AnnuAl RepoRt 2 011 on FoRm 10-K 2012 Notice of Annual Meeting of Shareholders • 2012 Annual Meeting Proxy Statement 150 Almaden Boulevard San Jose, California 95113 408.947.6900 • HeritageCommerceCorp.com To Our Shareholders April 16, 2012 Dear Fellow Shareholders: 2011 was a watershed year for Heritage Commerce Corp and we prospered. We continued to build on the momentum we generated in 2010. As a result of hard work and the excellent platform we built in 2010, we ended 2011 with our sixth consecutive quarterly profit, and emerged a much stronger franchise than we were in 2010. We remain focused on growing our business and achieving acceptable performance and returns for the benefit of our shareholders, customers, employees, and the communities we serve. Highlights include: • Our regulatory written agreement was terminated in June, 2011. • Our common stock was added to both the Russell 3000 Index and the Russell 2000 Index in June, 2011. • We continued to improve asset quality. One of the most important achievements during this uncertain economic environment is our improving asset quality. Credit metrics improved significantly, with nonperforming assets at December 31, 2011, declining 44% from a year earlier to $19.1 million. Nonperforming loans declined for the seventh consecutive quarter and classified assets decreased 35% from a year earlier. This positive trend in asset quality reduced our allowance for loan losses to $20.7 million, or 2.71% of total loans at December 31, 2011, and 124.37% of nonperforming loans, excluding nonaccural loans held-for-sale. While we are confident we can sustain our asset quality improvement, we will continue to maintain solid reserves and a strong balance sheet. • Net income available to common shareholders rose to $9.0 million, or $0.28 per average diluted common share, for the 2011 year compared to a net loss available to common shareholders, of ($58.3) million for 2010. Our performance was driven by our improved credit quality metrics, our solid capital position, and growing operating efficiencies. These results reflect the benefits of strategically executing our business model, and developing stronger customer relationships. We ended 2011 with a solid mix of core deposits, a diversified loan portfolio, and substantial liquidity. • Our most recent milestone was achieved on March 7, 2012, when we repaid the $40 million of Series A Preferred Stock issued to the U.S. Treasury Department under the TARP Capital Purchase Program. Our strong capital levels, balance sheet, and profitability allowed the Company to exit TARP without raising additional capital or debt. We ended the year before the repayment of TARP with a total risk-based capital ratio of 21.9%, a Tier 1 risk-based ratio of 20.6% and a leverage ratio of 15.3% at December 31, 2011, all at levels significantly higher than the regulatory requirements for “well-capitalized” banks. In spite of these encouraging results, the Company, along with the entire banking industry, still faces challenges in loan demand. Although we are seeing some signs of an economic recovery, loan demand remains muted. That being said, as an improving economy emerges, we expect to see loan demand increase thereby allowing us to deploy our excess liquidity for loan growth. Throughout this difficult economic cycle, we have remained focused on returning our franchise to profitability, and doing what’s right for our shareholders, customers, employees, and communities. We will continue building on our strengths and for the future. As always, thank you for your loyalty and continued support of Heritage Commerce Corp, and we look forward to you joining us at our Annual Meeting on Thursday, May 24, 2012, at 1:00 p.m. Pacific time. Sincerely, Jack W. Conner Chairman of the Board Walter T. Kaczmarek President and Chief Executive Officer Member FDIC Corporate Information Board of Directors Jack W. Conner, Chairman Frank G. Bisceglia John M. Eggemeyer Celeste V. Ford Steven L. Hallgrimson Walter T. Kaczmarek Robert T. Moles Humphrey P. Polanen Laura Roden Charles J. Toeniskoetter Ranson W. Webster W. Kirk Wycoff Executive Management Walter T. Kaczmarek President Chief Executive Officer Michael E. Benito Executive Vice President Banking Division William J. Del Biaggio, Jr. Executive Vice President Marketing & Community Relations Dan T. Kawamoto Executive Vice President Chief Administrative Officer Lawrence D. McGovern Executive Vice President Chief Financial Officer Subsidiary Bank Offices Heritage Bank of Commerce San Jose Main 150 Almaden Boulevard San Jose, CA 95113 408.947.6900 Danville 387 Diablo Road Danville, CA 94526 925.314.2851 Fremont 3077 Stevenson Boulevard Fremont, CA 94538 510.445.0400 Gilroy 7598 Monterey Street Suite 110 Gilroy, CA 95020 408.842.8310 Los Altos 419 S. San Antonio Road Los Altos, CA 94022 650.941.9300 Los Gatos 15575 Los Gatos Boulevard Building B Los Gatos, CA 95032 408.356.6190 Morgan Hill Cochrane Business Ranch 18625 Sutter Boulevard Morgan Hill, CA 95037 408.778.2320 Mountain View 175 East El Camino Real Mountain View, CA 94040 650.941.9300 Pleasanton 300 Main Street Pleasanton, CA 94566 925.314.2876 Walnut Creek 101 Ygnacio Valley Road Suite 100 Walnut Creek, CA 94596 925.930.9287 Heritage Commerce Corp Investor Relations Contact Debbie K. Reuter Senior Vice President Corporate Secretary Transfer Agent Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. Shareowner Services North Concord Exchange Street South St. Paul, MN 55164 1.800.468.9716 Independent Auditors Crowe Horwath LLP 650 Town Center Suite 740 Costa Mesa, CA 92626 714.668.1234 Corporate Counsel Buchalter Nemer A Professional Corporation 1000 Wilshire Boulevard Suite 1500 Los Angeles, CA 90017 213.891.0700 To get further information on Heritage Commerce Corp, or to receive regular financial updates, please visit our web site at HeritageCommerceCorp.com and click on “Information Request.” P r o x y S t a t e m e n t 29MAR2012191053 HERITAGE COMMERCE CORP Notice of 2012 Annual Meeting and Proxy Statement HERITAGE COMMERCE CORP April 16, 2012 Dear Shareholder: You are cordially invited to attend the 2012 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, which will be held at 1:00 p.m., Pacific time on Thursday, May 24, 2012, at Heritage Commerce Corp’s offices, located at 150 Almaden Boulevard, San Jose, California, 95113. The accompanying Notice of Annual Meeting and proxy statement describe the business that will be conducted at the meeting and provide information about Heritage Commerce Corp. We have also enclosed our 2011 Annual Report on Form 10-K. Your continued support is appreciated and we hope you will attend the Annual Meeting. Whether or not you are personally present, it is very important that your shares be represented at the meeting. Accordingly, please sign, date, and mail the enclosed proxy card promptly. You may also vote electronically over the Internet or by telephone by following the instructions on the proxy card. If you attend the meeting and prefer to vote in person, you may do so. Sincerely, P r o x y S t a t e m e n t 19MAR20 19MAR200823211807 Jack W. Conner Chairman of the Board Walter T. Kaczmarek President and Chief Executive Officer 5APR200519390533 150 Almaden Boulevard, San Jose, California 95113 (cid:1) Telephone (408) 947-6900 (cid:1) Fax (408) 947-6910 HERITAGE COMMERCE CORP 150 Almaden Boulevard San Jose, California 95113 Notice of Annual Meeting of Shareholders Date and Time: Thursday, May 24, 2012, at 1:00 p.m., Pacific time. Place: Company’s offices located at 150 Almaden Boulevard, San Jose, California 95113. Items of Business: 1. To elect 12 members of the Board of Directors, each for a term of one year; 2. Approval of an advisory proposal on the Company’s executive compensation; 3. Approval of an advisory vote on the frequency of votes on executive compensation; P r o x y S t a t e m e n t 19MAR20 4. Ratification of the selection of Crowe Horwath LLP as the Company’s the year ending firm for independent registered public accounting December 31, 2012; and 5. To transact such other business as may properly come before the meeting, and any adjournment or postponement. Record Date: You can vote if you are a shareholder of record on April 2, 2012. Mailing Date: Important Notice Regarding the Internet Availability of Proxy Materials: The proxy materials are being distributed to our shareholders on or about April 16, 2012, and include our Annual Report on Form 10-K, Notice of Annual Meeting, this proxy statement, and proxy or voting instruction card. The proxy statement and Annual Report on Form 10-K are available at www.heritagecommercecorp.com. Your Vote is Important. Please vote as promptly as possible by using the Internet or telephone or by signing, dating and returning the enclosed proxy card. By Order of the Board of Directors, 24MAR201019341637 Debbie Reuter Corporate Secretary April 16, 2012 San Jose, California P r o x y S t a t e m e n t 19MAR20 TABLE OF CONTENTS Questions & Answers Why did you send me this proxy statement? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Who is entitled to vote? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . What constitutes a quorum? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . How many votes do I have? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Is voting confidential? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . How do I vote by proxy? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . What do I have to do to vote my shares if they are held in the name of my broker? . . . . . . . . What are the procedures for attending the Annual Meeting? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . How do I vote in person? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . May I vote electronically over the Internet or by telephone? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . What is cumulative voting and how do I cumulate my shares? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . May I change my vote after I return my proxy? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . What if I receive multiple proxy cards? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . What vote is required to approve each proposal? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . How will voting on any other business be conducted? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . What are the costs of soliciting these proxies? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . How do I obtain an Annual Report on Form 10-K? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP OF COMMON STOCK . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . CORPORATE GOVERNANCE AND BOARD MATTERS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Board of Directors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Code of Ethics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Reporting of Complaints/Concerns Regarding Accounting or Auditing Matters . . . . . . . . . . . . INFORMATION ABOUT DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . The Board of Directors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Board Leadership Structure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Board Authority for Risk Oversight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . The Committees of the Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Executive Officers of the Company . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Compliance with Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Transactions with Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Policies and Procedures for Approving Related Party Transactions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Compensation Discussion and Analysis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Compensation Committee Report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Executive Compensation Tables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Executive Contracts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Plan Based Awards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Equity Compensation Plan Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Outstanding Equity Awards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Option Exercises and Vested Stock Awards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 401(k) Plan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Employee Stock Ownership Plan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Supplemental Retirement Plan for Executive Officers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Management Deferral Plan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Change of Control Arrangements and Termination of Employment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Director Compensation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Director Outstanding Stock Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Director Compensation Benefits Agreement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 2 3 3 3 4 4 4 4 5 5 6 9 9 13 13 14 14 14 14 15 17 18 18 18 19 33 35 36 38 40 41 42 42 42 43 44 45 50 51 51 i PROPOSAL 1—ELECTION OF DIRECTORS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . PROPOSAL 2—ADVISORY VOTE ON EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . PROPOSAL 3—ADVISORY VOTE ON FREQUENCY OF VOTE ON EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . PROPOSAL 4—RATIFICATION OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . OTHER BUSINESS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . SHAREHOLDER PROPOSALS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 53 57 58 59 63 63 ii P r o x y S t a t e m e n t 19MAR20 PROXY STATEMENT FOR HERITAGE COMMERCE CORP 2012 ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS INFORMATION ABOUT THE ANNUAL MEETING AND VOTING Why did you send me this proxy statement? We sent you this proxy statement and the enclosed proxy card because our Board of Directors is soliciting your proxy to vote at the 2012 Annual Meeting of Shareholders. This proxy statement summarizes the information you need to know to cast an informed vote at the Annual Meeting. However, you do not need to attend the Annual Meeting to vote your shares. Instead, you may simply complete, sign and return the enclosed proxy card. You may also vote electronically by telephone or the Internet by following the instructions on the proxy card. Along with this proxy statement, we are also sending you the Heritage Commerce Corp 2011 Annual Report on Form 10-K, which includes our consolidated financial statements. Heritage Commerce Corp is also referred to in this proxy statement as the ‘‘Company.’’ Who is entitled to vote? We will begin sending this proxy statement, the attached Notice of Annual Meeting and the enclosed proxy card on or about April 16, 2012, to all shareholders entitled to vote. Shareholders who were the record owners of the Company’s common stock at the close of business on April 2, 2012, are entitled to vote. On this record date, there were 26,286,501 shares of common stock outstanding. What constitutes a quorum? A majority of the outstanding shares of the common stock entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting must be present, in person or by proxy, in order to constitute a quorum. We can only conduct the business of the Annual Meeting if a quorum has been established. We will include proxies marked as abstentions and broker non-votes in determining the number of shares present at the Annual Meeting. How many votes do I have? Each share of common stock entitles you to one vote in person or by proxy, for each share of common stock outstanding in your name on the books of the Company as of April 2, 2012, the record date for the Annual Meeting, on any matter submitted to a vote of the shareholders, except that in connection with the election of directors (Proposal 1), you may cumulate your shares (see ‘‘What is cumulative voting and how do I cumulate my shares?’’ below). The proxy card indicates the number of votes that you have as of the record date. Is voting confidential? We have a confidential voting policy to protect the privacy of our shareholders’ votes. Under this policy, ballots, proxy cards and voting instructions returned to banks, brokers and other nominees are kept confidential. Only the proxy tabulator and the Inspector of Election have access to the ballots, proxy cards and voting instructions. How do I vote by proxy? You may vote by granting a proxy or, for shares held in street name, by submitting voting instructions to your broker or other nominee. If your shares are held by a broker or other nominee, you will receive instructions that you must follow to have your shares voted. If you hold your shares as a shareholder of record, you may vote by completing, signing and dating the enclosed proxy card and returning it promptly in the envelope provided. You may also vote electronically by telephone or over the Internet (see below). Returning the proxy card will not affect your right to attend the Annual Meeting and vote. 1 If you properly fill in your proxy card and send it to us in time to vote, your ‘‘proxy’’ (one of the individuals named on your proxy card) will vote your shares as you have directed. If you sign the proxy card but do not make specific choices, your proxy will vote your shares as recommended by the Board of Directors as follows: (cid:127) ‘‘FOR’’ the election of all 12 nominees for director; (cid:127) ‘‘FOR’’ the approval of the advisory proposal on the Company’s executive compensation; (cid:127) ‘‘FOR’’ the option of once every three years as the preferred frequency for advisory votes on executive compensation; and (cid:127) ‘‘FOR’’ the ratification of the selection of Crowe Horwath LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for 2012. For the election of directors (Proposal 1), a shareholder may withhold authority for the proxy holders to vote for any one or more of the nominees by marking the enclosed proxy card in the manner instructed on the proxy card. Unless authority to vote for the nominees is so withheld, the proxy holders will vote the proxies received by them for the election of the nominees listed on the proxy card as directors of the Company. Your proxy does not have an obligation to vote for nominees not identified on the preprinted proxy card (that is, write-in candidates). Should any shareholder attempt to ‘‘write in’’ a vote for a nominee not identified on the preprinted card (and described in these proxy materials), your proxy will NOT vote the shares represented by your proxy card for any such write-in candidate, but will instead vote the shares for any and all other indicated candidates. If any of the nominees should be unable or decline to serve, which is not now anticipated, your proxy will have discretionary authority to vote for a substitute who shall be designated by the present Board of Directors to fill the vacancy. In the event that additional persons are nominated for election as directors, your proxy intends to vote all of the proxies in such a manner, in accordance with the cumulative voting, as will assure the election of as many of the nominees identified on the proxy card as possible. In such event, the specific nominees to be voted for will be determined by the proxy holders, in their sole discretion. What do I have to do to vote my shares if they are held in the name of my broker? If your shares are held by your broker, sometimes called ‘‘street name’’ shares, you must vote your shares through your broker. You should receive a form from your broker asking how you want to vote your shares. Follow the instructions on that form to give voting instructions to your broker. Under the rules that govern brokers who are voting with respect to shares held in street name, brokers have the discretion to vote such shares on routine, but not on non-routine matters. A ‘‘broker non-vote’’ occurs when your broker does not vote on a particular proposal because the broker does not receive instructions from the beneficial owner and does not have discretionary authority. Proposal 4 (ratification of independent registered public accounting firm) is a routine item. Proposal 1 (election of directors), Proposal 2 (advisory proposal on executive compensation) and Proposal 3 (advisory proposal on the frequency of votes on executive compensation) are non-routine items on which a broker may vote only if the beneficial owner has provided voting instructions. What are the procedures for attending the Annual Meeting? Only shareholders owning the Company’s common stock at the close of business on April 2, 2012, or their legal proxy holders, are entitled to attend the Annual Meeting. You must present photo identification for admittance. If you are a shareholder of record, your name will be verified against the list of shareholders of record on the Record Date prior to your admission to the Annual Meeting. If you are not a shareholder of record but hold shares through a bank, broker or other nominee, you must provide proof of beneficial ownership on the Record Date, such as your most recent account statement prior to April 2, 2 P r o x y S t a t e m e n t 19MAR20 2012, or other similar evidence of ownership. If you do not provide photo identification or comply with the other procedures outlined above, you will not be admitted to the Annual Meeting. How do I vote in person? If you plan to attend the Annual Meeting and desire to vote in person, we will give you a ballot form when you arrive. However, if your shares are held in the name of your broker, bank or other nominee, you must bring a power of attorney from your nominee in order to vote at the Annual Meeting. May I vote electronically over the Internet or by telephone? Shareholders whose shares are registered in their own names may vote either over the Internet or by telephone. Special instructions for voting over the Internet or by telephone are set forth on the enclosed proxy card. The Internet and telephone voting procedures are designed to authenticate the shareholder’s identity and to allow shareholders to vote their shares and confirm that their voting instructions have been properly recorded. If your shares are registered in the name of a bank or brokerage firm, you may be eligible to vote your shares electronically by telephone or over the Internet. Most U.S. banks and brokerage firms are clients of Broadridge Financial Solutions (‘‘Broadridge’’). As such, shareholders who receive either a paper copy of their proxy statement or electronic delivery notification have the opportunity to vote by telephone or over the Internet. If your bank or brokerage firm is a Broadridge client, your proxy card or Voting Instruction Form (‘‘VIF’’) will provide the instructions. If your proxy card or VIF does not provide instructions for Internet and telephone voting, please complete and return the proxy card in the self-addressed, postage-paid envelope provided. What is cumulative voting and how do I cumulate my shares? For the election of directors (Proposal 1), California law provides that a shareholder of a California corporation, or his/her proxy, may cumulate votes in the election of directors. That is, each shareholder may cast that number of votes equal to the number of shares owned by him/her, multiplied by the number of directors to be elected, and he/she may cumulate such votes for a single candidate or distribute such votes among as many candidates as he/she deems appropriate. Certain affirmative steps must be taken by you in order to be entitled to vote your shares cumulatively for the election of directors. At the shareholders’ meeting at which directors are to be elected, no shareholder is entitled to cumulate votes (i.e., cast for any one or more candidates a number of votes greater than the number of the shareholder’s shares) unless the candidates’ names have been placed in nomination at the meeting and prior to the commencement of the voting and at least one shareholder has given notice at the meeting and prior to commencement of the voting of the shareholder’s intention to cumulate votes. If any shareholder has given such notice, then every shareholder entitled to vote may cumulate votes for candidates in nomination and give one candidate a number of votes equal to the number of directors to be elected multiplied by the number of votes to which that shareholder’s shares are entitled, or distribute the shareholder’s votes on the same principle among any or all of the candidates, as the shareholder thinks appropriate. The candidates receiving the highest number of votes, up to the number of directors to be elected, will be elected. The proxies designated on your proxy card do not, at this time, intend to cumulate votes, to the extent they have the shareholder’s discretionary authority to do so, pursuant to the proxies solicited in this proxy statement unless another shareholder gives notice to cumulate, in which case your proxy may cumulate votes in accordance with the recommendations of the Board of Directors. Therefore, discretionary authority to cumulate votes in such an event is solicited in this proxy statement. 3 May I change my vote after I return my proxy? If you fill out and return the enclosed proxy card, or vote by telephone or over the Internet, you may change your vote at any time before the vote is conducted at the Annual Meeting. You may change your vote in any one of four ways: (cid:127) You may send to the Company’s Corporate Secretary another completed proxy card with a later date. (cid:127) You may notify the Company’s Corporate Secretary in writing before the Annual Meeting that you have revoked your proxy. (cid:127) You may attend the Annual Meeting and vote in person. (cid:127) If you have voted your shares by telephone or over the Internet, you can revoke your prior telephone or Internet vote by recording a different vote, or by signing and returning a proxy card dated as of a date that is later than your last telephone or Internet vote. What if I receive multiple proxy cards? If you receive multiple proxy cards, your shares are probably registered differently or are in more than one account. Vote all proxy cards received to ensure that all your shares are voted. Unless you need multiple accounts for specific purposes, we recommend that you consolidate as many of your accounts as possible under the same name and address. If the shares are registered in your name, contact our transfer agent, Wells Fargo Shareowner Services, 1-800-468-9716; otherwise, contact your bank, broker or other nominee. What vote is required to approve each proposal? Approval of Proposal 1 (election of directors) requires a plurality of votes cast for each nominee. This means that the 12 nominees who receive the most votes will be elected. So, if you do not vote for a particular nominee, or you indicate ‘‘WITHHOLD AUTHORITY’’ to vote for a particular nominee on your proxy card, your vote will not count either ‘‘for’’ or ‘‘against’’ the nominee. Abstentions will not have any effect on the outcome of the vote. You may cumulate your votes in the election of directors as described under ‘‘What is cumulative voting and how do I cumulate my shares?’’ above. Broker non-votes will not count as a vote on the proposal and will not affect the outcome of the vote. Approval of Proposal 2 (advisory proposal on executive compensation), Proposal 3 (advisory proposal on the frequency of votes on executive compensation) and Proposal 4 (ratification of independent registered public accounting firm) each requires a vote that satisfies two criteria: (i) the affirmative vote for the proposal must constitute a majority of the common shares present or represented or by proxy and voting on the proposal at the Annual Meeting and (ii) the affirmative vote for the proposal must constitute a majority of the common shares required to constitute the quorum. For purposes of Proposal 2, 3 and 4, abstentions and broker non-votes will not affect the outcome under clause (i), which recognizes only actual votes cast. However, abstentions and broker non-votes will affect the outcome under clause (ii) if the number of affirmative votes, though a majority of the votes represented and cast, does not constitute a majority of the voting power required to constitute a quorum. How will voting on any other business be conducted? Your proxy card confers discretionary authority to your proxy to vote your shares on the matters which may properly be presented for action at the Annual Meeting, and may include action with respect to procedural matters pertaining to the conduct of the Annual Meeting. 4 P r o x y S t a t e m e n t 19MAR20 What are the costs of soliciting these proxies? We will pay all the costs of soliciting these proxies. In addition to mailing proxy soliciting material, our directors, officers and employees also may solicit proxies in person, by telephone or by other electronic means of communication for which they will receive no compensation. We will ask banks, brokers and other institutions, nominees and fiduciaries to forward the proxy materials to their principals and to obtain authority to execute proxies. We will then reimburse them for their reasonable expenses. We have hired Advantage Proxy to seek the proxies of custodians, such as brokers, which hold shares which belong to other people. This service will cost the Company approximately $4,000. How do I obtain an Annual Report on Form 10-K? A copy of our 2011 Annual Report on Form 10-K accompanies this proxy statement. If you would like another copy of this report, we will send you one without charge. The Annual Report on Form 10-K includes a list of exhibits filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (‘‘SEC’’), but does not include the exhibits. If you wish to receive copies of the exhibits, we will send them to you; however, expenses for copying and mailing them to you will be your responsibility. Please write to: Heritage Commerce Corp 150 Almaden Boulevard San Jose, California 95113 Attention: Corporate Secretary You can also find out more information about us at our website www.heritagecommercecorp.com. Our website is available for information purposes only and should not be relied upon for investment purposes, nor is it incorporated by reference into this proxy statement. On our website you can access electronically filed copies of our annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, Section 16 filings, and amendments to those reports and filings, free of charge. The SEC also maintains a website at www.sec.gov that contains reports, proxy statements and other information regarding SEC registrants, including the Company. 5 BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP OF COMMON STOCK The following table sets forth information as of February 15, 2012, pertaining to beneficial ownership of the Company’s common stock by persons known to the Company to own five percent or more of the Company’s common stock, nominees to be elected to the Board of Directors, the executive officers named in the Summary Compensation Table presented in this proxy statement, and all directors and executive officers of the Company, as a group. This information has been obtained from the Company’s records, or from information furnished directly by the individual or entity to the Company. For purposes of the following table, shares issuable pursuant to stock options which may be exercised within 60 days of February 15, 2012, are deemed to be issued and outstanding and have been treated as outstanding in determining the amount and nature of beneficial ownership and in calculating the percentage of ownership of those individuals possessing such interest, but not for any other individuals. Name of Beneficial Owner(1) Position Shares Beneficially Owned(2)(3) Exercisable Percent of Class(3) Options Frank G. Bisceglia . . . . . . . . . . Director 127,056(4) 22,819 0.48% Jack W. Conner . . . . . . . . . . . . Director and Chairman of the Board 107,431(5) 25,431 John M. Eggemeyer . . . . . . . . . Director Celeste V. Ford . . . . . . . . . . . . . Director Steven L. Hallgrimson . . . . . . . . Director 1,284,830(6) 10,217(7) 113,800(8) 830 7,217 — 0.41% 4.89% 0.04% 0.43% Margaret A. Incandela . . . . . . . Former Executive Vice President and Chief Credit Officer 22,521(9)(20) 8,844 0.09% Walter T. Kaczmarek . . . . . . . . . Chief Executive Officer, President and Director 203,802(10)(20) 95,000 0.77% Dan T. Kawamoto . . . . . . . . . . . Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer Lawrence D. McGovern . . . . . . Executive Vice President and 43,890(11)(20) 16,991 0.17% Chief Financial Officer 85,742(12)(20) 49,500 Robert T. Moles . . . . . . . . . . . . Director 112,623(13) 22,319 Raymond Parker . . . . . . . . . . . . Former Executive Vice President/Banking Division 130,277(14)(20) 57,000 Humphrey P. Polanen . . . . . . . . Director Laura Roden . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Director Charles J. Toeniskoetter . . . . . . Director Ranson W. Webster . . . . . . . . . . Director W. Kirk Wycoff . . . . . . . . . . . . . Director All directors, and executive officers (16 individuals) . . . . . The Banc Funds Company . . . . Patriot Financial Partners, L.P. . 24,307(15) 17,819 — 30,319 22,819 830 4,000 42,719(16) 625,397 2,595,830(17) 5,534,442 1,533,346(18) 2,595,000(19) 0.33% 0.43% 0.49% 0.09% 0.02% 0.16% 2.38% 9.87% 20.75% 5.83% 9.87% 1. Except as otherwise noted, the address for all persons is c/o Heritage Commerce Corp, 150 Almaden Boulevard, San Jose, California, 95113. 6 P r o x y S t a t e m e n t 19MAR20 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. Subject to applicable community property laws and shared voting and investment power with a spouse, the persons listed have sole voting and investment power with respect to such shares unless otherwise noted. Listed amounts reflect all previous stock splits and stock dividends. Includes shares beneficially owned (including options exercisable within 60 days of February 15, 2012, as shown in the ‘‘Exercisable Options’’ column). Includes 93,237 shares as one of two trustees of the Bisceglia Family Trust, and 11,000 shares held by Mr. Bisceglia in a personal Individual Retirement Account. Includes 300 shares held in a trust account, and 6,700 shares held by Mr. Conner’s spouse. Includes 1,284,000 shares of common stock held by Castle Creek Capital Partners IV LLC (‘‘CC Fund IV’’). CC Fund IV also owns 12,960 shares of Series C Preferred Stock which are convertible into 3,456,000 shares of common stock following transfer to third parties in a widely dispersed offering. Since CC Fund IV does not have the right to acquire the shares of common stock underlying the Series C Preferred Stock and will not have voting or dispositive power of such shares of common stock, the shares of common stock underlying the Series C Preferred Stock are not included in the table. Mr. Eggemeyer is a managing principal of Castle Creek Capital IV LLC which is the sole general partner of CC Fund IV and may be deemed to have voting and/or investment control of the securities held by CC Fund IV. Mr. Eggemeyer disclaims beneficial ownership of the securities held by CC Fund IV, except to the extent of his pecuniary interest therein. Includes 3,000 shares in a trust account held by Ms. Ford. Includes 71,700 shares held directly, 3,500 shares held in a personal Individual Retirement Account, and 8,000 shares held by charitable foundations, in which Mr. Hallgrimson has voting and investment power. Also includes 15,450 shares that Mr. Hallgrimson holds as trustee of various trusts, and 15,150 shares held in the accounts of others over which Mr. Hallgrimson has voting and investment power. Includes 13,500 shares of restricted stock that have not vested and which Ms. Incandela had the right to vote. Ms. Incandela resigned from the Company on March 15, 2012, and her shares of unvested restricted stock will be forfeited. 10. Includes 15,000 shares of restricted stock which have not vested and which Mr. Kaczmarek has the right to vote. Also includes 41,000 shares held in a personal Individual Retirement Account. 11. Includes 14,388 shares held by Mr. Kawamoto in a personal Individual Retirement Account. Also includes 8,500 shares of restricted stock that have not vested and which Mr. Kawamoto has the right to vote. 12. Includes 4,980 shares held by Mr. McGovern in a personal Individual Retirement Account. Also includes 8,500 shares of restricted stock that have not vested and which Mr. McGovern has the right to vote. 13. Includes 18,295 shares held by Mr. Moles’ spouse. 14. Mr. Parker retired from the Company on February 1, 2012. Does not include shares of unvested restricted stock that were forfeited at retirement. 15. Includes 4,865 shares held by Mr. Polanen in a personal Individual Retirement Account and 1,623 shares held by his spouse. 16. Includes 150 shares held by Mr. Toeniskoetter’s spouse, and 11,000 shares held by the Toeniskoetter & Breeding, Inc. Profit Sharing Plan. 17. Mr. Wycoff is one of the general partners of Patriot Financial Partners GP, L.P. (‘‘Patriot GP’’). Patriot GP is the general partner of Patriot Financial Partners, L.P. and Patriot Financial Partners 7 Parallel, L.P. (together, the ‘‘Funds’’). Patriot Financial Partners GP, LLC (‘‘Patriot LLC’’) is the general partner of Patriot GP. Mr. Wycoff is a member of Patriot LLC. Accordingly, securities owned by the Funds may be regarded as being beneficially owned by Mr. Wycoff. Mr. Wycoff disclaims beneficial ownership of the securities owned by the Funds, except to the extent of his pecuniary interest therein. 18. Includes 418,834 shares held by Banc Fund VI L.P. (‘‘BF VI’’), 489,933 shares held by Banc Fund VII L.P. (‘‘BF VII’’) and 624,579 shares held by Banc Fund VIII L.P. (‘‘BF VIII’’). BF VI, BF VII and BF VIII are each Illinois limited partnerships. MidBanc VI L.P. is the general partner of BF VI. MidBanc VII is the general partner of VII. MidBanc VIII is the general partner of BF VIII. Each of the general partners are Illinois limited partnerships and the general partner for each of these entities is The Banc Funds Company, L.L.C., an Illinois corporation whose principal shareholder is Charles J. Moore. Mr. Moore as sole shareholder of the Banc Funds Company and as the manager of BF VI, BF VII and BF VIII and has voting and dispositive poser over the shares held by each of these entities. The address for The Banc Funds Company is 20 North Walker Drive, Suite 3300, Chicago, Illinois 60606. All of the foregoing information has been obtained by Schedule 13G filed with the SEC on February 9, 2012. 19. Includes 2,213,000 shares of common stock held by Patriot Financial Partners, L.P. and 382,000 shares of common stock held by Patriot Financial Partners Parallel, L.P. Patriot Financial Partners GP, L.P. (‘‘Patriot GP’’) is a general partner of each Patriot Financial Partners, L.P. and Patriot Financial ‘‘Funds’’) and Patriot Financial Partners GP, LLC Partners Parallel, L.P. (together, the (‘‘Patriot LLC’’) is a general partner of Patriot GP. In addition, each of W. Kirk Wycoff, Ira M. Lubert and James J. Lynch are general partners of the Funds and Patriot GP and members of Patriot LLC. Accordingly, securities owned by the Funds may be regarded as being beneficially owned by Patriot GP, Patriot LLC and each of W. Kirk Wycoff, Ira M. Lubert and James J. Lynch. Mr. Wycoff, Mr. Lubert and Mr. Lynch each disclaim beneficial ownership of the securities owned by the Funds, except to the extent of their respective pecuniary interest therein. The Funds also own 8,043 shares of Series C Preferred Stock which is convertible into 2,145,000 shares of common stock following transfer to third parties in a widely dispersed offering. Since the Funds do not have the right to acquire these shares of common stock underlying the Series C Preferred Stock and will not have voting or dispositive power of such shares of common stock, the shares of common stock underlying the Series C Preferred Stock are not included in the table. The address for Patriot Financial Group is Cira Centre, 2929 Arch Street, 27th Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19104-2868. All of the foregoing information has been obtained from Schedule 13D filed with the SEC on June 25, 2010. 20. The Company’s Employee Stock Ownership Plan owns 140,590 shares of our common stock all of which have been allocated. These include shares held for the account of the following named executive officers and included in the table for: Mr. Kaczmarek 1,802 shares, Mr. McGovern 5,242 shares, Mr. Parker 1,523 shares, Ms. Incandela 177 shares and Mr. Kawamoto 11 shares. Mr. Kaczmarek and Mr. McGovern are two of the three trustees of the Employee Stock Ownership Plan. As trustees, they have the power to vote any unallocated shares of Employee Stock Ownership Plan (currently no shares are unallocated) and allocated shares for which voting instructions are not otherwise provided. 8 CORPORATE GOVERNANCE AND BOARD MATTERS The Board of Directors is committed to good business practices, transparency in financial reporting and the highest level of corporate governance. To that end, the Board continually reviews its governance policies and practices, as well as the requirements of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and the listing standards of The NASDAQ Stock Market, to help ensure that such policies and practices are compliant and up to date. Board of Directors Board Independence Eleven (11) out of twelve (12) members of the Board of Directors are independent directors, as defined by the applicable rules and regulations of The NASDAQ Stock Market, as follows: P r o x y S t a t e m e n t 19MAR20 Frank G. Bisceglia Jack W. Conner, Chairman of the Board John M. Eggemeyer Celeste V. Ford Steven L. Hallgrimson Robert T. Moles Humphrey P. Polanen Laura Roden Charles J. Toeniskoetter Ranson W. Webster W. Kirk Wycoff Board and Committee Meeting Attendance During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011, our Board of Directors held a total of 13 meetings. Each incumbent director who was a director during 2011 attended at least 75% of the aggregate of (a) the total number of such meetings and (b) the total number of meetings held by the standing committees of the Board on which such director served. Director Attendance at Annual Meetings of Shareholders The Board believes it is important for all directors to attend the Annual Meeting of Shareholders in order to show their support for the Company and to provide an opportunity for shareholders to communicate any concerns to them. The Company’s policy is to encourage, but not require, attendance by each director at the Company’s Annual Meeting of Shareholders. All of our directors at the time of our Annual Meeting of Shareholders in 2011 were in attendance. Communications with the Board Shareholders may communicate with the Board of Directors, including a committee of the Board or individual directors, by writing to the Corporate Secretary, Heritage Commerce Corp, 150 Almaden Boulevard, San Jose, California 95113. Each communication from a shareholder should include the following information in order to permit shareholder status to be confirmed and to provide an address to forward a response if deemed appropriate: (cid:127) The name, mailing address and telephone number of the shareholder sending the communication; and (cid:127) If the shareholder is not a record holder of our common stock, the name of the record holder of our common stock beneficially owned must be identified along with the shareholder. 9 Our Corporate Secretary will forward all appropriate communications to the Board or individual members of the Board specified in the communication. Our Corporate Secretary may (but is not required to) review all correspondence addressed to the Board or any individual member of the Board, for any inappropriate correspondence more suitably directed to management. Communications may be deemed inappropriate for this purpose if it is reasonably apparent from the face of the correspondence that it relates principally to a customer dispute. Our policies regarding the handling of security holder communications were approved by a majority of our independent directors. Nomination of Directors The Company has a Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee. The duties of the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee include the recommendation of candidates for election to the Company’s Board of Directors. The Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee’s minimum qualifications for a director are persons of high ethical character who have both personal and professional integrity, which is consistent with the image and values of the Company. The Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee considers some or all of the following criteria in considering candidates to serve as directors: (cid:127) commitment to ethical conduct and personal and professional integrity as evidenced through the person’s business associations, diversity, service as a director or executive officer or other commitment to ethical conduct and personal and professional integrity as evidenced in organizations and/or education; (cid:127) objective perspective and mature judgment developed through business experiences and/or educational endeavors; (cid:127) the candidate’s ability to work with other members of the Board of Directors and management to further our goals and increase shareholder value; (cid:127) the ability and commitment to devote sufficient time to carry out the duties and responsibilities as a director; (cid:127) demonstrated experience at policy making levels in various organizations and in areas that are relevant to our activities; (cid:127) the skills and experience of the potential nominee in relation to the capabilities already present on the Board of Directors; and (cid:127) such other attributes, including independence, relevant in constituting a board that also satisfies the requirements imposed by the SEC and The NASDAQ Stock Market. The Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee does not have a separate policy for consideration of any director candidates recommended by shareholders. Instead, the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee considers any candidate meeting the requirements for nomination by a shareholder set forth in the Company’s Bylaws (as well as applicable laws and regulations) in the same manner as any other director candidate. The Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee believes that requiring shareholder recommendations for director candidates to comply with the requirements for nominations in accordance with the Company’s Bylaws ensures that the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee receives at least the minimum information necessary for it to begin an appropriate evaluation of any such director nominee. The Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee will consider director nominees recommended by shareholders who adhere to the following procedure. The Company’s Bylaws provide that any shareholder must give written notice to the President of the Company of an intention to nominate a director at a shareholder meeting. Notice of intention to make any nominations shall be made in writing 10 P r o x y S t a t e m e n t 19MAR20 and shall be delivered or mailed to the President of the Company not less than 21 days, nor more than 60 days, prior to any meeting of shareholders called for the election of directors; provided, however, that if less than 21 days’ notice is given to shareholders, such notice of intention to nominate shall be mailed or delivered to the President of the Company no later than the close of business on the tenth day following the day on which the notice of such meeting is sent by third class mail (if permitted by law), and no notice of intention to make nominations shall be required. The notification must contain the following information to the extent known to the notifying shareholder: (i) the name and address of each proposed nominee; (ii) the principal occupation of each proposed nominee; (iii) the number of shares of capital stock of the corporation owned by each proposed nominee; (iv) the name and residence address of the notifying shareholder; (v) the number of shares of capital stock of the corporation owned by the notifying shareholder; (vi) the number of shares of capital stock of any bank, bank holding company, savings and loan association or other depository institution owned beneficially by the nominee or by the notifying shareholder and the identities and locations of any such institutions; (vii) whether the proposed nominee has ever been convicted of or pleaded nolo contendere to any criminal offense involving dishonesty or breach of trust, filed a petition in bankruptcy or been adjudicated bankrupt; and (viii) a statement regarding the nominee’s compliance with Section 2.3 of the Bylaws (see below). Nominees for the Board of Directors must also meet certain qualifications set forth in Section 2.3 of our Bylaws, which prohibit the election as a director of any person who is a director, executive officer, branch manager or trustee for any unaffiliated commercial bank, savings bank, trust company, savings and loan association, building and loan association, industrial bank or credit union that is engaged in business in (i) any city, town or village in which the Company or any affiliate or subsidiary thereof has offices; or (ii) any city, town or village adjacent to a city, town or village in which the Company or any affiliate or subsidiary thereof has offices. In connection with the Company’s June 2010 private placement, Patriot Financial Partners, L.P. and Patriot Financial Partners Parallel, L.P. (collectively referred to herein as ‘‘Patriot’’) and Castle Creek Capital Partners IV, L.P. (‘‘Castle Creek’’) obtained the right to representation on our Board of Directors (one for Patriot, collectively, and one for Castle Creek). Patriot and Castle Creek are each entitled to nominate one person to be elected or appointed to our Board (and the Board of Directors of Heritage Bank of Commerce) subject to receipt of applicable regulatory approvals, satisfaction of all legal and governance requirements regarding service as a director of the Company and Heritage Bank of Commerce and the reasonable approval of the Governance and Nominating Committee of our Board. So long as each of Patriot and Castle Creeks (along with their affiliate funds) holds at least 4.9% of all outstanding shares of our common stock (counting for such purposes all shares of common stock into which shares of Series C Preferred Stock convertible or exercisable and excluding as shares owned and outstanding shares of common stock issued by the Company after June 2010), the Company will be required to recommend to its shareholders the election of Patriot’s and Castle Creek’s Board representative at the Company’s Annual Meeting, subject to satisfaction of all legal and governance requirements regarding service as a director of the Company and to the reasonable approval of the Governance and Nominating Committee and the Board. Each of the Board representatives may serve on any of the Board committees, except the Audit Committee, so long as the Board representative qualifies to serve on such committees under applicable rules of The NASDAQ Stock Market, bank regulatory guidelines, and the Company’s corporate governance guidelines. For so long as Castle Creek and Patriot are entitled to a Board representative but do not have a Board representative serving on the Board, these investors will be entitled to designate one Board observer subject to applicable legal requirements. The rights to a Board representative and Board observer privileges are personal to Patriot and Castle Creek, respectively, and such rights are not transferable. The Patriot Board representative is W. Kirk Wycoff and the Castle Creek Board representative is John M. Eggemeyer. The Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee has recommended the election of Mr. Wycoff and Mr. Eggemeyer as directors at the 2012 Annual Meeting. 11 Steven L. Hallgrimson and Laura Roden, our two newest directors elected to the Board in 2011, were nominated for consideration by our Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee by independent directors of the Company. Diversity of the Board of Directors In considering diversity of the Board (in all aspects of that term) as a criteria for selecting nominees in accordance with its charter, the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee takes into account various factors and perspectives, including differences of viewpoint, high quality business and professional experience, education, skills and other individual qualities and attributes that contribute to Board heterogeneity, as well as race, gender and national origin. The Committee does not assign specific weights to particular criteria and no particular criterion is necessarily applicable to all prospective nominees. The Committee seeks persons with leadership experience in a variety of contexts and industries. The Committee believes that this expansive conceptualization of diversity is the most effective means to implement Board diversity. The Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee will assess the effectiveness of this approach as part of its annual review of its charter. Term of Office Directors serve for a one-year term or until their successors are elected. The Board does not have term limits, instead preferring to rely upon the evaluation procedures described herein as the primary methods of ensuring that each director continues to act in a manner consistent with the best interests of the shareholders and the Company. The Board may delegate portions of its responsibilities to committees of its members. These standing committees of the Board meet at regular intervals to attend to their particular areas of responsibility. Our Board has five standing committees: Audit Committee, Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee, Compensation Committee, Finance and Investment Committee, and Strategic Issues Committee. In addition, Heritage Bank of Commerce maintains a Loan Committee. An independent director, as defined by the applicable rules and regulations of The NASDAQ Stock Market, chairs the Board and its other standing committees (including the bank’s Loan Committee). The Chair determines the agenda, the frequency and the length of the meetings and receives input from Board members. Executive Sessions Independent directors meet in executive sessions throughout the year including meeting annually to consider and act upon the recommendation of the Compensation Committee regarding the compensation and performance of the Chief Executive Officer. Evaluation of Board Performance A Board assessment and director self-evaluations are conducted annually in accordance with an established evaluation process and includes performance of committees. The Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee oversees this process and reviews the assessment and self-evaluation with the full Board. Management Performance and Compensation The Compensation Committee reviews and approves the Chief Executive Officer’s evaluation of the top management team on an annual basis. The Board (largely through the Compensation Committee) evaluates the compensation plans for senior management and other employees to ensure they are appropriate, competitive and properly reflect objectives and performance. 12 P r o x y S t a t e m e n t 19MAR20 Director Stock Ownership Guidelines In 2009, the Board adopted a policy that each future member of the Board is expected to hold, at a minimum, 10,000 shares of the Company’s common stock. Any director not meeting the minimum level as of the effective date of their election to the Board has three years to bring his or her holdings up to this minimum level. Code of Ethics The Board expects all directors, as well as officers and employees, to display the highest standard of ethics, consistent with the principles that have guided the Company over the years. The Board has adopted an Executive and Principal Financial Officer’s Code of Ethics that applies to the Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and the senior financial officers of the Company to help ensure that the financial affairs of the Company are conducted honestly, ethically, accurately, objectively, consistent with generally accepted accounting principles and in compliance with all applicable governmental law, rules and regulations. We will disclose any amendment to, or a waiver from a provision of our Code of Ethics on our website. The Executive and Principal Financial Officer’s Code of Ethics is available on our website at www.heritagecommercecorp.com. Reporting of Complaints/Concerns Regarding Accounting or Auditing Matters The Company’s Board of Directors has adopted procedures for receiving and responding to complaints or concerns regarding accounting and auditing matters. These procedures were designed to provide a channel of communication for employees and others who have complaints or concerns regarding accounting or auditing matters involving the Company. Employee concerns may be communicated in a confidential or anonymous manner to the Audit Committee of the Board. The Audit Committee Chairman will make a determination on the level of inquiry, investigation or disposal of the complaint. All complaints are discussed with the Company’s senior management and monitored by the Audit Committee for handling, investigation and final disposition. The Chairman of the Audit Committee will report the status and disposition of all complaints to the Board of Directors. 13 INFORMATION ABOUT DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS The Board of Directors The Board of Directors oversees our business and monitors the performance of management. In accordance with corporate governance principles, the Board does not involve itself in day-to-day operations. The directors keep themselves informed through, among other things, discussions with the Chief Executive Officer, other key executives and our principal outside advisors (legal counsel, outside auditors, and other consultants), by reading reports and other materials that we send them and by participating in Board and committee meetings. The Company’s Bylaws currently permit the number of Board members to range from 9 to 15, leaving the Board authority to fix the exact number of directors within that range. The Board has currently fixed the number of directors at 12. Board Leadership Structure The Board of Directors is committed to maintaining an independent Board, and a majority of the Board has been comprised of independent directors. It has further for many years been the practice of the Company to separate the roles of Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board in recognition of the differences between the two roles. The Chief Executive Officer is responsible for setting the strategic direction for the Company and the day-to-day leadership and performance of the Company. The Chairman of the Board provides guidance to the Chief Executive Officer, sets the agenda for Board meetings, presides over meetings of the full Board (including executive sessions), and facilitates communication among the independent directors and between the independent directors and the Chief Executive Officer. The Board further believes that the separation of the duties of the Chief Executive Officer and the Chairman of the Board eliminates any inherent conflict of interest that may arise when the roles are combined, and that an independent director who has not served as an executive of the Company can best provide the necessary leadership and objectivity required as Chairman of the Board. Board Authority for Risk Oversight The Board has ultimate authority and responsibility for overseeing risk management of the Company. The Board monitors, reviews and reacts to material enterprise risks identified by management. The Board receives specific oral and written reports from officers with oversight responsibility for particular risks within the Company. Reports cover executive management on financial, credit, liquidity, interest rate, capital, operational, legal and regulatory compliance and reputation risks and the Company’s degree of exposure to those risks. The Board helps ensure that management is properly focused on risk by, among other things, reviewing and discussing the performance of senior management and business line leaders. Board committees also have responsibility for risk oversight in specific areas. The Audit Committee oversees financial, accounting and internal control risk management policies. The Company’s internal Risk Management Steering Committee reports directly to the Audit Committee. The Risk Management Steering Committee is responsible for monitoring the Company’s overall risk program. The Audit Committee receives quarterly reports from the Risk Management Steering Committee and the Company’s internal audit department. The Audit Committee reports periodically to the Board on the effectiveness of risk management processes in place, risk trends, and the overall risk assessment of the Company’s activities. The Compensation Committee assesses and monitors risks in the Company’s compensation program. The Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee recommends director candidates with appropriate experience and skills who will set the proper tone for the Company’s risk profile and provide competent oversight over our material risks. 14 P r o x y S t a t e m e n t 19MAR20 The Committees of the Board The Board may delegate portions of its responsibilities to committees of its members. These standing committees of the Board meet at regular intervals to attend to their particular areas of responsibility. Our Board has five standing committees: the Audit Committee, Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee, Compensation Committee, Finance and Investment Committee, and Strategic Issues Committee. Heritage Bank of Commerce also maintains a Loan Committee. Audit Committee. The Company has a separately designated standing Audit Committee established in accordance with Section 3(a)(58)(A) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. The Audit Committee charter adopted by the Board sets out the responsibilities, authority and specific duties of the Audit Committee. The Audit Committee charter is available on the Company’s website at www.heritagecommercecorp.com. The responsibilities of the Audit Committee include the following: (cid:127) oversight of our financial, accounting and reporting process, our system of internal accounting and financial controls, and our compliance with related legal and regulatory requirements; (cid:127) the appointment, compensation, retention and oversight of our independent auditors, including conducting a review of their independence, reviewing and approving the planned scope of our annual audit, overseeing the independent auditors’ work, and reviewing and pre-approving any audit and non-audit services that may be performed by them; (cid:127) review with management and our independent auditors the effectiveness of our internal controls over financial reporting; (cid:127) approve the scope and engagement of external audit services and review significant accounting policies and adjustments recommended by the independent auditors and address any significant, unresolved disagreements between the independent auditors and management; (cid:127) review and discuss the annual audited financial statements with management and the independent auditors prior to publishing the annual report and filing the Annual Report on Form 10-K with the SEC; (cid:127) review and discuss with management and the independent auditors any significant changes, significant deficiencies and material weaknesses regarding internal controls over financial reporting required by the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, and oversee the corrective action taken to mitigate any significant deficiencies and material weaknesses identified; (cid:127) review with management and the independent auditors the effect of significant regulatory and accounting initiatives, changes, and pronouncements as well as significant and unique transactions and financial relationships; (cid:127) review with the independent auditors the matters required to be discussed by Statement on Auditing Standards No. 61, and receive and discuss with the independent auditors disclosures regarding the auditors’ independence; (cid:127) oversee the internal audit function and the audits directed under its auspices;. (cid:127) establish policies to ensure all non-audit services provided by the independent auditors are approved prior to work being performed; and (cid:127) oversee and report to the full Board on the effectiveness of the Company’s risk management processes and overall risk assessment of the Company’s activities. Each member of the Audit Committee meets the independence criteria as defined by applicable rules and regulations of the SEC for audit committee membership and is independent and is ‘‘financially sophisticated’’ as defined by the applicable rules and regulations of The NASDAQ Stock Market. The members of the Audit Committee are Celeste V. Ford, Steven L. Hallgrimson, Humphrey P. Polanen (Committee Chair) and Laura Roden. The Audit Committee met 11 times during 2011. 15 During 2011, the Board of Directors determined that Mr. Steven L. Hallgrimson has: (i) an understanding of generally accepted accounting principles and financial statements; (ii) the ability to assess the general application of such principles in connection with the accounting for estimates, accruals and reserves; (iii) experience preparing, auditing, analyzing or evaluating financial statements that present a breadth and level of complexity of accounting issues that are generally comparable to the breadth and complexity of issues that can reasonably be expected to be raised by our financial statements, or experience actively supervising one or more persons engaged in such activities; (iv) an understanding of internal control over financial reporting; and (v) an understanding of audit committee functions. Therefore, in 2011 the Board determined that Mr. Hallgrimson meets the definition of ‘‘audit committee financial expert’’ under the applicable rules and regulations of the SEC and is ‘‘financially sophisticated’’ as defined by the applicable rules and regulations of The NASDAQ Stock Market. The designation of a person as an audit committee financial expert does not result in the person being deemed an expert for any purpose, including under Section 11 of the Securities Act of 1933. The designation does not impose on the person any duties, obligations or liability greater than those imposed on any other audit committee member or any other director and does not affect the duties, obligations or liability of any other member of the Audit Committee or Board of Directors. The Audit Committee Report for 2011 appears on page 59 of this proxy statement. Compensation Committee. The Company has a separately designated Compensation Committee, which consists entirely of independent directors as defined by the applicable rules and regulations of The NASDAQ Stock Market. The Compensation Committee has adopted a charter, which is available on the Company’s website at www.heritagecommercecorp.com. The Compensation Committee has the following responsibilities: (cid:127) review and approve our compensation philosophy; (cid:127) review industry compensation practices and our relative compensation positioning; (cid:127) approve compensation paid to our Chief Executive Officer and other executive officers; (cid:127) review and approve the Compensation Discussion and Analysis appearing in our proxy statement; (cid:127) review director compensation programs, plans and awards; (cid:127) administer our short-term and long-term executive incentive plans and stock or stock-based plans; (cid:127) review and approve general employee welfare benefit plans and other plans on an as needed basis; (cid:127) retain advisors in its sole discretion to assist the Compensation Committee in the performance of its directors; and (cid:127) perform the various reviews required by the U.S. Treasury Capital Purchase Program. The members of the Compensation Committee are Frank G. Bisceglia, Celeste V. Ford, Robert T. Moles (Committee Chair) and Ranson W. Webster. The Committee met 6 times in 2011. Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee. The Company has a separately designated Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee, which consists of entirely independent directors as defined by the applicable rules and regulations of The NASDAQ Stock Market. The Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee has adopted a charter, which is available on the Company’s website at www.heritagecommercecorp.com. The purposes of the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee include the following responsibilities: (cid:127) identifying individuals qualified to become Board members and making recommendations to the full Board of candidates for election to the Board; 16 P r o x y S t a t e m e n t 19MAR20 (cid:127) recommending to the Board corporate governance guidelines; (cid:127) leading the Board in an annual review of its performance; and (cid:127) recommending director appointments to Board committees. The members of the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee are Robert T. Moles, Humphrey P. Polanen, Charles J. Toeniskoetter, and Ranson W. Webster (Committee Chair). The Committee met 6 times in 2011. Finance and Investment Committee. The Finance and Investment Committee is responsible for the development of policies and procedures related to liquidity and asset-liability management, supervision of the Company’s investments and preparation of the Company’s annual budget. The members of the Finance and Investment Committee are Frank G. Bisceglia, Jack W. Conner (Committee Chair), John M. Eggemeyer, Walter T. Kaczmarek, Laura Roden, and W. Kirk Wycoff. The Finance and Investment Committee met 11 times during 2011. Strategic Issues Committee. The principal duties of the Strategic Issues Committee are to provide oversight and guidance to senior management regarding the strategic direction of the Company, including development of overall strategic business plan. The members of the Strategic Issues Committee are Jack W. Conner, John M. Eggemeyer, Walter T. Kaczmarek, Charles J. Toeniskoetter (Committee Chair), and Ranson W. Webster. The Strategic Issues Committee met 4 times during 2011. Heritage Bank of Commerce Loan Committee. The Heritage Bank of Commerce Loan Committee is responsible for the approval and supervision of loans and the development of the Company’s loan policies and procedures. The members of the Loan Committee are Frank G. Bisceglia (Committee Chair), Steven L. Hallgrimson, Walter T. Kaczmarek, Robert T. Moles, Charles J. Toeniskoetter, and W. Kirk Wycoff. The Loan Committee met 51 times during 2011. Executive Officers of the Company Set forth below is certain information with respect to the executive officers of the Company: Name Position Michael E. Benito . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Executive Vice President/Banking Division William J. Del Biaggio, Jr. Walter T. Kaczmarek . . . . . . . . . . . . . President and Chief Executive Officer Dan T. Kawamoto . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer Lawrence D. McGovern . . . . . . . . . . Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer . . . . . . . . Executive Vice President/Marketing and Community Relations Michael E. Benito, age 51, was promoted to Executive Vice President/Banking Division in January 2012. Mr. Benito joined Heritage Bank of Commerce in 2003 as Senior Vice President/Director of Sales & Business Development. From 1998 through 2003, Mr. Benito served as a Managing Director for Greater Bay Bank and from December 1986 through 1998, he served as Regional Vice President with Imperial Bancorp. Mr. Benito began his banking career more than 27 years ago at Union Bank. William J. Del Biaggio, Jr., age 70, has been with the Company since 1994 serving in various executive positions. Since 2006, Mr. Del Biaggio, Jr. has served as an Executive Vice President. He is a former member of the Board of Directors. Biographical information for Walter T. Kaczmarek is found under ‘‘Proposal 1—Election of Directors.’’ Dan T. Kawamoto, age 61, has served as Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer of the Company since July, 2009. He was the Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of 1st Century Bancshares, Inc. from February, 2007 to July, 2009. Prior to that, he was at Comerica Bank— 17 Western Market as its Executive Vice President—Personal Financial Services from 1997 to 2007, and as its Chief Financial Officer from 1991 to 2003. Mr. Kawamoto was an audit partner for six years with Ernst & Young LLP prior to joining Comerica Bank in 1991. Lawrence D. McGovern, age 57, has served as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the Company since July, 1998. Compliance with Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, requires the Company’s directors, executive officers and persons who own more than ten percent of a registered class of the Company’s equity securities, to file with the SEC initial reports of ownership and reports of changes in ownership of common stock and other equity securities. They are required by SEC rules and regulations to furnish the Company with copies of all Section 16(a) forms they file. To the Company’s knowledge, based solely on review of the copies of such reports furnished to the Company and written representations that no other reports were required, all Section 16(a) filing requirements applicable to our executive officers and directors were complied with during the year ended December 31, 2011. Transactions with Management Some of the Company’s directors and executive officers, as well as other related persons (as defined under ‘‘Policies and Procedures for Approving Related Party Transactions’’ below), are customers of, and have banking transactions with, the Company’s subsidiary, Heritage Bank of Commerce, in the ordinary course of business, and Heritage Bank of Commerce expects to have such ordinary banking transactions with these persons in the future. In the opinion of the management of the Company and Heritage Bank of Commerce, all loans and commitments to lend included in such transactions were made in the ordinary course of business, on substantially the same terms, including interest rates and collateral, as those prevailing for comparable transactions with other persons of similar creditworthiness, and do not involve more than the normal risk of collectability or present other unfavorable features. Loans to individual directors, officers and related persons must comply with Heritage Bank of Commerce’s lending policies and statutory lending limits. In addition, prior approval of Heritage Bank of Commerce’s Board of Directors is required for all loans advanced to directors and executive officers. These loans are exempt from the loan prohibitions of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. Policies and Procedures for Approving Related Party Transactions The Board of Directors has adopted a written Statement of Policy with Respect to Related Party Transactions. Under this policy, any ‘‘related party transaction’’ may be consummated or may continue only if the Audit Committee approves or ratifies the transaction in accordance with the guidelines in the policy and if the transaction is on terms comparable to those that could be obtained in arm’s length dealings with an unrelated third party. For purposes of this policy, a ‘‘related person’’ means: (i) any person who is, or at any time since the beginning of the Company’s last fiscal year was, a director or executive officer of the Company or a nominee to become a director of the Company; (ii) any person who is known to be the beneficial owner of more than 5% of any class of the Company’s voting securities; (iii) any immediate family member of any of the foregoing persons, which means any child, stepchild, parent, stepparent, spouse, sibling, mother-in-law, father-in-law, son-in-law, daughter-in-law, brother-in-law, or sister-in-law of the director, executive officer, nominee or more than 5% beneficial owner, and any person (other than a tenant or employee) sharing the household of such director, executive officer, nominee or more than 5% beneficial owner; and (iv) any firm, corporation or other entity in which any of the foregoing persons is employed or is a partner, principal or in a similar position, or in which such person has a 10% or greater beneficial ownership interest. 18 P r o x y S t a t e m e n t 19MAR20 A ‘‘related party transaction’’ is a transaction between the Company and any related person (including any transaction requiring disclosure under Item 404 of Regulation S-K under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934). The Board of Directors has determined that the Audit Committee is best suited to review and approve related party transactions. Accordingly, at each calendar year’s first regularly scheduled Audit Committee meeting, management shall recommend related party transactions to be entered into by the Company for that calendar year, including the proposed aggregate value of such transactions if applicable. After review, the Committee shall approve or disapprove such transactions and, at each subsequently scheduled meeting, management shall update the Committee as to any material change to those proposed transactions. The Committee shall consider all of the relevant facts and circumstances available to the Committee, including (if applicable) but not limited to: the benefits to the Company; the impact on a director’s independence in the event the related person is a director, an immediate family member of a director or an entity in which a director is a partner, shareholder or executive officer; the availability of other sources for comparable products or services; the terms of the transaction; and the terms available to unrelated third parties or to employees generally. No member of the Audit Committee may participate in any review, consideration or approval of any related person transaction with respect to which such member or any of his or her immediate family members is the related person. The Committee will approve only those related person transactions that are in, or are not inconsistent with, the best interests of the Company and its shareholders, as the Committee determines in good faith. The Audit Committee shall convey the decision to the Chief Executive Officer, who shall convey the decision to the appropriate persons within the Company. In the event management recommends any further related party transactions subsequent to the first calendar year meeting, such transactions may be presented to the Audit Committee for approval or preliminarily entered into by management subject to ratification by the Audit Committee; provided that if ratification shall not be forthcoming, management shall make all reasonable efforts to cancel or annul such transaction. Compensation Discussion and Analysis The Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors has responsibility for establishing, implementing and continually monitoring the compensation structure, policies and programs of the Company. The Compensation Committee is responsible for assessing and approving the total compensation structure paid to the Chief Executive Officer and the other executive officers. Thus, the Compensation Committee is responsible for determining whether the compensation paid to each of these executive officers is fair, reasonable and competitive, and whether it serves the interests of the Company’s shareholders. The individuals who served as the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer during 2011, as well as, the other individuals included in the Summary Compensation Table, are referred to as the ‘‘named executive officers.’’ This Compensation Discussion and Analysis identifies the Company’s current compensation philosophy and objectives and describes the various methodologies, policies and practices for establishing and administering the compensation programs for our executives including the named executive officers. The Company and the Compensation Committee believe our compensation philosophy, policies and objectives outlined within this Compensation Discussion and Analysis are appropriately designed to allow us to effectively compensate our employees both during times of positive performance and in times of weak performance. 19 Effect of the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 and American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 In October, 2008, the Department of the Treasury (‘‘U.S. Treasury’’) established the Troubled Asset Relief Program (‘‘TARP’’) under the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008, as amended (‘‘EESA’’). EESA provided immediate authority and facilities that the Secretary of the U.S. Treasury could use to restore liquidity and stability to the financial system. The U.S. Treasury implemented the Capital Purchase Program under TARP to make preferred stock investments in participating financial institutions. We participated in the Capital Purchase Program in November 2008 by selling preferred stock and a common stock purchase warrant to the U.S. Treasury. We participated in the Capital Purchase Program so that we could continue to lend to and support our current and prospective customers and further strengthen our capital base. As a result, we became subject to certain executive compensation requirements under EESA, U.S. Treasury regulations, and the contract pursuant to which we sold such preferred stock. On February 13, 2009, Congress enacted the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (‘‘ARRA’’), which the President signed into law on February 17, 2009. Among other things, ARRA continued the same compensation corporate governance restrictions in EESA and added substantially to them in several areas. On June 15, 2009, the U.S. Treasury issued its Interim Final Rule promulgated pursuant to Section 111 of EESA as amended by ARRA (‘‘Interim Final Rule’’). The Interim Final Rule consolidates all of the executive compensation related provisions that are specifically directed at TARP recipients into a single rule (superseding all prior rules and guidance), and utilizes the discretion granted to the U.S. Treasury under ARRA to adopt additional standards. These standards generally applied to our senior executive officers (‘‘SEOs’’). For these purposes our SEOs are the same individuals who are our named executive officers. Key features of ARRA and the Interim Final Rule as they apply to the Company in 2011 are: (cid:127) Bonuses and Incentive Compensation. A prohibition of the payment of any bonus, retention award, or incentive compensation to the five most highly compensated employees. (cid:127) Stock Options. A prohibition on stock option grants to the five most highly compensated employees. (cid:127) Incentive Compensation Paid in Stock. A prohibition on incentive compensation paid in stock to the five highly compensated employees except for ‘‘long-term’’ restricted stock, but only to the extent the value of the stock does not exceed one-third of the total amount of annual compensation of the employee receiving the stock. The stock may vest after the Capital Purchase Program preferred stock has been redeemed, and the stock must be forfeited if the employee does not continue performing substantial services for the Company for at least two years from the date of grant. (cid:127) Golden Parachutes. Prohibition on making any severance/golden parachute payments (defined as any payment without regard to the amount of such payment) to any SEO or any of the next five most highly compensated employees upon termination of employment for any reason (except death or disability) or any payment due to a change in control. A golden parachute payment does not include any payment made for services performed or benefits accrued such as normal retirement benefits. (cid:127) Clawback. Recovery of any bonus or other incentive payments paid to any SEO or the next 20 most highly compensated employees that were made based on financial statements or other criteria that are later found to be materially inaccurate. 20 P r o x y S t a t e m e n t 19MAR20 (cid:127) Tax Gross-Ups. Prohibition on the payment of any ‘‘gross-up’’ to any SEO or the next twenty most highly compensated employees. A gross-up means any reimbursement of taxes owed with respect to any compensation (except for a tax equalization agreement relating to foreign compensation). (cid:127) SEO Compensation Plans that Encourage Unnecessary Risk-Taking. Prohibition on executive compensation plans that encourage SEOs to take unnecessary and excessive risks that threaten the Company’s value. Every six months the Compensation Committee must discuss, evaluate and review SEO compensation plans to identify and take action to limit risks that encourage focus on short-term results over long-term results. (cid:127) Perquisites. Annually disclose to the U.S. Treasury and Federal Reserve Board any perquisites whose total value exceeds $25,000 for the fiscal year paid to any of the five highest compensated employees. (cid:127) Earnings Manipulation. Prohibition on compensation plans that encourage earnings manipulation. Every six months, the Compensation Committee must discuss, evaluate and review employee compensation plans to ensure they do not encourage manipulation of reported earnings to enhance employee compensation. (cid:127) Limit on Tax Deduction. We contractually agreed to abide by a provision of EESA which limits our tax deduction for compensation paid to any SEO to $500,000 annually. This provision amended the Internal Revenue Code by adding a new Section 162(m)(5), which imposes a $500,000 deduction limit. (cid:127) Certifications of CEO and CFO. A requirement that the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer provide a written certification of compliance with the executive compensation restrictions in ARRA in the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC. (cid:127) Excessive Expenditures. Implementation of a company-wide policy regarding excessive or luxury expenditures. On March 7, 2012, the Company repurchased the Series A Preferred Stock held by the U.S. Treasury. Thus, in 2012, the compensation arrangements of the named executive officers were also subject to the above restrictions for the period between January 1, 2012, and March 7, 2012. Overview of Compensation Philosophy The Compensation Committee believes executive compensation packages provided by the Company to its executives, including the named executive officers, should include base salary, variable performance based cash awards and stock based compensation in order to achieve three primary goals. The Compensation Committee believes that the first goal of our compensation program is that a reasonable percentage of executive compensation program should be linked to the financial performance of the Company. The Compensation Committee believes that a properly structured compensation program will focus on performance to motivate and support individuals to achieve specific short-term and long-term objectives while taking into consideration potential risk implications. We achieve this goal by providing our named executive officers the opportunity to significantly increase their annual cash compensation through our variable performance based cash awards incentive program by improving the Company’s performance in specified financial metrics on an annual basis. We also expect that as those improvements are maintained and built upon, the Company’s stock price will reflect these improvements. The second goal of our compensation program is to align the interests of our executive officers with the interests of our shareholders. We use stock awards (stock options and/or restricted stock) to reward the long-term efforts of management and to retain management. These equity awards serve to increase the 21 ownership stake of our management in the Company, further aligning the interests of the executives with those of our shareholders. The third goal of our compensation program is to attract and retain highly competent executives. Our executives, and particularly our named executive officers, are talented managers and they are often presented with opportunities at other institutions, including opportunities at potentially higher compensation levels. We seek to attract and retain our executives by setting base compensation and incentives at competitive levels and awarding stock-based awards. We also consider other forms of executive pay, including our supplemental executive retirement plan and severance arrangements (including change of control provisions) as a means to attract and retain our executive officers including the named executive officers. We believe we should balance each of these goals. The Compensation Committee reviews our Compensation Peer Group (as described below) and other comparative survey data as provided and analyzed by an independent consultant to determine an appropriate mix of each element of compensation. We use our Compensation Peer Group and other comparative survey data to assess appropriate compensation levels as discussed in more detail later in this report. Compensation Program Objectives and Rewards The components of Company’s compensation and benefits programs are driven by our business environment and are designed to enable us to achieve the goals of our compensation program within a framework that adheres to the Company’s mission and values. The programs’ objectives are to: (cid:127) Reflect our position as a leading community bank in our service areas; (cid:127) Attract, engage and retain the workforce that helps ensure our future success; (cid:127) Motivate and inspire employee behavior that fosters a high performance culture; (cid:127) Support a one company culture; (cid:127) Support overall business objectives; (cid:127) Provide shareholders with a superior rate of return over the long term; and (cid:127) Create shareholder value through the continuous provision of quality service to our customers. Consequently, the guiding principles of our programs are to: (cid:127) Promote and maintain a high performance banking organization; (cid:127) Remain competitive in our marketplace for talent; and (cid:127) Balance our compensation costs with our desire to provide value to employees and shareholders. To this end, we will measure success of our programs by: (cid:127) Overall business performance and employee engagement; (cid:127) Ability to attract and retain key talent; (cid:127) Costs and business risks that are limited to levels that optimize risk and return; and (cid:127) Employee understanding and perceptions that ensure program value equals or exceeds program cost. 22 P r o x y S t a t e m e n t 19MAR20 All of our compensation and benefits for our named executive officers described below have as a primary purpose our need to attract, retain and motivate the highly talented individuals who will engage in the behaviors necessary to enable us to succeed in creating shareholder value in a highly competitive marketplace. Beyond that, different elements have specific purposes designed to reward different behaviors. (cid:127) Base salary and benefits are designed to: (cid:127) Reward core competence in the executive role relative to skills, position and contributions to the Company; and (cid:127) Provide fixed cash compensation with merit increases competitive with the market place. (cid:127) Annual incentive variable cash awards are designed to: (cid:127) Focus employees on annual financial objectives derived from the business plan that lead to long-term success; (cid:127) Provide annual variable performance based cash awards to reward and motivate achievement of critical annual performance metrics selected by the Compensation Committee; and (cid:127) Foster a pay for performance culture that aligns our compensation programs with our overall business strategy. (cid:127) Equity based compensation awards are designed to: (cid:127) Link compensation rewards to the creation of shareholder wealth; (cid:127) Promote teamwork by tying compensation significantly to the value of our common stock; (cid:127) Attract the next generation of management by providing significant capital accumulation opportunities; and (cid:127) Retain executives by providing a long-term-oriented program whose value could only be achieved by remaining with and performing for the Company. (cid:127) A supplemental executive retirement plan facilitates our ability to attract and retain executives as we compete for talented employees in a marketplace where these plans are commonly offered. (cid:127) Change of control and separation benefits with certain officers: (cid:127) Individual employment contracts with certain executives provide for change of control and separation benefits. (cid:127) Separation benefits provide benefits to ease an employee’s transition due to an unexpected employment termination by the Company due to ongoing changes in the Company’s employment needs. (cid:127) Change in control benefits encourage key executives to remain focused on the Company’s business in the event of rumored or actual fundamental corporate changes which will enhance shareholder value. The use of these compensation programs and benefits enables us to reinforce our pay-for- performance philosophy, align our executives’ interests with shareholders, and strengthen our ability to attract, retain and motivate highly qualified executives. We believe that this combination of programs provides an appropriate mix of fixed and variable pay, balances short-term operational performance with long-term shareholder value, and encourages executive recruitment and retention. The use of the identified elements of compensation has been restricted by the executive compensation rules for TARP recipients. 23 Total compensation is generally targeted at the 75th percentile of our Compensation Peer Group. We target above the median of our Compensation Peer Group because of the competition in our market for talented executives and our desire to attract and, more importantly, retain and motivate talented individuals we believe are necessary to achieve the goals and objectives of our Board of Directors. Role of Compensation Committee in Determining Compensation The Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors has strategic and oversight responsibility for the overall compensation and benefits programs for executives of the Company. These responsibilities include establishing, implementing, and continually monitoring the compensation structure, policies, and programs of the Company, including an assessment of the risk profile of each compensation policy and practice. The Compensation Committee is responsible for assessing and approving the total compensation paid to the Chief Executive Officer and all executive officers. The Compensation Committee is responsible for determining whether the compensation paid to each of these executives is fair, reasonable and competitive, and whether the compensation program serves the interests of the Company’s shareholders. The Compensation Committee is comprised of four independent directors who satisfy The NASDAQ Stock Market listing requirements and relevant Internal Revenue Service and SEC regulations on independence. The Compensation Committee’s Chair regularly reports to the Board of Directors on the Compensation Committee actions and recommendations. To evaluate and administer the compensation practices of the Chief Executive Officer and other executive officers, the Compensation Committee meets a minimum of four times a year. The Compensation Committee also holds special meetings and meets telephonically to discuss extraordinary items, such as the hiring or dismissal of executive officers. For fiscal year 2011, the Compensation Committee met a total of 6 times (includes regularly scheduled Compensation Committee meetings, special meetings and telephonic meetings). When making individual compensation decisions for executive officers, the Compensation Committee takes many factors into account, including the executive’s experience, responsibilities, management abilities and job performance, overall performance of the Company, current market conditions and competitive pay for similar positions at comparable companies. In addition, the Compensation Committee reviews the relationship of various positions between departments, the affordability of desired pay levels and the importance of each position within the Company. These factors are considered by the Compensation Committee in a subjective manner without any specific formula or weighting. The Compensation Committee relies significantly on the input and recommendations of our Chief Executive Officer when evaluating these factors relative to the compensation of executive officers, excluding his own compensation, which is set according to the terms of his employment agreement and annual review by the Board of Directors. Because the Chief Executive Officer works closely with and supervises our executive team, the Compensation Committee believes that the Chief Executive Officer provides valuable insight in evaluating their performance. Our Chief Executive Officer provides the Compensation Committee with his assessment of the performance of each named executive officer and his perspective on the factors described above in developing his recommendations for the executive’s compensation, including salary adjustments, incentive bonuses, annual equity grants and equity grants awarded in conjunction with promotions. The Chief Executive Officer also provides the Compensation Committee with additional information regarding the effect, if any, of market competition and changes in business strategy or priorities. The Compensation Committee discusses our Chief Executive Officer’s recommendations and then approves or modifies the recommendations in collaboration with the Chief Executive Officer. Role of Compensation Consultants Generally, at least every two years the Compensation Committee retains the services of an executive compensation consultant to assess the competitiveness of our compensation programs, conduct other research as directed by the Compensation Committee, and support the Compensation Committee in the 24 P r o x y S t a t e m e n t 19MAR20 design and implementation of executive and Board of Director compensation. In the third quarter of 2009, the Compensation Committee retained Carl D. Jacobs Group LLC (‘‘Jacobs Group’’) to assist the Compensation Committee and management in the review and assessment of multiple aspects of our compensation programs, including: (i) equity compensation practices, and short-term and long-term incentive design; (ii) total compensation analysis for the Chief Executive officer; and (iii) total compensation analysis for other named executive officers. In December, 2009 the Jacobs Group provided its independent analysis of the Company’s executive compensation policies and practices and provided analyses on the pay practices of the Compensation Peer Group and other comparable market data (‘‘2009 Report’’). The Jacobs Group reported directly to the Compensation Committee. Our compensation programs for executive management and our Board of Directors in 2010 and 2011 took into account the review and assessment presented in the 2009 Report. In June 2011, the Jacobs Group updated the 2009 Report at the request of the Compensation Committee (‘‘2011 Report’’). The Committee will use the 2011 Report for its review, deliberations and recommendations for 2012. Market Positioning and Pay Benchmarking The Compensation Committee targets base salary close to the 60th percentile of the Compensation Peer Group data for the base salaries of the Chief Executive Officer and the other named executive officers. The actual positioning of each executive officer’s compensation is dependent on considerations of the executive’s performance, the performance of the Company and the individual business or corporate function for which the executive is responsible, the nature and importance of the position and role within the Company, the scope of the executive’s responsibility (including risk management and corporate strategic initiatives), and the individual’s success in promoting our core values and demonstrating leadership. In the third quarter of 2009, the Compensation Committee undertook a comprehensive review of the Company’s compensation programs for executive officers, other elected officers, selected staff and the Board of Directors. The Jacobs Group, in consultation with the Compensation Committee, selected a peer group of financial institutions to establish a Compensation Peer Group for the 2009 report. The companies included in the Compensation Peer Group were selected from publicly traded banks in California and several from neighboring states based on: (i) compatibility of the Company based on size as measured through total assets between one and four billion dollars; (ii) similarity of their product lines and business focus; (iii) participation and non-participation in the U.S. Treasury Capital Purchase Program; and (iv) the competitive market for executive talent. The Compensation Peer Group consisted of 19 publicly traded independent community banks with the majority located in California. In addition to the Compensation Peer Group, the Jacobs Group also assembled, reviewed and compiled data from five recognized published compensation surveys. Published surveys included California banks located in our service areas as well as local area data drawn from national surveys. The Comparative Peer Group and the comparative survey data were used to benchmark executive compensation levels against banks that have executive positions with responsibilities similar in breadth and scope to ours and that compete with us for executive talent. With such information, the Compensation Committee reviewed and analyzed compensation for each executive. The Compensation Peer Group component companies used in the evaluation of the Company’s 25 compensation programs in the 2009 Report for executive officers and the Board of Directors were as follows: Bank of Marin Bancorp Bridge Capital Holdings Cascade Financial Corporation Center Financial Corporation Farmers & Merchants Bancorp First California Financial Group First Regional Bancorp Heritage Oaks Bancorp Nara Bancorp North Valley Bancorp Chief Executive Officer Compensation Pacific Mercantile Bancorp PacWest Bancorp Preferred Bank Premier West Bancorp Provident Financial Holdings Sierra Bancorp TriCo Bancshares WestAmerica Bancorp Wilshire Bancorp The Compensation Committee meets with the other independent directors each year in an executive session without management present to evaluate the performance of the Chief Executive Officer. The Compensation Committee also confers with the Chief Executive Officer when setting his base salary. The Compensation Committee the Company’s achievement of its short and long-term goals versus its strategic objectives and financial targets. Emphasis was also placed on performance factors of the Company’s business units, along with the results of the independent consultant’s analysis of the pay practices of the 2009 Compensation Peer Group, and personal performance goals established by the Compensation Committee. In view of the 2009 Report, the Compensation Committee determined that the Chief Executive Officer’s base salary set in March 2011, was 77% of the 60th percentile and his total compensation fell below the desired 75th percentile. typically considers corporate financial performance, The Compensation Committee accepted the Chief Executive Officer’s recommendation in March 2011, that his salary should not be increased in response to the current economic conditions adversely affecting the financial services industry, and the financial challenges facing the Company. Consequently, the Chief Executive Officer’s base salary remained at $333,700 until October 2011. In October 2011, the Compensation Committee approved a salary increase for the Chief Executive Officer’s base salary of 8.0% to $360,400 in recognition of his efforts that contributed to the termination of the Company’s regulatory written agreement with its regulators in June 2011. 2011 Base Salary Decisions for the Other Named Executive Officers In accordance with our compensation objectives, salaries are set and administered to reflect the value of the position in the marketplace, the career experience of the individual, and the contribution and performance of the individual. Base salary is generally targeted at close to the 60th percentile of our Compensation Peer Group. Although each of the named executive officers has an employment agreement with the Company, the initial base salary in each of the agreements may be increased (and has been in the past) in accordance with the Chief Executive Officer’s evaluation of the executive’s performance and the Compensation Committee’s evaluation of the Company’s overall compensation programs and policies. For 2011, the Compensation Committee considered the pay practices of the 2009 Compensation Peer Group and the analyses and recommendations provided by its independent consultant. In evaluation of the base salaries in 2011 for the named executive officers, the Compensation Committee also considered the minimum, mid-range and maximum salaries paid to similarly situated positions at companies in the 2009 Compensation Peer Group as well as the performance levels of the named executive officers. 26 P r o x y S t a t e m e n t 19MAR20 In response to the economic conditions adversely affecting the financial services industry and the financial challenges facing the Company in 2011, the Chief Executive Officer recommended that as of March 2011 his base salary and the salaries of the other named executive officers should not be increased. The Compensation Committee accepted the recommendation and the Compensation Committee did not increase the salaries for the Chief Executive Officer or the other named executive officers. In October 2011, the Compensation Committee approved salary increases for the Chief Executive Officer and each of the other named executive officers. The Compensation Committee took this action in recognition of the efforts that the Chief Executive Officer and each of the other named executive officers contributed to the termination of the Company’s regulatory written agreement with its regulators in June 2011. The increases were as follows: Name Prior Salary New Salary Percentage Increase Walter T. Kaczmarek . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lawrence D. McGovern . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dan T. Kawamoto . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Margaret A. Incandela . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Raymond Parker . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $333,700 $232,000 $240,000 $240,000 $250,300 $360,400 $242,400 $247,200 $250,800 $257,800 8.0% 4.5% 3.0% 4.5% 3.0% Base salary drives the formula used in the Management Incentive Plan as discussed below under ‘‘Management Incentive Plan.’’ Base salary is the only element of compensation that is used in determining the amount of contributions permitted under the Company’s 401(k) plan. Management Incentive Plan We believe that a portion of the annual incentive compensation for named executive officers should be based on performance against pre-defined financial metrics and performance objectives. The Company’s Management Incentive Plan (‘‘Incentive Plan’’) plays a key role in fulfilling the objective. In 2011, each of our named executive officers was eligible to receive a bonus under the Incentive Plan. Annual performance bonuses are designed to focus participants on, and reward them for, the achievement of specific annual financial, strategic and/or operational objectives of the Company. The incentive levels (as a percent of salary) are designed to provide for the achievement of threshold and target performance objectives. The financial metrics, performance objectives, and the formula for computing the performance bonus are established by the Compensation Committee early in each fiscal year. The award opportunities under the Incentive Plan were derived in part from comparative data provided by our independent consultant and in part by the Compensation Committee’s judgment on internal equity of the positions, their relative value to the Company and the desire to maintain a consistent annual incentive target for the Chief Executive Officer and the other named executive officers. The payouts for executives under the Incentive Plan are targeted to provide aggregate cash compensation together with base salary at the 70th percentile of comparative data provided by our independent consultant when we reach our target annual financial performance (‘‘Target’’). Smaller payouts can be awarded if we reach 90% to 98% of our target annual financial performance (‘‘Threshold’’). 27 The incentive levels assigned as a percentage of base salary for 2011 were as follows: Named Executive Walter T. Kaczmarek . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lawrence D. McGovern . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dan T. Kawamoto . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Margaret Incandela . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Raymond Parker . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . As a percent of base salary Threshold Target 15% 15% 15% 15% 15% 33% 33% 33% 33% 33% Management recommends, and the Compensation Committee reviews and approves, the financial metrics for each plan year that must be met in order for awards to be paid. These financial metrics are weighted and are intended to motivate and reward eligible executives to strive for continued financial improvement of the Company, consistent with performance based compensation and increasing shareholder value. The Compensation Committee typically identifies from three to five financial metrics which may be revised from year to year to reflect current business situations. The financial metrics selected for 2011 were net income, successful termination of the Company’s regulatory written agreement with its regulators, reduction in nonperforming assets, loan growth and deposit growth. The Compensation Committee believes net income is a valid measurement in assessing how the Company is performing from a financial standpoint. Net income is an accepted accounting measure that drives earnings per share and shareholder returns over the long term. In addition, the Compensation Committee, in consultation with the Chief Executive Officer, concluded that, in view of the economic conditions expected to occur in 2011, management should focus on credit quality and loan and deposit growth. The Compensation Committee believes that nonperforming assets are an effective measure to monitor the Company’s progress in improving its credit quality. Further, in view of the Company’s plans to refocus on growth, the Compensation Committee sought to incentivize and measure growth by increases in loans and deposits. The Compensation Committee determines the weighting of financial metrics each year based upon recommendations from the senior management. For 2011, the Compensation Committee weighted the financial metrics as follow: Net Income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Termination of Written Agreement Reduction of Nonperforming Assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Loan Growth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Deposit Growth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20% 20% 20% 20% 20% For 2011 compared to 2010, the Compensation Committee realigned the mix of the financial metrics. Return on equity was replaced by deposit growth. Although return on equity is an accepted measure of growth and use of capital, the Compensation Committee believed that for 2011, deposit growth coupled with loan growth would be a more specific measure of growth in line with the Company’s overall financial plan. Because the Committee believed that the Incentive Plan should also balance risk-taking with performance, the Compensation Committee maintained a risk-based capital element to the plan. If the total risk-based capital ratio is between 12% and 14% at year-end 2011, bonus payments would be reduced by 50%, and if the ratio is below twelve 12%, then bonuses would be reduced to zero. Performance objectives were generally identified through our annual financial planning and budget process. Senior management developed a financial plan for 2011, and the financial plan was reviewed and approved by the Board of Directors. The Compensation Committee received recommendations from senior management for financial performance objective ranges. In making the determination of the Threshold and Target levels, the Compensation Committee considered specific circumstances anticipated 28 P r o x y S t a t e m e n t 19MAR20 to be encountered by the Company during the coming year. The Compensation Committee believed that the Threshold and Target levels established for the Incentive Plan in 2011 were sufficiently challenging given the economic climate and the level of growth and improvement in the various financial metrics that would have to occur to meet the various performance objectives. For 2011, performance was assessed relative to performances of for the year ended December 31, 2011, as shown below and compared to actual results: Threshold Target 2011 Actual Net Income(1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Release of Written Agreement . . . Nonperforming Assets . . . . . . . . . Loans Outstanding . . . . . . . . . . . . Deposits(4) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 5,100,000(2) — $ 22,200,000(2) $900,000,000(3) $920,000,000(3) $ 5,600,000 — $ 20,000,000 $917,000,000 $942,000,000 $ 11,371,000 — $ 19,142,000 $764,591,000 $958,331,000 (1) Before dividends and discount accretion on the Company’s preferred stock (2) 90% of Target (3) 98% of Target (4) Excludes brokered deposits and CDARS Upon completion of the fiscal year, the Compensation Committee assesses the performance of the Company for each financial metric comparing the actual fiscal year results to the pre-determined performance objectives for each financial metric calculated with reference to the pre-determined weight accorded the financial metric, and an overall percentage amount for the award is calculated. In addition, the Compensation Committee has discretionary authority to include qualitative subjective measures which may increase or decrease an award up or down by an additional 15% of base salary. The positive discretion may be utilized to address completion of special projects, department initiatives, or favorable achievements reflected in regulatory exam results. The Compensation Committee may also use its discretion in adjusting financial metrics and performance objectives for unexpected economic conditions or changes in the business of the Company. In 2011, the Company reached the Target for each of the performance objectives, except for loans outstanding. Nonetheless, the Compensation Committee did not award any bonuses to the named executive officers for 2011 performance. Under the executive compensation rules applicable to TARP recipients, bonuses are not permitted to the top five most highly compensated employees. Many of the named executive officers are among the top five most highly compensated employees, and the named executive officers who are not in the top five also did not receive bonuses. The Compensation Committee’s policy since the Company received TARP funds has been that each of the named executive officers be treated equally under the Incentive Plan with regard to whether or not bonuses were paid out. Impact of Capital Purchase Program. The Incentive Plan was initially established as a cash award performance based plan. As discussed above, however, the Company’s participation in the U.S. Treasury Capital Purchase Program subjected it to various limitations on executive compensation. Among these limitations was a prohibition on the payment of cash bonuses to the Company’s five highest paid employees. All bonuses awarded under the Incentive Plan are subject to a ‘‘clawback’’ policy. Equity Based Compensation We believe that equity based compensation should be a significant component of total executive compensation to align executive compensation with the long-term performance of the Company and to encourage executives to make value enhancing decisions for the benefit of our shareholders. Each of the named executive officers is eligible to receive equity compensation. 29 The Compensation Committee is responsible for determining equity grants to all staff members, including named executive officers, and in doing so considers past grants, corporate and individual performance, and recommendations of our Chief Executive Officer for staff members other than himself. Stock award levels with the established ranges were determined based on market data. The Compensation Committee has targeted the 75th percentile of the comparative data with respect to these long-term incentive awards. The Company’s Amended and Restated 2004 Equity Plan (the ‘‘Plan’’) (approved by our shareholders at the 2008 annual meeting) provides for the grant of non-qualified and incentive stock options, and restricted stock. The Compensation Committee approves all awards under the Plan and acts as the administrator of this Plan. Stock options provide for financial gain derived from the potential appreciation in stock price from the date that the option is granted until the date that the option is exercised. The exercise price of stock option grants is set at fair market value on the grant date. Under the approved Plan, we may not grant stock options at a discount to fair market value or reduce the exercise price of outstanding stock options except in the case of a stock split or other similar event. We do not grant stock options with a so-called ‘‘reload’’ feature, nor do we loan funds to employees to enable them to exercise stock options. Stock options granted to date generally vest pro rata on a daily basis over four years and expire ten years from the grant date. Our long-term performance ultimately determines the value of stock options, because gains from stock option exercises are entirely dependent on the long-term appreciation of our stock price. Under the U.S. Treasury executive compensation restrictions for U.S. Treasury Capital Purchase Program participants, the issuance of stock options is prohibited under the general prohibitions on bonuses for the five highest paid employees of the Company. As such, the Company has utilized long-term restricted stock, as necessary and where appropriate, to comply with the restrictions. Long-term restricted stock is permitted under the U.S. Treasury restrictions so long as it vests no sooner than in proportion to the Company’s redemption of its Series A Preferred Stock held by the U.S. Treasury. An award of restricted stock involves the immediate transfer by the Company to a participant of ownership of a specific number of shares of common stock. The restricted stock is valued at its fair market value on the date of grant. Restricted stock is subject to a ‘‘substantial risk of forfeiture’’ within the meaning of Section 83 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. Restricted stock awarded by the Compensation Committee will generally vest the later of two years from the date of grant or at such time as the Company has redeemed all its Series A Preferred Stock held by the U.S. Treasury. The Compensation Committee has established a stock option and restricted stock policy which recognizes that stock options and restricted stock have an impact on the profits of the Company under current accounting rules and also have a dilutive effect on the Company’s shareholders. Accordingly, they are recognized as a scarce resource and option grants and awards of restricted stock are given the same consideration as any other form of compensation. The Compensation Committee has established ranges for the amount of options that may be granted that depend on the individual’s position with the Company and whether the option is awarded as an incentive to attract an individual, to retain an individual or to reward performance. The Compensation Committee approves primarily nonstatutory stock options instead of incentive stock options because of the tax advantages available to the Company for nonstatutory options and because employees generally do not take full advantage of the tax benefits available to them from incentive stock options. We do not backdate options or grant options or award restricted stock retroactively. In addition, we do not plan to coordinate grants of options or awards of restricted stock so that they are made before announcement of favorable information, or after announcement of unfavorable information. The Company’s options and restricted stock are granted at fair market value on a fixed date or event (the first day of service for new hires and the date of Compensation Committee approval for existing employees), 30 P r o x y S t a t e m e n t 19MAR20 with all required approvals obtained in advance of or on the actual grant date. All grants to executive officers require the approval of the Compensation Committee and the Board of Directors. Fair market value has been consistently determined as the closing price on The Nasdaq Global Select Market on the grant date. In order to ensure that an option exercise price or restricted stock date of grant valuation fairly reflects all material information, without regard to whether the information seems positive or negative, every grant of options and restricted stock is contingent upon an assurance by management and legal counsel that the Company is not in possession of material undisclosed information. If the Company is in a ‘‘black-out’’ period for trading under its trading policy or otherwise in possession of inside information, the date of grant is suspended until the second business day after public dissemination of the information. The Company’s general practice has been to grant options and restricted stock only on the annual grant date at the Compensation Committee and Board of Directors’ regular March meeting for current staff and at any other Compensation Committee meeting (whether a regular meeting or otherwise) held on the same date as a regularly scheduled Board meeting (which are held monthly) as required to attract new staff, retain staff or recognize key specific achievements. Because of the economic downturn, particularly in the financial services industry, the Committee did not award stock awards to the named executive officers in 2008, 2009 or 2010, except to Dan T. Kawamoto, who received stock options when he joined the Company in July 2009, and Margaret Incandela, who received stock options in 2009, and restricted stock in 2010 at a time when she was not a named executive officer. In June 2011, the Company’s named executive officers were granted the following shares of restricted stock: Walter T. Kaczmarek—15,000 shares; Lawrence D. McGovern—8,500 shares; Dan T. Kawamoto—8,500 shares; Margaret A. Incandela—9,000 shares; and Raymond Parker—8,500 shares. In making these awards the Compensation Committee took into consideration the fact that none of the named executive officers had received any equity-based compensation since 2009 (with the limited exception discussed above). Retirement Plans Our Amended and Restated Supplemental Retirement Plan (‘‘SERP’’) is an important element of our compensation program. We compete for executive talent in our market area where many of our competitors offer supplemental retirement plans. These types of plans have been commonly offered in the community bank industry for some time. The SERP is a nonqualified defined benefit plan and is unsecured and unfunded and there are no plan assets. When the Company offers key executives participation in the SERP, including some but not all of the named executive officers, the supplemental retirement benefit awarded is based on the individual’s position within the Company and a vesting schedule determined by the desirability of incenting the retention element of the program. The participant is 100% vested in his or her benefit at retirement. A participant whose employment terminates after the normal retirement date will receive 100% of his or her supplemental retirement benefit, payable monthly, commencing on the first of the month following retirement (unless selected otherwise by the participant) and continuing until the death of the participant. For information on the plan, see ‘‘Supplemental Retirement Plan for Executive Officers.’’ Prohibition on Speculation in Company Stock Our stock trading guidelines prohibit executives from speculating in our stock, which includes, but is not limited to, short selling (profiting if the market price of the securities decreases), buying or selling publicly traded options, including writing covered calls, and hedging or any other type of derivative arrangement that has a similar economic effect. 31 Termination of Employment and Change in Control Provisions The Compensation Committee believes that a change in control transaction, or potential change in control transaction, would create uncertainty regarding the continued employment of our executives. This is because many change in control transactions result in significant organizational changes, particularly at the senior executive level. In order to encourage our executives to remain employed with us during an important time when their continued employment in connection with or following a transaction is often uncertain and to help keep our executives focused on our business rather than on their personal financial security, we believe that providing certain of our executives with severance benefits upon certain terminations of employment is in the best interests of our Company and our shareholders. The Company does not have company-wide separate change of control agreements with its executive officers. Instead, the Chief Executive Officer and the other named executive officers have specific change of control and severance provisions in their respective employment agreements. The Compensation Committee considers the use of change of control provisions and severance provisions on a case by case basis depending on the individual’s position with the Company and the need to attract and/or retain the individuals. The severance benefits provided for our named executive officers were determined by the Compensation Committee based on its judgment of prevailing market practices at the time each agreement was entered into. At present, we have employment agreements with Messrs. Kaczmarek, McGovern, and Kawamoto, which detail their eligibility for payments under various termination scenarios. Mr. Parker and Ms. Incandela had similar agreements prior to their separation of service from the Company. In addition, certain equity grants made to the named executive officers provide for vesting of stock options and restricted stock upon a change of control. Impact of Capital Purchase Program. The change of control provisions along with the other severance arrangements provided in the employment agreements with the named executive officers were materially adversely affected by the provisions of EESA and ARRA while the Series A Preferred Stock held by the U.S. Treasury was outstanding. Each of the named executive officers with employment agreements requires the Company to comply with the provisions of EESA and ARRA, including the limitation on the payment of golden parachute, other severance payments, and the payment of ‘‘tax gross-up’’ payments. We have disclosed the severance and/or change in control payouts that would be payable to each named executive officer if the triggering event occurred on December 31, 2011, in the ‘‘Change in Control Arrangements and Termination of Employment’’ section in this proxy statement. Impact of Regulatory Action. Under the Company’s regulatory written agreement with its regulators dated February 17, 2010, the Company was required to obtain prior written approval from its regulators prior to making any severance payments including so-called ‘‘golden parachutes’’ to its executive officers and other employees. The regulatory agreement was terminated in June 2011, and the Company, therefore, is no longer to these restrictions. Tax Considerations Section 162(m) (‘‘Section 162(m)’’) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, limits the allowable deduction for compensation paid or accrued with respect to the Chief Executive Officer and each of the four other most highly compensated executive officers of a publicly held corporation to no more than $1 million per year. Certain compensation is exempt from this deduction limitation, including performance based compensation paid under a plan administered by a committee of outside directors, which has been approved by shareholders. The Company has not previously obtained shareholder approval of performance standards for its compensation plans or arrangements because its executives generally do not have compensation arrangements that would exceed $1 million per year. In light of Section 162(m), it is the policy of the Compensation Committee to modify, where necessary, our executive compensation program to maximize the tax deductibility of compensation paid to 32 P r o x y S t a t e m e n t 19MAR20 our executive officers when and if the $1 million threshold becomes an issue. At the same time, the Compensation Committee also believes that the overall performance of our executives cannot in all cases be reduced to a fixed formula and that the prudent use of discretion in determining pay levels is in our best interests and those of our shareholders. Under some circumstances, the Compensation Committee’s use of discretion in determining appropriate amounts of compensation may be essential. In those situations where discretion is or can be used by the Compensation Committee, compensation may not be fully deductible. Section 409A (‘‘Section 409A’’) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, among other things, limits flexibility with respect to the time and form of payment of deferred compensation. If a payment or award is subject to Section 409A, but does not meet the requirements that exempt such amounts from taxation under such section, the recipient is subject to: (i) income tax at the time the payment or award is not subject to a substantial risk of forfeiture; (ii) an additional 20% tax at that time; and (iii) an additional tax equal to the amount of interest (at the underpayment rate under the Internal Revenue Code plus one percentage point) on the underpayment that would have occurred had the award been includable in the recipient’s income when first deferred or, if later, when not subject to a substantial risk of forfeiture. We have made modifications to our plans and arrangements such that payments or awards under those arrangements either are intended to not constitute ‘‘deferred compensation’’ for Section 409A purposes (and will thereby be exempt from Section 409A’s requirements) or, if they constitute ‘‘deferred compensation,’’ are intended to comply with the Section 409A statutory provisions and final regulations. Impact of Capital Purchase Program. While we were a participant in the Capital Purchase Program, no deduction could be claimed for federal income tax purposes for executive compensation that would not be deductible if Section 162(m)(5) were to apply to the Company. This requirement effectively limited deductible compensation paid to the named executive officers to $500,000. Accounting Considerations Accounting considerations play an important role in the design of our executive compensation program. Accounting rules require us to expense the fair value of restricted stock awards and the estimated fair value of our stock option grants which reduces the amount of our reported profits. The Compensation Committee considers the amount of this expense in determining the amount of equity compensation awards. Compensation Committee Report Compensation Discussion and Analysis. The Compensation Committee has reviewed and discussed the Compensation Discussion and Analysis required by Item 401(b) of Regulation S-K with management and, based on such review and discussions, the Compensation Committee recommended to the Board that the Compensation Discussion and Analysis be included in this proxy statement. Risk Assessment of Incentive Compensation Arrangements. In connection with its participation in the U.S. Treasury Capital Purchase Program, the Compensation Committee is required to meet at least every six months with the Company’s senior risk officers to discuss and review the relationship between the Company’s risk management policies and practices and its SEOs incentive compensation arrangements, identifying and making reasonable efforts to limit any features in such compensation arrangements that might lead to the SEOs taking unnecessary or excessive risks that could threaten the value of the Company. The Compensation Committee, on behalf of the Company, must certify that it has completed the review and taken any necessary actions. In response to this requirement, the Compensation Committee meets with the senior risk managers of the Company (including its internal auditor, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Credit Officer, Senior Vice President-Human Resources, and Senior Vice President-Compliance). The Compensation Committee discusses the overall risk structure and the significant risks identified within the Company, and discusses 33 the process by which those present at the meeting analyze the risks associated with the executive compensation program. This process includes, among other things, a review of the Company’s programs and discussions with the Compensation Committee’s independent compensation consultant about the structure of the Company’s overall executive compensation program. This review includes the compensation potential under the Company’s incentive plans, the long-term view encouraged by the design and vesting features of the Company’s long-term incentive arrangements, and the extent to which the Compensation Committee and the Company’s management monitor the program. The Compensation Committee also identifies areas of enterprise risk of the Company and evaluates the degree to which participants in a plan perform functions that have the potential to significantly affect overall enterprise risk. The Compensation Committee then analyzes the extent to which design features have the potential to encourage behaviors that could significantly contribute to enterprise risk. Our SEOs participate in the following two incentive compensation plans: (cid:127) Management Incentive Plan; and (cid:127) Amended and Restated 2004 Equity Plan. Based on its review (the most recent in March 2012), the Compensation Committee has determined that the Company’s executive compensation program does not encourage the SEOs to take unnecessary and excessive risks that threaten the value of the Company, and that no changes to these plans were required for this purpose. (cid:127) Among the factors the Compensation Committee considered were the following: (cid:127) Our Management Incentive Plan in 2011 and 2012 imposes a specific dollar maximum amount for each participant, did not rely on a single financial measure in awarding bonuses, and imposed minimum capital ratios that must be satisfied before any bonuses may be paid. To the extent bonuses are earned, they are subject to ‘‘clawback’’ provisions. (cid:127) Our 2004 Equity Plan imposes specific ranges of stock option grant limits that apply on an individual basis, and each option grant vests over four years. Vesting has historically been tied to tenure of employment and not tied to Company or individual performance. Stock options are subject to ‘‘clawback’’ provisions. (cid:127) The Compensation Committee generally targets the 75th percentile of peer practice to limit total direct compensation. In addition to the incentive plans in which the SEO’s participate, the Company has incentive plans for other officers and branch employees which reward performance. The Compensation Committee reviewed all non-SEO plans, and concluded that none of them, considered individually or as a group, presented any material threat to our capital or earnings, encouraged taking undue or excessive risks, or encouraged manipulation of financial data in order to increase the size of an award. 2012 Production Plan. This bonus plan is based on meeting production goals. Bonus awards are subject to meeting several categories of growth. The amount of bonus is capped for each category. A portion of the bonus is put into a pool and distributed based on subjective criteria. Bank earnings are not a factor in the bonus calculation. All awards are subject to a ‘‘claw back’’ provision based on credit quality. Business Development Commission Plan. This bonus plan is based on customer relationship profitability not Company earnings. Employees eligible for awards do not have loan approval authority, and loans and underwriting standards are subject to regular review by the Heritage Bank of Commerce Loan Committee. Internal controls with different levels of review and approvals are designed to prevent manipulation to increase an award. SBA Commission Plan. Awards based on loan production. Employees eligible for awards do not have loan approval authority, and loans and underwriting standards are subject to regular review by the 34 Heritage Bank of Commerce Loan Committee. Internal controls with different levels of review and approvals are designed to prevent manipulation to increase an award. Certification. As required by the U.S. Treasury Capital Purchase Program, the Compensation Committee certifies that it has (i) reviewed with senior risk officers the SEO compensation plans and has made all reasonable efforts to ensure that these plans do not encourage SEOs to take unnecessary and excessive risks that threaten the value of the Company; (ii) reviewed with senior risk officers the Company’s employee compensation plans and has made all reasonable efforts to limit any unnecessary risks these plans pose to the Company; and (iii) reviewed the Company’s employee compensation plans to eliminate any features of these plans that would encourage the manipulation of reported earnings of the Company to enhance the compensation of any employee. P r o x y S t a t e m e n t 19MAR20 Compensation Committee of the Board Frank G. Bisceglia Celeste V. Ford Robert T. Moles, Chairman Ranson W. Webster Executive Compensation Tables The following table provides for the periods shown, information as to compensation for services of the Company’s principal executive officer, principal financial officer, and the three other executive officers of the Company who had the highest total compensation (as defined in accordance with applicable regulations) with respect to the year ended 2011 (collectively referred to as the ‘‘named executive officers’’): Summary Compensation Table Change in Pension Value and Non-Equity Nonqualified Name and Principal Position (a) Salary Bonus Awards Awards Compensation Year (b) ($) (c)(1) ($) (d) ($) (e)(2) ($) (f)(2) ($) (g)(3) Stock Option Incentive Plan Deferred Compensation Earnings ($) (h)(4) All Other Compensation ($) (i)(5) Walter T. Kaczmarek . . . . . . . . . . . . 2011 . 2010 2009 President & Chief Executive Officer $338,150 — $77,400 — — — $333,700 — — — $333,700 — Lawrence D. McGovern . . . . . . . . . . . 2011 Executive Vice President & . . . . . . . 2010 Chief Financial Officer . . . . . . . . . . 2009 $233,733 — $43,860 — — — $227,000 — — — $222,000 — Dan T. Kawamoto . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2011 Executive Vice President & . . . . . . . 2010 Chief Administrative Officer $241,200 — $43,860 — — — $240,000 — Margaret A. Incandela . . . . . . . . . . . 2011 $241,800 — $46,440 — Executive Vice President & Chief Credit Officer(6) Raymond Parker . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2011 Executive Vice President/ . . . . . . . . 2010 Banking Division(7) . . . . . . . . . . . . 2009 $251,550 — $43,860 — — — $250,300 — — — $250,300 — — — — — — — — — — — Total ($) (j) $1,293,017 $ 938,765 $ 739,179 $ 465,821 $ 350,372 $ 292,207 $ 297,885 $ 252,948 $20,167 $33,065 $28,879 $15,228 $14,272 $13,107 $12,825 $12,948 $15,006 $ 303,246 $857,300 $572,000 $376,600 $173,000 $109,100 $ 57,100 — — — $236,100 $339,400 $249,300 $17,106 $19,777 $16,418 $ 548,616 $ 609,477 $ 516,018 (1) The amounts in column (c) include amounts voluntarily deferred by each of the named executive officers into their 401(k) plan accounts. For 2011, Mr. Kaczmarek deferred $22,000, Mr. Kawamoto deferred $21,600, Ms. Incandela deferred $16,500, Mr. Parker deferred $20,500, and Mr. McGovern deferred $8,400. 35 (2) The amounts shown in columns (e) and (f) reflect the applicable full grant date fair values for stock options and stock awards issued under the Company’s 2004 Equity Plan in accordance with ASC 718 (excluding the effect of forfeitures), and are reported for the fiscal year during which the stock options and stock awards were issued. The assumptions used in calculating the valuation for stock option awards may be found in Note 10 to the Company’s consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2011, included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed with the SEC on March 9, 2012. (3) No bonuses were paid to the named executive officers for 2008, 2009, 2010 or 2011 performance under the Management Incentive Plan, except for a bonus paid to Ms. Incandela for 2009 performance when she was not a named executive officer. (4) The amounts shown in column (h) for 2011 represent only the aggregate change in the actuarial present value of the accumulated benefit under the Company’s Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan from December 31, 2011 to December 31, 2012. The amounts in column (h) were determined using interest rate and mortality rate assumptions consistent with those used in the Company’s consolidated financial statements and include amounts which the named executive officer may not currently be entitled to receive because such amounts are not vested. Assumptions used in the calculation of these amounts are included in Note 11 to the Company’s consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2011 included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on March 9, 2012. (5) The amounts shown in column (i) include the following for each named executive: Economic Value of Death Benefit of Life Insurance for Beneficiaries 401(k) Plan Company Matching Contributions Other Employee Stock Ownership Insurance Plan Company Contributions Benefit Walter T. Kaczmarek . . . . . . Lawrence D. McGovern . . . . Dan T. Kawamoto . . . . . . . Margaret A. Incandela . . . . Raymond Parker . . . . . . . . $4,845 $1,319 — $ 169 $4,142 $1,000 $1,000 $1,000 $1,000 $1,000 $2,322 $2,247 $3,425 $ 814 $3,564 — — — — — Vacation Compensation Total Auto — $4,661 — $4,823 — $12,000 $ 6,000 $ 8,400 $ 8,200 $ 8,400 $20,167 $15,228 $12,825 $15,006 $17,106 The economic value of the death benefit amounts shown above reflects the annual income imputed to each executive in connection with Company owned split- dollar life insurance policies for which the Company has fully paid the applicable premiums. These policies are discussed under ‘‘Supplemental Retirement Plan for Executive Officers.’’ (6) Ms. Incandela resigned from the Company on March 15, 2012. (7) Mr. Parker retired from the Company effective February 1, 2012. Executive Contracts Walter T. Kaczmarek—On October 17, 2007, the Company entered into an Amended and Restated Employment Agreement with Walter T. Kaczmarek. The employment contract is for three years and is automatically renewed each month for three additional years. Under the agreement, Mr. Kaczmarek receives an annual salary of $360,400 with annual increases, if any (last increased in October 2011), as determined by the Board of Directors’ annual review of executive salaries. In addition to his salary, he is eligible to participate in the Management Incentive Plan. Mr. Kaczmarek participates in the Company’s 401(k) plan, under which he may receive matching contributions up to $1,000. He also participates in the Company’s Employee Stock Ownership Plan. The Company provides Mr. Kaczmarek, at no cost to him, group life, health, accident and disability insurance coverage for himself and his dependents. Mr. Kaczmarek is provided with life insurance coverage in the amount of two times his then current salary but no more than $700,000. He is provided with long-term care insurance, with a lifetime benefit of up to $432,000. The Company reimburses Mr. Kaczmarek for up to $1,200 of expenses incurred by him for tax consultation and preparation of tax returns and any excess of insurance coverage for an annual physical 36 P r o x y S t a t e m e n t 19MAR20 examination. Mr. Kaczmarek is reimbursed for monthly dues for one country club and one business club membership. He receives an automobile allowance in the amount of $1,000 per month, together with reimbursements for gasoline and maintenance expenditures. Under his employment agreement, Mr. Kaczmarek is entitled to certain severance benefits on termination of his employment, including a change of control. See ‘‘Change of Control Arrangements and Termination of Employment.’’ Lawrence D. McGovern—On July 21, 2011, the Company entered into an Employment Agreement with Lawrence D. McGovern. The employment contract is for one year and is automatically renewed for one year terms. Under the agreement, Mr. McGovern receives an annual salary of $242,400 with annual increases, if any (last increased in October 2011), as determined by the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Board of Directors’ annual review of executive salaries. In addition to his salary, he is eligible to participate in the Management Incentive Plan. Mr. McGovern participates in the Company’s 401(k) plan, under which he may receive matching contributions up to $1,000. He also participates in the Company’s Employee Stock Ownership Plan. The Company provides to Mr. McGovern, at no cost to him, group life, health, accident and disability insurance coverage for himself and his dependents. Mr. McGovern receives an automobile allowance in the amount of $500 per month, together with reimbursements for gasoline expenditures. Mr. McGovern is provided with life insurance coverage in the amount of two times his salary but not more than $700,000. He is also provided with long-term care insurance, with a lifetime benefit of up to $72,000. Under his employment agreement, Mr. McGovern is entitled to certain severance benefits on termination of his employment, including a change of control. See ‘‘Change of Control Arrangements and Termination of Employment.’’ Dan T. Kawamoto—On June 11, 2009, the Company entered into an Employment Agreement with Dan Kawamoto which became effective July 13, 2009, when Mr. Kawamoto commenced his employment. The employment contract is for one year and is automatically renewed for one year terms. Under the agreement, Mr. Kawamoto receives an annual salary of $247,200 with annual increases, if any, (last increased in October 2011) as determined by the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Board of Directors’ annual review of executive salaries. In addition to his salary, he is eligible to participate in the Management Incentive Plan. Mr. Kawamoto participates in the Company’s 401(k) plan, under which he may receive matching contributions up to $1,000. He also participates in the Company’s Employee Stock Ownership Plan. The Company provides to Mr. Kawamoto, at no cost to him, group life, health, accident and disability insurance coverage for himself and his dependents. He also receives an automobile allowance in the amount of $700 per month, together with reimbursements for gasoline expenditures and up to $2,400 per year for automobile repairs and maintenance. Mr. Kawamoto is provided with life insurance coverage in the amount of two times his salary not to exceed $700,000. He is also provided with long-term care insurance, with a lifetime benefit of up to $72,000. Under his employment agreement, Mr. Kawamoto is entitled to certain severance benefits on termination of his employment, including a change of control. See ‘‘Change of Control Arrangements and Termination of Employment.’’ Margaret A. Incandela—On July 21, 2011, the Company entered into an Employment Agreement with Margaret A. Incandela. Ms. Incandela resigned from the Company on March 15, 2012. The employment contract was for three years and was automatically renewed thereafter annually for one year terms. Under the Agreement, Ms. Incandela received an annual salary of $250,800 with annual increases, if any (last increased in October 2011), as determined by the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Board of Directors’ annual review of executive salaries. In addition to her salary, she was eligible to participate in the Management Incentive Plan. Ms. Incandela participated in the Company’s 401(k) plan, under which she may receive matching contributions up to $1,000. She also participated in the Company’s Employee 37 Stock Ownership Plan. The Company provided to Ms. Incandela, at no cost to her, group life, health, accident and disability insurance coverage for herself and her dependents. Ms. Incandela received an automobile allowance in the amount of $700 per month, together with reimbursements for gasoline expenditures. Ms. Incandela was provided with life insurance coverage in the amount of two times her salary not to exceed $700,000. She was also provided with long-term care insurance, with a lifetime benefit of up to $72,000. Under her employment agreement, Mr. Incandela was entitled to certain severance benefits on termination of her employment, including a change of control. See ‘‘Change of Control Arrangements and Termination of Employment.’’ Raymond Parker—On October 17, 2007, the Company entered into an Amended and Restated Employment Agreement with Raymond Parker. Mr. Parker retired from the Company on February 1, 2012. The employment contract was for one year and was automatically renewed for one year terms. Under the agreement, Mr. Parker received an annual salary of $257,800 with annual increases, if any (last increased in October 2011), as determined by the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Board of Directors’ annual review of executive salaries. In addition to his salary, he was eligible to participate in the Management Incentive Plan. Mr. Parker participated in the Company’s 401(k) plan, under which he could receive matching contributions up to $1,000. He also participated in the Company’s Employee Stock Ownership Plan. The Company provided to Mr. Parker, at no cost to him, group life, health, accident and disability insurance coverage for himself and his dependents. Mr. Parker was also reimbursed for monthly dues for membership at one country club. He also received an automobile allowance in the amount of $700 per month, together with reimbursements for gasoline expenditures. Mr. Parker was provided with life insurance coverage in the amount of two times his salary not to exceed $700,000. He was also provided with long-term care insurance, with a lifetime benefit of up to $72,000. Under his employment agreement, Mr. Parker was entitled to certain severance benefits on termination of his employment, including a change of control. See ‘‘Change of Control Arrangements and Termination of Employment.’’ Executive Employment Agreements and Emergency Economic Act of 2008 and American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. All of the executive officer employment agreements provide that the payment of any amounts under the agreement were subject to the requirements of EESA and ARRA and any regulations promulgated thereunder by the U.S. Treasury so long as the U.S. Treasury owned the Company’s Series A Preferred Stock. Plan Based Awards Stock Based Plans. In 1994, the Board of Directors adopted the Heritage Bank of Commerce 1994 Tandem Stock Option Plan (the ‘‘1994 Stock Option Plan’’) in order to promote the long-term success of the Company and the creation of shareholder value. The 1994 Stock Option Plan expired on June 8, 2004. In 2004, the Board of Directors adopted the Heritage Commerce Corp 2004 Stock Option Plan (the ‘‘2004 Plan’’), which was approved by the Company’s shareholders at the 2004 Annual Meeting. The 1994 Stock Option Plan and the 2004 Plan authorized the Company to grant stock options to officers, employees and directors of the Company and its affiliates. In 2009, the 2004 Plan was amended and restated as the 2004 Equity Plan to authorize the issuance of restricted stock in addition to stock options. The 2004 Equity Plan was approved by the Company’s shareholders at the 2009 Annual Meeting. Management Incentive Plan. The Company maintains a Management Incentive Plan adopted by the Board of Directors in 2005. Executive officers are eligible for target bonuses which are expressed as a percentage of their respective base salaries which increase as the level of performance of established goals increases. The bonuses are tied directly to the satisfaction of overall Company performance for the year. No bonuses were paid to the named executive officers for 2008, 2009, 2010 or 2011 performance except for bonuses paid to Ms. Incandela for 2009 performance when she was not a named executive officer. See ‘‘Compensation Discussion and Analysis’’ for information about the Management Incentive Plan. 38 The following table provides information on the potential performance-based awards available if defined performance objectives were achieved in 2011 for each of the Company’s named executive officers under the Company’s Management Incentive Plan, and stock options or other stock awards granted to the named executive officers in 2011. Grants of Plan-Based Awards Estimated Future Payouts Under Non-Equity Estimated Future Payouts Under Equity Incentive Plan Awards(1) Incentive Plan Awards All Other All Other Stock Awards: Option Awards: Number of Number of Price Shares of Securities Stock Underlying Option Grant Exercise Date Fair or Base Value of Stock and of P r o x y S t a t e m e n t 19MAR20 Name (a) Grant Date (b) Threshold Target Maximum Threshold Target Maximum or Units ($) (c) ($) (d) ($) (e) (#) (f) (#) (g) (#) (h) Walter T. Kaczmarek . . . . . 6/16/2011 Lawrence D. McGovern . . . 6/16/2011 Dan T. Kawamoto . . . . . . 6/16/2011 Margaret A. Incandela(4) . . 6/16/2011 Raymond Parker(5) . . . . . 6/16/2011 — — — 3/24/2011 $54,060 $118,932 — — — — 3/24/2011 $36,360 $ 79,992 — — — — 3/24/2011 $37,080 $ 81,576 — — — — 3/24/2011 $37,620 $ 82,764 — — — — 3/24/2011 $38,670 $ 85,074 — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — (#) (i)(2) 15,000 — 8,500 — 8,500 — 9,000 — 8,500 — Options (#) (j) Awards Options ($/Sh) Awards (l)(3) (k) — — — — — — — — — — — $77,400 — — — $43,860 — — — $43,860 — — — $46,440 — — — $43,860 — — (1) These potential performance-based awards were established under the Management Incentive Plan if the indicated level of performance was achieved in 2011 as described further in the ‘‘Compensation and Discussion Analysis’’ and in the discussion under ‘‘Plan Based Awards—Management Incentive Plan.’’ They do not represent the actual payments made to the named executive officers. No payments were paid to the named executive officers for 2011 performance. (2) This column reflects restricted stock awards granted pursuant to the 2004 Equity Plan. The shares vest on the later of (i) the date the Company has redeemed all the issued and outstanding shares of its Series A Preferred Stock held by the U.S. Treasury; or (ii) the second anniversary of the grant date; provided however, the vesting will be accelerated on a change of control, death or disability. (3) The amounts in column (l) reflect the grant date fair market value of restricted stock on the date of grant. The grant date price of restricted stock made to each of the listed persons on June 16, 2011, was $5.16 per share. (4) Ms. Incandela resigned from the Company on March 15, 2012 and her shares of restricted stock will be forfeited. (5) Mr. Parker retired from the Company effective February 1, 2012 and his shares of restricted stock were forfeited. 39 Equity Compensation Plan Information The following table shows the number and weighted-average exercise price of securities to be issued upon exercise of outstanding options, warrants and rights, and the number of securities remaining available for future issuance under equity compensation plans at December 31, 2011: Number of securities to be issued upon exercise of outstanding options, warrants and rights (a) Weighted average exercise price of outstanding options, warrants and rights (b) Number of securities remaining available for future issuance under equity compensation plans (excluding securities reflected in column (a)) (c) Equity compensation plans approved by security holders . . . . . . . . . . . . Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders . . . . 1,275,919(1) N/A $14.32 N/A 523,595(2) N/A (1) Consists of 137,419 options to acquire shares of common stock issued under the Company’s 1994 Stock Option Plan, and 1,138,500 options to acquire shares under the Company’s Amended and Restated 2004 Equity Plan. (2) Available under the Company’s Amended and Restated 2004 Equity Plan. 40 P r o x y S t a t e m e n t 19MAR20 Outstanding Equity Awards The following table shows the number of Company shares of common stock covered by exercisable and unexercisable stock options and the number of Company unvested shares of restricted common stock held by the Company’s named executive officers as of December 31, 2011. Outstanding Equity Awards at Year End Option Awards Stock Awards Equity Incentive Plan Awards: Number of Securities Underlying Options Number of Number of Securities Securities Underlying Underlying Unexercised Unexercised Unexercised Exercise Options Options (#) Options (#) Exercisable Unexercisable Options (#) (c) Price ($) (e) Unearned Date (f) (d) (b) Equity Incentive Plan Awards: Number of Unearned Shares, Units or Other Equity Incentive Plan Awards: Market or Payout Value of Unearned Shares, Units or Other Number of Shares or Units of Market Value of Shares or Units of Stock That Stock That Rights That Rights That Expiration Have Not Have Not Have Not Vested (#) Vested ($) Vested (#) (h)(2) (g)(1) (i) Name (a) Walter T. Kaczmarek . . . . . Lawrence D. McGovern . . Dan T. Kawamoto . . . . . . Margaret A. Incandela(5) . . Raymond Parker(6) . . . . . — 50,000 20,000 25,000 — 9,000 7,500 8,000 10,000 15,000 — 15,181 — 7,975 — 25,000 5,000 12,000 15,000 — — — — — — — — — — — 9,819(3) — 4,025(4) — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — $18.15 $23.85 $23.89 — $ 9.51 $14.11 $20.00 $23.85 $23.89 — $ 3.22 — — $18.65 $20.00 $23.85 $23.89 — 15,000 — — — — 8,500 — — — — — — 8,500 — — 13,500 — — 8,500 — — — — 3/17/2015 8/3/2016 5/4/2017 4/25/2012 5/27/2014 8/11/2015 8/3/2016 5/4/2017 7/27/2019 5/16/2015 8/11/2015 8/3/2016 5/4/2017 $ 7.43 05/04/2019 $71,100 — — — $40,290 — — — — — $40,290 — $63,990 — $40,290 — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — Have Not Vested ($) (j) — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — (1) This column represents the unvested shares for restricted stock awards granted. (2) The market value of the shares of restricted stock that have not vested is calculated by multiplying the number of shares of stock that have not vested by the closing price of our common stock at December 31, 2011, as reported on The NASDAQ Global Select Market, which was $4.74. (3) The options vest daily over 4 years beginning July 27, 2009, and have a term of 10 years. (4) The options vest daily over 4 years beginning May 4, 2009, and have a term of 10 years. (5) Ms. Incandela resigned from the Company on March 15, 2012 and her shares of restricted stock will be forfeited. (6) Mr. Parker retired from the Company effective February 1, 2012 and his shares of restricted stock were forfeited. 41 Option Exercises and Vested Stock Awards The following table sets forth information with regard to the exercise and vesting of stock options and vesting of shares of restricted stock for the year ended December 31, 2011, for each of the named executive officers. Option Exercises and Stock Vested Option Awards Stock Awards Name (a) Number of Shares Acquired on Exercise (#) (b) Value Realized upon Exercise ($) (c) Number of Shares Acquired on Vesting (#) (d) Walter T. Kaczmarek . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lawrence D. McGovern . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dan T. Kawamoto . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Margaret A. Incandela(2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Raymond Parker(3) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . — — — — — — — — — — 12,750 — — — — Value Realized on Vesting ($) (e)(1) $59,670 — — — — (1) The number of vested shares reflects the gross amount of shares, without netting any shares surrendered to pay taxes. The aggregate dollar amount realized upon vesting was calculated by multiplying the number of shares by the fair market value on the vesting date. (2) Ms. Incandela resigned from the Company on March 15, 2012. (3) Mr. Parker retired from the Company effective February 1, 2012. 401(k) Plan The Company has established a broad-based employee benefit plan under Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (‘‘401(k) Plan’’). The purpose of the 401(k) Plan is to encourage employees to save for retirement. Eligible employees may make contributions to the plan subject to the limitations of Section 401(k). The 401(k) Plan trustees administer the Plan. The Company may match up to $1,000 of each employee’s contributions. The 401(k) Plan allows highly compensated employees to contribute up to a maximum percentage of their base salary, up to the limits imposed by the Internal Revenue Code, on a pre-tax basis. Participants choose to invest their account balances from an array of investment options as selected by plan fiduciaries. The 401(k) Plan is designed to provide for distributions in a lump sum after termination of service. However, loans and in-service distributions under certain circumstances such as hardship, attainment of age 59-1/2, or a disability are permitted. For named executive officers, these amounts are included in the Summary Compensation Table under ‘‘All Other Compensation.’’ Employee Stock Ownership Plan In 1997, Heritage Bank of Commerce initiated a broad-based employee stock ownership plan (‘‘Stock Ownership Plan’’). The Stock Ownership Plan was subsequently adopted by the Company as the successor corporation to Heritage Bank of Commerce. The Stock Ownership Plan allows the Company, at its option, to purchase shares of the Company common stock on the open market. To be eligible to receive an award of shares under the Stock Ownership Plan, an employee must have worked at least 1,000 hours during the year and must be employed by the Company on December 31. The executive officers have the same eligibility to receive awards as other employees of the Company. Awards under the Stock Ownership Plan generally vest over four years. In addition, the value of a participant’s account becomes fully vested upon reaching the age of 65 or termination of employment by death or disability. The Company may discontinue its contributions at any time. The amounts of contributions to the Stock Ownership Plan for named executive officers are included in the Summary Compensation Table in the column entitled ‘‘All Other Compensation.’’ 42 P r o x y S t a t e m e n t 19MAR20 Supplemental Retirement Plan for Executive Officers The Company has established the 2005 Amended and Restated Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (the ‘‘SERP’’ or the ‘‘Plan’’) covering key executives, including several of the named executive officers. The SERP is a nonqualified defined benefit plan and is unsecured and unfunded and there are no plan assets. When the Company offers key executives participation in the SERP, the supplemental retirement benefit awarded is based on the individual’s position within the Company and a vesting schedule determined by the desirability of incentivizing the retention element of the program. The participant is 100% vested in his or her benefit at normal retirement, upon termination within two years from a change in control, or upon disability. However, the participant’s vested benefit is reduced for payment prior to normal retirement age in accordance with the Plan terms. Normal Retirement. A participant whose employment terminates after normal retirement (as defined in the Plan) will receive 100% of his or her supplemental retirement benefit, payable monthly, commencing on the first of the month following retirement (unless selected otherwise by the participant) and continuing until the death of the participant. Early Retirement. In order to be eligible for early retirement benefits, the plan requires the participant to terminate employment (for reasons other than for cause or within two years from a change of control) after the date that the participant is at least 55 years old but prior to normal retirement as defined in the participant’s participation agreement. The participant will then receive the portion of the supplemental retirement benefit that has vested as of the actual early retirement date. However, for each year (or partial year) before normal retirement age the participant receives an early retirement benefit, the vested benefit is reduced by five percent. Unless otherwise selected by the participant, the early retirement benefit will be paid monthly, with payments to commence on the first day of the month following the participant’s separation from service and continuing until the death of the participant. Termination Before Early Retirement. If a participant’s employment is terminated without cause or the participant resigns, the participant shall be eligible to receive the portion of the supplemental retirement benefit that has vested as of the effective date of termination reduced by five percent for each year (or partial year) that the participant’s benefits are paid prior to the participant’s normal retirement age. Benefits are payable monthly commencing on the first of the month elected by the participant but not before the participant’s early retirement age, and continuing until the death of the participant. Disability. In the event a participant becomes disabled, the participant will receive the actuarial equivalent of his or her supplemental retirement benefit, payable monthly, commencing on the first of the month following determination that the participant is disabled and continuing until the death of the participant. Cause. If a participant’s employment is terminated for cause, the participant forfeits any rights the participant may have under the SERP. Change of Control. If a participant’s employment is terminated for any reason (except cause or after qualifying for normal retirement) within two years following a change of control, the participant will receive 100% of his or her supplemental retirement benefit commencing at the later of the first month following the age selected by the participant or the first month following the participant’s separation from service, and continuing until the death of the participant (unless an election has been made for successor benefit). In the event payments commence prior to the participant’s normal retirement age, then the benefit due to the participant will be reduced by five percent for each year (or partial year) that the participant’s benefit is paid prior to the participant’s normal retirement age. Company-owned split-dollar life insurance policies support the Company’s obligations under the SERP. The premiums on the policies are paid by the Company. The cash value accrued on the policies supports the payment of the supplemental benefits for each participant. In the case of death of the 43 participant, the participant’s designated beneficiaries will receive 80% of the net-at-risk insurance (which means the amount of the death benefit in excess of the cash value of the policy). The following table shows the present value of the accumulated benefit payable to each of the named executive officers that participate in the SERP, including the number of service years credited to each named executive officer: Name (a) Plan Name (b) Number of Years Credited Service (#) (c) Present Value of Accumulated Benefit(1)(2) ($) (d) Payments During Last Fiscal Year ($) (e) Walter T. Kaczmarek . . . . . Heritage Commerce Corp SERP Lawrence D. McGovern . . Heritage Commerce Corp SERP Dan T. Kawamoto(3) . . . . Heritage Commerce Corp SERP Margaret A. Incandela(4) . Heritage Commerce Corp SERP Raymond Parker(5) . . . . . Heritage Commerce Corp SERP 7 13 — 3 7 $2,722,000 $ 683,000 — — $1,249,500 — — — — — (1) The amounts in column (d) were determined using interest rate and mortality rate assumptions consistent with those used in the Company’s consolidated financial statements and include amounts which the named executive officer may not currently be entitled to receive because such amounts are not vested. Assumptions used in the calculation of these amounts are included in Note 11 to the Company’s consolidated financial statements for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011, included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on March 9, 2012. (2) The following vesting percentages apply to the named executive officers: End of the year prior to termination Walter T. Kaczmarek Lawrence D. McGovern Dan T. Kawamoto 12/31/2011 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12/31/2012 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12/31/2013 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12/31/2014 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12/31/2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72% 84% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% — — — — — Margaret A. Incandela Raymond Parker 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% (3) Mr. Kawamoto does not participate in the SERP. (4) Ms. Incandela resigned from the Company on March 15, 2012. (5) Mr. Parker retired from the Company effective February 1, 2012. Management Deferral Plan In January 2004, the Company adopted the Heritage Commerce Corp Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plan for certain executive officers. The purpose of the plan is to offer those employees an opportunity to elect to defer the receipt of compensation in order to provide termination of employment and related benefits taxable pursuant to Section 451 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. The plan is intended to be a ‘‘top-hat’’ plan (i.e., an unfunded deferred compensation plan maintained for a select group of management or highly-compensated employees) under Sections 201(2), 301(a)(3) and 401(a)(1) of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974. The executive may elect to defer up to 100% of any bonus and 50% of any regular salary into the Management Deferral Plan. Amounts deferred are invested in a portfolio of approved investment choices as directed by the executive. Under the Management Deferral Plan, the Company may make discretionary contributions for the executive, but has not done so. Amounts deferred by executives to the plan will be distributed at a future date they have selected or upon termination of employment. The executive can select a distribution schedule of up to fifteen years. None of the Company current executive officers have elected to participate in the plan. 44 P r o x y S t a t e m e n t 19MAR20 Change of Control Arrangements and Termination of Employment In connection with the Company’s participation in the U.S. Treasury’s Capital Purchase Program, the Company agreed that, until such time as the U.S. Treasury ceases to own the Series A Preferred Stock acquired under the program, the Company would take all necessary action to ensure that its benefit plans with respect to its senior executive officers comply with Section 111(b) of EESA and agreed to not adopt any benefit plans with respect to, or which cover, its senior executive officers that do not comply with EESA. The subsequent enactment of ARRA, and issuance of rules and regulations issued by the U.S. Treasury in June, 2009, has amended, and in some cases expanded upon, provisions of Section 111(b) of EESA. These provisions prohibited any payment of golden parachutes (as defined by the U.S. Treasury regulation) to the named executive officers or the five next highly-compensated employees for departure from our Company for any reason, except for death, disability or payments for services performed or benefits accrued. The descriptions that follow reflect the post-termination benefits that the named executive officers would otherwise be entitled to, but for, in the case of some, the restrictions under EESA and ARRA. Stock Option Plans. Each of the named executive officers holds options granted under the 2004 Equity Plan and/or the 1994 Stock Option Plan. Under these plans, option holders will be given 30 days’ advance notice of the consummation of a change of control transaction during which time the option holders will have the right to exercise their options, and all outstanding options become immediately vested. The options terminate on the consummation of the change of control. In the event the option holder dies or becomes disabled, the option holder or his or her estate will have 12 months to exercise those options that have vested as of the date of termination of employment from a disability or death. Restricted Stock. Each of the named executive officers holds shares of restricted stock subject to vesting requirement. Under the terms of the restricted stock awards the vesting of the shares will accelerated upon a change of control, or the holder’s death or disability. Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan. Several of the named executives are participants in the 2005 Amended and Restated Supplemental Executive Plan. If a participant’s employment is terminated without cause or the participant resigns, the participant shall be eligible to receive the portion of the supplemental retirement benefit that has vested as of the effective date of termination reduced by five percent for each year (or partial year) that the participant’s benefits are paid prior to the participant’s normal retirement age. Benefits are payable monthly commencing on the first of the month elected by the participant, but not before the participant’s early retirement age, and continuing until the death of the participant. In the event a participant becomes disabled, the participant will receive the actuarial equivalent of his or her supplemental retirement benefit, payable monthly, commencing on the first of the month following determination that the participant is disabled and continuing until the death of the participant. If a participant’s employment is terminated for cause, the participant forfeits any rights the participant may have under the plan. If a participant’s employment is terminated for any reason (except cause or after qualifying for normal retirement) within two years following a change of control, the participant will receive 100% of his or her supplemental retirement benefits commencing at the later of the first month following the age selected by the participant, or the first month following the participant’s separation from service, and continuing until the death of the participant. In the event payments commence prior to the participant’s normal retirement age, then the benefit due to the participant will be reduced by five percent for each year (or partial year) that the participant’s benefit is paid prior to the participant’s normal retirement age. Mr. Kaczmarek’s Employment Agreement. If Mr. Kaczmarek’s employment is terminated without cause or he resigns for good reason, he will be entitled to a lump sum payment equal to two times his base salary and his highest annual bonus in the last three years. If Mr. Kaczmarek’s employment is terminated or he resigns for good reason 120 days before, or within two years after, a change of control, he will be paid 45 a lump sum of 2.75 times his base salary and highest annual bonus in the last three years. If his employment is terminated by the Company without cause, or he resigns for good reason, or as a result of a change of control the Company terminates his employment or he resigns for good reason, his participation in group insurance coverages will continue on at least the same level as at the time of termination for a period of 36 months from the date of termination. In the event that the amounts payable to Mr. Kaczmarek under the agreement constitute ‘‘excess parachute payments’’ under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, that are subject to an excise or similar tax, the amounts payable to Mr. Kaczmarek will be increased so that he receives substantially the same economic benefit under the agreement had there been no such tax imposed. Additionally, following the termination of his employment, Mr. Kaczmarek has agreed to refrain from certain activities that would be competitive with the Company within the counties in California in which the Company has located its headquarters or branch offices, including refraining for 12 months from the date of termination from soliciting Company employees and customers. Mr. McGovern’s Employment Agreement. If Mr. McGovern’s employment is terminated without cause, he will be entitled to a lump sum payment equal to one times his base salary, his highest annual bonus in the last three years and his annual automobile allowance. If Mr. McGovern’s employment is terminated by the Company or he resigns for good reason 120 days before, or within two years after, a change in control, he will be entitled to a lump sum payment of two times his base salary, his highest annual bonus in the last three years and his annual automobile allowance. If the employment agreement is terminated by the Company without cause, his participation in group insurance coverage will continue on at least the same level as at the time of termination for a period of 12 months from the date of termination. If Mr. McGovern’s employment is terminated as a result of a change in control during the change of control period, or he resigns for a good reason as a result of a change in control, these benefits will continue for an additional 24 months from the date of termination. In the event that the amounts payable to Mr. McGovern under the agreement constitute ‘‘excess parachute payments’’ under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, that are subject to an excise or similar tax, the amounts payable to Mr. McGovern will be increased so that he receives substantially the same economic benefit under the agreement had there been no such tax imposed. Additionally, following the termination of his employment, Mr. McGovern has agreed to refrain from certain activities that would be competitive with the Company within the counties in California in which the Company has located its headquarters or branch offices, including refraining for 12 months from the date of termination from soliciting Company employees or customers. Mr. Kawamoto’s Employment Agreement. If Mr. Kawamoto’s employment is terminated without cause, he will be entitled to a lump sum payment equal to one times his base salary and his highest annual bonus in the last three years. If Mr. Kawamoto’s employment is terminated by the Company or he resigns for good reason 120 days before or within two years after a change in control, he will be entitled to a lump sum payment of two times his base salary and his highest annual bonus in the last three years. If his employment is terminated by the Company without cause, his participation in group insurance coverage will continue on at least the same level as at the time of termination for a period of 12 months from the date of termination. If Mr. Kawamoto’s employment is terminated by the Company as a result of a change in control, or he resigns for a good reason as a result of a change in control, these benefits will continue for an additional 24 months from the date of termination. In the event that the amounts payable to Mr. Kawamoto under the agreement constitute ‘‘excess parachute payments’’ under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, that are subject to an excise or similar tax, the amounts payable to Mr. Kawamoto will be increased so that he receives substantially the same economic benefit under the agreement had there been no such tax imposed. Additionally, following the termination of his employment, Mr. Kawamoto has agreed to refrain from certain activities that would be competitive with the Company within the counties in California in which the Company has located its headquarters or branch offices, including refraining for 12 months from the date of termination from soliciting Company employees or customers. 46 P r o x y S t a t e m e n t 19MAR20 Ms. Incandela’s Employment Agreement. Ms. Incandela resigned from the Company on March 15, 2012. Under her employment agreement if her employment was terminated without cause, she was entitled to a lump sum payment equal to one times each of her base salary and her highest annual bonus in the last three years. If Ms. Incandela’s employment was terminated by the Company or she resigned for good reason 120 days before or within two years after a change in control, she would have been entitled to a lump sum payment of two times her base salary and her highest annual bonus in the last three years. If her employment had been terminated by the Company without cause, her participation in group insurance coverage would continue on at least the same level as at the time of termination for a period of 12 months from the date of termination. If Ms. Incandela’s employment was terminated as a result of a change in control, or she resigned for a good reason as a result of a change in control, these benefits would have continued for an additional 24 months from the date of termination. In the event that the amounts payable to Ms. Incandela under the agreement constituted ‘‘excess parachute payments’’ under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, that are subject to an excise or similar tax, the amounts payable to Ms. Incandela would have been increased so that she received substantially the same economic benefit under the agreement had there been no such tax imposed. Additionally, following the termination of her employment, Ms. Incandela has agreed to refrain from certain activities that would be competitive with the Company within the counties in California in which the Company has located its headquarters or branch offices, including refraining for 12 months from the date of termination from soliciting Company employees or customers. Mr. Parker’s Employment Agreement. Effective February 1, 2012, Mr. Parker retired from the Company. Under his employment agreement, if his employment was terminated without cause, he would have been entitled to a lump sum payment equal to one times his base salary and his highest annual bonus in the last three years. In the event that Mr. Parker’s employment would have been terminated by the Company or he resigned for good reason 120 days before or within two years after a change in control, he would have been entitled to a lump sum payment of two times his base salary and his highest annual bonus in the last three years. If his employment had been terminated by the Company without cause, his participation in group insurance coverage will continue on at least the same level as at the time of termination for a period of 12 months from the date of termination. If Mr. Parker’s employment was terminated by the Company as a result of a change in control, or he resigned for a good reason as a result of a change in control, these benefits would have continued for an additional 24 months from the date of termination. In the event that the amounts payable to Mr. Parker under the agreement constituted ‘‘excess parachute payments’’ under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, that are subject to an excise or similar tax, the amounts payable to Mr. Parker would have been increased so that he received substantially the same economic benefit under the agreement had there been no such tax imposed. Additionally, following the termination of his employment, Mr. Parker has agreed to refrain from certain activities that would be competitive with the Company within the counties in California in which the Company has located its headquarters or branch offices, including refraining for 12 months from the date of termination from soliciting Company employees or customers. The following tables summarize the payments which would be payable to our named executive officers in the event of various termination scenarios as of December 31, 2011. This information is for illustrative purposes only. Regardless of the manner in which a named executive’s employment terminates, the officer would be entitled to (i) the vested portion of any stock option or restricted stock; and (ii) the vested portion of the officer’s benefit under the Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan. In accordance with the executive compensation limitations under ARRA, a portion of the payments reflected in the table may fall within the U.S. Treasury’s definition of a prohibited ‘‘golden parachute payment,’’ and would therefore not be payable (and therefore have no value) in the event of a named executive officer’s covered termination so long as the U.S. Treasury held our Series A Preferred Stock. 47 These restrictions were applicable throughout 2011 and until March 7, 2012, when the Company repurchased all of the Series A Preferred Stock and paid the related accrued and unpaid dividends. Walter T. Kaczmarek Cash severance under employment agreement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Health and life insurance premiums . . . . Health and life insurance benefits . . . . . Long-term care insurance benefits . . . . . Supplemental executive retirement Change in Control Involuntary Termination Without Cause Termination for Good Reason Death Disability $1,307,350 71,102 — — $ 950,800 71,102 — — $ 950,800 71,102 — — $ — $ — 700,000 — — — 180,000(4) 72,000 plan(1)(2)(3) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 892,740 892,740 892,740 — 814,381 Unvested restricted stock awards (accelerated) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Split-dollar death benefits (upon death) . Outplacement services (layoff) . . . . . . . . IRC 280(G) excise tax gross-up . . . . . . . 71,100 — 5,000 1,044,287 71,100 — — — 71,100 71,100 — 3,028,025 — — — — 71,100 — — — Total: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $3,391,579 $1,985,742 $1,985,742 $3,799,125 $1,137,481 Lawrence D. McGovern Cash severance under employment agreement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 624,800 57,146 — — Health and life insurance premiums . . . . Health and life insurance benefits . . . . . Long-term care insurance benefits . . . . . Unvested restricted stock awards $ $ 312,400 28,573 — — — $ — — — — $ — 484,800 — — — 161,584(4) 72,000 (accelerated) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Split-dollar death benefits (upon death) . 40,290 — 40,290 — 40,290 40,290 — 1,028,342 40,290 — Total: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 722,236 $ 381,263 $ 40,290 $1,553,432 $ 273,874 Dan T. Kawamoto Cash severance under employment agreement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 494,400 57,557 — — 14,925 Health and life insurance premiums . . . . Health and life insurance benefits . . . . . Long-term care insurance benefits . . . . . Unvested stock options (accelerated) . . . Unvested restricted stock awards $ $ 247,200 28,779 — — — — $ — — — — — $ — 494,400 — — — — 164,784(4) 72,000 — (accelerated) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40,290 40,290 40,290 40,290 40,290 Total: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 607,172 $ 316,269 $ 40,290 $ 534,690 $ 277,074 48 P r o x y S t a t e m e n t 19MAR20 Change in Control Involuntary Termination Without Cause Termination for Good Reason Death Disability Margaret A. Incandela(5) Cash severance under employment agreement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 589,600 15,325 — — Health and life insurance premiums . . . . Health and life insurance benefits . . . . . Long-term care insurance benefits . . . . . Supplemental executive retirement $ $ 294,800 7,663 — — — $ — — — — $ — 501,600 — — — 167,183(4) 72,000 plan(1)(3) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 444,521 — — — 446,066 Unvested restricted stock awards (accelerated) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Split-dollar death benefits (upon death) . IRC 280(G) excise tax gross-up . . . . . . . 63,990 — 504,872 63,990 — — 63,990 63,990 — 1,559,455 — — 63,990 — — Total: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1,618,308 $ 366,453 $ 63,990 $2,125,045 $ 749,239 Raymond Parker(6) Cash severance under employment agreement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 665,600 41,892 — — Health and life insurance premiums . . . . Health and life insurance benefits . . . . . Long-term care insurance benefits . . . . . Unvested restricted stock awards $ $ 332,800 20,946 — — — $ — — — — $ — 515,600 — — — 171,849(4) 72,000 (accelerated) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Split-dollar death benefits (upon death) . 40,290 — 40,290 — 40,290 — 40,290 931,720 40,290 — Total: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 747,782 $ 394,036 $ 40,290 $1,487,610 $ 284,139 (1) Assumes executive selected age 62 for commencement of the payment of this benefit. (2) If Mr. Kaczmarek terminates his employment for good reason or he is terminated without cause, he is entitled to be credited with two additional years of service. (3) The amount reflected in the table is the incremental increase in the benefit payable to the named executive officer in addition to the benefit payable under the terms of the Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan. See ‘‘Supplemental Retirement Plan for Executive Officers’’ and the tables included therein for information about the value of the accumulated benefit payable to each named executive officer. (4) This balance represents the annual payment of long-term disability for the named executive officers. This long-term payment would begin after an elimination period and a twenty-five week short term disability period. This long-term disability payment will increase by 3% (cost of living adjustment) over the first ten years of payments and cease at age 65. (5) Ms. Incandela resigned from the Company on March 15, 2012. Under the terms of her employment agreement, she was not entitled to any severance payments. The information in the table assumes Ms. Incandela’s employment ended December 31, 2011. (6) Mr. Parker retired from the Company effective February 1, 2012. Under the terms of his employment agreement, he was not entitled to any severance payments. The information in the table assumes Mr. Parker’s employment ended December 31, 2011. 49 Director Compensation This section provides information regarding the compensation policies for non-employee directors and amounts paid to these directors in 2011. Mr. Kaczmarek does not receive any separate compensation for his service as a director. The Company has a policy of compensating non-employee directors for their service on the Board and Board committees of the Company. On an annual basis, the Compensation Committee reviews director compensation, including the individual fees and retainers, the components of compensation, as well as the total amount of director compensation appropriate for the Company. In 2011, each director received an annual retainer fee of $45,000. The chairman of each standing committee of the Board receives an additional $3,000 per year, and the Chairman of the Board receives an additional $5,000 per year. Board Members are not paid separate fees for attending Board or committee meetings. In addition to providing cash compensation, the Compensation Committee also believes in granting equity compensation to non-employee directors in order to further align their interests with those of shareholders and has adopted a policy of granting stock options to directors. Directors are entitled to annual grants of stock options as follows: Board Chairman . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Committee Chairman . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Board members (non-chairman) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4,500 - 5,500 3,500 - 4,500 3,000 - 4,000 In 2011, each of the directors received stock options in accordance with the above schedule. The following table summarizes the compensation of non-employee directors for the year ended December 31, 2011. Director Compensation Table Name (a) Fees Earned or Paid in Cash ($) (b) Frank G. Bisceglia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jack W. Conner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . John M. Eggemeyer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Celeste V. Ford . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Steven L. Hallgrimson(4) . . . . . . . . . . . Robert T. Moles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Humphrey P. Polanen . . . . . . . . . . . . . Laura Roden(5) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Charles J. Toeniskoetter . . . . . . . . . . . . Ranson W. Webster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . W. Kirk Wycoff $48,000 $53,004 $45,000 $45,000 $26,250 $48,000 $48,000 $18,750 $48,000 $47,750 $45,000 Non-Equity Incentive Plan Stock Options Awards Awards Compensation ($) (c) ($) (d)(1) — $13,050 — $15,950 — $11,600 — $11,600 — — — $13,050 — $13,050 — — — $13,050 — $13,050 — $11,600 ($) (e) — — — — — — — — — — — Change in Pension Value and Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Earnings ($) (f)(2) All Other Compensation ($) (g) $17,000 $10,200 — — — $28,000 $19,700 — $12,600 $17,700 — $395(3) $836(3) — — — — $381(3) — $782(3) $363(3) — Total ($) (h) $78,445 $79,990 $56,600 $56,600 $26,250 $89,050 $81,131 $18,750 $74,532 $78,863 $56,600 (1) The amounts shown in column (d) reflect the applicable full grant date fair value for stock options issued under the Company’s 2004 Equity Plan in 2011 in accordance with ASC 718 (excluding the effect of forfeitures). See Note 10 to the Company’s consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2011, included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed with the SEC on March 9, 2012. 50 P r o x y S t a t e m e n t 19MAR20 (2) The amounts shown in column (f) represent only the aggregate change in the actuarial present value of the accumulated benefit measured from December 31, 2010, to December 31, 2011, under the respective director compensation benefits agreements. The amounts in column (f) were determined using interest rate and mortality rate assumptions, consistent with those used in the Company’s consolidated financial statements, and include amounts which the named director may not currently be entitled to receive because such amounts are not vested. Assumptions used in the calculation of these amounts are included in Note 11 to the Company’s consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2011, included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on March 9, 2012. (3) The amounts shown reflect the annual income imputed to each director in connection with Company owned split dollar life insurance policies for which the Company has fully paid the applicable premiums. (4) Mr. Hallgrimson joined the Board in June 2011. (5) Ms. Roden joined the Board in July 2011. Director Outstanding Stock Options Each of the non-employee directors owned the following stock options granted under the 1994 Stock Option Plan and/or 2004 Equity Plan as of December 31, 2011: Director Stock Options Frank G. Bisceglia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jack W. Conner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . John M. Eggemeyer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Celeste V. Ford . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Steven L. Hallgrimson(1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Robert T. Moles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Humphrey P. Polanen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Laura Roden(2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Charles J. Toeniskoetter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ranson W. Webster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . W. Kirk Wycoff . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29,300 33,800 4,000 14,500 — 28,800 24,300 — 36,800 29,300 4,000 (1) Mr. Hallgrimson joined the Board in June 2011. (2) Ms. Roden joined the Board in July 2011. Director Compensation Benefits Agreement Prior to 2007, the Company entered into individual director compensation benefits agreements with each of its then directors. These agreements were amended and restated in December, 2008 (‘‘Benefit Agreements’’). The Benefit Agreements provide an annual benefit equal to a designated applicable percentage of $1,000 times each year served as a director, subject to a 2% increase each year from the date of the commencement of payments. The applicable percentage increases over time and equals 100% after nine years of service. In the event of a disability, or a resignation or termination pursuant to a change of control, the director’s applicable percentage will be accelerated to 100%. Payments of benefits will be made in equal monthly payments on the first day of each month, commencing on the later of the director’s attaining the age of 62 or the month following the month in which the director separates from service on the Board and continuing until the director’s death. If a director is removed from the Board for cause he or she will forfeit any benefits under the Benefit Agreement. All of the participating directors are fully vested, except Jack W. Conner, Robert T. Moles and Ranson W. Webster. 51 Company-owned split-dollar life insurance policies support the Company’s obligations under the Benefit Agreements. The premiums on the policies are paid by the Company. The cash value accrued on the policies supports the payment of the supplemental benefits for each participant. In the case of death of the participant, the participant’s designated beneficiaries will receive 80% of the net-at-risk insurance (which means the amount of the death benefit in excess of the cash value of the policy). The following table shows the present value of the accumulated benefit payable to each director who has a director compensation benefit agreement, including the number of service years credited to each director under the Benefit Agreements. Name (a) Plan Name (b) Number of Years Credited Service (#) (c) Present Value of Accumulated Benefit(1)(2) ($) (d) Payments During Last Fiscal Year ($) (e) Frank G. Bisceglia . . . . . Heritage Commerce Corp SERP Jack W. Conner . . . . . . . Heritage Commerce Corp SERP Robert T. Moles . . . . . . . Heritage Commerce Corp SERP Humphrey P. Polanen . . . Heritage Commerce Corp SERP Charles J. Toeniskoetter . Heritage Commerce Corp SERP Ranson W. Webster . . . . Heritage Commerce Corp SERP 18 7 7 18 10 8 $210,800 $ 53,400 $ 97,600 $251,100 $109,000 $ 76,100 — — — — — — (1) The amounts in column (d) were determined using interest rate and mortality rate assumptions consistent with those used in the Company’s consolidated financial statements and include amounts which the named executive officer may not currently be entitled to receive because such amounts are not vested. Assumptions used in the calculation of these amounts are included in Note 11 to the Company’s consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2011 included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on March 9, 2012. (2) The following vesting percentages apply to the directors: End of the year prior to termination Frank G. Bisceglia Conner Moles Jack W. Robert T. Humphrey P. Polanen 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% Charles T. Ranson W. Toeniskoetter Webster 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 80% 90% 100% 100% 100% 12/31/2011 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12/31/2012 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12/31/2013 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12/31/2014 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12/31/2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100% 80% 80% 100% 90% 90% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 52 P r o x y S t a t e m e n t 19MAR20 PROPOSAL 1—ELECTION OF DIRECTORS The Bylaws of the Company provide that the number of directors shall not be less than 9 nor more than 15. By resolution, the Board of Directors has fixed the number of directors at 12. All of our directors serve one year terms that expire at the next following annual meeting. The Bylaws of the Company provide the procedure for nominations and election of the Board of Directors. For information on these procedures see ‘‘Corporate Governance and Board Matters—Nomination of Directors.’’ Nominations not made in accordance with the procedures may be disregarded by the Chairman of the Annual Meeting and upon his instructions, the inspector of election will disregard all votes cast for such nominees. The Board of Directors, upon the recommendation of the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee, has recommended the nomination of the 12 current members of the Board of Directors for one year terms that will expire at the Annual Meeting to be held in 2013. If any nominee should become unable or unwilling to serve as a director, the proxies will be voted at the Annual Meeting for substitute nominees designated by the Board. The Board presently has no knowledge that any of the nominees will be unable or unwilling to serve. The following provides information with respect to each person nominated and recommended to be elected to the Board of Directors: FRANK G. BISCEGLIA, age 66, became a director of the Company in 1994. Mr. Bisceglia is a Senior Vice President—Investments, Advisory and Brokerage Services, Senior Portfolio Manager, Portfolio Management Program at UBS Financial Services, Inc., a full-service securities firm. Mr. Bisceglia has a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Management from San Jose State University. Mr. Bisceglia contributes to the Board a substantial understanding of finance and investments from over 31 years of experience as a financial advisor to corporate and high-wealth individuals. As a long-term member of the Board and its Loan Committee, he has a broad based understanding of the Company’s business and he has developed a general knowledge of the Company’s credit administration and loan underwriting process. JACK W. CONNER, age 72, became a director of the Company in 2004. Mr. Conner was elected Chairman of the Board in July, 2006. Mr. Conner was Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Comerica California from 1991 until his retirement in 1998, and remained a director until 2002. He was President and a director of Plaza Bank of Commerce from 1979 to 1991. Prior to joining Plaza Bank of Commerce, he held various positions with Union Bank of California where he began his banking career in 1964. Mr. Conner has a Bachelor of Arts degree from San Jose State University. Mr. Conner contributes to the Board over 20 years of executive leadership and substantial experience in the community banking industry. Having served as a Chief Executive Officer and President at several successful community banks in the Company’s primary market, he brings a wide-ranging understanding of bank management, finance, operations and strategic planning. His demonstrated leadership ability, judgment and executive experience led the Board to elect him as Chairman of the Board. JOHN M. EGGEMEYER, age 66, is a co-founder and Chief Executive of Castle Creek Capital LLC, a merchant banking firm specializing in the financial services industry, and Castle Creek Financial LLC, a licensed broker/dealer. Mr. Eggemeyer is Chairman of the Board of PacWest Bancorp, and Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of White River Capital, Inc. Mr. Eggemeyer also serves as a director of Guaranty Bancorp and, from 2004 to May, 2006, Mr. Eggemeyer also served as Chief Executive Officer of Guaranty Bancorp. He has previously served as a director of TCF Financial Corporation, American Financial Realty Trust, Western Bancorp and Intrawest Financial Corporation. In 2006, Mr. Eggemeyer was named Community Banker of the Year by the American Banker. Mr. Eggemeyer currently serves as a trustee of Northwestern University and is a member of the Parent Advisory Board of Stanford University. Mr. Eggemeyer brings extensive leadership and banking experience to our Board, including specific community banking expertise and management experience, as well as public company expertise and consensus-building skills. His knowledge of and experience in capital markets is an invaluable resource as 53 the Company regularly assesses its capital and liquidity needs. Mr. Eggemeyer provides perspective to the Board as a key investor in the Company. CELESTE V. FORD, age 55, became a director of the Company in 2009. Since 1995, Ms. Ford has served as the Chief Executive Officer of Stellar Solutions, Inc., a professional aerospace engineering services firm she formed. In 2000, she founded Stellar Ventures, a venture investment company for investment in early-stage technology development and market applications. Ms. Ford also co-founded QuakeFinder, a humanitarian research and development company, to enable global forecasts of earthquake activity. In 2004, she organized Stellar Solutions Aerospace Ltd., based in London, to serve overseas markets. Ms. Ford has received wide recognition in her field, having served on congressional commissions in the aerospace industry as well as on business panels focusing on entrepreneurship and women in business. In 2011, she was inducted into the Silicon Valley Engineering Hall of Fame. Ms. Ford is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations and services on the engineering council of the University of Norte Dame. She is a member of the Board of Directors of Bay Microsystems and American Conservatory. Ms. Ford has a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Notre Dame, and a Masters of Science degree from Stanford University. Ms. Ford contributes to the Board her demonstrated executive leadership and general business knowledge developed from her substantial success as an entrepreneur. Her engineering background, industry standing and government service bring a unique perspective to the Board. STEVEN L. HALLGRIMSON, age 69, had been practicing law in the San Jose, California area since 1969 in the areas of real estate, taxation and general business planning and is a certified public accountant. He is currently of counsel with the law firm of Berliner Cohen located in San Jose, California. Mr. Hallgrimson has founded and served as a board member for several private business entities engaged in automobile lending, commercial real estate brokerage and telecommunications. He has been an instructor at San Jose State University Business School and University of California, Santa Cruz teaching a variety of business, real estate and tax courses. Mr. Hallgrimson is a member of the California State Bar and California Society of Certified Public Accountants. He serves as a trustee and president of the Santa Clara County Law Library and is a former board member of the San Jose Art Museum. Mr. Hallgrimson has a Bachelor of Arts degree from Claremont McKenna College and a Juris Doctor degree from the University of California at Berkeley, Boalt Hall School of Law. Mr. Hallgrimson brings legal, accounting and tax knowledge and experience to the Board and provides a valuable perspective to the Board as a result of his involvement and extensive relationships in the community in which the Company serves. His background is particularly suited to serve as a member of the Audit Committee and as the committee’s ‘‘financial expert.’’ WALTER T. KACZMAREK, age 60, became President, Chief Executive Officer and a director of the Company in 2005. Mr. Kaczmarek was Executive Vice President of Comerica Bank and of Plaza Bank of Commerce from 1990 to 2005. Prior to joining Plaza Bank of Commerce he served in various positions with Union Bank of California and also The Martin Group, a real estate investment development company. Mr. Kaczmarek contributes to the Board his breadth of knowledge of the Company’s business, industry and strategy. Mr. Kaczmarek has a Bachelor of Science in Commerce degree from Santa Clara University, and a Masters in Business Administration degree from San Jose State University. He brings to the Board a full understanding of the Company’s banking business, markets, community and culture. He provides the Board with an overall perspective of all facets of the Company’s business, financial condition and its strategic direction. Mr. Kaczmarek’s leadership, communication, and decision-making skills are of particular value to the Board. ROBERT T. MOLES, age 57, became a director of the Company in 2004. Mr. Moles has been the Chairman of the Board of Intero Real Estate Services, Inc., a full-service real estate firm since 2002. Prior to joining Intero, he served as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Real Estate Franchise Group of Cendant Corporation, the largest franchiser of residential and commercial real estate brokerage offices in the world. Prior to joining Cendant, he served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Contempo 54 P r o x y S t a t e m e n t 19MAR20 Realty, Inc. in Santa Clara, California. Mr. Moles contributes to the Board a substantial expertise in the real estate industry in the Company’s primary market. With over 33 years of experience in executive and managerial positions, he brings to the Board his skills in dealing with business and financial planning and personnel management. With his background, the Board elected him as Chairman of the Compensation Committee. HUMPHREY P. POLANEN, age 62, became a director of the Company in 1994. Mr. Polanen is the managing member of Sand Hill Management Partners LLC, a private equity investment fund. Since 1999, Mr. Polanen has been actively involved as an investor and director in various venture capital-backed companies in the technology industry, and has served as a director of various private equity funds. He was the Managing Director of Internet Venture Partners BV, an investment firm, from 2000 to 2004. Prior to joining Internet Ventures, he served in various executive positions with Sun Microsystems and Tandem Computers. Mr. Polanen is a director (and former Chairman of the Board) of St. Bernard Software, a publicly traded Internet security company. Mr. Polanen practiced corporate law for over 10 years at the beginning of his career. He has a Bachelor of Arts degree from Hamilton College and a Juris Doctor degree from Harvard University. Mr. Polanen contributes to the Board a sophisticated knowledge and effective leadership perspective of general business, finance, investments and financial reporting developed over 30 years of experience as an executive, investor, director and business manager with advanced technology companies and private equity firms. He provides the Board with an important perspective on the technology industry. With his background, the Board elected him as Chairman of the Audit Committee. LAURA RODEN, age 53, is the founder and managing director of VC Prive LLC (Redwood City, CA.), a boutique investment bank for alternative asset funds including venture capital, private equity, hedge and debt and affiliated with Viaut Capital LLC, a member of FINRA. Prior to founding VC Prive in 2007, she was the managing director for The Angels’ Forum (Palo Alto, CA), an early stage angel and venture capital investing group for high net worth individuals. Most of her prior career was spent as chief financial officer at both established and emerging corporations, including most notably Chronicle Broadcasting Company (San Francisco, CA) and PowerTV, Inc (acquired by Cisco Corporation, San Jose, CA). Ms. Roden has expertise in general management, finance, fundraising and marketing. Ms. Roden has taught courses on finance at San Jose State University, and is a frequent speaker for angel investment and venture capital groups and associations. Ms. Roden has a Bachelor of Arts degree from Harvard College and Masters in Business Administration degree from Harvard Business School. Ms. Roden has extensive management experience in a full range of business operations, strategic planning, marketing strategies and capital formation for entrepreneurial companies in the technology industry. In addition, with her prior experience as a chief financial officer, she is particularly suited to serve as a member of the Board’s Audit Committee. CHARLES J. TOENISKOETTER, age 67, became a director of the Company in 2002. Mr. Toeniskoetter is Chairman of the Board of Toeniskoetter Development Inc. (formerly Toeniskoetter & Breeding, Inc., Development), a Silicon Valley real estate development and investment company. He is a member of the Board of Directors of Redwood Trust, Inc. and SJW Corp. (both New York Stock Exchange companies). Mr. Toeniskoetter has a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Notre Dame and a Master of Business Administration degree from Stanford University. Mr. Toeniskoetter contributes to the Board his entrepreneurial skills and substantial experience as a successful real estate owner, developer and investor, and his executive and financial experience as an owner of several businesses in the Company’s primary market. Mr. Toeniskoetter’s involvement in local and community affairs, and his service on the boards of two other publicly traded companies provide valuable insight and perspective to the Board. RANSON W. WEBSTER, age 67, became a director of the Company in 2004. Mr. Webster founded Computing Resources, Inc. (‘‘CRI’’) in 1978, a privately-held general purpose service bureau specializing in automating accounting functions. He served as CRI’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer. In 1999, CRI merged with Intuit, Inc., the maker of QuickBooks and Quicken financial software. 55 In 1998, Mr. Webster founded Evergreen Capital, LLC, an early stage investment company focused on Internet and biotech companies. Mr. Webster contributes to the Board substantial business acumen, executive strategic planning and financial experience developed through years of proven entrepreneurial success. Mr. Webster has a unique perspective of the Company and from his long-standing service on the Board. He has a general understanding of corporate governance principles as Chairman of the Board’s Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee. W. KIRK WYCOFF, age 54, is a managing partner of Patriot Financial Partners, a private equity fund focused on investing in community banks and thrifts throughout the United States. He has more than 25 years of entrepreneurial banking experience. Mr. Wycoff serves as a director of Guaranty Bancorp and its subsidiary, Guaranty Bank and Trust Company. He also serves as Chairman of Continental Bank Holdings, Inc. and its subsidiary, Continental Bank. In addition, Mr. Wycoff serves as a director of Franklin Security Bancorp, Inc. and its subsidiary, Franklin Security Bank, and as a director of Porter Bancorp, Inc. and its subsidiary, PBI Bank. From 2005 to 2007, Mr. Wycoff served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Continental. From 1991 to 2004, Mr. Wycoff was Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Progress Financial Corp., which was acquired by FleetBoston Financial Corp. in 2004. As an active member of the community, Mr. Wycoff serves on the Board of Directors of non-profit corporations including the Continental Foundation, which raises money for less privileged children, and the Lincoln Center, which helps to provide alternative education programs for troubled youth and also helps families with life transitions. Mr. Wycoff serves as a Trustee of Franklin and Marshall College. Mr. Wycoff brings extensive leadership and community banking experience to our Board, including executive management experience, as well as public company expertise and risk assessment skills. He provides perspective to the Board as a key investor in the Company. Recommendation of the Board of Directors The Board of Directors recommends the election of each nominee. The proxy holders intend to vote all proxies they hold in favor of the election of each of the nominees. If no instruction is given, the proxy holders intend to vote FOR each nominee listed. 56 P r o x y S t a t e m e n t 19MAR20 PROPOSAL 2—ADVISORY VOTE ON EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (the ‘‘Dodd-Frank Act’’) requires, among other things, that we permit a non-binding, advisory vote on the compensation of our named executive officers, as described in the Compensation Discussion and Analysis, compensation tables and accompanying narrative discussion contained in this proxy statement. As described in greater detail under the heading ‘‘Compensation Discussion and Analysis,’’ we seek to closely align the interests of our named executive officers with the interests of our shareholders. Our compensation practices are designed to encourage and motivate our named executive officers to achieve superior performance on both a short-term and long-term basis while at the same time avoiding the encouragement of unnecessary or excessive risk-taking. Accordingly, the Company is presenting this proposal, which gives you as a shareholder the opportunity to endorse or not endorse our executive pay program by voting for or against the following resolution: ‘‘RESOLVED, that the shareholders approve the compensation of our named executive officers, as disclosed in the Compensation Discussion and Analysis, the compensation tables, and the related disclosures required by Item 402 of Regulation S-K contained in the proxy statement.’’ As discussed in the Compensation Discussion and Analysis contained in this proxy statement, the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors believes that the executive compensation for 2011 was reasonable and appropriate, and was the result of a carefully considered approach. The vote on this resolution is not intended to address any specific item of compensation, but rather that overall compensation of our named executive officers and the policies and practices described in this proxy statement. In the event this non-binding proposal is not approved by our shareholders, such a vote shall not be construed as overruling a decision by the Board of Directors or Compensation Committee, nor create or imply any additional fiduciary duty of the Board of Directors or Compensation Committee, nor shall such a vote be construed to restrict or omit the ability of our shareholders to make proposals for inclusion in proxy materials related to executive compensation. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Board of Directors and the Compensation Committee will consider the non-binding vote of our shareholders to this proposal when reviewing compensation policies and practices in the future. Recommendation of the Board of Directors The Board of Directors recommends a vote FOR this Advisory Proposal on Executive Compensation. The proxy holders intend to vote all proxies in favor of this proposal. If no instruction is given, the proxy holders intend to vote FOR the proposal. 57 PROPOSAL 3—ADVISORY VOTE ON FREQUENCY OF VOTE ON EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION The Dodd-Frank Act also requires that we provide our shareholders with the opportunity to vote, on an advisory or non-binding basis, for their preference as to how frequently we should seek future advisory votes on the compensation of our named executive officers as disclosed in accordance with the compensation disclosure rules of the SEC. By voting with respect to this Proposal 3, shareholders may indicate whether they would prefer that we conduct future advisory votes on executive compensation every year, every two years, or every three years. Shareholders also may, if they wish, abstain from casting a vote on this proposal. The Board of Directors believes that a vote every three years is appropriate to evaluate our overall executive compensation program. In determining to recommend that shareholders vote for a frequency of once every three years, the Board of Directors considered how an advisory vote at this frequency will provide our shareholders with sufficient time to evaluate the effectiveness of our overall compensation philosophy, policies and practices in the context of our long-term business results for the corresponding period, while avoiding overemphasis on short term variations in compensation and business results. We also believe a three-year period will provide us with adequate time to engage shareholders and respond to ‘‘Say on Pay’’ vote results. The vote is advisory and therefore not binding on the Company or the Board of Directors. However, the Board of Directors value the opinions of our shareholders and will take into account the outcome of the vote, along with other relevant factors, when considering the frequency of future advisory votes on executive compensation. The Board of Directors may decide that it is in the best interests of our shareholders and the Company to hold an advisory vote on executive compensation more or less frequently than the frequency receiving the most votes cast by our shareholders. Your advisory vote shall not be construed as overruling a decision by the Company or the Board of Directors nor to create or imply any additional fiduciary duties for the Board of Directors or the Compensation Committee or restrict or limit the ability of shareholders to make proposals for inclusion in proxy materials related to executive compensation. The proxy card provides shareholders with the opportunity to choose among four options (holding the vote every year, every two years or every three years, or abstaining) and, therefore, shareholders will not be voting to approve or disapprove the recommendation of the Board of Directors. Recommendation of the Board of Directors The Board of Directors recommends a vote FOR the option of every three years as the preferred frequency for advisory votes on executive compensation. The proxy holders intend to vote all proxies in favor of the option of every three years as the frequency for advisory votes on executive compensation. 58 P r o x y S t a t e m e n t 19MAR20 PROPOSAL 4—RATIFICATION OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM The Board of Directors, upon the recommendation of its Audit Committee, has ratified the selection of Crowe Horwath LLP to serve as our independent registered public accounting firm for 2012, subject to ratification by our shareholders. A representative of Crowe Horwath LLP will be present at the Annual Meeting to answer questions and will have the opportunity to make a statement if so desired. We are asking our shareholders to ratify the selection of Crowe Horwath LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm. Although ratification is not required by our Bylaws, the SEC or The NASDAQ Stock Market, the Board is submitting the selection of Crowe Horwath LLP to our shareholders for ratification because we value our shareholders’ views on the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm and as a matter of good corporate practice. In the event that our shareholders fail to ratify the selection of Crowe Horwath LLP, however, we reserve the discretion to retain Crowe Horwath LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for 2012. Even if the selection is ratified, the Audit Committee, in its discretion, may select a different independent registered public accounting firm at any time during the year if it determines that such a change would be in the best interests of the Company and our shareholders. Audit Committee Report In accordance with its written charter adopted by the Company’s Board of Directors, the Audit Committee assists the Board in fulfilling its responsibility for oversight of the quality and integrity of the accounting, auditing, and financial reporting practices of the Company. During 2011, the Committee met 11 times, and the Committee chair, as representative of the Audit Committee, discussed the interim financial information contained in each quarterly earnings announcement with the Chief Financial Officer prior to public release. The Committee discussed the interim financial statements with the Chief Financial Officer and the independent auditors prior to the filing of each quarterly Form 10-Q. In discharging its oversight responsibility as to the audit process, the Audit Committee obtained from the independent auditors a formal written statement describing all relationships between the auditors and the Company that might bear on the auditors’ independence, discussed with the auditors any relationships that may impact their objectivity and independence and satisfied itself as to the auditors’ independence. The Committee reviewed with both the independent auditors and the internal auditors their audit plans, scope, and results. The Committee discussed and reviewed with the independent auditors all communications required by generally accepted auditing standards, including those described in Statement on Auditing Standards No. 61, as amended, ‘‘Communication with Audit Committees,’’ and discussed and reviewed the results of the independent auditors’ audit of the consolidated financial statements. The Committee also reviewed and discussed the results of the internal audit examinations. The Committee reviewed the audited financial statements of the Company as of and for the year ended December 31, 2011, with management and the independent auditors. The Committee has also reviewed ‘‘Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting’’ and the independent registered public accounting firm’s opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting, and discussed these reports and opinions with management and the independent registered public accounting firm prior to the Company’s filing of its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011. Based on the above-mentioned review and discussion with management and the independent auditors, the Committee recommended to the Board of Directors that the Company’s audited financial 59 statements be included in its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011, for filing with the SEC. Heritage Commerce Corp Audit Committee Humphrey P. Polanen, Chairman Celeste V. Ford Steven L. Hallgrimson Laura Roden March 8, 2012 The Audit Committee report shall not be deemed incorporated by reference by any general statement incorporating by reference this proxy statement into any filing under the Securities Act of 1933 or the Securities Act of 1934, and shall not otherwise be deemed filed under these Acts. 60 P r o x y S t a t e m e n t 19MAR20 Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm Fees The following table summarizes the aggregate fees billed to the Company by its independent auditor: Category of Services Fiscal Year 2011 Fiscal Year 2010 Audit fees(1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Audit-related fees(2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tax fees(3) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $571,500 55,325 47,350 $594,975 76,975 89,850 Total accounting fees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $674,175 $761,800 (1) Fees for audit services for 2011 and 2010 consisted of the audit of the Company’s annual financial statements, review of the consolidated financial statements included in the Company’s Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, and the audit of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as required by Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. Fees for 2011 include services related to the Company’s registration statements filed with the SEC in 2011. (2) Fees for audit related services for 2011 and 2010 consisted of financial accounting and reporting consultations, consents and other services related to SEC matters, and audits of the consolidated financial statements of the Company’s employee benefit plans. (3) Fees for tax services for 2011 and 2010 consisted of tax compliance and tax planning and advice. (cid:127) Fees for tax compliance services totaled $41,000 and $40,000 in 2011 and 2010, respectively. Tax compliance services are those rendered based upon facts already in existence or transactions that have already occurred to document, compute, and obtain government approval for amounts to be included in tax filings. Such services consisted primarily of preparation of the Company’s consolidated federal and state income tax returns, assistance with state tax credits, and assistance regarding audits of the Company’s California state tax returns. (cid:127) Tax planning and advice services are those rendered with respect to proposed transactions, assistance regarding the Internal Revenue Code Section 280(G) ‘‘excise tax gross-up’’ disclosures in the proxy statement for hypothetical events, and consultation with management regarding various internal control and accounting matters. Tax planning and advice services totaled $6,350 and $49,850 in 2011 and 2010, respectively. The ratio of tax planning and advice fees and all other fees to audit fees, audit-related fees and tax compliance fees was 1% for 2011 and 7% for 2010. In considering the nature of the services provided by the independent registered public accounting firm, the Audit Committee determined that such services are compatible with the provision of independent audit services. The Audit Committee discussed these services with the independent registered public accounting firm and Company management to determine that they are permitted under the rules and regulations concerning auditor independence promulgated by the SEC and the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board. Policy on Audit Committee Pre-Approval of Audit and Permissible Non-Audit Services of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm Under applicable SEC rules, the Audit Committee is required to pre-approve the audit and non-audit services performed by the independent registered public accountants in order to ensure that they do not 61 impair the auditors’ independence. The SEC’s rules specify the types of non-audit services that the independent registered public accountants may not provide to its audit client and establish the Audit Committee’s responsibility for administration of the engagement of the independent registered public accountants. Consistent with the SEC’s rules, the Audit Committee Charter requires that the Audit Committee review and pre-approve all audit services and permitted non-audit services provided by the independent registered public accountants to the Company or any of its subsidiaries. The Audit Committee may delegate pre-approval authority to the Chair of the Audit Committee and if it does, the decisions of that member must be presented to the full Audit Committee at its next scheduled meeting. Recommendation of the Audit Committee and the Board of Directors The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors and the Board of Directors recommends approval of the ratification of the appointment of Crowe Horwath LLP as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for the year ending December 31, 2012. The proxy holders intend to vote all proxies they hold in favor of the proposal. If no instruction is given, the proxy holders intend to vote FOR approval of the proposal. 62 P r o x y S t a t e m e n t 19MAR20 OTHER BUSINESS If any matters not referred to in this proxy statement come before the meeting, including matters incident to conducting the meeting, the proxy holders will vote the shares represented by proxies in accordance with their best judgment. Management is not aware of any other business to come before the meeting and, as of the date of the preparation of this proxy statement, no shareholder has submitted to management any proposal to be acted upon at the meeting. SHAREHOLDER PROPOSALS Under certain circumstances, shareholders are entitled to present proposals at shareholders’ meetings, provided that the proposal is presented in a timely manner and in a form that complies with applicable regulations. Any shareholder proposals intended to be presented for consideration at the 2013 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, and to be included in the Company’s proxy statement for that meeting under SEC Rule 14a-8, must be received by the Company for inclusion in the proxy statement and form of proxy for that meeting no later than December 17, 2012, in a form that complies with applicable regulations. If the date of next year’s Annual Meeting is moved more than 30 days before or after the anniversary of this year’s Annual Meeting, the deadline for inclusion is instead a reasonable time before the Company begins to print and mail its proxy materials. For a shareholder proposal to be presented at the Annual Meeting that is not intended to be included in the Company’s proxy statement under SEC Rule 14a-8, the proposal must be submitted at least 45 days before the date this proxy statement and form of proxy is first mailed to shareholders. If the date of next year’s Annual Meeting is more than 30 days before or after the anniversary of this year’s Annual Meeting, the deadline for submitting a proposal is instead a reasonable time before the Company begins to print and mail its proxy materials. HERITAGE COMMERCE CORP 24MAR201019341637 Debbie Reuter Corporate Secretary April 16, 2012 San Jose, California 63 HERITAGE COMMERCE CORP 2011 Annual Report on Form 10-K A n n u a l R e p o r t 29MAR2012191050 UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20549 FORM 10-K (MARK ONE) (cid:2) ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011 OR (cid:3) TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 FOR THE TRANSITION PERIOD FROM TO Commission file number 000-23877 Heritage Commerce Corp (Exact name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter) California (State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation or Organization) 77-0469558 (I.R.S. Employer Identification Number) 150 Almaden Boulevard San Jose, California 95113 (Address of Principal Executive Offices including Zip Code) (408) 947-6900 (Registrant’s Telephone Number, Including Area Code) Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: Title of Each Class Name of Each Exchange on which Registered Common Stock, no par value The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC (NASDAQ Global Select Market) Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes (cid:3) No (cid:2) Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or I5(d) of the Act. Yes (cid:3) No (cid:2) 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 (cid:2) No (cid:3) Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted 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 (cid:2) No (cid:3) Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of Registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K, or any amendment to this Form 10-K. (cid:2) 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 ‘‘small reporting company’’ in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. Large accelerated filer (cid:3) Accelerated filer(cid:2) Non-accelerated filer (cid:3) Smaller reporting company (cid:3) (Do not check if a smaller reporting company) Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). Yes (cid:3) No (cid:2) The aggregate market value of the common stock held by non-affiliates of the Registrant as of June 30, 2011, based upon the closing price on that date of $5.11 per share, and 18,590,812 shares held, as reported on the NASDAQ Global Select Market, was approximately $95.0 million. As of February 15, 2012, there were 26,286,501 shares of the Registrant’s common stock (no par value) outstanding. DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE Portions of the Registrant’s definitive proxy statement to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to Regulation 14A in connection with the 2012 Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on May 24, 2012 are incorporated by reference into Part III of this Report. The proxy statement will be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission not later than 120 days after the Registrant’s fiscal year ended December 31, 2011. A n n u a l R e p o r t 16APR2010143726 HERITAGE COMMERCE CORP INDEX TO ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K FOR YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2011 PART I. Item 1. Item 1A. Item 1B. Item 2. Item 3. Item 4. Business . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Risk Factors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Unresolved Staff Comments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Legal Proceedings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Reserved . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . PART II. Item 5. Market for the Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Item 6. Item 7. Item 7A. Item 8. Item 9. Item 9A. Item 9B. Item 10. Item 11. Item 12. Item 13. Item 14. Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Selected Financial Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Financial Statements and Supplementary Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Controls and Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Other Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . PART III. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Executive Compensation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence . . . . . . Principal Accountant Fees and Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . PART IV. Page 3 28 43 43 44 44 44 48 49 83 83 83 83 85 85 85 85 86 86 Item 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Signatures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Financial Statements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Exhibit Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86 87 88 143 A n n u a l R e p o r t 16APR2010143726 1 Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This Report on Form 10-K contains various statements that may constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, Rule 175 promulgated thereunder, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, Rule 3b-6 promulgated thereunder and are intended to be covered by the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Any statements about our expectations, beliefs, plans, objectives, assumptions or future events or performance are not historical facts and may be forward- looking. These forward-looking statements often can be, but are not always, identified by the use of words such as ‘‘assume,’’ ‘‘expect,’’ ‘‘intend,’’ ‘‘plan,’’ ‘‘project,’’ ‘‘believe,’’ ‘‘estimate,’’ ‘‘predict,’’ ‘‘anticipate,’’ ‘‘may,’’ ‘‘might,’’ ‘‘should,’’ ‘‘could,’’ ‘‘goal,’’ ‘‘potential’’ and similar expressions. We base these forward-looking statements on our current expectations and projections about future events, our assumptions regarding these events and our knowledge of facts at the time the statements are made. These statements include statements relating to our projected growth, anticipated future financial performance, and management’s long-term performance goals, as well as statements relating to the anticipated effects on results of operations and financial condition. These forward-looking statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties that may be outside our control and our actual results could differ materially from our projected results. In addition, our past results of operations do not necessarily indicate our future results. The forward-looking statements could be affected by many factors, including but not limited to: (cid:127) Competition for loans and deposits and failure to attract or retain deposits and loans; (cid:127) Local, regional, and national economic conditions and events and the impact they may have on us and our customers, and our assessment of that impact on our estimates including, the allowance for loan losses; (cid:127) Risks associated with concentrations in real estate related loans; (cid:127) Changes in the level of nonperforming assets and charge-offs and other credit quality measures, and their impact on the adequacy of the Company’s allowance for loan losses and the Company’s provision for loan losses; (cid:127) The effects of and changes in trade, monetary and fiscal policies and laws, including the interest rate policies of the Federal Open Market Committee of the Federal Reserve Board; (cid:127) Stability of funding sources and continued availability of borrowings; (cid:127) Our ability to raise capital or incur debt on reasonable terms; (cid:127) Regulatory limits on Heritage Bank of Commerce’s ability to pay dividends to the Company; (cid:127) Continued volatility in credit and equity markets and its effect on the global economy; (cid:127) The impact of reputational risk on such matters as business generation and retention, funding and liquidity; (cid:127) Oversupply of inventory and continued deterioration in values of California commercial real estate; (cid:127) A prolonged slowdown in construction activity; (cid:127) The effect of changes in laws and regulations (including laws and regulations concerning taxes, banking, securities, and executive compensation) which we must comply, including but not limited to, the Dodd-Frank Act of 2010; (cid:127) The effects of security breaches and computer viruses that may affect our computer systems; (cid:127) Changes in consumer spending, borrowings and saving habits; 2 (cid:127) Changes in the competitive environment among financial or bank holding companies and other financial service providers; (cid:127) The effect of changes in accounting policies and practices, as may be adopted by the regulatory agencies, as well as the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board, the Financial Accounting Standards Board and other accounting standard setters; (cid:127) The costs and effects of legal and regulatory developments, including resolution of legal proceedings or regulatory or other governmental inquiries, and the results of regulatory examinations or reviews; (cid:127) The ability to increase market share and control expenses; and (cid:127) Our success in managing the risks involved in the foregoing items. We are not able to predict all the factors that may affect future results. You should not place undue reliance on any forward looking statement, which speaks only as of the date of this Report on Form 10-K. Except as required by applicable laws or regulations, we do not undertake any obligation to update or revise any forward looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. ITEM 1 — BUSINESS General PART I Heritage Commerce Corp, a California corporation organized in 1997, is a bank holding company registered under the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended. We provide a wide range of banking services through Heritage Bank of Commerce, our wholly-owned subsidiary and our principal asset. Heritage Bank of Commerce is a California state-chartered bank headquartered in San Jose, California and has been conducting business since 1994. Heritage Bank of Commerce is a multi-community independent bank that offers a full range of commercial banking services to small and medium-sized businesses and their owners, managers and employees. We operate through 10 full service branch offices located entirely in the southern and eastern regions of the general San Francisco Bay Area of California in the counties of Santa Clara, Alameda, and Contra Costa. Our market includes the headquarters of a number of technology based companies in the region commonly known as ‘‘Silicon Valley.’’ Our lending activities are diversified and include commercial, real estate, construction and land development, consumer and SBA guaranteed loans. We generally lend in markets where we have a physical presence through our branch offices and a SBA loan production office. We attract deposits throughout our market area with a customer-oriented product mix, competitive pricing, and convenient locations. We offer a wide range of deposit products for business banking and retail markets. We offer a multitude of other products and services to complement our lending and deposit services. As a bank holding company, Heritage Commerce Corp is subject to the supervision of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (the ‘‘Federal Reserve’’). We are required to file with the Federal Reserve reports and other information regarding our business operations and the business operations of our subsidiaries. As a California chartered bank, Heritage Bank of Commerce is subject to primary supervision, periodic examination, and regulation by the California Department of Financial Institutions (‘‘DFI’’), and by the Federal Reserve, as its primary federal regulator. Our principal executive office is located at 150 Almaden Boulevard, San Jose, California 95113, telephone number: (408) 947-6900. 3 A n n u a l R e p o r t 16APR2010143726 At December 31, 2011, we had consolidated assets of $1.31 billion, deposits of $1.05 billion and shareholders’ equity of $197.8 million. When we use ‘‘we’’, ‘‘us’’, ‘‘our’’ or the ‘‘Company’’, we mean the Company on a consolidated basis with Heritage Bank of Commerce. When we refer to ‘‘HCC’’ or the ‘‘holding company’’, we are referring to Heritage Commerce Corp on a standalone basis. When we use ‘‘HBC’’, we mean Heritage Bank of Commerce on a standalone basis. The Internet address of the Company’s website is ‘‘http://www.heritagecommercecorp.com.’’ The Company makes available free of charge through the Company’s website, the Company’s annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and amendments to these reports. The Company makes these reports available on its website on the same day they appear on the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (‘‘SEC’’) website. Heritage Bank of Commerce HBC is a California state-chartered bank headquartered in San Jose, California. It was incorporated in November 1993 and opened for business in January 1994. HBC operates through ten full service branch offices. The locations of HBC’s current offices are: San Jose: Fremont: Danville: Gilroy: Los Altos: Los Gatos: Morgan Hill: Administrative Office Main Branch 150 Almaden Boulevard San Jose, CA 95113 Branch Office 3077 Stevenson Boulevard Fremont, CA 94538 Branch Office 387 Diablo Road Danville, CA 94526 Branch Office 7598 Monterey Street Suite 110 Gilroy, CA 95020 Branch Office 419 South San Antonio Road Los Altos, CA 95032 Branch Office 15575 Los Gatos Boulevard Los Gatos, CA 95032 Branch Office 18625 Sutter Boulevard Morgan Hill, CA 95037 4 Mountain View: Branch Office Pleasanton: Walnut Creek: 175 E. El Camino Real Mountain View, CA 94040 Branch Office 300 Main Street Pleasanton, CA 94566 Branch Office 101 Ygnacio Valley Road Suite 100 Walnut Creek, CA 94596 HBC is a full-service community bank offering an array of banking products and services to the communities it serves, including accepting time and demand products and originating commercial loans, commercial real estate loans, construction loans, and small business and consumer loans. Lending Activities Our commercial loan portfolio is comprised of operating secured and unsecured loans advanced for working capital, equipment purchases and other business purposes. Generally short-term loans have maturities ranging from thirty days to one year, and ‘‘term loans’’ have maturities ranging from one to five years. Short-term business loans are generally intended to finance current transactions and typically provide for periodic principal payments, with interest payable monthly. Term loans generally provide for floating or fixed interest rates, with monthly payments of both principal and interest. Repayment of secured and unsecured commercial loans depends substantially on the borrower’s underlying business, financial condition and cash flows, as well as the sufficiency of the collateral. Compared to real estate, the collateral may be more difficult to monitor, evaluate and sell. It may also depreciate more rapidly than real estate. Such risks can be significantly affected by economic conditions. HBC’s commercial loans are primarily originated for locally-oriented commercial activities in communities where HBC has a physical presence through its branch offices and a loan production office. HBC actively engages in Small Business Administration (‘‘SBA’’) lending. HBC has been designated as an SBA Preferred Lender since 1999. The commercial real estate loan portfolio is comprised of loans secured by commercial real estate. These loans are generally advanced based on the borrower’s cash flow, and the underlying collateral provides a secondary source of payment. HBC generally restricts real estate term loans to no more than 75% of the property’s appraised value or the purchase price of the property, depending on the type of property and its utilization. HBC offers both fixed and floating rate loans. Maturities on such loans are generally restricted to between five and ten years (with amortization ranging from fifteen to twenty-five years and a balloon payment due at maturity, and amortization of thirty years on loans secured by apartments); however, SBA and certain real estate loans that can be sold in the secondary market may be advanced for longer maturities. Commercial real estate loans typically involve large balances to single borrowers or groups of related borrowers. Since payments on these loans are often dependent on the successful operation or management of the properties, as well as the business and financial condition of the borrower, repayment of such loans may be subject to adverse conditions in the real estate market, adverse economic conditions or changes in applicable government regulations. If the cash flow from the project decreases, or if leases are not obtained or renewed, the borrower’s ability to repay the loan may be impaired. We make commercial construction loans for rental properties, commercial buildings and homes built by developers on speculative, undeveloped property. The terms of commercial construction loans are made in accordance with our commercial loan policy. Advances on construction loans are made in accordance 5 A n n u a l R e p o r t 16APR2010143726 with a schedule reflecting the cost of construction, but are generally limited to a 75% loan-to-completed- appraised-value ratio. Repayment of construction loans on non-residential properties is normally expected from the property’s eventual rental income, income from the borrower’s operating entity or the sale of the subject property. In the case of income-producing property, repayment is usually expected from permanent financing upon completion of construction. At times we provide the permanent mortgage financing on our construction loans on income-producing property. Construction loans are interest-only loans during the construction period, which typically do not exceed 18 months. If HBC provides permanent financing the short-term loan converts to permanent, amortizing financing following the completion of construction. Generally, before making a commitment to fund a construction loan, we require an appraisal of the property by a state-certified or state-licensed appraiser. We review and inspect properties before disbursement of funds during the term of the construction loan. The repayment of construction loans is dependent upon the successful and timely completion of the construction of the subject property, as well as the sale of the property to third parties or the availability of permanent financing upon completion of all improvements. Construction loans expose us to the risk that improvements will not be completed on time, and in accordance with specifications and projected costs. Construction delays, the financial impairment of the builder, interest rate increases or economic downturn may further impair the borrower’s ability to repay the loan. In addition, the borrower may not be able to obtain permanent financing or ultimate sale or rental of the property may not occur as anticipated. HBC utilizes underwriting guidelines to assess the likelihood of repayment from sources such as sale of the property or permanent mortgage financing prior to making the construction loan. Our home equity line loan portfolio is comprised of home equity lines of credit to customers in our markets. Home equity lines of credit are underwritten in a manner such that they result in credit risk that is substantially similar to that of residential mortgage loans. Nevertheless, home equity lines of credit have greater credit risk than residential mortgage loans because they are often secured by mortgages that are subordinated to the existing first mortgage on the property, which we may or may not hold, and they are not covered by private mortgage insurance coverage. The consumer loan portfolio is composed of miscellaneous consumer loans including loans for financing automobiles, various consumer goods and other personal purposes. Consumer loans are generally secured. Repossessed collateral for a defaulted consumer loan may not provide an adequate source of repayment for the outstanding loan, and the remaining deficiency may not warrant further substantial collection efforts against the borrower. In addition, consumer loan collections are dependent on the borrower’s continued financial stability, which can be adversely affected by job loss, divorce, illness or personal bankruptcy. Furthermore, the application of various federal and state laws, including federal and state bankruptcy and insolvency laws, may limit the amount which can be recovered on such loans. As of December 31, 2011, the percentage of our total loans for each of the principal areas in which we directed our lending activities were as follows: (i) commercial and industrial 48% (including SBA loans); (ii) real estate secured loans 41%; (iii) land and construction loans 3%; and (iv) consumer (including home equity) 8%. While no specific industry concentration is considered significant, our lending operations are located in market areas dependent on technology and real estate industries and their supporting companies. Investments Our investment policy is established by the Board of Directors. The general investment strategies are developed and authorized by our Finance and Investment Committee of the Board of Directors. The investment policy is reviewed annually by the Finance and Investment Committee, and any changes to the policy are subject to approval by the full Board of Directors. The overall objectives of the investment policy are to maintain a portfolio of high quality and diversified investments to maximize interest income over the long term and to minimize risk, to provide collateral for borrowings, and to provide additional earnings when loan production is low. The policy dictates that investment decisions take into consideration the 6 safety of principal, liquidity requirements and interest rate risk management. All securities transactions are reported to the Board of Directors’ Finance and Investment Committee on a monthly basis. Sources of Funds Deposits traditionally have been our primary source of funds for our investment and lending activities. We also are able to borrow from the Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco and the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco to supplement cash flow needs. Our additional sources of funds are scheduled loan payments, maturing investments, loan repayments, income on other earning assets and the proceeds of loan sales. Interest rates, maturity terms, service fees and withdrawal penalties are established on a periodic basis. Deposit rates and terms are based primarily on current operating strategies and market interest rates, liquidity requirements and our deposit growth goals. We offer a wide range of deposit products for retail and business banking markets including checking accounts, interest-bearing transaction accounts, savings accounts, time deposits and retirement accounts. Our branch network enables us to attract deposits from throughout our market area with a customer- oriented product mix, competitive pricing, and convenient locations. HBC joined the Certificate of Deposit Account Registry Service (CDARS(cid:4)) program in August 2008, which enables our local customers to obtain expanded FDIC insurance coverage on their deposits. At December 31, 2011, HBC had approximately 14,900 deposit accounts totaling $1.05 billion, including brokered deposits, compared to 15,600 deposit accounts totaling approximately $993.9 million as of December 31, 2010. Other Banking Services We offer a multitude of other products and services to complement our lending and deposit services. These include cashier’s checks, traveler’s checks, bank-by-mail, ATMs, night depositories, safe deposit boxes, direct deposit, automated payroll services, electronic funds transfers, online banking, online bill pay, and other customary banking services. HBC currently operates ATMs at six different locations. In addition, we have established a convenient customer service group accessible by toll-free telephone to answer questions and promote a high level of customer service. HBC does not have a trust department. In addition to the traditional financial services offered, HBC offers remote deposit capture, automated clearing house origination, electronic data interchange and check imaging. HBC continues to investigate products and services that it believes addresses the growing needs of its customers and to analyze other markets for potential expansion opportunities. U.S. Treasury Capital Purchase Program On November 21, 2008, HCC issued 40,000 shares of Series A Fixed Rate Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock (‘‘Series A Preferred Stock’’) to the U.S. Treasury under the terms of the U.S. Treasury Capital Purchase Program for $40.0 million with a liquidation preference of $1,000 per share. The Series A Preferred Stock carried a coupon of 5% for five years and 9% thereafter. The Series A Preferred Stock was non-voting, cumulative, and perpetual and could be redeemed at 100% of its liquidation preference plus accrued and unpaid dividends. In addition, HCC issued a warrant to the U.S. Treasury to purchase 462,963 shares of HCC’s common stock. The warrant is exercisable immediately at a price of $12.96 per share, will expire after a period of 10 years from issuance and is transferable by the U.S. Treasury. The U.S. Treasury may transfer a portion or portions of the warrant, and/or exercise the warrant at any time. The U.S. Treasury has agreed not to exercise voting power with respect to any common shares issued to it upon exercise of the warrant. At December 31, 2011, there had been no changes to the number of common shares covered by the warrant nor had the U.S. Treasury exercised any portion of the warrant. Under the terms of the Capital Purchase Program, HCC was prohibited from increasing dividends above $0.08 per share on its common stock, and from making certain repurchases of equity securities, 7 A n n u a l R e p o r t 16APR2010143726 including its common stock, without the U.S. Treasury’s consent. Furthermore, as long as the Series A Preferred Stock was outstanding, dividend payments and repurchases or redemptions relating to certain equity securities, including HCC’s common stock, were prohibited until all accrued and unpaid dividends were paid on the Series A Preferred Stock. As permitted under the terms of the Series A Preferred Stock, in November 2009, the Company announced that it was exercising its right to suspend payment of dividends on its Series A Preferred Stock. As a result, the Company had accrued but had not paid approximately $2.8 million in dividends on its Series A Preferred Stock as of December 31, 2010. In 2011, the Board of Directors declared a dividend on the Series A Preferred Stock in an aggregate amount of $4.7 million. A $4.2 million dividend was paid on August 1, 2011. Of the August 2011 aggregate dividend declared and paid, $3.5 million was attributable to the dividend periods ending November 15, 2009 through May 15, 2011, $172,000 was for interest on the deferred dividend payments, and $500,000 was the dividend payable for the period ended August 15, 2011. On November 15, 2011, the Company paid the regularly scheduled dividend of $500,000, per the terms of the Series A Preferred Stock. On March 7, 2012, the Company repurchased all of the Series A Preferred Stock in the aggregate amount of $40 million and paid a final dividend to the U.S. Treasury in the amount of $122,000. At the time the Company repurchased the Series A Preferred Stock, it did not repurchase the related warrant. The warrant was outstanding as of the date of this report. For complete discussion and disclosure see ‘‘Item 7 — Management Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Capital Resources’’ presented elsewhere in this report. Regulatory Action On February 17, 2010 HCC and HBC entered into a Written Agreement with the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco, and the DFI. Under the terms of the Written Agreement, the Company had to obtain the prior written approval of the Federal Reserve and DFI before it could: (i) declare or pay any dividends on common stock or preferred stock; (ii) make any distributions of principal or interest on HCC’s outstanding trust preferred securities and related subordinated debt; (iii) incur, increase or guarantee any debt; (iv) redeem any outstanding stock, or; (v) take dividends or any other form of payment that represented a reduction in capital from HBC. The Written Agreement required the Company to submit written plans within certain timeframes to the Federal Reserve and the DFI that addressed the following items: (i) strengthening credit risk management practices; (ii) improving HBC’s position with respect to problem loans in excess of $2 million; (iii) maintaining adequate reserves for loan and lease losses; (iv) maintaining sufficient capital at HCC and HBC; (v) improving the management of HBC’s liquidity position and funds management practices; and (vi) improving the Company’s earnings and overall condition through a business plan and budget. All plans were submitted to the appropriate regulatory agencies, and all plans requiring approval by such agencies were approved. In addition, the Agreement: (i) required HBC’s Board of Directors or a designated committee thereof to approve any extension, renewal or restructuring of any credit to any borrower whose loans have been ‘‘criticized’’; (ii) required HBC to charge off loans classified as ‘‘loss’’ by the Federal Reserve and/or DFI; (iii) required the Company to notify the Federal Reserve and DFI no more than 30 days after the end of any quarter in which the capital ratios of HCC or HBC fell below the approved capital plan’ minimum levels; (iv) required HCC and HBC to comply with the notice provisions of Section 32 of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act and Subpart H of Regulation Y of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System in connection with appointing any new director or senior executive officer or changing the responsibilities of any senior executive officer so that the officer would assume a different senior executive officer position; (v) required HCC and HBC to comply with the restrictions on indemnification and severance payments of Section 18(k) of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act and Part 359 of the FDIC’s regulations; and (vi) required the Company to provide quarterly progress reports to the Federal Reserve and the DFI. 8 In June 2011, the Federal Reserve and the DFI issued a joint order terminating the regulatory Written Agreement. Effective June 9, 2011, the Company and HBC were no longer subject to the terms and conditions of the Written Agreement. 2010 Private Placement On June 21, 2010, HCC issued to various institutional investors 53,996 shares of Series B Mandatorily Convertible Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock (‘‘Series B Preferred Stock’’) and 21,004 shares of Series C Convertible Perpetual Preferred Stock (‘‘Series C Preferred Stock’’) for an aggregate purchase price of $75 million. The Series B Preferred Stock was mandatorily convertible into common stock upon approval by the shareholders at a conversion price of $3.75 per share. The Series C Preferred Stock is mandatorily convertible into common stock at a conversion price of $3.75 per share upon both approval by the shareholders and, thereafter, a subsequent transfer of the Series C Preferred Stock to third parties not affiliated with the holder in a widely dispersed offering. At HCC’s Special Meeting of Shareholders held on September 15, 2010, HCC’s shareholders approved the issuance of common stock upon the conversion of the Series B Preferred Stock and upon the conversion of the Series C Preferred Stock as required by The NASDAQ Stock Market and California corporate law. As a result, on September 16, 2010, the Series B Preferred Stock was converted into 14,398,992 shares of common stock of HCC and the shares of Series B Preferred Stock ceased to be outstanding. The Series C Preferred Stock remains outstanding until it has been converted into common stock in accordance with its terms. The Series C Preferred Stock is non-voting except in the case of certain transactions that would affect the rights of the holders of the Series C Preferred Stock or applicable law. Holders of Series C Preferred Stock will receive dividends if and only to the extent dividends are paid to holders of common stock. The Series C Preferred Stock is not redeemable by HCC or by the holders and has a liquidation preference of $1,000 per share. The Series C Preferred Stock ranks senior to HCC’s common stock and ranks on parity with HCC’s Series A Preferred Stock. Correspondent Banks Correspondent bank deposit accounts are maintained to enable the Company to transact types of activity that it would otherwise be unable to perform or would not be cost effective due to the size of the Company or volume of activity. The Company has utilized several correspondent banks to process a variety of transactions. Competition The banking and financial services business in California generally, and in the Company’s market areas specifically, is highly competitive. The industry continues to consolidate and unregulated competitors have entered banking markets with products targeted at highly profitable customer segments. Many larger unregulated competitors are able to compete across geographic boundaries, and provide customers with meaningful alternatives to most significant banking services and products. These consolidation trends are likely to continue. The increasingly competitive environment is a result primarily of changes in regulation, changes in technology and product delivery systems, and the consolidation among financial service providers. With respect to commercial bank competitors, the business is dominated by a relatively small number of major banks that operate a large number of offices within our geographic footprint. For the combined Santa Clara, Alameda and Contra Costa county region, the three counties within which the Company operates, the top three institutions are all multi-billion dollar entities with an aggregate of 275 offices that control a combined 56.53% of deposit market share based on June 30, 2011 FDIC market share data. HBC ranks fifteenth with 0.81% share of total deposits based on June 30, 2011 market share data. These banks have, among other advantages, the ability to finance wide-ranging advertising campaigns and to allocate their resources to regions of highest yield and demand. They can also offer certain services that we do not offer directly, but may offer indirectly through correspondent institutions. By virtue of their greater total 9 A n n u a l R e p o r t 16APR2010143726 capitalization, these banks also have substantially higher lending limits than we do. For customers whose needs exceed our legal lending limit, we arrange for the sale, or ‘‘participation,’’ of some of the balances to financial institutions that are not within our geographic footprint. In addition to other large regional banks and local community banks, our competitors include savings institutions, securities and brokerage companies, mortgage companies, credit unions, finance companies and money market funds. In recent years, we have also witnessed increased competition from specialized companies that offer wholesale finance, credit card, and other consumer finance services, as well as services that circumvent the banking system by facilitating payments via the internet, wireless devices, prepaid cards, or other means. Technological innovations have lowered traditional barriers of entry and enabled many of these companies to compete in financial services markets. Such innovation has, for example, made it possible for non-depository institutions to offer customers automated transfer payment services that previously were considered traditional banking products. In addition, many customers now expect a choice of delivery channels, including telephone and smart phones, mail, personal computer, ATMs, self-service branches, and/or in-store branches. Competitors offering such products include traditional banks and savings associations, credit unions, brokerage firms, asset management groups, finance and insurance companies, internet-based companies, and mortgage banking firms. Strong competition for deposits and loans among financial institutions and non-banks alike affects interest rates and other terms on which financial products are offered to customers. Mergers between financial institutions have placed additional pressure on other banks within the industry to remain competitive by streamlining operations, reducing expenses, and increasing revenues. Competition has also intensified due to federal and state interstate banking laws enacted in the mid-1990’s, which permit banking organizations to expand into other states. The relatively large and expanding California market has been particularly attractive to out of state institutions. The Gramm — Leach — Bliley Act of 1999 has made it possible for full affiliations to occur between banks and securities firms, insurance companies, and other financial companies, and has also intensified competitive conditions. See Item 1 — ‘‘Business — Supervision and Regulation — Heritage Commerce Corp — Financial Modernization’’. In order to compete with the other financial service providers, the Company principally relies upon community-oriented, personalized service, local promotional activities, personal relationships established by officers, directors, and employees with its customers, and specialized services tailored to meet its customers’ needs. Our ‘‘preferred lender’’ status with the Small Business Administration allows us to approve SBA loans faster than many of our competitors. In those instances where the Company is unable to accommodate a customer’s needs, the Company seeks to arrange for such loans on a participation basis with other financial institutions or to have those services provided in whole or in part by its correspondent banks. See Item 1 — ‘‘Business — Correspondent Banks.’’ Economic Conditions, Government Policies, Legislation, and Regulation The Company’s profitability, like most financial institutions, is primarily dependent on interest rate differentials. In general, the difference between the interest rates paid by HBC on interest-bearing liabilities, such as deposits and other borrowings, and the interest rates received by HBC on interest earning assets, such as loans extended to customers and securities held in the investment portfolio, will comprise the major portion of the Company’s earnings. These rates are highly sensitive to many factors that are beyond the control of the Company and HBC, such as inflation, recession and unemployment, and the impact which future changes in domestic and foreign economic conditions might have on the Company and HBC cannot be predicted. The Company’s business is also influenced by the monetary and fiscal policies of the federal government and the policies of regulatory agencies, particularly the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve Board. The Federal Reserve implements national monetary policies (with objectives such as curbing inflation and combating recession) through its open-market operations in U.S. Government securities by adjusting the required level of reserves for depository institutions subject to its reserve 10 requirements, and by varying the target Federal funds and discount rates applicable to borrowings by depository institutions. The actions of the Federal Reserve in these areas influence the growth of bank loans, investments, and deposits and also affect interest earned on interest earning assets and paid on interest bearing liabilities. The nature and impact of any future changes in monetary and fiscal policies on the Company cannot be predicted. From time to time, federal and state legislation is enacted which may have the effect of materially increasing the cost of doing business, limiting or expanding permissible activities, or affecting the competitive balance between banks and other financial services providers. In addition, the various bank regulatory agencies often adopt new rules and regulations and policies to implement and enforce existing legislation. It cannot be predicted whether, or in what form, any such legislation or regulations or changes in policy may be enacted or the extent to which the business of the Company would be affected thereby. The Company cannot predict whether or when potential legislation will be enacted and, if enacted, the effect that it, or any implemented regulations and supervisory policies, would have on our financial condition or results of operations. In addition, the outcome of any examination, litigation or investigation initiated by state or federal authorities may result in necessary changes in our operations and increased compliance costs. The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act The Dodd-Frank Act of 2010, as amended (‘‘Dodd-Frank’’), represents landmark legislation which followed other legislative and regulatory initiatives in 2008 and 2009 in response to the economic downturn and financial industry instability. Dodd-Frank impacts many aspects of the financial industry and, in many cases, will impact larger and smaller financial institutions and community banks differently over time. Many of the following key provisions of Dodd-Frank affecting the financial industry are now effective or are in the proposed rule or implementation stage: (cid:127) the creation of a Financial Services Oversight Counsel to identify emerging systemic risks and improve interagency cooperation; (cid:127) expanded FDIC resolution authority to conduct the orderly liquidation of certain systemically significant non-bank financial companies in addition to depository institutions; A n n u a l R e p o r t (cid:127) the establishment of strengthened capital and liquidity requirements for banks and bank holding companies, including minimum leverage and risk-based capital requirements no less than the strictest requirements in effect for depository institutions as of the date of enactment; 16APR2010143726 (cid:127) enhanced regulation of financial markets, including the derivative and securitization markets, and the elimination of certain proprietary trading activities by banks; (cid:127) requirement by statute that bank holding companies serve as a source of financial strength for their depository institution subsidiaries; (cid:127) the elimination and phase out of trust preferred securities from Tier 1 capital with certain exceptions; (cid:127) a permanent increase of the previously implemented temporary increase of FDIC deposit insurance to $250,000 and an extension of federal deposit coverage until January 1, 2013, for the full net amount held by depositors in non-interesting bearing transaction accounts; (cid:127) authorization for financial institutions to pay interest on business checking accounts; (cid:127) changes in the calculation of FDIC deposit insurance assessments, such that the assessment base will no longer be the institution’s deposit base, but instead, will be its average consolidated total assets less its average tangible equity and increase the minimum reserve ratio for the Deposit Insurance Fund from 1.15% to 1.35%; (cid:127) the elimination of remaining barriers to de novo interstate branching by banks; 11 (cid:127) expanded restrictions on transactions with affiliates and insiders under Section 23A and 23B of the Federal Reserve Act and lending limits for derivative transactions, repurchase agreements and securities lending and borrowing transactions; (cid:127) the transfer of oversight of federally chartered thrift institutions to the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency and state-chartered savings banks to the FDIC, and the elimination of the Office of Thrift Supervision; (cid:127) provisions that affect corporate governance and executive compensation at most United States publicly traded companies, including: (i) stockholder advisory votes on executive compensation; (ii) executive compensation ‘‘clawback’’ requirements for companies listed on national securities exchanges in the event of materially inaccurate statements of earnings, revenues, gains or other criteria; (iii) enhanced independence requirements for compensation committee members; and (iv) authority for the SEC to adopt proxy access rules which would permit stockholders of publicly traded companies to nominate candidates for election as director and have those nominees included in a company’s proxy statement; and (cid:127) the creation of a Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, which is authorized to promulgate and enforce consumer protection regulations relating to bank and non-bank financial products and examine and enforce these regulations on banks with more than $10 billion in assets. We cannot predict the extent to which the interpretations and implementation of this wide-ranging federal legislation may affect us. Many of the requirements of Dodd-Frank will be implemented over time and most will be subject to regulations implemented over the course of several years. There can be no assurance that these or future reforms (such as possible new standards for commercial real estate lending or new stress testing guidance for all banks) arising out of studies and reports required by Dodd-Frank will not significantly increase our compliance or other operating costs or otherwise have a significant impact on our business, financial condition and results of operations. Dodd-Frank is likely to impose upon us more stringent capital, liquidity and leverage requirements or otherwise adversely affect our business. As a result of the changes required by Dodd-Frank, the profitability of our business activities may be impacted and we may be required to make changes to certain of our business practices. These changes may also require us to invest significant management attention and resources to evaluate and make any changes necessary to comply with new statutory and regulatory requirements. EESA and ARRA Previous legislation enacted in response to the recent economic downturn and financial industry instability included the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 (‘‘EESA’’), enacted on October 3, 2008, and the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (‘‘ARRA’’), enacted on February 17, 2009. Pursuant to EESA, the United States Department of the Treasury (‘‘U.S. Treasury’’) was authorized to create the $700 billion Troubled Assets Relief Program (‘‘TARP’’) to purchase, insure, hold and sell a wide variety of financial instruments, and, as implemented under the Capital Purchase Program, included authorization for up to $250 billion in senior preferred stock of qualifying United States banks and savings associations or their holding companies. On November 21, 2008, the Company entered into a Securities Purchase Agreement — Standard Terms with the U.S. Treasury, pursuant to which, among other things, the Company sold Series A Preferred Stock and a warrant to purchase 462,963 shares of common stock to the U.S. Treasury for an aggregate purchase price of $40 million. Under the terms of the Capital Purchase Program, the Company was prohibited from increasing dividends on its common stock and from making certain repurchases of equity securities, including its common stock, without the U.S. Treasury’s consent. Furthermore, as long as the Series A Preferred Stock was outstanding, dividend payments and repurchases or redemptions relating to 12 certain equity securities, including the Company’s common stock, were prohibited until all accrued and unpaid dividends were paid on the Series A Preferred Stock. In order to participate in the Capital Purchase Program, financial institutions were required to adopt certain standards for executive compensation and corporate governance. These standards generally applied to the Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and the three next most highly compensated senior executive officers. The standards included: (i) ensuring that incentive compensation for senior executives does not encourage unnecessary and excessive risks that threaten the value of the financial institution; (ii) requiring clawback of any bonus or incentive compensation paid to a senior executive based on statements of earnings, gains or other criteria that are later proven to be materially inaccurate; (iii) prohibiting golden parachute payments to senior executives; and (iv) agreeing not to deduct for tax purposes executive compensation in excess of $500,000 for these senior executives. ARRA includes a wide variety of programs intended to stimulate the economy and provide for extensive infrastructure, energy, health, and education needs. ARRA imposes certain additional, more stringent executive compensation and corporate expenditure limits on all current and future TARP recipients until the U.S. Treasury is repaid, which is permitted under ARRA without penalty and without the need to raise new capital, subject to the U.S. Treasury’s consultation with the recipient’s appropriate regulatory agency. The executive compensation standards under ARRA include, but are not limited to: (i) prohibitions on bonuses, retention awards and other incentive compensation, other than restricted stock grants which do not fully vest during the TARP period up to one-third of an employee’s total annual compensation; (ii) prohibitions on golden parachute payments for departure from a company; (iii) an expanded clawback of bonuses, retention awards, and incentive compensation if payment is based on materially inaccurate statements of earnings, revenues, gains or other criteria; (iv) prohibitions on compensation plans that encourage manipulation of reported earnings; (v) retroactive review of bonuses, retention awards and other compensation previously provided by TARP recipients if found by the U.S. Treasury to be inconsistent with the purposes of TARP or otherwise contrary to the public interest; (vi) establishment of a companywide policy regarding ‘‘excessive or luxury expenditures,’’ and (vii) inclusion in a participant’s proxy statements for annual stockholder meetings of a non-binding ‘‘Say on Pay’’ stockholder vote on the compensation of executives. The Company complied with the executive compensation requirements through March 7, 2012, the date of the Company’s repurchase of the Series A Preferred Stock, and has certified as to such compliance in the exhibits attached to this report pursuant to Section 111(b) of EESA. On March 7, 2012, the Company repurchased all shares of the Series A Preferred Stock in the aggregate amount of $40 million and paid a final dividend to the U.S. Treasury of $122,000. At the time the Company repurchased the Series A Preferred Stock, it did not repurchase the related warrant. The warrant was outstanding as of the date of this report. For complete discussion and disclosure see ‘‘Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Capital Resources’’ presented elsewhere in this report. Supervision and Regulation Introduction Banking is a complex, highly regulated industry. The primary goals of the regulatory scheme are to maintain a safe and sound banking system, protect depositors and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation’s (‘‘FDIC’’) insurance fund, and facilitate the conduct of sound monetary policy. In furtherance of these goals, Congress and the states have created several largely autonomous regulatory agencies and enacted numerous laws that govern banks, bank holding companies and the financial services industry. Consequently, the growth and earnings performance of the Company can be affected not only by 13 A n n u a l R e p o r t 16APR2010143726 management decisions and general economic conditions, but also by the requirements of applicable state and federal statues, regulations and the policies of various governmental regulatory authorities, including the Federal Reserve, FDIC, and the DFI. The system of supervision and regulation applicable to financial services businesses governs most aspects of the business of the Company, including: (i) the scope of permissible business; (ii) investments; (iii) reserves that must be maintained against deposits; (iv) capital levels that must be maintained; (v) the nature and amount of collateral that may be taken to secure loans; (vi) the establishment of new branches; (vii) mergers and consolidations with other financial institutions; and (viii) the payment of dividends. Set forth below is a description of the significant elements of the laws and regulations applicable to HCC and HBC. The description is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the statutes, regulations and policies that are described. Also, such statutes, regulations and policies are continually under review by the U.S. Congress and state legislatures and federal and state regulatory agencies. A change in statutes, regulations or regulatory policies applicable to HCC or HBC could have a material effect on our business. Heritage Commerce Corp General. As a bank holding company, HCC is registered under the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended (‘‘BHCA’’), and is subject to regulation by the Federal Reserve. Under the BHCA, HCC is subject to periodic examination by the Federal Reserve. HCC is also required to file periodic reports of its operations and any additional information regarding its activities and those of its subsidiaries as may be required by the Federal Reserve. HCC is also a bank holding company within the meaning of Section 3700 of the California Financial Code. Consequently, HCC is subject to examination by, and may be required to file reports with, the DFI. DFI approval may be required for certain mergers and acquisitions. HCC’s stock is traded on the NASDAQ Global Select Market (under the trading symbol ‘‘HTBK’’), and HCC is subject to rules and regulations of The NASDAQ Stock Market, including those related to corporate governance. HCC is also subject to the periodic reporting requirements of Section 13 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the ‘‘Exchange Act’’) which requires HCC to file annual, quarterly and other current reports with the SEC. HCC is subject to additional regulations including, but not limited to, the proxy and tender offer rules promulgated by the SEC under Sections 13 and 14 of the Exchange Act, the reporting requirements of directors, executive officers and principal shareholders regarding transactions in the HCC’s common stock and short swing profits rules promulgated by the SEC under Section 16 of the Exchange Act, and certain additional reporting requirements by principal shareholders of HCC promulgated by the SEC under Section 13 of the Exchange Act. Affiliate Transactions. HCC and HBC are deemed affiliates of each other within the meaning of the Federal Reserve Act, and transactions between affiliates are subject to certain restrictions, including compliance with Sections 23A and 23B of the Federal Reserve Act and their implementing regulations. Generally, Sections 23A and 23B: (i) limit the extent to which a financial institution or its subsidiaries may engage in covered transactions (A) with an affiliate (as defined in such sections) to an amount equal to 10% of such institution’s capital and surplus; and (B) with all affiliates, in the aggregate to an amount equal to 20% of such capital and surplus; and (ii) require all transactions with an affiliate, whether or not covered transactions, to be on terms substantially the same, or at least as favorable to the institution or subsidiary, as the terms provided or that would be provided to a non-affiliate. Dodd-Frank enhances the requirements for certain transactions with affiliates under Sections 23A and 23B, including an expansion of the definition of ‘‘covered transactions’’ and increasing the amount of time for which collateral requirements regarding covered transactions must be maintained. The term ‘‘covered transaction’’ includes the making of loans, purchase of assets, issuance of a guarantee and other similar types of transactions. 14 Source of Strength Doctrine. Federal Reserve policy requires bank holding companies to act as a source of financial and managerial strength to their subsidiary banks. Under this policy, the holding company is expected to commit resources to support its bank subsidiary, including at times when the holding company may not be in a financial position to provide it. It is the Federal Reserve’s position that bank holding companies should stand ready to use their available resources to provide adequate capital to their subsidiary banks during periods of financial stress or adversity. Bank holding companies must also maintain the financial flexibility and capital raising capacity to obtain additional resources for assisting their subsidiary bank. Any capital loans by a bank holding company to its subsidiary bank are subordinate in right of payment to deposits and to certain other indebtedness of such subsidiary bank. The BHCA provides that, in the event of a bank holding company’s bankruptcy, any commitment by the bank holding company to a federal bank regulatory agency to maintain the capital of a bank subsidiary will be assumed by the bankruptcy trustee and entitled to priority of payment. Dodd-Frank has added additional guidance regarding the source of strength doctrine and had directed the regulatory agencies to promulgate new regulations to increase the capital requirements for bank holding companies to a level that matches those of banking institutions. Investments and Acquisition of other Banks. Subject to certain exceptions, the BHCA and the Change in Bank Control Act of 1978, together with the applicable regulations, require Federal Reserve approval (or, depending on the circumstances, no notice of disapproval) prior to any person or company acquiring ‘‘control’’ of a bank or bank holding company. A conclusive presumption of control exists if an individual or company acquires the power, directly or indirectly, to direct the management or policies of an insured depository institution or to vote 25% or more of any class of voting securities of any insured depository institution. A rebuttable presumption of control exists if a person or company acquires 10% or more but less than 25% of any class of voting securities of an insured depository institution and either the institution has registered securities under the Exchange Act, or no other person will own a greater percentage of that class of voting securities immediately after the acquisition. Our common stock is registered under Section 12 of the Exchange Act. As a bank holding company, we are required to obtain prior approval from the Federal Reserve before: (i) acquiring all or substantially all of the assets of a bank or bank holding company; (ii) acquiring direct or indirect ownership or control of more than 5% of the outstanding voting stock of any bank or bank holding company (unless we own a majority of such bank’s voting shares); or (iii) merging or consolidating with any other bank or bank holding company. In determining whether to approve a proposed bank acquisition, federal bank regulators will consider, among other factors, the effect of the acquisition on competition, the public benefits expected to be received from the acquisition, the projected capital ratios and levels on a post-acquisition basis, and the acquiring institution’s record of addressing the credit needs of the communities it serves, including the needs of low and moderate income neighborhoods, consistent with the safe and sound operation of the bank under the Community Reinvestment Act of 1977 (‘‘CRA’’). Tie-in Arrangements. Federal law prohibits a bank holding company and any subsidiary banks from engaging in certain tie-in arrangements in connection with the extension of credit. Thus, for example, HBC may not extend credit, lease or sell property, or furnish any services, or fix or vary the consideration for any of the foregoing on the condition that: (i) the customer must obtain or provide some additional credit, property or services from or to HBC other than a loan, discount, deposit or trust services; (ii) the customer must obtain or provide some additional credit, property or service from or to HCC or HBC; or (iii) the customer must not obtain some other credit, property or services from competitors, except reasonable requirements to assure soundness of credit extended. Interstate Banking and Branching. The Riegle-Neal Interstate Banking and Branching Efficiency Act of 1994 (the ‘‘Interstate Banking Act’’) regulates the interstate activities of banks and bank holding companies and establishes a framework for nationwide interstate banking and branching. Dodd-Frank 15 A n n u a l R e p o r t 16APR2010143726 eliminates interstate branching restrictions that were implemented as part of the Interstate Banking Act, and removes many restrictions on de novo interstate branching by national and state chartered banks. In 1995, California enacted legislation to implement important provisions of the Interstate Banking Act discussed above and to repeal California’s previous interstate banking laws, which were largely preempted by the Interstate Banking Act. The changes effected by the Interstate Banking Act and California laws have increased competition in the environment in which the Company operates to the extent that out of state financial institutions directly or indirectly enter the Company’s market areas. It appears that the Interstate Banking Act has contributed to accelerated consolidation within the banking industry. Permitted Activities. Bank holding companies are limited to managing or controlling banks, furnishing services to or performing services for its subsidiaries, and engaging in other activities that the Federal Reserve determines by regulation or order to be so closely related to banking or managing or controlling banks as to be a proper incident thereto. In determining whether a particular activity is permissible, the Federal Reserve must consider whether the performance of such an activity reasonably can be expected to produce benefits to the public that outweigh possible adverse effects. Possible benefits include greater convenience, increased competition, and gains in efficiency. Possible adverse effects include undue concentration of resources, decreased or unfair competition, conflicts of interest, and unsound banking practices. Despite prior approval, the Federal Reserve may order a bank holding company or its subsidiaries to terminate any activity or to terminate ownership or control of any subsidiary when the Federal Reserve has reasonable cause to believe that a serious risk to the financial safety, soundness or stability of any bank subsidiary of that bank holding company may result from such an activity. Financial Modernization. The Gramm - Leach - Bliley Act (the ‘‘GLBA’’), which became effective in March 2000, permits greater affiliation among banks, securities firms, insurance companies, and other companies under a new type of financial services company known as a ‘‘financial holding company.’’ A financial holding company essentially is a bank holding company with significantly expanded powers. Financial holding companies are authorized by statute to engage in a number of financial activities previously impermissible for bank holding companies, including securities underwriting, dealing and market making; sponsoring mutual funds and investment companies; insurance underwriting and agency; and merchant banking activities. The GLBA also permits the Federal Reserve and the U.S. Treasury to authorize additional activities for financial holding companies if they are ‘‘financial in nature’’ or ‘‘incidental’’ to financial activities. A bank holding company may become a financial holding company if each of its subsidiary banks is well capitalized, well managed, and, except in limited circumstances, in satisfactory compliance with the CRA. A financial holding company must provide notice to the Federal Reserve within 30 days after commencing activities previously determined by statute or by the Federal Reserve and U.S. Treasury to be permissible. HCC has not and has no present plans to submit notice to the Federal Reserve to be a financial holding company. In addition, HBC is subject to other provisions of the GLBA, including those relating to CRA, privacy and the safe-guarding of confidential customer information, regardless of whether HCC elects to become a financial holding company or to conduct activities through a financial subsidiary of HBC. The Company does not believe that the GLBA has had, or will have in the near term, a material adverse effect on its operations. However, to the extent that it permits banks, securities firms, and insurance companies to affiliate, the financial services industry may experience further consolidation. The GLBA is intended to grant to community banks certain powers as a matter of right that larger institutions have accumulated on an ad hoc basis. Nevertheless, the GLBA may have the result of increasing the amount of competition from larger institutions and other types of companies offering financial products, many of which may have substantially more financial resources than HCC and HBC. 16 The Sarbanes Oxley Act of 2002. The Sarbanes Oxley Act of 2002 (‘‘SOX’’) became effective on July 30, 2002, and represents the most far reaching corporate and accounting reform legislation since the enactment of the Securities Act of 1933 and the Exchange Act. SOX is intended to provide a permanent framework that improves the quality of independent audits and accounting services, improves the quality of financial reporting, strengthens the independence of accounting firms and increases the responsibility of management for corporate disclosures and financial statements. SOX’s provisions are significant to all companies that have a class of securities registered under Section 12 of the Exchange Act, or are otherwise reporting to the SEC (or the appropriate federal banking agency) pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act, including HCC (collectively, ‘‘public companies’’). In addition to SEC rulemaking to implement SOX, The NASDAQ Stock Market has adopted corporate governance rules intended to allow shareholders to more easily and effectively monitor the performance of companies and directors. The principal provisions of SOX provide for and include, among other things: (i) the creation of an independent accounting oversight board; (ii) auditor independence provisions that restrict non-audit services that accountants may provide to their audit clients; (iii) additional corporate governance and responsibility measures, including the requirement that the chief executive officer and chief financial officer of a public company certify financial statements; (iv) the forfeiture of bonuses or other incentive based compensation and profits from the sale of a public company’s securities by directors and senior officers in the twelve month period following initial publication of any financial statements that later require restatement; (v) an increase in the oversight of, and enhancement of certain requirements relating to, audit committees of public companies and how they interact with the public company’s independent auditors; (vi) requirements that audit committee members must be independent and are barred from accepting consulting, advisory or other compensatory fees from the public company; (vii) requirements that public companies disclose whether at least one member of the audit committee is a ‘‘financial expert’ (as such term is defined by the SEC) and if not discuss, why the audit committee does not have a financial expert; (viii) expanded disclosure requirements for corporate insiders, including accelerated reporting of stock transactions by insiders and a prohibition on insider trading during pension blackout periods; (ix) a prohibition on personal loans to directors and officers, except certain loans made by insured financial institutions on non-preferential terms and in compliance with other bank regulatory requirements; (x) disclosure of a code of ethics and filing a Form 8-K for a change or waiver of such code; (xi) a range of enhanced penalties for fraud and other violations; and (xii) expanded disclosure and certification relating to a public company’s disclosure controls and procedures and internal controls over financial reporting. Heritage Bank of Commerce General. As a California commercial bank whose deposits are insured by the FDIC, HBC is subject to regulation, supervision, and regular examination by the DFI and by the Federal Reserve, as HBC’s primary Federal regulator, and must additionally comply with certain applicable regulations of the Federal Reserve. Specific federal and state laws and regulations which are applicable to banks regulate, among other things, the scope of their business, their investments, their reserves against deposits, the timing of the availability of deposited funds, their activities relating to dividends, investments, loans, the nature and amount of and collateral for certain loans, borrowings, capital requirements, certain check-clearing activities, branching, and mergers and acquisitions. California banks are also subject to statutes and regulations including Federal Reserve Regulation O and Federal Reserve Act Sections 23A and 23B and Regulation W, which restrict or limit loans or extensions of credit to ‘‘insiders’’, including officers, directors and principal shareholders, and loans or extension of credit by banks to affiliates or purchases of assets from affiliates, including parent bank holding companies, except pursuant to certain exceptions and terms and conditions at least as favorable to those prevailing for comparable transactions with unaffiliated parties. Dodd-Frank expanded definitions and restrictions on transactions with affiliates and insiders under Section 23A and 23B and also lending limits for derivative transactions, repurchase agreements and securities lending and borrowing transactions. 17 A n n u a l R e p o r t 16APR2010143726 Pursuant to the Federal Deposit Insurance Act (‘‘FDIA’’) and the California Financial Code, California state chartered commercial banks may generally engage in any activity permissible for national banks. Therefore, HBC may form subsidiaries to engage in the many so-called ‘‘closely related to banking’’ or ‘‘nonbanking’’ activities commonly conducted by national banks in operating subsidiaries or subsidiaries of bank holding companies. Further, pursuant to GLBA, California banks may conduct certain ‘‘financial’’ activities in a subsidiary to the same extent as may a national bank, provided the bank is and remains ‘‘well-capitalized,’’ ‘‘well-managed’’ and in satisfactory compliance with the CRA. HBC is a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank (‘‘FHLB’’) of San Francisco. Among other benefits, each FHLB serves as a reserve or central bank for its members within its assigned region and makes available loans or advances to its members. Each FHLB is financed primarily from the sale of consolidated obligations of the FHLB system. As an FHLB member, HBC is required to own a certain amount of capital stock in the FHLB. At December 31, 2011, HBC was in compliance with the FHLB’s stock ownership requirement. Federal Reserve stock is carried at cost and may be sold back to the Federal Reserve at its carrying value. Cash dividends received are reported as income. Depositor Preference. In the event of the ‘‘liquidation or other resolution’’ of an insured depository institution, the claims of depositors of the institution, including the claims of the FDIC as subrogee of insured depositors, and certain claims for administrative expenses of the FDIC as a receiver, will have priority over other general unsecured claims against the institution. If an insured depository institution fails, insured and uninsured depositors, along with the FDIC, will have priority in payment ahead of unsecured, non-deposit creditors, including the parent bank holding company, with respect to any extensions of credit they have made to such insured depository institution. Community Reinvestment Act. The CRA is intended to encourage insured depository institutions, while operating safely and soundly, to help meet the credit needs of their communities. The CRA specifically directs the federal bank regulatory agencies, in examining insured depository institutions, to assess their record of helping to meet the credit needs of their entire community, including low- and moderate-income neighborhoods, consistent with safe and sound banking practices. The CRA further requires the agencies to take a financial institution’s record of meeting its community credit needs into account when evaluating applications for, among other things, domestic branches, consummating mergers or acquisitions, or holding company formations. The federal banking agencies have adopted regulations which measure a bank’s compliance with its CRA obligations on a performance based evaluation system. This system bases CRA ratings on an institution’s actual lending service and investment performance rather than the extent to which the institution conducts needs assessments, documents community outreach or complies with other procedural requirements. The ratings range from ‘‘outstanding’’ to a low of ‘‘substantial noncompliance.’’ HBC had a CRA rating of ‘‘satisfactory’’ as of its most recent regulatory examination. Other Consumer Protection Laws and Regulations. The bank regulatory agencies are increasingly focusing attention on compliance with consumer protection laws and regulations. Banks have been advised to carefully monitor compliance with various consumer protection laws and regulations. The Federal Interagency Task Force on Fair Lending issued a policy statement on discrimination in home mortgage lending describing three methods that federal agencies will use to prove discrimination: overt evidence of discrimination, evidence of disparate treatment, and evidence of disparate impact. In addition to CRA and fair lending requirements, HBC is subject to numerous other federal consumer protection statutes and regulations. Due to heightened regulatory concern related to compliance with consumer protection laws and regulations generally, HBC may incur additional compliance costs or be required to expend additional funds for investments in the local communities it serves. Environmental Regulation. Federal, state and local laws and regulations regarding the discharge of harmful materials into the environment may have an impact on HBC. Since HBC is not involved in any 18 business that manufactures, uses or transports chemicals, waste, pollutants or toxins that might have a material adverse effect on the environment, HBC’s primary exposure to environmental laws is through its lending activities and through properties or businesses HBC may own, lease or acquire. Based on a general survey of HBC’s loan portfolio, conversations with local appraisers and the type of lending currently and historically done by HBC, management is not aware of any potential liability for hazardous waste contamination that would be reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on the Company as of December 31, 2011. Safeguarding of Customer Information and Privacy. The Federal Reserve and other bank regulatory agencies have adopted guidelines for safeguarding confidential, personal customer information. These guidelines require financial institutions to create, implement and maintain a comprehensive written information security program designed to ensure the security and confidentiality of customer information, protect against any anticipated threats or hazards to the security or integrity of such information and protect against unauthorized access to or use of such information that could result in substantial harm or inconvenience to any customer. HBC has adopted a customer information security program to comply with such requirements. Financial institutions are also required to implement policies and procedures regarding the disclosure of nonpublic personal information about consumers to non-affiliated third parties. In general, financial institutions must provide explanations to consumers on policies and procedures regarding the disclosure of such nonpublic personal information, and, except as otherwise required by law, prohibits disclosing such information except as provided in HBC’s policies and procedures. HBC has implemented privacy policies addressing these restrictions which are distributed regularly to all existing and new customers of HBC. USA Patriot Act of 2001. On October 26, 2001, President Bush signed the USA Patriot Act of 2001 (the ‘‘Patriot Act’’). Enacted in response to the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, the Patriot Act is intended to strengthen the ability of U.S. law enforcement agencies and intelligence communities to work cohesively to combat terrorism on a variety of fronts. The impact of the Patriot Act on financial institutions of all kinds has been significant and wide-ranging. The Patriot Act substantially enhanced existing anti-money laundering and financial transparency laws, and required appropriate regulatory authorities to adopt rules to promote cooperation among financial institutions, regulators, and law enforcement entities in identifying parties that may be involved in terrorism or money laundering. Under the Patriot Act, financial institutions are subject to prohibitions regarding specified financial transactions and account relationships, as well as enhanced due diligence and ‘‘know your customer’’ standards in their dealings with foreign financial institutions and foreign customers. For example, the enhanced due diligence policies, procedures, and controls generally require financial institutions to take reasonable steps: (cid:127) to conduct enhanced scrutiny of account relationships to guard against money laundering and report any suspicious transactions; (cid:127) to ascertain the identity of the nominal and beneficial owners of, and the source of funds deposited into, each account as needed to guard against money laundering and report any suspicious transactions; (cid:127) to ascertain for any foreign bank, the shares of which are not publicly traded, the identity of the owners of the foreign bank, and the nature and extent of the ownership interest of each such owner; and (cid:127) to ascertain whether any foreign bank provides correspondent accounts to other foreign banks and, if so, the identity of those foreign banks and related due diligence information. The Patriot Act also requires all financial institutions to establish anti-money laundering programs, which must include, at a minimum: (cid:127) the development of internal policies, procedures, and controls; 19 A n n u a l R e p o r t 16APR2010143726 (cid:127) the designation of a compliance officer; (cid:127) an ongoing employee training program; and (cid:127) an independent audit function to test the programs. Material deficiencies in anti-money laundering compliance can result in public enforcement actions by the banking agencies, including the imposition of civil money penalties and supervisory restrictions on growth and expansion. Such enforcement actions could also have serious reputation consequences for the Company. Office of Foreign Assets Control Regulation. The United States has imposed economic sanctions that affect transactions with designated foreign countries, nationals and others. These are typically known as the ‘‘OFAC’’ rules based on their administration by the U.S. Treasury Department Office of Foreign Assets Control (the ‘‘OFAC’’). The OFAC-administered sanctions targeting countries take many different forms. Generally, however, they contain one or more of the following elements: (i) restrictions on trade with or investment in a sanctioned country, including prohibitions against direct or indirect imports from and exports to a sanctioned country and prohibitions on ‘‘U.S. persons’’ engaging in financial transactions relating to making investments in, or providing investment related advice or assistance to, a sanctioned country; and (ii) a blocking of assets in which the government or specially designated nationals of the sanctioned country have an interest, by prohibiting transfers of property subject to U.S. jurisdiction (including property in the possession or control of U.S. persons). Blocked assets (e.g., property and bank deposits) cannot be paid out, withdrawn, set off or transferred in any manner without a license from the OFAC. Failure to comply with these sanctions could have serious legal and reputational consequences. Enforcement Authority The federal and California regulatory structure gives the bank regulatory agencies extensive discretion in connection with their supervisory and enforcement activities and examination policies, including policies with respect to the classification of assets and the establishment of adequate loan loss reserves for regulatory purposes. The regulatory agencies have adopted guidelines to assist in identifying and addressing potential safety and soundness concerns before an institution’s capital becomes impaired. The guidelines establish operational and managerial standards generally relating to: (i) internal controls, information systems, and internal audit systems; (ii) loan documentation; (iii) credit underwriting; (iv) interest-rate exposure; (v) asset growth and asset quality; and (vi) compensation, fees, and benefits. Further, the regulatory agencies have adopted safety and soundness guidelines for asset quality and for evaluating and monitoring earnings to ensure that earnings are sufficient for the maintenance of adequate capital and reserves. If, as a result of an examination, the DFI or the Federal Reserve should determine that the financial condition, capital resources, asset quality, earnings prospects, management, liquidity, or other aspects of HBC’s operations are unsatisfactory or that HBC or its management is violating or has violated any law or regulation, the DFI and the Federal Reserve, and separately the FDIC as insurer of the HBC’s deposits, have residual authority to: (cid:127) Require affirmative action to correct any conditions resulting from any violation or practice; (cid:127) Direct an increase in capital and the maintenance of higher specific minimum capital ratios, which may preclude HBC from being deemed well capitalized and restrict its ability to accept certain brokered deposits; (cid:127) Restrict HBC’s growth geographically, by products and services, or by mergers and acquisitions, including bidding in FDIC receiverships for failed banks; (cid:127) Enter into or issue informal or formal enforcement actions, including required Board of Directors’ resolutions, memoranda of understanding, written agreements and consent or cease and desist 20 orders or prompt corrective action orders to take corrective action and cease unsafe and unsound practices; (cid:127) Require prior approval of senior executive officer or director changes; remove officers and directors and assess civil monetary penalties; and (cid:127) Take possession of and close and liquidate HBC or appoint the FDIC as receiver. Deposit Insurance The FDIC is an independent federal agency that insures deposits, up to prescribed statutory limits, of federally insured banks and savings institutions and safeguards the safety and soundness of the banking and savings industries. The FDIC insures our customer deposits through the Deposit Insurance Fund (the ‘‘DIF’’) up to prescribed limits for each depositor. Pursuant to Dodd-Frank, the maximum deposit insurance amount has been permanently increased to $250,000 and all non-interest-bearing transaction accounts are insured through December 31, 2012. The amount of FDIC assessments paid by each DIF member institution is based on its relative risk of default as measured by regulatory capital ratios and other supervisory factors. Due to the increased number of bank failures and losses incurred by DIF, as well as the recent extraordinary programs in which the FDIC has been involved to support the banking industry generally, the FDIC’s DIF was substantially depleted and the FDIC has incurred substantially increased operating costs. In November, 2009, the FDIC adopted a requirement for institutions to prepay in 2009 their estimated quarterly risk-based assessments for the fourth quarter of 2009 and for all of 2010, 2011, and 2012. HBC was exempted from the prepayment requirement by the FDIC. As required by Dodd-Frank, the FDIC adopted a new DIF restoration plan which became effective on January 1, 2011. Among other things, the plan: (i) raises the minimum designated reserve ratio, which the FDIC is required to set each year, to 1.35% (from the former minimum of 1.15%) and removes the upper limit on the designated reserve ratio (which was formerly capped at 1.5%) and consequently on the size of the DIF; (ii) requires that the fund reserve ratio reach 1.35% by September 30, 2020; (iii) eliminates the requirement that the FDIC provide dividends from the DIF when the reserve ratio is between 1.35% and 1.5%; and (iv) continues the FDIC’s authority to declare dividends when the reserve ratio at the end of a calendar year is at least 1.5%, but grants the FDIC sole discretion in determining whether to suspend or limit the declaration or payment of dividends. The FDIA continues to require that the FDIC’s Board of Directors consider the appropriate level for the designated reserve ratio annually and, if changing the designated reserve ratio, engage in notice-and-comment rulemaking before the beginning of the calendar year. The FDIC has set a long-term goal of getting its reserve ratio up to 2% of insured deposits by 2027. In connection with these changes, we expect our FDIC deposit insurance premiums to increase. On February 7, 2011, the FDIC approved a final rule, as mandated by Dodd-Frank, changing the deposit insurance assessment system from one that is based on total domestic deposits to one that is based on average consolidated total assets minus average tangible equity. In addition, the final rule creates a scorecard-based assessment system for larger banks (those with more than $10 billion in assets) and suspends dividend payments if the DIF reserve ratio exceeds 1.5%, but provides for decreasing assessment rates when the DIF reserve ratio reaches certain thresholds. Larger insured depository institutions will likely pay higher assessments to the DIF than under the old system. Additionally, the final rule includes a new adjustment for depository institution debt whereby an institution would pay an additional premium equal to 50 basis points on every dollar of long-term, unsecured debt held as an asset that was issued by another insured depository institution (excluding debt guaranteed under the Transaction Account Guaranty Program) to the extent that all such debt exceeds 3% of the other insured depository institution’s Tier 1 capital. The new rule became effective for the quarter beginning April 1, 2011. A n n u a l R e p o r t 16APR2010143726 21 Our FDIC insurance expense totaled $1.3 million for 2011. FDIC insurance expense includes deposit insurance assessments and Financing Corporation (‘‘FICO’’) assessments related to outstanding FICO bonds to fund interest payments on bonds to recapitalize the predecessor to the DIF. These assessments will continue until the FICO bonds mature in 2017. The FICO assessment rates, which are determined quarterly, was 0.00250% of insured deposits for the first quarter of fiscal 2011 and 0.00170% of average total assets less average tangible equity for the second quarter of 2011, and 0.00165% of average total assets less average tangible equity for the third quarter of 2011. As of the date of this report, the Company had not received the FICO assessment for the fourth quarter of 2011. We are generally unable to control the amount of premiums that we are required to pay for FDIC insurance. If there are additional bank or financial institution failures or if the FDIC otherwise determines, we may be required to pay even higher FDIC premiums than the recently increased levels. These announced increases and any future increases in FDIC insurance premiums may have a material and adverse effect on our earnings and could have a material adverse effect on the value of, or market for, our common stock. The FDIC may terminate a depository institution’s deposit insurance upon a finding that the institution’s financial condition is unsafe or unsound or that the institution has engaged in unsafe or unsound practices that pose a risk to the DIF or that may prejudice the interest of the bank’s depositors. The termination of deposit insurance for a bank would also result in the revocation of the bank’s charter by the DFI. Capital Adequacy Requirements Bank holding companies and banks are subject to various regulatory capital requirements administered by state and federal banking agencies. Increased capital requirements are expected as a result of expanded authority set forth in Dodd-Frank and the Basel III international supervisory developments discussed below. Capital adequacy guidelines and, additionally for banks, prompt corrective action regulations involve quantitative measures of assets, liabilities, and certain off-balance sheet items calculated under regulatory accounting practices. Capital amounts and classifications are also subject to qualitative judgments by regulators about components, risk weighting, and other factors. See ‘‘Item 7 — Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Capital Resources.’’ The current risk-based capital guidelines for bank holding companies and banks adopted by the federal banking agencies are intended to provide a measure of capital that reflects the degree of risk associated with a banking organization’s operations for both transactions reported on the balance sheet as assets, such as loans, and those recorded as off-balance sheet items, such as commitments, letters of credit and recourse arrangements. The risk-based capital ratio is determined by classifying assets and certain off-balance sheet financial instruments into weighted categories, with higher levels of capital being required for those categories perceived as representing greater risks and dividing its qualifying capital by its total risk-adjusted assets and off-balance sheet items. Bank holding companies and banks engaged in significant trading activity may also be subject to the market risk capital guidelines and be required to incorporate additional market and interest rate risk components into their risk-based capital standards. Qualifying capital is classified depending on the type of capital: (cid:127) ‘‘Tier 1 capital’’ currently includes common equity and trust preferred securities, subject to certain criteria and quantitative limits. The capital received from trust preferred offerings also qualifies as Tier 1 capital, subject to the new provisions of Dodd-Frank. Under Dodd-Frank, depository institution holding companies with more than $15 billion in total consolidated assets as of December 31, 2009, will no longer be able to include trust preferred securities as Tier 1 regulatory capital after the end of a three-year phase-out period beginning 2013, and would need to replace any outstanding trust preferred securities issued prior to May 19, 2010 with qualifying Tier 1 22 regulatory capital during the phase-out period. For institutions like HCC with less than $15 billion in total consolidated assets, existing trust preferred capital will still qualify as Tier 1. Small bank holding companies with less than $500 million in assets could issue new trust preferred which could still qualify as Tier 1; however, the market for any new trust preferred capital raises is uncertain. (cid:127) ‘‘Tier 2 capital’’ includes hybrid capital instruments, other qualifying debt instruments, a limited amount of the allowance for loan and lease losses, and a limited amount of unrealized holding gains on equity securities. Following the phase-out period under Dodd-Frank, trust preferred securities will be treated as Tier 2 capital for those financial institutions with consolidated assets in excess of $15 billion. (cid:127) ‘‘Tier 3 capital’’ consists of qualifying unsecured debt. The sum of Tier 2 and Tier 3 capital may not exceed the amount of Tier 1 capital. Under the current capital guidelines, there are three fundamental capital ratios: a total risk-based capital ratio, a Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio and a Tier 1 leverage ratio. To be deemed ‘‘well capitalized’’ a bank must have a total risk-based capital ratio and a Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio and a Tier 1 leverage ratio of at least 10% and 6%, respectively. At December 31, 2011, the respective capital ratios of HCC and HBC exceeded the minimum percentage requirements to be deemed ‘‘well-capitalized’’ under the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action. As of December 31, 2011, HBC’s total risk-based capital ratio was 19.7% and its Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio was 18.5%. As of December 31, 2011, HCC’s total risk-based capital ratio was 21.9% and its Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio was 20.6%. HCC and HBC are also required to comply with minimum leverage ratio requirements. The leverage ratio is the ratio of a banking organization’s Tier 1 capital to its total adjusted quarterly average assets (as defined for regulatory purposes). The requirements necessitate a minimum leverage ratio of 3.0% for bank holding companies and banks that either have the highest supervisory rating or have implemented the appropriate federal regulatory authority’s risk-adjusted measure for market risk. All other bank holding companies and banks are required to maintain a minimum leverage ratio of 4.0%, unless a different minimum is specified by an appropriate regulatory authority. For a depository institution to be considered ‘‘well capitalized’’ under the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action, its leverage ratio must be at least 5.0%. As of December 31, 2011, HBC’s leverage capital ratio was 13.7%, and HCC’s leverage capital ratio was 15.3%, both ratios exceeding regulatory minimums. The federal banking agencies may change existing capital guidelines or adopt new capital guidelines in the future and have required many banks and bank holding companies subject to enforcement actions to maintain capital ratios in excess of the minimum ratios otherwise required to be deemed well capitalized, in which case institutions may no longer be deemed well capitalized and may therefore be subject to restrictions on taking brokered deposits. Basel Accords The federal bank regulatory authorities’ risk-based capital guidelines are based upon the 1988 capital accord (referred to as ‘‘Basel I’’) of the International Basel Committee on Banking Supervision (‘‘Basel Committee’’). The Basel Committee is a committee of central banks and bank supervisors/regulators from the major industrialized countries that develops broad policy guidelines for use by each country’s supervisors in determining the supervisory policies they apply. A new framework and accord referred to as Basel II evolved from 2004 to 2006 out of the efforts to revise capital adequacy standards for internationally active banks. Basel II emphasizes internal assessment of credit, market and operational risk; supervisory assessment and market discipline in determining minimum capital requirements and became mandatory for large or ‘‘core’’ international banks outside the United States in 2008 (total assets of $250 billion or more or consolidated foreign exposures of $10 billion or more). Basel II was optional for others, and if adopted, must first be complied with in a ‘‘parallel run’’ for two years along with the existing 23 A n n u a l R e p o r t 16APR2010143726 Basel I standards. The Company is not required to comply with Basel II and has not elected to apply the Basel II standards. The United States federal banking agencies issued a proposed rule for banking organizations that do not use the ‘‘advanced approaches’’ under Basel II. While this proposed rule generally parallels the relevant approaches under Basel II, it diverges where United States markets have unique characteristics and risk profiles. A definitive final rule has not yet been issued. The United States banking agencies indicated, however, that they would retain the minimum leverage requirement for all United States banks. In June 2008, the federal banking agencies issued a proposed rule for banking organizations that do not use the ‘‘advanced approaches’’ of Basel II with the option to adopt a method to determine required regulatory capital that is more risk sensitive than the current Basel I-based rules. The proposed standardized framework addresses: (i) expanding the number of risk-weight categories to which credit exposures may be assigned; (ii) using loan-to-value ratios to risk weight most residential mortgages to enhance the risk sensitivity of the capital requirement; (iii) providing a capital charge for operational risk using the Basic Indicator Approach under the international Basel II capital accord; (iv) emphasizing the importance of a bank’s assessment of its overall risk profile and capital adequacy; and (v) providing for comprehensive disclosure requirements to complement the minimum capital requirements and supervisory process through market discipline. A definitive final rule has not been issued. The United States banking agencies indicated, however, that they would retain the minimum leverage requirement for all United States banks. In response to the economic and financial industry crisis, the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision and their oversight body — the Group of Central Bank Governors and Heads of Supervision (‘‘GHOS’’) — set out in late 2009 to work on global initiatives to strengthen the financial regulatory system. In July 2010, the GHOS agreed on key design elements and in September 2010 agreed to transition and implementation measures. This reform package is known as Basel III, and it is designed to strengthen the regulation, supervision and risk management of the banking sector. In particular, Basel III strengthens existing capital requirements and introduces a global liquidity standard. It is expected that implementation of the higher minimum capital requirements under Basel III will begin on January 1, 2013 as member countries must implement new laws and regulations to implement the Basel III rules. Basel III provides for increases in the minimum Tier 1 common equity ratio and the minimum requirement for the Tier 1 capital ratio. Basel III additionally includes a ‘‘capital conservation buffer’’ on top of the minimum requirement designed to absorb losses in periods of financial and economic distress; and an additional required countercyclical buffer percentage to be implemented according to a particular nation’s circumstances. These capital requirements are further supplemented under Basel III by a non-risk-based leverage ratio. The Basel III liquidity proposals have three main elements: (i) a ‘‘liquidity coverage ratio’’ designed to meet the bank’s liquidity needs over a 30-day time horizon under an acute liquidity stress scenario; (ii) a ‘‘net stable funding ratio’’ designed to promote more medium and long-term funding over a one-year time horizon; and (iii) a set of monitoring tools that the Basel Committee indicates should be considered as the minimum types of information that banks should report to supervisors. Final provisions to the Basel Committee’s Basel III proposals are projected to be implemented by December 31, 2012. Implementation of Basel III in the United States will require regulations and guidelines by United States banking regulators, which may differ in significant ways from the recommendations published by the Basel Committee. It is unclear how United States banking regulators will define ‘‘well-capitalized’’ in their implementation of Basel III and to what extent and when smaller banking organizations in the United States will be subject to these regulations and guidelines. Basel III standards, if adopted, would lead to significantly higher capital requirements, higher capital charges and more restrictive leverage and liquidity ratios. 24 Although Basel III is intended to be implemented by participating countries for large, internationally active banks, its provisions are likely to be considered by United States banking regulators in developing new regulations applicable to other banks in the United States, including HBC. United States banking regulators must also implement Basel III in conjunction with the provisions of Dodd-Frank. The regulations ultimately applicable to the Company may be substantially different from the Basel III final framework. Requirements to maintain higher levels of capital or to maintain higher levels of liquid assets could adversely impact the Company’s net income and return on equity. Prompt Corrective Action Provisions The FDIA provides a framework for regulation of depository institutions and their affiliates, including parent holding companies, by their federal banking regulators. Among other things, it requires the relevant federal banking regulator to take ‘‘prompt corrective action’’ with respect to a depository institution if that institution does not meet certain capital adequacy standards, including requiring the prompt submission of an acceptable capital restoration plan. Supervisory actions by the appropriate federal banking regulator under the prompt corrective action rules generally depend upon an institution’s classification within five capital categories as defined in the regulations. The relevant capital measures are the capital ratio, the Tier 1 capital ratio, and the leverage ratio. The federal banking agencies have also adopted non-capital safety and soundness standards to assist examiners in identifying and addressing potential safety and soundness concerns before capital becomes impaired. These include operational and managerial standards relating to: (i) internal controls, information systems and internal audit systems; (ii) loan documentation; (iii) credit underwriting; (iv) asset quality and growth; (v) earnings; (vi) risk management; and (vii) compensation and benefits. A depository institution’s category of compliance under the prompt corrective action regulations will depend upon how its capital levels compare with various relevant capital measures and the other factors established by the regulations. A bank will be: (cid:127) ‘‘well capitalized’’ if the institution has a total risk-based capital ratio of 10.0% or greater, a Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of 6.0% or greater, and a leverage ratio of 5.0% or greater, and is not subject to any order or written directive by any such regulatory authority to meet and maintain a specific capital level for any capital measure; (cid:127) ‘‘adequately capitalized’’ if the institution has a total risk-based capital ratio of 8.0% or greater, a Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of 4.0% or greater, and a leverage ratio of 4.0% or greater (or 3% if the institution receives the highest rating from its primary regulator) and is not ‘‘well capitalized’’; (cid:127) ‘‘undercapitalized’’ if the institution has a total risk-based capital ratio that is less than 8.0%, a Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of less than 4.0%, or a leverage ratio of less than 4.0% (or 3% if the institution receives the highest rating from its primary regulator); (cid:127) ‘‘significantly undercapitalized’’ if the institution has a total risk-based capital ratio of less than 6.0%, a Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of less than 3.0%, or a leverage ratio of less than 3.0%; and (cid:127) ‘‘critically undercapitalized’’ if the institution’s tangible equity is equal to or less than 2.0% of average quarterly tangible assets. An institution may be downgraded to, or deemed to be in, a capital category that is lower than indicated by its capital ratios if it is determined to be in an unsafe or unsound condition or if it receives an unsatisfactory examination rating with respect to certain matters. The FDIA generally prohibits a depository institution from making any capital distributions (including payment of a dividend) or paying any management fee to its parent holding company if the depository institution would thereafter be ‘‘undercapitalized.’’ ‘‘Undercapitalized’’ institutions are subject to growth limitations and are required to submit a capital restoration plan. The regulatory agencies may not accept 25 A n n u a l R e p o r t 16APR2010143726 such a plan without determining, among other things, that the plan is based on realistic assumptions and is likely to succeed in restoring the depository institution’s capital. In addition, for a capital restoration plan to be acceptable, the depository institution’s parent holding company must guarantee that the institution will comply with such capital restoration plan. The bank holding company must also provide appropriate assurances of performance. The aggregate liability of the parent holding company is limited to the lesser of (i) an amount equal to 5.0% of the depository institution’s total assets at the time it became undercapitalized; and (ii) the amount which is necessary (or would have been necessary) to bring the institution into compliance with all capital standards applicable with respect to such institution as of the time it fails to comply with the plan. If a depository institution fails to submit an acceptable plan, it is treated as if it is ‘‘significantly undercapitalized.’’ ‘‘Significantly undercapitalized’’ depository institutions may be subject to a number of requirements and restrictions, including orders to sell sufficient voting stock to become ‘‘adequately capitalized,’’ requirements to reduce total assets, and cessation of receipt of ‘‘Critically undercapitalized’’ institutions are subject to the deposits from correspondent banks. appointment of a receiver or conservator. The appropriate federal banking agency may, under certain circumstances, reclassify a well-capitalized insured depository institution as adequately capitalized. The FDIA provides that an institution may be reclassified if the appropriate federal banking agency determines (after notice and opportunity for a hearing) that the institution is in an unsafe or unsound condition or deems the institution to be engaging in an unsafe or unsound practice. The appropriate agency is also permitted to require an adequately capitalized or undercapitalized institution to comply with the supervisory provisions as if the institution were in the next lower category (but not treat a significantly undercapitalized institution as critically undercapitalized) based on supervisory information other than the capital levels of the institution. Dividends It is the Federal Reserve’s policy that bank holding companies should generally pay dividends on common stock only out of income available over the past year, and only if prospective earnings retention is consistent with the organization’s expected future needs and financial condition. It is also the Federal Reserve’s policy that bank holding companies should not maintain dividend levels that undermine their ability to be a source of strength to its banking subsidiaries. Additionally, in consideration of the current financial and economic environment, the Federal Reserve has indicated that bank holding companies should carefully review their dividend policy and has discouraged payment ratios that are at maximum allowable levels unless both asset quality and capital are very strong. HBC is a legal entity that is separate and distinct from its holding company. HCC receives income through dividends paid by HBC. Subject to the regulatory restrictions which currently further restrict the ability of HBC to declare and pay dividends, future cash dividends by HBC will depend upon management’s assessment of future capital requirements, contractual restrictions, and other factors. The powers of the Board of Directors of HBC to declare a cash dividend to HCC is subject to California law, which restricts the amount available for cash dividends to the lesser of a bank’s retained earnings or net income for its last three fiscal years (less any distributions to shareholders made during such period). Where this test is not met, cash dividends may still be paid, with the prior approval of the DFI in an amount not exceeding the greatest of (i) retained earnings of the bank; (ii) the net income of the bank for its last fiscal year; or (iii) the net income of the bank for its current fiscal year. A bank may also with the prior approval of the DFI and approval of the bank’s shareholders distribute a dividend in connection with a reduction of capital of the bank. If the DFI determines that the shareholders’ equity of the bank paying the dividend is not adequate or that the payment of the dividend would be unsafe or unsound for the bank, the DFI may order the bank not to pay the dividend. Since HBC is an FDIC-insured institution, it is also possible, depending upon its financial condition and other factors, that the FDIC could assert that the payment of dividends or other payments might, under some circumstances, constitute an unsafe or unsound practice and thereby prohibit such payments. 26 The California General Corporation Law prohibits HCC from making distributions, including dividends, to holders of its common stock or preferred stock unless either of the following tests are satisfied: (i) the amount of retained earnings immediately prior to the distribution equals or exceeds the sum of (A) the amount of the proposed distribution plus (B) any cumulative dividends in arrears on all shares having a preference with respect to the payment of dividends over the class or series to which the applicable distribution is being made; or (ii) immediately after the distribution, the value of HCC’s consolidated assets would equal or exceed the sum of its total liabilities, plus the amounts that would be payable to satisfy the preferential rights of other shareholders upon a dissolution that are superior to the rights of the shareholders receiving the distribution. Under the terms of our trust preferred financings, including our related subordinated debentures, we cannot declare or pay any dividends or distributions (other than stock dividends) on, or redeem, purchase, acquire or make a liquidation payment with respect to, any shares of our capital stock if: (i) an event of default under any of the subordinated debenture agreements has occurred and is continuing; or (ii) if we give notice of our election to begin an extension period whereby we may defer payment of interest on the trust preferred securities for a period of up to sixty consecutive months as long as we are in compliance with all covenants of the agreement. Federal Banking Agency Compensation Guidelines Guidelines adopted by the federal banking agencies prohibit excessive compensation as an unsafe and unsound practice and describe compensation as excessive when the amounts paid are unreasonable or disproportionate to the services performed by an executive officer, employee, director or principal stockholder. In June 2010, the federal bank regulatory agencies jointly issued additional comprehensive guidance on incentive compensation policies (the ‘‘Incentive Compensation Guidance’’) intended to ensure that the incentive compensation policies of banking organizations do not undermine the safety and soundness of such organizations by encouraging excessive risk-taking. The Incentive Compensation Guidance, which covers all employees that have the ability to materially affect the risk profile of an organization, either individually or as part of a group, is based upon the key principles that a banking organization’s incentive compensation arrangements should: (i) provide incentives that do not encourage risk-taking beyond the organization’s ability to effectively identify and manage risks; (ii) be compatible with effective internal controls and risk management; and (iii) be supported by strong corporate governance, including active and effective oversight by the organization’s board of directors. Any deficiencies in compensation practices that are identified may be incorporated into the organization’s supervisory ratings, which can affect its ability to make acquisitions or perform other actions. The Incentive Compensation Guidance provides that enforcement actions may be taken against a banking organization if its incentive compensation arrangements or related risk-management control or governance processes pose a risk to the organization’s safety and soundness and the organization is not taking prompt and effective measures to correct the deficiencies. On February 7, 2011, the Board of Directors of the FDIC approved a joint proposed rule to implement Section 956 of Dodd-Frank for banks with $1 billion or more in assets. Section 956 prohibits incentive-based compensation arrangements that encourage inappropriate risk taking by covered financial institutions and are deemed to be excessive, or that may lead to material losses. The proposed rule would move the U.S. closer to aspects of international compensation standards by: (i) requiring deferral of a substantial portion of incentive compensation for executive officers of particularly large institutions described above; (ii) prohibiting incentive-based compensation arrangements for covered persons that would encourage inappropriate risks by providing excessive compensation; (iii) prohibiting incentive-based compensation arrangements for covered persons that would expose the institution to inappropriate risks by providing compensation that could lead to a material financial loss; (iv) requiring policies and procedures for incentive-based compensation arrangements that are commensurate the size and complexity of the 27 A n n u a l R e p o r t 16APR2010143726 institution; and (v) requiring annual reports on incentive compensation structures to the institution’s appropriate Federal regulator. The scope, content and application of the U.S. banking regulators’ policies on incentive compensation continue to evolve in the aftermath of the economic downturn. It cannot be determined at this time whether compliance with such policies will adversely affect the ability of the Company to hire, retain and motivate key employees. Other Pending and Proposed Legislation Other legislative and regulatory initiatives which could affect HCC, HBC and the banking industry in general may be proposed or introduced before the United States Congress, the California legislature and other governmental bodies in the future. Such proposals, if enacted, may further alter the structure, regulation and competitive relationship among financial institutions, and may subject HCC or HBC to increased regulation, disclosure and reporting requirements. In addition, the various banking regulatory agencies often adopt new rules and regulations to implement and enforce existing legislation. It cannot be predicted whether, or in what form, any such legislation or regulations may be enacted or the extent to which the business of HCC or HBC would be affected thereby. Employees At December 31, 2011, the Company had 189 full-time equivalent employees. The Company’s employees are not represented by any union or collective bargaining agreement and the Company believes its employee relations are satisfactory. ITEM 1A — RISK FACTORS Our business, financial condition and results of operations are subject to various risks, including those discussed below. The risks discussed below are those that we believe are the most significant risks, although additional risks not presently known to us or that we currently deem less significant may also adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations, perhaps materially. Risks Relating to Recent Economic Conditions and Governmental Response Efforts Our business has been and may continue to be adversely affected by conditions in the financial markets and economic conditions generally. Negative developments in 2008 and 2009 in the financial services industry have resulted in uncertainty in the financial markets in general and a related general economic downturn, which have continued through 2011. In addition, as a consequence of the recent U.S. recession, businesses across a wide range of industries have faced serious difficulties due to the decrease in consumer spending, reduced consumer confidence brought on by deflated home prices, among other things, and reduced liquidity in the credit markets. Unemployment also increased significantly over the past several years. As a result of these financial and economic crises, many lending institutions, including HCC, have experienced in recent years declines in the performance of their loans, including construction, land development and land loans, commercial real estate loans and other commercial and consumer loans. Moreover, competition among depository institutions for core deposits and quality loans has increased significantly. In addition, the values of real estate collateral supporting many commercial loans and home mortgages have declined and may continue to decline. Bank and bank holding company stock prices have been negatively affected, and the ability of banks and bank holding companies to raise capital or borrow in the debt markets has been more difficult compared to years prior to the economic downturn. As a result, bank regulatory agencies have been, and are expected to continue to be, very aggressive in responding to concerns and trends identified in examinations, including the issuance of formal or informal enforcement 28 actions or orders. The impact of new legislation in response to these developments may negatively impact our operations by restricting our business operations, including our ability to originate or sell loans, and adversely impact our financial performance or our stock price. In addition, further negative market developments may affect consumer confidence levels and may cause adverse changes in payment patterns, causing increases in delinquencies and default rates, which may impact our charge-offs and provision for loan losses. A worsening of these conditions would likely exacerbate the adverse effects of these difficult market conditions on us and others in the financial services industry. Recent legislative and regulatory initiatives to address difficult market and economic conditions may not stabilize the United States banking system. If current levels of market disruption and volatility continue or worsen, there can be no assurance that we will not experience an adverse effect, which may be material, on our ability to access capital and on our business, financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows. EESA, which established TARP, was signed into law on October 3, 2008. As part of TARP, the U.S. Treasury established the Capital Purchase Program to provide up to $700 billion of funding to eligible financial institutions through the purchase of capital stock and other financial instruments for the purpose of stabilizing and providing liquidity to the United States financial markets. Then, on February 17, 2009, ARRA was signed into law as a sweeping economic recovery package intended to stimulate the economy and provide for broad infrastructure, energy, health, and education needs. There have been numerous actions undertaken in connection with or following EESA and ARRA by the Federal Reserve, Congress, U.S. Treasury, the SEC and the federal bank regulatory agencies in efforts to address the current liquidity and credit crisis in the financial industry that followed the subprime mortgage market meltdown which began in late 2007. These measures included homeowner relief that encourages loan restructuring and modification; the temporary increase in FDIC deposit insurance from $100,000 to $250,000; the establishment of significant liquidity and credit facilities for financial institutions and investment banks; the lowering of the Federal funds rate; emergency action against short selling practices; a temporary guaranty program for money market funds; the establishment of a commercial paper funding facility to provide back-stop liquidity to commercial paper issuers; and coordinated international efforts to address illiquidity and other weaknesses in the banking sector. The purpose of these legislative and regulatory actions is to help stabilize the United States banking system. EESA, ARRA and the other regulatory initiatives described above may not have their desired effects. If the volatility in the markets continues and economic conditions fail to improve or worsen, the Company’s business, financial condition and results of operations could be materially and adversely affected. Additional requirements imposed by the Dodd-Frank Act could adversely affect us. Recent government efforts to strengthen the U.S. financial system have resulted in the imposition of additional regulatory requirements, including expansive financial services regulatory reform legislation. Dodd-Frank sets out sweeping regulatory changes. Changes imposed by Dodd-Frank include, among others: (i) new requirements on banking, derivative and investment activities, including modified capital requirements, the repeal of the prohibition on the payment of interest on business demand accounts, and debit card interchange fee requirements; (ii) corporate governance and executive compensation requirements; (iii) enhanced financial institution safety and soundness regulations, including increases in assessment fees and deposit insurance coverage; and (iv) the establishment of new regulatory bodies, such as the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection. Certain provisions are effective immediately; however, much of the Financial Reform Act is subject to further rulemaking and/or studies and will take effect over several years, making it difficult to anticipate the overall financial impact on us and the financial services industry more generally. Nonetheless, we anticipate increased costs associated with these new regulations. 29 A n n u a l R e p o r t 16APR2010143726 Current and future legal and regulatory requirements, restrictions and regulations, including those imposed under Dodd-Frank, may adversely impact our profitability and may have a material and adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations, may require us to invest significant management attention and resources to evaluate and make any changes required by the legislation and accompanying rules and may make it more difficult for us to attract and retain qualified executive officers and employees. The FDIC’s restoration plan and the related increased assessment rate could adversely affect our earnings. As a result of a series of financial institution failures and other market developments, the deposit insurance fund, or DIF, of the FDIC has been significantly depleted and reduced the ratio of reserves to insured deposits. As a result of recent economic conditions and the enactment of Dodd-Frank, the FDIC has increased the deposit insurance assessment rates and thus raised deposit premiums for insured depository institutions. If these increases are insufficient for the DIF to meet its funding requirements, further special assessments or increases in deposit insurance premiums may be required which we may be required to pay. We are generally unable to control the amount of premiums that we are required to pay for FDIC insurance. If there are additional bank or financial institution failures, we may be required to pay even higher FDIC premiums than the recently increased levels. Any future additional assessments, increases or required prepayments in FDIC insurance premiums may materially adversely affect our results of operations. The impact of the new Basel III capital standards may impose enhanced capital adequacy standards on us. On September 12, 2010, the Group of Governors and Heads of Supervision, the oversight body of the Basel Committee, announced agreement on the calibration and phase-in arrangements for a strengthened set of capital requirements, known as Basel III, which were approved in November 2010 by the G20 leadership. Basel III increases the minimum Tier 1 common equity ratio to 4.5%, net of regulatory deductions, and introduces a capital conservation buffer of an additional 2.5% of common equity to risk-weighted assets, raising the target minimum common equity ratio to 7%. Basel III increases the minimum Tier 1 capital ratio to 8.5% inclusive of the capital conservation buffer, increases the minimum total capital ratio to 10.5% inclusive of the capital buffer and introduces a countercyclical capital buffer of up to 2.5% of common equity or other fully loss absorbing capital for periods of excess credit growth. Basel III also introduces a non-risk adjusted Tier 1 leverage ratio of 3%, based on a measure of total exposure rather than total assets, and new liquidity standards. The Basel III capital standards will be phased in from January 1, 2013 until January 1, 2019, and it is not yet known how these standards will be implemented by United States regulators generally, or how they will be applied to banks of our size. Implementation of these standards, or any other new regulations, may adversely affect our ability to pay dividends, or require us to reduce business levels or raise capital, including in ways that may adversely affect our results of operations or financial condition. We are subject to credit risk. Risks Related to Our Market and Business There are inherent risks associated with our lending activities. These risks include, among other things, the impact of changes in interest rates and changes in the economic conditions in the markets where we operate as well as those across the United States and abroad. Increases in interest rates and/or weakening economic conditions could adversely impact the ability of borrowers to repay outstanding loans or the value of the collateral securing these loans. We are also subject to various laws and regulations that affect our lending activities. Failure to comply with applicable laws and regulations could subject us to regulatory enforcement action that could result in the assessment of significant civil money penalties against us. 30 We seek to mitigate the risks inherent in our loan portfolio by adhering to specific underwriting practices. Although we believe that our underwriting criteria are appropriate for the various kinds of loans we make, we may incur losses on loans that meet our underwriting criteria, and these losses may exceed the amounts set aside as reserves in our allowance for loan losses. Due to recent economic conditions affecting the real estate market, many lending institutions, including us, have experienced substantial declines in the performance of their loans, including construction, land development loans and land loans. The value of real estate collateral supporting many construction and land development loans, land loans, commercial loans and multi family loans have declined and may continue to decline. Recent negative developments in the financial industry and credit markets may continue to adversely impact our financial condition and results of operations. Our interest expense may increase following the repeal of the federal prohibition on payment of interest on demand deposits. The federal prohibition on the ability of financial institutions to pay interest on demand deposit accounts was repealed as part of Dodd-Frank. As a result, beginning on July 21, 2011, financial institutions could commence offering interest on demand deposits to compete for clients. Our interest expense will increase and our net interest margin will decrease if HBC begins offering interest on demand deposits to attract additional customers or maintain current customers, which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, net income and results of operations. Our allowance for loan losses may not be adequate to cover actual loan losses, which could adversely affect our earnings. We maintain an allowance for loan losses for probable incurred losses in the portfolio. The allowance is established through a provision for loan losses based on management’s evaluation of the risks inherent in the loan portfolio and the general economy. The allowance is also appropriately increased for new loan growth. The allowance is based upon a number of factors, including the size of the loan portfolio, asset classifications, economic trends, industry experience and trends, industry and geographic concentrations, estimated collateral values, management’s assessment of the credit risk inherent in the portfolio, historical loan loss experience and loan underwriting policies. In addition, we evaluate all loans identified impaired loans and allocate an allowance based upon our estimation of the potential loss associated with those problem loans. While we strive to carefully manage and monitor credit quality and to identify loans that may be deteriorating, at any time there are loans included in the portfolio that may result in losses, but that have not yet been identified as potential problem loans. Through established credit practices, we attempt to identify deteriorating loans and adjust the allowance for loan losses accordingly. However, because future events are uncertain and because we may not successfully identify all deteriorating loans in a timely manner, there may be loans that deteriorate in an accelerated time frame. As a result, future additions to the allowance may be necessary. Further, because the loan portfolio contains a number of commercial real estate, construction, and land development loans with relatively large balances, a deterioration in the credit quality of one or more of these loans may require a significant increase to the allowance for loan losses. Future additions to the allowance may also be required based on changes in the financial condition of borrowers, such as changes resulting from the current, and potentially worsening, economic conditions or as a result of incorrect assumptions by management in determining the allowance for loan losses. Our regulators, as an integral part of their examination process, periodically review our allowance for loan losses and may require us to increase our allowance for loan losses by recognizing additional provisions for loan losses charged to expense, or to decrease our allowance for loan losses by recognizing loan charge-offs, net of recoveries. Any such additional provisions for loan losses or charge-offs, as required by these regulatory agencies, could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations. 31 A n n u a l R e p o r t 16APR2010143726 Nonperforming assets take significant time to resolve and adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition. At December 31, 2011, nonperforming loans, including nonaccrual loans held-for-sale, were 2.20% of the total loan portfolio and 1.29% of total assets. Nonperforming assets adversely affect our earnings in various ways. Until economic and market conditions improve, we may continue to incur losses relating to an increase in nonperforming assets. We do not record interest income on nonaccrual loans or other real estate owned, thereby adversely affecting our income, and increasing our loan administration costs. Upon foreclosure or similar proceedings, we record the repossessed asset at the estimated fair value, less costs to sell, which may result in a loss. An increase in the level of nonperforming assets increases our risk profile and may impact the capital levels our regulators believe are appropriate in light of the increased risk profile. While we reduce problem assets through collection efforts, asset sales, workouts, restructurings and otherwise, decreases in the value of the underlying collateral, or in these borrowers’ performance or financial condition, whether or not due to economic and market conditions beyond our control, could adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition. In addition, the resolution of nonperforming assets requires significant commitments of time from management and our directors, which can be detrimental to the performance of their other responsibilities. If the current economic and market conditions persist or worsen, it is likely that we will experience future increases in nonperforming assets, particularly if we are unsuccessful in our efforts to reduce our classified assets, which would have a significant adverse effect on our business. We may be required to make additional provisions for loan losses and charge off additional loans in the future, which could adversely affect our results of operations. For the year ended December 31, 2011, we recorded a $4.5 million provision for loan losses, charged-off $10.9 million of loans, and recovered $1.9 million of loans. Since 2008 there has been a significant slowdown in the real estate markets in portions of counties in California where a majority of our loan customers, including our largest borrowing relationships, are based. This slowdown reflects declining prices in real estate, higher levels of inventories of homes and higher vacancies in commercial and industrial properties, all of which have contributed to financial strain on real estate developers and suppliers. At December 31, 2011, we had $311.5 million in commercial and residential real estate loans and $23.0 million in land and construction real estate loans, excluding loans held-for-sale, of which $2.1 million and $3.3 million, respectively, were on nonaccrual. Construction loans and commercial real estate loans comprise a substantial portion of our nonperforming assets. Continued deterioration in the real estate market could affect the ability of our loan customers to service their debt, which could result in additional loan charge-offs and provisions for loan losses in the future, which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations and capital. Our business is subject to interest rate risk and variations in interest rates may negatively affect our financial performance. Our earnings and cash flows are highly dependent upon net interest income. Net interest income is the difference between interest income earned on interest earning assets such as loans and securities and interest expense paid on interest bearing liabilities such as deposits and borrowed funds. Our net interest income (including net interest spread and margin) and ultimately our earnings are impacted by changes in interest rates and monetary policy. Changes in interest rates and monetary policy can impact the demand for new loans, the credit profile of our borrowers, the yields earned on loans and securities and rates paid on deposits and borrowings. Given our current volume and mix of interest bearing liabilities and interest earning assets, we would expect our interest rate spread (the difference in the rates paid on interest bearing liabilities and the yields earned on interest earning assets) as well as net interest income to increase if interest rates rise and, conversely, to decline if interest rates fall. Additionally, increasing levels of competition in the banking and financial services business may decrease our net interest spread as well 32 as net interest margin by forcing us to offer lower lending interest rates and pay higher deposit interest rates. Although we believe our current level of interest rate sensitivity is reasonable, significant fluctuations in interest rates (such as a sudden and substantial increase in Prime and Overnight Fed Funds rates) as well as increasing competition may require us to increase rates on deposits at a faster pace than the yield we receive on interest earning assets increases. The impact of any sudden and substantial move in interest rates and/or increased competition may have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations, as our net interest income (including the net interest spread and margin) may be negatively impacted. Additionally, a sustained decrease in market interest rates could adversely affect our earnings. When interest rates decline, borrowers tend to refinance higher-rate, fixed-rate loans at lower rates, prepaying their existing loans. Under those circumstances, we would not be able to reinvest those prepayments in assets earning interest rates as high as the rates on the prepaid loans. In addition, our commercial real estate and commercial loans, which carry interest rates that, in general, adjust in accordance with changes in the prime rate, will adjust to lower rates. We are also significantly affected by the level of loan demand available in our market. The inability to make sufficient loans directly affects the interest income we earn. Lower loan demand will generally result in lower interest income realized as we place funds in lower yielding investments. Liquidity risk could impair our ability to fund operations and jeopardize our financial condition. Liquidity is essential to our business. An inability to raise funds through deposits, borrowings, the sale of loans and other sources could have a substantial negative effect on our liquidity. Our access to funding sources in amounts adequate to finance our activities could be impaired by factors that affect us specifically or the financial services industry in general. Factors that could detrimentally impact our access to liquidity sources include a decrease in the level of our business activity due to a market downturn in markets in which our loans are concentrated or adverse regulatory action against us. Our ability to borrow could also be impaired by factors that are not specific to us, such as a severe disruption of the financial markets or negative views and expectations about the prospects for the financial services industry as a whole. If we lost a significant portion of our low-cost deposits, it would negatively impact our liquidity and profitability. Our profitability depends in part on our success in attracting and retaining a stable base of low-cost deposits. At December 31, 2011, 33% of our deposit base was comprised of noninterest bearing deposits. While we generally do not believe these core deposits are sensitive to interest rate fluctuations, the competition for these deposits in our markets is strong and customers are increasingly seeking investments that are safe, including the purchase of U.S. Treasury securities and other government guaranteed obligations, as well as the establishment of accounts at the largest, most-well capitalized banks. If we were to lose a significant portion of our low-cost deposits, it would negatively impact our liquidity and profitability. We borrow from the Federal Home Loan Bank and the Federal Reserve, and there can be no assurance these programs will continue in their current manner. We, at times, utilize the Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco for overnight borrowings and term advances; we also borrow from the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco and from correspondent banks under our Federal funds lines of credit. The amount loaned to us is generally dependent on the value of the collateral pledged. These lenders could reduce the percentages loaned against various collateral categories, could eliminate certain types of collateral and could otherwise modify or even terminate their loan programs, particularly to the extent they are required to do so because of capital adequacy or other balance sheet concerns. Any change or termination of the programs under which we borrow from the Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco, the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco or correspondent banks could have an adverse effect on our liquidity and profitability. 33 A n n u a l R e p o r t 16APR2010143726 Our results of operations may be adversely affected by other-than-temporary impairment charges relating to our securities portfolio. We may be required to record future impairment charges on our securities, including our stock in the Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco, if they suffer declines in value that we consider other-than-temporary. Numerous factors, including the lack of liquidity for re-sales of certain securities, the absence of reliable pricing information for securities, adverse changes in the business climate, adverse regulatory actions or unanticipated changes in the competitive environment, could have a negative effect on our securities portfolio in future periods. Significant impairment charges could also negatively impact our regulatory capital ratios and result in HBC not being classified as ‘‘well-capitalized’’ for regulatory purposes. We depend on cash dividends from our subsidiary bank to meet our cash obligations which may impair our ability to fulfill our obligations. As a holding company, dividends from our subsidiary bank provide a substantial portion of our cash flow used to service the interest payments on our trust preferred securities, dividends on our preferred stock and other obligations, including any cash dividends on our common stock. Various statutory provisions restrict the amount of dividends HBC can pay to HCC without regulatory approval. HBC’s ability to pay dividends to HCC is also limited by the California Financial Code. See ‘‘Item 1 — Business- Supervision and Regulation — Dividends.’’ We may need to raise additional capital in the future and such capital may not be available when needed or at all. We may need to raise additional capital in the future to provide us with sufficient capital resources and liquidity to meet our commitments and business needs. Our ability to raise additional capital, if needed, will depend on, among other things, conditions in the capital markets at that time, which are outside of our control, and our financial performance. The ongoing liquidity crisis and the loss of confidence in financial institutions may increase our cost of funding and limit our access to some of our customary sources of capital, including, but not limited to, inter-bank borrowings, repurchase agreements and borrowings from the discount window of the Federal Reserve. We cannot assure you that such capital will be available to us on acceptable terms or at all. Any occurrence that may limit our access to the capital markets, such as a decline in the confidence of debt purchasers, depositors of HBC or counterparties participating in the capital markets may adversely affect our capital costs and our ability to raise capital and, in turn, our liquidity. An inability to raise additional capital on acceptable terms when needed could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. Our profitability is dependent upon the economic conditions of the markets in which we operate. We operate primarily in Santa Clara County, Contra Costa County and Alameda County and, as a result, our financial condition and results of operations are subject to changes in the economic conditions in those areas. Our success depends upon the business activity, population, income levels, deposits and real estate activity in these markets. Although our customers’ business and financial interests may extend well beyond these market areas, adverse economic conditions that affect these market areas could reduce our growth rate, affect the ability of our customers to repay their loans to us and generally affect our financial condition and results of operations. Our lending operations are located in market areas dependent on technology and real estate industries and their supporting companies. Thus, our borrowers could be adversely impacted by a downturn in these sectors of the economy that could reduce the demand for loans and adversely impact the borrowers’ ability to repay their loans, which would, in turn, increase our nonperforming assets. Because of our geographic concentration, we are less able than regional or national financial institutions to diversify our credit risks across multiple markets. 34 Our loan portfolio has a large concentration of real estate loans in California, which involve risks specific to real estate values. A further downturn in our real estate markets could adversely affect our business because many of our loans are secured by real estate. Real estate lending (including commercial, land development and construction) is a large portion of our loan portfolio. At December 31, 2011, approximately $311.5 million, or 41% of our loan portfolio, was secured by various forms of real estate, including residential and commercial real estate. Included in the $311.5 million of loans secured by real estate were $157.2 million (or 51%) of owner-occupied loans. The real estate securing our loan portfolio is concentrated in California which has experienced a significant decline in real estate values. There have been adverse developments affecting real estate values in one or more of our markets. The market value of real estate can fluctuate significantly in a short period of time as a result of market conditions in the geographic area in which the real estate is located. Real estate values and real estate markets are generally affected by changes in national, regional or local economic conditions, fluctuations in interest rates and the availability of loans to potential purchasers, changes in tax laws and other governmental statutes, regulations and policies and acts of nature, such as earthquakes and natural disasters particular to California. Additionally, commercial real estate lending typically involves larger loan principal amounts and the repayment of the loans generally is dependent, in large part, on sufficient income from the properties securing the loans to cover operating expenses and debt service. If real estate values, including values of land held for development, continue to decline, the value of real estate collateral securing our loans could be significantly reduced. Our ability to recover on defaulted loans by foreclosing and selling the real estate collateral would then be diminished and we would be more likely to suffer losses on defaulted loans. Our construction and land development loans are based upon estimates of costs and value associated with the complete project. These estimates may be inaccurate and we may be exposed to more losses on these projects than on other loans. At December 31, 2011, land and construction loans, including land acquisition and development total $23.0 million or 3% of our loan portfolio. This amount was comprised of 4% owner occupied and 96% non-owner occupied construction and land loans. At December 31, 2011, there were no unfunded amounts in the land and construction real estate loan portfolio. Risk of loss on a construction loan depends largely upon whether our initial estimate of the property’s value at completion of construction equals or exceeds the cost of the property construction (including interest) and the availability of permanent take-out financing. During the construction phase, a number of factors can result in delays and cost overruns. Because of the uncertainties inherent in estimating construction costs, as well as the market value of the completed project, it is relatively difficult to evaluate accurately the total funds required to complete a project and the related loan-to-value ratio. As a result, construction loans often involve the disbursement of substantial funds with repayment dependent primarily on the completion of the project and the ability of the borrower to sell the property, rather than the ability of the borrower or guarantor to repay principal and interest. If estimates of value are inaccurate or if actual construction costs exceed estimates, the value of the property securing the loan may be insufficient to ensure full repayment. If our appraisal of the value of the completed project proves to be overstated, our collateral may be inadequate for the repayment of the loan upon completion of construction of the project. If we are forced to foreclose on a project prior to or at completion due to a default, there can be no assurance that we will be able to recover all of the unpaid balance of, and accrued interest on, the loan as well as related foreclosure and holding costs. In addition, we may be required to fund additional amounts to complete the project and may have to hold the property for an unspecified period of time. A n n u a l R e p o r t 16APR2010143726 35 Our use of appraisals in deciding whether to make a loan on or secured by real property does not ensure the value of the real property collateral. In considering whether to make a loan secured by real property, we generally require an appraisal of the property. However, an appraisal is only an estimate of the value of the property at the time the appraisal is conducted, and an error in fact or judgment could adversely affect the reliability of an appraisal. In addition, events occurring after the initial appraisal may cause the value of the real estate to decrease. As a result of any of these factors the value of collateral backing a loan may be less than supposed, and if a default occurs we may not recover the outstanding balance of the loan. We must effectively manage our growth strategy. As part of our general growth strategy, we may expand into additional communities or attempt to strengthen our position in our current markets by opening new offices, subject to any regulatory constraints on our ability to open new offices. To the extent that we are able to open additional offices, we are likely to experience the effects of higher operating expenses relative to operating income from the new operations for a period of time, which may have an adverse effect on our levels of reported net income, return on average equity and return on average assets. Our current growth strategies involve internal growth from our current offices and, subject to any regulatory constraints on our ability to open new branch offices, the addition of new offices over time, so that the additional overhead expenses associated with these openings are absorbed prior to opening other new offices. We have a significant deferred tax asset and cannot assure that it will be fully realized. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are the expected future tax amounts for the temporary differences between the carrying amounts and tax basis of assets and liabilities computed using enacted tax rates. We regularly assess available positive and negative evidence to determine whether it is more likely than not that our net deferred tax asset will be realized. Realization of a deferred tax asset requires us to apply significant judgment and is inherently speculative because it requires estimates that cannot be made with certainty. At December 31, 2011, we had a net deferred tax asset of $21.9 million. If we were to determine at some point in the future that we will not achieve sufficient future taxable income to realize our net deferred tax asset, we would be required, under generally accepted accounting principles, to establish a full or partial valuation allowance which would require us to incur a charge to operations for the period in which the determination was made. We face strong competition from financial service companies and other companies that offer banking services. We face substantial competition in all phases of our operations from a variety of different competitors. Our competitors, including larger commercial banks, community banks, savings and loan associations, mutual savings banks, credit unions, consumer finance companies, insurance companies, securities dealers, brokers, mortgage bankers, investment advisors, money market mutual funds and other financial institutions, compete with lending and deposit gathering services offered by us. Increased competition in our markets may result in reduced loans and deposits. Many of these competing institutions have much greater financial and marketing resources than we have. Due to their size, many competitors can achieve larger economies of scale and may offer a broader range of products and services than we can. If we are unable to offer competitive products and services, our business may be negatively affected. Some of the financial services organizations with which we compete are not subject to the same degree of regulation as is imposed on bank holding companies and federally insured financial institutions or are not subject to increased supervisory oversight arising from regulatory examinations. As a result, these non-bank competitors have certain advantages over us in accessing funding and in providing various 36 services. The banking business in our primary market areas is very competitive, and the level of competition facing us may increase further, which may limit our asset growth and financial results. We are subject to extensive government regulation that could limit or restrict our activities, which in turn may adversely impact our ability to increase our assets and earnings. We operate in a highly regulated environment and are subject to supervision and regulation by a number of governmental regulatory agencies, including the Federal Reserve, the DFI and the FDIC. Regulations adopted by these agencies, which are generally intended to provide protection for depositors and customers rather than for the benefit of shareholders, govern a comprehensive range of matters relating to ownership and control of our shares, our acquisition of other companies and businesses, permissible activities for us to engage in, maintenance of adequate capital levels, and other aspects of our operations. These bank regulators possess broad authority to prevent or remedy unsafe or unsound practices or violations of law. The laws and regulations applicable to the banking industry could change at any time and we cannot predict the effects of these changes on our business and profitability. Increased regulation could increase our cost of compliance and adversely affect profitability. Moreover, certain of these regulations contain significant punitive sanctions for violations, including monetary penalties and limitations on a bank’s ability to implement components of its business plan, such as expansion through mergers and acquisitions or the opening of new branch offices. In addition, changes in regulatory requirements may add costs associated with compliance efforts. Furthermore, government policy and regulation, particularly as implemented through the Federal Reserve System, significantly affect credit conditions. As a result of the negative financial market and general economic trends, there is a potential for new federal or state laws and regulation regarding lending and funding practices and liquidity standards, and bank regulatory agencies have been and are expected to be aggressive in responding to concerns and trends identified in examinations, including the expected issuance of many formal enforcement orders. Negative developments in the financial industry and the impact of new legislation and regulation in response to those developments could negatively impact our business operations and adversely impact our financial performance. Technology is continually changing and we must effectively implement new technologies. The financial services industry is undergoing rapid technological changes with frequent introductions of new technology driven products and services. In addition to better serving customers, the effective use of technology increases efficiency and enables us to reduce costs. Our future success will depend in part upon our ability to address the needs of our customers by using technology to provide products and services that will satisfy customer demands for convenience as well as to create additional efficiencies in our operations as we continue to grow and expand our market areas. In order to anticipate and develop new technology, we employ a qualified staff of internal information system specialists and consider this area a core part of our business. We do not develop our own software products, but have been able to respond to technological changes in a timely manner through association with leading technology vendors. We must continue to make substantial investments in technology which may affect our results of operations. If we are unable to make such investments, or we are unable to respond to technological changes in a timely manner, our operating costs may increase which could adversely affect our results of operations. System failure or breaches of our network security could subject us to increased operating costs as well as litigation and other liabilities. The computer systems and network infrastructure we use could be vulnerable to unforeseen problems. Our operations are dependent upon our ability to protect our computer equipment against damage from physical theft, fire, power loss, telecommunications failure or a similar catastrophic event, as well as from security breaches, denial of service attacks, viruses, worms and other disruptive problems caused by hackers. Any damage or failure that causes an interruption in our operations could have a material adverse 37 A n n u a l R e p o r t 16APR2010143726 effect on our financial condition and results of operations. Computer break-ins and other disruptions could also jeopardize the security of information stored in and transmitted through our computer systems and network infrastructure, which may result in significant liability to us and may cause existing and potential customers to refrain from doing business with us. We employ external auditors to conduct auditing and testing for weaknesses in our systems, controls, firewalls and encryption to reduce the likelihood of any security failures or breaches. Although we, with the help of third party service providers and auditors, intend to continue to implement security technology and establish operational procedures to prevent such damage, there can be no assurance that these security measures will be successful. In addition, advances in computer capabilities, new discoveries in the field of cryptography or other developments could result in a compromise or breach of the algorithms we and our third party service providers use to encrypt and protect customer transaction data. A failure of such security measures could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations. We are exposed to the risk of environmental liabilities with respect to properties to which we take title. In the course of our business, when a borrower defaults on a loan secured by real property, we generally purchase the property in foreclosure or accept a deed to the property surrendered by the borrower. We may also take over the management of properties when owners have defaulted on loans. While we have guidelines intended to exclude properties with an unreasonable risk of contamination, hazardous substances may exist on some of the properties that we own, manage or occupy and unknown hazardous risks could impact the value of real estate collateral. We may be held liable to a governmental entity or to third parties for property damage, personal injury, investigation and clean-up costs incurred by these parties in connection with environmental contamination, or may be required to investigate or clean up hazardous or toxic substances, or chemical releases at a property. The costs associated with investigation or remediation activities could be substantial and exceed the value of the property. In addition, if we are the owner or former owner of a contaminated site, we may be subject to common law claims by third parties based on damages and costs resulting from environmental contamination emanating from the property. If we become subject to significant environmental liabilities, our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects could be adversely affected. Managing operational risk is important to attracting and maintaining customers, investors and employees. Operational risk represents the risk of loss resulting from our operations, including but not limited to, the risk of fraud by employees or persons outside the Company, the execution of unauthorized transactions by employees, transaction processing errors and breaches of the internal control system and compliance requirements. This risk of loss also includes the potential legal actions that could arise as a result of an operational deficiency or as a result of noncompliance with applicable regulatory standards, adverse business decisions or their implementation and customer attrition due to potential negative publicity. Operational risk is inherent in all business activities and the management of this risk is important to the achievement of our business objectives. In the event of a breakdown in our internal control system, improper operation of systems or improper employee actions, we could suffer financial loss, face regulatory action and suffer damage to our reputation. Reputational risk can adversely affect our business. Threats to our reputation can come from many sources, including adverse sentiment about financial institutions generally, unethical practices, employee misconduct, failure to deliver minimum standards of service or quality, compliance deficiencies, and questionable or fraudulent activities of our customers. We have policies and procedures in place to protect our reputation and promote ethical conduct, but these policies and procedures may not be fully effective. Negative publicity regarding our business, employees, or customers, with or without merit, may result in the loss of customers, investors and employees, costly litigation, a decline in revenues and increased governmental regulation. 38 Potential acquisitions may disrupt our business and adversely affect our results of operations. We have in the past and, subject to any regulatory constraints on our ability to undertake any acquisitions, we may in the future seek to grow our business by acquiring other businesses. We cannot predict the frequency, size or timing of our acquisitions, and we typically do not comment publicly on a possible acquisition until we have signed a definitive agreement. There can be no assurance that our acquisitions will have the anticipated positive results, including results related to the total cost of integration, the time required to complete the integration, the amount of longer-term cost savings, continued growth, or the overall performance of the acquired company or combined entity. Integration of an acquired business can be complex and costly. If we are not able to successfully integrate future acquisitions, there is a risk that our results of operations could be adversely affected. In addition, if goodwill recorded in connection with potential future acquisitions was determined to be impaired, then we would be required to recognize a charge against operations, which could materially and adversely affect our results of operations during the period in which the impairment was recognized. We are dependent on key personnel and the loss of one or more of those key personnel may materially and adversely affect our prospects. Competition for qualified employees and personnel in the banking industry is intense and there are a limited number of qualified persons with knowledge of, and experience in, the California community banking industry. The process of recruiting personnel with the combination of skills and attributes required to carry out our strategies is often lengthy. Our success depends to a significant degree upon our ability to attract and retain qualified management, loan origination, finance, administrative, marketing and technical personnel and upon the continued contributions of our management and personnel. In particular, our success has been and continues to be highly dependent upon the abilities of key executives, including our Chief Executive Officer and certain other key employees. Severe weather, natural disasters, acts of war or terrorism and other external events could significantly impact our business Severe weather, natural disasters, acts of war or terrorism and other adverse external events could have a significant impact on our ability to conduct business. Such events could affect the stability of our deposit base, impair the ability of borrowers to repay outstanding loans, impair the value of collateral securing loans, cause significant property damage, result in loss of revenue and/or cause us to incur additional expenses. For example, our primary market areas in California are subject to earthquakes and fires. Operations in our market could be disrupted by both the evacuation of large portions of the population as well as damage and or lack of access to our banking and operation facilities. While we have not experienced such an occurrence to date, other severe weather or natural disasters, acts of war or terrorism or other adverse external events may occur in the future. Although management has established disaster recovery policies and procedures, the occurrence of any such event could have a material adverse effect on our business, which, in turn, could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations. Our securities are not an insured deposit. Risks Related to Our Securities Our securities are not bank deposits and, therefore, are not insured against loss by the FDIC, any other deposit insurance fund or by any other public or private entity. Investment in our securities is inherently risky for the reasons described in this section and elsewhere in this report and is subject to the same market forces that affect the price of securities in any company. 39 A n n u a l R e p o r t 16APR2010143726 Our outstanding Series C Preferred Stock impacts net income available to our common shareholders and earnings per common share, and conversion of our Series C Preferred Stock or exercise of the warrant issued to the U.S. Treasury will be dilutive to holders of our common stock. The dividends declared and the accretion on our outstanding Series C Preferred Stock reduce the net income available to common shareholders and our earnings per common share. Our Series C Preferred Stock will also receive preferential treatment in the event of our liquidation, dissolution or winding up. The ownership interest of the existing holders of our common stock will be diluted to the extent the warrant issued to the U.S. Treasury is exercised. The shares of common stock underlying the warrant represent approximately 2% of the shares of our common stock outstanding as of December 31, 2011. Although the U.S. Treasury has agreed to not vote any of the common shares it receives upon exercise of the warrant, a transferee of any portion of the warrant or of any common shares acquired upon exercise of the warrant is not bound by this restriction. The terms of the warrant include an anti-dilution adjustment which provides that, if we issue common shares or securities convertible or exercisable into, or exchangeable for, common shares at a price that is less than 90% of the market price of such shares on the last trading day preceding the date of the agreement to sell such shares, the number of common shares to be issued would increase and the per share price of common shares to be purchased pursuant to the warrant would decrease. The ownership interest of our existing holders of common stock will be diluted to the extent our Series C Preferred Stock is automatically converted into common stock. The Series C Preferred Stock is convertible into an aggregate of 5,601,000 shares of our common stock upon a transfer of the Series C Preferred Stock to a transferee not affiliated with the holder in a widely dispersed offering. The shares of common stock underlying the Series C Preferred Stock represent approximately 21% of the shares of our common stock outstanding on December 31, 2011. Holders of our subordinated debt have rights that are senior to those of our common and preferred shareholders. We have supported our continued growth through four issuances of trust preferred securities from four separate special purpose trusts and related issuance of subordinated debt to these trusts. At December 31, 2011, we had outstanding subordinated debt totaling $23.7 million. Payments of the principal and interest on the subordinated debt are fully and unconditionally guaranteed by us. Further, the accompanying subordinated debt we issued to the special purpose trusts are senior to our outstanding shares of common stock and preferred stock. As a result, we must make payments on the subordinated debt before any dividends can be paid on our common stock or preferred stock and, in the event of our bankruptcy, dissolution or liquidation, the holders of the subordinated debt must be satisfied before any distributions can be made on our preferred stock or common stock. We have the right to defer interest payments on our subordinated debt and the related trust preferred securities for up to five years, during which time no cash dividends may be paid on our common stock or preferred stock. In the event HCC does not have sufficient funds or HBC is unable to pay dividends to HCC, then we may be unable to pay the amounts due to the holders of the junior subordinated debt securities and we would then be unable to declare and pay any dividends on our common stock or preferred stock. The price of our common stock may fluctuate significantly, and this may make it difficult for you to resell shares of common stock owned by you at times or at prices you find attractive. The stock market and, in particular, the market for financial institution stocks, have experienced significant volatility. In some cases, the markets have produced downward pressure on stock prices for certain issuers without regard to those issuers’ underlying financial strength. As a result, the trading volume in our common stock may fluctuate more than usual and cause significant price variations to occur. This may make it difficult for you to resell shares of common stock owned by you at times or at prices you find attractive. 40 The trading price of the shares of our common stock will depend on many factors, which may change from time to time and which may be beyond our control, including, without limitation, our financial condition, performance, creditworthiness and prospects, future sales or offerings of our equity or equity related securities, and other factors identified above under ‘‘Cautionary Note Regarding Forward Looking Statements,’’ ‘‘Risk Factors’’ and below. These broad market fluctuations have adversely affected and may continue to adversely affect the market price of our common stock. Among the factors that could affect our stock price are: (cid:127) actual or anticipated quarterly fluctuations in our operating results and financial condition; (cid:127) changes in financial estimates or publication of research reports and recommendations by financial analysts or actions taken by rating agencies with respect to our common stock or those of other financial institutions; (cid:127) failure to meet analysts’ revenue or earnings estimates; (cid:127) speculation in the press or investment community generally or relating to our reputation, our operations, our market area, our competitors or the financial services industry in general; (cid:127) strategic actions by us or our competitors, such as acquisitions, restructurings, dispositions or financings; (cid:127) actions by our current shareholders, including sales of common stock by existing shareholders and/or directors and executive officers; (cid:127) trends in our nonperforming assets; (cid:127) the costs and effectiveness of our efforts to reduce our classified assets; (cid:127) fluctuations in the stock price and operating results of our competitors; (cid:127) future sales of our equity, equity related or debt securities; (cid:127) proposed or adopted regulatory changes or developments; A n n u a l R e p o r t (cid:127) anticipated or pending investigations, proceedings, or litigation that involve or affect us; (cid:127) trading activities in our common stock, including short selling; 16APR2010143726 (cid:127) domestic and international economic factors unrelated to our performance; and (cid:127) general market conditions and, in particular, developments related to market conditions for the financial services industry. Our common stock is listed for trading on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol ‘‘HTBK.’’ The trading volume has historically been significantly less than that of larger financial services companies. Stock price volatility may make it more difficult for you to sell your common stock when you want and at prices you find attractive. A public trading market having the desired characteristics of depth, liquidity and orderliness depends on the presence in the marketplace of willing buyers and sellers of our common stock at any given time. This presence depends on the individual decisions of investors and general economic and market conditions over which we have no control. Given the relatively low trading volume of our common stock, significant sales of our common stock in the public market, or the perception that those sales may occur, could cause the trading price of our common stock to decline or to be lower than it otherwise might be in the absence of those sales or perceptions. 41 Federal and state law may limit the ability of another party to acquire us, which could cause the price of our securities to decline. Federal law prohibits a person or group of persons ‘‘acting in concert’’ from acquiring ‘‘control’’ of a bank holding company unless the Federal Reserve has been given 60 days prior written notice of such proposed acquisition and within that time period the Federal Reserve has not issued a notice disapproving the proposed acquisition or extending for up to another 30 days the period during which such a disapproval may be issued. An acquisition may be made prior to the expiration of the disapproval period if the Federal Reserve issues written notice of its intent not to disapprove the action. Under a rebuttable presumption established by the Federal Reserve, the acquisition of 10% or more of a class of voting stock of a bank or bank holding company with a class of securities registered under Section 12 of the Exchange Act would, under the circumstances set forth in the presumption, constitute the acquisition of control. In addition, any ‘‘company’’ would be required to obtain the approval of the Federal Reserve under the BHCA, before acquiring 25% (5% in the case of an acquiror that is, or is deemed to be, a bank holding company) or more of any class of voting stock, or such lesser number of shares as may constitute control. Under the California Financial Code, no person may, directly or indirectly, acquire control of a California state bank or its holding company unless the DFI has approved such acquisition of control. A person would be deemed to have acquired control of HBC if such person, directly or indirectly, has the power (i) to vote 25% or more of the voting power of Heritage Bank of Commerce; or (ii) to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of HBC. For purposes of this law, a person who directly or indirectly owns or controls 10% or more of our outstanding common stock would be presumed to control HBC. These provisions of federal and state law may prevent a merger or acquisition that would be attractive to shareholders and could limit the price investors would be willing to pay in the future for our securities. We may raise additional capital, which could have a dilutive effect on the existing holders of our securities and adversely affect the market price of our securities. We are not restricted from issuing additional shares of common stock or securities that are convertible into or exchangeable for, or represent the right to receive shares of common stock. We frequently evaluate opportunities to access the capital markets taking into account our regulatory capital ratios, financial condition and other relevant considerations and, subject to market conditions, we may take further capital actions. Such actions could include, among other things, the issuance of additional shares of common stock or other securities in public or private transactions in order to further increase our capital levels above the requirements for a ‘‘well capitalized’’ institution established by the federal bank regulatory agencies as well as other regulatory targets. These issuances could dilute ownership interests of investors and could dilute the per share book value of our common stock. The issuance of additional shares of preferred stock could adversely affect holders of common stock, which may negatively impact an investment in our securities. Our Board of Directors is authorized to issue additional classes or series of preferred stock without any action on the part of the shareholders, except in certain circumstances. Our Board of Directors also has the power, without shareholder approval except in certain circumstances, to set the terms of any such classes or series of preferred stock that may be issued, including voting rights, dividend rights and preferences over the common stock with respect to dividends or upon the liquidation, dissolution or winding up of our business and other terms. If we issue preferred stock in the future that has a preference over the common stock with respect to the payment of dividends or upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up, or if we issue preferred stock with voting rights that dilute the voting power of the common stock, then the rights of holders of the common stock or the market price of the common stock could be adversely affected. 42 ITEM 1B — UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS None. ITEM 2 — PROPERTIES The main and executive offices of HCC and HBC are located at 150 Almaden Boulevard in San Jose, California 95113, with branch offices located at 15575 Los Gatos Boulevard in Los Gatos, California 95032, at 387 Diablo Road in Danville, California 94526, at 3077 Stevenson Boulevard in Fremont, California 94538, at 300 Main Street in Pleasanton, California 94566, at 101 Ygnacio Valley Road in Walnut Creek, California 94596, at 18625 Sutter Boulevard in Morgan Hill, California 95037, at 7598 Monterey Street in Gilroy, California 95020, at 419 S. San Antonio Road in Los Altos, California 94022, and at 175 E. El Camino Real in Mountain View, California 94040. The Company also has a loan production office located at 740 4th Street, Suite 114, Santa Rosa, CA 95404. Main Offices The main offices of HBC are located at 150 Almaden Boulevard in San Jose, California on the first three floors in a fifteen-story Class-A type office building. All three floors, consisting of approximately 35,547 square feet, are subject to a direct lease dated April 13, 2000, as amended, which expires on May 31, 2015. The current monthly rent payment for the first two floors, consisting of approximately 22,723 square feet, is $60,272 and is subject to 3% annual increases until the lease expires. The current monthly rent payment for the third floor, which consists of approximately 12,824 square feet, is $53,861 until the lease expires. The Company has reserved the right to extend the term of the lease for two additional periods of five years each. In January of 1997, the Company leased approximately 1,255 square feet (referred to as the ‘‘Kiosk’’) located next to the primary operating area at 150 Almaden Boulevard in San Jose, California to be used for meetings, staff training and marketing events. The current monthly rent payment is $5,271 until the lease expires on May 31, 2015. The Company has reserved the right to extend the term of the lease for two additional periods of five years each. Branch Offices In March of 1999, the Company leased approximately 7,260 square feet in a one-story multi-tenant office building located at 18625 Sutter Boulevard in Morgan Hill, California. The current monthly rent payment is $12,427 until the lease expires on October 31, 2014. In May of 2006, the Company leased approximately 2,505 square feet on the first floor in a three-story multi-tenant multi-use building located at 7598 Monterey Street in Gilroy, California. The current monthly rent payment is $4,978 and is subject to annual increases of 2% until the lease expires on September 30, 2016. The Company has reserved the right to extend the term of the lease for two additional periods of five years each. In April of 2007, the Company leased approximately 3,850 square feet on the first floor in a four-story multi-tenant office building located at 101 Ygnacio Valley Road in Walnut Creek, California. The current monthly rent payment is $14,300 and is subject to annual increases of 3% until the lease expires on August 15, 2014. The Company has reserved the right to extend the term of the lease for one additional period of five years. In June of 2007, as part of the acquisition of Diablo Valley Bank the Company took ownership of an 8,300 square foot one-story commercial building, including the land, located at 387 Diablo Road in Danville, California. The Company also assumed a lease for approximately 4,096 square feet in a one-story stand-alone office building located at 300 Main Street in Pleasanton, California. The current monthly rent payment is $14,766 and is subject to annual increases of 3% until the lease expires on October 31, 2017. 43 A n n u a l R e p o r t 16APR2010143726 In August of 2007, the Company extended its lease for approximately 6,590 square feet in a one-story stand-alone office building located at 3077 Stevenson Boulevard in Fremont, California. The current monthly rent payment is $14,834 and is subject to annual increases of 3% until the lease expires on February 28, 2013. The Company has reserved the right to extend the term of the lease for one additional period of five years. In February 2008, the Company extended its lease for approximately 4,840 square feet in a one-story multi-tenant shopping center located at 175 E. El Camino Real in Mountain View, California. The current monthly rent payment is $15,283 and is subject to annual increases, based on the Consumer Price Index of the Bureau of Labor Statistics as defined in the lease agreement. The lease expires on May 31, 2013; however, the Company has reserved the right to extend the term of the lease for one additional period of five years. In June of 2008, the Company entered into a sublease agreement for approximately 5,213 square feet on the first floor in a two-story multi- tenant office building located at 419 S. San Antonio Road in Los Altos, California. The current monthly rent payment is $18,228 and is subject to annual increases of 3% until the sublease expires on April 30, 2012. After the sublease has expired, occupancy will continue under a direct lease, also entered into in June of 2008. The monthly rent payment beginning on May 1, 2012 will be $24,501 and is subject to annual increases of 3% until the lease expires on April 30, 2018. The Company has reserved the right to extend the term of the lease for two additional periods of five years each. In December of 2008, the Company extended its lease for approximately 1,920 square feet in a one-story stand-alone building located in an office complex at 15575 Los Gatos Boulevard in Los Gatos, California. The current monthly rent payment is $5,770 and is subject to annual increases of 3% until the lease expires on November 30, 2013. The Company has reserved the right to extend the term of the lease for one additional period of five years. Loan Production Office In October of 2011, the Company renewed its lease for approximately 250 square feet of office space located at 740 Fourth Street in Santa Rosa, California. The current monthly rent payment is $1,287 until the lease expires on October 7, 2012. For additional information on operating leases and rent expense, refer to Note 5 to the Consolidated Financial Statements following ‘‘Item 15 — Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules.’’ ITEM 3 — LEGAL PROCEEDINGS The Company is involved in certain legal actions arising from normal business activities. Management, based upon the advice of legal counsel, believes the ultimate resolution of all pending legal actions will not have a material effect on the financial statements of the Company. ITEM 4 — RESERVED PART II ITEM 5 — MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES Market Information The Company’s common stock is listed on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol ‘‘HTBK.’’ Management is aware of the following securities dealers which make a market in the Company’s common stock: Automated Trading Desk Financial Services, LLC, Fig Partners, LLC, LATOUR TRADING LLC, Cantor Fitzgerald & Co., Citadel Securities LLC, Citadel Derivatives Group LLC, 44 Cowen and Company, LLC, Crowell, Weedon & Co., D.A. Davidson & Co., E*Trade Capital Markets Llc, Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC, Goldman, Sachs & Co., RODMAN & RENSHAW, LLC, Keefe, Bruyette & Woods, Inc., Barclays Capital Inc./Le, Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, McAdams Wright Ragen, Inc., Knight Capital Americas, L.P., Nasdaq Execution Services, LLC., Pershing LLC, Raymond James & Associates, Inc., Sandler, O’Neill & Partners, L.P., Two Sigma Securities, LLC, Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated, Susquehanna Financial Group, LLP, Susquehanna Capital Group, Timber Hill LLC, and UBS Securities LLC. These market makers have committed to make a market for the Company’s common stock, although they may discontinue making a market at any time. No assurance can be given that an active trading market will be sustained for the common stock at any time in the future. The information in the following table for 2011 and 2010 indicates the high and low closing prices for the common stock, based upon information provided by the NASDAQ Global Select Market and cash dividend payment for each quarter presented. Quarter Stock Price High Low Dividend Per Share Year ended December 31, 2011: Fourth quarter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Third quarter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Second quarter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . First quarter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Year ended December 31, 2010: Fourth quarter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Third quarter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Second quarter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . First quarter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $5.20 $5.14 $5.44 $5.10 $4.50 $3.77 $5.83 $4.48 $3.75 $3.85 $4.63 $4.27 $3.49 $3.36 $3.55 $3.40 $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — The closing price of our common stock on February 15, 2012 was $5.15 per share as reported by the NASDAQ Global Select Market. A n n u a l R e p o r t As of February 15, 2012, there were approximately 700 holders of record of common stock. There are no other classes of common equity outstanding. 16APR2010143726 Dividend Policy The amount of future dividends will depend upon our earnings, financial condition, capital requirements and other factors, and will be determined by our board of directors on a quarterly basis. It is Federal Reserve policy that bank holding companies generally pay dividends on common stock only out of income available over the past year, and only if prospective earnings retention is consistent with the organization’s expected future needs and financial condition. It is also Federal Reserve policy that bank holding companies not maintain dividend levels that undermine the holding company’s ability to be a source of strength to its banking subsidiaries. Additionally, in consideration of the current financial and economic environment, the Federal Reserve has indicated that bank holding companies should carefully review their dividend policy and has discouraged payment ratios that are at maximum allowable levels unless both asset quality and capital are very strong. Under the federal Prompt Corrective Action regulations, the Federal Reserve or the FDIC may prohibit a bank holding company from paying any dividends if the holding company’s bank subsidiary is classified as undercapitalized. As a holding company, our ability to pay cash dividends is affected by the ability of our bank subsidiary, HBC, to pay cash dividends. The ability of HBC (and our ability) to pay cash dividends in the future and the amount of any such cash dividends is and could be in the future further influenced by bank regulatory requirements and approvals and capital guidelines. 45 We have supported our growth through the issuance of trust preferred securities from special purpose trusts and accompanying sales of subordinated debt to these trusts. The subordinated debt that we issued to the trusts is senior to our shares of common stock and Series C Preferred Stock. As a result, we must make payments on the subordinated debt before any dividends can be paid on our common stock and Series C Preferred Stock. The decision whether to pay dividends will be made by our Board of Directors in light of conditions then existing, including factors such as our results of operations, financial condition, business conditions, regulatory capital requirements and covenants under any applicable contractual arrangements, including agreements with regulatory authorities. For information on the statutory and regulatory limitations on the ability of the Company to pay dividends and on HBC to pay dividends to HCC see ‘‘Item 1 — Business — Supervision and Regulation — Dividends.’’ Securities Authorized for Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans The following table provides information as of December 31, 2011 regarding equity compensation plans under which equity securities of the Company were authorized for issuance: Number of securities to be issued upon exercise of outstanding options, warrants and rights (a) Weighted average exercise price of outstanding options, warrants and rights (b) Number of securities remaining available for future issuance under equity compensation plans (excluding securities reflected in column (a)) (c) 1,275,919(1) $14.32 523,595(2) Equity compensation plans approved by security holders . . . . . . . . . . . . Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders . . . . N/A N/A N/A (1) Consists of 137,419 options to acquire shares of common stock issued under the Company’s 1994 stock option plan, and 1,138,500 options to acquire shares under the Company’s Amended and Restated 2004 Equity Plan. (2) Available under the Company’s Amended and Restated 2004 Equity Plan. Performance Graph The following graph compares the stock performance of the Company from December 31, 2006 to December 31, 2011, to the performance of several specific industry indices. The performance of the S&P 500 Index, NASDAQ Stock Index and NASDAQ Bank Stocks were used as comparisons to the Company’s stock performance. Management believes that a performance comparison to these indices provides meaningful information and has therefore included those comparisons in the following graph. 46 Heritage Commerce Corp* S&P 500* NASDAQ - Total US* NASDAQ Bank Index* e u l a V x e d n I 350 300 250 200 150 100 50 0 12/31/06 12/31/07 12/31/08 12/31/09 12/31/10 23FEB201201512340 12/31/11 The following chart compares the stock performance of the Company from December 31, 2006 to December 31, 2011, to the performance of several specific industry indices. The performance of the S&P 500 Index, NASDAQ Stock Index and NASDAQ Bank Stocks were used as comparisons to the Company’s stock performance. Period Ending A n n u a l R e p o r t Index 12/31/06 12/31/07 12/31/08 12/31/09 12/31/10 12/31/11 Heritage Commerce Corp* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . S&P 500* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . NASDAQ — Total US* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . NASDAQ Bank Index* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100 100 100 100 69 104 110 78 42 64 65 59 15 79 94 48 11 89 110 54 34 89 108 47 16APR2010143726 * Source: SNL Financial Bank Information Group — (434) 977-1600 47 ITEM 6 — SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA The following table presents a summary of selected financial information that should be read in conjunction with the Company’s consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included under Item 8 — ‘‘FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA.’’ SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA AT OR FOR YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 (Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts and ratios) INCOME STATEMENT DATA: Interest income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ Interest expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Net interest income before provision for loan losses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Provision for loan losses Net interest income after provision for loan losses . . . . . . . Noninterest income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Noninterest expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Income (loss) before income taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Income tax expense (benefit) Net income (loss) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dividends and discount accretion on preferred stock . . . . . . . . . 52,031 5,875 46,156 4,469 41,687 8,422 39,572 10,537 (834) 11,371 (2,333) Net income (loss) available to common shareholders . . . . . . $ 9,038 PER COMMON SHARE DATA: Basic net income (loss)(1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ Diluted net income (loss)(2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ Book value per common share(3) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ Tangible book value per common share(4) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ Pro forma tangible book value per share, assuming Series C Preferred Stock was converted into common stock(5) . . . . . . $ Weighted average number of shares outstanding — basic . . . . . Weighted average number of shares outstanding — diluted . . . Shares outstanding at period end . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pro forma common shares outstanding at period end, assuming Series C Preferred Stock was converted into common stock(6) BALANCE SHEET DATA: 0.28 0.28 5.30 5.20 4.90 31,867,584 31,871,394 26,295,001 $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ 55,087 10,512 44,575 26,804 17,771 8,733 88,127 (61,623) (5,766) (55,857) (2,398) $ 62,293 16,326 45,967 33,928 12,039 8,027 44,760 (24,694) (12,709) (11,985) (2,376) (58,255) $ (14,361) $ (3.64) $ (3.64) $ $ 4.73 $ 4.61 (1.21) $ (1.21) $ $ 11.34 $ 7.38 75,957 24,444 51,513 15,537 35,976 6,791 42,392 375 (1,387) 1,762 (255) 1,507 0.13 0.13 12.38 8.37 4.41 16,026,058 16,026,058 26,233,001 $ 7.38 11,820,509 11,820,509 11,820,509 $ 8.37 12,002,910 12,039,776 11,820,509 $ $ $ $ $ $ $ 78,712 27,012 51,700 (11) 51,711 8,052 37,530 22,233 8,137 14,096 — 14,096 1.13 1.12 12.90 9.20 9.20 12,449,270 12,566,801 12,774,926 31,896,001 31,834,001 11,820,509 11,820,509 12,774,926 380,455 Securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 743,981 Net loans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 20,700 Allowance for loan losses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ Goodwill and other intangible assets 2,491 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ Total assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 1,306,194 Total deposits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 1,049,428 Securities sold under agreement to repurchase . . . . . . . . . . . $ Subordinated debt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ Note payable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ Short-term borrowings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ Total shareholders’ equity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 232,165 $ 820,845 $ 25,204 $ $ 3,014 $ 1,246,369 993,918 $ 5,000 — $ $ 23,702 — $ — $ $ $ 109,966 $ 1,041,345 28,768 $ $ 46,770 $ 1,363,870 $ 1,089,285 25,000 $ $ 23,702 — $ $ $ $ 104,475 $ 1,223,624 25,007 $ $ 47,412 $ 1,499,227 $ 1,154,050 35,000 $ 23,702 $ 15,000 — $ 55,000 $ 184,267 $ 20,000 172,305 2,445 182,152 197,831 23,702 $ 135,402 $ 1,024,247 12,218 $ $ 48,153 $ 1,347,472 $ 1,064,226 10,900 $ 23,702 $ — $ $ 60,000 164,824 $ SELECTED PERFORMANCE RATIOS:(7) Return (loss) on average assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Return (loss) on average tangible assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Return (loss) on average equity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Return (loss) on average tangible equity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Net interest margin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Efficiency ratio, excluding impairment of goodwill Average net loans (excludes loans held for sale) as a percentage of average deposits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Average total shareholders’ equity as a percentage of average total assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . SELECTED ASSET QUALITY DATA:(8) Net loan charge-offs (recoveries) to average loans . . . . . . . . . Allowance for loan losses to total loans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Nonperforming loans to total loans plus nonaccrual loans — (cid:5)4.17% 0.89% (cid:5)4.25% 0.89% 6.02% (cid:5)30.82% 6.11% (cid:5)35.66% 3.69% 3.94% 84.31% 72.51% (cid:5)0.83% (cid:5)0.86% (cid:5)6.68% (cid:5)9.06% 3.53% 82.90% 0.12% 0.13% 1.15% 1.67% 3.94% 72.71% 1.18% 1.21% 9.47% 11.43% 4.86% 62.81% 75.91% 87.53% 98.98% 100.01% 84.06% 14.82% 13.55% 12.46% 10.52% 12.47% 1.12% 2.71% 3.18% 2.98% 2.59% 2.69% 0.23% 2.00% (cid:5)0.10% 1.18% loans held-for-sale . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Nonperforming assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 2.20% 19,142 $ 3.90% 34,399 $ 5.83% 64,616 $ 3.24% 41,101 $ 0.33% 4,526 CAPITAL RATIOS: Total risk-based . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tier 1 risk-based . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Leverage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21.9% 20.6% 15.3% 20.9% 19.7% 14.1% 12.9% 11.6% 10.1% 13.4% 12.1% 11.3% 12.5% 11.5% 11.1% Notes: 1) Represents net income (loss) available to common shareholders divided by the average number of shares of common stock outstanding for the respective period. For years prior to 2009, earnings per share (‘‘EPS’’) and weighted average shares outstanding have been adjusted retrospectively to apply new accounting guidance that became effective in 2009. Except for reducing basic EPS from $1.14 to $1.13 in 2007, this change in computation did not involve a sufficient number of shares to change basic or diluted EPS from amounts previously reported. 48 2) 3) 4) 5) 6) 7) 8) Represents net income (loss) available to common shareholders, less net income allocated to Series C Preferred Stock, divided by the average number of shares of common stock and common stock-equivalents outstanding for the respective period. Represents shareholders’ equity minus preferred stock divided by the number of shares of common stock outstanding at the end of the period indicated. Represents shareholders’ equity minus preferred stock and minus goodwill and other intangible assets divided by the number of shares of common stock outstanding at the end of period indicated. Represents shareholders’ equity minus preferred stock and minus goodwill and other intangible assets divided by the number of shares of common stock outstanding at the end of period indicated, assuming Series C Preferred Stock was converted into common stock. Assumes 21,004 shares of Series C Preferred Stock were converted into 5,601,000 shares of common stock at December 31, 2011 and 2010. Average balances used in this table and throughout this Annual Report are based on daily averages. Average loans and total loans exclude loans held-for-sale. ITEM 7 — MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS The following discussion provides information about the results of operations, financial condition, liquidity, and capital resources of HCC and its wholly-owned subsidiary, HBC. This information is intended to facilitate the understanding and assessment of significant changes and trends related to our financial condition and the results of operations. This discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and the accompanying notes presented elsewhere in this report. Executive Summary This summary is intended to identify the most important matters on which management focuses when it evaluates the financial condition and performance of the Company. When evaluating financial condition and performance, management looks at certain key metrics and measures. The Company’s evaluation includes comparisons with peer group financial institutions and its own performance objectives established in the internal planning process. The primary activity of the Company is commercial banking. The Company’s operations are located entirely in the southern and eastern regions of the general San Francisco Bay Area of California in the counties of Santa Clara, Alameda and Contra Costa. The largest city in this area is San Jose and the Company’s market includes the headquarters of a number of technology based companies in the region known commonly as Silicon Valley. The Company’s customers are primarily closely held businesses and professionals. Performance Overview For the year ended December 31, 2011, net income was $11.4 million. The net income available to common shareholders was $9.0 million, or $0.28 per diluted common share, which included a reversal of the $3.7 million partial valuation allowance for deferred tax assets that was established in 2010. For the year ended December 31, 2010, the net loss was ($55.9) million and the net loss available to common shareholders was ($58.3) million, or ($3.64) per diluted common share, which included a non-cash goodwill impairment charge of $43.2 million and loan charge-offs of $13.9 million related to problem real estate loans transferred to loans held-for-sale in the second quarter of 2010. A n n u a l R e p o r t 16APR2010143726 49 The following are major factors that impacted the Company’s results of operations: (cid:127) The net interest margin increased 25 basis points to 3.94% for the year ended December 31, 2011, compared to 3.69% for the year ended December 31, 2010. The increase in the net interest margin for 2011 compared to 2010 was primarily due to an increase in the yields on loans and a decrease in rates paid on deposits. The net interest margin increased 16 basis points to 3.69% for the year ended December 31, 2010, compared with 3.53% for the year ended December 31, 2009. The increase in the net interest margin for 2010 compared to 2009 was primarily due to an increase in the yields on loans and securities and a decrease in rates paid on deposits and borrowings. (cid:127) Net interest income increased 4% to $46.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2011, compared to $44.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2010, primarily due to an increase in the average balance of investment securities, and a decrease in the average balance and rates paid on interest-bearing liabilities, partially offset by a decrease in the average balance of loans. Net interest income decreased 3% to $44.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2010, compared to $46.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2009, primarily due to a decrease in loan balances. (cid:127) The provision for loan losses was $4.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2011, compared to $26.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2010, and $33.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2009. The decrease in the provision for loan losses in 2011 compared to 2010 reflects a lower volume of classified and nonperforming loans and contraction of the loan portfolio. The decrease in the 2010 provision for loan losses compared to 2009 reflects the decline in the size of the loan portfolio and improvement in credit quality in the latter half of the year. (cid:127) Noninterest income decreased 4% to $8.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2011, compared to $8.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2010. Noninterest income for 2011 included a $459,000 gain on sale of securities, compared to a $2.0 million gain on sale of securities in 2010, which was partially offset by an $887,000 loss on sale of other loans during 2010. Noninterest income increased by 9% in 2010 to $8.7 million, compared to $8.0 million in 2009, primarily due to a $2.0 million gain on the sale of securities in 2010, offset by an $887,000 loss on sale of other loans. (cid:127) Noninterest expense was $39.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2011, compared to $44.9 million, excluding the $43.2 million impairment of goodwill, for the year ended December 31, 2010. Noninterest expense decreased for the year ended December 31, 2011 compared to the year ended December 31, 2010, primarily due to lower write-downs on loans held-for-sale, a decrease in salaries and benefits expense, lower professional fees and lower FDIC insurance premiums. Noninterest expense for the year ended December 31, 2009 was $44.8 million. (cid:127) The efficiency ratio was 72.51% for the year ended December 31, 2011, compared to 84.31% for the year ended December 31, 2010, excluding the impairment of goodwill. The improvement was primarily due to lower noninterest expense as management continues to focus on controlling expenses and higher net interest income. The efficiency ratio for the year ended December 31, 2009 was 82.90%. (cid:127) The income tax benefit for the year ended December 31, 2011 was $834,000, compared to an income tax benefit of $5.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2010, and an income tax benefit of $12.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2009. The income tax benefit for the year ended December 31, 2011 included the reversal of the $3.7 million partial valuation allowance for deferred tax assets that was established in 2010. The difference in the effective tax rate compared to the combined Federal and state statutory tax rate of 42% is primarily the result of the Company’s investment in life insurance policies whose earnings are not subject to taxes, tax credits related to investments in low income housing limited partnerships, goodwill impairment, and the valuation allowance. 50 The following are important factors in understanding our current financial condition and liquidity position: (cid:127) Cash, interest-bearing deposits in other financial institutions and securities available-for-sale increased 49% to $453.3 million at December 31, 2011, compared to $304.3 million at December 31, 2010. (cid:127) Total loans, excluding loans held-for-sale, decreased $81.5 million, or 10%, to $764.6 million at December 31, 2011, compared to $846.0 million at December 31, 2010. Land and construction loans decreased $39.3 million, or 63% to $23.0 million at December 31, 2011, compared to $62.4 million at December 31, 2010. (cid:127) Classified assets decreased 35% to $59.5 million at December 31, 2011, compared to $91.8 million at December 31, 2010. (cid:127) The allowance for loan losses at December 31, 2011 was $20.7 million, or 2.71% of total loans, representing 124.37% of nonperforming loans excluding nonaccrual loans in loans held-for-sale. The allowance for loan losses at December 31, 2010 was $25.2 million, or 2.98% of total loans, representing 81.10% of nonperforming loans excluding nonaccrual loans in loans held-for-sale. (cid:127) Nonperforming assets decreased $15.3 million to $19.1 million, or 1.47% of total assets at December 31, 2011, compared to $34.4 million, or 2.76% of total assets at December 31, 2010. (cid:127) Net loan charge-offs were $9.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2011, compared to $30.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2010. (cid:127) Noninterest-bearing demand deposits increased 23% to $344.3 million at December 31, 2011, compared to $280.3 million at December 31, 2010. (cid:127) Brokered deposits decreased 14% to $84.7 million at December 31, 2011, compared to $98.5 million at December 31, 2010. (cid:127) The ratio of noncore funding (which consists of time deposits $100,000 and over, CDARS deposits, brokered deposits, securities under agreement to repurchase, and short-term borrowings) to total assets was 19.90% at December 31, 2011, compared to 20.96% at December 31, 2010. A n n u a l R e p o r t (cid:127) The loan to deposit ratio was 72.86% at December 31, 2011, compared to 85.12% at December 31, 16APR2010143726 2010. (cid:127) Capital ratios substantially exceed regulatory requirements for a well-capitalized financial institution, both at the holding company and HBC. The leverage ratio at the holding company was 15.3%, with a Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of 20.6%, and a total risk-based capital ratio of 21.9% at December 31, 2011. The leverage ratio for HBC was 13.7%, with a Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of 18.5%, and a total risk-based capital ratio of 19.7% at December 31, 2011. The regulatory well-capitalized guidelines are a minimum of a 5% leverage ratio, a 6% Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio, and a 10% total risk-based capital ratio. Significant 2011 Events The Federal Reserve and DFI issued a joint order terminating the regulatory Written Agreement entered into on February 17, 2010, among HCC, HBC, the Federal Reserve and the DFI. Effective June 9, 2011, HCC and HBC are no longer be subject to the terms and conditions of the Written Agreement. In November 2009, the Company announced that it was exercising its right to defer regularly scheduled interest payments on its $23.7 million of junior subordinated notes relating to its trust preferred securities. From the time it deferred interest payments, the Company accrued the expense of each deferred interest payment at the normal rate on a compounded basis. On June 24, 2011, the Company paid all of the 51 deferred interest payments on its outstanding trust preferred subordinated debt securities in the amount of $3.9 million, which included all payments due through September 8, 2011. As a result of the June 2011 interest payment and the payment of regularly scheduled interest payments in the third and fourth quarters of 2011, the Company is current with respect to interest accrued on trust preferred subordinated debt securities. On July 28, 2011, the Company’s Board of Directors declared a dividend on its Series A Preferred Stock held by the U.S. Treasury in an aggregate amount of $4.2 million. The dividend was paid on August 1, 2011. Of the aggregate dividend declared and paid, $3.5 million was attributable to the dividend periods ending November 15, 2009 through May 15, 2011 and $172,000 was for interest on the deferred dividend payments, that had been previously accrued. The balance of $500,000 was the dividend payable for the period ending August 15, 2011. The Company had net deferred tax assets of $27.4 million, net of a $3.7 million partial valuation allowance, as of December 31, 2010. The Company reversed the partial valuation allowance in 2011, based on the Company’s estimate that it is more likely than not that the remaining net deferred tax assets will be realized. At December 31, 2011, the net deferred tax asset was $21.9 million. The Company maintains life insurance policies for current and former directors and officers that are subject to split-dollar life insurance agreements. During the third quarter of 2011, participants in the split- dollar life insurance benefit plan agreed to amend their agreements. As a result of the amended agreements, among other items, the benefit plan liability was reduced from $6.4 million as of December 31, 2010 to $4.5 million as of December 31, 2011. Deposits The composition and cost of the Company’s deposit base are important in analyzing the Company’s net interest margin and balance sheet liquidity characteristics. Except for brokered time deposits, the Company’s depositors are generally located in its primary market area. Depending on loan demand and other funding requirements, the Company also obtains deposits from wholesale sources including deposit brokers. The Company had $84.7 million in brokered deposits at December 31, 2011, compared to $98.5 million at December 31, 2010. Deposits from title insurance companies, escrow accounts and real estate exchange facilitators decreased to $37.6 million at December 31, 2011, compared to $39.0 million at December 31, 2010. Certificates of deposit from the State of California totaled $50.0 million at December 31, 2011, compared to none at December 31, 2010. The Company has a policy to monitor all deposits that may be sensitive to interest rate changes to help assure that liquidity risk does not become excessive due to concentrations. Deposits at December 31, 2011 were $1.0 billion, compared to $993.9 million at December 31, 2010. At December 31, 2011, our reliance on noncore funding had improved with the ratio of noncore funding to total assets at 19.90%, compared to 20.96% at December 31, 2010. HBC is a member of the Certificate of Deposit Account Registry Service (‘‘CDARS’’) program. The CDARS program allows customers with deposits in excess of FDIC insured limits to obtain coverage on time deposits through a network of banks within the CDARS program. Deposits gathered through this program are considered brokered deposits under regulatory guidelines. Deposits in the CDARS program totaled $6.4 million at December 31, 2011, compared to $17.9 million at December 31, 2010. Liquidity Our liquidity position refers to our ability to maintain cash flows sufficient to fund operations and to meet obligations and other commitments in a timely fashion. At December 31, 2011, we had $72.9 million in cash and cash equivalents and approximately $328.9 million in available borrowing capacity from various sources including the FHLB, the FRB, and Federal funds facilities with several financial institutions. The Company also had $290.2 million in unpledged securities available at December 31, 2011. Our loan to 52 deposit ratio decreased to 72.86% at December 31, 2011, compared to 85.12% at December 31, 2010, primarily due to a reduction in the loan portfolio. Lending Our lending business originates primarily through our branch offices located in our primary market. The Company also has an additional SBA loan production office in Santa Rosa, California. The total loan portfolio remains well diversified with commercial and industrial (‘‘C&I’’) loans accounting for 48% of the portfolio at December 31, 2011. Commercial and residential real estate loans accounted for 41% of the total loan portfolio at December 31, 2011, of which 51% were owner-occupied by businesses. We have actively lowered our exposure to land and construction loans and our overall credit risk on these portfolios has been reduced. Land and construction loans decreased $39.3 million to $23.0 million at December 31, 2011, compared to $62.3 million at December 31, 2010, and accounted for 3% of our total loan portfolio at December 31, 2011, compared to 7% at December 31, 2010. Consumer and home equity loans accounted for the remaining 8% of total loans at December 31, 2011. The yield on the loan portfolio was 5.32% for the year ended December 31, 2011, compared to 5.11% for the year ended December 31, 2010. Loans, excluding loans held-for-sale, decreased 10% to $764.6 million at December 31, 2011, compared to $846.0 million at December 31, 2010. The decline in gross loans for the year ended December 31, 2011 was primarily due to diminished loan demand, loan payoffs exceeding draw downs of loan commitments and the result of efforts to reduce classified loans. Lower volume of loan originations can be attributed in part to lower demand for certain types of credit as well as more selectivity with respect to the types of loans the Company chooses to originate. Net Interest Income The management of interest income and expense is fundamental to the performance of the Company. Net interest income, the difference between interest income and interest expense, is the largest component of the Company’s total revenue. Because of our focus on commercial lending to closely held businesses, the Company will continue to have a high percentage of floating rate loans and other assets. Management closely monitors both total net interest income and the net interest margin (net interest income divided by average earning assets). The Company, through its asset and liability policies and practices, seeks to maximize net interest income without exposing the Company to an excessive level of interest rate risk. Interest rate risk is managed by monitoring the pricing, maturity and repricing options of all classes of interest bearing assets and liabilities. This is discussed in more detail under ‘‘Liquidity and Asset/Liability Management.’’ In addition, we believe there are measures and initiatives we can take to improve the net interest margin, including increasing loan rates, adding floors on floating rate loans, reducing nonperforming assets, managing deposit interest rates, and reducing higher cost deposits. The net interest margin is also adversely impacted by the reversal of interest on nonaccrual loans and the reinvestment of loan payoffs into lower yielding investment securities and other short-term investments. Management of Credit Risk We continue to proactively identify, quantify, and manage our problem loans. Early identification of problem loans and potential future losses helps enable us to resolve credit issues with potentially less risk and ultimate losses. We maintain an allowance for loan losses in an amount that we believe is adequate to absorb probable incurred losses in the portfolio. While we strive to carefully manage and monitor credit quality and to identify loans that may be deteriorating, circumstances can change at any time for loans included in the portfolio that may result in future losses, that as of the date of the financial statements have not yet been identified as potential problem loans. Through established credit practices, we adjust the 53 A n n u a l R e p o r t 16APR2010143726 allowance for loan losses accordingly. However, because future events are uncertain, there may be loans that deteriorate some of which could occur in an accelerated time frame. As a result, future additions to the allowance for loan losses may be necessary. Because the loan portfolio contains a number of commercial loans, commercial real estate, construction and land development loans with relatively large balances, deterioration in the credit quality of one or more of these loans may require a significant increase to the allowance for loan losses. Future additions to the allowance may also be required based on changes in the financial condition of borrowers, such as have resulted due to the current, and potentially worsening, economic conditions. Additionally, Federal and state banking regulators, as an integral part of their supervisory function, periodically review our allowance for loan losses. These regulatory agencies may require us to recognize further loan loss provisions or charge-offs based upon their judgments, which may be different from ours. Any increase in the allowance for loan losses would have an adverse effect, which may be material, on our financial condition and results of operation. Further discussion of the management of credit risk appears under ‘‘Provision for Loan Losses’’ and ‘‘Allowance for Loan Losses.’’ Noninterest Income While net interest income remains the largest single component of total revenues, noninterest income is an important component. A portion of the Company’s noninterest income is associated with its SBA lending activity, consisting of gains on the sale of loans sold in the secondary market and servicing income from loans sold with servicing retained. Prior to February 15, 2011, the sale of SBA loans were subject to a warranty for a period of 90 days. In accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, the Company treated the SBA loans sold as secured borrowings during the warranty period. Effective February 15, 2011, the SBA no longer required a warranty period in loan sales agreements. Therefore, gains on loan sales completed after February 15, 2011 are recognized upon completion of the transaction. Other sources of noninterest income include loan servicing fees, service charges and fees, cash surrender value from company owned life insurance policies, and gains on the sale of securities. Noninterest Expense Management considers the control of operating expenses to be a critical element of the Company’s performance. The Company has undertaken several initiatives to reduce its noninterest expense and improve its efficiency. Noninterest expense decreased $5.4 million, for the year ended December 31, 2011, compared to the year ended December 31, 2010, excluding the impairment of goodwill, primarily due to lower salaries and benefits, FDIC deposit insurance premiums, professional fees, writedown of loans held-for-sale, and expenses related to foreclosed assets. Capital Management As part of its asset and liability management process, the Company continually assesses its capital position to take into consideration growth, expected earnings, risk profile and potential corporate activities that it may choose to pursue. On November 21, 2008, the Company issued to the U.S. Treasury under its Capital Purchase Program 40,000 shares of Series A Preferred Stock for $40.0 million and issued a warrant to purchase 462,963 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $12.96. Under the terms of the Capital Purchase Program with the U.S. Treasury, so long as our Series A Preferred Stock was outstanding, we were prohibited from increasing quarterly dividends on our common stock in excess of $0.08 per share, and from making certain repurchases of equity securities, including our common stock, without the U.S. Treasury consent until the third anniversary of the U.S. Treasury 54 investment or until the U.S. Treasury had transferred all of the Series A Preferred Stock it purchased under the Capital Purchase Program to third parties. As long as the Series A Preferred Stock was outstanding, dividend payments and repurchases or redemptions relating to certain equity securities, including our common stock and the Series C Preferred Stock, were also prohibited until all accrued and unpaid dividends are paid on the Series A Preferred Stock, subject to certain limited exceptions. On November 6, 2009, we suspended dividend payments on our Series A Preferred Stock. On July 28, 2011, the Company’s Board of Directors declared a dividend on its Series A Preferred Stock held by the U.S. Treasury in an aggregate amount of $4.2 million. The dividend was paid on August 1, 2011. Of the aggregate dividend declared and paid, $3.5 million was attributable to the dividend periods ending November 15, 2009 through May 15, 2011 and $172,000 was for interest on the deferred dividend payments, that have been previously accrued. The balance of $500,000 was the dividend payable for the period ending August 15, 2011. On March 7, 2012, in accordance with approvals received from the U.S. Treasury and the Federal Reserve, the Company repurchased all of the Series A Preferred Stock and paid the related accrued and unpaid dividends. The repurchase of the Series A Preferred Stock will save us $2.0 million in annual dividends. At the time the Company repurchased the Series A Preferred Stock, it did not repurchase the related warrant. The warrant was outstanding as of the date of this report. On June 21, 2010, the Company issued Series B Mandatorily Convertible Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock (‘‘Series B Preferred Stock’’) and Series C Convertible Perpetual Preferred Stock (‘‘Series C Preferred Stock’’) to a limited number of institutional investors for an aggregate amount of $75.0 million. HCC then downstreamed $40 million of the proceeds from the private placement to the capital of HBC. After receiving shareholder approval in September 2010, the outstanding Series B Preferred Stock converted into approximately 14.4 million shares of the Company’s common stock. The Series C Preferred Stock remains outstanding until its conversion to common stock upon the transfer of the Series C Preferred Stock in accordance with its terms. Holders of Series C Preferred Stock will receive dividends if and only to the extent dividends are paid to holders of common stock. We have supported our growth through the issuance of trust preferred securities from special purpose trusts and accompanying sales of subordinated debt to these trusts. The subordinated debt that we issued to the trusts is senior to our shares of common stock and Series C Preferred Stock. As a result, we must make payments on the subordinated debt before any dividends can be paid on our common stock and Series C Preferred Stock. Under the terms of the subordinated debt, we may defer interest payments for up to five years. In November 2009, the Company announced that it was exercising its right to defer regularly scheduled interest payments on its $23.7 million of junior subordinated notes relating to its trust preferred securities. From the time it deferred interest payments, the Company accrued the expense of each deferred interest payment at the normal rate on a compounded basis. On June 24, 2011, the Company paid all of the deferred interest payments on its outstanding trust preferred subordinated debt securities in the amount of $3.9 million, which included all payments due through September 8, 2011. As a result of the June 2011 interest payment and the payment of regularly scheduled interest payments in the third and fourth quarters of 2011, the Company is current with respect to interest accrued on trust preferred subordinated debt securities. At December 31, 2011, HBC’s total risk-based capital ratio was 19.7%, compared to the 10% regulatory requirement for well-capitalized banks under the regulatory framework for prompt corrective actions. HBC’s Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of 18.5% and leverage ratio of 13.7% at December 31, 2011 also exceeded regulatory guidelines for well-capitalized banks under the prompt corrective actions framework. On a consolidated basis, the Company has a total risk-based capital ratio of 21.9%, a Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of 20.6%, and a leverage ratio of 15.3% at December 31, 2011. 55 A n n u a l R e p o r t 16APR2010143726 Results of Operations The Company earns income from two primary sources. The first is net interest income, which is interest income generated by earning assets less interest expense on interest-bearing liabilities. The second is noninterest income, which primarily consists of gains on the sale of loans, loan servicing fees, customer service charges and fees, the increase in cash surrender value of life insurance, and gains on the sale of securities. The majority of the Company’s noninterest expenses are operating costs that relate to providing a full range of banking services to our customers. Net Interest Income and Net Interest Margin The level of net interest income depends on several factors in combination, including growth in earning assets, yields on earning assets, the cost of interest-bearing liabilities, the relative volumes of earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities, and the mix of products that comprise the Company’s earning assets, deposits, and other interest-bearing liabilities. Net interest income can also be impacted by the reversal of interest on loans placed on nonaccrual, and recovery of interest on loans that have been on nonaccrual and are either sold or returned to accrual status. To maintain its net interest margin, the Company must manage the relationship between interest earned and paid. 56 The following Distribution, Rate and Yield table presents for each of the past three years, the average amounts outstanding for the major categories of the Company’s balance sheet, the average interest rates earned or paid thereon, and the resulting net interest margin on average interest earning assets for the periods indicated. Average balances are based on daily averages. Distribution, Rate and Yield Year Ended December 31, 2011 2010 2009 Average Balance Interest Average Yield/ Income/ Rate Expense Average Balance Interest Average Yield/ Income/ Rate Expense Average Balance Interest Average Yield/ Income/ Rate Expense (Dollars in thousands) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 804,068 $42,769 9,088 297,231 5.32% $ 971,025 $49,633 5,236 3.06% 148,069 5.11% $1,171,537 $58,602 3,627 3.54% 104,080 5.00% 3.48% Assets: Loans, gross(1) Securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Federal funds sold and interest-bearing deposits in other financial institutions . . . . 68,878 174 0.25% 89,083 218 0.24% 26,443 64 0.24% Total interest earning assets . . . . . . . . . . 1,170,177 52,031 4.45% 1,208,177 55,087 4.56% 1,302,060 62,293 4.78% Cash and due from banks . . . . . . . . . . . . . Premises and equipment, net . . . . . . . . . . . Goodwill and other intangible assets . . . . . . Other assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21,077 8,022 2,762 73,172 21,234 8,742 24,609 75,216 21,802 9,311 47,105 59,666 Total assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1,275,210 $1,337,978 $1,439,944 Liabilities and shareholders’ equity: Deposits: Demand, noninterest-bearing . . . . . . . . . . . $ 334,676 133,538 Demand, interest-bearing . . . . . . . . . . . . . 279,250 Savings and money market . . . . . . . . . . . . 31,549 Time deposits — under $100 . . . . . . . . . . . 131,756 Time deposits — $100 and Over . . . . . . . . . 16,403 Time deposits — CDARS . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92,278 Time deposits — brokered . . . . . . . . . . . . Total interest-bearing deposits . . . . . . . . . 684,774 Total deposits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Subordinated debt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Securities sold under agreement to repurchase Note payable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Short-term borrowings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,019,450 23,702 712 — 933 238 892 230 1,298 67 1,217 3,942 $ 265,546 0.18% 153,618 0.32% 297,257 0.73% 37,889 0.99% 134,024 0.41% 18,252 1.32% 155,558 0.58% 796,598 341 1,440 496 1,900 159 3,750 8,086 $ 261,539 0.22% 136,734 0.48% 334,657 1.31% 43,946 1.42% 155,475 0.87% 19,702 2.41% 196,113 336 2,514 983 2,813 303 6,513 0.25% 0.75% 2.24% 1.81% 1.54% 3.32% 1.02% 886,627 13,462 1.52% 3,942 1,871 24 — N/A 38 0.39% 1,062,144 23,702 7.89% 18,767 3.37% — 8,347 4.07% 8,086 1,878 418 — N/A 130 0.76% 1,148,166 23,702 7.92% 28,822 2.23% 2,507 24,940 1.56% 13,462 1,933 787 82 62 1.17% 8.15% 2.73% 3.27% 0.25% A n n u a l R e p o r t 16APR2010143726 Total interest-bearing liabilities . . . . . . . . 710,121 5,875 0.83% 847,414 10,512 1.24% 966,598 16,326 1.69% Total interest-bearing liabilities and demand, noninterest-bearing / cost of funds . . . . . Other liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Total liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Shareholders’ equity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,044,797 41,473 1,086,270 188,940 Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity . . . $1,275,210 5,875 0.56% 1,112,960 43,776 10,512 0.94% 1,228,137 32,417 16,326 1.33% 1,156,736 181,242 $1,337,978 1,260,554 179,390 $1,439,944 Net interest income / margin . . . . . . . . . . . $46,156 3.94% $44,575 3.69% $45,967 3.53% (1) Includes loans held-for-sale. Yields and amounts earned on loans include loan fees and costs. Nonaccrual loans are included in average balance. The Volume and Rate Variances table below sets forth the dollar difference in interest earned and paid for each major category of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities for the noted periods, and the amount of such change attributable to changes in average balances (volume) or changes in average interest rates. Volume variances are equal to the increase or decrease in the average balance multiplied by prior period rates 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 equal to the change in rate multiplied by the change in average balance and are included below in the average volume column. 57 Volume and Rate Variances 2011 vs. 2010 Increase (Decrease) Due to Change in: 2010 vs. 2009 Increase (Decrease) Due to Change in: Average Volume Average Rate Net Change Average Volume Average Rate Net Change (Dollars in thousands) Income from the interest earning assets: Loans, gross . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Federal funds sold and interest-bearing $(8,890) $ 2,026 (705) 4,557 $(6,864) $(10,233) $ 1,264 57 1,552 3,852 $(8,969) 1,609 deposits in other financial institutions . (49) 5 (44) 154 — 154 Total interest income on interest earning assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (4,382) 1,326 (3,056) (8,527) 1,321 (7,206) Expense from the interest-bearing liabilities: Demand, interest-bearing . . . . . . . . . . . . Savings and money market . . . . . . . . . . Time deposits — under $100 . . . . . . . . . Time deposits — $100 and over . . . . . . . Time deposits — CDARS . . . . . . . . . . . Time deposits — brokered . . . . . . . . . . . Subordinated debt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Securities sold under agreement to repurchase . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Notes payable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Short-term borrowings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Total interest expense on interest- (39) (59) (47) (29) (8) (836) — (608) — (302) (64) (489) (219) (573) (84) (1,697) (7) 214 — 210 (103) (548) (266) (602) (92) (2,533) (7) (394) — (92) 40 (166) (80) (308) (12) (976) — (225) (82) (259) (35) (908) (407) (605) (132) (1,787) (55) (144) — 327 5 (1,074) (487) (913) (144) (2,763) (55) (369) (82) 68 bearing liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (1,928) (2,709) (4,637) (2,068) (3,746) (5,814) Net interest income . . . . . . . . . . . . $(2,454) $ 4,035 $ 1,581 $ (6,459) $ 5,067 $(1,392) The Company’s net interest margin, expressed as a percentage of average earning assets was 3.94% for 2011, an increase of 25 basis points compared to 3.69% for 2010, principally due to a higher yield on loans and a lower cost of deposits. The Company’s net interest margin for 2010 increased 16 basis points compared to 3.53% for 2009, as yields on loans and securities increased and the costs of deposits and borrowings declined. The yield on interest earning assets decreased to 4.45% for 2011, compared to 4.56% for 2010, and 4.78% for 2009, primarily due to contraction in the loan portfolio. The cost of total deposits, including noninterest-bearing demand deposits, decreased to 0.39% for 2011, compared to 0.76% for 2010, and 1.17% for 2009, as a result of maturing higher-cost wholesale funding and a more cost-effective blend of core deposits. Net interest income for the year ended December 31, 2011 increased $1.6 million to $46.2 million, compared to $44.6 million a year ago, primarily due to a an increase in the average balance of investment securities, and a decrease in the average balance and rates paid on interest-bearing liabilities, partially offset by a decrease in the average balance of loans. Net interest income for the year ended December 31, 2010 decreased $1.4 million to $44.6 million, compared to $46.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2009, primarily due to a decrease in average loan balances, partially offset by an increase in average investment securities, an increase in average Federal funds sold, and interest-bearing deposits, as well as a lower cost of funds. 58 A substantial portion of the Company’s earning assets are variable-rate loans that re-price when the Company’s prime lending rate is changed, in contrast to a large base of core deposits that are generally slower to re-price. This causes the Company’s balance sheet to be asset-sensitive which means that, all else being equal, the Company’s net interest margin will be lower during periods when short-term interest rates are falling and higher when rates are rising. Provision for Loan Losses Credit risk is inherent in the business of making loans. The Company establishes an allowance for loan losses through charges to earnings, which are shown in the statements of operations as the provision for loan losses. Specifically identifiable and quantifiable known losses are promptly charged off against the allowance. The provision for loan losses is determined by conducting a quarterly evaluation of the adequacy of the Company’s allowance for loan losses and charging the shortfall, if any, to the current quarter’s operations. This has the effect of creating variability in the amount and frequency of charges to the Company’s earnings. The provision for loan losses and level of allowance for each period are dependent upon many factors, including loan growth, net charge-offs, changes in the composition of the loan portfolio, delinquencies, management’s assessment of the quality of the loan portfolio, the valuation of problem loans and the general economic conditions in the Company’s market area. For 2011, the Company had a provision for loan losses of $4.5 million, compared to a provision for loan losses of $26.8 million for 2010 and a provision for loan losses of $33.9 million for 2009. The significant decrease in the provision for loan losses in 2011 compared to 2010 and 2009 reflects the improvement in credit quality. The allowance for loan losses represented 2.71%, 2.98% and 2.69% of total loans at December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively. Provisions for loan losses are charged to operations to bring the allowance for loan losses to a level deemed appropriate by the Company based on the factors discussed under ‘‘Allowance for Loan Losses.’’ Noninterest Income The following table sets forth the various components of the Company’s noninterest income: A n n u a l R e p o r t Year Ended December 31, Increase (decrease) 2011 versus 2010 Increase (decrease) 2010 versus 2009 16APR2010143726 2011 2010 2009 Amount Percent Amount Percent (Dollars in thousands) $2,355 1,743 $2,228 1,719 $2,221 1,587 $ 127 24 6% $ 1% 7 132 0% 8% Service charges and fees on deposit accounts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Servicing income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Increase in cash surrender value of life insurance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gain on sale of SBA loans . . . . . . . . . Gain on sale of securities . . . . . . . . . . Loss on sale of other loans . . . . . . . . . Other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,706 1,461 459 — 698 1,677 1,058 1,955 (887) 983 1,664 1,306 231 — 1,018 29 403 (1,496) 887 (285) 13 2% 38% (248) -77% 1,724 (887) (35) -100% -29% 1% -19% 746% N/A -3% 9% Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $8,422 $8,733 $8,027 $ (311) -4% $ 706 The decrease in noninterest income was primarily due to a lower gain on sale of securities of $459,000 for 2011, compared to a $2.0 million gain on sale of securities, which was partially offset by an $887,000 loss on sale of other loans during 2010. The increase in noninterest income in 2010 compared to 2009 was primarily due to $2.0 million in gain on the sale of securities in 2010, partially offset by an $887,000 loss on 59 the sale of problem loans. Other sources of noninterest income include loan servicing fees, service charges and fees, and the cash surrender value from company owned life insurance policies. Historically, a significant percentage of the Company’s noninterest income has been associated with its SBA lending activity, as gains on the sale of loans sold in the secondary market and servicing income from loans sold with servicing rights retained. During 2011, SBA loan sales resulted in a $1.5 million gain, compared to a $1.1 million gain on sale of SBA loans in 2010, and a $1.3 million gain on sale of SBA loans in 2009. The servicing assets that result from the sale of SBA loans with servicing retained are amortized over the expected term of the loans using a method approximating the interest method. Servicing income generally declines as the respective loans are repaid. The increase in cash surrender value of life insurance approximates a 3.89% after tax yield on the policies. To realize this tax advantaged yield the policies must be held until death of the insured individuals, who are current and former officers and directors of the Company. Noninterest Expense The following table sets forth the various components of the Company’s noninterest expense: Year Ended December 31, Increase (decrease) 2011 versus 2010 Increase (decrease) 2010 versus 2009 2011 2010 2009 Amount Percent Amount Percent Salaries and employee benefits . . . Occupancy and equipment . . . . . . Professional fees . . . . . . . . . . . . . FDIC deposit insurance premiums Software subscriptions . . . . . . . . . Low income housing investment losses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Insurance expense . . . . . . . . . . . . Data processing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Advertising and promotion . . . . . . Foreclosed assets expense . . . . . . . Writedown of loans held-for-sale . . Impairment of goodwill . . . . . . . . Other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (Dollars in thousands) $20,574 4,083 2,861 1,294 1,078 $21,234 4,087 3,975 4,002 1,004 $22,927 3,937 3,851 3,321 865 $ (660) (4) (1,114) (2,708) 74 -3% $ (1,693) 150 0 % 124 -28% 681 -68% 139 7 % 795 1,035 1,007 941 831 876 395 435 650 389 1,080 29 — 43,181 5,886 5,977 240 922 (66) 639 45 912 40 406 (261) 518 (1,051) — — (43,181) 91 6,462 30 % (127) 368 -7% (81) 5 % (11) 10 % -40% 132 -97% 1,080 -100% 43,181 2 % (576) Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $39,572 $88,127 $44,760 $(48,555) -55% $43,367 -7% 4 % 3 % 21 % 16 % -14% 58 % -9% -3% 25 % N/A N/A -9% 97 % 60 The following table indicates the percentage of noninterest expense in each category: Noninterest Expense by Category 2011 2010 2009 Amount Percent of Total Amount Percent of Total Amount Percent of Total (Dollars in thousands) Salaries and employee benefits . . . . . . . . . . . . Occupancy and equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Professional fees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . FDIC deposit insurance premiums . . . . . . . . . Software subscriptions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Low income housing investment losses . . . . . . Insurance expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Data processing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Advertising and promotion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Foreclosed assets expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Writedown of loans held-for-sale . . . . . . . . . . Impairment of goodwill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $20,574 4,083 2,861 1,294 1,078 1,035 941 876 435 389 29 — 5,977 52% $21,234 10% 4,087 7% 3,975 3% 4,002 3% 1,004 3% 795 3% 1,007 831 2% 1% 395 650 1% 0% 1,080 0% 43,181 15% 5,886 24% $22,927 5% 3,937 4% 3,851 5% 3,321 865 1% 922 1% 639 1% 912 1% 406 0% 518 1% — 1% — 49% 7% 6,462 51% 9% 9% 7% 2% 2% 1% 2% 1% 1% 0% 0% 15% Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $39,572 100% $88,127 100% $44,760 100% Noninterest expense for the year ended December 31, 2011 declined 12% to $39.6 million, compared to $44.9 million (excluding the $43.2 million impairment of goodwill) for the year ended December 31, 2010. The decrease in noninterest expense for the year ended December 31, 2011 was primarily due to lower write-downs on loans held-for-sale, a decrease in salaries and benefits expense, lower professional fees, lower FDIC insurance premiums and lower foreclosed assets expense. Salaries and employee benefits decreased $660,000, or 3%, for the year ended December 31, 2011 from the year ended December 31, 2010, primarily due to a reduction in staff implemented in the fourth quarter of 2010. Full-time equivalent employees were 189, 181, and 206 at December 31, 2011, 2010, and 2009, respectively. Professional fees decreased $1.1 million, or 28%, for the year ended December 31, 2011 compared to 2010 primarily due to a decrease in legal fees related to loan workouts and litigation and decreased expenses for bank regulatory compliance. FDIC deposit insurance premiums decreased $2.7 million, or 68%, for the year ended December 31, 2011 compared to 2010, due to a decrease in the FDIC deposit assessment rate. Foreclosed assets expense decreased $261,000 or 40%, for 2011, compared to 2010 due to a decrease in writedowns of foreclosed assets. The Company’s low income housing investment losses increased $240,000, or 30%, to $1.0 million for 2011, compared to $795,000 for 2010. Noninterest expense for the year ended December 31, 2010, excluding the impairment of goodwill, remained relatively flat at $44.9 million, compared to $44.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2009, as a decrease in salaries and benefits was offset by a $1.1 million writedown of loans held-for-sale and higher FDIC deposit insurance premiums. Salaries and employee benefits decreased $1.7 million, or 7%, for 2010, compared to 2009, primarily due to a reduction in workforce implemented in the fourth quarter of 2009, an additional reduction in workforce implemented in the fourth quarter of 2010, and a reduction of stock option expense as stock options forfeited exceeded the initial forfeiture rate utilized. FDIC deposit insurance premiums increased $681,000, or 21%, for 2010, compared to 2009, mainly due to an increase in the FDIC deposit assessment rate. Noninterest expense for 2010 included the $1.1 million writedown of loans held-for-sale. Insurance expense increased $368,000, or 58%, in 2010 from 2009, primarily due to an increase in the directors’ and officers’ insurance premiums. Foreclosed assets expense increased $132,000 for 2010, compared to 2009, primarily due to an increase in writedowns of foreclosed assets in 2010. During the second quarter of 2010, the Company determined that the entire $43.2 million of 61 A n n u a l R e p o r t 16APR2010143726 goodwill related to the acquisition of Diablo Valley Bank was impaired, due to the continued depressed economic conditions and the length of time and amount by which the Company’s book value exceeded market value per share, and the Company’s closing of the June 2010 private placement at a conversion price of $3.75 per share. Other operating expense decreased $576,000 in 2010 from 2009, primarily due to a lower loan provision for off-balance sheet risk liabilities and management’s efforts to control costs. Income Tax Expense The Company computes its provision for income taxes on a monthly basis. The effective tax rate is determined by applying the Company’s statutory income tax rates to pre-tax book income as adjusted for permanent differences between pre-tax book income and actual taxable income. These permanent differences include, but are not limited to, tax-exempt interest income, increases in the cash surrender value of life insurance policies, California Enterprise Zone deductions, certain expenses that are not allowed as tax deductions, and tax credits. The Company’s Federal and state income tax benefit in 2011 was $834,000, as compared to an income tax benefit of $5.8 million in 2010, and an income tax benefit of $12.7 million in 2009. The following table shows the effective income tax rates for 2011, 2010, and 2009: For the Year Ended December 31, 2011 2010 2009 Effective income tax rate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . -7.9% -9.4% -51.5% The difference in the effective tax rate compared to the combined Federal and state statutory tax rate of 42% is primarily the result of the Company’s investment in life insurance policies whose earnings are not subject to taxes, tax credits related to investments in low income housing limited partnerships, goodwill impairment, and the deferred tax asset valuation allowance. The Company has total investments of $3.7 million in low-income housing limited partnerships as of December 31, 2011. These investments have generated annual tax credits of approximately $846,000 for the year ended December 31, 2011, and $1.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2010, and $1.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2009. Some items of income and expense are recognized in different years for tax purposes than when applying generally accepted accounting principles, leading to timing differences between the Company’s actual tax liability and the amount accrued for this liability based on book income. These temporary differences comprise the ‘‘deferred’’ portion of the Company’s tax expense or benefit, which is accumulated on the Company’s books as a deferred tax asset or deferred tax liability until such time as they reverse. Realization of the Company’s deferred tax assets is primarily dependent upon the Company generating sufficient taxable income to obtain benefit from the reversal of net deductible temporary differences and utilization of tax credit carryforwards and the net operating loss carryforwards for Federal and California state income tax purposes. The amount of deferred tax assets considered realizable is subject to adjustment in future periods based on estimates of future taxable income. Under generally accepted accounting principles, a valuation allowance is required to be recognized if it is ‘‘more likely than not’’ that a deferred tax asset will not be realized. The determination of the realizability of the deferred tax assets is highly subjective and dependent upon judgment concerning management’s evaluation of both positive and negative evidence, including forecasts of future income, cumulative losses, applicable tax planning strategies, and assessments of current and future economic and business conditions. At December 31, 2011, and December 31, 2010, the Company had net deferred tax assets of $21.9 million and $27.4 million. At December 31, 2010, the net deferred tax asset was net of a $3.7 million 62 partial valuation allowance. At December 31, 2011, after consideration of the matters in the preceding paragraph, the Company determined that a valuation allowance for deferred tax assets should be $0. Financial Condition As of December 31, 2011, total assets were $1.31 billion, an increase of 5% compared to $1.25 billion at December 31, 2010. Total securities available-for-sale (at fair value) were $380.5 million, an increase of 64% from $232.2 million at December 31, 2010. The total loan portfolio, excluding loans held-for-sale, was $764.6 million, a decrease of 10% from $846.0 million at year-end 2010. Total deposits were $1.0 billion at December 31, 2011, an increase of 6% from $993.9 million at year-end 2010. There were no securities sold under agreement to repurchase at December 31, 2011, compared to $5.0 million at year-end 2010. In addition, there were no short-term borrowings at December 31, 2011, compared to $2.4 million at December 31, 2010. Securities Portfolio The following table reflects the estimated fair value for each category of securities at year-end: Investment Portfolio December 31, 2011 2010 2009 (Dollars in thousands) Securities available-for-sale (at fair value) U.S. Government sponsored entities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Agency mortgage-backed securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Collateralized mortgage obligations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Trust preferred securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ — $ — $ 350,348 — 30,107 232,165 — — 1,973 102,546 5,447 — Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $380,455 $232,165 $109,966 The table below summarizes the weighted average life and weighted average yields of securities as of December 31, 2011. The weighted average life will differ from the contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to call, pre-pay obligations with or without call or pre-payment penalties. A n n u a l R e p o r t 16APR2010143726 December 31, 2011 Weighted Average Life Within One Year After One and Within Five Years After Five and Within Ten Years After Ten Years Total Amount Yield Amount Yield Amount Yield Amount Yield Amount Yield (Dollars in thousands) Securities available-for-sale (at fair value): Mortgage-Backed Securities — Residential . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Trust preferred securities . . . . . . . . . $ — 30,107 — $225,097 2.87% $91,963 — — — 2.92% $33,288 — — 3.29% $350,348 30,107 — 2.92% 6.39% 6.39% $30,107 6.39% $225,097 2.87% $91,963 2.92% $33,288 3.29% $380,455 3.20% The securities portfolio is the second largest component of the Company’s interest-earning assets, and the structure and composition of this portfolio is important to an analysis of the financial condition of the Company. The portfolio serves the following purposes: (i) it provides a source of pledged assets for securing certain deposits and borrowed funds, as may be required by law or by specific agreement with a depositor or lender; (ii) it provides liquidity to even out cash flows from the loan and deposit activities of customers; (iii) it can be used as an interest rate risk management tool, since it provides a large base of 63 assets, the maturity and interest rate characteristics of which can be changed more readily than the loan portfolio to better match changes in the deposit base and other funding sources of the Company; and (iv) it is an alternative interest-earning use of funds when loan demand is weak or when deposits grow more rapidly than loans. The Company’s securities are all currently classified under existing accounting rules as ‘‘available-for-sale’’ to allow flexibility for the management of the portfolio. Accounting guidance requires available-for-sale securities to be marked to fair value with an offset to accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), a component of shareholders’ equity. Monthly adjustments are made to reflect changes in the fair value of the Company’s available-for-sale securities. The Company’s portfolio is historically comprised primarily of: (i) U.S. Treasury securities and U.S. Government sponsored entities’ debt securities for liquidity and pledging; (ii) mortgage-backed securities, which in many instances can also be used for pledging, and which generally enhance the yield of the portfolio; (iii) municipal obligations, which provide tax free income and limited pledging potential; (iv) collateralized mortgage obligations, which generally enhance the yield of the portfolio; and (v) single entity issue trust preferred securities, which generally enhance the yield on the portfolio. Compared to December 31, 2010, the securities portfolio increased by $148.3 million, or 64%, and increased to 29% of total assets at December 31, 2011, from 19% at December 31, 2010. The Company increased its holding of mortgage-back securities by $118.2 million to $350.3 million at December 31, 2011, from $232.2 million at December 31, 2010 to offset a portion of the contraction in the loan portfolio. At December 31, 2011, the Company’s investment portfolio included single entity issue trust preferred securities by two issuers with a carrying value of $29.9 million and market value of $30.1 million, compared to no trust preferred securities in the investment portfolio at December 31, 2010. The Company has not used interest rate swaps or other derivative instruments to hedge fixed rate loans or securities to otherwise mitigate interest rate risk. Loans The Company’s loans represent the largest portion of earning assets, substantially greater than the securities portfolio or any other asset category, and the quality and diversification of the loan portfolio is an important consideration when reviewing the Company’s financial condition. Gross loans, excluding loans held-for-sale, represented 59% of total assets at December 31, 2011, as compared to 68% of at December 31, 2010. The ratio of loans to deposits decreased to 72.86% at December 31, 2011 from 85.12% December 31, 2010. Demand for loans has weakened within the Company’s markets due to the current economic environment. The Loan Distribution table that follows sets forth the Company’s gross loans outstanding, excluding loans held-for-sale, and the percentage distribution in each category at the dates indicated. 64 Loan Distribution 2011 % to Total 2010 % to Total 2009 % to Total 2008 % to Total 2007 % to Total . . . . . . . . . . 366,590 48% $378,412 45% $ 427,177 40% $ 525,080 42% $ 411,251 40% (Dollars in thousands) December 31, Commercial Real estate: Commercial and residential . . . . . . . . . 311,479 23,016 52,017 11,166 Land and construction . . Home equity . . . . . . . . Consumer . . . . . . . . . . . . 41% 337,457 3% 62,356 7% 53,697 1% 13,244 40% 7% 6% 2% 400,731 182,871 51,368 7,181 37% 17% 5% 1% 405,530 256,567 55,490 4,310 33% 21% 4% — 361,211 215,597 44,187 3,044 35% 21% 4% — Total loans . . . . . . . . 764,268 323 Deferred loan costs . . . . . . 100% 845,166 883 — 100% 1,069,328 785 — 100% 1,246,977 1,654 — 100% 1,035,290 1,175 — 100% — Loans, including deferred costs . . . . . . . . . . . . 764,591 100% 846,049 100% 1,070,113 100% 1,248,631 100% 1,036,465 100% Allowance for loan losses . . (20,700) Loans, net . . . . . . . . . . . $743,891 (25,204) $820,845 (28,768) (25,007) (12,218) $1,041,345 $1,223,624 $1,024,247 The Company’s loan portfolio is concentrated in commercial, primarily manufacturing, wholesale, and services and commercial real estate, with a balance in land development and construction and home equity and consumer loans. The decrease in the Company’s loan portfolio in 2011 is due to diminished loan demand, loan payoffs exceeding draw downs of loan commitments and payoff of classified loans. Outstanding loan balances to total loan commitments were 73% at December 31, 2011, compared to 75% at December 31, 2010. The Company does not have any concentrations by industry or group of industries in its loan portfolio, however, 51% of its gross loans were secured by real property as of December 31, 2011, compared to 54% as of December 31, 2010. While no specific industry concentration is considered significant, the Company’s lending operations are located in areas that are dependent on the technology and real estate industries and their supporting companies. The Company’s commercial loans are made for working capital, financing the purchase of equipment or for other business purposes. Commercial loans include loans with maturities ranging from thirty days to one year and ‘‘term loans’’ with maturities normally ranging from one to five years. Short-term business loans are generally intended to finance current transactions and typically provide for periodic principal payments, with interest payable monthly. Term loans normally provide for floating interest rates, with monthly payments of both principal and interest. The Company is an active participant in the SBA and U.S. Department of Agriculture guaranteed lending programs, and has been approved by the SBA as a lender under the Preferred Lender Program. The Company regularly makes such guaranteed loans (collectively referred to as ‘‘SBA loans’’). The guaranteed portion of these loans is typically sold in the secondary market depending on market conditions. When the guaranteed portion of an SBA loan is sold, the Company retains the servicing rights for the sold portion. During 2011, loans were sold resulting in a gain on sale of SBA loans of $1.5 million. As of December 31, 2011, commercial and residential real estate loans of $311.5 million consist primarily of adjustable and fixed rate loans secured by deeds of trust on commercial and residential property. The commercial and residential real estate loans at December 31, 2011 consist of $157.2 million, or 51% of commercial owner occupied properties, $151.1million, or 48%, of commercial investment properties, and $3.2 million, or 1%, of residential properties. Properties securing the commercial and residential real estate loans are primarily located in the Company’s primary market, which is the Greater San Francisco Bay Area. The Company’s commercial real estate loans consist primarily of loans based on the borrower’s cash flow and are secured by deeds of trust on commercial and residential property to provide a secondary 65 A n n u a l R e p o r t 16APR2010143726 source of repayment. The Company generally restricts real estate term loans to no more than 75% of the property’s appraised value or the purchase price of the property during the initial underwriting of the credit, depending on the type of property and its utilization. The Company offers both fixed and floating rate loans. Maturities on real estate mortgage loans are generally between five and ten years (with amortization ranging from fifteen to twenty-five years and a balloon payment due at maturity and amortization of thirty years on loans secured by apartments); however, SBA and certain other real estate loans that can be sold in the secondary market may be granted for longer maturities. The Company’s land and construction loans are primarily to finance the development/construction of commercial and single family residential properties. The Company utilizes underwriting guidelines to assess the likelihood of repayment from sources such as sale of the property or availability of permanent mortgage financing prior to making the construction loan. Land and construction loans decreased $39.3 million to $23.0 million, or 3% of total loans at December 31, 2011, compared to $62.3 million, or 7% of total loans at December 31, 2010. The Company makes home equity lines of credit available to its existing customers. Home equity lines of credit are underwritten initially with a maximum 70% loan to value ratio. Home equity lines are reviewed at least semiannually, with specific emphasis on loans with a loan to value ratio greater than 70% and loans that were underwritten from mid-2005 through 2008, when real estate values were at the peak in the cycle. The Company takes measures to work with customers to reduce line commitments and minimize potential losses. There have been no adverse classifications to date as a result of the review. Additionally, the Company makes consumer loans for the purpose of financing automobiles, various types of consumer goods, and other personal purposes. Consumer loans generally provide for the monthly payment of principal and interest. Most of the Company’s consumer loans are secured by the personal property being purchased or, in the instances of home equity loans or lines, real property. With certain exceptions, state chartered banks are permitted to make extensions of credit to any one borrowing entity up to 15% of the bank’s capital and reserves for unsecured loans and up to 25% of the bank’s capital and reserves for secured loans. For HBC, these lending limits were $32.4 million and $53.9 million at December 31, 2011, respectively. Loan Maturities The following table presents the maturity distribution of the Company’s loans as of December 31, 2011. The table shows the distribution of such loans between those loans with predetermined (fixed) interest rates and those with variable (floating) interest rates. Floating rates generally fluctuate with changes in the prime rate as reflected in the Western Edition of The Wall Street Journal. As of December 31, 2011, approximately 68% of the Company’s loan portfolio consisted of floating interest rate loans. 66 Loan Maturities Commercial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Real estate: Commercial and residential . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Land and construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Home equity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Consumer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Due in One Year or Less Over One Year But Less than Five Years Over Five Years Total $252,847 (Dollars in thousands) $ 77,435 $ 36,308 $366,590 109,825 22,516 49,965 10,703 163,719 500 486 358 37,935 — 1,566 105 311,479 23,016 52,017 11,166 Loans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $445,856 $201,371 $117,041 $764,268 Loans with variable interest rates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Loans with fixed interest rates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $397,111 48,745 $ 52,588 148,783 $ 73,281 43,760 $522,980 241,288 Loans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $445,856 $201,371 $117,041 $764,268 Loan Servicing As of December 31, 2011 and 2010, there were $171.0 million and $168.9 million, respectively, in SBA loans that were serviced by the Company for others. Activity for loan servicing rights was as follows: 2011 2010 2009 Beginning of year balance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Additions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Amortization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (Dollars in thousands) $1,067 325 (477) $ 915 294 (417) $1,013 572 (518) End of year balance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 792 $ 915 $1,067 A n n u a l R e p o r t Loan servicing rights are included in Accrued Interest Receivable and Other Assets on the consolidated balance sheets and reported net of amortization. There was no valuation allowance as of December 31, 2011 and 2010, as the fair market value of the assets was greater than the carrying value. 16APR2010143726 I/O strip receivables relate to the excess servicing assets on loans sold prior to 2009. Activity for the I/O strip receivable was as follows: 2011 2010 2009 Beginning of year balance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Additions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Amortization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Unrealized gain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (Dollars in thousands) $2,116 — (236) 260 $2,140 — (96) 50 $2,248 — (425) 293 End of year balance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $2,094 $2,140 $2,116 Nonperforming Assets Financial institutions generally have a certain level of exposure to credit quality risk, and could potentially receive less than a full return of principal and interest if a debtor becomes unable or unwilling to repay. Since loans are the most significant assets of the Company and generate the largest portion of its revenues, the Company’s management of credit quality risk is focused primarily on loan quality. Banks 67 have generally suffered their most severe earnings declines as a result of customers’ inability to generate sufficient cash flow to service their debts and/or downturns in national and regional economies and declines in overall asset values including real estate. In addition, certain debt securities that the Company may purchase have the potential of declining in value if the obligor’s financial capacity to repay deteriorates. The Company’s policies and procedures identify market segments, set goals for portfolio growth or contraction, and establish limits on industry and geographic credit concentrations. In addition, these policies establish the Company’s underwriting standards and the methods of monitoring ongoing credit quality. The Company’s internal credit risk controls are centered in underwriting practices, credit granting procedures, training, risk management techniques, and familiarity with loan customers as well as the relative diversity and geographic concentration of our loan portfolio. The Company’s credit risk may also be affected by external factors such as the level of interest rates, employment, general economic conditions, real estate values, and trends in particular industries or geographic markets. As an independent community bank serving a specific geographic area, the Company must contend with the unpredictable changes in the general California market and, particularly, primary local markets. The Company’s asset quality has suffered in the past from the impact of national and regional economic recessions, consumer bankruptcies, and depressed real estate values. Nonperforming assets are comprised of the following: loans and loans held-for-sale for which the Company is no longer accruing interest; restructured loans which have been current under six months; loans 90 days or more past due and still accruing interest (although they are generally placed on nonaccrual when they become 90 days past due, unless they are both well-secured and in the process of collection); and foreclosed assets. Management’s classification of a loan as ‘‘nonaccrual’’ is an indication that there is reasonable doubt as to the full recovery of principal or interest on the loan. At that point, the Company stops accruing interest income, and reverses any uncollected interest that had been accrued as income. The Company begins recognizing interest income only as cash interest payments are received and it has been determined the collection of all outstanding principal is not in doubt. The loans may or may not be collateralized, and collection efforts are pursued. Loans may be restructured by management when a borrower has experienced some change in financial status causing an inability to meet the original repayment terms and where the Company believes the borrower will eventually overcome those circumstances and make full restitution. Foreclosed assets consist of properties acquired by foreclosure or similar means that management is offering or will offer for sale. Total foreclosed assets were $2.3 million at December 31, 2011, compared to $1.3 million at December 31, 2010. 68 The following table provides information with respect to components of the Company’s nonperforming assets at the dates indicated: Nonperforming Assets December 31, 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 (Dollars in thousands) Nonaccrual loans — held-for-sale . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Nonaccrual loans — held-for-investment . . . . . . . . . . Restructured and loans 90 days past due and still accruing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Total nonperforming loans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Foreclosed assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 186 14,353 $ 2,026 28,821 $ — $ — $ — 3,363 39,981 59,480 2,291 16,830 2,312 2,256 33,103 1,296 2,895 62,375 2,241 460 40,441 660 101 3,464 1,062 Total nonperforming assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $19,142 $34,399 $64,616 $41,101 $4,526 Nonperforming assets as a percentage of loans plus nonaccrual loans held-for-sale plus foreclosed assets Nonperforming assets as a percentage of total assets . 2.50% 4.05% 6.03% 3.29% 0.44% 1.47% 2.76% 4.74% 2.74% 0.34% The following table presents nonperforming loans by class at year end: 2011 Restructured and Loans Over 90 Days Past Due and Still Accruing Nonaccrual Commercial Real estate: . . . . . . . . . $ 8,876 $1,803 2010 Restructured and Loans Over 90 Days Past Due and Still Accruing Total $ 593 $14,138 Total Nonaccrual (Dollars in thousands) $13,545 $10,679 Commercial and residential . . . . . . . Land and construction . Home equity . . . . . . . Consumer . . . . . . . . . . . 2,137 3,514 — 12 — 456 32 — 2,137 3,970 32 12 6,450 9,954 — 898 1,663 — — — 8,113 9,954 — 898 Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . $14,539 $2,291 $16,830 $30,847 $2,256 $33,103 A n n u a l R e p o r t 16APR2010143726 Allowance for Loan Losses The allowance for loan losses is an estimate of probable incurred losses in the loan portfolio. Loans are charged-off against the allowance when management believes the uncollectibility of a loan balance is confirmed. Subsequent recoveries, if any, are credited to the allowance for loan losses. Management’s methodology for estimating the allowance balance consists of several key elements, which include specific allowances on individual impaired loans and the formula driven allowances on pools of loans with similar risk characteristics. 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. Specific allowances are established for impaired loans. Management considers a loan to be impaired when it is probable that the Company will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the original contractual terms of the loan agreement, including scheduled interest payments. Loans for which the terms have been modified with a concession granted, and for which the borrower is experiencing financial difficulties, are considered troubled debt restructurings and classified as impaired. When a loan is considered to be impaired, the amount of impairment is measured based on the fair value of the collateral, less costs to sell, if the loan is collateral dependent or on the present value of expected future cash flows or 69 values that are observable in the secondary market. If the measure of the impaired loans is less than the investment in the loan, the deficiency will be charged off against the allowance for loan losses if the amount is a confirmed loss, or, alternatively, a specific allocation within the allowance will be established. Loans that are considered impaired are specifically excluded from the formula portion of the allowance for loan losses analysis. The estimated loss factors for pools of loans that are not impaired are based on determining the probability of default and loss given default for loans within each segment of the portfolio, adjusted for significant factors that, in management’s judgment, affect collectibility as of the evaluation date. The Company’s historical delinquency experience and loss experience are utilized to determine the probability of default and loss given default for segments of the portfolio where the Company has experienced losses in the past. For segments of the portfolio where the Company has no significant prior loss experience, the Company uses quantifiable observable industry data to determine the probability of default and loss given default. Loans that demonstrate a weakness for which there is a possibility of loss if the weakness is not corrected are categorized as ‘‘classified.’’ Classified assets include all loans considered as substandard, substandard-nonaccrual, and doubtful and may result from problems specific to a borrower’s business or from economic downturns that affect the borrower’s ability to repay or that cause a decline in the value of the underlying collateral (particularly real estate), and foreclosed assets. The principal balance of classified assets, net of SBA guarantees, was $59.5 million at December 31, 2011, $91.8 million at December 31, 2010, and $166.3 million at December 31, 2009. Included in the $59.5 million of classified assets at December 31, 2011, were $413,000 of loans held-for-sale. Loans held-for-sale are carried at the lower of cost or estimated fair value, and are not allocated an allowance for loan losses. Management of the level of classified assets will continue to be a focus for executive management, the lending staff and the Company’s Special Assets Department. It is the policy of management to maintain the allowance for loan losses at a level adequate for risks inherent in the loan portfolio. On an ongoing basis, we have engaged an outside firm to perform independent credit reviews of our loan portfolio. The Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco and the California Department of Financial Institutions also review the allowance for loan losses as an integral part of the examination process. Based on information currently available, management believes that the allowance for loan losses is adequate. However, the loan portfolio can be adversely affected if California economic conditions and the real estate market in the Company’s market area were to further weaken. Also, any weakness of a prolonged nature in the technology industry would have a negative impact on the local market. The effect of such events, although uncertain at this time, could result in an increase in the level of nonperforming loans and increased loan losses, which could adversely affect the Company’s future growth and profitability. No assurance of the ultimate level of credit losses can be given with any certainty. 70 The following table summarizes the Company’s loan loss experience, as well as provisions and charges to the allowance for loan losses and certain pertinent ratios for the periods indicated: Allowance for Loan Losses 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 Balance, beginning of year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Charge-offs: $ 25,204 (Dollars in thousands) $ 25,007 $ 28,768 $12,218 Commercial Real estate: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (7,559) (7,098) (16,512) (2,731) Commercial and residential . . . . . . . . . . . . . Land and construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Home equity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Consumer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (1,599) (1,757) — (8) (6,763) (17,927) (25) (354) (1,610) (12,588) (764) (60) — (75) — — $ 9,279 (84) — — (20) — Total charge-offs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (10,923) (32,167) (31,534) (2,806) (104) Recoveries: Commercial Real estate: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Commercial and residential . . . . . . . . . . . . . Land and construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Home equity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Consumer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Total recoveries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Net (charge-offs) recoveries . . . . . . . . . . . . Provision for loan losses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Allowance acquired in bank acquisition . . . . . . . . 678 381 879 9 3 1,950 (8,973) 4,469 — 837 5 921 36 — 1,187 10 170 — — 1,799 1,367 49 — 9 — — 58 (30,368) 26,804 — (30,167) 33,928 — (2,748) 15,537 — 929 — — — — 929 825 (11) 2,125 Balance, end of year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 20,700 $ 25,204 $ 28,768 $25,007 $12,218 A n n u a l R e p o r t RATIOS: Net charge-offs (recoveries) to average loans* . . Allowance for loan losses to total loans* . . . . . . Allowance for loan losses to nonperforming loans, excluding nonaccrual loans held-for-sale . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . * Excludes loans held-for-sale 1.12% 2.71% 3.18% 2.98% 2.59% 0.23% -0.10% 2.69% 2.00% 1.18% 16APR2010143726 124.37% 81.10% 46.12% 61.84% 352.71% The Company’s allowance for loan losses decreased $4.5 million at December 31, 2011 compared to December 31, 2010. The decrease in the allowance for loan losses at December 31, 2011 was primarily due to a lower volume of classified and nonperforming loans and lower total loans. Net loans charged-off reflects the realization of losses in the portfolio that were partially recognized previously through provisions for loan losses. Net charge-offs were $9.0 million in 2011, compared to net charge-offs of $30.4 million in 2010, and net charge-offs of $30.2 million in 2009. Historical net loan charge-offs are not necessarily indicative of the amount of net charge-offs that the Company will realize in the future. 71 The following table provides a summary of the allocation of the allowance for loan losses for specific categories at the dates indicated. The allocation presented should not be interpreted as an indication that charges to the allowance for loan losses will be incurred in these amounts or proportions, or that the portion of the allowance allocated to each category represents the total amount available for charge-offs that may occur within these categories. Allocation of Loan Loss Allowance 2011 2010 December 31, 2009 2008 2007 Percent of Loans in each category to total loans Allowance Percent of Loans in each category to total loans Allowance Percent of Loans in each category to total loans Allowance Percent of Loans in each category to total loans Allowance Percent of Loans in each category to total loans Allowance . . . . . . . . $13,215 48% $13,952 45% $12,687 40% $13,913 42% $ 6,067 40% (Dollars in thousands) Commercial Real estate: Commercial and residential . . . . . . . Land and construction Home equity . . . . . . Consumer . . . . . . . . . . Unallocated . . . . . . . . 6,203 594 541 147 — 41% 3% 7% 1% N/A 5,500 4,271 592 889 — 40% 3,467 7% 11,492 993 6% 129 2% — N/A 37% 17% 5% 1% N/A 4,261 5,014 367 47 1,405 33% 21% 4% 0% N/A 2,416 1,923 335 88 1,389 35% 21% 4% 0% N/A Total . . . . . . . . . . . $20,700 100% $25,204 100% $28,768 100% $25,007 100% $12,218 100% In conjunction with the Company’s revised methodology in estimating losses on loans that are not impaired, the unallocated portion of the allowance for loan losses was reallocated to the respective loan categories in 2009. Management believes that the revised methodology improves its ability to allocate probable credit loss to loan segments. Prior to 2009, management considered the unallocated portion of the allowance for loan losses necessary because of inherent subjective risk in the loan portfolio; however, the prior methodology did not distinguish this subjective allocation by loan segment. Management considers this matter to be a reallocation in its allowance for loan losses calculation, and believes that there would be no significant change in the balance of the allowance for loan losses if this approach was used in each of the years presented. Goodwill Goodwill resulted from the acquisition of Diablo Valley Bank in June 2007 and represented the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of acquired tangible assets and liabilities and identifiable intangible assets. Due to concerns about the Company’s stock price, the condition of the banking industry in general, and the pricing of the closed private placement of convertible preferred stock, goodwill was tested for impairment in the second quarter of 2010, with the assistance of an independent valuation firm. Due to the continued depressed economic conditions and the length of time and amount by which the Company’s book value exceeded market value per share, and the Company’s closing of the private placement at a conversion price of $3.75 per share, the Company determined goodwill related to the acquisition of Diablo Valley Bank of $43.2 million was fully impaired during the second quarter of 2010. The method for estimating the value of the reporting unit included a weighted average of the discounted cash flows income approach and publicly traded company approach. Intangible Assets Intangible assets consist of core deposit and customer relationship intangible assets arising from the acquisition of Diablo Valley Bank in June 2007. These assets are amortized over their estimated useful lives. Impairment testing of these assets is performed at the individual asset level. Impairment exists if the 72 carrying amount of the asset is not recoverable and exceeds its fair value at the date of the impairment test. For intangible assets, estimates of expected future cash flows (cash inflows less cash outflows) that are directly associated with an intangible asset are used to determine the fair value of that asset. Management makes certain estimates and assumptions in determining the expected future cash flows from core deposit and customer relationship intangibles including account attrition, expected lives, discount rates, interest rates, servicing costs and other factors. Significant changes in these estimates and assumptions could adversely impact the valuation of these intangible assets. If an impairment loss exists, the carrying amount of the intangible asset is adjusted to a new cost basis. The new cost basis is then amortized over the remaining useful life of the asset. Based on its assessment, management concluded that there was no impairment of intangible assets at December 31, 2011. Deposits The composition and cost of the Company’s deposit base are important components in analyzing the Company’s net interest margin and balance sheet liquidity characteristics, both of which are discussed in greater detail in other sections in this report. The Company’s liquidity is impacted by the volatility of deposits or other funding instruments or, in other words, by the propensity of that money to leave the institution for rate-related or other reasons. Deposits can be adversely affected if economic conditions in California, and the Company’s market area in particular, continue to weaken. Potentially, the most volatile deposits in a financial institution are jumbo certificates of deposit, meaning time deposits with balances that equal or exceed $100,000, as customers with balances of that magnitude are typically more rate-sensitive than customers with smaller balances. The following table summarizes the distribution of deposits and the percentage of distribution in each category of deposits for the periods indicated: Deposits Years Ended December 31, 2011 2010 2009 Balance % to Total Balance % to Total Balance % to Total (Dollars in thousands) Demand deposits, noninterest- bearing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 344,303 33% $280,258 28% $ 260,840 Demand Deposits, interest- bearing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Savings and money market . . . . . Time Deposits — under $100 . . . Time Deposits — $100 and over . Time Deposits — CDARS . . . . . Time Deposits — brokered . . . . . 134,119 282,478 28,557 168,874 6,371 84,726 13% 153,917 27% 272,399 2% 33,499 16% 137,514 17,864 1% 98,467 8% 16% 27% 3% 14% 2% 10% 146,828 295,404 40,197 129,831 38,154 178,031 24% 13% 27% 4% 12% 4% 16% Total deposits . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1,049,428 100% $993,918 100% $1,089,285 100% The Company obtains deposits from a cross-section of the communities it serves. The Company’s business is not generally seasonal in nature. The Company is not dependent upon funds from sources outside the United States of America. At December 31, 2011 and 2010, less than 5% and 1%, respectively, of deposits were from public sources. Noninterest and interest-bearing demand deposits increased $44.2 million, or 10% to $478.4 million at December 31, 2011, compared to $434.2 million at December 31, 2010. At December 31, 2011, the Company had $56.6 million of securities pledged for $50.0 million in certificates of deposits from the State of California. There were no certificates of deposit from the State of California at December 31, 2010. At 73 A n n u a l R e p o r t 16APR2010143726 December 31, 2011, brokered deposits decreased $13.7 million, or 14%, to $84.7 million, compared to $98.5 million at December 31, 2010. The following table indicates the contractual maturity schedule of the Company’s time deposits of $100,000 and over, and all CDARS and brokered deposits as of December 31, 2011: Deposit Maturity Distribution Three months or less . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Over three months through six months . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Over six months through twelve months . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Over twelve months . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Balance % of Total (Dollars in thousands) 43% $111,263 11% 28,011 15% 38,346 31% 82,351 Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $259,971 100% The Company focuses primarily on providing and servicing business deposit accounts that are frequently over $100,000 in average balance per account. As a result, certain types of business clients that the Company serves typically carry average deposits in excess of $100,000. The account activity for some account types and client types necessitates appropriate liquidity management practices by the Company to ensure its ability to fund deposit withdrawals. Return (Loss) on Equity and Assets The following table indicates the ratios for return (loss) on average assets and average equity, and average equity to average assets for 2011, 2010, and 2009: Return (loss) on average assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Return (loss) on average tangible assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Return (loss) on average equity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Return (loss) on average tangible equity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Average equity to average assets ratio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . -4.17% -0.83% 0.89% -4.25% -0.86% 0.89% 6.02% -30.82% -6.68% 6.11% -35.66% -9.06% 14.82% 13.55% 12.46% 2011 2010 2009 Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements In the normal course of business, the Company makes commitments to extend credit to its customers as long as there are no violations of any conditions established in contractual arrangements. These commitments are obligations that represent a potential credit risk to the Company, yet are not reflected in any form within the Company’s consolidated balance sheets. Total unused commitments to extend credit were $284.8 million at December 31, 2011, as compared to $284.0 million at December 31, 2010. Unused commitments represented 37% and 34% of outstanding gross loans at December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively. The effect on the Company’s revenues, expenses, cash flows and liquidity from the unused portion of the commitments to provide credit cannot be reasonably predicted, because there is no certainty that the lines of credit will ever be fully utilized. For more information regarding the Company’s off-balance sheet arrangements, see Note 14 to the financial statements located elsewhere herein. 74 The following table presents the Company’s commitments to extend credit for the periods indicated: Unused lines of credit and commitments to make loans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Standby letters of credit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . December 31, 2011 December 31, 2010 Fixed Rate Variable Rate Fixed Rate Variable Rate (Dollars in thousands) $15,723 2,291 $18,014 $257,342 9,482 $266,824 $6,740 2,291 $9,031 $256,575 18,419 $274,994 Contractual Obligations The contractual obligations of the Company, summarized by type of obligation and contractual maturity, at December 31, 2011, are as follows: Subordinated debt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Short-term borrowings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Operating leases . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Time deposits of $100 or more, CDARS and Less Than One Year One to Three Years Three to Five Years After Five Years Total (Dollars in thousands) $ — $ — — — 4,763 2,702 $ — $23,702 — 622 — 1,769 $ 23,702 — 9,856 brokered deposits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 177,620 82,351 — — 259,971 Total debt and operating leases . . . . . . . . . . $180,322 $87,114 $1,769 $24,324 $293,529 In addition to those obligations listed above, in the normal course of business, the Company will make cash distributions for the payment of interest on interest-bearing deposit accounts and debt obligations, payments for quarterly income tax estimates and contributions to certain employee benefit plans. Liquidity and Asset/Liability Management Liquidity refers to the Company’s ability to maintain cash flows sufficient to fund operations and to meet obligations and other commitments in a timely and cost effective fashion. At various times the Company requires funds to meet short-term cash requirements brought about by loan growth or deposit outflows, the purchase of assets, or liability repayments. An integral part of the Company’s ability to manage its liquidity position appropriately is the Company’s large base of core deposits, which are generated by offering traditional banking services in its service area and which have, historically, been a stable source of funds. To manage liquidity needs properly, cash inflows must be timed to coincide with anticipated outflows or sufficient liquidity resources must be available to meet varying demands. The Company manages liquidity to be able to meet unexpected sudden changes in levels of its assets or deposit liabilities without maintaining excessive amounts of balance sheet liquidity. Excess balance sheet liquidity can negatively impact the Company’s interest margin. In order to meet short-term liquidity needs the Company may utilize overnight Federal funds purchase arrangements and other borrowing arrangements with correspondent banks, solicit brokered deposits if cost effective deposits are not available from local sources and maintain collateralized lines of credit with the FHLB and FRB. In addition, the Company can raise cash for temporary needs by selling securities under agreements to repurchase and selling securities available-for-sale. At December 31, 2011, the Company had loan contraction, including loans held-for-sale, of $91.3 million from December 31, 2010, and it has experienced an improvement in its liquidity position. One of the measures of liquidity is our loan to deposit ratio. Our loan to deposit ratio improved to 72.86% at December 31, 2011, compared to 85.12% at December 31, 2010. 75 A n n u a l R e p o r t 16APR2010143726 FHLB and FRB Borrowings and Available Lines of Credit The Company has off-balance sheet liquidity in the form of Federal funds purchase arrangements with correspondent banks, including the FHLB and FRB. The Company can borrow from the FHLB on a short-term (typically overnight) or long-term (over one year) basis. The Company had no overnight borrowings from the FHLB at December 31, 2011, and December 31, 2010. The Company had $189.7 million of loans pledged to the FHLB as collateral on an available line of credit of $107.3 million at December 31, 2011. The Company had $221.1 million of loans pledged to the FHLB as collateral on an available line of credit of $111.8 million at December 31, 2010. The Company can also borrow from FRB’s discount window. The Company had $241.2 million of loans pledged to the FRB as collateral on an available line of credit of $166.7 million at December 31, 2011, none of which was outstanding. The Company had approximately $134.5 million of loans pledged to the FRB as collateral on an available line of credit of approximately $77.9 million at December 31, 2010, none of which was outstanding. At December 31, 2011, the Company had Federal funds purchase arrangements available of $55.0 million. There were no Federal funds purchased outstanding at December 31, 2011 or 2010. The Company had no secured borrowings at December 31, 2011. The Company had $2.4 million of secured borrowings at December 31, 2010. Secured borrowings represent the guaranteed portions of SBA 7a loans transferred to third parties subject to a SBA warranty for a period of 90 days. This required the Company to treat these loans as secured borrowings during the warranty period. Effective February 15, 2011, the SBA no longer required a warranty period in loan sales agreements. The Company may also utilize securities sold under repurchase agreements to manage our liquidity position. There were no securities sold under agreements to repurchase at December 31, 2011, compared to $5.0 million at December 31, 2010. Repurchase agreements are accounted for as collateralized financial transactions and were secured by mortgage-backed securities with an amortized cost of approximately $6.3 million at December 31, 2010. The following table summarizes the Company’s borrowings under its Federal funds purchased, security repurchase arrangements and lines of credit for the periods indicated: December 31, 2011 2010 2009 Average balance during the year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Average interest rate during the year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Maximum month-end balance during the year . . . . . . . . . . . . . Average rate at December 31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Split-Dollar Life Insurance Benefit Plan (Dollars in thousands) $23,888 $ 56,269 $ 712 3.37% 1.78% 1.65% $5,000 N/A $73,000 $122,000 3.09% 1.32% The Company maintains life insurance policies for current and former directors and officers that are subject to spit-dollar life insurance agreements, which continues after the participant’s employment and retirement. All participants are fully vested in their split-dollar life insurance benefits. The accrued benefit liability for the split-dollar insurance agreements represents either the present value of the future death benefits payable to the participants’ beneficiaries or the present value of the estimated cost to maintain life insurance, depending on the contractual terms of the participant’s underlying agreement. During 2011, participants in the split-dollar life insurance benefit plan agreed to amend their agreements related to the designation of beneficiaries for life insurance policies owned by the Company. The agreements were amended to provide a benefit for as long as the policies are in force, (including a commitment to provide replacement coverage if the policies are ever surrendered). 76 The split-dollar life insurance projected benefit obligation is included in ‘‘Accrued interest payable and other liabilities’’ on the consolidated balance sheets. Capital Resources On June 21, 2010, the Company completed a private placement of Series B Preferred Stock and Series C Preferred Stock to a limited number of institutional investors for gross proceeds of $75.0 million. HCC downstreamed $40.0 million of the proceeds from the private placement to HBC as Tier 1 capital for regulatory purposes. The Company’s shareholders approved the conversion of the Series B Preferred Stock and Series C Preferred Stock in September 2010, and as a result the proceeds from the private placement constitute Tier 1 capital for regulatory purposes at the holding company level. The Series B Preferred Stock was subsequently converted into common stock in accordance with its terms. As discussed below, the proceeds from the private placement have significantly improved the Company’s regulatory ratios. The Company uses a variety of measures to evaluate capital adequacy. Management reviews various capital measurements on a regular basis and takes appropriate action to ensure that such measurements are within established internal and external guidelines. The external guidelines, which are issued by the Federal Reserve Board and the FDIC, establish a risk-adjusted ratio relating capital to different categories of assets and off-balance sheet exposures. There are two categories of capital under the Federal Reserve Board and FDIC guidelines: Tier 1 and Tier 2 Capital. Our Tier 1 Capital currently consists of total shareholders’ equity (excluding accumulated other comprehensive income or loss) and the proceeds from the issuance of trust preferred securities (trust preferred securities are counted only up to a maximum of 25% of Tier 1 capital), less goodwill and other intangible assets and disallowed deferred tax assets. Our Tier 2 Capital includes the allowances for loan losses and off-balance sheet credit losses. The following table summarizes risk-based capital, risk-weighted assets, and risk-based capital ratios of the Company: December 31, 2011 2010 2009 (Dollars in thousands) Capital components: Tier 1 Capital Tier 2 Capital . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 199,423 12,181 $ 185,775 11,988 $ 134,833 14,720 Total risk-based capital . . . . . . . $ 211,604 $ 197,763 $ 149,553 Risk-weighted assets . . . . . . . . . . . . Average assets (regulatory purposes) $ 965,756 $1,300,002 $ 945,499 $1,316,600 $1,163,125 $1,341,670 Well-Capitalized Regulatory Requirements Minimum Regulatory Requirements Capital ratios: Total risk-based capital . . . . . . . . . Tier 1 risk-based capital . . . . . . . . Leverage(1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21.9% 20.6% 15.3% 20.9% 19.7% 14.1% 12.9% 11.6% 10.1% 10.00% 6.00% N/A 8.00% 4.00% 4.00% (1) Tier 1 capital divided by quarterly average assets (excluding goodwill, other intangible assets and disallowed deferred tax assets). The table above presents the capital ratios of the Company computed in accordance with applicable regulatory guidelines and compared to the standards for minimum capital adequacy requirements. The risk-based and leverage capital ratios are also discussed in Item 1 — ‘‘Business — Capital Adequacy Requirements.’’ 77 A n n u a l R e p o r t 16APR2010143726 The following table summarizes risk-based capital, risk-weighted assets, and risk-based capital ratios of HBC: December 31, 2011 2010 2009 (Dollars in thousands) Capital components: Tier 1 Capital Tier 2 Capital . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 178,697 12,207 $ 159,192 11,993 $ 133,216 14,743 Total risk-based capital . . . . . . . $ 190,904 $ 171,185 $ 147,959 Risk-weighted assets . . . . . . . . . . . . Average assets for capital purposes . . $ 967,898 $1,301,859 $ 945,918 $1,316,969 $1,165,014 $1,344,407 Well-Capitalized Regulatory Requirements Minimum Regulatory Requirements Capital ratios: Total risk-based capital . . . . . . . . . Tier 1 risk-based capital . . . . . . . . Leverage(1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19.7% 18.5% 13.7% 18.1% 16.8% 12.1% 12.7% 11.4% 9.9% 10.00% 6.00% 5.00% 8.00% 4.00% 4.00% (1) Tier 1 capital divided by quarterly average assets (excluding goodwill other intangible assets and disallowed deferred tax assets). The table above presents the capital ratios of HBC computed in accordance with applicable regulatory guidelines and compared to the standards for minimum capital adequacy requirements under the FDIC’s prompt corrective action authority. At December 31, 2011 and 2010, HCC’s and HBC’s capital met all minimum regulatory requirements. As of December 31, 2011, HBC’s capital ratios exceed the highest regulatory capital requirement of ‘‘well-capitalized’’ under the prompt corrective action provisions. At December, 2011, the Company had total shareholders’ equity of $197.8 million, including $58.5 million in preferred stock, $131.2 million in common stock, $7.2 million in retained earnings, and $955,000 of accumulated other comprehensive income. The components of accumulated other comprehensive income at December 31, 2011 include the following balances, net of deferred taxes: (i) a $5.0 million unrealized gain on available-for-sale securities; (ii) a ($3.0) million unrealized loss on the supplemental executive retirement plan; (iii) a ($2.2) million unrealized loss on the split-dollar life insurance benefit plan; and (iv) a $1.2 million unrealized gain on interest-only strip from SBA loans. Mandatory Redeemable Cumulative Trust Preferred Securities To enhance regulatory capital and to provide liquidity, the Company, through unconsolidated subsidiary grantor trusts, issued the following mandatory redeemable cumulative trust preferred securities of subsidiary grantor trusts: In the first quarter of 2000, the Company issued $7.2 million aggregate principal amount of 10.87% subordinated debt due on March 8, 2030 to a subsidiary trust, which in turn issued a similar amount of trust preferred securities. In the third quarter of 2000, the Company issued $7.2 million aggregate principal amount of 10.60% subordinated debt due on September 7, 2030 to a subsidiary trust, which in turn issued a similar amount of trust preferred securities. In the third quarter of 2001, the Company issued $5.2 million aggregate principal amount of Floating Rate Junior Subordinated Deferrable Interest Debentures due on July 31, 2031 to a subsidiary trust, which in turn issued a similar amount of trust preferred securities. In the third quarter of 2002, the Company issued $4.1 million of aggregate principal amount of Floating Rate Junior Subordinated Deferrable Interest Debentures due on September 26, 2032 to a subsidiary trust, which in turn issued a similar amount of trust preferred securities. 78 The subordinated debt is recorded as a component of long-term debt and includes the value of the common stock issued by the trusts to the Company. The common stock is recorded as other assets for the amount issued. Under applicable regulatory guidelines, the trust preferred securities currently qualify as Tier I capital (up to a maximum of 25% of Tier 1 capital). The subsidiary trusts are not consolidated in the Company’s consolidated financial statements. Under Dodd-Frank, certain trust preferred securities will no longer be eligible to be included as Tier 1 capital for regulatory purposes. However, an exception to this statutory prohibition applies to securities issued prior to May 19, 2010 by bank holding companies with less than $15 billion of total assets; therefore, our trust preferred securities will continue to be eligible to be treated as Tier 1 capital, subject to other rules and limitations. In November 2009, the Company announced that it was exercising its right to defer regularly scheduled interest payments on its $23.7 million of junior subordinated notes relating to its trust preferred securities. From the time it deferred interest payments, the Company accrued the expense of each deferred interest payment at the normal rate on a compounded basis. On June 24, 2011, the Company paid all of the deferred interest payments on its outstanding trust preferred subordinated debt securities in the amount of $3.9 million, which included all payments due through September 8, 2011. As a result of the June 2011 interest payment and the payment of regularly scheduled interest payments in the third and fourth quarters of 2011, the Company is current with respect to interest accrued on trust preferred subordinated debt securities. U.S. Treasury Capital Purchase Program The Company received $40 million in November 2008 through the issuance of its Series A Preferred Stock and a warrant to purchase 462,963 shares of its common stock to the Treasury through the U.S. Treasury Capital Purchase Program. The Series A Preferred Stock qualified as a component of Tier 1 capital. In November 2009, the Company announced that it was exercising its right to suspend payment of dividends on its Series A Preferred Stock. On August 1, 2011, the Company paid a dividend on its Series A Preferred Stock held by the U.S. Treasury in an aggregate amount of $4.2 million. On March 7, 2012, in accordance with approvals received from the U.S. Treasury and the Federal Reserve, the Company repurchased all of the Series A Preferred Stock and paid the related accrued and unpaid dividends. The repurchase of the Series A Preferred Stock will save us $2.0 million in annual dividends. At the time the Company repurchased the Series A Preferred Stock, it did not repurchase the related warrant. The warrant was outstanding as of the date of this report. A n n u a l R e p o r t 16APR2010143726 Private Placement On June 21, 2010, the Company issued to various institutional investors 53,996 shares of Series B Mandatorily Convertible Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock (‘‘Series B Preferred Stock’’) and 21,004 shares of newly issued Series C Convertible Perpetual Preferred Stock (‘‘Series C Preferred Stock’’) for an aggregate purchase price of $75.0 million. The Series B Preferred Stock was mandatorily convertible into common stock, upon approval by the shareholders at a conversion price of $3.75 per share. The Series C Preferred Stock is mandatorily convertible into common stock at a conversion price of $3.75 per share upon both approval by the shareholders and thereafter, a subsequent transfer of the Series C Preferred Stock to third parties not affiliates with the holder in a widely dispersed offering. The Series B Preferred Stock and the Series C Preferred Stock did not include a beneficial conversion feature, as the conversion price at $3.75 per share was not below the fair market value of the Company’s common stock on the commitment date. At the Company’s Special Meeting of Shareholders held on September 15, 2010, the Company’s shareholders approved the issuance of common stock upon the conversion of the Series B Preferred Stock and upon the conversion of the Series C Preferred Stock. As a result, on September 16, 2010, the Series B 79 Preferred Stock was converted into 14,398,992 shares of common stock of the Company and the shares of Series B Preferred Stock ceased to be outstanding. The Series C Preferred Stock remains outstanding until it has been converted into common stock in accordance with its terms. The Series C Preferred Stock is non-voting except in the case of certain transactions that would affect the rights of the holders of the Series C Preferred Stock or applicable law. Holders of Series C Preferred Stock will receive dividends if and only to the extent dividends are paid to holders of common stock. The Series C Preferred Stock is not redeemable by the Company or by the holders and has a liquidation preference of $1,000 per share. The Series C Preferred Stock ranks senior to the Company’s common stock. Market Risk Market risk is the risk of loss of future earnings, fair values, or future cash flows that may result from changes in the price of a financial instrument. The value of a financial instrument may change as a result of changes in interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates, commodity prices, equity prices and other market changes that affect market risk sensitive instruments. Market risk is attributed to all market risk sensitive financial instruments, including securities, loans, deposits and borrowings, as well as the Company’s role as a financial intermediary in customer-related transactions. The objective of market risk management is to avoid excessive exposure of the Company’s earnings and equity to loss and to reduce the volatility inherent in certain financial instruments. Interest Rate Management Market risk arises from changes in interest rates, exchange rates, commodity prices and equity prices. The Company’s market risk exposure is primarily that of interest rate risk, and it has established policies and procedures to monitor and limit earnings and balance sheet exposure to changes in interest rates. The Company does not engage in the trading of financial instruments, nor does the Company have exposure to currency exchange rates. The principal objective of interest rate risk management (often referred to as ‘‘asset/liability management’’) is to manage the financial components of the Company in a manner that will optimize the risk/reward equation for earnings and capital in relation to changing interest rates. The Company’s exposure to market risk is reviewed on a regular basis by the Asset/Liability Committee. Interest rate risk is the potential of economic losses due to future interest rate changes. These economic losses can be reflected as a loss of future net interest income and/or a loss of current fair market values. The objective is to measure the effect on net interest income and to adjust the balance sheet to minimize the inherent risk while at the same time maximizing income. Management realizes certain risks are inherent, and that the goal is to identify and manage the risks. Management uses two methodologies to manage interest rate risk: (i) a standard GAP analysis; and (ii) an interest rate shock simulation model. The planning of asset and liability maturities is an integral part of the management of an institution’s net interest margin. To the extent maturities of assets and liabilities do not match in a changing interest rate environment, the net interest margin may change over time. Even with perfectly matched repricing of assets and liabilities, risks remain in the form of prepayment of loans or securities or in the form of delays in the adjustment of rates of interest applying to either earning assets with floating rates or to interest bearing liabilities. The Company has generally been able to control its exposure to changing interest rates by maintaining primarily floating interest rate loans and a majority of its time certificates with relatively short maturities. 80 Interest rate changes do not affect all categories of assets and liabilities equally or at the same time. Varying interest rate environments can create unexpected changes in prepayment levels of assets and liabilities, which may have a significant effect on the net interest margin and are not reflected in the interest sensitivity analysis table. Because of these factors, an interest sensitivity gap report may not provide a complete assessment of the exposure to changes in interest rates. The Company uses modeling software for asset/liability management in order to simulate the effects of potential interest rate changes on the Company’s net interest margin, and to calculate the estimated fair values of the Company’s financial instruments under different interest rate scenarios. The program imports current balances, interest rates, maturity dates and repricing information for individual financial instruments, and incorporates assumptions on the characteristics of embedded options along with pricing and duration for new volumes to project the effects of a given interest rate change on the Company’s interest income and interest expense. Rate scenarios consisting of key rate and yield curve projections are run against the Company’s investment, loan, deposit and borrowed funds portfolios. These rate projections can be shocked (an immediate and parallel change in all base rates, up or down) and ramped (an incremental increase or decrease in rates over a specified time period), based on current trends and econometric models or stable economic conditions (unchanged from current actual levels). The following table sets forth the estimated changes in the Company’s net interest income that would result from the designated instantaneous parallel shift in interest rates noted, as of December 31, 2011. Computations of prospective effects of hypothetical interest rate changes are based on numerous assumptions including relative levels of market interest rates, loan prepayments and deposit decay, and should not be relied upon as indicative of actual results. Change in Interest Rates (basis points) +400 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . +300 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . +200 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . +100 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (cid:5)100 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (cid:5)200 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Increase/(Decrease) in Estimated Net Interest Income Amount Percent (Dollars in thousands) $12,115 23.8% $ 9,123 17.9% $ 5,922 11.6% $ 2,580 5.1% $ — 0.0% (cid:5)8.1% $ (4,125) $ (8,606) (cid:5)16.9% This data does not reflect any actions that we may undertake in response to changes in interest rates such as changes in rates paid on certain deposit accounts based on local competitive factors, which could reduce the actual impact on net interest income, if any. As with any method of gauging interest rate risk, there are certain shortcomings inherent to the methodology noted above. The model assumes interest rate changes are instantaneous parallel shifts in the yield curve. In reality, rate changes are rarely instantaneous. The use of the simplifying assumption that short-term and long-term rates change by the same degree may also misstate historic rate patterns, which rarely show parallel yield curve shifts. Further, the model assumes that certain assets and liabilities of similar maturity or period to repricing will react in the same way to changes in rates. In reality, certain types of financial instruments may react in advance of changes in market rates, while the reaction of other types of financial instruments may lag behind the change in general market rates. Additionally, the methodology noted above does not reflect the full impact of annual and lifetime restrictions on changes in rates for certain assets, such as adjustable rate loans. When interest rates change, actual loan prepayments and actual early withdrawals from certificates may deviate significantly from the assumptions used in the model. Finally, this methodology does not measure or reflect the impact that higher rates may have on 81 A n n u a l R e p o r t 16APR2010143726 adjustable-rate loan clients’ ability to service their debt. All of these factors are considered in monitoring the Company’s exposure to interest rate risk. Critical Accounting Policies General The Company’s consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (‘‘GAAP’’). The financial information contained within our consolidated financial statements is, to a significant extent, based on approximate measures of the financial effects of transactions and events that have already occurred. A variety of factors could affect the ultimate value that is obtained either when earning income, recognizing an expense, recovering an asset or relieving a liability. In certain instances, we use a discount factor and prepayment assumptions to determine the present value of assets and liabilities. A change in the discount factor or prepayment speeds could increase or decrease the values of those assets and liabilities which would result in either a beneficial or adverse impact to our financial results. We use historical loss factors as one factor in determining the inherent loss that may be present in our loan portfolio. Actual losses could differ significantly from the historical factors that we use. Other estimates that we use are related to the realization of our deferred tax assets and the expected useful lives of our depreciable assets. In addition, GAAP itself may change from one previously acceptable method to another method, although the economics of our transactions would be the same. Allowance for Loan Losses The allowance for loan losses is an estimate of the losses in our loan portfolio. Our accounting for estimated loan losses was previously discussed under the heading ‘‘Allowance for Loan Losses.’’ Loan Sales and Servicing The amounts of gains recorded on sales of loans and the initial recording of servicing assets and I/O strips are based on the estimated fair values of the respective components. In recording the initial value of the servicing assets and the fair value of the I/O strips receivable, the Company uses estimates which are made on management’s expectations of future prepayment and discount rates as discussed in Notes 1 and 3 to the consolidated financial statements. Stock Based Compensation We grant stock options to purchase our common stock also to our employees and directors under the 2004 Plan. Additionally, we have outstanding options that were granted under an option plan from which we no longer make grants. The benefits provided under all of these plans are subject to the provisions of accounting guidance related to share-based payments. Our results of operations for fiscal years 2011, 2010, and 2009 were impacted by the recognition of non-cash expense related to the fair value of our share-based compensation awards. The determination of fair value of stock-based payment awards on the date of grant using the Black- Scholes model is affected by our stock price, as well as the input of other subjective assumptions. These assumptions include, but are not limited to, the expected term of stock options and our stock price volatility. Our stock options have characteristics significantly different from those of traded options, and changes in the assumptions can materially affect the fair value estimates. Accounting guidance requires forfeitures to be estimated at the time of grant and revised, if necessary, in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from those estimates. If actual forfeitures vary from our estimates, we will recognize the difference in compensation expense in the period the actual forfeitures occur. 82 Our accounting for stock options is disclosed primarily in Notes 1 and 10 to the consolidated financial statements. Accounting for Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets The Company accounts for acquisitions of businesses using the purchase method of accounting. Our accounting for Goodwill was previously discussed under the heading ‘‘Goodwill’’ and disclosed primarily in Notes 1 and 6 to the consolidated financial statements. Intangible assets consist of core deposit and customer relationship intangible assets arising from the acquisition of Diablo Valley Bank in June 2007. Our accounting for Intangible Assets was previously discussed under the heading ‘‘Intangible Assets’’ and disclosed primarily in Notes 1 and 6 to the consolidated financial statements. Deferred Tax Assets Our net deferred income tax asset arises from temporary differences between the carrying amount of assets and liabilities reported in the financial statements and the amounts used for income tax return purposes. Our accounting for deferred tax assets was previously discussed under the heading ‘‘Income Tax Expense’’ and disclosed primarily in Notes 1 and 9 to the consolidated financial statements. ITEM 7A — QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK As a financial institution, the Company’s primary component of market risk is interest rate volatility. Fluctuations in interest rates will ultimately impact both the level of income and expense recorded on most of the Company’s assets and liabilities and the market value of all interest-earning assets, other than those which have a short term to maturity. Based upon the nature of the Company’s operations, the Company is not subject to foreign exchange or commodity price risk. The Company has no market risk sensitive instruments held for trading purposes. As of December 31, 2011, the Company did not use interest rate derivatives to hedge its interest rate risk. The information concerning quantitative and qualitative disclosure or market risk called for by Item 305 of Regulation S-K is included as part of Item 7 of this report. A n n u a l R e p o r t 16APR2010143726 ITEM 8 — FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA The financial statements and report of the Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm are set forth on pages 88 through 142. ITEM 9 — CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURES None. ITEM 9A — CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES Disclosure Control and Procedures The Company has carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures as of December 31, 2011. As defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the ‘‘Exchange Act’’), disclosure controls and procedures are controls and procedures designed to reasonably assure that information required to be disclosed in our reports filed or submitted under the Exchange Act are recorded, processed, summarized and reported on a timely basis. Disclosure controls are 83 also designed to reasonably assure that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. Based upon their evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls were effective as of December 31, 2011, the period covered by this report. Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting Management of the Company is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting. As defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Exchange Act, internal control over financial reporting is a process designed by, or under the supervision of, a company’s principal executive and principal financial officers and effected by a company’s board of directors, management and other personnel, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. It includes those policies and procedures that: (cid:127) Pertain to the maintenance of records that in reasonable detail accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of a company; (cid:127) Provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of a company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and the board of directors of the company; and (cid:127) Provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of a company’s assets that could have a material effect on its financial statements. Because of the inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate. The Company’s management has used the criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (‘‘COSO’’) to evaluate the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Management has selected the COSO framework for its evaluation as it is a control framework recognized by the SEC and the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board, that is free from bias, permits reasonably consistent qualitative and quantitative measurement of the Company’s internal controls, is sufficiently complete so that relevant controls are not omitted and is relevant to an evaluation of internal controls over financial reporting. Based on our assessment, management has concluded that our internal control over financial reporting, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued by COSO was effective as of December 31, 2011. The independent registered public accounting firm of Crowe Horwath LLP, as auditors of our consolidated financial statements, has issued an attestation report on the effectiveness of management’s internal control over financial reporting based on criteria established in ‘‘Internal Control — Integrated Framework,’’ issued by COSO. Inherent Limitations on Effectiveness of Controls The Company’s management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, does not expect that our disclosure controls or our internal control over financial reporting will prevent or detect all errors and fraud. A control system, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only 84 reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the control system’s objectives will be met. The design of a control system must reflect the fact that there are resource constraints, and the benefits of controls must be considered relative to their costs. Further, because of the inherent limitations in all control systems, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that misstatements due to error or fraud will not occur or that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, within the Company have been detected. These inherent limitations include the realities that judgments in decision-making can be faulty and that breakdowns can occur because of simple error or mistake. Controls can also be circumvented by the individual acts of some persons, by collusion of two or more people, or by management override of the controls. The design of any system of controls is based in part on certain assumptions about the likelihood of future events, and there can be no assurance that any design will succeed in achieving its stated goals under all potential future conditions. Projections of any evaluation of controls effectiveness to future periods are subject to risks. Over time, controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions or deterioration in the degree of compliance with policies or procedures. Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting There was no change in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the quarter ended December 31, 2011 that has materially affected or is reasonably likely to materially affect our internal control over financial reporting. ITEM 9B — OTHER INFORMATION None. PART III ITEM 10 — DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE Information required by this item will be contained in our Definitive Proxy Statement for our 2012 Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A with the Securities and Exchange Commission within 120 days of December 31, 2011. Such information is incorporated herein by reference. A n n u a l R e p o r t We have adopted a code of ethics that applies to our Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, and to our other principal financial officers. The code of ethics is available at the Governance Documents section of our website at www.heritagecommercecorp.com. We intend to disclose future amendments to, or waivers from, certain provisions of our code of ethics on the above website within four business days following the date of such amendment or waiver. 16APR2010143726 ITEM 11 — EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION Information required by this item will be contained in our Definitive Proxy Statement for our 2012 Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A with the Securities and Exchange Commission within 120 days of December 31, 2011. Such information is incorporated herein by reference. ITEM 12 — SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS Information required by this item will be contained in our Definitive Proxy Statement for our 2012 Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A with the Securities and Exchange Commission within 120 days of December 31, 2011. Such information is incorporated herein by reference. 85 ITEM 13 — CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE Information required by this item will be contained in our Definitive Proxy Statement for our 2012 Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A with the Securities and Exchange Commission within 120 days of December 31, 2011. Such information is incorporated herein by reference. ITEM 14 — PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES Information required by this item will be contained in our Definitive Proxy Statement for our 2012 Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A with the Securities and Exchange Commission within 120 days of December 31, 2011. Such information is incorporated herein by reference. PART IV ITEM 15 — EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES (a)(1) FINANCIAL STATEMENTS The Financial Statements of the Company and the Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm are set forth on pages 88 through 142. (a)(2) FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES All schedules to the Financial Statements are omitted because of the absence of the conditions under which they are required or because the required information is included in the Financial Statements or accompanying notes. (a)(3) EXHIBITS The exhibit list required by this Item is incorporated by reference to the Exhibit Index included in this report. 86 Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Company has duly caused this report on Form 10-K to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized. SIGNATURES DATE: March 9, 2012 HERITAGE COMMERCE CORP BY: /s/ WALTER T. KACZMAREK Walter T. Kaczmarek Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the date indicated: Signature /s/ FRANK G. BISCEGLIA Frank G. Bisceglia /s/ JACK W. CONNER Jack W. Conner /s/ JOHN M. EGGEMEYER III John M. Eggemeyer III /s/ CELESTE V. FORD Celeste V. Ford /s/ STEVEN L. HALLGRIMSON Steven L. Hallgrimson /s/ WALTER T. KACZMAREK Walter T. Kaczmarek /s/ LAWRENCE D. MCGOVERN Lawrence D. McGovern /s/ ROBERT T. MOLES Robert T. Moles /s/ HUMPHREY P. POLANEN Humphrey P. Polanen /s/ LAURA RODEN Laura Roden /s/ CHARLES T. TOENISKOETTER Charles T. Toeniskoetter /s/ RANSON W. WEBSTER Ranson W. Webster /s/ W. KIRK WYCOFF W. Kirk Wycoff Title Director Date March 9, 2012 Director and Chairman of the Board March 9, 2012 Director Director Director March 9, 2012 March 9, 2012 March 9, 2012 A n n u a l R e p o r t Director and Chief Executive Officer and President (Principal Executive Officer) March 9, 2012 16APR2010143726 Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer) Director Director Director Director Director Director 87 March 9, 2012 March 9, 2012 March 9, 2012 March 9, 2012 March 9, 2012 March 9, 2012 March 9, 2012 HERITAGE COMMERCE CORP INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS DECEMBER 31, 2011 Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2011 and 2010 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009 . . Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009 . Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 89 91 92 93 95 96 88 REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM Board of Directors Heritage Commerce Corp San Jose, California We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Heritage Commerce Corp (the ‘‘Company’’) as of December 31, 2011 and 2010, and the related consolidated statements of operations, changes in shareholders’ equity and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2011. We also have audited Heritage Commerce Corp’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2011, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). Heritage Commerce Corp’s management is responsible for these financial statements, for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting, and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting included in the accompanying Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting included in Item 9A in Form 10-K. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audits. We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audits of the financial statements included examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audits also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions. A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements. Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate. In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Heritage Commerce Corp as of December 31, 2011 and 2010, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2011 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of 89 A n n u a l R e p o r t 16APR2010143726 America. Also in our opinion, Heritage Commerce Corp maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2011, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). /s/ Crowe Horwath LLP Costa Mesa, California March 9, 2012 90 HERITAGE COMMERCE CORP CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS December 31, 2011 December 31, 2010 (Dollars in thousands, except per share data) ASSETS Cash and due from banks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Interest-bearing deposits in other financial institutions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 20,861 52,011 $ 7,692 64,485 Total cash and cash equivalents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Securities available-for-sale, at fair value . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Loans held-for-sale — SBA, at lower of cost or market, including deferred costs . . . . . . . Loans held-for-sale — other, at lower of cost or market, including deferred costs . . . . . . Loans, including deferred costs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Allowance for loan losses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Loans, net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Federal Home Loan Bank and Federal Reserve Bank stock, at cost . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Company owned life insurance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Premises and equipment, net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Intangible assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Accrued interest receivable and other assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72,872 380,455 753 413 764,591 (20,700) 743,891 9,925 46,388 7,980 2,491 41,026 72,177 232,165 8,750 2,260 846,049 (25,204) 820,845 9,174 43,682 8,397 3,014 45,905 Total assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1,306,194 $1,246,369 LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY Liabilities: Deposits: Demand, noninterest-bearing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Demand, interest-bearing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Savings and money market . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Time deposits — under $100 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Time deposits — $100 and over . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Time deposits — CDARS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Time deposits — brokered . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Total deposits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Securities sold under agreement to repurchase . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Subordinated debt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Short-term borrowings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Accrued interest payable and other liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Total liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 344,303 134,119 282,478 28,557 168,874 6,371 84,726 1,049,428 — 23,702 — 35,233 1,108,363 $ 280,258 153,917 272,399 33,499 137,514 17,864 98,467 993,918 5,000 23,702 2,445 39,152 1,064,217 Commitments and contingencies (Note 14) Shareholders’ equity: Preferred stock, no par value; 10,000,000 shares authorized Series A fixed rate cumulative preferred stock, 40,000 shares issued and outstanding (liquidation preference of $40,250 at December 31, 2011 and $42,810 at December 31, 2010) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Discount on Series A preferred stock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Series C convertible perpetual preferred stock, 21,004 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010 (liquidation preference of $21,004 at December 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010) . . . . . . . . Common stock, no par value; 60,000,000 shares authorized; 26,295,001 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2011 and 26,233,001 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2010 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Retained earnings / (Accumulated deficit) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Total shareholders’ equity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39,846 (833) 39,846 (1,227) 19,519 19,519 131,172 7,172 955 197,831 130,531 (1,866) (4,651) 182,152 Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1,306,194 $1,246,369 See notes to consolidated financial statements 91 A n n u a l R e p o r t 16APR2010143726 HERITAGE COMMERCE CORP CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS Years Ended December 31, 2011 2010 2009 (Dollars in thousands, except per share data) Interest income: Loans, including fees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Securities, taxable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Securities, non-taxable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Interest-bearing deposits in other financial institutions . . . . . . . . . Total interest income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $42,769 9,088 — 174 52,031 $ 49,633 5,236 — 218 55,087 $ 58,602 3,618 9 64 62,293 Interest expense: Deposits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Subordinated debt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Repurchase agreements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Short-term borrowings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Note payable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Total interest expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Net interest income before provision for loan losses . . . . . . . Provision for loan losses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Net interest income after provision for loan losses . . . . . . . . . . . Noninterest income: Service charges and fees on deposit accounts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Servicing income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Increase in cash surrender value of life insurance . . . . . . . . . . . . Gain on sales of SBA loans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gain on sales of securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Loss on sales of other loans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Total noninterest income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Noninterest expense: Salaries and employee benefits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Occupancy and equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Professional fees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . FDIC deposit insurance premiums . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Software subscriptions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Low income housing investment losses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Insurance expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Data processing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Advertising and promotion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Foreclosed assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Writedown of loans held-for-sale . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Impairment of goodwill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Total noninterest expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Income (loss) before income taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Income tax benefit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Net income (loss) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dividends and discount accretion on preferred stock . . . . . . . . . . . 3,942 1,871 24 38 — 5,875 46,156 4,469 41,687 2,355 1,743 1,706 1,461 459 — 698 8,422 20,574 4,083 2,861 1,294 1,078 1,035 941 876 435 389 29 — 5,977 39,572 10,537 (834) 11,371 (2,333) 8,086 1,878 418 130 — 10,512 44,575 26,804 17,771 2,228 1,719 1,677 1,058 1,955 (887) 983 8,733 21,234 4,087 3,975 4,002 1,004 795 1,007 831 395 650 1,080 43,181 5,886 88,127 (61,623) (5,766) (55,857) (2,398) 13,462 1,933 787 62 82 16,326 45,967 33,928 12,039 2,221 1,587 1,664 1,306 231 — 1,018 8,027 22,927 3,937 3,851 3,321 865 922 639 912 406 518 — — 6,462 44,760 (24,694) (12,709) (11,985) (2,376) Net income (loss) available to common shareholders . . . . . . . . . . $ 9,038 $(58,255) $(14,361) Earnings (loss) per common share: Basic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Diluted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 0.28 $ 0.28 $ $ (3.64) (3.64) $ $ (1.21) (1.21) See notes to consolidated financial statements 92 CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY HERITAGE COMMERCE CORP Years Ended December 31, 2011, 2010, and 2009 Preferred Stock Common Stock Shares Amount Discount Shares Amount Retained Earnings Accumulated Other Total (Accumulated Comprehensive Shareholders’ Comprehensive Income (Loss) Income (Loss) Deficit) Equity (Dollars in thousands, except share data) Balance, January 1, 2009 . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40,000 $ 39,846 $(1,946) 11,820,509 $ 78,854 — Net loss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Net change in unrealized gain/(loss) on — — — — $ 70,986 (11,985) $(3,473) $184,267 (11,985) $(11,985) securities available-for-sale and interest-only strips, net of reclassification adjustment and deferred income taxes . . . Net change in pension and other benefit plan liability, net of deferred income taxes . . . . Total comprehensive loss . . . . . . . . . . . Amortization of restricted stock award, net of forfeitures and taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cash dividends accrued on Series A preferred stock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Accretion of discount on Series A preferred stock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cash dividend declared on common stock, $0.02 per share . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Stock option expense, net of forfeitures and taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — 348 — — — — — — — — — Balance, December 31, 2009 . . . . . . . . . . . 40,000 Net loss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . — Net change in unrealized gain/(loss) on 39,846 — (1,598) 11,820,509 — — — 84 — — — 1,284 80,222 — — — — (2,028) (348) (236) — 159 760 — — — — — 56,389 (55,857) (2,554) — 159 760 159 760 $(11,066) 84 (2,028) — (236) 1,284 172,305 (55,857) $(55,857) securities available-for-sale and interest-only strips, net of reclassification adjustment and deferred income taxes . . . Net change in pension and other benefit plan liability, net of deferred income taxes . . . . Total comprehensive loss . . . . . . . . . . . — — — — — — — — — — Issuance of Series B manditorily convertible cumulative perpetual preferred stock, net of issuance costs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53,996 Conversion of Series B manditorily 50,179 — — — convertible cumulative perpetual preferred stock into common stock . . . . . . . . . . . (53,996) (50,179) Issuance of Series C convertible perpetual preferred stock, net of issuance costs . . . . 21,004 — Issuance of restricted stock awards . . . . . . . Amortization of restricted stock awards, net 19,519 — of forfeitures and taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . Cash dividends accrued on Series A preferred stock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Accretion of discount on Series A preferred stock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Stock option expense, net of forfeitures and taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . — — — — — — — — — 14,398,992 50,179 — — — — 371 — — 13,500 — — — — — — 89 — — 41 — — — — — — — (2,027) (371) — (2,340) (2,340) (2,340) 243 243 243 $(57,954) — — — — — — — — 50,179 — 19,519 — 89 (2,027) — 41 Balance, December 31, 2010 . . . . . . . . . . . 61,004 $ 59,365 $(1,227) 26,233,001 $130,531 $ (1,866) $(4,651) $182,152 A n n u a l R e p o r t 16APR2010143726 93 CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY (Continued) HERITAGE COMMERCE CORP Years Ended December 31, 2011, 2010, and 2009 Preferred Stock Common Stock Shares Amount Discount Shares Amount Retained Earnings Accumulated Other Total (Accumulated Comprehensive Shareholders’ Comprehensive Income (Loss) Income (Loss) Deficit) Equity (Dollars in thousands, except share data) Balance December 31, 2010 . . . . . . . . . . . 61,004 $ 59,365 $(1,227) 26,233,001 $130,531 Net income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . — Net change in unrealized gain/(loss) on — — — $ (1,866) 11,371 $(4,651) — $182,152 11,371 $ 11,371 securities available-for-sale and interest-only strips, net of reclassification adjustment and deferred income taxes . . . Net change in pension and other benefit plan liability, net of deferred income taxes . . . . Total comprehensive income . . . . . . . . Issuance of restricted stock awards . . . . . . . Amortization of restricted stock awards, net of forfeitures and taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . Cash dividends accrued on Series A preferred stock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Accretion of discount on Series A preferred stock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Stock option expense, net of fortfeitures and taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — 394 — — — 62,000 — — — — — — — 75 — — 566 — — — — (1,939) (394) — 6,723 6,723 6,723 (1,117) (1,117) (1,117) $ 16,977 — — — — — — 75 (1,939) — 566 Balance, December 31, 2011 . . . . . . . . . . . 61,004 $ 59,365 $ (833) 26,295,001 $131,172 $ 7,172 $ 955 $197,831 See notes to consolidated financial statements 94 HERITAGE COMMERCE CORP CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES: Net income (loss) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities: Amortization (accretion) of discounts and premiums on securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gain on sale of securities available-for-sale . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gain on sale of SBA loans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Proceeds from sale of SBA loans originated for sale . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Net change in SBA loans originated for sale . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Loss on sale of other loans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Writedowns on other loans held-for-sale . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Provision for loan losses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Increase in cash surrender value of life insurance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Depreciation and amortization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Goodwill impairment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Amortization of other intangible assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Writedowns and (gains)/losses on sale of foreclosed assets, net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Stock option expense, net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Amortization of restricted stock awards, net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Effect of changes in: Accrued interest receivable and other assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Accrued interest payable and other liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES: Purchase of securities available-for-sale . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Maturities/paydowns/calls of securities available-for-sale . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Proceeds from sales of securities available-for-sale . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Net change in SBA loans previously transferred to held-for-sale . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Proceeds from sales of SBA loans previously transferred to held-for-sale . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Net change in other loans transferred to held-for-sale . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Proceeds from sale of other loans transferred held-for-sale . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Net change in loans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Changes in Federal Home Loan Bank stock and other investments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Purchase of company owned life insurance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Proceeds from redemption of company owned life insurance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Purchase of premises and equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Proceeds from sale of foreclosed assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Years ended December 31, 2011 2010 2009 (Dollars in thousands) $ 11,371 $ (55,857) $ (11,985) 1,634 (459) (1,461) 16,857 (7,634) — 29 4,469 (1,706) 766 — 523 (10) 566 75 (675) (2,904) 21,441 (233,092) 52,427 45,014 — — 49 1,769 68,155 (751) (1,000) — (349) 3,639 (1,557) (1,955) (1,058) 19,824 (21,599) 887 1,080 26,804 (1,677) 799 43,181 575 576 41 89 4,664 1,064 15,881 (197,978) 31,864 46,012 (358) 2,816 1,223 10,303 168,390 (720) — 308 (190) 12,288 (259) (231) (1,306) 12,023 (20,630) — — 33,928 (1,664) 807 — 642 79 1,284 84 (12,866) (1,944) (2,038) (147,590) 131,362 15,272 (1,118) 20,795 — — 121,989 (638) — — (296) 4,196 A n n u a l R e p o r t Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (64,139) 73,958 143,972 16APR2010143726 CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES: Net change in deposits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Net change in securities sold under agreement to repurchase . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Net change in note payable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Net change in short-term borrowings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Issuance of preferred stock, net of offering costs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Payment of cash dividends — preferred stock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Payment of cash dividends — common stock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Net increase in cash and cash equivalents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year 55,510 (5,000) — (2,445) — (4,672) — 43,393 695 72,177 (95,367) (20,000) — (17,555) 69,698 — — (64,765) (10,000) (15,000) (35,000) — (1,467) (236) (63,224) (126,468) 26,615 45,562 15,466 30,096 Cash and cash equivalents, end of year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 72,872 $ 72,177 $ 45,562 Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information: Interest paid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Income taxes paid (refund) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Supplemental schedule of non-cash investing activity: Due to broker for securities purchased, settling after year-end . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Transfer of loans held-for-sale to loan portfolio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Transfer of portfolio loans to loans held-for-sale . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Loans transferred to foreclosed assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Conversion of Series B preferred stock to common stock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cash dividend accrued on Series A preferred stock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ $ 7,901 490 5,175 235 — 4,565 — — $ $ 8,896 (6,357) $ 19,030 605 2,902 2,367 17,079 11,919 50,179 2,027 $ 4,065 — 20,506 5,856 — 783 See notes to consolidated financial statements 95 HERITAGE COMMERCE CORP NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (1) Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Description of Business and Basis of Presentation Heritage Commerce Corp (‘‘HCC’’) operates as a registered bank holding company for its wholly- owned subsidiary Heritage Bank of Commerce (‘‘HBC’’ or the ‘‘Bank’’), collectively referred to as the ‘‘Company’’. HBC was incorporated on November 23, 1993 and commenced operations on June 8, 1994. HBC is a California state chartered bank which offers a full range of commercial and personal banking services to residents and the business/professional community in Santa Clara, Alameda, and Contra Costa counties, California. The Company acquired Diablo Valley Bank on June 20, 2007 and merged Diablo Valley Bank into HBC. The consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with accounting policies generally accepted in the United States of America and general practices in the banking industry. The financial statements include the accounts of the Company. All inter-company accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. The Company also has four wholly-owned Delaware business trusts that were formed to issue trust preferred and related common securities: Heritage Capital Trust I and Heritage Statutory Trust I, formed in 2000, Heritage Statutory Trust II, formed in 2001, and Heritage Statutory Trust III, formed in 2002 (‘‘Trusts’’). All of the common securities of the Trusts totaling $702,000 are owned by the Company and included in other assets on the consolidated balance sheets. The Trusts issued their preferred securities to investors, and used the proceeds to purchase subordinated debt issued by the Company. The subordinated debt payable to the Trusts is recorded as debt of the Company. The Company has fully and unconditionally guaranteed the trust preferred securities along with all obligations of the Trusts under the trust agreements. Interest income from the subordinated debt is the source of revenues for these Trusts. In accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, the Trusts are not consolidated in the Company’s financial statements. Use of Estimates The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The allowance for loan losses, carrying value of foreclosed assets, deferred tax assets and liabilities, intangible assets, loan servicing rights, interest-only strip receivables, defined benefit pension and split-dollar life insurance benefit plan and the fair values of financial instruments are particularly subject to change. Cash and Cash Equivalents Cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand, amounts due from banks, amounts held at the Federal Reserve Bank, and Federal funds sold. The Company is required to maintain reserves against certain of the deposit accounts with the Federal Reserve Bank. Federal funds are generally sold and purchased for one-day periods. 96 HERITAGE COMMERCE CORP NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) Cash Flows Net cash flows are reported for customer loan and deposit transactions, notes payable, repurchase agreements and other short-term borrowings. Securities The Company classifies its securities as either available-for-sale or held-to-maturity at the time of purchase. Securities available-for-sale are recorded at fair value with a corresponding recognition of the net unrealized holding gain or loss, net of deferred income taxes, as a net amount within accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), which is a separate component of shareholders’ equity. Securities held-to-maturity are recorded at amortized cost, based on the Company’s positive intent and ability to hold the securities to maturity. As of December 31, 2011 and 2010, all of the Company’s securities were classified as available-for-sale. A decline in the fair value of any available-for-sale or held-to-maturity security below amortized cost that is deemed other than temporary results in a charge to earnings and the corresponding establishment of a new cost basis for the security. In estimating other-than-temporary losses, management considers (1) the length of time and extent that fair value has been less than cost, (2) the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer, (3) whether the fair value decline was affected by macroeconomic conditions, and (4) whether the Company has the intention to sell the security or more likely than not will be required to sell the security before any anticipated recovery in fair value. Interest income includes amortization of purchase premiums or discounts. Premiums and discounts are amortized, or accreted, over the life of the related security as an adjustment to income using a method that approximates the interest method. Realized gains and losses are recorded on the trade date and determined using the specific identification method for the cost of securities sold. Loan Sales and Servicing The Company holds for sale the guaranteed portion of certain loans guaranteed by the Small Business Administration or the U.S. Department of Agriculture (collectively referred to as ‘‘SBA loans’’). These loans are carried at the lower of aggregate cost or fair value. Net unrealized losses, if any, are recorded as a valuation allowance and charged to earnings. Gains or losses on SBA loans held-for-sale are recognized upon completion of the sale, based on the difference between the net sales proceeds and the relative fair value of the guaranteed portion of the loan sold compared to the relative fair value of the unguaranteed portion. Prior to February 15, 2011, SBA loans that were sold were subject to a warranty for a period of 90 days. In accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, the Company treated sold SBA loans as secured borrowings during the warranty period. The secured borrowings were classified as ‘‘short-term borrowings’’ on the consolidated balance sheets. SBA loans are sold with servicing retained. Servicing assets recognized separately upon the sale of SBA loans consist of servicing rights and, for loans sold prior to 2009, interest-only strip receivables (‘‘I/O strips’’). The Company accounts for the sale and servicing of SBA loans based on the financial and servicing assets it controls and liabilities it has incurred, reversing recognition of financial assets when control has been surrendered, and reversing recognition of liabilities when extinguished. Servicing rights are initially recorded at fair value with the income statement effect recorded in gains on sale of loans. Servicing rights are amortized in proportion to and over the period of net servicing income and are assessed for impairment on an ongoing basis. Impairment is determined by stratifying the servicing rights 97 A n n u a l R e p o r t 16APR2010143726 HERITAGE COMMERCE CORP NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) based on interest rates and terms. Any servicing assets in excess of the contractually specified servicing fees are reclassified at fair value as an I/O strip receivable and treated like an available for sale security. Fair value is determined using prices for similar assets with similar characteristics, when available, or based upon discounted cash flows using market-based assumptions. Impairment is recognized through a valuation allowance. The servicing rights, net of any required valuation allowance, and I/O strip receivable are included in other assets on the consolidated balance sheets. Servicing income, net of amortization of servicing rights, is recognized as noninterest income. The initial fair value of I/O strip receivables is amortized against interest income on loans. Loans Loans that management has the intent and ability to hold for the foreseeable future or until maturity or payoff are stated at the principal amount outstanding, net of deferred loan origination fees and costs and an allowance for loan losses. The majority of the Company’s loans have variable interest rates. Interest on loans is accrued on the unpaid principal balance and is credited to income using the effective yield interest method. A loan portfolio segment is defined as the level at which the Company uses a systematic methodology to determine the allowance for loan losses. A loan portfolio class is defined as a group of loans having similar risk characteristics and methods for monitoring and assessing risk. For all loan classes, when a loan is classified as nonaccrual, the accrual of interest is discontinued, any accrued and unpaid interest is reversed, and the amortization of deferred loan fees and costs is discontinued. For all loan classes, loans are classified as nonaccrual when the payment of principal or interest is 90 days past due, unless the loan is well secured and in the process of collection. Nonaccrual loans and loans past due 90 days still on accrual include both smaller balance homogeneous loans that are collectively evaluated for impairment and individually classified impaired loans. Any interest or principal payments received on nonaccrual loans are applied toward reduction of principal. Nonaccrual loans generally are not returned to performing status until the obligation is brought current, the loan has performed in accordance with the contract terms for a reasonable period of time, and the ultimate collectability of the contractual principal and interest is no longer in doubt. Non-refundable loan fees and direct origination costs are deferred and recognized over the expected lives of the related loans using the effective yield interest method. Allowance for Loan Losses The allowance for loan losses is an estimate of probable incurred losses in the loan portfolio. Loans are charged-off against the allowance when management believes the uncollectibility of a loan balance is confirmed. Subsequent recoveries, if any, are credited to the allowance for loan losses. Management’s methodology for estimating the allowance balance consists of several key elements, which include specific allowances on individual impaired loans and the formula driven allowances on pools of loans with similar risk characteristics. 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. Specific allowances are established for impaired loans. Management considers a loan to be impaired when it is probable that the Company will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the original contractual terms of the loan agreement, including scheduled interest payments. Loans for which the terms have been modified with a concession granted, and for which the borrower is experiencing financial difficulties, are considered troubled debt restructurings and classified as impaired. When a loan is 98 HERITAGE COMMERCE CORP NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) considered to be impaired, the amount of impairment is measured based on the fair value of the collateral, less costs to sell, if the loan is collateral dependent, or on the present value of expected future cash flows or values that are observable in the secondary market if the loan is not collateral dependent. The amount of any impairment will be charged off against the allowance for loan losses if the amount is a confirmed loss or, alternatively, a specific allocation within the allowance will be established. Loans that are considered impaired are specifically excluded from the formula portion of the allowance for loan losses analysis. The estimated loss factors for pools of loans that are not impaired are based on determining the probability of default and loss given default for loans within each segment of the portfolio, adjusted for significant factors that, in management’s judgment, affect collectibility as of the evaluation date. The Company’s historical delinquency experience and loss experience are utilized to determine the probability of default and loss given default for segments of the portfolio where the Company has experienced losses in the past. For segments of the portfolio where the Company has no significant prior loss experience, the Company uses quantifiable observable industry data to determine the probability of default and loss given default. Loan Commitments and Related Financial Instruments Financial instruments include off-balance sheet credit instruments, such as commitments to make loans and commercial letters of credit, issued to meet customer financing needs. The face amount for these items represents the exposure to loss, before considering customer collateral or ability to repay. Such financial instruments are recorded when they are funded. Federal Home Loan Bank and Federal Reserve Bank Stock As a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank (‘‘FHLB’’) system, the Bank is required to own common stock in the FHLB based on the Bank’s level of borrowings and outstanding FHLB advances. FHLB stock is carried at cost, classified as a restricted security, and periodically evaluated for impairment. Both cash and stock dividends are reported as income. As a member of the Federal Reserve Bank (‘‘FRB’’) of San Francisco, the Bank is required to own stock in the FRB of San Francisco based on a specified ratio relative to our capital. FRB stock is carried at cost and may be sold back to the FRB at its carrying value. Cash dividends received are reported as income. Company Owned Life Insurance and Split-Dollar Life Insurance Benefit Plan The Company has purchased life insurance policies on certain directors and officers. Company owned life insurance is recorded at the amount that can be realized under the insurance contract at the balance sheet date, which is the cash surrender value adjusted for other charges or other amounts due that are probable at settlement. The purchased insurance is subject to split-dollar insurance agreements with the insured participants, which continues after the participant’s employment and retirement. Accounting guidance requires that a liability be recorded over the average life expectancy when a split-dollar life insurance agreement continues after a participant’s employment or retirement. The required accrued liability is based on either the post-employment benefit cost for the continuing life insurance or the future death benefit depending on the contractual terms of the underlying agreement. A n n u a l R e p o r t 16APR2010143726 99 HERITAGE COMMERCE CORP NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) Premises and Equipment Land is carried at cost. Premises and equipment are stated at cost. Depreciation and amortization are computed on the straight-line basis over the lesser of the respective lease terms or estimated useful lives. The Company owns one building which is being depreciated over 40 years. Furniture, equipment, and leasehold improvements are depreciated over estimated useful lives generally ranging from five to fifteen years. The Company evaluates the recoverability of long-lived assets on an ongoing basis. Goodwill and Intangible Assets Goodwill resulted from the acquisition of Diablo Valley Bank and represented the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of acquired tangible assets and liabilities and identifiable intangible assets. Goodwill was assessed at least annually for impairment and any such impairment is recognized in the period identified. During 2010, the Company determined that the $43,181,000 of goodwill was fully impaired. Other intangible assets consist of core deposit and customer relationship intangible assets arising from the Diablo Valley Bank acquisition. They are initially measured at fair value and then are amortized on an accelerated method over their estimated useful lives. The core deposits and customer relationship intangible assets are being amortized over ten and seven years, respectively. Foreclosed Assets Assets acquired through or instead of loan foreclosure are initially recorded at fair value less costs to sell when acquired, establishing a new cost basis. If fair value declines subsequent to foreclosure, a valuation allowance is recorded through expense. Operating costs after acquisition are expensed. Gains on disposition are included in noninterest income, while losses on disposition are included in noninterest expense. The carrying value of foreclosed assets was $2,312,000 and $1,296,000 at December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively, and is included in other assets on the consolidated balance sheets. Retirement Plans Expenses for the Company’s non-qualified, unfunded defined benefits plan consists of service and interest cost and amortization of gains and losses not immediately recognized. Employee 401(k) and profit sharing plan expense is the amount of matching contributions. Deferred compensation and supplemental retirement plan expense allocates the benefits over years of service. Loss Contingencies Loss contingencies, including claims and legal actions arising in the ordinary course of business, are recorded as liabilities when the likelihood of loss is probable and an amount or range of loss can be reasonably estimated. Management does not believe that the ultimate loss from such matters, if any, will have a material effect on the financial statements. Income Taxes The Company files consolidated Federal and combined state income tax returns. Income tax expense is the total of the current year income tax payable or refund and the change in deferred tax assets and liabilities. Some items of income and expense are recognized in different years for tax purposes than when applying generally accepted accounting principles, leading to timing differences between the Company’s 100 HERITAGE COMMERCE CORP NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) actual tax liability and the amount accrued for this liability based on book income. These temporary differences comprise the ‘‘deferred’’ portion of the Company’s tax expense or benefit, which is accumulated on the Company’s books as a deferred tax asset or deferred tax liability until such time as they reverse. Realization of the Company’s deferred tax assets is primarily dependent upon the Company generating sufficient taxable income to obtain benefit from the reversal of net deductible temporary differences and utilization of tax credit carryforwards and the net operating loss carryforwards for Federal and California state income tax purposes. The amount of deferred tax assets considered realizable is subject to adjustment in future periods based on estimates of future taxable income. Under generally accepted accounting principles, a valuation allowance is required to be recognized if it is ‘‘more likely than not’’ that a deferred tax asset will not be realized. The determination of the realizability of the deferred tax assets is highly subjective and dependent upon judgment concerning management’s evaluation of both positive and negative evidence, including forecasts of future income, cumulative losses, applicable tax planning strategies, and assessments of current and future economic and business conditions. At December 31, 2011, and December 31, 2010, the Company had net deferred tax assets of $21,870,000 and $27,361,000, net of a $3,700,000 partial valuation allowance at December 31, 2010. At December 31, 2011, after consideration of the matters in the preceding paragraph, the Company determined that a valuation allowance for deferred tax assets should be $0. Stock-Based Compensation Compensation cost is recognized for stock options and restricted stock awards issued to employees, based on the fair value of these awards at the date of grant. A Black-Scholes model is utilized to estimate the fair value of stock options, while the market price of the Company’s common stock at the date of grant is used for restricted stock awards. Compensation cost is recognized over the required service period, generally defined as the vesting period. For awards with graded vesting, compensation cost is recognized on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period for the entire award. Compensation cost recognized reflects estimated forfeitures, adjusted as necessary for actual forfeitures. Comprehensive Income (Loss) Comprehensive income (loss) consists of net income (loss) and other comprehensive income (loss). Other comprehensive income (loss) refers to gains and losses that are included in comprehensive income (loss) but are excluded from net income (loss) because they have been recorded directly in equity under the provisions of certain accounting guidance. The Company’s sources of other comprehensive income are unrealized gains and losses on securities available-for-sale and I/O strips, which are treated like available-for-sale securities, and the liabilities related to the Company’s defined benefit pension plan and the split-dollar life insurance benefit plan. Reclassification adjustments result from gains or losses on securities that were realized and included in net income (loss) of the current period that also had been included in other comprehensive income as unrealized holding gains and losses. Segment Reporting HBC is an independent community business bank with ten branch offices that offer similar products to customers. No customer accounts for more than 10 percent of revenues for HBC or the Company. While the chief decision-makers monitor the revenue streams of the various products and services, operations are managed and financial performance is evaluated on a Company wide basis. Management evaluates the Company’s performance as a whole and does not allocate resources based on the 101 A n n u a l R e p o r t 16APR2010143726 HERITAGE COMMERCE CORP NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) performance of different lending or transaction activities. Accordingly, the Company and its subsidiary bank all operate as one business segment. Reclassifications Certain items in the consolidated financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2009 were reclassified to conform to the 2011 presentation. These reclassifications did not affect previously reported net income. Adoption of Other New Accounting Standards In April 2011, the FASB amended existing guidance for assisting a creditor in determining whether a restructuring is a troubled debt restructuring. The amendments clarify the guidance for a creditor’s evaluation of whether it has granted a concession and whether a debtor is experiencing financial difficulties. With regard to determining whether a concession has been granted, the updated guidance clarifies that creditors are precluded from using the effective interest method to determine whether a concession has been granted. In the absence of using the effective interest method, a creditor must now focus on other considerations such as the value of the underlying collateral, evaluation of other collateral or guarantees, the debtor’s ability to access other funds at market rates, interest rate increases and whether the restructuring results in a delay in payment that is insignificant. This guidance is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after June 15, 2011, and should be applied retrospectively to the beginning of the annual period of adoption. For purposes of measuring impairment on newly identified troubled debt restructurings, the amendments should be applied prospectively for the first interim or annual period beginning on or after June 15, 2011. The adoption of this guidance expanded the Company’s current disclosures with respect to troubled debt restructurings. Newly Issued But Not Yet Effective Accounting Standards In May 2011, the FASB issued an accounting standards update to improve the comparability between U.S. GAAP fair value accounting and reporting requirements and International Financial Reporting Standards (‘‘IFRS’’) fair value accounting and reporting requirements. Additional disclosures required by the update include: (i) disclosure of quantitative information regarding the unobservable inputs used in any fair value measurement classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy in addition to an explanation of the valuation techniques used in valuing Level 3 items and information regarding the sensitivity in the valuation of Level 3 items to changes in the values assigned to unobservable inputs; (ii) categorization by level within the fair value hierarchy of items not recognized on the Statement of Financial Position at fair value but for which fair values are required to be disclosed; and (iii) instances where the fair values disclosed for non-financial assets were based on a highest and best use assumption when in fact the assets are not being utilized in that capacity. The amendments in the update are effective for interim and annual periods beginning on or after December 15, 2011. The provisions of this update are not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s financial position, results or operations or cash flows. In June 2011, the FASB issued an accounting standards update to increase the prominence of items included in Other Comprehensive Income and facilitate the convergence of U.S. GAAP with IFRS. The update prohibits continued presentation of Other Comprehensive Income in the statement of shareholders’ Equity. The update requires that all non-owner changes in shareholders’ equity be presented in either a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or in two separate but continuous statements. The amendments in the update are effective for interim and annual periods beginning on or after December 15, 2011. The provisions of this update are only expected to change the manner in which our other comprehensive income is disclosed. 102 HERITAGE COMMERCE CORP NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) (2) Securities The amortized cost and estimated fair value of securities at year-end were as follows: 2011 Securities available-for-sale: Amortized Cost Gross Unrealized Gains Gross Unrealized Losses Estimated Fair Value (Dollars in thousands) Agency mortgage-backed securities . . . . . . . . . Trust preferred securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $341,901 29,947 Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $371,848 $8,484 194 $8,678 $(37) (34) $(71) $350,348 30,107 $380,455 2010 Securities available-for-sale: Amortized Cost Gross Unrealized Gains Gross Unrealized Losses Estimated Fair Value (Dollars in thousands) Agency mortgage-backed securities . . . . . . . . . $235,099 $1,079 $(4,013) $232,165 At December 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010, all agency mortgage backed securities were issued by the Federal National Mortgage Association (‘‘Fannie Mae’’) the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (‘‘Freddie Mac’’), or the Government National Mortgage Association (‘‘Ginnie Mae’’). At December 31, 2011, trust preferred securities were issued by single entities. There were no holdings of securities of any one issuer, other than the U.S. Government and its sponsored entities, in an amount greater than 10% of shareholders’ equity at December 31, 2011 and 2010. The proceeds from sales of securities and the resulting gains and losses are listed below: 2011 2010 2009 Proceeds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gross gains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gross losses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (Dollars in thousands) $46,012 1,956 (1) $45,014 480 (21) $15,272 238 (7) Securities with unrealized losses at year end, aggregated by investment category and length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position, are as follows: 2011 Less Than 12 Months 12 Months or More Total Fair Value Unrealized Losses Fair Value Unrealized Losses Fair Value Unrealized Losses Agency mortgage-backed securities . . . . Trust preferred securities . . . . . . . . . . . $ 8,265 7,007 Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $15,272 (Dollars in thousands) $(37) (34) $(71) $ — — $ — $ — — $ — $ 8,265 7,007 $15,272 $(37) (34) $(71) 103 A n n u a l R e p o r t 16APR2010143726 HERITAGE COMMERCE CORP NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) 2010 Less Than 12 Months 12 Months or More Total Fair Value Unrealized Losses Fair Value Unrealized Losses Fair Value Unrealized Losses (Dollars in thousands) Agency mortgage-backed securities . . . . $140,142 $(4,013) $ — $ — $140,142 $(4,013) At December 31, 2011, the Company held 165 securities, of which five had fair values below amortized cost. No securities had been carried with an unrealized loss for over 12 months. Unrealized losses were due to higher interest rates. The issuers are of high credit quality and all principal amounts are expected to be paid when securities mature. The fair value is expected to recover as the securities approach their maturity date and/or market rates decline. The Company does not intend to sell any securities with an unrealized loss and does not believe that it is more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell a security in an unrealized loss position prior to recovery in value. The Company did not consider these securities to be other-than-temporarily impaired at December 31, 2011. At December 31, 2010, the Company held 106 securities, of which 54 had fair values below amortized cost. No securities had been carried with an unrealized loss for over 12 months. The Company did not consider these securities to be other-than-temporarily impaired at December 31, 2010. The amortized cost and fair value of debt securities as of December 31, 2011, by contractual maturity, are shown below. The expected maturities will differ from contractual maturities if borrowers have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties. Securities not due at a single maturity date are shown separately. Due after ten years . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Agency mortgage-backed securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Available-for-sale Amortized Cost Estimated Fair Value (Dollars in thousands) $ 30,107 $ 29,947 350,348 341,901 Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $371,848 $380,455 Securities with amortized cost of $81,945,000 and $42,149,000 as of December 31, 2011 and 2010 were pledged to secure public deposits and for other purposes as required or permitted by law or contract. 104 HERITAGE COMMERCE CORP NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) (3) Loans and Loan Servicing Loans at year-end were as follows: Loans held-for-sale: Loans held-for-sale — SBA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Loans held-for-sale — other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Total loans held-for-sale . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2011 2010 (Dollars in thousands) $ $ 753 413 $ 8,750 2,260 1,166 $ 11,010 Loans held-for-investment: Commercial Real estate: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $366,590 $378,412 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Commercial and residential Land and construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Home equity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Consumer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Loans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Deferred loan origination costs and fees, net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 311,479 23,016 52,017 11,166 764,268 323 337,457 62,356 53,697 13,244 845,166 883 Loans, including deferred costs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Allowance for loan losses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 764,591 (20,700) 846,049 (25,204) Loans, net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $743,891 $820,845 Prior to February 15, 2011, SBA loans that were sold were subject to a warranty for a period of 90 days. In accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, the Company treated sold SBA loans as secured borrowings during the warranty period. The secured borrowings were classified as ‘‘short-term borrowings’’ on the consolidated balance sheets. At December 31, 2010, the balance of loans held-for-sale included $2,445,000 of SBA loans that were transferred to third parties, with associated deferred gains of $194,000, which are included in other liabilities on the consolidated balance sheet. Effective February 15, 2011, the SBA no longer required a warranty period in loan sales agreements. Therefore, gains on loan sales completed after February 15, 2011 are recognized upon completion of the transaction, thus there are no short-term borrowings or deferred gains associated with the SBA loans held-for-sale at December 31, 2011. During the second quarter of 2010, the Company identified $31,005,000 of problem real estate loans for sale. These loans were written down by $13,926,000 to reflect the estimated proceeds from the sale, resulting in a net balance of $17,079,000 which was transferred into the loans held-for-sale portfolio. The A n n u a l R e p o r t 16APR2010143726 105 HERITAGE COMMERCE CORP NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) following table shows the detail of the problem loans transferred to the loans held-for-sale portfolio from June 30, 2010 to December 31, 2010: Balance Prior to Transfer Amount Charged-off June 30, 2010 Balance Transferred to Loans Held-for-Sale Paydowns / Sales Writedowns December 31, 2010 Balance (Dollars in thousands) Real estate: Commercial and residential . . . . . . . . Land and construction . $ 9,893 21,112 $ (2,781) (11,145) $ 7,112 9,967 $ (5,032) (8,707) $ (917) (163) Total . . . . . . . . . . . . $31,005 $(13,926) $17,079 $(13,739) $(1,080) $1,163 1,097 $2,260 During 2011, activity in the loans held-for-sale — other portfolio included $38,000 in paydowns, $29,000 in writedowns, and $1,780,000 of loan sales, resulting in a balance of $413,000 at December 31, 2011. Changes in the allowance for loan losses were as follows: For the Year Ended December 31, 2011 Commercial Real Estate Consumer Total For the Year Ended December 31, 2010 Total For the Year Ended December 31, 2009 Total (Dollars in thousands) Balance, beginning of year . . . . . . . . . . . Charge-offs . . . . . . . . Recoveries . . . . . . . . $13,952 (7,559) 678 $ $10,363 (3,356) 1,269 Net charge-offs . . . (6,881) (2,087) Provision for loan 889 (8) 3 (5) $ 25,204 (10,923) 1,950 $ 28,768 (32,167) 1,799 (8,973) (30,368) $ 25,007 (31,534) 1,367 (30,167) losses . . . . . . . . . . 6,144 (938) (737) 4,469 26,804 33,928 Balance, end of year . . . . . . . . . . $13,215 $ 7,338 $ 147 $ 20,700 $ 25,204 $ 28,768 106 HERITAGE COMMERCE CORP NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) The following table presents the balance in the allowance for loan losses and the recorded investment in loans by portfolio segment, based on the impairment method as follows at year-end: December 31, 2011 Commercial Real Estate Consumer Total (Dollars in thousands) Allowance for loan losses: Ending allowance balance attributable to loans: Individually evaluated for impairment . . . . . . . . . . . Collectively evaluated for impairment . . . . . . . . . . . $ 2,249 10,966 Total allowance balance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 13,215 $ $ 76 7,262 7,338 $ $ 2 145 147 $ 2,327 18,373 $ 20,700 Loans: Individually evaluated for impairment . . . . . . . . . . . Collectively evaluated for impairment . . . . . . . . . . . $ 11,954 354,636 $ 5,948 380,564 $ 12 11,154 $ 17,914 746,354 Total loan balance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $366,590 $386,512 $11,166 $764,268 December 31, 2010 Commercial Real Estate Consumer Total (Dollars in thousands) Allowance for loan losses: Ending allowance balance attributable to loans: Individually evaluated for impairment . . . . . . . . . . . Collectively evaluated for impairment . . . . . . . . . . . $ 3,427 10,525 $ 1,855 8,508 Total allowance balance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 13,952 $ 10,363 $ $ 778 111 889 $ 6,060 19,144 $ 25,204 A n n u a l R e p o r t Loans: Individually evaluated for impairment . . . . . . . . . . . Collectively evaluated for impairment . . . . . . . . . . . $ 14,374 364,038 $ 16,041 437,469 $ 898 12,346 $ 31,313 813,853 16APR2010143726 Total loan balance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $378,412 $453,510 $13,244 $845,166 Impaired loans excluding non-accrual loans held-for-sale were as follows: Year-end loans with no allocated allowance for loan losses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Year-end loans with allocated allowance for loan losses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $11,068 6,846 $10,985 20,328 Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $17,914 $31,313 2011 2010 (Dollars in thousands) 107 HERITAGE COMMERCE CORP NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) The following table presents loans held-for-investment individually evaluated for impairment by class of loans as of December 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010. The recorded investment included in the following table represents loan principal net of any partial charge-offs recognized on the loans. The unpaid principal balance represents the recorded balance prior to any partial charge-offs. December 31, 2011 December 31, 2010 Unpaid Principal Balance Recorded Investment Allowance for Loan Losses Allocated Unpaid Principal Balance Recorded Investment Allowance for Loan Losses Allocated (Dollars in thousands) $ 7,644 $ 5,972 $ — $ 5,557 $ 5,125 $ — With no related allowance recorded: Commercial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Real estate: Commercial and residential . . . . . Land and construction . . . . . . . . . 2,916 3,491 2,057 3,039 Total with no related allowance recorded . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14,051 11,068 — — — 4,392 6,138 2,431 3,429 16,087 10,985 — — — With an allowance recorded: Commercial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Real estate: . . . . . Commercial and residential Land and construction . . . . . . . . . Home Equity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Consumer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6,526 5,982 2,249 9,695 9,249 3,427 80 817 32 12 80 740 32 12 44 32 — 2 4,753 6,862 — 898 4,753 5,428 — 898 1,002 853 — 778 6,060 Total with an allowance recorded . 7,467 6,846 2,327 22,208 20,328 Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $21,518 $17,914 $2,327 $38,295 $31,313 $6,060 The following table presents interest recognized and cash-basis interest earned on impaired loans for the periods indicated: For the Year Ended December 31, 2011 Real Estate Commercial and Land and Home Commercial Residential Construction Equity Consumer Total (Dollars in thousands) For the Year Ended December 31, 2010 Total Average of impaired loans during the period . . . . . . $12,613 $2,976 $5,726 $1,390 $680 $23,385 $51,023 Interest income during impairment . . . . . . . . . . Cash-basis interest earned . 2 $ $ — $ — $ — $ $ 1 $ — $ 1 1 $ $ 2 $ — $ 6 1 $ $ 41 27 108 HERITAGE COMMERCE CORP NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) Nonperforming loans include both smaller dollar balance homogenous loans that are collectively evaluated for impairment and individually classified loans. Nonperforming loans were as follows at year-end: Nonaccrual loans — held-for-sale . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Nonaccrual loans — held-for-investment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Restructured and loans over 90 days past due and still 2011 2010 (Dollars in thousands) $ 2,026 $ 28,821 186 14,353 accruing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2,291 2,256 Total nonperforming loans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $16,830 $33,103 Other restructured loans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Impaired loans, excluding loans held-for-sale . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 1,270 $17,914 $ 236 $31,313 The following table presents the nonperforming loans by class at year-end: 2011 Restructured and Loans Over 90 Days Past Due and Still Accruing Nonaccrual $ 8,876 $1,803 Total Nonaccrual (Dollars in thousands) $13,545 $10,679 2010 Restructured and Loans Over 90 Days Past Due and Still Accruing Total $ 593 $14,138 Commercial . . . . . . . Real estate: Commercial and residential . . . . . 2,137 Land and construction . . . . Home equity . . . . . Consumer . . . . . . . . 3,514 — 12 — 456 32 — 2,137 6,450 1,663 3,970 32 12 9,954 — 898 — — — 8,113 9,954 — 898 Total . . . . . . . . . . . $14,539 $2,291 $16,830 $30,847 $2,256 $33,103 The following table presents the aging of past due loans as of December 31, 2011 by class of loans: Commercial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Real estate: Commercial and residential . . . . . Land and construction . . . . . . . . . Home equity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Consumer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30-59 Days Past Due 60-89 Days Past Due 90 Days or Greater Past Due Total Past Due Loans Not Past Due Total $1,999 $508 (Dollars in thousands) $ 5,901 $3,394 $360,689 $366,590 2,293 — 753 — — — — — — 1,532 32 — 2,293 1,532 785 — 309,186 21,484 51,232 11,166 311,479 23,016 52,017 11,166 Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $5,045 $508 $4,958 $10,511 $753,757 $764,268 A n n u a l R e p o r t 16APR2010143726 109 HERITAGE COMMERCE CORP NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) The following table presents the aging of past due loans as of December 31, 2010 by class of loans: Commercial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Real estate: Commercial and residential . . . . . Land and construction . . . . . . . . . Home equity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Consumer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30-59 Days Past Due 60-89 Days Past Due 90 Days or Greater Past Due Total Past Due Loans Not Past Due Total $3,176 $ 807 (Dollars in thousands) $18,121 $14,138 $360,291 $378,412 1,078 — 80 — 1,595 — — — 7,184 8,857 — 898 9,857 8,857 80 898 327,600 53,499 53,617 12,346 337,457 62,356 53,697 13,244 Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $4,334 $2,402 $31,077 $37,813 $807,353 $845,166 Past due loans 30 days or greater totaled $10,511,000 and $38,049,000 at December 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively, of which $6,312,000 and $28,821,000 were on nonaccrual. At December 31, 2011, there were also $8,041,000 loans less than 30 days past due included in nonaccrual loans held-for-investment. There were no current loans included in nonaccrual loans held-for-investment at December 31, 2010. Management’s classification of a loan as ‘‘nonaccrual’’ is an indication that there is reasonable doubt as to the full recovery of principal or interest on the loan. At that point, the Company stops accruing interest income, and reverses any uncollected interest that had been accrued as income. The Company begins recognizing interest income only as cash interest payments are received and it has been determined the collection of all outstanding principal is not in doubt. The loans may or may not be collateralized, and collection efforts are pursued. Credit Quality Indicators Concentrations of credit risk arise when a number of clients are engaged in similar business activities, or activities in the same geographic region, or have similar features that would cause their ability to meet contractual obligations to be similarly affected by changes in economic conditions. The Company’s loan portfolio is concentrated in commercial (primarily manufacturing, wholesale, and service) and real estate lending, with the balance in consumer loans. While no specific industry concentration is considered significant, the Company’s lending operations are located in the Company’s market areas that are dependent on the technology and real estate industries and their supporting companies. Thus, the Company’s borrowers could be adversely impacted by a continued downturn in these sectors of the economy which could reduce the demand for loans and adversely impact the borrowers’ ability to repay their loans. The Company categorizes 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; credit documentation; public information; and current economic trends, among other factors. The Company analyzes loans individually by classifying the loans as to credit risk. This analysis is performed on a quarterly basis. Nonclassified loans generally include those loans that are expected to be repaid in accordance with contractual loans terms. Classified loans are those loans that are assigned a substandard, substandard-nonaccrual, or doubtful risk rating using the following definitions: 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 110 HERITAGE COMMERCE CORP NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) 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. Substandard-Nonaccrual. Loans classified as substandard-nonaccrual 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. In addition, the Company no longer accrues interest on the loan because of the underlying weaknesses. Doubtful. Loans classified as doubtful have all the weaknesses inherent in those classified as substandard, with the added characteristic that the weaknesses make collection or liquidation in full, on the basis of currently existing facts, conditions, and values, highly questionable and improbable. The following table provides a summary of the loan portfolio by loan type and credit quality classification for the periods indicated: Commercial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Real estate: Commercial and residential . . . Land and construction . . . . . . Home equity . . . . . . . . . . . . . Consumer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . December 31, 2011 December 31, 2010 Nonclassified Classified Total Nonclassified Classified Total $333,506 $33,084 (Dollars in thousands) $366,590 $338,164 $40,248 $378,412 294,653 15,343 51,368 10,853 16,826 7,673 649 313 311,479 23,016 52,017 11,166 320,867 32,664 50,757 12,346 16,590 29,692 2,940 898 337,457 62,356 53,697 13,244 Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $705,723 $58,545 $764,268 $754,798 $90,368 $845,166 A n n u a l R e p o r t In order to determine whether a borrower is experiencing financial difficulty, an evaluation is performed of the probability that the borrower will be in payment default on any of its debt in the foreseeable future without the modification. This evaluation is performed under the Company’s underwriting policy. 16APR2010143726 For the year ended December 31, 2011, the terms of certain loans were modified as troubled debt restructurings. The modification of the terms of such loans included a reduction of the stated interest rate of the loan, or an extension of maturity date at a stated rate of interest lower than the current market rate for new debt with similar risk. As a result of adopting the amended guidance in determining whether a restructuring is a troubled debt restructuring, the Company reassessed all restructurings that occurred on or after January 1, 2011 for identification as troubled debt restructurings. The Company did not identify any loans as troubled debt restructurings for which the allowance for loan losses had previously been measured under a general allowance for loan losses methodology. The book balance of troubled debt restructurings at December 31, 2011 was $7,396,000, which included $4,323,000 of nonaccrual loans and $3,073,000 of accruing loans. The book balance of troubled debt restructurings at December 31, 2010 was $7,924,000, which included $5,432,000 of nonaccrual loans and $2,492,000 of accruing loans. Approximately $574,000 and $1,134,000 in specific reserves were established with respect to these loans as of December 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010. As of 111 HERITAGE COMMERCE CORP NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) December 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010, the Company had no additional amounts committed on any loan classified as a troubled debt restructuring. The following table presents loans by class modified as troubled debt restructurings during the twelve month period ended December 31, 2011: Troubled Debt Restructurings: Number of Contracts Pre-modification Outstanding Recorded Investment Post-modification Outstanding Recorded Investment (Dollars in thousands) Commercial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Consumer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 1 10 $3,712 11 $3,723 $3,619 11 $3,630 The troubled debt restructurings described above increased the allowance for loan losses by $462,000 through the allocation of specific reserves, and resulted in net charge-offs of $93,000 for the year ended December 31, 2011. A loan is considered to be in payment default when it is 30 days contractually past due under the modified terms. There were no defaults on troubled debt restructurings within twelve months following the modification, during the year ended December 31, 2011. HBC makes loans to executive officers, directors, and their affiliates. The following table presents the loans outstanding to these related parties for the periods indicated: Balance, beginning of year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Advances on loans during the year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Repayment on loans during the year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2011 2010 (Dollars in thousands) $ — $ — — 1,532 — (1,324) Balance, end of year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 208 $ — At December 31, 2011 and 2010, the Company serviced SBA loans sold to the secondary market of approximately $170,969,000, and $168,913,000. Servicing assets represent the servicing spread generated from the sold guaranteed portions of SBA loans. The weighted average servicing rate for all loans serviced was 1.36% and 1.37% at December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively. Servicing rights are included in ‘‘accrued interest receivable and other assets’’ on the consolidated balance sheets. Activity for loan servicing rights follows: 2011 2010 2009 Balance, beginning of year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Additions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Amortization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (Dollars in thousands) $1,067 325 (477) $ 915 294 (417) $1,013 572 (518) Balance, end of year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 792 $ 915 $1,067 112 HERITAGE COMMERCE CORP NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) There was no valuation allowance for servicing rights as of December 31, 2011 and 2010, because the fair value of the servicing rights was greater than the carrying value. The estimated fair value of loan servicing rights was $3,200,000 at December 31, 2011 and 2010. The fair value of servicing rights at December 31, 2011 was estimated using a weighted average constant prepayment rate (‘‘CPR’’) assumption of 7.00%, and a weighted average discount rate assumption of 14.82%. The fair value of servicing rights at December 31, 2010 was estimated using a weighted average constant prepayment rate assumption of 10.02%, and a weighted average discount rate assumption of 12.32%. The weighted average discount rate and CPR assumptions used to estimate the fair value of the I/O strip receivables are the same as for the servicing rights. Management reviews the key economic assumptions used to estimate the fair value of I/O strip receivables on a quarterly basis. The fair value of the I/O strip can be adversely impacted by a significant increase in either the prepayment speed of the portfolio or the discount rate. At December 31, 2011, key economic assumptions and the sensitivity of the fair value of the I/O strip receivables to immediate 10% and 20% changes to the CPR assumption, and 1% and 2% changes to the discount rate assumption, are as follows: Carrying amount/fair value of Interest-Only (I/O) strip . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Prepayment speed assumption (annual rate) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Impact on fair value of 10% adverse change in prepayment speed (CPR (Dollars in thousands) $2,094 7.0% 7.7%) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ (47) Impact on fair value of 20% adverse change in prepayment speed (CPR 8.4%) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Residual cash flow discount rate assumption (annual) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Impact on fair value of 1% adverse change in discount rate (16.3% $ (92) 14.8% discount rate) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ (70) Impact on fair value of 2% adverse change in discount rate (17.8% discount rate) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ (136) I/O strip receivables are included in ‘‘accrued interest receivable and other assets’’ on the consolidated balance sheets. Activity for I/O strip receivables follows: 2011 2010 2009 A n n u a l R e p o r t 16APR2010143726 Balance, beginning of year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Amortization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Unrealized gain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (Dollars in thousands) $2,116 (236) 260 $2,140 (96) 50 $2,248 (425) 293 Balance, end of year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $2,094 $2,140 $2,116 113 HERITAGE COMMERCE CORP NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) (4) Premises and Equipment Premises and equipment at year-end were as follows: Building . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Land . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Furniture and equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Leasehold improvements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Accumulated depreciation and amortization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2011 2010 (Dollars in thousands) $ 3,256 $ 3,256 2,900 2,900 6,630 6,835 4,632 4,668 17,659 (9,679) 17,418 (9,021) Premises and equipment, net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 7,980 $ 8,397 Depreciation and amortization expense was $766,000, $799,000, and $807,000 in 2011, 2010, and 2009, respectively. (5) Leases Operating Leases The Company owns one of its offices and leases the others under non-cancelable operating leases with terms, including renewal options, ranging from five to fifteen years. Future minimum payments under the agreements are as follows: Year ending December 31, (Dollars in thousands) 2012 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2013 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2014 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2016 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Thereafter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $2,702 2,490 2,273 1,192 577 622 $9,856 Rent expense under operating leases was $2,766,000, $2,727,000, and $2,558,000 respectively, in 2011, 2010, and 2009. (6) Goodwill and Intangible Assets Goodwill Goodwill resulted from the acquisition of Diablo Valley Bank in June 2007 and represented the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of acquired tangible assets and liabilities and identifiable intangible assets. Due to concerns about the Company’s stock price, the condition of the banking industry in general, and the pricing of the private placement of convertible preferred stock, goodwill was tested for impairment in 2010, with the assistance of an independent valuation firm. Due to the continued depressed economic conditions and the length of time and amount by which the Company’s book value exceeded market value per share, and the Company’s closing of the private placement at a conversion price of $3.75 per share, the Company determined goodwill related to the acquisition of Diablo Valley Bank of 114 HERITAGE COMMERCE CORP NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) $43,181,000 was fully impaired during 2010. The method for estimating the value of the reporting unit included a weighted average of the discounted cash flows income approach and publicly traded company approach. Acquired Intangible Assets Core deposit and customer relationship intangible assets acquired in the 2007 acquisition of Diablo Valley Bank were $5,049,000 and $276,000, respectively. These assets are amortized over their estimated useful lives. Accumulated amortization of these intangible assets was $2,834,000 and $2,311,000 at December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively. Estimated amortization expense for each of the next five years follows: 2012 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2013 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2014 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2016 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $491 473 459 446 427 (Dollars in thousands) Impairment testing of the intangible assets is performed at the individual asset level. Impairment exists if the carrying amount of the asset is not recoverable and exceeds its fair value at the date of the impairment test. For intangible assets, estimates of expected future cash flows (cash inflows less cash outflows) that are directly associated with an intangible asset are used to determine the fair value of that asset. Management makes certain estimates and assumptions in determining the expected future cash flows from core deposit and customer relationship intangibles including account attrition, expected lives, discount rates, interest rates, servicing costs and other factors. Significant changes in these estimates and assumptions could adversely impact the valuation of these intangible assets. If an impairment loss exists, the carrying amount of the intangible asset is adjusted to a new cost basis. The new cost basis is then amortized over the remaining useful life of the asset. Based on its assessment, management concluded that there was no impairment of intangible assets at December 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010. A n n u a l R e p o r t 16APR2010143726 (7) Deposits Time deposits of $100,000 and over, including deposits within the Certificate of Deposit Account Registry Service (‘‘CDARS’’) and brokered deposits of $100,000 and over, were $259,454,000 and $252,913,000 at December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively. The following table presents the scheduled maturities of time deposits, including brokered deposits for the next five years: 2012 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2013 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2014 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2016 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . December 31, 2011 (Dollars in thousands) $197,967 58,298 31,078 163 1,022 Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $288,528 115 HERITAGE COMMERCE CORP NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) At December 31, 2011, the Company had securities pledged with a fair value of $56,610,000 for $50,000,000 in certificates of deposits from the State of California. There were no certificates of deposit from the State of California at December 31, 2010. As of December 31, 2011, CDARS deposits decreased to $6,371,000 compared to $17,864,000 at December 31, 2010. The CDARS program allows customers with deposits in excess of FDIC-insured limits to obtain full coverage on time deposits through a network of banks within the CDARS program. Deposits gathered through these programs are considered brokered deposits under current regulatory reporting guidelines. At December 31, 2011, brokered deposits decreased 14%, to $84,726,000, compared to $98,467,000 at December 31, 2010. Deposits from executive officers, directors, and their affiliates were $3,602,000 and $1,482,000 at December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively. (8) Borrowing Arrangements Federal Home Loan Bank Borrowings, Federal Reserve Bank Borrowings, and Available Lines of Credit The Company maintains a collateralized line of credit with the FHLB of San Francisco. Under this line, the Company can borrow from the FHLB on a short-term (typically overnight) or long-term (over one year) basis. As of December 31, 2011, and December 31, 2010, the Company had no overnight borrowings from the FHLB. The Company had $189,653,000 of loans and no securities pledged to the FHLB as collateral on a line of credit of $107,268,000 at December 31, 2011. The Company had $221,093,000 of loans and no securities pledged to the FHLB as collateral on a line of credit of $111,781,000 at December 31, 2010. The Company can also borrow from the FRB’s discount window. The Company had approximately $241,196,000 of loans pledged to the FRB as collateral on an available line of credit of approximately $166,672,000 at December 31, 2011, none of which was outstanding. The Company had approximately $134,482,000 of loans pledged to the FRB as collateral on an available line of credit of approximately $77,924,000 at December 31, 2010, none of which was outstanding. At December 31, 2011, the Company has Federal funds purchase arrangements and lines of credit available of $55,000,000. There were no Federal funds purchased at December 31, 2011 and 2010. Securities Sold Under Agreements to Repurchase There were no securities sold under agreements to repurchase at December 31, 2011, compared to $5,000,000 at December 31, 2010. Securities sold under agreement to purchase were secured by mortgage backed securities with an amortized cost of approximately $6,254,000 at December 31, 2010. 116 HERITAGE COMMERCE CORP NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) Securities sold under agreements to repurchase are financing arrangements that mature within two and a half years. At maturity, the securities underlying the agreements are returned to the Company. Information concerning securities sold under agreements to repurchase is summarized as follows: December 31, 2011 2010 2009 Average balance during the year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Average interest rate during the year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Maximum month-end balance during the year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Average rate at December 31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Subordinated Debt (Dollars in thousands) $18,767 $28,822 $ 712 3.37% 2.23% 2.73% $5,000 N/A $25,000 $35,000 3.09% 2.35% Interest payments on the subordinated notes payable to the Company’s subsidiary grantor Trusts are deductible for tax purposes. The subordinated debt is not registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission. For regulatory reporting purposes, the subordinated debt qualifies for Tier 1 capital treatment. Under the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, certain trust preferred securities will no longer be eligible to be included as Tier 1 capital for regulatory purposes. However, an exception to this statutory prohibition applies to securities issued prior to May 19, 2010 by bank holding companies with less than $15 billion of total assets. Therefore, our trust preferred securities will continue to be eligible to be treated as Tier 1 capital, subject to other rules and limitations. The table below summarizes subordinated debt as of December 31: 2011 2010 (Dollars in thousands) A n n u a l R e p o r t Subordinated debentures due to Heritage Capital Trust I with interest payable semi-annually at 10.875%, redeemable with a premium beginning March 8, 2010 and with no premium beginning March 8, 2020, due March 8, 2030 . . . . Subordinated debentures due to Heritage Statutory Trust I with interest payable semi-annually at 10.6%, redeemable with a premium beginning September 7, 2010 and with no premium beginning September 7, 2020, due September 7, 2030 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Subordinated debentures due to Heritage Statutory Trust II with interest payable quarterly based on 3-month Libor plus 3.58% (4.16% at December 31, 2011), redeemable with a premium beginning July 31, 2006 and with no premium beginning July 31, 2011, due July 31, 2031 . . . . . . . . . . . . . Subordinated debentures due to Heritage Statutory Trust III with interest payable quarterly based on 3-month Libor plus 3.40% (3.98% at December 31, 2011), redeemable with no premium beginning September 26, 2007 and due September 26, 2032 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 7,217 $ 7,217 16APR2010143726 7,206 7,206 5,155 5,155 4,124 4,124 Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $23,702 $23,702 In November 2009, the Company announced that it was exercising its right to defer regularly scheduled interest payments on its $23,702,000 of junior subordinated notes relating to its trust preferred securities. From the time it deferred interest payments, the Company accrued the expense of each deferred 117 HERITAGE COMMERCE CORP NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) interest payment at the normal rate on a compounded basis. On June 24, 2011, the Company paid all of the deferred interest payments on its outstanding trust preferred subordinated debt securities in the amount of $3,884,000, which included all payments due through September 8, 2011. As a result of the June 2011 interest payment, and the payment of regularly scheduled interest payments in the third and fourth quarter of 2011, the Company is current with respect to interest accrued on trust preferred subordinated debt securities. (9) Income Taxes Income tax (benefit) consisted of the following for the year ended December 31, as follows: 2011 2010 2009 (Dollars in thousands) Currently (refundable) payable tax: Federal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . State . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ Total currently (refundable) payable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89 140 229 $(2,281) $ (6,192) 2 (44) (2,325) (6,190) Deferred tax (benefit): Federal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . State . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Deferred tax valuation allowance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2,068 569 (3,700) (4,849) (2,292) 3,700 Total deferred tax (benefit) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (1,063) (3,441) (3,108) (3,411) — (6,519) Income tax (benefit) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ (834) $(5,766) $(12,709) The effective tax rate differs from the federal statutory rate for the years ended December 31, as follows: Statutory Federal income tax rate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . State income taxes, net of federal tax benefit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Change in valuation allowance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Low income housing credits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Goodwill impairment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Increase in cash surrender value of life insurance . . . . . . . . . . . . . Other, net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2011 2010 2009 35.0 % (35.0)% (35.0)% 4.4 % (2.7)% (9.0)% (35.1)% 0.0 % 6.0 % (8.0)% (1.7)% (4.3)% 0.0 % 0.0 % 24.5 % (5.7)% (1.0)% (2.4)% 0.5 % (0.8)% 1.5 % Effective tax rate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (7.9)% (9.4)% (51.5)% 118 HERITAGE COMMERCE CORP NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) Deferred tax assets and liabilities that result from the tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying amount of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes at December 31, are as follows: 2011 2010 (Dollars in thousands) Deferred tax assets: Allowance for loan losses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Defined postretirement benefit obligation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tax credit carryforwards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Federal net operating loss carryforwards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . California net operating loss carryforwards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Split-dollar life insurance benefit plan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Securities available-for-sale . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Stock compensation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Accrued expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fixed assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 8,704 8,064 4,876 1,289 3,164 106 — 1,276 728 626 221 $10,597 6,816 4,061 3,618 3,164 2,501 1,232 1,094 676 611 650 Total deferred tax assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29,054 35,020 Deferred tax liabilities: Securities available-for-sale . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . FHLB stock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Prepaid expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . I/O strips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Loan fees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Intangible assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Total deferred tax liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Net deferred tax assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Valuation allowance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (3,615) (263) (416) (879) (830) (1,047) (134) (7,184) 21,870 — — (270) (490) (858) (940) (1,267) (134) (3,959) 31,061 (3,700) Net deferred tax assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $21,870 $27,361 Tax credit carryforwards as of December 31, 2011 consist of the following: Low income housing credits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Alternative Minimum Tax credits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . State tax credits, net of federal tax effects . . . . . . . . . . 2011 (Dollars in thousands) $3,988 876 12 (begin to expire in 2028) (no expiration date) (no expiration date) Total tax credit carryforwards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $4,876 The Company does not have the ability to carryback its net operating loss and low income housing credits to recover federal income taxes paid in prior years. Under current California law, the Company cannot recover state income taxes paid in prior years. 119 A n n u a l R e p o r t 16APR2010143726 HERITAGE COMMERCE CORP NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) At year-end 2011, the Company has a Federal net operating loss carryforward of approximately $3,682,000 and a California net operating loss carryforward of approximately $44,893,000 that will begin to expire in 2030 and 2021, respectively, if not utilized to reduce future taxable income. Under generally accepted accounting principles, a valuation allowance is required if it is ‘‘more likely than not’’ that a deferred tax asset will not be realized. The determination of the realizability of the deferred tax assets is highly subjective and dependent upon judgment concerning management’s evaluation of both positive and negative evidence, including forecasts of future income, cumulative losses, applicable tax planning strategies, and assessments of current and future economic and business conditions. At December 31, 2011, and December 31, 2010, the Company had net deferred tax assets of $21,870,000 and $27,361,000. At December 31, 2010, the net deferred tax asset was net of a $3,700,000 partial valuation allowance. At December 31, 2011, after consideration of the matters in the preceding paragraph, the Company determined that a valuation allowance for deferred tax assets should be $0. The Company and its subsidiaries are subject to U.S. Federal income tax as well as income tax of the State of California. The Company is no longer subject to examination by federal and state taxing authorities for years before 2008 and 2007, respectively. (10) Equity Plan The Company has an Amended and Restated 2004 Equity Plan (the ‘‘Equity Plan’’) for directors, officers, and key employees. The Equity Plan provides for the grant of incentive and non-qualified stock options and restricted stock. The Equity Plan provides that the option price for both incentive and non-qualified stock options will be determined by the Board of Directors at no less than the fair value at the date of grant. Options granted vest on a schedule determined by the Board of Directors at the time of grant. Generally, options vest over four years. All options expire no later than ten years from the date of grant. As of December 31, 2011, there are 523,595 shares available for future grants under the Equity Plan. Stock option activity under the Equity Plan is as follows: Total Stock Options Outstanding at January 1, 2011 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Granted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Exercised . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Forfeited or expired . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Weighted Average Exercise Price Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (Years) Aggregate Intrinsic Value Number of Shares 1,150,821 153,000 $15.47 $ 5.15 — $ — $11.60 (27,902) Outstanding at December 31, 2011 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,275,919 $14.32 Vested or expected to vest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,212,123 Exercisable at December 31, 2011 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 996,332 5.7 5.7 4.9 $198,100 $188,200 $ 83,100 120 HERITAGE COMMERCE CORP NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) Information related to the Equity Plan for each of the last three years: Intrinsic value of options exercised . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cash received from option exercise . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tax benefit realized from option exercises . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Weighted average fair value of options granted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $2.92 $2.00 $2.89 2011 2010 2009 As of December 31, 2011, there was $807,000 of total unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested stock options granted under the Equity Plan. That cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of approximately 2.53 years. The fair value of each option grant is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model that uses the assumptions noted in the following table, including the weighted average assumptions for the option grants in each year. Expected life in months(1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Volatility(1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Weighted average risk-free interest rate(2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Expected dividends(3) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72 72 72 60% 59% 45% 1.86% 2.11% 2.48% 0.00% 0.00% 0.33% 2011 2010 2009 (1) The expected life of employee stock options represents the weighted average period the stock options are expected to remain outstanding based on historical experience. Volatility is based on the historical volatility of the stock price over the same period of the expected life of the option. (2) Based on the U.S. Treasury constant maturity interest rate with a term consistent with the expected life of the option granted. A n n u a l R e p o r t (3) Each grant’s dividend yield is calculated by annualizing the most recent quarterly cash dividend and dividing that amount by the market price of the Company’s common stock as of the grant date. 16APR2010143726 The Company estimates the impact of forfeitures based on historical experience. Should the Company’s current estimate change, additional expense could be recognized or reversed in future periods. The Company issues authorized shares of common stock to satisfy stock option exercises. The Company granted 51,000 restricted shares of its common stock to an executive officer pursuant to the terms of a restricted stock agreement, dated March 17, 2005. The grant price was $18.15. Under the terms of the agreement, the restricted shares vested 25% per year at the end of years three, four, five and six, provided the executive officer was still with the Company, subject to accelerated vesting upon a change of control, termination without cause, termination by the executive officer for good reason (as defined by the executive employment agreement), death or disability. The fair value of stock award at the grant date was $926,000, which was amortized over the six-year vesting period on the straight-line method. Amortization expense was $33,000, $154,000, and $154,000 in 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively. All of the shares were vested at December 31, 2011. The Company granted 13,500 restricted shares of its common stock to three officers pursuant to the terms of the restricted stock agreements, dated July 26, 2010, under the Equity Plan. The grant price was $3.57. Under the terms of the agreements, the period of restriction, during which the Common Shares shall be subject to the Company’s return right, shall lapse upon the later of the following: (a) the date the Company has redeemed all of the issued and outstanding shares of the Company’s Series A Fixed Rate 121 HERITAGE COMMERCE CORP NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, or (b) upon the second anniversary of the grant date. However, upon the occurrence of a change in control, or the death or disability of the participant, the Company’s return right will lapse immediately. The fair value of stock award at the grant date was $48,195, which is being amortized over two-year period on the straight-line method. Amortization expense was $26,000 and $7,000 in 2011 and 2010, respectively. None of the shares were vested at December 31, 2011. The Company granted 62,000 restricted shares of its common stock, at a grant price of $5.16, to eight officers pursuant to the terms of the restricted stock agreements, dated June 16, 2011, under the Amended and Restated 2004 Equity Plan. Under the terms of the agreements, the common stock is subject to risk of forfeiture until the common stock has vested. The common stock will vest upon the later of the following: (a) the date the Company has redeemed all of the issued and outstanding shares of the Company’s Series A Fixed Rate Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, or (b) upon the second anniversary of the grant date. However, upon the occurrence of a change in control, or the death or disability of the participant, the common stock will vest immediately. The fair value of stock awards at the grant date was $319,920, which is being amortized over a two year period on the straight-line method. Amortization expense related to the 62,000 shares was $87,000 for the year ended December 31, 2011. None of the shares were vested at December 31, 2011. (11) Benefit Plans 401(k) Savings Plan The Company offers a 401(k) savings plan that allows employees to contribute up to a maximum percentage of their compensation, as established by the Internal Revenue Code. The Company made a discretionary matching contribution of up to $1,000 for each employee’s contributions in 2011 and 2010. The Company suspended the discretionary matching contribution in 2009. Contribution expense was $183,000, $187,000, and $0 in 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively. Employee Stock Ownership Plan The Company sponsors a non-contributory employee stock ownership plan. To participate in this plan, an employee must have worked at least 1,000 hours during the year and must be employed by the Company at year-end. Employer contributions to the ESOP are discretionary. The Company suspended contributions to the ESOP in 2011, 2010 and 2009. At December 31, 2011, the ESOP owned 140,590 shares of the Company’s common stock. Deferred Compensation Plan The Company has a nonqualified deferred compensation plan for its directors (‘‘Deferral Agreements’’). Under the Deferral Agreements, a participating director may defer up to 100% of his or her board fees into a deferred account. The director may elect a distribution schedule of up to ten years. Amounts deferred earn interest. The Company’s deferred compensation obligation of $314,000 and $397,000 as of December 31, 2011 and 2010 is included in ‘‘Accrued interest payable and other liabilities.’’ The Company has purchased life insurance policies on the lives of directors who have Deferral Agreements. It is expected that the earnings on these policies will offset the cost of the program. In addition, the Company will receive death benefit payments upon the death of the director. The proceeds will permit the Company to ‘‘complete’’ the deferral program as the director originally intended if he dies prior to the completion of the deferral program. The disbursement of deferred fees is accelerated at death and commences one month after the director dies. 122 HERITAGE COMMERCE CORP NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) In the event of the director’s disability prior to attainment of his benefit eligibility date, the director may request that the Board permit him to receive an immediate disability benefit equal to the annualized value of the director’s deferral account. Nonqualified Defined Benefit Pension Plan The Company has a supplemental retirement plan covering key executives and directors (‘‘SERP’’). The SERP is an unfunded, nonqualified defined benefit plan. The combined number of active and retired/ terminated participants in the SERP was 53 at December 31, 2011. The defined benefit represents a stated amount for key executives and directors that generally vests over nine years and is reduced for early retirement. The projected benefit obligation is included in ‘‘Accrued interest payable and other liabilities’’ on the consolidated balance sheets. Since the SERP has no assets, the entire projected benefit obligation is unfunded. The measurement date of the SERP is December 31. The following table sets forth the SERP’s status at December 31: 2011 2010 (Dollars in thousands) Change in projected benefit obligation: Projected benefit obligation at beginning of year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Service cost . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Actuarial loss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Interest cost . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Benefits paid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $16,229 944 1,881 826 (680) $14,591 978 874 834 (1,048) Projected benefit obligation at end of year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $19,200 $16,229 Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Net actuarial loss Prior service cost . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 5,189 27 $ 3,430 63 Accumulated other comprehensive loss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 5,216 $ 3,493 A n n u a l R e p o r t 16APR2010143726 Weighted-average assumption used to determine the benefit obligation at year-end: Discount rate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.10% 5.21% 2011 2010 123 HERITAGE COMMERCE CORP NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) Estimated benefit payments over the next ten years, which reflect anticipated future events, service and other assumptions, are as follows: Year 2012 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2013 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2014 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2016 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2017 to 2021 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . The components of pension cost for the SERP follow: Components of net periodic benefit cost: Service cost . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Interest cost . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Amortization of prior service cost . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Amortization of net actuarial loss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Net periodic benefit cost . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Estimated Benefit Payments (Dollars in thousands) $ 764 873 1,079 1,165 1,245 7,671 2011 2010 (Dollars in thousands) $ 944 826 36 123 $1,929 $ 978 834 36 68 $1,916 The estimated net actuarial loss and prior service cost for the SERP that will be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive loss into net periodic benefit cost over the next fiscal year are $280,000 and $159,000 as of December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively. Net periodic benefit cost was determined using the following assumption: Discount rate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.21% 5.85% 2011 2010 Split-Dollar Life Insurance Benefit Plan The Company maintains life insurance policies for current and former directors and officers that are subject to spit-dollar life insurance agreements, which continues after the participant’s employment and retirement. All participants are fully vested in their split-dollar life insurance benefits. The accrued benefit liability for the split-dollar insurance agreements represents either the present value of the future death benefits payable to the participants’ beneficiaries or the present value of the estimated cost to maintain life insurance, depending on the contractual terms of the participant’s underlying agreement. The split-dollar life insurance projected benefit obligation is included in ‘‘Accrued interest payable and other liabilities’’ on the consolidated balance sheets. The measurement date of the split-dollar life insurance benefit plan is December 31. During 2011, participants in the split-dollar life insurance benefit plan agreed to amend their agreements related to the designation of beneficiaries for life insurance policies owned by the Company. The agreements were amended to provide a benefit for as long as the policies are in force, including a commitment to provide replacement coverage if the policies are ever surrendered. 124 HERITAGE COMMERCE CORP NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) The following sets forth the funded status of the split dollar life insurance benefits. 2011 2010 (Dollars in thousands) Change in projected benefit obligation: Projected benefit obligation at beginning of year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Interest cost . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Actuarial loss (gain) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Benefits paid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Amendments to split dollar agreements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 6,361 306 831 — (2,973) $6,957 392 (833) (155) — Projected benefit obligation at end of year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 4,525 $6,361 Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss at December 31 consist of: Net actuarial loss (gain) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Prior transition obligation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2011 2010 (Dollars in thousands) $ (407) $ 454 4,049 1,776 Accumulated other comprehensive loss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $2,230 $3,642 Components of net periodic benefit cost during the year are: Amortization of prior transition obligation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Interest cost . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2011 2010 (Dollars in thousands) $200 $130 392 306 Net periodic benefit cost . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $436 $592 The estimated net actuarial loss and prior transition obligation for the split-dollar life insurance benefit plan that will be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive loss into net periodic benefit cost over the next fiscal year are $90,000 and $130,000 as of December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively. Weighted-average assumption used to determine the benefit obligation at year-end follow: Discount rate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.10% 5.71% Weighted-average assumption used to determine the net periodic benefit cost: 2011 2010 Discount rate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.71% 6.16% 2011 2010 (12) Regulatory Matters On February 17, 2010 HCC and HBC entered into a Written Agreement with the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco, and the California Department of Financial Institutions (‘‘DFI’’). Under the terms of the Written Agreement, the Company must obtain the prior written approval of the Federal Reserve and DFI before it may (i) declare or pay any dividends on common stock or preferred stock; (ii) make any 125 A n n u a l R e p o r t 16APR2010143726 HERITAGE COMMERCE CORP NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) distributions of principal or interest on HCC’s outstanding trust preferred securities and related subordinated debt; (iii) incur, increase or guarantee any debt; (iv) redeem any outstanding stocks, or; (v) take dividends or any other form of payment that represents a reduction in capital from HBC. The Written Agreement required the Company to submit written plans within certain timeframes to the Federal Reserve and the DFI that addresses the following items (i) strengthening credit risk management practices; (ii) improving HBC’s position with respect to problem loans in excess of $2 million; (iii) maintaining adequate reserves for loan and lease losses; (iv) maintaining sufficient capital at HCC and HBC; (v) improving the management of HBC’s liquidity position and funds management practices; and (vi) improving the Company’s earnings and overall condition through a business plan and budget. All plans were submitted to the appropriate regulatory agencies, and all plans requiring approval by such agencies were approved. In addition, the Agreement (i) required HBC’s Board of Directors or a designated committee thereof to approve any extension, renewal or restructuring of any credit to any borrower whose loans have been ‘‘criticized’’; (ii) required HBC to charge off loans classified as ‘‘loss’’ by the Federal Reserve and/or DFI; (iii) required the Company to notify the Federal Reserve and DFI no more than 30 days after the end of any quarter in which the capital ratios of HCC or HBC fell below the approved capital plan’ minimum levels; (iv) required HCC and HBC to comply with the notice provisions of Section 32 of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act and Subpart H of Regulation Y of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System in connection with appointing any new director or senior executive officer or changing the responsibilities of any senior executive officer so that the officer would assume a different senior executive officer position; (v) required HCC and HBC to comply with the restrictions on indemnification and severance payments of Section 18(k) of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act and Part 359 of the FDIC’s regulations; and (vi) requires the Company to provide quarterly progress reports to the Federal Reserve and the DFI. In June 2011, the Federal Reserve and the DFI issued a joint order terminating the regulatory Written Agreement. Effective June 9, 2011, the Company and HBC were no longer subject to the terms and conditions of the Written Agreement. (13) Fair Value Accounting guidance establishes a fair value hierarchy which requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. The standard describes three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value: Level 1: Quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities in active markets that the entity has the ability to access as of the measurement date. Level 2: Significant other observable inputs other than Level 1 prices such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets; quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data (for example, interest rates and yield curves observable at commonly quoted intervals, prepayment speeds, credit risks, and default rates). Level 3: Significant unobservable inputs that reflect a reporting entity’s own assumptions about the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability. 126 HERITAGE COMMERCE CORP NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) Financial Assets and Liabilities Measured on a Recurring Basis The fair values of securities available for sale are determined by obtaining quoted prices on nationally recognized securities exchanges (Level 1 inputs) or matrix pricing, which is a mathematical technique widely used in the industry to value debt securities without relying exclusively on quoted prices for the specific securities, but rather by relying on the securities’ relationship to other benchmark quoted securities (Level 2 inputs). The fair value of interest-only (‘‘I/O’’) strip receivable assets is based on a valuation model used by a third party. The Company is able to compare the valuation model inputs and results to widely available published industry data for reasonableness (Level 2 inputs). Fair Value Measurements Using Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Observable Significant Other Identical Assets (Level 1) Inputs (Level 2) (Dollars in thousands) Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) Balance Assets at December 31, 2011: Available-for-sale securities: Agency mortgage-backed securities . . . . . . . Trust preferred securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . I/O strip receivables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $350,348 30,107 2,094 Assets at December 31, 2010: Available-for-sale securities: Agency mortgage-backed securities . . . . . . . I/O strip receivables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $232,165 2,140 $ — — — — — $350,348 30,107 2,094 $232,165 2,140 — — — — — There were no transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 during the year for assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis. A n n u a l R e p o r t 16APR2010143726 Assets and Liabilities Measured on a Non-Recurring Basis The fair value of loans held-for-sale is generally based on obtaining bids and broker indications on the estimated value of these loans held-for-sale, resulting in a Level 2 classification. The fair value of impaired loans with specific allocations of the allowance for loan losses is generally based on recent real estate appraisals. The appraisals may utilize a single valuation approach or a combination of approaches including comparable sales and the income approach. Adjustments are routinely made in the appraisal process by the appraisers to adjust for differences between the comparable sales and income data available. Such adjustments are usually significant and typically result in a Level 3 classification of the inputs for determining fair value. Nonrecurring adjustments to certain foreclosed assets are measured at fair value, less costs to sell. Fair values are generally based on third party appraisals of the property, resulting in a Level 3 classification. In cases where the carrying amount exceeds the fair value, less costs to sell, an impairment loss is recognized. 127 HERITAGE COMMERCE CORP NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) Assets and Liabilities Measured on a Non-Recurring Basis Fair Value Measurements Using Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Observable Significant Other Identical Assets (Level 1) Inputs (Level 2) (Dollars in thousands) Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) Balance Assets at December 31, 2011: Impaired loans held-for-sale — other: Real estate: Land and construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 186 Impaired loans — held-for-investment: Commercial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Real estate: Commercial and residential . . . . . . . . . . . . Land and construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Home equity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Consumer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Foreclosed assets: Commercial and residential . . . . . . . . . . . . Land and construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Assets at December 31, 2010: Impaired loans held-for-sale — other: Real estate: Commercial and residential . . . . . . . . . . . . Land and construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Impaired loans — held-for-investment: Commercial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Real estate: Commercial and residential . . . . . . . . . . . . Land and construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Consumer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 6,526 1,794 1,590 32 10 $ 9,952 $ 156 2,156 $ 2,312 $ 929 1,097 $ 2,026 $ 6,725 5,982 8,005 120 $20,832 Foreclosed assets: Commercial and residential . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 1,296 — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — $ 186 — — — — — — — — $ 929 1,097 $2,026 — — — — — — $ 6,526 1,794 1,590 32 10 $ 9,952 $ 156 2,156 $ 2,312 — — — $ 6,725 5,982 8,005 120 $20,832 $ 1,296 128 HERITAGE COMMERCE CORP NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) The following table shows the detail of the impaired loans held for investment and the impaired loans held-for-investment carried at fair value for the periods indicated: December 31, 2011 December 31, 2010 (Dollars in thousands) Impaired loans held-for-investment: Book value of impaired loans held-for-investment carried at fair value . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $12,279 Book value of impaired loans held-for-investment carried at cost . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5,635 Total impaired loans held-for-investment . . . . . . . . . . $17,914 $26,892 4,421 $31,313 Impaired loans held-for-investment carried at fair value: Book value of impaired loans held-for-investment carried at fair value . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Specific valuation allowance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $12,279 (2,327) $26,892 (6,060) Impaired loans held-for-investment carried at fair value, net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 9,952 $20,832 Impaired loans held-for-investment of $17,914,000 at December 31, 2011, after partial charge-offs of $3,604,000 in 2011, were analyzed for additional impairment primarily using the fair value of collateral. In addition, these loans had a specific valuation allowance of $2,327,000 at December 31, 2011. Impaired loans held-for-investment totaling $12,279,000 at December 31, 2011 were carried at fair value as a result of the aforementioned partial charge-offs and specific valuation allowances at year-end. The remaining $5,635,000 of impaired loans were carried at cost at December 31, 2011, as the fair value of the collateral exceeded the cost basis of each respective loan. Partial charge-offs and changes in specific valuation allowances during 2011 on impaired loans held-for-investment carried at fair value at December 31, 2011 resulted in an additional provision for loan losses of $2,916,000. Impaired loans held-for-investment of $31,313,000 at December 31, 2010, after partial charge-offs of $6,982,000 in 2010, were analyzed for additional impairment primarily using the fair value of collateral. In addition, these loans had a specific valuation allowance of $6,060,000 at December 31, 2010. Impaired loans held-for-investment totaling $26,892,000 at December 31, 2010 were carried at fair value as a result of the aforementioned partial charge-offs and specific valuation allowances at year-end. The remaining $4,421,000 of impaired loans were carried at cost at December 31, 2010, as the fair value of the collateral exceeded the cost basis of each respective loan. Partial charge-offs and changes in specific valuation allowances during 2010 on impaired loans held-for-investment carried at fair value at December 31, 2010 resulted in an additional provision for loan losses of $9,791,000. A n n u a l R e p o r t 16APR2010143726 129 HERITAGE COMMERCE CORP NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) The carrying amounts and estimated fair values of the Company’s financial instruments, at year-end were as follows: Assets Cash and cash equivalents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Securities available-for-sale . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Loans (including loans held-for-sale), net . . . . FHLB and FRB stock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Accrued interest receivable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Loan servicing rights and I/O strips receivables Liabilities Time deposits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Other deposits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Securities sold under agreement to repurchase . Short-term borrowings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Subordinated debt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Accrued interest payable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2011 2010 Carrying Amounts Estimated Fair Value Carrying Amounts Estimated Fair Value (Dollars in thousands) $ 72,872 380,455 745,057 9,925 3,719 2,886 $288,528 760,900 — — 23,702 784 $ 72,872 380,455 745,421 N/A 3,719 5,261 $289,512 760,900 N/A N/A 15,950 784 $ 72,177 232,165 831,855 9,174 3,215 3,055 $287,344 706,574 5,000 2,445 23,702 2,810 $ 72,177 232,165 855,327 N/A 3,215 5,340 $288,798 706,574 5,018 2,445 14,445 2,810 The methods and assumptions, not previously discussed, used to estimate the fair value are described as follows: Cash and Cash Equivalents and Accrued Interest Receivable and Payable The carrying amount approximates fair value because of the short maturities of these instruments. Loans Loans with similar financial characteristics are grouped together for purposes of estimating their fair value. Loans are segregated by type such as commercial, term real estate, construction and land development, and consumer. Each loan category is further segmented into fixed and adjustable rate interest terms. The fair value of performing, fixed rate loans is calculated by discounting scheduled future cash flows using estimated market discount rates that reflect the credit and interest rate risk inherent in the loan. The fair value of variable rate loans approximates the carrying amount as these loans generally reprice within 90 days. The fair value of loans held-for-sale is based on estimated market values from third party investors. FHLB and FRB Stock It was not practical to determine the fair value of FHLB and FRB stock due to the restrictions placed on transferability. 130 HERITAGE COMMERCE CORP NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) Deposits The fair value of deposits with no stated maturity, such as demand deposits, savings, and money market accounts, approximates the amount payable on demand. The carrying amount approximates the fair value of time deposits with a remaining maturity of less than 90 days. The fair value of all other time deposits is calculated based on discounting the future cash flows using rates currently offered for time deposits with similar remaining maturities. Subordinated debt and Securities Sold Under Agreement to Purchase The fair values of subordinated debt and securities sold under agreement to repurchase were determined based on the current market value for like kind instruments of a similar maturity and structure. Short-term Borrowings and Note Payable The carrying amount approximates the fair value of short-term borrowings and the note payable that reprice frequently and fully. Off-Balance Sheet Items The fair value of off-balance sheet items, such as commitments to extend credit, is not considered material and therefore is not included in the table above. Limitations Fair value estimates are made at a specific point in time, based on relevant market information about the financial instruments. 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. 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 and involve uncertainties and matters of significant judgment and therefore cannot be determined with precision. Changes in assumptions could significantly affect the estimates. A n n u a l R e p o r t 16APR2010143726 (14) Commitments and Contingencies Financial Instruments with Off-Balance Sheet Risk HBC is a party to financial instruments with off-balance sheet risk in the normal course of business to meet the financing needs of its clients. These financial instruments include commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit. Those instruments involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit and interest rate risk in excess of the amounts recognized in the balance sheets. HBC’s exposure to credit loss in the event of non-performance of the other party to the financial instrument for commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit is represented by the contractual amount of those instruments. HBC uses the same credit policies in making commitments and conditional obligations as it does for on-balance sheet instruments. Credit risk is the possibility that a loss may occur because a party to a transaction failed to perform according to the terms of the contract. HBC controls the credit risk of these transactions through credit approvals, limits, and monitoring procedures. Management does not anticipate any significant losses as a result of these transactions. 131 HERITAGE COMMERCE CORP NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) Commitments to extend credit were as follows: December 31, December 31, 2011 2010 Fixed Rate Variable Rate Fixed Rate Variable Rate (Dollars in thousands) Unused lines of credit and commitments to make loans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Standby letters of credit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $15,723 2,291 $257,342 9,482 $6,740 2,291 $256,575 18,419 $18,014 $266,824 $9,031 $274,994 Commitments generally expire within one year. Standby letters of credit are written with conditional commitments issued by HBC to guarantee the performance of a client to a third party. The credit risk involved in issuing letters of credit is essentially the same as that involved in extending loan facilities to clients. The Company is required to maintain noninterest-bearing reserves. Reserve requirements are based on a percentage of certain deposits. As of December 31, 2011, the Company maintained reserves of $4,408,000 in the form of vault cash and balances at the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco, which satisfied the regulatory requirements. Claims The Company is involved in certain legal actions arising from normal business activities. Management, based upon the advice of legal counsel, believes the ultimate resolution of all pending legal actions will not have a material effect on the financial statements of the Company. (15) Shareholders’ Equity and Earnings Per Share Authorized Shares — On May 27, 2010, the Company’s shareholders approved an amendment to the Company’s Articles of Incorporation to increase the number of authorized shares of common stock from 30,000,000 to 60,000,000. The additional authorized shares provide the Company greater flexibility for stock splits and stock dividends, issuances under employee benefit plans, financings, corporate mergers and acquisitions, and other general corporate purposes. As of December 31, 2011, the Company also had 10,000,000 authorized shares of preferred stock. Series A Preferred Stock — On November 21, 2008, the Company issued 40,000 shares of Series A Fixed Rate Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock (‘‘Series A Preferred Stock’’) to the U.S. Treasury under the terms of the U.S. Treasury Capital Purchase Program for $40,000,000 with a liquidation preference of $1,000 per share. The Series A Preferred Stock carries a coupon of 5% for five years and 9% thereafter. The Series A Preferred Stock is non-voting, cumulative, and perpetual and may be redeemed at 100% of its liquidation preference plus accrued and unpaid dividends. In addition, the Company issued a warrant to the U.S. Treasury to purchase 462,963 shares of the Company’s common stock. The warrant is exercisable immediately at a price of $12.96 per share, will expire after a period of 10 years from issuance and is transferable by the U.S. Treasury. The U.S. Treasury may transfer a portion or portions of the warrant, and/or exercise the warrant at any time. The U.S. Treasury has agreed not to exercise voting power with respect to any common shares issued to it upon exercise of the warrant. At December 31, 2011, there were 132 HERITAGE COMMERCE CORP NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) no changes to the number of common shares covered by the warrant nor had the U.S. Treasury exercised any portion of the warrant. Under the terms of the Capital Purchase Program, the Company is prohibited from increasing dividends above $0.08 per share on its common stock, and from making certain repurchases of equity securities, including its common stock, without the U.S. Treasury’s consent. Furthermore, as long as the preferred stock issued to the U.S. Treasury is outstanding, dividend payments and repurchases or redemptions relating to certain equity securities, including the Company’s common stock, are prohibited until all accrued and unpaid dividends are paid on the Series A Preferred Stock. As permitted under the terms of the Series A Preferred Stock, in November 2009, the Company announced that it was exercising its right to suspend payment of dividends on its Series A Preferred Stock. As a result, the Company had accrued but had not paid approximately $2,810,000 in dividends on its Series A Preferred Stock as of December 31, 2010. In 2011, the Board of Directors declared dividends on its Series A Preferred Stock in an aggregate amount of $4,672,000. A $4,172,000 dividend was paid on August 1, 2011. Of the August 2011 aggregate dividend declared and paid, $3,500,000 was attributable to the dividend periods ending November 15, 2009 through May 15, 2011, $172,000 was for interest on the deferred dividend payments, and $500,000 was the dividend payable for the period ended August 15, 2011. On November 15, 2011, the Company paid the regularly scheduled dividend of $500,000, per the terms of the Series A Preferred Stock, and is current with respect to dividends accrued and owed to the U.S. Treasury. See Note 19 — Subsequent Events. Warrants — During 2008, in conjunction with the issuance of the Series A preferred stock, the Company issued a warrant with an initial exercise price of $12.96 per share of common stock, with an allocated fair value of $1,979,000. The estimated fair value of the warrant was recorded as a discount on the Series A Preferred Stock, with an offsetting credit to paid-in-capital. The discount on the preferred stock is being accreted on the effective yield method over five years as a charge to retained earnings, thus reducing net income available to common shareholders. The warrant may be exercised at any time on or before November 21, 2018. The warrant, and all rights under the warrant, are otherwise transferable. As of December 31, 2011, there were 462,963 shares issuable upon exercise of the warrant. See Note 19 — Subsequent Events. Private Placement — On June 21, 2010, the Company issued to various institutional investors 53,996 shares of Series B Mandatorily Convertible Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock (‘‘Series B Preferred Stock’’) and 21,004 shares of Series C Convertible Perpetual Preferred Stock (‘‘Series C Preferred Stock’’) for an aggregate purchase price of $75,000,000. The Series B Preferred Stock was mandatorily convertible into common stock, upon approval by the shareholders, at a conversion price of $3.75 per share. The Series C Preferred Stock is mandatorily convertible into common stock at a conversion price of $3.75 per share upon both approval by the shareholders and thereafter, a subsequent transfer of the Series C Preferred Stock to third parties not affiliated with the holder in a widely dispersed offering. The Series B Preferred Stock and the Series C Preferred Stock did not include a beneficial conversion feature, as the conversion price of $3.75 per share was not below the fair market value of the Company’s common stock on the commitment date. At the Company’s Special Meeting of shareholders held on September 15, 2010, the Company’s shareholders approved the issuance of common stock upon the conversion of the Series B Preferred Stock and upon the conversion of the Series C Preferred Stock. As a result, on September 16, 2010, the Series B 133 A n n u a l R e p o r t 16APR2010143726 HERITAGE COMMERCE CORP NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) Preferred Stock was converted into 14,398,992 shares of common stock of the Company and the shares of Series B Preferred Stock ceased to be outstanding. The Series C Preferred Stock remains outstanding until it has been converted into common stock in accordance with its terms. The Series C Preferred Stock is non-voting except in the case of certain transactions that would affect the rights of the holders of the Series C Preferred Stock or applicable law. Holders of Series C Preferred Stock will receive dividends if and only to the extent dividends are paid to holders of common stock. The Series C Preferred Stock is not redeemable by the Company or by the holders and has a liquidation preference of $1,000 per share. The Series C Preferred Stock ranks senior to the Company’s common stock and ranks on parity with the Company’s Series A Preferred Stock. Earnings (Loss) Per Share — Basic earnings (loss) per common share is computed by dividing net income (loss), less dividends and discount accretion on preferred stock, by the weighted average common shares outstanding. On June 21, 2010, the Company issued to various institutional investors 53,996 shares of Series B Mandatorily Convertible Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock (‘‘Series B Preferred Stock’’) and 21,004 shares of Series C Convertible Perpetual Preferred Stock (‘‘Series C Preferred Stock’’). Subject to the terms of the Series B Preferred Stock, the 53,996 shares of Series B Preferred Stock converted into 14,398,992 shares of common stock on September 16, 2010. The 21,004 shares of Series C Preferred Stock remain outstanding as of December 31, 2011, and are convertible into 5,601,000 shares of common stock. The Series B Preferred Stock and Series C Preferred Stock participate in the earnings of the Company and, therefore, the shares issued on the conversion of the Series B Preferred Stock and the Series C Preferred Stock are considered outstanding under the two-class method of computing basic earnings per common share during periods of earnings. The shares issued on the conversion of the Series C Preferred Stock are not considered outstanding for the year ended December 31, 2010 due to the net loss available to common shareholders for the period. Diluted earnings (loss) per share reflect potential dilution from outstanding stock options and common stock warrants, using the treasury stock method, which amounted to 3,810 shares at December 31, 2011. Due to the Company’s net loss allocable to common shareholders for the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2009, all stock options and common stock warrants were excluded from the computation of diluted loss per average common share. A reconciliation of these factors used in computing basic and diluted earnings (loss) per common share is as follows: Year ended December 31, 2011 2010 2009 Net income (loss) available to common shareholders Less: net income allocated to Series C Preferred $ (Dollars in thousands) (58,255) $ $ 9,038 (14,361) Stock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,589 N/A N/A Net income (loss) allocated to common shareholders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 7,449 $ (58,255) $ (14,361) Weighted average common shares outstanding for basic earnings (loss) per common share . . . . . . . . 26,266,584 16,026,058 11,820,509 Dilutive effect of stock options outstanding, using the the treasury stock method . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3,810 N/A N/A Shares outstanding for diluted earnings (loss) per common share . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26,270,394 16,026,058 11,820,509 134 HERITAGE COMMERCE CORP NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) Comprehensive Income (Loss) — Comprehensive income (loss) consists of other comprehensive income (loss) and net income (loss). Other comprehensive income (loss) refers to gains and losses that are included in comprehensive income (loss) but are excluded from net income (loss) because they have been recorded directly in equity under the provisions of other accounting guidance. The following is a summary of the components of comprehensive income (loss): Year ended December 31, 2011 2010 2009 (Dollars in thousands) $11,371 $(55,857) $(11,985) 12,050 (459) (4,868) (2,078) (1,955) 1,693 Net income (loss) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Net unrealized holding gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities and I/O strips during the year, . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Reclassification adjustment for (gains) realized in income . . . . Deferred income tax expense/(benefit) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Change in unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities and I/O strips, net of deferred income tax . . . . 6,723 (2,340) Net pension and other benefit plan liability adjustment . . . . . . Deferred income tax expense/(benefit) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (1,926) 809 418 (175) Change in pension and other benefit plan liability, net of deferred income tax . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (1,117) 243 Other comprehensive income (loss) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5,606 (2,097) 505 (231) (115) 159 1,312 (552) 760 919 Total comprehensive income (loss) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $16,977 $(57,954) $(11,066) Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) consisted of the following items, net of deferred income tax, at December 31: Net unrealized loss on split-dollar life insurance benefit plan . . . . . . . . Net unrealized loss on defined benefit plan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Net unrealized gain (loss) on securities available-for-sale . . . . . . . . . . . Net unrealized gain on I/O strips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2011 2010 (Dollars in thousands) $(2,230) (3,025) 4,995 1,215 $(2,112) (2,026) (1,699) 1,186 Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 955 $(4,651) (16) Capital Requirements The Company and its subsidiary bank are subject to various regulatory capital requirements administered by the 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 the Company’s financial statements and operations. Under capital adequacy guidelines and the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action, the Company and HBC must meet specific capital guidelines that involve quantitative measures of assets, liabilities, and certain off-balance- sheet items as calculated under regulatory accounting practices. Capital amounts and classifications are also subject to qualitative judgments by the regulators about components, risk weightings, and other factors. 135 A n n u a l R e p o r t 16APR2010143726 HERITAGE COMMERCE CORP NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) Quantitative measures established by regulation to help ensure capital adequacy require the Company and HBC to maintain minimum amounts and ratios (set forth in the table below) of total and Tier 1 capital (as defined in the regulations) to risk-weighted assets (as defined), and of Tier 1 capital to average assets (as defined). Management believes that, as of December 31, 2011 and 2010, the Company and HBC met all capital adequacy guidelines to which they were subject. As of December 31, 2011 HBC was categorized as ‘‘well-capitalized’’ under the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action. There are no conditions or events since December 31, 2011 that management believes have changed the categorization of the Company or HBC as well-capitalized. The Company’s consolidated capital amounts and ratios are presented in the following table, together with capital adequacy requirements. To Be Well-Capitalized Under Prompt Corrective Action Provisions Required For Capital Adequacy Purposes Actual Amount Ratio Amount Ratio Amount Ratio (Dollars in thousands) $211,604 21.9% $96,755 10.0% $77,404 8.0% $199,423 20.6% $58,056 6.0% $38,704 4.0% $199,423 15.3% N/A N/A $52,103 4.0% $197,763 20.9% $94,533 10.0% $75,626 8.0% $185,775 19.7% $56,725 6.0% $37,817 4.0% $185,775 14.1% N/A N/A $52,665 4.0% As of December 31, 2011 Total Capital . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (to risk-weighted assets) Tier 1 Capital (to risk-weighted assets) Tier 1 Capital (to average assets) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . As of December 31, 2010 Total Capital . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (to risk-weighted assets) Tier 1 Capital (to risk-weighted assets) Tier 1 Capital (to average assets) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136 HERITAGE COMMERCE CORP NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) HBC’s actual capital and required amounts and ratios are presented in the following table. As of December 31, 2011 Total Capital . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (to risk-weighted assets) Tier 1 Capital (to risk-weighted assets) Tier 1 Capital (to average assets) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . As of December 31, 2010 Total Capital . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (to risk-weighted assets) Tier 1 Capital (to risk-weighted assets) Tier 1 Capital . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . To Be Well-Capitalized Under Prompt Corrective Action Provisions Required For Capital Adequacy Purposes Actual Amount Ratio Amount Ratio Amount Ratio (Dollars in thousands) $190,904 19.7% $97,004 10.0% $77,603 8.0% $178,697 18.5% $57,956 6.0% $38,637 4.0% $178,697 13.7% $65,266 5.0% $52,212 4.0% $171,185 18.1% $94,577 10.0% $75,662 8.0% $159,192 16.8% $56,753 6.0% $37,835 4.0% $159,192 12.1% $65,836 5.0% $52,669 4.0% HCC is dependent upon dividends from HBC. Under California General Corporation Law, the holders of common stock are entitled to receive dividends when and as declared by the Board of Directors, out of funds legally available. The California Financial Code provides that a state-licensed bank may not make a cash distribution to its shareholders in excess of the lesser of the following: (i) the bank’s retained earnings; or (ii) the bank’s net income for its last three fiscal years, less the amount of any distributions made by the bank to its shareholders during such period. However, a bank, with the prior approval of the Commissioner, may make a distribution to its shareholders of an amount not to exceed the greater of (i) a bank’s retained earnings; (ii) its net income for its last fiscal year; or (iii) its net income for the current fiscal year. Also with the prior approval of the Commissioner and the shareholders of the bank, the bank may make a distribution to its shareholders, as a reduction in capital of the bank. In the event that the Commissioner determines that the shareholders’ equity of a bank is inadequate or that the making of a distribution by a bank would be unsafe or unsound, the Commissioner may order a bank to refrain from making such a proposed distribution. As discussed in Note 12, HBC was prohibited from making such dividends to HCC without prior regulatory approval, until the Written Agreement was terminated in June 2011. Similar restrictions applied to the amounts and sum of loan advances and other transfers of funds from HBC to the parent Company. 137 A n n u a l R e p o r t 16APR2010143726 HERITAGE COMMERCE CORP NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) (17) Parent Company only Condensed Financial Information The condensed financial statements of Heritage Commerce Corp (parent company only) are as follows: Condensed Balance Sheets Assets Cash and cash equivalents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Investment in subsidiary bank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Investment in subsidiary trusts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Other assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . December 31, 2011 2010 (Dollars in thousands) $ 24,347 195,041 702 2,246 $ 33,103 174,592 702 2,860 Total assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $222,336 $211,257 Liabilities and Shareholder’s Equity Subordinated debt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Other liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Shareholder’s equity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 23,702 803 197,831 $ 23,702 5,403 182,152 Total liabilities and shareholder’s equity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $222,336 $211,257 Condensed Statements of Operations For the Year Ended December 31, 2011 2010 2009 Interest income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dividend from subsidiary bank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Interest expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Other expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ $ (Dollars in thousands) 10 — (1,871) (2,232) 13 — (1,878) (2,500) $ 49 5,000 (2,014) (2,287) Income (loss) before income taxes and undistributed net income (loss) of subsidiary bank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Equity in undistributed net income (loss) of subsidiary bank . . Income tax benefit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Net income (loss) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dividends and discount accretion on preferred stock . . . . . . . (4,093) 14,348 1,116 11,371 (2,333) (4,365) (52,184) 692 (55,857) (2,398) 748 (14,843) 2,110 (11,985) (2,376) Net income (loss) available to common shareholders . . . . . . $ 9,038 $(58,255) $(14,361) 138 HERITAGE COMMERCE CORP NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) Condensed Statements of Cash Flows Cash flows from operating activities: Net Income (loss) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by (used in) operations: Amortization of restricted stock award, net of forfeitures For the Year Ended December 31, 2011 2010 2009 (Dollars in thousands) $ 11,371 $(55,857) $(11,985) and taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75 89 84 Equity in undistributed loss/(net income) of subsidiary bank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Net change in other assets and liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (14,348) (1,182) 52,184 1,396 14,843 (1,455) Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities . . . . . (4,084) (2,188) 1,487 Cash flows from investing activities: Equity investment in subsidiary bank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . — (40,000) (5,000) Cash flows from financing activities: Net change in note payable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Payment of cash dividends — common stock . . . . . . . . . . . Payment of cash dividends — preferred stock . . . . . . . . . . Issuance of preferred stock, net of issuance costs . . . . . . . . Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities . . . . . Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents . . Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year . . . . . . . . . . . . — — (4,672) — (4,672) (8,756) 33,103 — (15,000) (236) — (1,467) — — 69,698 69,698 27,510 5,593 (16,703) (20,216) 25,809 Cash and cash equivalents, end of year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 24,347 $ 33,103 $ 5,593 A n n u a l R e p o r t 16APR2010143726 139 HERITAGE COMMERCE CORP NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) (18) Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) The following table discloses the Company’s selected unaudited quarterly financial data: For the Quarters Ended 12/31/11 09/30/11 06/30/11 03/31/11 (Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts) Interest income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Interest expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $13,010 1,222 $13,020 1,320 $13,015 1,543 $12,986 1,790 Net interest income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Provision for loan losses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Net interest income after provision for loan losses . Noninterest income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Noninterest expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Income before income taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Income tax expense (benefit)(1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Net income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dividends and discount accretion on preferred stock . 11,788 1,230 10,558 2,423 9,860 3,121 234 2,887 (601) 11,700 1,515 10,185 1,912 9,809 2,288 (2,529) 4,817 (532) 11,472 955 10,517 2,170 9,472 3,215 1,129 2,086 (604) Net income available to common shareholders . . . . $ 2,286 $ 4,285 $ 1,482 Earnings (loss) per common share Basic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Diluted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ $ 0.07 0.07 $ $ 0.13 0.13 $ $ 0.05 0.05 11,196 770 10,426 1,917 10,431 1,912 331 1,581 (596) 985 0.03 0.03 $ $ $ 140 HERITAGE COMMERCE CORP NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) For the Quarters Ended 12/31/10 09/30/10 06/30/10 03/31/10 (Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts) Interest income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Interest expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $13,168 2,221 $13,361 2,530 $ 14,212 2,784 $14,346 2,977 Net interest income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Provision for loan losses(2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10,947 1,050 10,831 2,058 11,428 18,600 11,369 5,095 Net interest income (loss) after provision for loan losses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Noninterest income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Noninterest expense(3) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Income (loss) before income taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . Income tax expense (benefit)(4) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Net income (loss) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dividends and discount accretion on preferred 9,897 2,443 10,129 2,211 506 1,705 8,773 2,728 11,248 (7,172) 1,878 54,552 6,274 1,684 12,198 253 (398) (59,846) (5,753) (4,240) (120) 651 (54,093) (4,120) stock(5) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (606) (193) (1,009) (591) Net income (loss) available to common shareholders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 1,099 Earnings (loss) per common share Basic(6) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Diluted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ $ 0.03 0.03 $ $ $ 458 $(55,102) $ (4,711) 0.01 0.01 $ $ (4.66) $ (0.40) (4.66) $ (0.40) (1) The Company reduced the partial valuation allowance during the third and fourth quarters of 2011, based on the Company’s estimate that it was more likely than not that remaining net deferred tax assets will be realized. (2) The provision for loan losses in the second quarter of 2010 included the impact of $31,005,000 of real estate loans classified as substandard or substandard-nonaccrual that were transferred to the held-for-sale portfolio and the related loan charge-offs of $13,926,000. (3) Noninterest expense in the second quarter of 2010 included a $43,181,000 write-off of goodwill that the Company determined was fully impaired. (4) The $5,753,000 income tax benefit in second quarter of 2010 was net of a $3,700,000 income tax expense to establish a partial valuation allowance on the Company’s deferred tax asset. (5) As a result of shareholder approval on September 15, 2010, no cumulative dividends will be paid on Series B Preferred Stock and Series C Preferred Stock, and the $411,000 previously recognized dividends in the second quarter were reversed in the third quarter. (6) On June 21, 2010, the Company issued Series B Preferred Stock and Series C Preferred Stock. The 53,996 shares of Series B Preferred Stock converted into 14,398,992 shares of common stock on September 16, 2010. The 21,004 shares of Series C Preferred Stock remained outstanding as of September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2010, and are convertible into 5,601,000 shares of common stock. The Series B Preferred Stock and Series C Preferred Stock participate in the earnings of the Company and, therefore, the shares issued on the conversion of the Series B Preferred Stock and the Series C Preferred Stock are considered outstanding under the two-class method of computing basic 141 A n n u a l R e p o r t 16APR2010143726 HERITAGE COMMERCE CORP NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) earnings per common share for the three months ended September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2010. As a result, the sum of the quarterly earnings (loss) per share does not agree to the annual earnings (loss) per share in 2010. (19) Subsequent Events On November 21, 2008, the Company issued 40,000 shares of Series A Preferred Stock to the U.S. Treasury under the terms of the U.S. Treasury Capital Purchase Program for $40,000,000 with a liquidation preference of $1,000 per share. On March 7, 2012, in accordance with approvals received from the U.S. Treasury and the Federal Reserve Board, the Company repurchased all of the Series A Preferred Stock and paid all of the related accrued and unpaid dividends. HCC used available cash and proceeds from a $30,000,000 distribution approved by the DFI from HBC to HCC. The repurchase of the Series A Preferred Stock accelerated the accretion of the remaining issuance discount on the Series A Preferred Stock. Total dividends and discount accretion on Preferred Stock, including accelerated accretion of approximately $765,000, will reduce net income available to common shareholders by approximately $1,200,000 in the first quarter of 2012. The Company did not repurchase the related warrant that was issued to the U.S Treasury, and the warrant remains outstanding as of the date of this report. 142 Exhibit Number Description EXHIBIT INDEX 2.1 Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated February 8, 2007, by and between Heritage Commerce Corp, Heritage Bank of Commerce and Diablo Valley Bank (incorporated by reference from the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on March 16, 2007) 3.1 Restated Articles of Incorporation of Heritage Commerce Corp (incorporated by reference from the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on March 16, 2009) 3.2 Certificate of Amendment of Articles of Incorporation of Heritage Commerce Corp, as filed with the California Secretary of State on June 1, 2010 (incorporated by reference from the Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed July 23, 2010) 3.3 Bylaws, as amended, of Heritage Commerce Corp (incorporated by reference from the Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed July 23, 2010) 4.1 Indenture, dated as of March 23, 2000, between Heritage Commerce Corp, as Issuer, and the Bank of New York, as Trustee (incorporated by reference from the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed April 6, 2001) 4.2 Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust, Heritage Capital Trust I, dated as of March 23, 2000 (incorporated herein by reference from the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed April 6, 2001) 4.3 Indenture, dated as of September 7, 2000, between Heritage Commerce Corp, as Issuer, and State Street Bank and Trust Company of Connecticut, National Association, as Trustee (incorporated herein by reference from the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed April 6, 2001) 4.4 Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust by and among State Street Bank and Trust Company of Connecticut, National Association, as Institutional Trustee, and Heritage Commerce Corp, as Sponsor (incorporated herein by reference from the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed April 6, 2001) 4.5 Indenture, dated as of July 31, 2001, between Heritage Commerce Corp, as Issuer, and State Street Bank and Trust Company of Connecticut, National Association, as Trustee (incorporated herein by reference from the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed March 29, 2002) 4.6 Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust by and among State Street Bank and Trust Company of Connecticut, National Association as Institutional Trustee, and Heritage Commerce Corp, as Sponsor, dated as of July 31, 2001 (incorporated herein by reference from the Registrant’s Form 10-K filed March 29, 2002) 4.7 Indenture, dated as of September 26, 2002, between Heritage Commerce Corp, as Issuer, and State Street Bank and Trust Company of Connecticut, National Association, as Trustee (incorporated herein by reference from the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed March 29, 2003) 4.8 Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust by and among State Street Bank and Trust Company of Connecticut, National Association, as Institutional Trustee and Heritage Commerce Corp, as Sponsor, dated as of September 26, 2002 (incorporated herein by reference from the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed March 29, 2003) 143 A n n u a l R e p o r t 16APR2010143726 Exhibit Number Description 4.9 Warrant to Purchase Common Stock dated November 21, 2008 (incorporated herein by reference from the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed November 26, 2008) 4.10 Certificate of Determination for Fixed Rate Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series A (incorporated herein by reference from the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K as filed November 26, 2008) 4.11 Certificate of Determination of Series C Convertible Perpetual Preferred Stock, as filed with the California Secretary of State on June 17, 2010 (incorporated herein by reference from the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K as filed June 22, 2010) 10.1 Real Property Leases for Registrant’s Principle Office (incorporated herein by reference from the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed March 5, 1998) 10.2 Third Amendment to Lease for Registrant’s Principle Office (incorporated herein by reference from the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed August 17, 2005) 10.3 Fourth Amendment to Lease for Registrant’s Principle Office (incorporated herein by reference from the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed August 17, 2005) 10.4 Fourth Amendment to Sublease for Registrant’s Principle Office (incorporated herein by reference from the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed June 22, 2005) *10.5 Heritage Commerce Corp Management Incentive Plan (incorporated herein by reference from the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed May 3, 2005) *10.6 1994 Stock Option Plan and Form of Agreement (incorporated herein by reference from the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-8 filed July 17, 1998) *10.7 Amended and Restated 2004 Equity Plan (incorporated herein by reference from the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed June 2, 2009) *10.8 Restricted Stock Agreement with Walter Kaczmarek dated March 17, 2005 (incorporated herein by reference from the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed March 22, 2005) *10.9 2004 Stock Option Agreement with Walter Kaczmarek dated March 17, 2005 (incorporated herein by reference from the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed March 22, 2005) *10.10 Non-qualified Deferred Compensation Plan (incorporated herein by reference from the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed March 31, 2005) *10.11 Amended and Restated Employment Agreement with Walter Kaczmarek, dated October 17, 2007 (incorporated herein by reference from the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed October 22, 2007) *10.12 Amended and Restated Employment Agreement with Lawrence McGovern, dated July 21, 2011 (incorporated herein by reference from the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed July 21, 2011) *10.13 Amended and Restated Employment Agreement with Michael Benito, dated February 1, 2011 (incorporated herein by reference from the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed February 2, 2011) *10.14 Amended and Restated Employment Agreement with Raymond Parker, dated October 17, 2007 (incorporated herein by reference from the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed October 22, 2007) 144 Exhibit Number Description *10.15 Employment Agreement with Dan T. Kawamoto, dated June 11, 2009 (incorporated herein by reference from the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed June 16, 2009) *10.16 Employment Agreement with Margaret Incandela, dated July 21, 2011 (incorporated by reference from the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed July 21, 2011) *10.17 Form of Stock Option Agreement For Amended and Restated 2004 Equity Plan *10.18 Form of Restricted Stock Agreement For Amended and Restated 2004 Equity Plan *10.19 2005 Amended and Restated Heritage Commerce Corp Supplemental Retirement Plan (incorporated herein by reference from the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed September 30, 2008) *10.20 Form of Endorsement Method Split Dollar Plan Agreement for Executive Officers (incorporated herein by reference from the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed March 17, 2008) *10.21 Form of Endorsement Method Split Dollar Plan Agreement for Directors (incorporated herein by reference from the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed March 17, 2008) *10.22 Amendment No. 1 to Employment Agreement, dated December 29, 2008 between the Company and Walter T. Kaczmarek (incorporated herein by reference from the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed January 2, 2009) *10.23 Amendment No. 1 to Employment Agreement, dated December 29, 2008 between the Company and Raymond Parker (incorporated herein by reference from the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed January 2, 2009) *10.24 First Amended and Restated Director Compensation Benefits Agreement dated December 29, 2008 between Jack Conner and the Company (incorporated herein by reference from the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed January 2, 2009) *10.25 First Amended and Restated Director Compensation Benefits Agreement dated December 29, 2008 between Frank Bisceglia and the Company (incorporated herein by reference from the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed January 2, 2009) *10.26 First Amended and Restated Director Compensation Benefits Agreement dated December 29, 2008 between Robert Moles and the Company (incorporated herein by reference from the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed January 2, 2009) *10.27 First Amended and Restated Director Compensation Benefits Agreement dated December 29, 2008 between Humphrey Polanen and the Company (incorporated herein by reference from the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed January 2, 2009) *10.28 First Amended and Restated Director Compensation Benefits Agreement dated December 29, 2008 between Charles Toeniskoetter and the Company (incorporated herein by reference from the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed January 2, 2009) *10.29 First Amended and Restated Director Compensation Benefits Agreement dated December 29, 2008 between Ranson Webster and the Company (incorporated herein by reference from the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed January 2, 2009) *10.30 First Amended and Restated Director Compensation Benefits Agreement dated December 29, 2008 between William Del Biaggio, Jr. and the Company (incorporated herein by reference from the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed January 2, 2009) 145 A n n u a l R e p o r t 16APR2010143726 Exhibit Number Description 10.31 Letter Agreement dated November 21, 2008 between the Company and United States Treasury for Fixed Rate Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series A and Warrant for Common Stock (incorporated herein by reference from the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed November 26, 2008) 10.32 Form of Indemnification Agreement between the Registrant and its directors and executive officers (incorporated herein by reference from the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed December 23, 2009) 10.33 Securities Purchase Agreement between the Company and each of the Purchasers, dated as of June 18, 2010 (incorporated herein from the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K as filed June 22, 2010) 10.34 Registration Rights Agreement between the Company and each of the Purchasers, dated as of June 18, 2010 (incorporated herein from the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K as filed June 22, 2010) 12.1 Calculation of consolidated ratio of earnings to fixed charges and consolidated ratio of earnings to fixed charges and preferred stock dividends 21.1 Subsidiaries of Registrant (incorporated by reference from the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed March 16, 2007) 23.1 Consent of Crowe Horwath LLP 31.1 Certification of Registrant’s Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes Oxley Act of 2002 31.2 Certification of Registrant’s Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes Oxley Act of 2002 32.1 Certification of Registrant’s Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 32.2 Certification of Registrant’s Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 99.1 Certification of Registrant’s Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to the Section 111(6)(4) of the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008, as amended 99.2 Certification of Registrant’s Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to the Section 111(6)(4) of the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008, as amended 101.INS XBRL Instance Document, furnished herewith 101.SCH XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document, furnished herewith 101.CAL XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document, furnished herewith 101.DEF XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document, furnished herewith 101.LAB XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document, furnished herewith 101.PRE XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document, furnished herewith * Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement. 146 Exhibit 31.1 CERTIFICATIONS UNDER SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002 REGARDING THE ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2011 I, Walter T. Kaczmarek, certify that: 1. I have reviewed this Annual Report on Form 10-K for the Year Ended December 31, 2011 of Heritage Commerce Corp; 2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report; 3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report; 4. The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have: (a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared; (b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles; A n n u a l R e p o r t (c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and 16APR2010143726 (d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and 5. The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions): (a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and (b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting. Date: March 9, 2012 /s/ WALTER T. KACZMAREK Walter T. Kaczmarek President and Chief Executive Officer Heritage Commerce Corp Exhibit 31.2 CERTIFICATIONS UNDER SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002 REGARDING THE ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2011 I, Lawrence D. McGovern, certify that: 1. I have reviewed this Annual Report on Form 10-K for the Year Ended December 31, 2011 of Heritage Commerce Corp; 2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report; 3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report; 4. The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have: (a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared; (b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles; A n n u a l R e p o r t (c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and 16APR2010143726 (d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and 5. The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions): (a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and (b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting. Date: March 9, 2012 /s/ LAWRENCE D. MCGOVERN Lawrence D. McGovern Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Heritage Commerce Corp Exhibit 32.1 CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350, AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002 REGARDING THE ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2011 In connection with the Annual Report of Heritage Commerce Corp (the ‘‘Company’’) on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the ‘‘Report’’), I, Walter T. Kaczmarek, Chief Executive Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that: (1) The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and (2) The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company. March 9, 2012 /s/ WALTER T. KACZMAREK Walter T. Kaczmarek President and Chief Executive Officer Heritage Commerce Corp A n n u a l R e p o r t 16APR2010143726 Exhibit 32.2 CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350, AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002 REGARDING THE ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2011 In connection with the Annual Report of Heritage Commerce Corp (the ‘‘Company’’) on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the ‘‘Report’’), I, Lawrence D. McGovern, Chief Financial Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that: (1) The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and (2) The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company. March 9, 2012 /s/ LAWRENCE D. MCGOVERN Lawrence D. McGovern Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Heritage Commerce Corp A n n u a l R e p o r t 16APR2010143726 Exhibit 99.1 CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO SECTION 111(b)(4) OF THE EMERGENCY ECONOMIC STABILIZATION ACT OF 2008, AS AMENDED (PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICER) CERTIFICATION Heritage Commerce Corp UST #0055 I, Walter T. Kaczmarek, certify, based on my knowledge, that: (i) The compensation committee of Heritage Commerce Corp (‘‘the Company’’) has discussed, reviewed, and evaluated with senior risk officers at least every six months during any part of the most recently completed fiscal year that was a TARP period, the senior executive officer (‘‘SEO’’) compensation plans and the employee compensation plans and the risks these plans pose to the Company. (ii) The compensation committee of the Company has identified and limited during any part of the most recently completed fiscal year that was a TARP period, any features of the SEO compensation plans that could lead SEOs to take unnecessary and excessive risks that could threaten the value of the Company, and has identified any features of the employee compensation plans that pose risks to the Company and has limited those features to ensure that the Company is not unnecessarily exposed to risks; (iii) The compensation committee has reviewed at least every six months during any part of the most recently completed fiscal year that was a TARP period, the terms of each employee compensation plan and identified any features of the plan that could encourage the manipulation of reported earnings of the Company to enhance the compensation of an employee, and has limited these features; (iv) The compensation committee of the Company will certify to the reviews of the SEO compensation plans and employee compensation plans required under (i) and (iii) above; A n n u a l R e p o r t (v) The compensation committee of the Company will provide a narrative description of how it limited during any part of the most recently completed fiscal year that was a TARP period the features in: 16APR2010143726 (A) SEO compensation plans that could lead SEOs to take unnecessary and excessive risks that could threaten the value of the Company; (B) Employee compensation plans that unnecessarily expose the Company to risks; and (C) Employee compensation plans that could encourage the manipulation of reported earnings of the Company to enhance the compensation of an employee; (vi) The Company has required that bonus payments to SEOs or any of the next twenty most highly compensated employees, as defined in the regulations and guidance established under section 111 of EESA, be subject to a recovery or ‘‘clawback’’ provision during any part of the most recently completed fiscal year that was a TARP period if the bonus payments were based on materially inaccurate financial statements or any other materially inaccurate performance metric criteria; (vii) The Company has prohibited any golden parachute payment, as defined in the regulations and guidance established under section 111 of EESA, to a SEO or any of the next five most highly compensated employees during any part of the most recently completed fiscal year that was a TARP period; 1 (viii) The Company has limited bonus payments to its applicable employees in accordance with section 111 of EESA and the regulations and guidance established thereunder during any part of the most recently completed fiscal year that was a TARP period; (ix) The Company and its employees have complied with the excessive or luxury expenditures policy, as defined in the regulations and guidance established under section 111 of EESA, during any part of the most recently completed fiscal year that was a TARP period; and any expenses that, pursuant to the policy, required approval of the board of directors, a committee of the board of directors, an SEO, or an executive officer with a similar level of responsibility were properly approved; (x) The Company will permit a non-binding shareholder resolution in compliance with any applicable federal securities rules and regulations on the disclosures provided under the federal securities laws related to SEO compensation paid or accrued during any part of the most recently completed fiscal year that was a TARP period; (xi) The Company will disclose the amount, nature, and justification for the offering, during any part of the most recently completed fiscal year that was a TARP period, of any perquisites, as defined in the regulations and guidance established under section 111 of EESA, whose total value exceeds $25,000 for any employee subject to the bonus payment limitations identified in paragraph (viii); (xii) The Company will disclose whether the Company, the board of directors of the Company, or the compensation committee of the Company has engaged during any part of the most recently completed fiscal year that was a TARP period a compensation consultant; and the services the compensation consultant or any affiliate of the compensation consultant provided during this period; (xiii) The Company has prohibited the payment of any gross-ups, as defined in the regulations and guidance established under section 111 of EESA, to the SEOs and the next twenty most highly compensated employees during any part of the most recently completed fiscal year that was a TARP period; (xiv) The Company has substantially complied with all other requirements related to employee compensation that are provided in the agreement between the Company and Treasury, including any amendments; (xv) The Company has submitted the to Treasury a complete and accurate list of the SEOs and the twenty next most highly compensated employees for the current fiscal year, with the non-SEOs ranked in descending order of level of annual compensation, and with the name, title, and employer of each SEO and most highly compensated employee identified; and (xvi) I understand that a knowing and willful false or fraudulent statement made in connection with this certification may be punished by fine, imprisonment, or both. Dated: March 9, 2012 /s/ WALTER T. KACZMAREK Walter T. Kaczmarek President and Chief Executive Officer Heritage Commerce Corp 2 Exhibit 99.2 CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO SECTION 111(b)(4) OF THE EMERGENCY ECONOMIC STABILIZATION ACT OF 2008, AS AMENDED (PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICER) CERTIFICATION Heritage Commerce Corp UST #0055 I, Lawrence D. McGovern, certify, based on my knowledge, that: (i) The compensation committee of Heritage Commerce Corp (‘‘the Company’’) has discussed, reviewed, and evaluated with senior risk officers at least every six months during any part of the most recently completed fiscal year that was a TARP period, the senior executive officer (‘‘SEO’’) compensation plans and the employee compensation plans and the risks these plans pose to the Company. (ii) The compensation committee of the Company has identified and limited during any part of the most recently completed fiscal year that was a TARP period, any features of the SEO compensation plans that could lead SEOs to take unnecessary and excessive risks that could threaten the value of the Company, and has identified any features of the employee compensation plans that pose risks to the Company and has limited those features to ensure that the Company is not unnecessarily exposed to risks; (iii) The compensation committee has reviewed at least every six months during any part of the most recently completed fiscal year that was a TARP period, the terms of each employee compensation plan and identified any features of the plan that could encourage the manipulation of reported earnings of the Company to enhance the compensation of an employee, and has limited these features; (iv) The compensation committee of the Company will certify to the reviews of the SEO compensation plans and employee compensation plans required under (i) and (iii) above; A n n u a l R e p o r t (v) The compensation committee of the Company will provide a narrative description of how it limited during any part of the most recently completed fiscal year that was a TARP period the features in: 16APR2010143726 (A) SEO compensation plans that could lead SEOs to take unnecessary and excessive risks that could threaten the value of the Company; (B) Employee compensation plans that unnecessarily expose the Company to risks; and (C) Employee compensation plans that could encourage the manipulation of reported earnings of the Company to enhance the compensation of an employee; (vi) The Company has required that bonus payments to SEOs or any of the next twenty most highly compensated employees, as defined in the regulations and guidance established under section 111 of EESA, be subject to a recovery or ‘‘clawback’’ provision during any part of the most recently completed fiscal year that was a TARP period if the bonus payments were based on materially inaccurate financial statements or any other materially inaccurate performance metric criteria; (vii) The Company has prohibited any golden parachute payment, as defined in the regulations and guidance established under section 111 of EESA, to a SEO or any of the next five most highly compensated employees during any part of the most recently completed fiscal year that was a TARP period; 1 (viii) The Company has limited bonus payments to its applicable employees in accordance with section 111 of EESA and the regulations and guidance established thereunder during any part of the most recently completed fiscal year that was a TARP period; (ix) The Company and its employees have complied with the excessive or luxury expenditures policy, as defined in the regulations and guidance established under section 111 of EESA, during any part of the most recently completed fiscal year that was a TARP period; and any expenses that, pursuant to the policy, required approval of the board of directors, a committee of the board of directors, an SEO, or an executive officer with a similar level of responsibility were properly approved; (x) The Company will permit a non-binding shareholder resolution in compliance with any applicable federal securities rules and regulations on the disclosures provided under the federal securities laws related to SEO compensation paid or accrued during any part of the most recently completed fiscal year that was a TARP period; (xi) The Company will disclose the amount, nature, and justification for the offering, during any part of the most recently completed fiscal year that was a TARP period, of any perquisites, as defined in the regulations and guidance established under section 111 of EESA, whose total value exceeds $25,000 for any employee subject to the bonus payment limitations identified in paragraph (viii); (xii) The Company will disclose whether the Company, the board of directors of the Company, or the compensation committee of the Company has engaged during any part of the most recently completed fiscal year that was a TARP period a compensation consultant; and the services the compensation consultant or any affiliate of the compensation consultant provided during this period; (xiii) The Company has prohibited the payment of any gross-ups, as defined in the regulations and guidance established under section 111 of EESA, to the SEOs and the next twenty most highly compensated employees during any part of the most recently completed fiscal year that was a TARP period; (xiv) The Company has substantially complied with all other requirements related to employee compensation that are provided in the agreement between the Company and Treasury, including any amendments; (xv) The Company has submitted the to Treasury a complete and accurate list of the SEOs and the twenty next most highly compensated employees for the current fiscal year, with the non-SEOs ranked in descending order of level of annual compensation, and with the name, title, and employer of each SEO and most highly compensated employee identified; and (xvi) I understand that a knowing and willful false or fraudulent statement made in connection with this certification may be punished by fine, imprisonment, or both. Dated: March 9, 2012 /s/ LAWRENCE D. MCGOVERN Lawrence D. McGovern Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Heritage Commerce Corp 2 To our Shareholders April 16, 2012 Dear Fellow Shareholders: 2011 was a watershed year for Heritage Commerce Corp and we prospered. We continued to build on the momentum we generated in 2010. As a result of hard work and the excellent platform we built in 2010, we ended 2011 with our sixth consecutive quarterly profit, and emerged a much stronger franchise than we were in 2010. We remain focused on growing our business and achieving acceptable performance and returns for the benefit of our shareholders, customers, employees, and the communities we serve. Highlights include: • Our regulatory written agreement was terminated in June, 2011. • Our common stock was added to the Russell 3000 Index and the Russell 2000 Index in June, 2011. • We continued to improve asset quality: One of the most important achievements during this uncertain economic environment is our improving asset quality. Credit metrics improved significantly, with nonperforming assets at December 31, 2011, declining 44% from a year earlier to $19.1 million. Nonperforming loans declined for the seventh consecutive quarter and classified assets decreased 35% from a year earlier. This positive trend in asset quality reduced our allowance for loan losses to $20.7 million, or 2.71% of total loans at December 31, 2011, and 124.37% of nonperforming loans, excluding nonaccural loans held-for-sale. While we are confident we can sustain our asset quality improvement, we will continue to maintain solid reserves and a strong balance sheet. • Net income allocable to common shareholders rose to $9.0 million, or $0.28 per average diluted common share, or the year ended from a net loss allocable to common shareholders, of ($58.3) million for the year ended December 31, 2010. Our performance was driven by our improved credit quality metrics, our solid capital position, and growing operating efficiencies. These results reflect the benefits of strategically executing our business model, and developing stronger customer relationships. We ended 2011 with a solid mix of core deposits, a diversified loan portfolio, and substantial liquidity. • Our most recent milestone was announced in February 2012, when we repaid the $40 million of Series A Preferred Stock issued to the U.S. Treasury Department under the TARP Capital Purchase Program. Our strong capital levels, balance sheet, and profitability allowed the Company to exit TARP without raising additional capital or debt. We ended the year before the repayment of TARP with a total risk-based capital ratio of 21.9%, a Tier 1 risk-based ratio of 20.6% and a leverage ratio of 15.3% at December 31, 2011, all at levels significantly higher than the regulatory requirements for “well-capitalized” banks. In spite of these encouraging results, the Company, along with the entire banking industry, still faces challenges in loan demand. Although we are seeing some signs of an economic recovery, loan demand remains muted. That being said, as an improving economy emerges, we expect to see loan demand increase thereby allowing us to deploy our excess liquidity for loan growth. Throughout this difficult economic cycle, we have remained focused on returning our franchise to profitability, and doing what’s right for our shareholders, customers, employees, and communities. We will continue building on our strengths and for the future. As always, thank you for your loyalty and continued support of Heritage Commerce Corp, and we look forward to you joining us at our Annual Meeting on Thursday, May 24, 2012, at 1:00 p.m. Pacific time. Sincerely, Corporate Information Board of Directors Jack W. Conner, Chairman Frank G. Bisceglia John M. Eggemeyer Celeste V. Ford Steven L. Hallgrimson Walter T. Kaczmarek Robert T. Moles Humphrey P. Polanen Laura Roden Charles J. Toeniskoetter Ranson W. Webster W. Kirk Wycoff Executive Management Walter T. Kaczmarek President Chief Executive Officer Michael E. Benito Executive Vice President Banking Division William J. Del Biaggio, Jr. Executive Vice President Marketing & Community Relations Dan T. Kawamoto Executive Vice President Chief Administrative Officer Lawrence D. McGovern Executive Vice President Chief Financial Officer Jack W. Conner Chairman of the Board Walter T. Kaczmarek President and Chief Executive Officer Member FDIC Subsidiary Bank Offices Heritage Bank of Commerce San Jose Main 150 Almaden Boulevard San Jose, CA 95113 408.947.6900 Danville 387 Diablo Road Danville, CA 94526 925.314.2851 Fremont 3077 Stevenson Boulevard Fremont, CA 94538 510.445.0400 Gilroy 7598 Monterey Street Suite 110 Gilroy, CA 95020 408.842.8310 Los Altos 419 S. San Antonio Road Los Altos, CA 94022 650.941.9300 Los Gatos 15575 Los Gatos Boulevard Building B Los Gatos, CA 95032 408.356.6190 Morgan Hill Cochrane Business Ranch 18625 Sutter Boulevard Morgan Hill, CA 95037 408.778.2320 Mountain View 175 East El Camino Real Mountain View, CA 94040 650.941.9300 Pleasanton 300 Main Street Pleasanton, CA 94566 925.314.2876 Walnut Creek 101 Ygnacio Valley Road Suite 100 Walnut Creek, CA 94596 925.930.9287 Heritage Commerce Corp Investor Relations Contact Debbie K. Reuter Senior Vice President Corporate Secretary Transfer Agent Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. Shareowner Services 161 North Concord Exchange South St. Paul, MN 55075 1.800.468.9716 Independent Auditors Crowe Horwath LLP 650 Town Center Suite 740 Costa Mesa, CA 92626 714.668.1234 Corporate Counsel Buchalter Nemer A Professional Corporation 1000 Wilshire Boulevard Suite 1500 Los Angeles, CA 90017 213.891.0700 To get further information on Heritage Commerce Corp, or to receive regular financial updates, please visit our web site at HeritageCommerceCorp.com and click on “Information Request.” AnnuAl RepoRt on FoRm 10-K 2 011 2012 Notice of Annual Meeting of Shareholders • 2012 Annual Meeting Proxy Statement 150 Almaden Boulevard San Jose, California 95113 408.947.6900 • HeritageCommerceCorp.com