 million for the same quarter of 2018. The increase in our SBA loan servicing portfolio related mostly to the acquisition of PCB which contributed $73.8 million to the portfolio of serviced SBA loans on the date of acquisition. We also acquired a servicing asset of $1.1 million in conjunction with the PCB acquisition. During the second quarter of 2019 and 2018, contractually-specified servicing fees were $493 thousand and $317 thousand, offset by the amortization of the servicing asset of $206 thousand and $191 thousand. The increase in amortization of the servicing asset was attributed to the additional amortization related to the servicing asset acquired in the PCB acquisition and increases due to SBA loan sales,

48


offset by a decrease in accelerated amortization due to a lower level of early loan pay-offs. Amortization expense related to early loan pay-offs totaled $69 thousand for the second quarter of 2019 compared to $112 thousand for the same quarter of 2018.

Other income was $200 thousand for the second quarter of 2019 compared to $5 thousand for the same quarter of 2018. The $195 thousand increase is due to higher net realized gains on equity securities with a readily determinable fair value and higher appreciation in the cash surrender value of Bank Owned Life Insurance ("BOLI") acquired from PCB of $27 thousand for which there was no similar income for the same quarter of 2018.

Six Months Ended June 30, 2019 Compared to Six Months Ended June 30, 2018

Noninterest income increased $3.1 million to $4.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2019 compared to $1.4 million for the same 2018 period due to higher net earnings for all of the categories as a result of including PBC's operation since the acquisition date and higher gain on the sale of loans of $1.5 million. The 2019 loan sales relate to 29 loans with a net carrying value of $35.0 million at an average premium of 6.3%, resulting in a gain of $2.2 million; this compares to the 2018 loan sales which relate to 10 loans with a net carrying value of $8.8 million at an average premium of 7.9%, resulting in a gain of $695 thousand. Services charges and fees on deposit accounts increased $681 thousand due to a higher number of transaction-based accounts and higher account balances as a result of the PCB acquisition. Average non-maturity deposit account balances totaled $966.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2019 compared to $555.8 million for the same 2018 period.

The increase in net servicing fees was due to higher servicing fee income offset partially by higher amortization expense of the related servicing assets. Our SBA loan servicing portfolio averaged $204.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2019 compared to $138.4 million for the same 2018 period; this increase is attributed mostly to the acquired servicing portfolio. During the six months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018, contractually-specified servicing fees were $938 thousand and $635 thousand, offset by the amortization of the servicing asset of $417 thousand and $356 thousand. The increase in servicing asset amortization was due to amortizing a larger servicing asset offset by a decrease in accelerated amortization due to a lower level of early loan pay-offs. Amortization expense related to early loan pay-offs totaled $161 thousand for the six months ended June 30, 2019 and $199 thousand for the same 2018 period.

Other income increased $661 thousand to $620 thousand for the six months ended June 30, 2019 from a loss of $41 thousand for the same 2018 period. The increase is attributed primarily to: (i) higher net realized gains on equity securities with a readily determinable fair value of $145 thousand; (ii) higher appreciation in the cash surrender value of the BOLI acquired in the PCB acquisition of $53 thousand; and (iii) the aforementioned Bank Enterprise Award of $233 thousand for which there was no similar income in the same 2018 period.


49


Noninterest Expense

The following table shows the components of noninterest expense for the periods indicated:
 
Three Months Ended
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
June 30,
2019
 
March 31,
2019
 
June 30,
2018
 
2019
 
2018
 
(dollars in thousands)
Salaries and employee benefits
$
6,857

 
$
6,223

 
$
3,482

 
$
13,080

 
$
7,502

Occupancy and equipment
987

 
1,429

 
575

 
2,416

 
1,101

Data processing
639

 
604

 
448

 
1,243

 
869

Professional fees
426

 
419

 
378

 
845

 
682

Office, postage and telecommunications
255

 
272

 
193

 
527

 
385

Deposit insurance and regulatory assessments
120

 
195

 
86

 
315

 
197

Loan related
71

 
214

 
101

 
285

 
185

Customer service related
273

 
477

 
101

 
750

 
241

Merger, integration and public company registration costs

 

 
356

 

 
730

Amortization of core deposit intangible
197

 
196

 

 
393

 

Other expenses
780

 
671

 
605

 
1,451

 
1,116

Total noninterest expense
$
10,605

 
$
10,700

 
$
6,325

 
$
21,305

 
$
13,008

Efficiency ratio (1)
50.1
%
 
50.2
%
 
54.5
%
 
50.2
%
 
59.9
%
Adjusted efficiency ratio (1)
50.1
%
 
50.2
%
 
51.4
%
 
50.2
%
 
56.5
%
(1) Non-GAAP measure. See - Non-GAAP Financial Measures in this MD&A.

Second Quarter of 2019 Compared to First Quarter of 2019

Noninterest expense decreased $95 thousand to $10.6 million for the second quarter of 2019 from $10.7 million for the first quarter of 2019. This decrease was due to lower occupancy and equipment expense of $442 thousand and lower deposit insurance and regulatory assessments of $75 thousand, offset by higher salaries and employee benefits of $634 thousand. The decrease in occupancy expenses was due to first quarter impairment charges related to the right-of-use assets for operating leases and fixed assets for the branch consolidations of $400 thousand; there were no impairment charges in the current quarter. The decrease in deposit insurance and regulatory assessments was due primarily to a decrease in FDIC assessment rates. The increase in salaries and employee benefits was due to higher commissions and incentives related to loan and deposit growth, higher salary expense attributed to additional staff, annual pay increases being included for a full quarter, and higher restricted stock expense, offset by lower payroll tax expense. During the second quarter of 2019, we had an average of 182 full time equivalent ("FTE") employees compared to an average of 177 FTE employees for the first quarter.

Second Quarter of 2019 Compared to Second Quarter of 2018

Noninterest expense for the second quarter of 2019 was $10.6 million, an increase of $4.3 million from $6.3 million for the same quarter of 2018. The increase in all of the overhead expense categories is due to including PCB's operations since the date of acquisition offset partially by the decrease of $356 thousand in merger, integration and public company registration costs. Salaries and employee benefits increased $3.4 million due primarily to the growth in headcount resulting from the PCB acquisition; the current quarter average of 182 FTE employees compared to an average of 105 FTE employees for the same quarter of 2018. Occupancy and equipment costs increased $412 thousand due to the additional occupancy costs associated with the locations added in the PCB acquisition after the branch consolidations during the second quarter of 2019. Data processing increased $191 thousand due to increases in transaction volume from both organic growth and the PCB acquisition. Professional fees increased $48 thousand due to increases in legal, consulting and audit fees for enhancements of policies, procedures and internal controls as we transitioned to a publicly-traded company. In connection with the PCB acquisition, we established a core deposit intangible (CDI) asset of $6.9 million. Amortization of our CDI was $197 thousand for the second quarter of 2019; there was no similar expense for the same 2018 period.
Six Months Ended June 30, 2019 Compared to Six Months Ended June 30, 2018

50


Noninterest expense for six months ended June 30, 2019 was $21.3 million, an increase of $8.3 million from $13.0 million for the same 2018 period. The increase in all of the overhead expense categories is due to including PCB's operations since the date of acquisition and the addition of CDI amortization expense, offset partially by the decrease of $730 thousand in merger, integration and public company registration costs. Salaries and employee benefits increased $5.6 million due mostly to the growth in headcount resulting from the PCB acquisition. The average FTE employees for 2019 is 179 compared to 108 FTE employees for 2018. Occupancy and equipment costs increased $1.3 million due to the branches added in the PCB acquisition and the previously described $400 thousand impairment charges.

Income Taxes

Income tax expense was $3.2 million, $3.3 million and $1.5 million for the second quarter of 2019, first quarter of 2019 and second quarter of 2018. The effective tax rates were 31.9%, 31.7% and 30.8% for the second quarter of 2019, first quarter of 2019 and second quarter of 2018. Income tax expense was $6.4 million and $2.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018. The effective tax rates were 31.8% and 29.1% for the six months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018.
The difference in our effective tax rate compared to the statutory rate of 29.5% for the respective reporting periods was primarily attributable to the impact of the vesting and exercise of equity awards combined with changes in the Company's stock price over time.


Financial Condition

Total assets increased $80.7 million during the second quarter to $1.73 billion at June 30, 2019 from $1.65 billion at March 31, 2019. This increase is due mostly to the $62.4 million increase in loans held for investment and the $26.9 million increase in cash and cash equivalents, offset by the $9.7 million decrease in loans held for sale. Total liabilities increased $74.7 million during the second quarter to $1.48 billion at June 30, 2019 from $1.40 billion at March 31, 2019. Total deposits increased $40.7 million to $1.26 billion at June 30, 2019. Other borrowings increased $35.0 million to $195.0 million at June 30, 2019 and senior secured notes decreased $1.4 million to $12.8 million at June 30, 2019.

Since December 31, 2018, total assets have increased $107.9 million due mostly to an $85.0 million increase in loans held for investment to $1.32 billion at June 30, 2019, or an annualized growth rate of 13.6%. In addition, cash and cash equivalents increased $40.2 million and other assets increased $6.1 million due mostly to the adoption of the new lease accounting standard effective January 1, 2019 which added operating lease right-of-use assets of $4.8 million. These increases were offset by a $19.6 million decrease in loans held for sale and a $2.0 million decrease in deferred tax assets. Total liabilities at June 30, 2019 were $1.48 billion, an increase of $101.9 million, from $1.37 billion at December 31, 2018. Total deposits increased $3.5 million, borrowings increased $90.0 million, senior secured notes increased $4.4 million, and other liabilities, including operating lease liabilities, increased $4.0 million due to the adoption of the new lease accounting standard effective January 1, 2019.
 
Cash and Cash Equivalents
 
Cash and cash equivalents are comprised of cash and due from banks, interest-bearing deposits at other banks with original maturities of less than 90 days, federal funds sold. Cash and cash equivalents totaled $237.6 million at June 30, 2019, an increase of $26.9 million from March 31, 2019 and $40.2 million from December 31, 2018. The increases in cash and cash equivalents during the three and six months ended June 30, 2019 were primarily attributable to increases in brokered time deposits and borrowings.

Investment Securities
 
The following table presents the carrying values of investment securities available-for-sale and held-to-maturity as of the periods indicated:

51


 
June 30, 2019
 
March 31, 2019
 
December 31, 2018
 
Fair
Value
 
Percentage of Total
 
Fair
Value
 
Percentage of Total
 
Fair
Value
 
Percentage of Total
Securities available-for-sale:
(dollars in thousands)
Mortgage-backed securities
$
8,557

 
30.0
%
 
$
8,729

 
30.0
%
 
$
8,844

 
29.9
%
Collateralized mortgage obligations
10,828

 
37.9
%
 
11,140

 
38.4
%
 
11,461

 
38.8
%
SBA pools
9,173

 
32.1
%
 
9,195

 
31.6
%
 
9,238

 
31.3
%
 
$
28,558


100.0
%
 
$
29,064

 
100.0
%

$
29,543


100.0
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
June 30, 2019
 
March 31, 2019
 
December 31, 2018
 
Amortized Cost
 
Percentage of Total
 
Amortized Cost
 
Percentage of Total
 
Amortized Cost
 
Percentage of Total
Securities held-to-maturity:
(dollars in thousands)
U.S. Government and agency securities
$
3,341

 
65.8
%
 
$
3,341

 
62.9
%
 
$
3,340

 
62.8
%
Mortgage-backed securities
1,735

 
34.2
%
 
1,970

 
37.1
%
 
1,982

 
37.2
%
 
$
5,076


100.0
%
 
$
5,311

 
100.0
%

$
5,322


100.0
%
    
The following table presents the contractual maturities of investment securities available-for-sale and held-to-maturity as of June 30, 2019:
 
June 30, 2019
 
One Year
or Less
 
After One Year Through Five Years
 
After Five Years Through Ten Years
 
After Ten Years (1)
 
Total
Securities available-for-sale:
(dollars in thousands)
Mortgage-backed securities
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
8,557

 
$
8,557

Collateralized mortgage obligations

 

 

 
10,828

 
10,828

SBA pools

 

 

 
9,173

 
9,173

 
$


$


$


$
28,558


$
28,558

Weighted average yield:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Mortgage-backed securities
%
 
%
 
%
 
2.64
%
 
2.64
%
Collateralized mortgage obligations
%
 
%
 
%
 
2.17
%
 
2.17
%
SBA pools
%
 
%
 
%
 
2.43
%
 
2.43
%
 
%
 
%
 
%
 
2.39
%
 
2.39
%
(1)
 Mortgage-backed securities, collateralized mortgage obligations and SBA pools do not have a single stated maturity date and, therefore, have been included in the "After Ten Years" category.


52


 
June 30, 2019
 
One Year
or Less
 
After One Year Through Five Years
 
After Five Years Through Ten Years
 
After Ten Years (1)
 
Total
Securities held-to-maturity:
(dollars in thousands)
U.S. Government and agency securities
$

 
$
3,341

 
$

 
$

 
$
3,341

Mortgage-backed securities

 

 

 
1,735

 
1,735

 
$


$
3,341


$


$
1,735


$
5,076

Weighted average yield:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. Government and agency securities
%
 
2.05
%
 
%
 
%
 
2.05
%
Mortgage-backed securities
%
 
%
 
%
 
2.90
%
 
2.90
%
 
%
 
2.05
%
 
%
 
2.90
%
 
2.33
%
(1) Mortgage-backed securities do not have a single stated maturity date and, therefore, have been included in the "After Ten Years" category.

At June 30, 2019, no issuer represented 10% or more of our shareholders’ equity. At June 30, 2019, securities held-to-maturity with a carrying amount of $5.1 million were pledged to the Federal Reserve Bank as collateral for a $4.9 million line of credit. There were no borrowings under this line of credit for the three and six months ended June 30, 2019.

Loans
    
Loans are the single largest contributor to our net income. It is our goal to continue to grow the balance sheet through the origination of loans, and to a lesser extent, through loan purchases. This effort will serve to maximize our yield on earning assets. We continue to manage our loan portfolio in accordance with what we believe are conservative and disciplined loan underwriting policies. Every effort is made to minimize credit risk, while tailoring loans to meet the needs of our target market. Our lending strategy emphasizes quality loan growth, product diversification, and competitive and profitable pricing. The following table shows the composition of our loans held for investment as of the dates indicated:
 
June 30, 2019
 
March 31, 2019
 
December 31, 2018
 
Amount
Percentage of Total
 
Amount
Percentage of Total
 
Amount
Percentage of Total
 
(dollars in thousands)
Construction and land development
$
196,034

14.7
%
 
$
185,798

14.6
%
 
$
184,177

14.7
%
Real estate:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Residential
51,512

3.9
%
 
54,841

4.3
%
 
57,443

4.6
%
Commercial real estate - owner occupied
180,161

13.5
%
 
186,696

14.7
%
 
179,494

14.3
%
Commercial real estate - non-owner occupied
404,177

30.2
%
 
382,115

30.0
%
 
401,665

32.2
%
Commercial and industrial
332,709

24.9
%
 
307,175

24.1
%
 
281,718

22.5
%
SBA loans
171,300

12.8
%
 
156,781

12.3
%
 
146,462

11.7
%
Consumer
159

%
 
163

%
 
159

%
Loans held for investment, net of discounts
$
1,336,052

100.0
%

$
1,273,569

100.0
%
 
$
1,251,118

100.0
%
Net deferred origination costs (fees)
(37
)
 
 
8

 
 
(137
)
 
Loans held for investment
1,336,015

 
 
1,273,577

 
 
1,250,981

 
Allowance for loan losses
(12,053
)
 
 
(11,426
)
 
 
(11,056
)
 
Loans held for investment, net
$
1,323,962

 
 
$
1,262,151

 
 
$
1,239,925

 
     
At June 30, 2019, loans held for investment totaled $1.34 billion, an increase of $62.4 million, or annualized growth rate of approximately 19.6% for the second quarter of 2019, and an increase of $85.0 million, or annualized growth rate of 13.6% since year end. During the second quarter of 2019, construction and land development loans increased $10.2 million,

53


commercial real estate loans ("CRE") increased $15.5 million, commercial and industrial loans increased $25.5 million, and SBA loans increased $14.5 million, while residential loans decreased $3.3 million. The diversification and portfolio composition remained similar at June 30, 2019 compared to year end. The most significant categories in the loan portfolio are CRE (non-owner occupied) and commercial and industrial loans which represent 30.2% and 24.9% of total loans held for investments, net of discounts at June 30, 2019.

As of June 30, 2019, March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, loans secured by non-owner occupied commercial real estate represented 299%, 292% and 309% of our total risk-based capital (as defined by the federal bank regulators) and were below our internal policy limit of 350% of risk-based capital. In addition, at June 30, 2019, March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, total loans secured by commercial real estate under construction and land development represented 107%, 105% and 108% of our total risk-based capital and were likewise below our internal policy of 150% of risk-based capital. Historically, we have managed loan concentrations by selling participations in, or whole loan sales of, certain loans, primarily commercial real estate and construction and land development loan production.

In addition, our single largest concentration of CRE loans is to hospitality owners, which comprised 12%, 11% and 14% of total commercial real estate loans at June 30, 2019, March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018. Some of the members of our Board of Directors are active in the hospitality sector and therefore, are able to provide referrals for financing on hotel properties. There are no loans to any of our board members, or to members of their immediate families, but often to other hotel owners referred to us by these directors. We carefully manage this concentration and the levels of hospitality loans are measured against our total risk-based capital and reported to our Board of Directors regularly. Our internal guidance is to limit hospitality industry commitments to 150% of total risk-based capital. At June 30, 2019, March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, hospitality loans represented 53%, 51% and 61% of our risk-based capital. At June 30, 2019, March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, total commitments to fund hospitality loans represented 55%, 53% and 64% of our risk-based capital.

We offer small business loans through the SBA 7(a) and 504 loan programs. The SBA 7(a) program provides up to a 75% guaranty for loans greater than $150,000 and an 85% guaranty for loans $150,000 or less. The maximum SBA 7(a) loan amount is $5 million. The guaranty is conditional and covers a portion of the risk of payment default by the borrower, but not the risk of improper closing and servicing by the lender. The SBA 504 program consists of real estate backed commercial mortgages where we have the first mortgage and the SBA has the second mortgage on the property. Generally, we have a less than 65 percent loan to value ratio on SBA 504 program loans at origination. The following table summarizes the SBA loan types in the portfolio as of the dates indicated:
 
June 30,
2019
 
March 31,
2019
 
December 31,
2018
 
(dollars in thousands)
SBA 7(a)
$
105,343

 
$
101,782

 
$
100,159

SBA 504
65,957

 
54,999

 
46,303

Total
$
171,300

 
$
156,781

 
$
146,462


The following table summarizes the amount of guaranteed and unguaranteed SBA loans in the portfolio, and the collateral categories for the unguaranteed portion of SBA loans as of the dates indicated:
 
June 30,
2019
 
March 31,
2019
 
December 31,
2018
 
(dollars in thousands)
Secured - Industrial warehouse
$
31,704

 
$
30,869

 
$
31,585

Secured - Hospitality
28,139

 
28,720

 
22,665

Secured - Others
60,469

 
49,425

 
47,035

Unsecured or secured by other business asset
16,046

 
15,693

 
14,961

Total unguaranteed portion
136,358

 
124,707

 
116,246

Guaranteed portion
34,942

 
32,074

 
30,216

Total
$
171,300

 
$
156,781

 
$
146,462



54


Loan Maturities
    
The following table presents the contractual maturities and the distribution between fixed and adjustable interest rates for loans held for investment at June 30, 2019:
 
June 30, 2019
 
Within One Year
After One Year Through Five Years
After Five Years
 
 
Fixed
 
Adjustable Rate
 
Fixed
 
Adjustable Rate
 
Fixed
 
Adjustable
Rate
 
Total
 
(dollars in thousands)
Construction and land development
$

 
$
131,635

 
$
2,871

 
$
52,603

 
$

 
$
8,925

 
$
196,034

Real estate:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
     Residential
24

 
1,080

 

 
1,457

 
2,469

 
46,482

 
51,512

     Commercial real estate - owner occupied
7,302

 
10,322

 
20,907

 
39,115

 
9,801

 
92,596

 
180,043

     Commercial real estate - non-owner occupied
28,314

 
34,993

 
66,826

 
114,283

 
16,053

 
142,661

 
403,130

Commercial and industrial
16,957

 
66,847

 
25,222

 
113,740

 
11,311

 
98,104

 
332,181

SBA loans

 
8,577

 
2,955

 
17,406

 
7,304

 
134,470

 
170,712

Consumer & other
1

 
158

 

 

 

 

 
159

 
$
52,598

 
$
253,612

 
$
118,781

 
$
338,604

 
$
46,938

 
$
523,238

 
$
1,333,771

PCI loans

 

 
1,615

 
141

 
10

 
515

 
2,281

Total
$
52,598

 
$
253,612

 
$
120,396

 
$
338,745

 
$
46,948

 
$
523,753

 
$
1,336,052

 
Problem Loans

Loans are considered delinquent when principal or interest payments are past due 30 days or more; delinquent loans may remain on accrual status between 30 days and 89 days past due. Loans on which the accrual of interest has been discontinued are designated as nonaccrual loans. Typically, the accrual of interest on loans is discontinued when principal or interest payments are past due 90 days or when, in the opinion of management, there is a reasonable doubt as to collectability in the normal course of business. When loans are placed on nonaccrual status, all interest previously accrued but not collected is reversed against current period interest income.
 
We categorize loans into risk categories based on relevant information about the ability of borrowers to service their debt such as current financial information, historical payment experience, collateral adequacy, credit documentation, and current economic trends, among other factors. We analyze loans individually by classifying the loans as to credit risk. This analysis typically includes larger, non-homogeneous loans such as commercial real estate and commercial and industrial loans. This analysis is performed on an ongoing basis as new information is obtained. We use the following definitions for risk ratings:
 
Pass - Loans classified as pass represent assets with a level of credit quality which contain no well-defined deficiency or weakness.
 
Special Mention - Loans classified as special mention have a potential weakness that deserves management’s close attention. If left uncorrected, these potential weaknesses may result in deterioration of the repayment prospects for the loan or of the institution’s credit position at some future date.
 
Substandard - Loans classified as substandard are inadequately protected by the current net worth and paying capacity of the obligor or of the collateral pledged, if any. Loans so classified have a well-defined weakness or weaknesses that jeopardize the liquidation of the debt. They are characterized by the distinct possibility that the institution will sustain some loss if the deficiencies are not corrected.

Doubtful - Loans classified as doubtful have all the weaknesses inherent in those classified Substandard with the added characteristic that the weaknesses make collection or liquidation in full, based on currently known facts, conditions and values, highly questionable and improbable.


55


Loss - Loans classified loss are considered uncollectible and of such little value that their continuance as loans is not warranted.
 
The following tables present the recorded investment balances of potential problem loans, excluding PCI
loans,classified as special mention or substandard, at June 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018:
 
June 30, 2019
 
 
 
Real Estate
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Construction and land development
 
Residential
 
Commercial real estate - owner occupied
 
Commercial real estate - non-owner occupied
 
Commercial and industrial
 
SBA loans
 
Consumer
 
Total
 
(dollars in thousands)
Special Mention
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
5,770

 
$
417

 
$

 
$
6,187

Substandard

 

 
5,188

 

 
5,754

 
5,200

 

 
16,142

Total
$


$


$
5,188


$


$
11,524


$
5,617


$


$
22,329

(1)
At June 30, 2019, substandard loans include $2.7 million of impaired loans. We had no loans classified as doubtful or loss at June 30, 2019.

 
December 31, 2018
 
 
 
Real Estate
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Construction and land development
 
Residential
 
Commercial real estate - owner occupied
 
Commercial real estate - non-owner occupied
 
Commercial and industrial
 
SBA loans
 
Consumer
 
Total
 
(dollars in thousands)
Special Mention
$

 
$

 
$
4,857

 
$
1,133

 
$
8,341

 
$
6,065

 
$

 
$
20,396

Substandard

 

 

 

 
3,140

 
1,817

 

 
4,957

Total
$


$


$
4,857


$
1,133


$
11,481


$
7,882


$


$
25,353

(1)
At December 31, 2018, substandard loans include $1.7 million of impaired loans. We had no loans classified as doubtful or loss at December 31, 2018.

Since year end, $11.1 million of loans risk rated "Special Mention" at December 31, 2018 have been upgraded and $3.6 million have been downgraded to substandard as of June 30, 2019. The remaining increase in the "Substandard" risk rating classification is due to other portfolio migration.

Nonperforming Assets

Nonperforming assets, excluding PCI loans, are defined as nonperforming loans plus real estate acquired through foreclosure. Nonperforming loans are further defined as accruing loans past due 90 days or more, non-accrual loans and non-accrual troubled-debt restructurings (“TDRs”). The balances of nonperforming loans reflect our net investment in these assets. The table below reflects the composition of nonperforming assets as of the periods indicated:

56


 
June 30,
2019
 
March 31,
2019
 
December 31,
2018
 
(dollars in thousands)
Accruing loans past due 90 days or more
$

 
$

 
$

Non-accrual
2,504

 
1,091

 
1,128

Troubled debt restructurings on non-accrual
175

 
579

 
594

Total nonperforming loans
2,679

 
1,670

 
1,722

Foreclosed assets

 

 

Total nonperforming assets
$
2,679

 
$
1,670

 
$
1,722

Troubled debt restructurings - on accrual
$
720

 
$
325

 
$
327

 
 
 
 
 
 
Nonperforming loans as a percentage of total loans held for investment
0.20
%
 
0.13
%
 
0.14
%
Nonperforming assets as a percentage of total assets
0.15
%
 
0.10
%
 
0.11
%

The following table shows our nonperforming loans by loan class as of the dates indicated:
 
June 30,
2019
 
March 31,
2019
 
December 31,
2018
Nonperforming loans:
(dollars in thousands)
Commercial and industrial
$
238

 
$
84

 
$
89

SBA loans
2,441

 
1,586

 
1,633

Total nonperforming loans (1)
$
2,679

 
$
1,670


$
1,722

 (1) There were no purchased credit impaired loans on nonaccrual at June 30, 2019, March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018.

Since year end, the increase in nonperforming loans is due mostly to downgrading one commercial and industrial loan and seven SBA 7(a) loans totaling $1.9 million, offset by a $917 thousand reduction due to loans being paid off or returned to accruing status.

Troubled Debt Restructurings

At June 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, we had approximately $895 thousand and $922 thousand in recorded investment in loans identified as TDRs and no specific reserves were allocated to these loans. We have not committed to lend any additional amounts to customers with outstanding loans that are classified as TDR’s as of June 30, 2019. During the three and six months ended June 30, 2019, there were no new loan modifications resulting in TDRs. At June 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, one TDR with a recorded investment balance of $95 thousand was not performing in accordance with its restructured terms.
  
Allowance for Loan losses

The allowance for loan losses, which we also refer to as the allowance, is a valuation allowance for probable incurred credit losses. Loan losses are charged against the allowance when management believes the un-collectability of a loan balance is confirmed. Subsequent recoveries, if any, are credited to the allowance. Management estimates the allowance balance required using past loan loss experience, the nature and volume of the portfolio, information about specific borrower situations and estimated collateral values, economic conditions, and other factors. Allocations of the allowance may be made for specific loans, but the entire allowance is available for any loan that, in management’s judgment, should be charged off. Amounts are charged-off when available information confirms that specific loans or portions thereof, are uncollectible. This methodology for determining charge-offs is consistently applied to each loan portfolio segment. 

We determine a separate allowance for each loan portfolio segment. The allowance consists of specific and general reserves. Specific reserves relate to loans that are individually classified as impaired. A loan is impaired when, based on current information and events, it is probable that we will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. Factors considered in determining impairment include payment status, collateral value and the

57


probability of collecting all amounts when due. Measurement of impairment is based on the expected future cash flows of an impaired loan, which are to be discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate, or measured by reference to an observable market value, if one exists, or the fair value of the collateral for a collateral-dependent loan. We select the measurement method on a loan-by-loan basis except that collateral-dependent loans for which foreclosure is probable are measured at the fair value of the collateral less estimated selling costs.
 
General reserves cover non-impaired loans and are based on historical loss rates for each portfolio segment or peer group historical data, adjusted for the effects of qualitative or environmental factors that are likely to cause estimated credit losses as of the evaluation date to differ from the portfolio segment’s historical loss experience. Qualitative factors include consideration of the following: changes in lending policies and procedures; changes in economic conditions; changes in the nature and volume of the portfolio; changes in the experience, ability and depth of lending management and other relevant staff; changes in the volume and severity of past due, nonaccrual and other adversely graded loans; changes in the loan review system; changes in the value of the underlying collateral for collateral-dependent loans; concentrations of credit; and the effect of other external factors such as competition and legal and regulatory requirements.
 
Portfolio segments identified by us include construction and land development, residential and commercial real estate, commercial and industrial, SBA loans, and consumer loans. Relevant risk characteristics for these portfolio segments generally include debt service coverage, loan-to-value ratios, collateral type, borrower financial performance, credit scores, and debt-to-income ratios for consumer loans. 
 
In addition, the evaluation of the appropriate allowance for loan losses on purchased non-impaired loans in the various loan segments considers credit discounts recorded as a part of the initial determination of the fair value of the loans. For these loans, no allowance for loan losses is recorded at the acquisition date. Credit discounts representing the principal losses expected over the life of the loans are a component of the initial fair value. Subsequent to the acquisition date, the methods utilized to estimate the required allowance for loan losses for these loans is similar to our originated loans; however, we record a provision for loan losses only when the required allowance exceeds any remaining purchase discounts.

The evaluation of the appropriate allowance for loan losses for purchased credit-impaired loans in the various loan segments considers the expected cash flows to be collected from the borrower. These loans are initially recorded at fair value and, therefore, no allowance for loan losses is recorded at the acquisition date. Subsequent to the acquisition date, the expected cash flows of purchased loans are subject to evaluation. Decreases in expected cash flows are recognized by recording an allowance for loan losses with the related provision for loan losses. If the expected cash flows on the purchased loans increase, a previously recorded impairment allowance can be reversed. Increases in expected cash flows of purchased loans, when there are no reversals of previous impairment allowances, are recognized over the remaining life of the loans.


58


The table below presents a summary of activity in our allowance for loan losses for the periods indicated:
 
Three Months Ended June 30,
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
2019
 
2018
 
2019
 
2018
 
(dollars in thousands)
Balance, beginning of period
$
11,426

 
$
10,010

 
$
11,056

 
$
10,497

Charge-offs:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial and industrial
(122
)
 

 
(124
)
 
(514
)
SBA loans

 
(21
)
 

 
(261
)
Total charge-offs
(122
)

(21
)
 
(124
)
 
(775
)
Recoveries:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial and industrial
10

 
67

 
32

 
134

SBA loans
189

 

 
189

 

Total recoveries
199


67

 
221

 
134

Net recoveries (charge-offs)
77


46

 
97

 
(641
)
Provision for loan losses
550

 
320

 
900

 
520

Balance, end of period
$
12,053


$
10,376

 
$
12,053

 
$
10,376

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Loans held for investment, net of discounts
$
1,336,052

 
$
783,911

 
$
1,336,052

 
$
783,911

Average loans
$
1,334,188

 
$
801,342

 
$
1,307,613

 
$
787,892

Allowance for loan losses as a percentage of total loans held for investment, net of discounts
0.90
%
 
1.32
%
 
0.90
%
 
1.32
 %
Annualized net recoveries (charge-offs) to average loans
0.02
%
 
0.02
%
 
0.01
%
 
(0.16
)%

The following table shows the allocation of the allowance for loan losses by loan type as of the dates indicated:
 
June 30, 2019
 
March 31, 2019
 
December 31, 2018
 
Allowance for Loan Losses
 
% of Loans in Each Category to Total Loans
 
Allowance for Loan Losses
 
% of Loans in Each Category to Total Loans
 
Allowance for Loan Losses
 
% of Loans in Each Category to Total Loans
 
(dollars in thousands)
Construction and land development
$
1,892

 
14.7
%
 
$
1,806

 
14.6
%
 
$
1,721

 
14.7
%
Real estate:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Residential
379

 
3.9
%
 
402

 
4.3
%
 
422

 
4.6
%
Commercial real estate - owner occupied
905

 
13.5
%
 
862

 
14.7
%
 
734

 
14.3
%
Commercial real estate - non-owner occupied
2,587

 
30.2
%
 
2,508

 
30.0
%
 
2,686

 
32.2
%
Commercial and industrial
4,502

 
24.9
%
 
4,036

 
24.1
%
 
3,686

 
22.5
%
SBA loans
1,788

 
12.8
%
 
1,812

 
12.3
%
 
1,807

 
11.7
%
Consumer

 
%
 

 
%
 

 
%
 
$
12,053

 
100.0
%
 
$
11,426

 
100.0
%
 
$
11,056

 
100.0
%

PCI Loans
    
The following table summarizes the changes in the carrying amount and accretable yield of PCI loans for the three and six months ended June 30, 2019:

59


 
Three Months Ended June 30, 2019
 
Six Months Ended June 30, 2019
 
Carrying Amount
 
Accretable
Yield
 
Carrying Amount
 
Accretable
Yield
 
(dollars in thousands)
Balance, beginning of period
$
2,580

 
$
1,934

 
$
2,644

 
$
2,073

Accretion
86

 
(86
)
 
315

 
(315
)
Payments received
(386
)
 

 
(667
)
 

Increase in expected cash flows, net
1

 
80

 
(11
)
 
170

Balance, end of period
$
2,281

 
$
1,928

 
$
2,281

 
$
1,928


Loan Held for Sale

Loans held for sale typically consist of the guaranteed portion of SBA 7a loans that are originated and intended for sale in the secondary market and may also include commercial real estate loans and SBA 504 loans. Loans held for sale are carried at the lower of carrying value or estimated market value. At June 30, 2019, loans held for sale were $8.4 million, a decrease of $9.7 million from $18.1 million at March 31, 2019 and a decrease of $19.6 million from $28.0 million at December 31, 2018. The decrease in loans held for sale was due to the origination of $9.9 million and $19.8 million in loans held for sale, offset by the sale of loans with a carrying value of $16.4 million and $35.0 million during the three and six months ended June 30, 2019
 
Servicing Asset and Loan Servicing Portfolio

Loans serviced for others totaled $303.7 million and $288.2 million at June 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018. The loan servicing portfolio includes SBA loans serviced for others of $216.8 million and $198.4 million for which there is a related servicing asset of $3.5 million and $3.2 million at June 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018.

In addition, the loan servicing portfolio includes construction and land development loans, commercial real estate loans and commercial & industrial loans participated out to other institutions of $86.9 million and $89.8 million for which there is no related servicing asset at June 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018.

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

As a result of the PCB acquisition, we recorded goodwill and a core deposit intangible ("CDI"), which total $73.4 million and $6.2 million at June 30, 2019.
    
Deposits

The following table presents the ending balance and percentage of deposits as of the periods indicated:
 
June 30, 2019
 
March 31, 2019
 
December 31, 2018
 
Amount
 
Percentage of Total
 
Amount
 
Percentage of Total
 
Amount
 
Percentage of Total
 
(dollars in thousands)
Noninterest-bearing demand
$
547,434

 
43.6
%
 
$
535,867

 
44.1
%
 
$
546,713

 
43.7
%
Interest-bearing deposits:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest checking
110,290

 
8.8
%
 
112,772

 
9.3
%
 
129,884

 
10.4
%
Money market
262,416

 
20.9
%
 
280,308

 
23.0
%
 
296,085

 
23.6
%
Savings
28,237

 
2.2
%
 
30,140

 
2.5
%
 
39,154

 
3.1
%
Retail time deposits
130,236

 
10.4
%
 
130,827

 
10.8
%
 
152,121

 
12.1
%
Wholesale time deposits
177,265

 
14.1
%
 
125,256

 
10.3
%
 
88,382

 
7.1
%
 
$
1,255,878

 
100.0
%
 
$
1,215,170

 
100.0
%
 
$
1,252,339

 
100.0
%


60


During the three months ended June 30, 2019, total deposits increased $40.7 million to $1.26 billion from $1.22 billion at March 31, 2019 due to higher noninterest-bearing demand deposits of $11.6 million and higher time deposits of $51.4 million, offset partially by lower interest-bearing non-maturity deposits of $22.3 million. Noninterest-bearing deposits totaled $547.4 million and represented 43.6% of total deposits at June 30, 2019 compared to $535.9 million and 44.1% of total deposits at March 31, 2019.

During the six months ended June 30, 2019, total deposits increased $3.5 million from $1.25 billion at December 31, 2018. Total time deposits increased $67.0 million offset by a $63.5 million decrease in non-maturity deposits. The decrease in non-maturity deposits, including noninterest-bearing deposits, is attributed primarily to our customers' use of year end cash. The increase in time deposits includes a $88.9 million increase in wholesale time deposits offset by a $21.9 million decrease in retail time deposits due to maturities that were not renewed at our current offer rates. Noninterest-bearing deposits totaled $546.7 million and 43.7% of total deposits at December 31, 2018.

Wholesale time deposits includes brokered time deposits and collateralized time deposits from the State of California. Brokered time deposits totaled $152.3 million, of which $134.5 million are callable or mature within six months, at June 30 2019; this compared to brokered time deposits of $100.3 million and $53.4 million at March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018. The weighted average remaining maturity, including call options, of brokered time deposits was 2.19 years as of June 30, 2019. At June 30, 2019 and March 31, 2019, collateralized time deposits from the State of California totaled $25.0 million compared to $35 million at December 31, 2018. These deposits are collateralized by letters of credit issued by the FHLB under the Bank's secured line of credit with the FHLB. Refer to Note 8 - Deposits and Note 9 - Borrowing Arrangements to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

Our ten largest depositor relationships accounted for approximately 17% and 25% of total deposits at June 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018.

The following table shows time deposits greater than $250,000 by time remaining until maturity:
 
June 30, 2019
 
(dollars in thousands)
Three months or less
$
33,217

Over three months through six months
25,916

Over six months through twelve months
15,914

Over twelve months
12,051

 
$
87,098

    
Borrowings

The following tables presents the components of borrowings as of the periods indicated:
 
June 30,
2019
 
March 31,
2019
 
December 31,
2018
 
(dollars in thousands)
Borrowings
 
 
 
 
 
FHLB advances
$
165,000

 
$
140,000

 
$
90,000

Federal funds purchased
30,000

 
20,000

 
14,998

Borrowings
$
195,000

 
$
160,000

 
$
104,998

 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate, end of period
2.45
%
 
2.61
%
 
2.57
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
Senior secured notes
$
12,800

 
$
14,200

 
$
8,450

Interest rate, end of period
5.75
%
 
5.75
%
 
5.75
%


61


In addition to deposits, we use borrowings, such as FHLB advances and Federal fund purchases, as a source of funds to meet the daily liquidity needs of our customers. At June 30, 2019, borrowings total $195.0 million, including overnight borrowings of $165.0 million and a $30.0 million secured fixed-rate term advance that matures in June 2021. There were no long term fixed rate advances outstanding at March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018.

Federal Home Loan Bank Secured Line of Credit

At June 30, 2019, the Bank had a secured line of credit of $412.9 million from the FHLB, of which $185.4 million was available. At June 30, 2019, the Bank had pledged as collateral certain qualifying loans with an unpaid principal balance of $843.4 million under this borrowing agreement. At June 30, 2019, FHLB advances totaled $165.0 million including overnight advances of $135.0 million with a weighted average interest rate of 2.52% and a fixed-rate term advance that matures in June 2021 of $30.0 million with a weighted average interest rate of 1.93%; this compares to overnight advances of $90.0 million with a weighted average rate of 2.56% at December 31, 2018. The average balance of FHLB borrowings totaled $75.9 million and $35.4 million with an average interest rate of 2.50% and 1.87% for the three months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018. The average balance of FHLB borrowings totaled $55.6 million and $41.4 million with an average interest rate of 2.53% and 1.71% for the six months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018.

In addition, at June 30, 2019, the Bank used another $62.5 million of its secured FHLB borrowing capacity by having the FHLB issue letters of credit to meet collateral requirements for deposits from the State of California and other public agencies.

Federal Funds Unsecured Lines of Credit

The Bank has established unsecured overnight borrowing arrangements for an aggregate amount of $77.0 million, subject to availability, with five of its primary correspondent banks. In general, interest rates on these lines approximate the federal funds target rate. Overnight borrowings under these credit facilities were $30.0 million, $20.0 million and $15.0 million at June 30, 2019, March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2019, average borrowings totaled $1.5 million and $1.3 million with an average interest rate of 2.70% for both time periods. This compared to average borrowing of $264 thousand and $331 thousand with an average interest rate of 3.04% and 2.44% for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018.

Federal Reserve Bank Secured Line of Credit

At June 30, 2019, the Bank has a total secured line of credit of $4.9 million with the Federal Reserve Bank. At June 30, 2019, the Bank had pledged securities held-to-maturity with a carrying value of $5.1 million as collateral for this line. There were no borrowings under this arrangement at or during the three and six months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018.

Senior Secured Notes

At June 30, 2019, the outstanding balance under the holding company's senior secured line of credit totaled $12.8 million with an interest rate of 5.75%. At December 31, 2018, the outstanding balance totaled $8.5 million with an interest rate of 5.75%. The average outstanding borrowings under this facility totaled $12.4 million with an average interest rate of 5.89% for the three months ended June 30, 2019 compared to $3.2 million with an average interest rate of 5.11% for the three months ended June 30, 2018. The average outstanding borrowings under this facility totaled $12.2 million with an average interest rate of 5.89% for the six months ended June 30, 2019 compared to $2.2 million with an average interest rate of 5.00% for the six months ended June 30, 2018. At June 30, 2019, we were in compliance with all loan covenants on the facility and the remaining available credit is $12.2 million. In addition, one of our executives is a member of the lending bank's board of directors.

Shareholders’ Equity

Total shareholders’ equity increased $6.1 million to $254.1 million at June 30, 2019 from $248.1 million at December 31, 2018. The increase in shareholders' equity is primarily due net income of $13.8 million and the vesting and

62


exercising of equity awards of $3.4 million, partially offset by the stock repurchases of $7.1 million and cash dividends of $4.7 million.

Liquidity and Capital Resources
 
Liquidity is the ability to raise funds on a timely basis at an acceptable cost in order to meet cash needs. Adequate liquidity is necessary to handle fluctuations in deposit levels, to provide for client credit needs, and to take advantage of investment opportunities as they are presented in the market place. We believe that we currently have the ability to generate sufficient liquidity from our operating activities to meet our funding requirements. As a result of our growth, we may need to acquire additional liquidity to fund our activities in the future.
 
Holding Company Liquidity

As a bank holding company, we currently have no significant assets other than our equity interest in First Choice Bank. Our primary sources of liquidity at the holding company include dividends from the Bank, cash on hand at the holding company, which was approximately $266 thousand at June 30, 2019, a $25.0 million secured line of credit of which $12.2 million was available at June 30, 2019, and our ability to raise capital, issue subordinated debt, and secure other outside borrowings. The holding company's ability to declare and pay cash dividends depends upon cash on hand, availability on our secured line of credit and dividends from the Bank. Dividends from the Bank to the holding company depend upon the Bank's earnings, financial position, regulatory standing, ability to meet current and anticipated regulatory capital requirements, and other factors deemed relevant by our Board of Directors. The Bank has paid $8 million in dividends to the holding company during the six months ended June 30, 2019. Refer to the Regulatory Capital section for a discussion of dividend limitations at both the holding company and the Bank.

Consolidated Company Liquidity
 
Our liquidity ratio is defined as liquid assets (cash and due from banks, fed funds and repos, interest-bearing deposits, other investments with a remaining maturity of one year or less, available-for-sale and equity securities, held-to-maturity securities and loans held for sale) divided by total assets. Using this definition, at June 30, 2019, our liquidity ratio was 16%.
 
Our objective is to ensure adequate liquidity at all times by maintaining liquid assets and by being able to raise deposits. Having too little liquidity can present difficulties in meeting commitments to fund loans or honor deposit withdrawals. Having too much liquidity can result in lower income because liquid assets generally yield less than long-term assets. A proper balance is the goal of management and the Board of Directors, as administered by various policies and guidelines. Our current policy requires that we maintain a liquidity ratio ranging from 10% to 15% measured daily. Previously, our policy required that we maintain a liquidity ratio of at least 15% measured monthly.
 
Additional sources of liquidity available to us at June 30, 2019 included $185.4 million in remaining secured borrowing capacity with the FHLB, $4.9 million in borrowing capacity at the discount window with the Federal Reserve Bank, and unsecured lines of credit with correspondent banks with a remaining borrowing capacity of $47.0 million.

We believe that we will be able to meet our contractual obligations as they come due through the maintenance of adequate liquidity levels. We expect to maintain adequate liquidity levels through profitability, loan payoffs, securities repayments and maturities, and continued deposit gathering activities. We also have in place various borrowing mechanisms for both short-term and long-term liquidity needs.

Contractual Obligations

The following table summarizes aggregated information about our outstanding contractual obligations and other long-term liabilities, excluding interest payments at June 30, 2019.

63


 
Payments Due by Period
 
Total
 
Less Than
One Year
 
One to
Three Years
 
More than Three to
Five Years
 
After
Five Years
 
(dollars in thousands)
Deposits without a stated maturity
$
948,377

 
$
948,377

 
$

 
$

 
$

Time deposits (1)
307,501

 
184,053

 
79,028

 
44,420

 

Borrowings
195,000

 
165,000

 
30,000

 

 

Senior secured notes
12,800

 
12,800

 

 

 

Operating lease obligations
5,331

 
2,093

 
2,751

 
487

 

 
$
1,469,009

 
$
1,312,323

 
$
111,779

 
$
44,907

 
$

(1) Includes $152.3 million of brokered time deposits reported based on their contractual maturity dates.

Off-Balance-Sheet Arrangements
In the normal course of operations, we engage in a variety of financial transactions that, in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, are not recorded in our consolidated financial statements. These transactions involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit, interest rate and liquidity risk. These transactions generally take the form of loan commitments, unused lines of credit and standby letters of credit.
 
At June 30, 2019, we had unused loan commitments of $336.7 million, standby letters of credit of $8.3 million and commitments to contribute capital to a low income housing tax credit project partnership and other CRA investments of $2.2 million. At December 31, 2018, we had unused loan commitments of $375.8 million, standby letters of credit of $4.0 million and commitments to contribute capital to other CRA investments of $385 thousand.
 
Regulatory Capital

First Choice Bank is subject to various regulatory capital requirements administered by the federal banking agencies. Failure to meet minimum capital requirements can initiate certain mandatory and possibly additional discretionary actions by regulators that, if undertaken, could have a direct material effect on our consolidated financial statements. Under capital adequacy guidelines and the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action, we must meet specific capital guidelines that involve quantitative measures of our assets, liabilities, and certain off-balance-sheet items as calculated under regulatory accounting practices. Our capital amounts and classification are also subject to qualitative judgments by the regulators about components, risk weightings, and other factors. 

In July 2013, the federal bank regulatory agencies approved the final rules implementing the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision’s capital guidelines for U.S. banks, “Basel III rules.” The new rules became effective on January 1, 2015, with certain of the requirements phased-in over a multi-year schedule, and fully phased in by January 1, 2019. Under the Basel III rules, the capital conservation buffer was subject to a three year phase-in period that began on January 1, 2016 and was fully phased-in on January 1, 2019 at 2.50%. The net unrealized gain or loss on investment securities available-for-sale securities is not included in computing regulatory capital.
 
Quantitative measures established by regulation to ensure capital adequacy require us to maintain minimum amounts and ratios (set forth in the table below) of total, Tier 1 and CET1 capital (as defined in the regulations) to risk-weighted assets (as defined), and of Tier 1 capital (as defined) to average assets (as defined). At June 30, 2019, the Bank meets all capital adequacy requirements to which it is subject, and is categorized as well-capitalized under the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action (there are no conditions or events since that notification that management believes have changed the Bank’s category) by the FDIC. To be categorized as well-capitalized, the Bank must maintain minimum ratios as set forth in the table below:

64


 
 
 
Minimum Capital Required
First Choice Bank
Actual
 
For Capital Adequacy Purposes
 
Capital Conservation Buffer Phase-In
 
For Well Capitalized Requirement
 
June 30, 2019:
 
Total Capital (to risk-weighted assets)
14.11
%
 
8.00
%
 
10.500
%
 
10.00
%
 
Tier 1 Capital (to risk-weighted assets)
13.17
%
 
6.00
%
 
8.500
%
 
8.00
%
 
CET1 Capital (to risk-weighted assets)
13.17
%
 
4.50
%
 
7.000
%
 
6.50
%
 
Tier 1 Capital (to average assets)
12.55
%
 
4.00
%
 
4.000
%
 
5.00
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
December 31, 2018:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total Capital (to risk-weighted assets)
14.18
%
 
8.00
%
 
9.875
%
 
10.00
%
 
Tier 1 Capital (to risk-weighted assets)
13.26
%
 
6.00
%
 
7.875
%
 
8.00
%
 
CET1 Capital (to risk-weighted assets)
13.26
%
 
4.50
%
 
6.375
%
 
6.50
%
 
Tier 1 Capital (to average assets)
12.03
%
 
4.00
%
 
4.000
%
 
5.00
%
 
    
At June 30, 2019, we qualify for treatment under the Small Bank Holding Company Policy Statement (Regulation Y, Appendix C) and, therefore, are not subject to consolidated capital rules at the bank holding company level.

On May 24, 2018, the Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief and Consumer Protection Act (the “Relief Act”) was signed into law. Among the Relief Act's key provisions are targeted tailoring measures to reduce the regulatory burden on community banks, including increasing the threshold for institutions qualifying for relief under the Policy Statement from $1 billion to $3 billion. The Relief Act tasks federal banking regulators to develop a community bank leverage ratio (the “CBLR”) applicable to certain depository institutions and depository institution holding companies with total consolidated assets of less than $10 billion.  In February 2019, federal banking regulators proposed that qualifying community banking organizations that maintain a CBLR greater than 9% would be considered to have met the capital requirements for the “well-capitalized” capital category under the applicable agencies’ prompt corrective action frameworks and would no longer be subject to the generally applicable capital rule. The proposed CBLR would be equal to tangible equity (as defined in the proposal) divided by average total consolidated assets. We cannot predict whether the 9% CBLR will be adopted as currently proposed.

The ability of the holding company and the Bank to pay dividends is limited by federal and state laws, regulations and policies of their respective banking regulators. California law allows a California corporation, such as the holding company, to pay dividends if retained earnings equal at least the amount of the proposed dividend. If a California corporation does not have sufficient retained earnings available for the proposed dividend, it may still pay a dividend to its shareholders if, immediately after the dividend, the value of its assets would equal or exceed the sum of its total liabilities. Policies of the Federal Reserve Board (the "FRB"), our primary federal regulator, also limit the amount of dividends that bank holding companies may pay to income available over the past year, and only if prospective earnings retention is consistent with the institution's expected future needs and financial condition and consistent with the FRB's principle that bank holding companies should serve as a source of strength to their banking subsidiaries.

The holding company's primary source of funds is dividends from the Bank. Under the California Financial Code, the Bank is permitted to pay a dividend in the following circumstances: (i) without the consent of either the California Department of Business Oversight ("DBO") or the Bank's shareholders, in an amount not exceeding the lesser of (a) the retained earnings of the Bank; or (b) the net income of the Bank for its last three fiscal years, less the amount of any distributions made during the prior period; (ii) with the prior approval of the DBO, in an amount not exceeding the greatest of: (x) the retained earnings of the Bank; (y) the net income of the Bank for its last fiscal year; or (z) the net income for the Bank for its current fiscal year; and (iii) with the prior approval of the DBO and the Bank's shareholders in connection with a reduction of its contributed capital. Further, as an FRB-member bank, the Bank is prohibited from declaring or paying a dividend if the dividend would exceed the Bank's undivided profits as reportable on its Reports of Condition and Income in the absence of prior regulatory and shareholder approvals.



65


ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

Market risk represents the risk of loss due to changes in market values of assets and liabilities. We incur market risk in the normal course of business through exposures to market interest rates, equity prices, and credit spreads. Our primary market risk is interest rate risk, which is the risk of loss of net interest income or net interest margin resulting from changes in market interest rates.

Interest Rate Risk

Interest rate risk results from the following risks:

Repricing risk - timing differences in the repricing and maturity of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities;

Option risk - changes in the expected maturities of assets and liabilities, such as borrowers’ ability to prepay loans at any time and depositors’ ability to redeem certificates of deposit before maturity;

Yield curve risk - changes in the yield curve where interest rates increase or decrease in a nonparallel fashion; and

Basis risk - changes in spread relationships between different yield curves, such as U.S. Treasuries, U.S. Prime Rate and London Interbank Offered Rate.

Since our earnings are primarily dependent on our ability to generate net interest income, we actively monitor and manage the effects of adverse changes in interest rates on our net interest income. Management of our interest rate risk is overseen by our Asset Liability Committee (“ALCO”). ALCO ensures that we are following the appropriate and current regulatory guidance in the formulation and implementation of our interest rate risk program. Our Board of Directors review the results of our interest rate risk modeling quarterly to ensure that we have appropriately measured our interest rate risk, mitigated our exposures appropriately and any residual risk is acceptable. In addition, our Board of Directors reviews the interest rate risk policy, including pre-established risk management limits, at least annually.

Interest rate risk management is an active process that encompasses monitoring loan and deposit flows complemented by investment and funding activities. Effective management of interest rate risk begins with understanding the dynamic characteristics of assets and liabilities and determining the appropriate interest rate risk posture given business forecasts, management objectives, market expectations, and policy constraints.

A balance sheet is considered “asset sensitive” when an increase in short-term interest rates is expected to expand our net interest margin, as rates earned on our interest-earning assets reprice higher at a pace faster than rates paid on our interest-bearing liabilities. Conversely, a balance sheet is considered “liability sensitive” when an increase in short-term interest rates is expected to compress our net interest margin, as rates paid on our interest-bearing liabilities reprice higher at a pace faster than rates earned on our interest-earning assets. At June 30, 2019, our balance sheet was "asset sensitive".

In order to model and evaluate interest rate risk, we use two approaches: Net Interest Income at Risk ("NII at Risk"), and Economic Value of Equity ("EVE"). Under NII at Risk, the impact on net interest income, measured over a 12 month time horizon, from changes in interest rates on interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities is modeled utilizing various assumptions for assets, liabilities, and derivatives. EVE measures the period end market value of assets minus the market value of liabilities and the change in this value as rates change. EVE is a period end measurement.

The following table presents the projected changes in NII at Risk and EVE that would occur upon an immediate change in interest rates based on independent analysis, but without giving effect to any steps that management might take to counteract that change as of June 30, 2019:


66


 
NII at Risk
 
EVE
 
Adjusted Net Interest Income
 
Percentage Change from Base Case
 
Market Value
 
 Percentage of Change from Base Case
Interest rate scenario
(dollars in thousands)
Up 300 basis points
$
95,171

 
22.4
 %
 
$
351,199

 
7.4
 %
Up 200 basis points
$
89,416

 
15.0
 %
 
$
343,373

 
5.0
 %
Up 100 basis points
$
83,547

 
7.5
 %
 
$
334,722

 
2.4
 %
Base
$
77,734

 

 
$
326,955

 

Down 100 basis points
$
73,606

 
(5.3
)%
 
$
320,078

 
(2.1
)%
Down 200 basis points
$
71,463

 
(8.1
)%
 
$
315,570

 
(3.5
)%
   

67



ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

Our management has conducted an evaluation, with the participation of our CEO and our CFO, of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) and, based upon that evaluation, concluded that as of June 30, 2019, these disclosure controls and procedures were effective.
 
Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

There has been no change in the Company's internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) during the Company’s quarter ended June 30, 2019 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

68


PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

In the normal course of business, we are named or threatened to be named as a defendant in various lawsuits. Management, following consultation with legal counsel, does not expect the ultimate disposition of any or a combination of these matters to have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition. However, given the nature, scope and complexity of the extensive legal and regulatory landscape applicable to our business (including laws and regulations governing consumer protection, fair lending, fair labor, privacy, information security and anti-money laundering and anti-terrorism laws), we, like all banking organizations, are subject to heightened legal and regulatory compliance and litigation risks.

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

For information regarding factors that could materially and adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition. and liquidity, see the risk factors disclosed in the "Risk Factors" section of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018. See also "Forward-Looking Information" disclosed in Part I, Item 2 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. There were no material changes from those risk factors as disclosed in the "Risk Factors" section of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018.

ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

The following table presents information relating to our repurchase of shares of common stock during the periods indicated:
Period
(a) 
Total number of shares (or units) purchased (1)
 
(b) 
Average price paid per share (or unit)
 
(c) 
Total number of shares (or units) purchased as part of publicly announced plans or programs
 
(d) 
Maximum number of shares (or units) that may yet be purchased under the plans or programs (2)
Apr 1 - 30, 2019

 
$

 

 
847,771

May 1- 31, 2019
427

 
$
21.43

 
300

 
847,471

June 1 - 30, 2019
12,524

 
$
21.29

 
12,524

 
834,947

Total
12,951

 
$
21.29

 
12,824

 
 
(1) The total number of shares repurchased during the periods indicated includes shares purchased as part of a publicly announced stock purchase plan and shares withheld for income tax purposes in connection with the vesting of restricted stock awards. The shares were purchased or otherwise valued at the closing price of our common stock on the dates of purchase and/or withholding.

(2) An authorized stock repurchase plan providing for the repurchase of up to 1.2 million shares of our outstanding common stock, or approximately 10% of our then outstanding shares, was publicly announced on December 3, 2018. The repurchase program does not obligate us to purchase any particular number of shares.

ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

None.

ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

Not Applicable.

ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION
    
None.


69


ITEM 6. EXHIBITS

EXHIBIT INDEX 
Exhibit No.
 
Exhibit Description
 
 
 
2.1
 
 
 
 
3.1
 
 
 
 
3.2
 
 
 
 
31.1
 
 
 
 
31.2
 
 
 
 
32.1
 
 
 
 
32.2
 
 
 
 
Exhibit 101.INS
 
XBRL Instance Document
Exhibit 101.SCH
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
Exhibit 101.CAL
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
Exhibit 101.DEF
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definitions Linkbase Document
Exhibit 101.LAB
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
Exhibit 101.PRE
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document

1 
Filed as Exhibit 2.2 to the Form S-4 filed with the SEC on April 4, 2018 and incorporated herein by reference.
2 
Filed as Exhibit 3.1 to the Form S-4 filed with the SEC on April 4, 2018 and incorporated herein by reference.
3 
Filed as Exhibit 3.2 to the Form S-4 filed with the SEC on April 4, 2018 and incorporated herein by reference.


70


SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
 
 
FIRST CHOICE BANCORP
 
 
 
 
Dated: August 9, 2019
/s/ Robert M. Franko
 
 
Robert M. Franko
 
 
President and Chief Executive Officer
 
 
(principal executive officer)
 
 
 
 
Dated: August 9, 2019
/s/ Lynn M. Hopkins
 
 
Lynn M. Hopkins
 
 
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
 
 
(principal financial officer)

71